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Political Lies

There currently isn't a law in Britain to prosecute politicians who deceive the public. In my opinion this means that our votes are essentially worthless because politicians can do whatever they want for four years without having to face any consequences for their actions - the present political system of Britain does not constitute a working democracy. Any thoughts?

welcome to our world

..and ours.

We simply vote them out of office and hopefully, with total lack of votes, the party gets disbanded.

Since when have subjects in the UK ever thought they lived in a democracy?

quote:

Originally posted by spiflicated Since when have subjects in the UK ever thought they lived in a democracy?

Very few in the US seem to be questioning that lately as well...
'Patriot act'

Aside from that, the UK has old impeachment laws which apply to parliament, while they might be old, are still laws.

Well, the reason why I'm all fired up about this at the minute is because my politics loving friend introduced me to the following website the other day:

http://mo-truth.blogspot.com/

They have created a law entitled the 'Misrepresentation of the People act'and they are currently seeking an MP who'll help them get it passed through parliament. They've interviewed lots of MPs (&even the Lord Chancellor!) and put up the footage on the site. Today they are discussing how there is a parliamentary 'Committee on Standards in Public Life' but that this committee is essentially controlled by the PM, so it isn't independent. Hmmm, what use is the vote if politicians can do whatever they like as soon as they are in power?

quote:

Originally posted by Lilith Very few in the US seem to be questioning that lately as well... 'Patriot act'

and it will remain the "very few" fortunately, until the majority feels it's no longer needed. yay democracy.

Apparently there is a 'Committee on Standards in Public Life' which is the main Parliamentary watchdog for ethics, standards etc. in Parliament. However, the committee reports and makes recommendations to the PM, he then decides whether to act upon them! Not exactly independent policing of parliament, is it?

By the way, if anyone is interested in discussing this issue I've posted on the beginners guide section of the website. Not had any luck yet, but would appreciate any contributions!

It is interesting that many people in Britain don't believe Tony Blair over Mahmoud Ahmadinejad when it comes to the capture of the Royal Navy guys 'n' gals...something to do with the government's track record?

quote:

Originally posted by Q5echo and it will remain the "very few" fortunately, until the majority feels it's no longer needed. yay democracy.

We're supposed to be a Republic, not a Democracy.

quote:

Originally posted by shaolin_Z We're supposed to be a Republic, not a Democracy.

Actually a "Republic" implies we are a "Representative Democracy" so we are still a democracy but not a direct democracy, meaning we elect people who are "supposed" to serve their constituients (though they serve special interests more than the people themselves). Who make laws for us. In some cases, we do vote on the laws being passed on local or state ballots like during primaries, but we don't actually make the laws (though we can petition congress to pass a law or create a bill for them to introduce). And that's a no brainer. And almost anyone is able to run for Congress or any office (look at what happened in California in I think 2002 during the election where Arnold got in).

I'm actually talking about Britain, not America - Tony Blair is forever talking about democracy when he doesn't seem to be running the country democratically. My main objection to the current British political system is that the only means we have of holding our politicians accountable for their actions is through voting during the general elections. These are few and far between, so, once a political party is voted in to power the politicians can pretty much do what they want, rendering our voted worthless.

quote:

Originally posted by junebug I'm actually talking about Britain, not America - Tony Blair is forever talking about democracy when he doesn't seem to be running the country democratically. My main objection to the current British political system is that the only means we have of holding our politicians accountable for their actions is through voting during the general elections. These are few and far between, so, once a political party is voted in to power the politicians can pretty much do what they want, rendering our voted worthless.

Nothing shocking here.
Obviously the wrong guy was voted for in the first place.
(Certainly sounds like you didn't vote for the current guy )
If they were that bad, a vote of non-confidence from the opposition would come down to hopefully force an election.
Obviously the opposition either doesn't feel prepared or confident enough to win the ensuing election or they don't have a strong enough argument to pass the motion lest be strung up by the electorate for forcing them to the polls.

Something interesting that is worth considering - they have put a link to a law in southern Australia on the Ministry website today. The 'Electoral act' of 1985 is very similar to the 'Misrepresentation of the People act' and seems to work. Here's the act itself:

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/...85103/s113.html

and the misrep act, to compare:

http://mo-truth.blogspot.com/2007/0...e-act-mk-2.html

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