The definition of a democracy is, "A government in which people hold the supreme power."

In other words a government voted in by the people, for the people, in which the government listen to the people.

A democracy is not, for the government to ignore the people and do what they desire or see best fit.
That comes under communism and dictatorship.

For instance;
When a party gets voted into power because it says it will do or change something and then goes back on its word.
An example;
The conservatives and the promised referendum on EU membership, which did not happen.

The government then wonder why we don't trust them.
It's because they are corrupt.

If 67% of the population wants a referendum on EU membership. We can only assume that they would want this, so a vote on the membership can be had, in which the 67% would most obviously want to quit the EU. Otherwise why vote for a referendum.

Even so, 67% is a majority. If we were in a real democracy then the government would allow it.

The government wouldn't tell its MP's to vote against this referendum, and use the three line whip. Basically meaning all MP's are expected to vote, and anyone voting against the government should expect to resign.

Sounds like vote our way or feel our wrath. Which sounds like as dictatorship.

Funnily we back other countries to over throw their so called dictators. When at home its just as bad but disguised as a democracy.

It seems more and more likely the only way to get through to these power hungry dictators is to do something radical. Maybe It's time to do what Guy Fawkes failed to do on that fateful day.

How else can we get them to listen? And if we can't, maybe we should follow in the Arab springs footsteps.

it was supposed to be a coalition government, and now cameron is telling his own party, in mainstream earshot, that they must not have their own opinion.

dictatorship is the correct term. frankly this fiasco is bull, and people won't forget.

ed: im sorry, I mean "must not have their own opinion or face disciplinary action" wut they thing the house of commons is a school debate team and if you bring up the wrong idea you'll get detention? only the tools will fall for it.

ed: last edit...I don't want to see an '[country] spring' in the UK, or another gunpowder plot, I want that son of a *** to listen to the public or face the consquences, he's bringing it on himself with this bull. pardon my french, it is needed this time.

We wont get to vote on getting out of the EU no matter
how much we want it,

Think of how many UK politicians go to europe and make
millions like neil kinnock and peter mandelson .

To big a gravy train to let the little people have a say.

Cameron has allways been a liar, i cant stand Ed Miliband to be honest but he`s making Cameron and Osbourne look like what they are ......... a couple of clueless posh kids.

The only man to go to parliament with good intentions was Guy Fawkes

Originally posted by skuly
We wont get to vote on getting out of the EU no matter
how much we want it,

Think of how many UK politicians go to europe and make
millions like neil kinnock and peter mandelson .

To big a gravy train to let the little people have a say.

You can vote for the right hand or the left hand but they will both smell of $hit because the puppet master uses both hands to wipe his a$$

Let me know who i vote for to get tony blair brought to justice for his WMD lies and treason instead of getting his payout from the queen and his noble peace prize and i will say we are moving in the right direction.

Money makes the world go around and zionist bankers control the money and these politicians must be working for the bankers because they sure as hell are not working for us when the international price of oil can drop 18% and only 2% down at my local Asda.

The system is past repair and the only solution i see is an out and out revolution with a liberal use of rope but maybe i'm ahead of the times having read to much history.

Originally posted by Tower7WTF
The only man to go to parliament with good intentions was Guy Fawkes

Because attempting to blow up parliament in order to install a Catholic theocracy is a great intention.

On the whipping system - MPs can choose to ignore the whip if they feel they can do without the party, or can handle the sanctions which may be placed upon them. Being part of a party means listening to its leadership, and Mr. Cameron clearly feels this isn't the time to be discussing withdrawing from the EU (one of many decisions he was elected to take on our behalf). He's well within his rights to demand that people from the party which he was elected to lead do not vote in favour of this referendum, as are the other party leaders. The referendum pledge in his manifesto had no timetable and in fact may still happen when the situation in Europe improves; when the manifestos were written over a year and a half ago nobody expected things to be this bad.

