British democracy in action

okocha wrote:Bonce: that's what I did originally, and the image appeared on the thread for a short time, then vanished. Obviously, I lack your magic touch.

Have to say, when I first saw this image, I was more appalled than amused, but then realised I should have expected no less from our elected representatives whose whole motivation is to strive selflessly to improve the lot of Britain and its citizens......

At least we've seen it.
And we all know it's their own lot they're trying to improve.
Can't describe how I felt when I saw Prescott in ermine.

Prescott in Ermine. Cripes! I've only ever seen him in sheep's clothing.

not all politicians are the same...

That may be literally true, Manda, but the photos don't lie. What percentage of MPs attended the House to debate and vote on the crucial issues represented here, and what percentage attended to debate MPs' pay and expenses? 
Or perhaps you're just making the point that you personally have genuine concern for your constituents....which may well be true.
 You know, however, that the general impression given is one of self-interest, and the puerile way in which debates are conducted only reinforces the stereotype of overgrown, undisciplined public schoolboys simply there to indulge in drunken mockery. The image created has undermined respect for our "leaders" and made the public become disillusioned and disinclined to vote for any of the rabble. Children in school would not be allowed to conduct discussions in such a way.

There's a bit of an urban myth that MPs want all unions to settle pay increases beforehand so that the MPs can get their OTT pay ASAP.

Chairmanda wrote:not all politicians are the same...

They are..

scottjames30 wrote:

Chairmanda wrote:not all politicians are the same...

They are..

You do realise that even though Manda isn't a "Westminster" politician, she's still a politician, right....?

Just thought I'd make sure.

Breadman wrote:

scottjames30 wrote:

Chairmanda wrote:not all politicians are the same...

They are..

You do realise that even though Manda isn't a "Westminster" politician, she's still a politician, right....?

Just thought I'd make sure.

I was taking the piss, go and have a cup of coffee and get your grumpy head off.

Fair enough.

Sorry.

It's just hard to tell with you sometimes.

the House of Lords is a complete waste of time and money and an excuse to dish out more treats and favours to their already wealthy cronies. It needs to be scrapped

Since when has the British system been democratic?
The electoral system certainly isn't and never has delivered power (kratos) to the people (demos) - or at least power to all the people as amply demonstrated in the last general election.

Lots of people bang on about the accountability of MPs but whilst they are exercised by MPs salaries, expenses, sexual relations and other gossip most constituents don't even check if their representative is actually turning up to work to represent their views.

I suppose MPs would defend their absence from crucial debates by saying that they have lots of other duties to perform in their own constituencies which sometimes prevent them from attending the House. I don't buy it!

On a separate note, check out the number of people whose recent death has been linked to IDS's draconian benefits cuts. 
Also, it seems that the disgraceful appointment of totally undeserving folk to the House of Lords yesterday, at massive cost to the tax-payer, was deliberately timed to coincide with what DC thought would dominate the headlines instead:- the total failure to meet net migration promises. And two people who turned down the chance to become peers have been knighted instead. You couldn't make it up and yet the Tories do.....daily!

Well, we voted them in!!