The only thing I am clear about in this election is that I shall be voting for AV. To us in Glasgow it represents the only chance to remove the strangle hold that Labour has in Westminster elections. Few of our MPs get over 50% of the vote, yet they always seem to get re-elected. It breeds complacency, and you can see that in the attitude of our MPs.
Nationally, we have had Labour or Conservative Governments since about the 1920s. I don't think this is healthy for democracy. Having big majorities does not produce strong government. Having to negotiate and argue your point produces better government; less laws but better ones. The reason that the majority of the conservatives and labour want to keep the status quo is because it suits them.
Monday 2 May 2011
Wednesday 20 April 2011
scottish parliament election hustings
I decided to go along to the hustings event held at St.Mary's Cathedral in Glasgow on the 15th of April. The organisers asked us to write down any questions for the candidates and put them on the board, and they would select the ones to be asked. My question was " How would you vote on another End of Life Assistance Bill, if Margo MacDonald tries again?". As we were in a church, I thought my chances of getting this asked were slim. However, due to a mix up, I got to ask it.
The replies from the candidates were as follows:
Sandra White, Scottish National Party said she supported Margo's previous bill, and would support another.
Katie Gordon, Liberal Democrat said she would probably vote against the Bill.
Hanzala Malik, Labour, said that he would probably vote against the Bill
Martha Wardrop, Green, said she would support the Bill. She had personal experience of what happens when people are denied the right to choose when to die.
The Conservative candidate said that he would support the Biill.
Many people came to me at the end and said how glad they were that I asked that question. Most felt that we should be able to chose when we want to end our lives. Especially if we are at the end of our lives and in pain. Why should we suffer the indignity of a long drawn out death if we chose not to?
The replies from the candidates were as follows:
Sandra White, Scottish National Party said she supported Margo's previous bill, and would support another.
Katie Gordon, Liberal Democrat said she would probably vote against the Bill.
Hanzala Malik, Labour, said that he would probably vote against the Bill
Martha Wardrop, Green, said she would support the Bill. She had personal experience of what happens when people are denied the right to choose when to die.
The Conservative candidate said that he would support the Biill.
Many people came to me at the end and said how glad they were that I asked that question. Most felt that we should be able to chose when we want to end our lives. Especially if we are at the end of our lives and in pain. Why should we suffer the indignity of a long drawn out death if we chose not to?
Wednesday 23 February 2011
amazon dot com
If you enjoy reading my blog, my book Halls of Infamy, is now available on Amazon.com
as an electronic book. If you look under Kindle e books, in NON-FICTION, then GOVERNMENT, then ELECTIONS, you will be able to download it.
as an electronic book. If you look under Kindle e books, in NON-FICTION, then GOVERNMENT, then ELECTIONS, you will be able to download it.
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