Martin B Posted October 13, 2006 Author Share Posted October 13, 2006 I think you meant Sorry noeglu, of course Martin would be even better than you as PM, you're a woman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 13, 2006 Share Posted October 13, 2006 on a more serious note... politicians are a very easy target - they are not all self-serving lunatics - the majority of MPs I have encountered (and that's quite a few in various capacities) are doing their best to serve constituents when they really have very little power or influence.. (nor do I suspect that ANY of us on this forum would find the job of Prime Minister to be easy or find that after a few months we had stuck to all our principles...) anyway - the real way to influence politics is not through your vote - though that is important - it's getting involved yourself. The UK is crying out for Public Servants in all walks of life - people willing to have a go at putting something back into local democracy. Schools are crying out for decent hard-working committed governors, local councils need decent hard-working commited councillors.. it is SO easy to sit back and knock/blame the local council or the government or the school - those mysterious people in power - and yet never seek to get involved ourselves... (sermon over!) Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted October 14, 2006 Share Posted October 14, 2006 I agree with you Phil ( ) - I have been involved in many groups over the years in local politics, environmental groups and schools. I became involved in most things whilst my children were at school - it's no good complaining but not actively doing anything. We all have responsibilities as well as rights and I felt it was my responsibility to become involved and have a say in decision making - no matter how small. It is nice to see the youngsters on this forum so full of enthusiasm and able to reason for themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannie Posted October 14, 2006 Share Posted October 14, 2006 I agree with you too Phil!! I used to run a charity providing local community care services, and we had a board of trustees. They had a really difficult job and gave up their time and energy on a completely voluntary basis. And it was often pretty thankless, as it was all too easy for staff who didn't understand the complexities of issues to just blame those with more power. Often the hands of people in senior positions are completely tied anyway, as there are always others in external positions who are more powerful. Its easy for the rest of us to point the finger without knowing the facts! Local charities are often desperate for sensible adults to join their committees, and I think this is something people should seriously consider. If you read papers in advance, turn up at meetings, ask sensible questions, give constructive views, and communicate fairly with others, you'll be greatly appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted October 14, 2006 Share Posted October 14, 2006 I think you meant Sorry noeglu, of course Martin would be even better than you as PM, you're a woman Martin don't be sexist, Margaret Thatcher was a woman PM, she stood up for what she wanted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannie Posted October 14, 2006 Share Posted October 14, 2006 She certainly was a powerful and very capable woman, noeglu, whatever else one might say about her (I'm restraining myself here). Interesting that no-one has voted Green yet in this poll, given that green issues are popular topics on this forum. I must say that I did vote Green in our local elections last time, but don't usually, and so didn't go green in this poll because Martin did ask who we generally vote for.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 14, 2006 Share Posted October 14, 2006 I think you meant Sorry noeglu, of course Martin would be even better than you as PM, you're a woman Martin don't be sexist, Margaret Thatcher was a woman PM, she stood up for what she wanted. Now, now... play fair... Martin was only evening up the balance following Pepe's origibal sexist comment: Sorry noeglu, of course you would be even better than Martin as PM, you're a woman. Martin, you will have to settle for deputy! you can't call Martin and ignore Pepe... can you?? Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted October 14, 2006 Share Posted October 14, 2006 I agree with you Phil and we as a family have aways tried to support our local community, especially hubby who is a governor at son's school and very involved (too involved) in grass roots football. And of course, you are right, by being involved at a local level does help influence local policies. But nevertheless I do get very disillusioned with national politics. I work within the NHS.... and I could write a treatise on my opinions of what the current government is doing to the NHS... but that would be far too boring, so I'll spare you, except to say that change after change after change without time to reflect or consolidate doesn't give time to analyse and evaluate what actually works, and what was nothing more than a good idea on paper, and actually causes a lot of disaffection and disillusionment within the workforce. Too many ideas and expectations.... the poor old NHS simply can't deliver at this rate. I am very tempted by Green policies, but I'm not convinced by their entire mandate. Sure I'm in pretty much full agreement on the Green policies, but unfortunately they seem a lot weaker on other issues.... health, national security, education, budgets and so on. I love them in principle, but will need a lot more convincing that they're a viable option for government. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted October 14, 2006 Author Share Posted October 14, 2006 Thanks for everybodies coments! I'm visiting the houses of parliament on Monday on a school trip, which also involves going on the London Eye! I want to be well prepared, and we have a Question and Answer session with a MP, I want to be well prepared so does anybody ahve any ideas of questions I could ask. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted October 15, 2006 Share Posted October 15, 2006 Sounds like a great day Martin, and a wonderful experience. I hope you enjoy it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted October 15, 2006 Author Share Posted October 15, 2006 Thanks for everybodies coments! I'm visiting the houses of parliament on Monday on a school trip, which also involves going on the London Eye! I want to be well prepared, and we have a Question and Answer session with a MP, I want to be well prepared so does anybody ahve any ideas of questions I could ask. You could ask the MP how they feel about the fact that national politics seems to be purely a personality contest these days with no substance... I will, that will shock him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted October 15, 2006 Author Share Posted October 15, 2006 .. or her (sorry) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 15, 2006 Share Posted October 15, 2006 ask about something YOU are interested in or concerned about - what about battery hen welfare or summat? don't judge the MP before you have met him/her - (as I said before) - most MPs I have spent any time with (and that's quite few) are decent people who want to make a difference... they are real ordinary people - just like you and (errr...) me... enjoy the day - the Eye is great - (but I'm sure there's a better one in Birmingham!) Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted October 15, 2006 Author Share Posted October 15, 2006 Not anymore that lives in Australia now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted October 15, 2006 Share Posted October 15, 2006 House of Parliament is a wonderful place-been there, done that!!! There's so much history in that place. Remember whatever you do, don't sit on any of the chairs as you're not allowed to unless you're an MP. My friend nearly did and got in a lot of trouble. Are you going to see your local MP for your constituency. We saw David Laws-he's very nice and he's Yeovil's MP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jess Posted October 15, 2006 Share Posted October 15, 2006 anything where anyone votes for anything else is a popularity contest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted October 15, 2006 Author Share Posted October 15, 2006 Are you going to see your local MP for your constituency. We saw David Laws-he's very nice and he's Yeovil's MP. Not sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
