Leadership

[Sandydragon]

I don't think the Hungarian system is as bad as that. It's more like the American system in red states...which says a lot about American democracy - it isn't.

Sorry, I wasn't suggesting that Hungary is as bad as Russia, just that on paper anything can look democratic until you take note of how its being managed.

Hang on a minute. Are you trying to tell me the referendums in eastern Ukraine weren’t democratic!

Russia is a democratic bastion and who are we wing nuts to question that!

[Which Tyler]

As we're talking about overhauls - I have my ideas; though absolutely not fully thought through...

I'd Federalise England into 4 regions, with their own devolved parliaments, in Wessex (Bristol / Winchester), Mercia + E.Anglia (Birmingham / Tamworth), Northumbria (Manchester / Durham) and London (bound by M25).
Those 4 plus the 3 Celtic parliaments all to have the same powers as each other (notably more than Hollyrood currently has).

NZ-style compromise of constituent and PR voting for the devolved parliaments.

Those devolved parliaments nominate from within themselves (proportionately) to Westminster and a smaller, national HoC; government explicitly not made up from 1 party.
Revamp the HoL to be the elite / sinecure for the highest representatives of their trade - to serve 1 lengthy term. HoL acts as advisors, as well as check and balance on the government of the day. For tradition's sake, I'm happy enough to call them all Lords and Ladies (and to keep the title after their term is up - but no longer sit there, and not to hand it down to their kids). So yes, HoL will still have the odd politician, bishop and celebrity, but an equal number of top barristers, accountants, generals, teachers and medics etc.
The explicit purpose of the HoL would be their collection of expertise covering every field, and they should mostly be there to advise the HoC; and only to shoot down unconstitutional* legislation.



*Yes, I'd have a written constitution; explicitly to be revised every 100 years or so; and explicitly requiring national referenda on any changes - dealt with much more like the Good Friday Agreement, than the Brexit "debate".

[Donny osmond]

As we're talking about overhauls - I have my ideas; though absolutely not fully thought through...

I'd Federalise England into 4 regions, with their own devolved parliaments, in Wessex (Bristol / Winchester), Mercia + E.Anglia (Birmingham / Tamworth), Northumbria (Manchester / Durham) and London (bound by M25).
Those 4 plus the 3 Celtic parliaments all to have the same powers as each other (notably more than Hollyrood currently has).

NZ-style compromise of constituent and PR voting for the devolved parliaments.

Those devolved parliaments nominate proportionately from within themselves (proportionately) to Westminster and a smaller, national HoC; government explicitly not made up from 1 party.
Revamp the HoL to be the elite / sinecure for the highest representative of their trade - to serve 1 lengthy term who act as advisors, as well as check and balance on the government of the day - for tradition's sake, I'm happy enough to call them all Lords and Ladies (and to keep the title after their term is up - but no longer sit there, and not to hand it down to their kids). So yes, HoL will still have the odd politician, bishop and celebrity, but an equal number of top barristers, accountants, generals, teachers and medics etc.
The explicit purpose of the HoL would be their collection of expertise covering every field, and they should mostly be there to advise the HoC; and only to shoot down unconstitutional* legislation.


*Yes, I'd have a written constitution; explicitly to be revised every 100 years or so; and explicitly requiring national referenda on any changes - dealt with much more like the Good Friday Agreement, than the Brexit "debate".

Sounds pretty good. Personally, on voting systems, anything other than fptp for me, I see not a single redeeming feature in that voting system.

Interesting that the devolved parliament would have more power than HR, are you talking about tax raising powers?

[Mellsblue]

I see not a single redeeming feature in that voting system.

Blimey. God bless the internet again. Where black is black, white is white and there isn’t anything in between.

[Donny osmond]

I see not a single redeeming feature in that voting system.

Blimey. God bless the internet again. Where black is black, white is white and there isn’t anything in between.

Sorry, I know you're a fan, but you have failed to persuade me. Maybe try that?

[Mellsblue]

I see not a single redeeming feature in that voting system.

Blimey. God bless the internet again. Where black is black, white is white and there isn’t anything in between.

Sorry, I know you're a fan, but you have failed to persuade me. Maybe try that?

I’d suggest you’re unpersuadable if you do not see a single redeeming feature.

[Donny osmond]

Blimey. God bless the internet again. Where black is black, white is white and there isn’t anything in between.

Sorry, I know you're a fan, but you have failed to persuade me. Maybe try that?

I’d suggest you’re unpersuadable if you do not see a single redeeming feature.

god bless the internet indeed

[morepork]

I don't think the Hungarian system is as bad as that. It's more like the American system in red states...which says a lot about American democracy - it isn't.

Sorry, I wasn't suggesting that Hungary is as bad as Russia, just that on paper anything can look democratic until you take note of how its being managed.

Oh, I'm not defending Hungary. More taking a swipe at America. It stinks.

The US hasn't gone back to Jim Crow days....yet. States are not allowed to tamper with federal voting laws and guidelines (i.e. voter registration act '93, The Voting Rights Act of '65). The electoral college is a hangover from the civil war and does need a rocket up it though.

[Mikey Brown]

Sorry, I know you're a fan, but you have failed to persuade me. Maybe try that?

I’d suggest you’re unpersuadable if you do not see a single redeeming feature.

god bless the internet indeed

This was a brilliant exchange. Good stuff.

[kk67]

Jeremy Cunt back in a position of power. Is there a decent Jeremy ?. I mean, Cunt, Vile, Clarckson, Vine.....they are all smarmy narcissistic arseholes.
Apologies to any decent Jeremy's out there but you seem to be in the minority.