Elected Dictatorship

[poliphilo]

Democracy is so damn frustrating. Most of us would like to see the back of Blair and his disgusting cronies, but the job remains his until the next election or until one of his colleagues is brave enough to hold a metaphorical gun to his head or until he graciously decides to stand down. His strategy in Iraq is hated. It's particularly, virulently hated within his own party. Over fifty per cent of the electorate want the troops out now. But Blair carries on regardless. I cringe every time someone speaks about "the British position" on this, that or the other, because it's not the British position; it's Blair's.

It's bizarre how one man can become synonymous with the nation and the rest of us- millions upon millions- are utterly powerless to affect what he chooses to do in our name.

Comments

[catvalente.livejournal.com]

When is the next election?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

The next general election is due in 2005-6. The date isn't fixed yet. One of the peculiarities of the British system is that the serving Prime Minister can call an election to suit himself at any time within a prescribed 5 year period.

Elections to the European parliament are coming up in the next few weeks. A lot of us will be treating this as an opportunity to express our disenchantment with the Blair government.

[four-thorns.livejournal.com]

at least the people in your country are smart enough to want the troops out. half of the people here still support bush out of ignorance and some stupid idea that "patriotism" means doglike unquestioning loyalty. part of me thinks that if people aren't going to think for themselves, they deserve a jackass like bush... i'm just sorry they're dragging me along for the ride.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

And yet I remember the 60s and the anti-war movement and the civil rights movement and Kent State....You guys were an inspiration to us
back then.

laughing

[flapperjane.livejournal.com]

Ofcourse I'm reading your interesting commentary whilst watching Monty Python's Upper Class Twit of the Year Award -- fitting some how?

It is such a depressing and volatile time right now for the us and the uk - politically and socially speaking. I consider myself an independent and middle of the road - but I feel as though some sort of protest action needs to be taken...

ciao... nice to "meet" you!

Re: laughing

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Yeah, pleased to meet you too. Thanks for stopping by.:-)

My paper (the Guardian) is saying this morning that Blair is on the way out. The Labour party knows that he's an electoral liability and wants to dump him. And another article is saying how much the US military hates Rummy- so maybe he's on the way out too.

Looks like instant karma is gonna get them both. Yay!