Web Forum: State debate

Jan 14 2010 by Andrew Jackson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE political debate continues – this time it’s our voting habits which are under discussion on our forums.

StephB: “If we can only bring ourselves to act on it, and to use it in a concerted manner, the power actually rests with us!

“Stop moaning, above all stop acting like the ‘cannon-fodder’ the parties think of you as, and think and vote independently! That way ‘the system’ gets nowhere and we become ‘free’ men (and women) again!

bernie: “It was once said that the British people were free once every five years and then they choose to hand it away again. I may be a Tory but I cannot fail to support most of the arguments put forward. We get the government we deserve if we do nothing.”

Otis: “I think a very good case can be made for moving MPs away from Westminster and re-siting them as groups in local areas where the electors can observe them at work and have more influence in the decisions they make. At the moment they all jump on the train to London and once out of sight and control they behave like a load of kids on a boozy bachelor night out.

“They can keep in instant contact with Westminster via video conferencing for most debates and discussions. They can return to their constituencies and homes every night and be spending more time with their constituents and within local communities. The fact that we had groups of politicians with regional interests being discussed in front of regional audiences should move politicians and the electorate closer together.

“If needed, they could send representatives or arrange a full Parliamentary meeting once a month or as deemed necessary.

“The bigger problem of turning capitalism from an elitist to a communal system will be more difficult, particularly as we have shown those in charge that elitism pays. While the western world has been reeling through recession there are those for whom the partying has never stopped. The champagne is still flowing and they are in their ivory towers partying and celebrating their massive bonuses for failure. It is paid for by the people whose life savings, homes, families, jobs and future have been sacrificed to pay for the elitist lifestyle of the couldn’t care less.

“It is no good expecting MPs to show any interest for the next six months. All their attention will be concentrated on re-booking their own seats on the next gravy train to affluence land.”