A two party political system is an inherently corrupt system, as once the two parties are established it is in their interests to keep all "third parties" down to maintain their own chances of power. They may fight between each other, but they always know that eventually things will swing around to them again. They don't have to try, just exist. Have a look at America. The only people who will ever run that country are the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. If you're not a member of that select group you have no chance. So, as much as any Americans will deny it, the country is ruled by a self selected ruling class.
Looking at our own political system, also built around a Government Vs Official Opposition basis, the fact that there is a chance, however small of a third party having an almost equal footing, breaking that two horse race, gives me hope. Isn't it worth voting Lib Dem even if you don't count yourself as a liberal, even if the only difference you feel they can make it shattering this ridiculous two choice system and bringing about a necessary change in our parliamentary system?
Because despite the fact that during this current General Election it's the fashion to harp on about change, we know full well that both Labour and the Torys are aware that is in their best interests to keep the system exactly as it is, and they will both fight any and all changes to the electoral system or Parliamentary procedures. That's why they hark on about a Hung Parliament as if it's a bad thing. It's not a bad thing, it's simply different to the way it traditionally done, where one party can force through a decision. (And that's what I want, for my elected MP to be forced to vote a certain way by his unelected party officials)
A quick fact: a hung parliament is not automatically a situation where nothing gets done and no decisions can get made. This only happens if the politicians refuse to cooperate on principle. Which they will, as they will want to scare people back to the old ways where they have no fear of losing their power.
Looking at our own political system, also built around a Government Vs Official Opposition basis, the fact that there is a chance, however small of a third party having an almost equal footing, breaking that two horse race, gives me hope. Isn't it worth voting Lib Dem even if you don't count yourself as a liberal, even if the only difference you feel they can make it shattering this ridiculous two choice system and bringing about a necessary change in our parliamentary system?
Because despite the fact that during this current General Election it's the fashion to harp on about change, we know full well that both Labour and the Torys are aware that is in their best interests to keep the system exactly as it is, and they will both fight any and all changes to the electoral system or Parliamentary procedures. That's why they hark on about a Hung Parliament as if it's a bad thing. It's not a bad thing, it's simply different to the way it traditionally done, where one party can force through a decision. (And that's what I want, for my elected MP to be forced to vote a certain way by his unelected party officials)
A quick fact: a hung parliament is not automatically a situation where nothing gets done and no decisions can get made. This only happens if the politicians refuse to cooperate on principle. Which they will, as they will want to scare people back to the old ways where they have no fear of losing their power.
1 comments:
Quite right Thomas. A hung parliament, working by co-operation and negotiation sounds like a great idea. And can we please get rid of safe seats. I have always lived in a constituency where a donkey would get elected provided it wore the right colour rosette.
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