Re: Questioning Democracy

To: BUPS-DIS@bups.org

Subject: Re: Questioning Democracy

From: Matthew Hodgetts <matthew.hodgetts@gmail.com>

Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2006 12:57:03 +0000

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In-reply-to: <1136409314.43bc3ae2a3983@webmail.soton.ac.uk>

References: <CHEFJLCDJLBKBDKPNDBDIEEFCJAA.alex.watt@blueyonder.co.uk> <1136409314.43bc3ae2a3983@webmail.soton.ac.uk>

Alex, I agree that it's easy to just criticise politicians, but I don't think that anyone's trying to be cynical for its own sake. I think that what needs questioning in general are the institutions and the system of government. We don't need to make personal attacks on individual politicians to do that. On the other hand I completely accept that my 'meritocracy' is open to corruption. I am taking inspiration from businesses (always dangerous I know), who seem able to promote from the inside and outside without necessarily giving jobs to their friends.

Benn's five questions seem to be important ones to ask, although I take a bit of issue with the fifth. When it is asked "how do we get rid of you?" who is the "we?" This goes back to Ed's first questions about the value of democracy. Sure, leaders should be removable and accountable, but should they be removable by the people at large and accountable to the people?

Matthew

Follow-Ups:

Re: Questioning Democracy
- From: nj8 <nj8@ntlworld.com>
RE: Questioning Democracy
- From: "Alex Watt" <alex.watt@blueyonder.co.uk>

References:

RE: Questioning Democracy
- From: "Alex Watt" <alex.watt@blueyonder.co.uk>
RE: Questioning Democracy
- From: Nick Dippie <nd603@soton.ac.uk>