Supervoter

We have municipal elections coming up this spring and candidates are currently working overtime trying to convince the poor innocent voting public that they are worthy of our trust. It’s impossible to open a newspaper without a contrived photo of some candidate’s mug accosting you; similarly these are pasted on every bus shelter or outdoor advertising space across town. Meanwhile on a daily basis our mailbox is stuffed with flyers or envelopes or brochures detailing what this-or-that candidate will do for us – all they need is our vote.

Which is why I cracked up today when I opened Blaðið and found that my favourite cartoonist had been at it again:

The dude in the purple is the ‘Supercandidate’, holding a contract entitled ‘election deal’ and growling to the poor hapless voter: “Waddaya say to this deal! Free day-care, free meals in schools. Overpasses in every single neighbourhood except yours. Free admission to swimming pools and all handball games, bla, bla, bla…*”

… And off to the side, the fine print:

* NOTE conditions.
One vote, pre-paid. Remaining balance over four years. Higher municipal taxes, higher property taxes and other rising costs. Increased municipal debt. Unforeseen costs to be consolidated.

Heh. We’re not fools.

AS FOR THE NON-POLITICAL CLIMATE
What a nasty day it started out to be this morning, with strong winds and flurries and freezing temps – quintessential February winter weather. Bundled up in my windproof Gore-tex kit and headed out for a walk to the bakery, which was quite challenging, struggling against the storm and all that. On my way back home observed how a trailer came loose from a truck on the road next to me – well, the road is a little distance away thankfully, as I took the footpath along the sea. I just shook my head. The Icelanders and their irreverent ways – when it comes to motor culture this nation is an absolute disgrace. I mean, over the past month or so there have been two serious accidents in which innocent people escaped death by the skin of their teeth because truck drivers couldn’t be bothered to properly fasten the load they were carrying. Alas, this is the case all-too often around here. Today nobody was hurt, thankfully, but that trailer coming loose could have caused some heavy damage. I’ll say no more except: I am quite appalled! It’s warmed up a bit, temps now are 2°C and there is minimal wind; sunrise was at 09.43 and sunset is due for 17.52.