I have been gathering information on the Swiss approach to democracy.
Independence is the ideal opportunity to change our democratic system, to make it, well, democratic. Indeed I think it a waste of opportunity to wait till independence.
I think most voters would view such a radical change to our democratic system as exciting, offering a real change on how the country is run. A Swiss style of consultation and local voting would lance the boil that I hear, "Ruled from Edinburgh or London, what difference would independence make to the Highlands/Islands?"
Recently HPMA's were a hot topic by us, as is the increase in wind turbines and their pylons, both feel like something being imposed. This results in people "manning the barricades," division rather than enlightened discourse and a positive move forward. The HPMA's have been booted into the long grass.
I brought up the possibility of having a wider discussion for a change in our democratic process with a politician. I was told, the fact that the HPMA's hadn't happened would indicate that the system as is works.
What that politician didn't see was that, yes, the same result would have happened under a direct system, but it would have been a decision made directly by the people that HPMA's affect. Leaving a feeling of inclusivity, positivity and not one of division.
A big positive I also see is that with a proper campaign, getting the idea out there, then bring it up in Westminster, who would, without a doubt, say no. Politics of grievance I know, but if it brings more to yes.
Another idea that more voters would get behind, think potholes, that Westminster would be likely to refuse is a portion of the fuel duty from the local area goes back to that area directly. Although this is pertinent to our area, bad roads, heavy tourist and through traffic.
I've just emailed you the two PDF documents, as requested. Henry and I are happy to help spread the word about DD in any way we can. I'll be posting again on this subject next week.
Thank you Leah and Henry.
I have been gathering information on the Swiss approach to democracy.
Independence is the ideal opportunity to change our democratic system, to make it, well, democratic. Indeed I think it a waste of opportunity to wait till independence.
I think most voters would view such a radical change to our democratic system as exciting, offering a real change on how the country is run. A Swiss style of consultation and local voting would lance the boil that I hear, "Ruled from Edinburgh or London, what difference would independence make to the Highlands/Islands?"
Recently HPMA's were a hot topic by us, as is the increase in wind turbines and their pylons, both feel like something being imposed. This results in people "manning the barricades," division rather than enlightened discourse and a positive move forward. The HPMA's have been booted into the long grass.
I brought up the possibility of having a wider discussion for a change in our democratic process with a politician. I was told, the fact that the HPMA's hadn't happened would indicate that the system as is works.
What that politician didn't see was that, yes, the same result would have happened under a direct system, but it would have been a decision made directly by the people that HPMA's affect. Leaving a feeling of inclusivity, positivity and not one of division.
A big positive I also see is that with a proper campaign, getting the idea out there, then bring it up in Westminster, who would, without a doubt, say no. Politics of grievance I know, but if it brings more to yes.
Another idea that more voters would get behind, think potholes, that Westminster would be likely to refuse is a portion of the fuel duty from the local area goes back to that area directly. Although this is pertinent to our area, bad roads, heavy tourist and through traffic.
Thanks again for your time.
Please Henry, can you send me a PDF to my email.
Can you pick up my email from the substack acc?
I've just emailed you the two PDF documents, as requested. Henry and I are happy to help spread the word about DD in any way we can. I'll be posting again on this subject next week.