JimmyPage Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 What a fascinating thread ...my 2p ... Just something to think about, but a while ago, (On "question time" I believe) an MP (possibly tory, BICBW) answered a question about "how come public opinion is always in favour of the death penalty, but politicians ignore us." with a statement that MPs are *representatives*, not *delegates*, and that if we simply wanted public opinion to run the country, we'd have referenda on everything, and get rid of MPs. Which made some kind of sense. To all those who think simply using referendums to rule would work, think of what you'd get ... the basest, most bestial elements in society whipping up a nightmare ... you wouldn't just get hanging bought back. You'd have public hanging drawing and quartering of "peedophiles" and "drug pushers" .. The problem according to John Stuart Mill, is that a real democracy is impossible without an informed electorate. That doesn't mean an electorate propagandised by wealthy tabloid publishers... A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury. After that, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits with the result the democracy collapses because of the loose fiscal policy ensuing, always to be followed by a dictatorship, then a monarchy. - Alexander Frazer Tyler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pollenlover Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 Forcing people to vote is not democracy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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