tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095270985170721876.post7373553533804514490..comments2024-03-24T23:22:43.753+00:00Comments on Tony's Musings: Vote Informally: The Case for Option D.TonyTheProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10486414706261508994noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095270985170721876.post-33562360775022796272013-03-12T20:13:57.605+00:002013-03-12T20:13:57.605+00:00Well, I think Option D is preferable. I think voti...Well, I think Option D is preferable. I think voting should be compulsory but negative votes should be allowed. Nick Palmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05360924308743466075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095270985170721876.post-85076680962401548452013-03-11T23:58:09.475+00:002013-03-11T23:58:09.475+00:00Most of us have reservations about aspects of the ...Most of us have reservations about aspects of the two Options, A or B. I say two, because C is not an option; it is the broken present with its mass voter abstention and disengagement. <br /><br />I object to the reduction in numbers. Scrutiny will be reduced to an even more toothless dog than it is now, staffed essentially with loyalists (there are noble exceptions I need not name). This of course is the intention. The Executive will be even more powerful than now.<br /><br />The real point is that, for me, Option A embodies some fundamental changes that are crucial to the creation of a democratic States, a democratic Island and one where progressive change is feasible. These are: All elected on the same day, one category of member, equal and fair votes for all, equal size constituencies; inevitably contested elections (no pocket or “rotten boroughs”), the ending of the historical injustice of the political dominance of Country over Town (gerrymandered). Since Option A embodies those things, inspite of imperfections, it is a symbol for hope and for change. To vote for A, is an act of hope; a belief that change really can come. To abstain or vote otherwise is a step backward; to resign oneself to passivity. <br /><br />Option A has to win on the first round of voting to demonstrate the Public Will for a type of reform that offers real change. Remember, the Referendum is purely advisory. Any legislation has to be passed by the existing States under its present, flawed, structure. The likelihood is that the Turkeys will not vote for Christmas. They will filibuster; they will postpone any decision, so that in the end the elections are fought with the existing structure, thus preserving seats and pension supplementing salary for more individuals that might otherwise be the case under either Option A or B.<br /><br />Those who devised the Referendum, with its three “options” less the “none of the above!” (which would have been an option), did so with the expectation and hope it would deliver support for option B. Remember Option B is government policy as the Chief Minister has endorsed the retention of Constables. <br /><br />The Referendum is a way of legitimising something that is clearly inegalitarian and rationally indefensible. The proponents of B know this and they also know they will have problems with the Privy Council when it comes to scrutinise the legislation. This will be the “Sark Moment”; the point when the British Government may decide to reject it and demand something unspecified but “more democratic” and kept throwing it back, until it really embodies the expected features of what is conceived of as a modern democratic system.<br /><br />Significant support for retention of the Constables will be used to demonstrate the popular affection for a quirky but essentially much loved detail of provincial identity. Retention of Constables will be presented as essentially benign; when in fact it is a cold calculated articulation of power. The majority of Constables will vote for the Executive. They will do so out of gratitude, in not having had their necks wringed for Christmas and because they are a loyal and conservative voting block.<br />Nick Le Cornuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14983215673635966459noreply@blogger.com