Exercise Your Freedom!

Finally, the day that most of Britain has been both waiting for and dreading-The elections! Our candidate’s voices are wearing thin as they traverse the great span of our country, hoping to engage those who remain undecided and especially to ignite a spark in those who may think their vote will not make a difference. 

This vote is arguably the most important voting event since the World War. And in the face of the grim spectre of terrorism in our country, our citizens are keen to elect leadership that will help to steady the course and work to protect the freedoms countless millions fought for and lost their lives so that we can live our lives in safety.

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Whatever the outcome, it is clear that Britain's are keen to express how our government is being run. Just as with countries throughout the Commonwealth, this process is a core to our celebration of freedom. And whether it’s The United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia, we share in some core truths: 

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We live in countries where priests, caretakers, and Librarians can get up early to open their buildings for use as voting centres. 

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We live in countries where there are warehouses to store ballot boxes from one election to the next because they will be needed so often. 

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We live in countries where local government officials will sit behind desks for long and boring shifts so that people like me can turn up at a time that suits us and cast our votes.
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We live in countries where anyone who wants to is safe to vote without fear of intimidation. We'll be able to trust that our vote counts; that there will be no 'hanging chads' which could possibly make our vote not count. 

We live in countries where lots of essential people will work very late overnight to get the results counted as fast and as accurately as possible. 

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We live in countries where we can be sure the result declared in our constituencies will be completely accurate. 

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We live in countries where broadcasters will put a huge effort in keeping us informed throughout the night and aware of exactly what is happening and what are the implications. 

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We live in countries where most of us will have sympathy for the majority of politicians because they have such an anxious wait until the final result is known early tomorrow.
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We live in countries where none of the possible outcomes will remove our freedom of thought. 

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We live in countries where we can look outward and see the injustice, the absence of freedom, the oppression, and the struggle others are enduring to have what we have. 
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We live in countries where we can gather together and pray to God for those who have less than we have, and discuss our faith, and share our views, and help. 

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Whatever corner of the world you're in, perhaps today is as good as any to give thanks to all who have gone before us to help build these freedoms we have.

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And here at home, today's the day to get off our bums and make our opinion count!

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posted for Fr Bill

Etiquette For Visitors To Britain

Greater Love Has No Man

Lest We Forget

Who Are We Forgetting?

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