So, correct me if I'm wrong, but this thread is to do random talk about random topics taht aren't categorized in any other of the threads on this forum, am I right?
I can sympathise. I live in deepest, darkest Tory Berkshire. I'm represented by two Tory councillors (on a council with overwhelming Tory control) and a very high profile Tory MP (*cough*HomeSecretary*cough*). For someone of my politics, it's a bit of a bleak situation. But I always vote, and always will.
I'd agree with this. If you can't be bothered to exercise your stake in the democratic process, then you're on really shaky ground complaining about it. If you don't like any of the candidates, then spoil your ballot. At least then your decision will be shown on the statistics. Personally, I'd like to see a system with a compulsory vote, and the addition of a "None of the above" option, a majority of votes for which would reopen nominations. That's it exactly But usual forum rules still apply.
I've always seen voting as compulsory. Partially because of the suffragettes (I owe it to them to use my right to vote) but also because it's a way of making a difference. And you have a right to complain about the result afterwards aha. I'm never that ecstatic about any party, to be honest, but I do my research before voting.
This is my opinion too. I have no time for people who complain and yet do not at least try to change things, even if it's only in a small way like a single vote.
I agree with this completely. I've had people complain about obviously bogus advertisements. "You can complain to the Advertising Standards Authority using their online form" say I. Do they actually send in a formal complaint? No. I've had people who argue against plans to ruin the environment. Do they actually write a formal objection to the planning application? No they don't. There's plenty of opportunities to do things, as well as voting. If more people actually did things, we'd have a better world.
Definitely. If you're not happy with the way things are done, then get involved in politics yourself and make a difference. Put up or shut up.
Some people don't have the time for getting involved in politics in the meaning of joining groups, campaigning, etc. But things like making formal complaints about advertising, writing individual letters to MPs, etc. can help. There are lots of tiny little democratic or semi-democratic opportunities to have small influences on what happens in our societies. And IMHO some of these have even a larger influence on what happens than a single vote at an election. Often because you can only vote once every five years, and the "other things" can be done more frequently.
Has anybody read the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson? What's your opinion of it? I am looking for a new trilogy that I can pick at over the school year so I'm not totally bogged down by required reads.
Yeah - I've thought about joining one of the parties. I'm not sure if I'd be very good, or of much use, but it's something I have been considering on and off.
I am on the lookout for a new historical mystery series to read, and so far, I found one set in Napoleonic-Era Britain. Will give it a try! Any other historical mystery series to recommend?
I like the Erast Fandorin series by Boris Ankunin - it's a detective series set in 19th C Russia, the first book is The Winter Queen. Have you tried the Cadfael Chronicles? I've never read them, but they certainly seem popular, and are murder mysteries set in the 12th century.
Fair enough. I guess there is also (while it's not the Napoleonic time or place it's in the same basic era) The Dante Club by I forget who. This isn't particularly helpful, but it's all I can think of.
Yeah. He's an old cat, and the fact that he has long fur doesn't help, but we've been told to keep him clean (meaning we wash him, and as we all know cats hate that) and not let him outside too often.
I think that Stacey Lihn's speech last night at the DNC did an outstanding job moving the Affordable Health care Act (Obamacare) from an intangible concept to a real and necessary thing. What a powerful four mins. I fail to see how anyone could counter such an argument; how do you, without looking like a heartless robot, tell a person that their child is not worth saving. That it's too expensive to not let them just die.
You should. Since I joined, I've found that it's been entirely up to me how I contribute and how much. They aren't mysteries, but have you looked at Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey/Maturin series?
As a Brit, I must say the whole concept of people not being able to get needed healthcare because of price. I've always seen healthcare as a fundamental right, and whilst I know it's not the same in the US, it still shocks me seeing people coming out violently against expanded coverage simply because political opponents of those trying to introduce it say that it's socialism. (It's not socialism. Trust me, I'm a socialist. And neither Obama nor Obamacare are socialist.)
I don't like people who think having affordable health care is somehow collectivism and needs to be opposed. Isn't a part of the Decloration of Independence the inalienable right to 'Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness'? Surely you can't have much of a 'Life' without good, affordable healthcare? I'm glad we in the UK have the NHS. These rights, first written by John Locke as 'Life, Liberty and Property', are also very important to me.
