(no subject)

[tinyjo]

So, according to a survay done in Germany, which I found out about here, Germans are disillusioned with their democracy. As is I think everyone else I know. So, where do you stand?

[Poll #862947]

Comments

[white_hart]

I'm not disillusioned about democracy. I'm cynical about politicians (I wouldn't say disillusioned, because I'm not sure I ever really had many illusions about them) and increasingly so about politics, and I'm definitely disillusioned by New Labour (have just been filling in UNISON application, and was rather struck by the fact that I was ticking the box for the general political fund rather than the affiliated one!), but I still believe in democracy. I also suspect that we probably have only ourselves and our apathy to blame if there isn't actually anyone decent to vote for...

[asciident]

With democracy in my country as a whole? No -- I'm frustrated with the concept of the electoral college, I'm cynical about politicians and interest groups, I'm concerned about voters being twisted and manipulated by ad campaigns instead of facts... but democracy? Not really. Then again, I live in a democratic republic (or a republican democracy) and in a jungle of federal, state and local law and politics. There's a lot to be upset about, and a lot to like.

'ere you go, 'ere you go, 'ere you go

[vinaigrettegirl.livejournal.com]

http://www.oxfordlibdems.org.uk/

[vinaigrettegirl.livejournal.com]

I'm a Churchillian on democracy: the worst possible form of government except when compared to all the others. I can't think of a better way to deal with politics as such. I am deeply ill at ease with the way all societies, bar none, deal with power; we waste our collective time on war and aggression instead of making this world habitable and decent for all.

We need a LOT more women involved, at every level.

[lady-angelina.livejournal.com]

The thing that upsets me the most is that no matter how many times people vote for something and it passes, the officials will always find some loophole to overturn it, so we end up seeing the same issue on the ballots just a few years later. More and more, I feel as though my vote doesn't even matter.

Also, I can't stand how winning votes seem to go to the highest bidder. I wish that money had far less influence in campaigning.

[ridicully]

Well, as a German, I had to vote for yes.
But I'm actually not so much disillusioned with democracy but frustrated about the choices we're given (as I suspect many people in the survey were too). Because the differences between our two major parties - and to a certain degree of the three minor ones - are often pretty much nonexsistant. And why vote at all if things are going to stay the same anyway?

[applez.livejournal.com]

I'm pleased as punch with today's electoral results in my country, and am daring to hope for a wider victory still. But I nevertheless feel wary of what the future will bring, even with an opposition-lead sliver of government, and scarred by 6 years of Bush.

Frankly, even with this electoral refresh button, the vested interests that influence, even own, the political architecture, will continue to play their part. The opposition's success today may yet be undermined to serve these interests.

To my mind, the threat of those interests to the very structure of this democracy remain, and they are not sitting still either.

Still, between the blatant truth-telling of linktv.org, and the local successes of right-headed politicians like my Mayor, these have actually lead me back to a place where I dare to love my country - or at least those elements I can love, and to hope for the future. A terribly dangerous proposition, I know.

[applez.livejournal.com]

Btw, I have a slightly annoying inability to read all the comments in your post ... there is no navigation bar on the right for me to roll down...