| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Democratic process? | |
| Posted by: | Richard Cathcart | |
| Date/Time: | 20/04/18 14:45:00 |
| Re Vanessa Smith: RC:"One of the reasons people live in such accommodation is because they value privacy." VS: "Maybe - maybe not - it could also be a case of not wanting to part of the local community and thinking you're a cut above the rest?" RC: So what if people think they're "a cut above"? It isn't very attractive, but that is their right - unlike this canvasser's self-designated "right" to lie and deceive in order to inveigle her way to your door. VS: "Even if political bumpf was sent in the post, it is hardly the same thing as seeing your potential councillors face to face is it?" RC: Candidates conduct public meetings and hustings etc - anyone who is really keen to see them face-to-face need only make a point of attending (assuming they're that interested). VS: "Also political parties are only allowed so much freepost and things have to be accounted for in their election expenses." RC: Yes, and for very good reasons. In any case, just because there are restrictions imposed on other forms of electioneering doesn't mean you are somehow entitled to subvert this one. I mean, if every other candidate/party embraced the same lying tactics, people would be receiving this unwanted attention half a dozen times or more each election. Well, it would only be fair, wouldn't it? VS: "As I said we really do need to embrace the political process and stop moaning and groaning - if you stand aloof from that then you haven't really got any reason to complain." RC: How do you know whether such people aren't already "embracing the political process"? How do you know they're "standing aloof", or "moaning and groaning" about it? It is perfectly possible to inform yourself and then vote without having some devious toad turning up unwanted on your doorstep. In any case, if he/she will lie to gain entry, how are we to know that they're not still lying when they tell you all they're going to do in return for your vote? VS: "It's not about what they are all promising, it is also about holding the current people representing us to account for their performance over the last four years, you can hardly do that by leaflets alone." RC: As I've tried to point out, it's not about one particular form of disseminating/receiving information - there are several alternatives, including (ahem) the internet. And as for holding them to account, the way of doing that is via your vote. In particular, by giving your vote to someone you feel will be honest and trustworthy. On which point, if the OP reads this, can he not furnish us with the name of this candidate, so we may judge for ourselves? After all, she lied to you and potentially embarrassed you - what more do you owe her? |