Politicians on a leash? Because ALL politicians are "CORRUPT".
By Mike Summers
@BCRMike (355)
Vanderhoof, British Columbia
October 23, 2011 7:53am CST
I think, that ALL politicians should be on a short leash. Really short.
Politicians are in a position where they are given power not seen by most of us in our lifetimes.
It is said that "POWER CORRUPTS. AND ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY." And politicians qualify in this respect.
It doesn't matter whether you are left or right in your political perspective. ALL politicians are this way.
Do you think that they would be as unresponsive and arrogant if the people, the voters, had the power to undo ANY piece of legislation or regulation?
Do you think referendums should be optional for voters, but scheduled, just in case?
Do you think ALL legislation should have a cooling off period before it takes effect, such as a 3 month waiting period. Such a waiting period would allow citizens to gather signatures to force a referendum.
What do you think?
3 people like this
6 responses
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
23 Oct 11
I think everyone agrees with your viewpoint. Unfortunately how to make it happen as the politicians are themselves the lawmakers. So that is why a bill such as the Jan Lokpal is still not passed. That is why Anna Hazare is trying to get this passed. What are the politicians doing? They are now doing a smear campaign against Team Anna, trying to break it up so that this can be avoided!!
Cheers!
Ram
1 person likes this
@BCRMike (355)
• Vanderhoof, British Columbia
23 Oct 11
It would appear that you must elect a party that will do in ONE session or one term what all the other parties will not.
Give the people power over parliament or congress. Giving the voters a constitutional veto by a midterm referendum and a law enacting it which will succeed them through the next election.
Parliamentary tradition holds that no law passed by one government is binding on the next government.
By strapping the successive government with such a law, makes an uncomfortable precedent. One most politicians will curse you for, but one they will be reluctant to tinker with for fear of the voters.
3 people like this
@BCRMike (355)
• Vanderhoof, British Columbia
30 Oct 11
That's why you have to run for parliament. Change things from the inside.
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
23 Oct 11
Realistically, BCRMike...proposed legislation, with a "cooling off period" of three (3) months is SHORT SHRIFT! The common, "laissez faire" folk DO NOT have the time...nor the ability to comprehend the impact! Still waters run very deep...and when it comes to any government proposal..."WHAT YOU SEE, IS NOT WHAT YOU GET!!!!!!Most "proposed legislations" are tarred with the same Bullsh!te, just with a different brush!
I truly am tired of listening to folk, complain about politics when they haven't exercised their right to vote...you don't always have to vote FOR...you can vote against, by cancelling a vote! Referendums should be voted on...by all! Age of majority...right to vote...penalized if you don't! Dictitorial, yes...but we are losing the power of the vote from non-participation! Cheers!1 person likes this
@BCRMike (355)
• Vanderhoof, British Columbia
23 Oct 11
Fair call. I would be happy with the right to UNDO anything passed by politicians, at anytime.
And getting it to referendum by something reasonable is best. Instead of 10% of REGISTERED voters in every riding, something simpler would be best.
Washington State has referendums every November. Simple majority of 50+1 does it. Works for me.
@BarBaraPrz (51838)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
23 Oct 11
I think no matter who you vote for, the government always gets in.
@BCRMike (355)
• Vanderhoof, British Columbia
23 Oct 11
Yes they do.
But voting for the right people is better.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
24 Oct 11
I think that politicians start out meaning well and then find themselves seduced by the power and influence that they can access. The problem is that they start to realise that people expect them to do something and adopt an arrogant stance in which they mistake the people's representation with autocracy. I don't see an easy answer. Even the Swiss model requires politicians. I do think that politicians should not be able to stop a national vote where a majority of the populace demand it. Successive British governments have refused a vote on our continued membership of the European Union because they know what the result would be. The EU Parliament is such a gravy train for then that to their minds it would be killing the golden goose! If you want to see a lack of accountability look at that organisation. Come into the office at 9am. Sign in and claim €300 for that day. You can be on the golf course by 10am. Arrange lunch with some lobby group - kerching! Visit a factory - kerching in travel allowances. Go home - kerching in overnight accommodation. Go back to constituency - kerching! You get my drift........
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
23 Oct 15
Not just that, but they get told straight out that if they do certain things they won't get funding and they will get voted out. Some probably rationalize that it's better to be a little corrupt and do some good than do none.
@BCRMike (355)
• Vanderhoof, British Columbia
24 Oct 11
Actually, that is exactly how Switzerland has it.
Their constitution allows the citizens to claw back any law on the books. And there is not anything any politician can do about it.
Did you know that Switzerland has among the lowest voter turnout of any modern democracy?
Why? Because the have their politicians under control.
@for3verfamous (2190)
• Canada
23 Oct 11
You're right, all politicians do the same thing.. They will feed us things that aren't the complete truth, they will promise us one thing and it will never happen.. They will say they are going to make a change in the country, but they may fail to do that.
That is politics, it's just about who's most convincing.
1 person likes this
