Time to move to a Swiss system?
One of the most prosperous and stable countries is Switzerland. Their constitution also lets their voter decide on many of the country's most important issues of the
day via referenda. Coincidence? Is it time to bring their style of democracy here?
(There is petition here at Consult the People Petition)
Just read the following "Given the problems we have had recently on the streets it is interesting to note that a Swiss economist Professor Frey believes that his country's system leads to greater happiness and stability. A bonus spin-off?". Really think it is time we began engaging the public a great deal more than at present (I accept that the 'professional' politician prefers to keep them in ignorance!).
Came to keep you company up here :-)
Yes, the Swiss system of people empowerment works very well, and has done so for hundreds of years.
I am sorry, but the UK is too far gone now to implement this structure fully .. you need to put together something else that can work for you, if you can manage it. Referendums are only part of the whole complex democratic system which is in place here, and are not used in isolation from it... it's the whole package of many things that make up Swiss democracy.
Good Luck.
Agree 100%
I agree Marilyn that Referendums are only one approach, Recall, PR etc being others (all of which I support). I also accept that our political culture has been kept in the 'dark ages' for a long time and politicians seem to prefer 'dumming down' our electorate. Still we have to start somewhere. Switzerland began its 'democratic adventure' in 1848, I hope we can also do so sometime in the near future!
The problem is politics has been disengaged from the electorate. By introducing Swiss direct democracy we will be re-engaging politics with the people. I also wonder whether politics and current affairs are actually discussed enough at schools. Future generations need to be encouraged to look at politics and how it affects their lives.
Time for a National Liberal Party section on the BDF
It should also perhaps be pointed out that Switzerland does not go to war with anyone and does not spend countless billions on weapons and wars to try them out in. I have little knowledge of the country but it seems obvious to me if you don't waste money like that there is more to use on civic development. Apart from the casualties, how many schools, hospitals and so on has the recent wars lost us? How many billions is it now?
Direct democracy is an ideal we should strive for but while ever the party system exists in the form it is in Britain any real democracy will always be out of reach.
"Hokahey! Nake nula wauŋ welo!"
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/41492 Leave eastern Europeans in eastern Europe
Just a wee addition .. armed neutrality has teeth here. The country has national service, and the commitment lasts throughout the lives of all able-bodied men...in regular, but limited time periods. It is a defensive country.. only circa 7m people.
Originally Posted by paralreg
Further to what Stne the Croze said I believe there is some concern that Citizenship will be scrapped from the National Curriculum. It wouldn't surprise me since politicians realise that the 'politically un-educated' still vote and usually for the status quo. We really do need to raise the political education levels and the degree of responsibility passed to citizens in equal measure. Switzerland, once again, seems to lead the way.
That is all we need to recover as a nation, a defensive posture instead of this global renta war mentality we have now.
WE should turn inwards to look at our own country and its needs.
"Hokahey! Nake nula wauŋ welo!"
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/41492 Leave eastern Europeans in eastern Europe
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