I hope I live long enough to say that I lived in a democracy. The current UK system of first-past-the-post is a farce & leads to extremes which do not serve the people. Devolution is a small step forward, but the limited powers of the Scottish government means that it is ineffective where it really counts.
Devolution is a trap. I do not believe our current politicians are up to the job, it has to be done using International law, using domestic law means Westminster always wins.
Dear Stuart - you almost certainly don’t know it, but the People of Scotland (I.e. you, me, every single one of us) has the inalienable Political Right (Universal Déclaration of Human Rights 1948) to organise her or himself in such a way as to participate DIRECTLY in government. That means Popular Sovereignty Swiss-style - and Scotland & Switzerland have identical constitutional cornerstones. Watch Leah’s stack in the next few weeks - I’m pretty sure it’s going to be interesting.
Ne’er a truer word were spoke, Leah. I’ve lived in Switzerland for 50 years, Swiss citizen for 25, and Decentralised Direct Democracy (DDD) really works. Yesterday I sent in my postal vote for two popular federal initiatives about our state pension scheme and another on a proposed new regional constitution for the canton (region) where I live - Valais. This draft constitution, developed by a 100% popular assembly over the last four years, has proposed a new DD tool « Citizens’ motion » whereby 200 citizens can propose a motion for obligatory debate by the regional assembly (this is proposed as a means of speeding up the DD process). I’ve voted in favour - results on March 3rd.
I am a bit jealous. I walked/hiked across the land from Basel to Lausanne 60 years ago with another scout and was tasked to learn something about the country which we did. Have gone back to the mountains since but not enough times. Loved it and maybe should've moved there but didn't.
Spot on Leah, it has to be soon, with or without the politicians or Westminstet will crush up completely!
I hope I live long enough to say that I lived in a democracy. The current UK system of first-past-the-post is a farce & leads to extremes which do not serve the people. Devolution is a small step forward, but the limited powers of the Scottish government means that it is ineffective where it really counts.
Devolution is a trap. I do not believe our current politicians are up to the job, it has to be done using International law, using domestic law means Westminster always wins.
I agree completely that we should have a system like that of Switzerland.
Dear Stuart - you almost certainly don’t know it, but the People of Scotland (I.e. you, me, every single one of us) has the inalienable Political Right (Universal Déclaration of Human Rights 1948) to organise her or himself in such a way as to participate DIRECTLY in government. That means Popular Sovereignty Swiss-style - and Scotland & Switzerland have identical constitutional cornerstones. Watch Leah’s stack in the next few weeks - I’m pretty sure it’s going to be interesting.
Ne’er a truer word were spoke, Leah. I’ve lived in Switzerland for 50 years, Swiss citizen for 25, and Decentralised Direct Democracy (DDD) really works. Yesterday I sent in my postal vote for two popular federal initiatives about our state pension scheme and another on a proposed new regional constitution for the canton (region) where I live - Valais. This draft constitution, developed by a 100% popular assembly over the last four years, has proposed a new DD tool « Citizens’ motion » whereby 200 citizens can propose a motion for obligatory debate by the regional assembly (this is proposed as a means of speeding up the DD process). I’ve voted in favour - results on March 3rd.
I am a bit jealous. I walked/hiked across the land from Basel to Lausanne 60 years ago with another scout and was tasked to learn something about the country which we did. Have gone back to the mountains since but not enough times. Loved it and maybe should've moved there but didn't.