22 June 2021

Citizens' Conventions to revive Democracy?

Looks like a simple solution to revive moribund political systems. But there is a much more effective one - it is called a Referendum. No argument about who is taking part, and whether or not the political establishment implements its conclusions - and that is if they even bother to take more than token notice of them.

Citizens' Convention on UK Democracy

17 June 2021

Complaint Culture weaponised by tiny Minorities

That dance on the noses of the silent majority. It is much too easy to 'complain', just a click on the phone or internet, and voila, the 'complaint' is posted and some jobsworth in an unelected agency is obliged to treat it with utmost seriousness. The number of complainers is in no proportion to the total list of citizens, sometimes ONE (!!) complaint is sufficient to get attention by equally woke media desperate for anything that helps to fill the pages of their newspapers or broadcast time on radio, TV or webpages.

13 June 2021

Air Taxis to take off? - what about the Noise?

Another nuisance is about to be foisted upon the ordinary citizen. Wonky politicians and business people seem to get all exited about the idea of Air Taxis zooming around above our heads. Basically their are a new version of helicopters that are already (ab)used by the SuperRich. Has anyone in authority asked the citizens affected about their views? Noise pollution will rise for sure, and who sets a limit on their use?

Wind Turbines near you? - Direct Democracy gives you the ultimate say

Plastering the countryside with Wind Turbines may be profitable to land owners and the companies that put them up. But preserving the natural beauty of the countryside which existed for Millenia seems to have fallen by the wayside in the obsession about Climate Change. So DD would give those affected, i.e. all those living in the area from where the turbines can be seen, the ultimate say on whether or not they are allowed to be constructed.

Ex-politicians cashing in on their connections?

Ministers should be banned from lobbying for up to five years after leaving office and face possible fines if they break the rules, the anti-corruption watchdog will say this week. Lord Evans, chairman of the committee on standards in public life (The Times, Paywall).

Good idea but Direct Democracy would put another safeguard into place as all political decisions would be subject to an automatic or facultative referendum.

12 June 2021

G7 - a very undemocratic Club

Italy's Draghi - not elected, EU's van der Leyen - not elected, Joe Biden - highly controversial election, Boris Johnson - rules with minority of public vote