British Politics Today
Politics is sometimes difficult to comprehend. Or should I say that politicians are difficult to comprehend. It took one little incident at the Labour Party conference to expose them for what they really are.
In case you are not aware, during the Foreign Secretary's speech on why the country went to war in Iraq, an eighty two year old labour party member shouted, "Nonsense. You know that is a lie."
He was then manhandled, taken out of his seat, and then escorted out of the hall. Later, when he tried to return to the building he was detained under the new anti-terror laws.
The actions of the labour party are typical of politics today. Gone are the moments when there are actual debates about policy. Often, policies are now decided by a small clique, or even in some cases by a single individual, and the rank and file are forced to accept it. More disturbing are the slick media presentations of the policies, often to give the impression that they have come out of consensus, when everyone knows the opposite is true.
I sometimes wonder why individuals join political parties. I would not join a party if all I end updoing is applauding the faithful like an extra on a television perormance. But this is what we see so often nowadays; lots of people who are ready to participate, and yet are just marginally involved.
If this is the new democracy, I don't like it. And I hope it does not last. All it takes is a few committed and outspoken individuals to buck the trend. If there is an attempt to censure and silence, then there is dire need for action. Remenmber it is no good having an opinion if you keep it to yourself. Get out there, and let the people hear you.
Politics is sometimes difficult to comprehend. Or should I say that politicians are difficult to comprehend. It took one little incident at the Labour Party conference to expose them for what they really are.
In case you are not aware, during the Foreign Secretary's speech on why the country went to war in Iraq, an eighty two year old labour party member shouted, "Nonsense. You know that is a lie."
He was then manhandled, taken out of his seat, and then escorted out of the hall. Later, when he tried to return to the building he was detained under the new anti-terror laws.
The actions of the labour party are typical of politics today. Gone are the moments when there are actual debates about policy. Often, policies are now decided by a small clique, or even in some cases by a single individual, and the rank and file are forced to accept it. More disturbing are the slick media presentations of the policies, often to give the impression that they have come out of consensus, when everyone knows the opposite is true.
I sometimes wonder why individuals join political parties. I would not join a party if all I end updoing is applauding the faithful like an extra on a television perormance. But this is what we see so often nowadays; lots of people who are ready to participate, and yet are just marginally involved.
If this is the new democracy, I don't like it. And I hope it does not last. All it takes is a few committed and outspoken individuals to buck the trend. If there is an attempt to censure and silence, then there is dire need for action. Remenmber it is no good having an opinion if you keep it to yourself. Get out there, and let the people hear you.
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