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Thread ID: 84962 2007-11-24 19:46:00 Do you think the Government intrudes too much... Myth (110) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
614877 2007-11-27 09:47:00 So get loud about the change you want if you want change.

i do, but i'd rather that politicians actually thought about what they're doing when they come up with some of their propositions
motorbyclist (188)
614878 2007-11-27 09:50:00 And who would you like to see replace them?

not the greens
not any religious party
not the maori party

i don't think i fully trust national to remove the right laws, but i suppose having a decent look wouldn't hurt

dunno much about the others....



it's picking the lesser of several evils here:confused:
motorbyclist (188)
614879 2007-11-27 19:41:00 Wouldnt it be great if a fresh face stepped in and said, 'everyone out. Lets start fresh'. Then actually did start over. Mammoth task though but impossible? Would be interesting. rob_on_guitar (4196)
614880 2007-11-27 20:38:00 i reckon for some laws there should be a public rather than paliamentry vote...

major social stuff like drinking age, acc, smacking, animal control, driving laws etc

and every 6 or 12 months take a "census" where the whole nation is able to participate in an opinion poll about pressing matters/upcoming legislation


but then of course, they key problem with democracy is that when people don't know what they're talking about and aren't affected by a law are a majority, and ruin a minority;

"democracy is like asking two wolves and a sheep what to have for dinner"
motorbyclist (188)
614881 2007-11-27 21:06:00 i reckon for some laws there should be a public rather than paliamentry vote...

major social stuff like drinking age, acc, smacking, animal control, driving laws etc

and every 6 or 12 months take a "census" where the whole nation is able to participate in an opinion poll about pressing matters/upcoming legislation


but then of course, they key problem with democracy is that when people don't know what they're talking about and aren't affected by a law are a majority, and ruin a minority;

"democracy is like asking two wolves and a sheep what to have for dinner"

Very true. Seems minorities are geting alot of special treatment too, kinda makes it hard to be an average type of person who just gets on with stuff.
rob_on_guitar (4196)
614882 2007-11-27 21:59:00 i reckon for some laws there should be a public rather than paliamentry vote...

major social stuff like drinking age, acc, smacking, animal control, driving laws etc

and every 6 or 12 months take a "census" where the whole nation is able to participate in an opinion poll about pressing matters/upcoming legislation


but then of course, they key problem with democracy is that when people don't know what they're talking about and aren't affected by a law are a majority, and ruin a minority;

"democracy is like asking two wolves and a sheep what to have for dinner"
You are talking about taking the power off those with nose in trough,I can hear the grunts from here.
Cicero (40)
614883 2007-11-27 23:57:00 i reckon for some laws there should be a public rather than paliamentry vote...

Referenda look good as a theory - but in practice the results come down to education and money.

"Education" as in how, exactly, the electorate is informed about the choices and the implications of those choices.

"Money" as in who is paying for the referendum adverts, basically.

A classic example from NZs own political history is the referendum on proportional representation. The initial referendum about whether to actually hold a referendum about proportional representation showed enormous public support for a change.

Until, close to the referendum, Peter Shirtcliffe ran a private television advertising campaign against PR and in support of FPP. The end result was a massive swing away from PR - just not enough to beat the vote for PR.

Also, the notion of populism comes into play. A government is needed to lead the country - not follow it.
Deane F (8204)
614884 2007-11-27 23:57:00 Wouldnt it be great if a fresh face stepped in and said, 'everyone out. Lets start fresh'. Then actually did start over. Mammoth task though but impossible? Would be interesting.

David Lange tried that in 1984... great idea with all the unions, business and social services turning up to parliament with great ideas. Didn't last long though. Every one has their own barrow they push, sometimes at the expense of others.

Ken
kenj (9738)
614885 2007-11-28 05:43:00 Referenda look good as a theory - but in practice the results come down to education and money.

"Education" as in how, exactly, the electorate is informed about the choices and the implications of those choices.

"Money" as in who is paying for the referendum adverts, basically.

A classic example from NZs own political history is the referendum on proportional representation. The initial referendum about whether to actually hold a referendum about proportional representation showed enormous public support for a change.

Until, close to the referendum, Peter Shirtcliffe ran a private television advertising campaign against PR and in support of FPP. The end result was a massive swing away from PR - just not enough to beat the vote for PR.

Also, the notion of populism comes into play. A government is needed to lead the country - not follow it.



Jeez, who died and made you supreme expert?
Metla (12)
614886 2007-11-28 06:06:00 Jeez, who died and made you supreme expert?

How does he do it,seems to bring the best out of most of us.?
Cicero (40)
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