Not Politics

[Deleted member 65149]

I don't agree with the initial premise here that all (or most) politicians lie in parliament. For them to be correctly admonished for lying would be to assume that they actually know the truth. I worry that in many (or most) cases they don't! In reality they're no different to many (or most) of the posters on this forum and just giving opinions, often based on too little and/or incorrect/unsubstantiated information.

Yes, UK politicians are often economical with the truth - be that for their own or their party's benefit. And no doubt they hold back on some information because they believe it not to be in the country's interest for it to be public knowledge. But I fear that in far too many instances it's no more than their ignorance of the truth. They speak out just because it's expected of them.

Setting out to deliberately lie with the intention of misleading other politicians, the media and ultimately the general public has to be fraught with danger. These would be lies that would certainly be exposed sooner or later, with the inevitable consequences. Even with my lack of confidence in every existing political system and the people involved, I don't think there would be many politicians stupid enough to make this mistake intentionally.

So instead of bleating on about politicians lying (which of course they'll deny), how about trying to persuade them of the need to study, research, analyse and think before they act?

 

[IanA2]

I don't agree with the initial premise here that all (or most) politicians lie in parliament. For them to be correctly admonished for lying would be to assume that they actually know the truth. I worry that in many (or most) cases they don't! In reality they're no different to many (or most) of the posters on this forum and just giving opinions, often based on too little and/or incorrect/unsubstantiated information.

Yes, UK politicians are often economical with the truth - be that for their own or their party's benefit. And no doubt they hold back on some information because they believe it not to be in the country's interest for it to be public knowledge. But I fear that in far too many instances it's no more than their ignorance of the truth. They speak out just because it's expected of them.

Setting out to deliberately lie with the intention of misleading other politicians, the media and ultimately the general public has to be fraught with danger. These would be lies that would certainly be exposed sooner or later, with the inevitable consequences. Even with my lack of confidence in every existing political system and the people involved, I don't think there would be many politicians stupid enough to make this mistake intentionally.

So instead of bleating on about politicians lying (which of course they'll deny), how about trying to persuade them of the need to study, research, analyse and think before they act?

Those who are capable of independent thought, are "discouraged" to do so by the Whips, who "encourage" the toeing of the party line.

It really is that simple.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

Those who are capable of independent thought, are "discouraged" to do so by the Whips, who "encourage" the toeing of the party line.

It really is that simple.

So really all we need for parliament is a Whip for each party? There'd be so few of them they could meet in Starbucks (or any other tax avoidance coffee shop, or even one that does pay taxes!) and save the country a fortune in one fell swoop. Getting rid of all but a handful of MPs would save well over £100m per year (I'm guessing) on their wages, office and staff costs. The Palace of Westminster could be converted to affordable housing for hundreds of people, or better still () sold to a Russian or Chinese oligarch for a few £billion which would have the added benefit of saving £millions every year on maintenance and security costs.

It's a win-win idea and at last one worth voting for IMO.

 

[IanA2]

So really all we need for parliament is a Whip for each party? There'd be so few of them they could meet in Starbucks (or any other tax avoidance coffee shop, or even one that does pay taxes!) and save the country a fortune in one fell swoop. Getting rid of all but a handful of MPs would save well over £100m per year (I'm guessing) on their wages, office and staff costs. The Palace of Westminster could be converted to affordable housing for hundreds of people, or better still () sold to a Russian or Chinese oligarch for a few £billion which would have the added benefit of saving £millions every year on maintenance and security costs.

It's a win-win idea and at last one worth voting for IMO.

Excellent idea.

The truth is that the US Presidents are deeply envious of the power held by the PM in our system. Clinton in particular made several references to the centralisation of power in this country.