April 1st in Wales was yes, 'Fools Day' but the reality of the "joke" was worth being dealt! The same day in England the financial 'joke ' was on our cousins over the border.A precedent occurred in Wales in that prescription charges in this country were abolished for everyone whereas in England they went up on the same day to almost £7 per item.Why?Because it was an Assembly pledge made years earlier and fullfilled.


The next day ,April 2nd,a total smoking ban was introduced in Wales for all enclosed public places,months ahead of England and Northern Ireland,another precedent on the Assembly's worth.The weather was for three weeks glorious giving our tourist industry a great bonus to the impetus it deserves,sadly this was not the Assembly(I heard our First Minister is working on it) or any earthly doing but good old Mother Nature. However,in just under a week the elections to the National Assembly take place and anyone who is anything should be participating in this vote to decide 'our' future.Apathy and anarchy are not alternative parties or excuses to dodge a moral responsibility,they only let the weak creep in! I do not beleive in a law forcing people to vote,surely this decries our freedom of choice which ,in our multi ethnic society is a beacon worldwide of our country's dedication to democracy and freedom?Excuses,lame as they are,of "whatever I vote will not change anything",or "it doesn't matter either way" carry no realistic sway as we all encounter main issues such as education,health and other issues affecting us throughout life in that abstaining to vote denies you the right to whinge after the event.Who you vote for is a personal issue but the crux is that you cast your vote,after all if it was denied to all as it was ,there would be cause for concern. Cannot be bothered to move off the settee?,then use a postal vote facility.People in the past died for us all to have the right to vote,surely it is up to all now to secure the future?Our children are the future,at least do it for them!