Is democracy working ?

[harmonyluvver]

It kinda reminds me of the bit in Brewsters millions "none of the above".



Does the above site have it right ?

Are we just voting for the best of a bad bunch? We are fed up of labour but would the tories do any better? Communism doesnt work and "democracy" is increasingly failing. Maybe our politicians should be given a substantial pay cut and a severe loss of power, resulting in more public votes on issues. If they were politicians to make the country better instead of being in it for the money and power, would that make things better?

Could the O/T run the country better ?

[Steve R]

If, by 'Communism', you mean the appalling system that was perpetrated in the Soviet Union then, yes, that did not work. Then again, that was not Communism.

[Androm]

"This campaign exists to encourage anyone who wishes to vote against all of the candidates in any election to do so in the only way left to us - through a stylised 'spoiling' of our ballot papers that is instantly recognisable"

Does the above site have it right ? NO

because the 50 (ish)% that did not vote could not be bothered to go the the polling station so why would they all of a suddeen be bothered to make the effect just to spoil their ballot paper? May as well sit in front of the TV and not waste the time and effort.

I think an alternative would be to put up porn stars as members of parliament. A few porn star men for the ladies and hot sexy girls for the guys. Just think is Harmony Hex was minister for sport... dressed up in a hockey skirt and tight top. I?m sure that would get a few people watching political broadcasts.

[Sam Slater]

I don't think you can compare democracy with communism, Miss Hex. Democracy is just a way of deciding who's in power while communism is more about the social structure of society and economics - apples & oranges.

There is no reason, for instance, why you cannot have a democratically elected communist party.

You're better off comparing democracy with dictatorship, monarchy/oligarchy/despotism etc...

As for your question of 'is it working?', well, that depends on what standards you're setting and what you're comparing it with. 50% of the population voting may not be seen as a success, but if you asked your average North Korean, they may see our freedom to elect as something they could only dream about.

I'd say, like all forms of government, 'it's flawed'. I'd say democracy failed in the state of Florida though!

Socrates wasn't too keen on democracy. It isn't the best form of governing to get things done. Good ideas are watered down because everybody wants their say.

Can't be arsed to google who said this but it summarises democracy pretty well:

"A camel is a horse designed by committee."

It's the fairest, but not the best.

[Sam Slater]

I called you Miss Hex...lol Sorry harmonyluvver!

[Jacques]

Sam Slater wrote:

"A camel is a horse designed by committee."



Lester Hunt.

[Sam Slater]

Cheers Jacques. I good little fable that one.

[Jacques]

Freedom and prosperity are what make democracy work.

[Jacques]

Yes but the committee got it right when it came to the Sahara and Gobi.

[Sam Slater]

Alright, alright, already! !happy!