[Politics] Just why do we vote for them ?

[DavidinSouthampton]

Ok. In my view I have the right to do whatever I want to do.

All I am saying is that if you vote for a government, and then you don’t like what they do, You are limited in how much you have the right to complain.
If you voted against the party which is elected, and you then don’t like them, you have every right to complain.
If you didn’t vote, tough.

As for your right to do what you want, then yes, but with rights come responsibilities.

 

[Swansman]

All I am saying is that if you vote for a government, and then you don’t like what they do, You are limited in how much you have the right to complain.
If you voted against the party which is elected, and you then don’t like them, you have every right to complain.
If you didn’t vote, tough.

As for your right to do what you want, then yes, but with rights come responsibilities.

I complain as much as I want to, without the "right" to do so, and without "responsibilites".

 

[Live by the sea]

I've not voted since back when I was young and naive. Democracy in its current shape, and possibly overall, is fairly outdated though and will disappear in the not too distant future.

You sound slightly unhinged with respect . I’m taking a guess you probably would however have voted for the nazi party had you been able to back in the 1930’s

 

[Swansman]

You sound slightly unhinged with respect . I’m taking a guess you probably would however have voted for the nazi party had you been able to back in the 1930’s

No and I'm not sure how you reached that conclusion based on my take that voting is meaningless.

 

[Hampster Gull]

Those who voted for this shambles of a government need to take a long hard look at themselves

 

[Norman Potting]

I am surprised that this hasn't yet featured....

“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” - Winston S. Churchill

 

[dejavuatbtn]

I am still struggling to see potential in any of the current mob from either side. It’s been a desperate year, one to get lost in history. The current batch of politicians will go down in it for all the wrong reasons. Seems like public service has become self service.

 

[Norman Potting]

I am still struggling to see potential in any of the current mob from either side. It’s been a desperate year, one to get lost in history. The current batch of politicians will go down in it for all the wrong reasons. Seems like public service has become self service.

Trying to find a positive and noting that (in some areas at least) there has been a lot of community activity to support those in most need.

 

[GT49er]

Those who voted for this shambles of a government need to take a long hard look at themselves

Those who failed to provide a credible alternative need to take a even harder look at themselves. Democracy is often a case of people having to vote for the least bad alternative.
When the alternative was Corbyn, it's not surprising that Boris got in. Similar (questionably) to Trump vs. Hilary Clinton; the democratic party's failure to put up a more electable candidate was in part to blame; they haven't really learned the lesson either - Biden's not a great choice, and he only got in because Trump in power turned out to be even worse than people feared. The least bad option won again.

 

[maffew]

Ok. In my view I have the right to do whatever I want to do.

And would that work then? Just you, or should everyone have the right to do whatever they want to do? Kind of anarchist,would be a bit chaotic no?

 

[raymondo]

Trying to find a positive and noting that (in some areas at least) there has been a lot of community activity to support those in most need.

Indeed. The selfless work of doctors, nurses, care workers...many (globally) of whom have lost their lives to the virus - they could have run for the hills and didn't. The hard work and creativity of the scientists who have designed a number of vaccines that may slowly push back against the virus. The engineers and business people who have pushed ahead with green energy (wind, solar etc) all across the world, often in spite of blatant opposition from their own 'leaders' (Trump, you know who I'm talking about).

 

[LamieRobertson]

I am still struggling to see potential in any of the current mob from either side. It’s been a desperate year, one to get lost in history. The current batch of politicians will go down in it for all the wrong reasons. Seems like public service has become self service.

I found the same this time last year...put on the ballot paper that the choice between crap and crap was a difficult one so I’ll pass as I hadn’t a coin handy

 

[raymondo]

Those who failed to provide a credible alternative need to take a even harder look at themselves. Democracy is often a case of people having to vote for the least bad alternative.
When the alternative was Corbyn, it's not surprising that Boris got in. Similar (questionably) to Trump vs. Hilary Clinton; the democratic party's failure to put up a more electable candidate was in part to blame; they haven't really learned the lesson either - Biden's not a great choice, and he only got in because Trump in power turned out to be even worse than people feared. The least bad option won again.

..and I fear that Starmer's early successes against Boris have stagnated somewhat. Labour need to build a solid, visible, intelligent, capable shadow cabinet, and I fear I don't see it yet - maybe it's because the virus restricts the numbers of MPs debating in the house, or round-table debates on TV?? I dunno, but even though I believe the Conservatives have made enormous mistakes, I still feel the opposition is not strong or convincing yet.

 

[Mr H]

No and I'm not sure how you reached that conclusion based on my take that voting is meaningless.

Voting does have meaning/purpose. It enables groups of people to make decisions/choices which affect the group.

For an example of meaningless actions, look no further than engaging in numerous conversations with complete strangers on an Internet forum.

Enjoy your life.
Keep on pushing the rock to the top of the mountain.

 

[Hampster Gull]

Those who failed to provide a credible alternative need to take a even harder look at themselves. Democracy is often a case of people having to vote for the least bad alternative.
When the alternative was Corbyn, it's not surprising that Boris got in. Similar (questionably) to Trump vs. Hilary Clinton; the democratic party's failure to put up a more electable candidate was in part to blame; they haven't really learned the lesson either - Biden's not a great choice, and he only got in because Trump in power turned out to be even worse than people feared. The least bad option won again.

I agree with that

 

[Doonhamer7]

Remember a lot of us effectively have no vote, we live in ‘safe seats’ which will vote in a labour/conservative candidate no matter how bad ‘ extreme they are. As Horsham is about as safe as it comes my vote means nothing. So every 5 years I pointlessly go to my local school and make an x. We really do need a none of the above box.

 

[GT49er]

Remember a lot of us effectively have no vote, we live in ‘safe seats’ which will vote in a labour/conservative candidate no matter how bad ‘ extreme they are. As Horsham is about as safe as it comes my vote means nothing. So every 5 years I pointlessly go to my local school and make an x. We really do need a none of the above box.

You are free to write that across the ballot paper. I have done so in the past.

 

[SweatyMexican]

Democracy (just like every one method of governing) has the same glaring weakness... which is the human factor. We’re infallible creatures prone to very selfish desires, egos, and prejudices.

What we wanted from democracy is not what we have. Hopefully over the years we can change it, but knows what the future holds. ..

 

[Mayonaise]

Some of these arguments seem to be based upon the premise that the politicians you are voting for though are telling at least some truths?

At times I am not sure if even half truths matter or if anyone actually cares about truth and decency anymore - they are all scum as far as I can see.

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

I complain as much as I want to, without the "right" to do so, and without "responsibilites".

Fair enough. My point is a philosophical point more than anything else.

Everybody has "responsibilities". Some people may choose not to take them too seriously. In the current COVID situation, most people would accept we have a "responsibility" to wear a mask where necessary to protect other people from us. Other people would see it , in my view enormously selfishly, as an infringement of personal liberty.

Are you an anarchist? That's not a particularly serious question.