ℝ𝕠𝕤𝕤 ℍ𝕖𝕞𝕤𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕙’s Post

Local Democracy in Crisis? 21 November 2024 between 16.00-18.00, Room 6.16, Henry Daysh Building, Newcastle University (or online) Do we need a new positive direction for once-powerful towns and communities where meaningful democracy has disappeared as local government has withdrawn? Councils have been abolished, absorbed into larger, anonymous authorities with few, if any, local roots - creating a sense of powerlessness, a loss of local identity. Might this be one reason for the lowest turnout since universal suffrage in 2024’s UK general election? This debate brings together key voices to debate the substance underpinning Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's ‘taking back control’ promise. If it is to mean anything, should it be more than simply empowering combined authorities - and urging the creation of more - which currently cover only half the country's population? In short, is a new settlement for councils, a radical commitment to revive grass-roots democracy and restore power to people, urgently needed? Register here: https://lnkd.in/ez9R9vSD

As the UK navigates through a weekend of rioting, my latest article for the Bylines Network asks if there is a political response to undercut the rhetoric of the Reform Party and its online pals in the Far Right. Bringing #participatorydemocracy into all local areas removes their grievance of 'no voice'. Making the growing numbers of non-voters into #citizens is one of British politics' greatest challenges. #citizensassemblies https://lnkd.in/ea6fHEcG

A July General Election - so what...? Anyone else feeling bored, disinterested, disillusioned and apathetic? Here are some reflections on why it is I (and no doubt millions of others) feel so underwhelmed, disinterested and hopeless about the forthcoming election. I have tried to collate my readings on economics, degrowth movements and direct democracy. This research produced a neologism 'Democrapathy - Demo-crap-athy - to try and articulate the intersections between our exclusions from authentic democracy, voter apathy which is highly manipulated and is the consequence of these exclusions and the general crapness of political and economic systems. The article is hyperlinked and is unpublished https://lnkd.in/eDgAA5uu

Yesterday, Dan Sillett argued that the lack of alternative deliverers of change meant that it would be sensical to vote for the Conservatives at the upcoming election. Will Kingston-Cox fundamentally disagrees this morning, in his Sunday column. Kingston-Cox challenges Dan Sillett's suggestion to vote for the Conservatives, arguing that it would not bring about any change in the UK. He believes that the duopoly of Labour and the Conservatives stifles innovation and neglects critical issues, making a vote for the Tories counterproductive. He argues that smaller parties like Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party play a crucial role in challenging the political status quo. He emphasises that these parties offer alternative policies and perspectives that can disrupt the dominance of the two main parties and provide necessary checks and balances on future governments. Ultimately, Kingston-Cox asserts that the current first-past-the-post system is inadequate, and advocates for proportional representation to better reflect the diverse political views of the electorate and promote accountability and responsiveness within the Labour-Tory duopoly. #ge2024 #labour #conservatives #reformuk #libdems #green #nigelfarage https://lnkd.in/ewnhfmGP

Democracy, a term that originated from the two Greek words "demos", meaning people, and "kratos" meaning power, is defined as: “A way of governing which depends on the will of the people.” (Oxford Dictionary). This Saturday, October 19, the citizens of British Columbia will put that concept into action as they go to the polls to elect Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Victoria. Supporters of democracy, Oceanside Security & Patrols’ management and staff urge everyone to exercise their right to choose this Saturday by casting their ballot in the Provincial Election. In times as dynamic and changing as ours it’s more important than ever that each citizen has their say in the way our province is run moving forward.  The future is too important for voter apathy, which has become a problem in recent elections. Citizens who do not vote have no right to criticize the actions of tomorrow’s leaders. Oceanside asks everyone to do their democratic duty this Saturday and vote. The future of this province is quite literally in your hands.

https://lnkd.in/eg86DYMn The agenda of hate, division, inflationary overspending, illegal immigration, control legislation in terms of what cars to drive, what fuel to use, what appliances meet their climate change criteria and DEI! The division and hate we've seen in these three short years is nothing compared to what Biden (OBama) will bring forth should they receive a second term. We can’t support the 10 million illegal immigrants Joe has brought in to date, how many do you think he will import during his next term? Save America now, vote RED! 

‼️Political Warning: Today marks the UK General Election, a crucial moment where our democratic values shine through diverse perspectives and choices. In this environment of social media scrutiny and polarised opinions, it’s essential to uphold respectful dialogue and the freedom to express individual beliefs. I've cast my vote for Reform because they stand for transparency and direct answers to critical issues. Their manifesto, advocating for policies like zero tax on the first £20,000 earned and prioritising social housing for British citizens, resonates deeply with my vision for a fair and prosperous society. It’s disheartening to witness “keyboard warriors” diminishing the diverse voices of those who don’t align with the mainstream. Democracy thrives on diversity of thought and informed decision-making, not conformity. Let’s take the time to understand Reform’s proposals and how they can shape our future. By voting today, we exercise our right to influence the direction of our country based on our values and aspirations. In this election, let’s foster constructive dialogue and respect for differing viewpoints. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive democracy that serves us all. Last of all, keep your smiles on your faces and vote from your heart. 🗳️ #UKGeneralElection #VoteReform

Debates might be the last bastion of democratic discourse. They are the only moment in an electoral campaign when the left hand can challenge the right hand and vice versa, unfiltered, in front of voters from all sides. Debates are the anti-echo-chambers. Social media is an hyper-biased monologue where deceivers can feed absurd lies to the converted and get applause. Big media networks have their own slants: watching CNN and Fox feels like news from different planets. And very few people read in-depth ethical journalism. Without debates, Democrat voters would’ve kept believing that Biden’s mind was razor-sharp, and on-the-fence Republicans would’ve never witnessed Trump’s unhinged dishonesty when confronted with facts. The same applies to Canada. To safeguard our rules of civility and to bring human beings closer together, Parliament should consider reinventing and strengthening public debates between party leaders and between local candidates. We should make them exciting events that people won’t want to miss—get the UFC to make the trailers if we have to! We should have more than one or two, so we can hear candidates expand on and defend their ideas on issues that matter and that deserve more than five minutes of airtime: housing, cost of living, immigration, climate change, etc. And we should make it mandatory to participate in public debates. Those who aren’t willing to defend their positions when voters from all camps are watching should not have the right to represent us nationally or internationally. Debating should be a minimum requirement to run for office. Democracy is built on debates. When I see a candidate who avoids debate, I see someone who has something to hide. Someone of weak moral character whom I would never trust to represent me. . 📸 Saul Loeb / AFP / Getty Images . . #criticalthinking #democracymatters #debate #ideaclash Elias Makos Yasmine Abdelfadel, MBA, Adm.A, C.M.C

Here, we have a look at the topics likely to dominate political debate in the week to come.

Here, we have a look at the topics likely to dominate political debate in the week to come.