I think it’s about time we start talking openly about our politics.
I am a COPE supporter and I’ll tell you why:
Firstly, the general discourse that COPE is using is very positive but also very logical. Logic is something that has been strangely lacking from the ANC.
Secondly, The COPE leadership has been very critical of the ANC, but critical of things that make sense. ie. Criticizing the ANC for not bitchslapping Malema when he first made his “kill for zuma” statement etc.
Thirdly, the groundswell… I can’t tell you how awesome it is to see young South Africans excited about politics again. It really is shades of Obama. COPE is creating a movement that truly is grassroots. On Friday night we were walking to a party in Observatory and came across a hair salon that had been turned into a COPE party, selling tshirts, greeting people, answering questions etc. These were the young, black, educated South Africans who finally had someone to support, a political party that represented their shared identity and fulfilled the expectations of leadership that their university educations had given them.
Fourthly, “The Congress of the People are mercenaries, backed by counter-revolutionary forces to divide the ruling party” – ANC Secretary, General Gwede Mantas. When the ruling political party, who is in an overwhelming position of power, starts resorting to fearmongering and outlandish conspiracy theories, you have to know that the ANC is feeling the heat.
Realistically there is still a chance for COPE to mess this up and lose my support, but for now I’m all theirs.
Did you know you can stil register to vote!
#1 by Skye at December 8th, 2008
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It is exciting times ahead my friend. I have very recently registered for the first time. Popped my political cherry so to speak, however I do find myself in a conundrum.
I registered in the hope of adding to the DA numbers and securing the province but your very valid points about the COPE groundswell and grass roots support they seem to be getting is very positive indeed and one that has given me far more optimism about our political future.
The question for me is: Do I vote for a party (DA) that I have always been indifferent about but didn’t want them to lose provincial power to the ANC? Or do I vote for COPE, a party that has a real chance of smashing pie in the face of what has become an arrogant, selfish and deluded (ANC) waste of our countries time?
Interesting times indeed!