Using you vote to get the government to change

Wouldn't it be nice if we could say to the politicians "Do this" or "Sort that out...and I'll vote for you" - and actually think it would happen? If it isn't the case now it certainly used to be! My late Father in Law was a bit of a hoarder and after he passed away we discovered all sorts of things including a copy of "Country Life" magazine of July 14th 1928. In it was an advert entitled "The Art of Not Voting" sponsored by Haig Whiskey, which stated:

"Politicians pay no attention to persons whose votes are pledged. If you require attention you should keep your vote in your pocket and only give it in return for a difinite promise...many thousands of people - especially in Scotland - will not vote for any government that will not rectify the admittedly unfair tax on Scotch Whiskey which is improperly restricting the Home section of a fine British industry. 8/51/2d tax per bottle is a grossly unfair tax. It means that

PROHIBITION HAS BEEN IMPOSED ON ALL BUT WELL-TO-DO PEOPLE.

This movement to "hold up" votes is spreading all over the country. It is the only method available of expressing discontent in an effective manner. We who continue fighting for an abatement of the Whiskey duty wish this movement success."

Strikes me we should do something like this about taxes on petrol - and VAT - and tax on wine and beer - not to mention income tax. Or better still the petrol companies should! Of course it wouldn't do any good - and I don't suppose this campaign did either. But at least it might make us feel better!