Democracy.
Slightly apt for the current election, I think, but not confined to it.

The use of the word "democracy" or "democratic" as though it's a deal-clincher bugs the hell out of me. For example, when a politician is trying to push through a policy idea, they'll often describe it as "democratic", as though that's sufficient to show that the policy is wise.

I make no bones at all about being highly sceptical of democracy - electoral democracy especially. But even if I thought that democracy was wholly a good thing, the idea that it could be invoked as a trump card would still be absurd.

"Democratic" is not a synonym for "virtuous", "wise" or "desirable". It's possible to have bad policies that are democratic, and good policies that aren't. If the only way you can sell a policy is by stamping your little feet and bleating about democracy, it's probably not much of a policy to begin with.
( Enzyme is powered by sunlight, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 11:54, 8 replies)

Democracy is meaningless in this country
I fail to see how it can be democratic to give the lesser of two evils carte blanche for 5 years. Once they're in power, you have absolutely no say whatsoever in what they do. There are a few back-benchers who will fight the good fight for their constituents, but they are few and far between.
( sandettie light vessel automatic New Twitter - @bollocksreally, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 11:59, closed)

i agree, but
what's the alternative? I think that democracy doesn't work, and the notion of trying to export it to other countries, holding it up as a beacon of all that is good and right and just, a salve for all ills is silly. Voter turnout is low, and it is always a case of choosing which arsehole will make the least worst job of it. I'm seriously considering spoiling my ballot this year.

That said, short of me becoming absolute unquestioned ruler of the universe (pray that never happens. We'd need a lot more wall) or human nature changing to make true communism viable, there aren't really any other options.

I jsut don't think that it should be put on such a high and mighty pedestal
( kappynitty doubled your entendre on, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 12:28, closed)

If more seats
were to become marginal, then I think things would be better fought over.

Also the Lib Dems want to introduce an idea where you can sack your MP.
( sandettie light vessel automatic New Twitter - @bollocksreally, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 12:32, closed)

I always have problem with the idea that if there was a party which absolutely represented your all views, but would never get in, and the main race was between 2 big ones, one of which you kind of agree with a bit, but the other has policies that you really dislike, what do you do? Try to stop the party you hate getting in by going for it's rival or remaining true to the little guy that ticks all your boxes?
( kappynitty doubled your entendre on, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 13:05, closed)

Your post suggests that you like the principle of democracy, but worry about the practice.
I'm not sold on the principle.
( Enzyme is powered by sunlight, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 13:34, closed)

Hmmmm,
does democracy assume equality in voters? if so then it's flawed. Here's an idea. A quick test on the way into the polling booth. Not an IQ test, but a test based on the different parties and their policies, and what practical effect they would have. That way somebody who had done their homework and knew what they were voting for, and against, would have a greater weighting than somebody who was voting for a party 'cos I always have' or some other such fatuous reasoning.
( kappynitty doubled your entendre on, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 13:49, closed)

I want a properly-managed feudal system.
The only way we'll see any sort of decent management of this country is if we turn it over to people with long-term views, instead of a bunch of venal crooks whose sole interest is to survive the next election.

We should implement a feudal system, and restore the monarchy's rightful power. Obedience to one's betters, and a duty of care to one's inferiors, that's the way this country should be run.

(Buggered if I can work out how to stop the inevitable abuses of power which would stem from it, though.)
( flake has nothing against your right leg, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 13:40, closed)

make me king
i'll be good. promise

*who builds giant monuments of gold these days?*
( kappynitty doubled your entendre on, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 13:51, closed)