Following on the only way forward of real worth is to a system of Govt that delivers accurate representation, and accountability, of the needs of the majority of UK citizens. To that end, an open question to people. "How do we indicate to our political parties that if they seek longevity then they must communicate with voters their commitment (inc timescales) to said critical change?"
Interesting point about leaders who protected their citizens during Covid. Trump didn’t, Johnson didn’t and Jacinda Ardern did. All were voted out but only in the US did Trump return. NZ has a fairly binary party system but their although Ardern protected their mortality many thought the economy suffered and voted for change.
The subject of why people vote is possibly a book in itself!
Agree with most of what you've said - looking closely at the US establishment of their voting systems reveals what can happen when you try and devise a system to avoid dominance by the federal govt or the individual states. So trying to avoid a perceived problem of FPTP. But the result - a binary choice.....just a thought - no 'solutions' (yet, if they actually exist?)
When laid out like this it makes some sense of what I feel, and read on socials. So many feel angry, fed up and desperate for a better day, week, life. It's sad that those we vote for are not any better (much worse in USA), but it's so frightening how the worst of them use people's fears and prejudices for their own grift.
Really enjoyed your post. Whilst I agree with most of what you said I disagree that, living in the UK, I had more choice regarding who to vote for. I believe that my choice, like people in the USA, was a binary one. I either voted Labour or Conservative. When I say voted Conservative I do not mean putting a tick next to the Conservative candidate, I mean that a vote for any other party would, in all probability, lead to the Conservative candidate being re-elected in my area. While I believe the 'vote tactically' campaign was necessary to remove a corrupt and incompetent government from power, it meant that for a great number of people the choice was a binary one, either vote Conservative or for the party most likely to remove them from power.
After the UK election result I felt relief that the Conservatives were no longer in power. However, I can't say that I had many expectations that the new government would deliver change radical enough to right some of the terrible wrongs that exist, both in this country and further afield. I cringe when I hear the Labour government use phrases like we need to 'Make Brexit Work', and have a serious bout of deja vu, expecting to see it on the front of the Daily Mail the next day! This government undoubtedly has an enormous task, firstly to start repairing the damage caused to the UK's social infrastructure, and also to restore faith in politics and politicians. As for me, I need to understand why they are taking the decisions they are, and I do not believe they are answering questions raised about these decisions adequately.
I know it is early days but am struggling to stay positive, particularly when looking at the rest of the world, in particular the USA. I feel that humanity has lost its way and that it may be sometime before we get on the right track again.
This helps the head and heart andmakes complete sense amidst the chaos, thank you Bear
Thought provoking and the global political map nicely summed up. Thank you
Nailed it!
Following on the only way forward of real worth is to a system of Govt that delivers accurate representation, and accountability, of the needs of the majority of UK citizens. To that end, an open question to people. "How do we indicate to our political parties that if they seek longevity then they must communicate with voters their commitment (inc timescales) to said critical change?"
Sharp analysis, Bear, thank you. I think I understand what happened in the US a little better now (still madness, though).
Interesting point about leaders who protected their citizens during Covid. Trump didn’t, Johnson didn’t and Jacinda Ardern did. All were voted out but only in the US did Trump return. NZ has a fairly binary party system but their although Ardern protected their mortality many thought the economy suffered and voted for change.
The subject of why people vote is possibly a book in itself!
As always Bear, spot on, concise and informative. Thank you!
Agree with most of what you've said - looking closely at the US establishment of their voting systems reveals what can happen when you try and devise a system to avoid dominance by the federal govt or the individual states. So trying to avoid a perceived problem of FPTP. But the result - a binary choice.....just a thought - no 'solutions' (yet, if they actually exist?)
When laid out like this it makes some sense of what I feel, and read on socials. So many feel angry, fed up and desperate for a better day, week, life. It's sad that those we vote for are not any better (much worse in USA), but it's so frightening how the worst of them use people's fears and prejudices for their own grift.
"COVID wasn’t just a health crisis; it was a merciless litmus test for leadership" excellent observation .
Clear and concise Bear, giving food for thought.
Thank you.
Concisely concluded Bear, thank you again - bests
Really enjoyed your post. Whilst I agree with most of what you said I disagree that, living in the UK, I had more choice regarding who to vote for. I believe that my choice, like people in the USA, was a binary one. I either voted Labour or Conservative. When I say voted Conservative I do not mean putting a tick next to the Conservative candidate, I mean that a vote for any other party would, in all probability, lead to the Conservative candidate being re-elected in my area. While I believe the 'vote tactically' campaign was necessary to remove a corrupt and incompetent government from power, it meant that for a great number of people the choice was a binary one, either vote Conservative or for the party most likely to remove them from power.
After the UK election result I felt relief that the Conservatives were no longer in power. However, I can't say that I had many expectations that the new government would deliver change radical enough to right some of the terrible wrongs that exist, both in this country and further afield. I cringe when I hear the Labour government use phrases like we need to 'Make Brexit Work', and have a serious bout of deja vu, expecting to see it on the front of the Daily Mail the next day! This government undoubtedly has an enormous task, firstly to start repairing the damage caused to the UK's social infrastructure, and also to restore faith in politics and politicians. As for me, I need to understand why they are taking the decisions they are, and I do not believe they are answering questions raised about these decisions adequately.
I know it is early days but am struggling to stay positive, particularly when looking at the rest of the world, in particular the USA. I feel that humanity has lost its way and that it may be sometime before we get on the right track again.