British Democracy?
May 6th 2005, 7:51 pm
#16
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Palmyra, NY
Posts: 2,130
Re: British Democracy?
With regards to the expat vote...
While I completely appreciate that a lot of you want to maintain your vote in the UK, I did not vote and feel that I SHOULD not vote in the UK elections.
I would not like to think that people in another country were affecting the way that I lived. In the same way, I do not like the idea that other people should have to live with my political preferences even though I, personally, do not have to live with the consequences of my vote.
Whether I have an active role in politics or not I still have a view point on politics and still feel I have a right to express that opinion.
While I completely appreciate that a lot of you want to maintain your vote in the UK, I did not vote and feel that I SHOULD not vote in the UK elections.
I would not like to think that people in another country were affecting the way that I lived. In the same way, I do not like the idea that other people should have to live with my political preferences even though I, personally, do not have to live with the consequences of my vote.
Whether I have an active role in politics or not I still have a view point on politics and still feel I have a right to express that opinion.
May 6th 2005, 7:52 pm
#17
@matthewb76
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Missouri
Posts: 21,886
Re: British Democracy?
Originally Posted by CitySimon
With regards to the expat vote...
While I completely appreciate that a lot of you want to maintain your vote in the UK, I did not vote and feel that I SHOULD not vote in the UK elections.
I would not like to think that people in another country were affecting the way that I lived. In the same way, I do not like the idea that other people should have to live with my political preferences even though I, personally, do not have to live with the consequences of my vote.
Whether I have an active role in politics or not I still have a view point on politics and still feel I have a right to express that opinion.
While I completely appreciate that a lot of you want to maintain your vote in the UK, I did not vote and feel that I SHOULD not vote in the UK elections.
I would not like to think that people in another country were affecting the way that I lived. In the same way, I do not like the idea that other people should have to live with my political preferences even though I, personally, do not have to live with the consequences of my vote.
Whether I have an active role in politics or not I still have a view point on politics and still feel I have a right to express that opinion.
May 6th 2005, 9:53 pm
#18
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2004
Location: Mid West >> UK
Posts: 1,239
Re: British Democracy?
Originally Posted by Manc
I just read that too.
some of their comments made me laugh too
some of their comments made me laugh too
May 6th 2005, 10:01 pm
#19
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2005
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Posts: 279
Re: British Democracy?
Originally Posted by CitySimon
Their is a lot of talk about whether Britain is truly a Democratic country and how a government elected by only 25% of the eligible voters can have a majority.
What do people on here think about the state of affairs in British politics at this time?
Should proportional representation be looked at as an option?
Does the old system need a complete over-haul?
My own feeling on the matter is that being a Democracy includes the right to NOT vote! It is a persons right to decide whether to vote with the left, right, centre or none of the above.
The fact that only 60% of the voting population turned out is irrelevant, the fact that, based on those 60% of votes, the majority of seats was won by Labour is what counts.
Just my opinion.
What do people on here think about the state of affairs in British politics at this time?
Should proportional representation be looked at as an option?
Does the old system need a complete over-haul?
My own feeling on the matter is that being a Democracy includes the right to NOT vote! It is a persons right to decide whether to vote with the left, right, centre or none of the above.
The fact that only 60% of the voting population turned out is irrelevant, the fact that, based on those 60% of votes, the majority of seats was won by Labour is what counts.
Just my opinion.
I agree in a way that you have a right to not vote but when petrol prices are high or your tax's go up then you have no right to complain about the government or the price in general because you are obviously not interested in politics.
In Australia they make you vote and if you do not you can get fined and even possibly a custodial sentence (definately former not sure about latter) and you get a week to vote as well. At least this way everybody's opinion is counted.