I also don't want a nation where we simply follow the whims of the majority at every turn. The death penalty would likely still be around, amongst other things.

Originally posted by DAZ21
The definition of a democracy is, "A government in which people hold the supreme power."

Well, when the next General Election comes around you can vote, in other words the people do hold "supreme power" to change their elected representatives.

Clearly, you are miffed that there has not been a refurendum on EU membership. You need to take consollation that the Coservatives rebelled. In a dictatorship, they would have been lined up and shot.

However, I think that there are more important issues on the table at the moment, and this has been consistently highlighted. Personally, I think a referendum will happen, but now is not the time.

Regards

Politicians have never listened to the people, they are all self serving leeches only interested in filling their pockets.

I dont vote because of this, it really doesnt matter who gets in which is why I always laugh at the zealous americans banging on about their side like they are cheerleading their football team.

Originally posted by Flyer
Politicians have never listened to the people, they are all self serving leeches only interested in filling their pockets.

Not entirey true - they have to listen enough that they continue to be elected, after all. Can't serve your own interests if you're not in Parliament.

I dont vote because of this, it really doesnt matter who gets in

Bollocks, although yes it matters less right now due to it being a time of crisis. When things are all fine again you'll see ideology begin to matter more, although even now the parties have very different ideas on how to handle the current problems.

If your voting with an electronic voting machine, do you really think your vote is safe and not tampered with? C'mon people. s/f op and thanks Great thread.

Originally posted by Threegirls
The people who do not vote because they have no faith in the government are significant in number.

People who do not vote should stop complaining about democracy, or perceived lack of democracy. If they opt out of their democratic right then they have no moral platform to compain.

Regards

We are still a Monarchy not a Democracy. We are not citizens , but subjects of the Queen.

Whilst the Bilderbergers decide who will become Prime Minister and also decide if we stay in Europe or no, then we have NO say.

David Cameron, George Osborne, Ed Milliband and Ed Balls, all Bilderbergers.

As an American I feel it's my duty to chime in. After all, many feel it their duty to tell us how to run our country...

Any way...

So govt. is not responding to your needs? So change it. Oh, wait... That would mean getting involved, and actually participating in governing, by choosing those who will respond to your needs. Nevermind. Carry on with the complaining...

Originally posted by UngoodWatermelon
I also don't want a nation where we simply follow the whims of the majority at every turn. The death penalty would likely still be around, amongst other things.

Fair enough but I would suggest the handing over of sovereignty is a rather different matter. The only time we got to vote, it was simply mooted as a trade arrangement. If it was important enough for a vote then, even more so now.
We are now at the whim of unelected bureaucrats. Even our MEPs have little say. The finances haven't been properly audited for years and it is one big gravy train.
Labour and Conservative have both lied and prevaricated.
As for those who think we may get a referendum at some opportune moment in the future, I say 'in your dreams'. Shall I tell you how it is going to play out?
Already greater fiscal unity is being touted as a possible solution for the Eurozone. Quel surprise!
And of course UK will be on the outside looking in.
At some point we will be told that this is damaging UK interests. Now what would be the solution? Hmmm
A United States of Europe was always the bigger game plan. Watch and learn...

Originally posted by starchild10

Fair enough but I would suggest the handing over of sovereignty is a rather different matter.

Yes, I believe any proposed future changes to the status quo in either direction should require a referendum. That does not mean now is the time to be making any such changes.

We are now at the whim of unelected bureaucrats. Even our MEPs have little say. The finances haven't been properly audited for years and it is one big gravy train.

You're preaching to the converted here.

Shall I tell you how it is going to play out?

Can you tell me next week's lottery numbers too?

Already greater fiscal unity is being touted as a possible solution for the Eurozone.

Good. A monetary union without fiscal union was doomed to failure from the start as it is, and if they want to be more united then let them.

And of course UK will be on the outside looking in.

Also good.

At some point we will be told that this is damaging UK interests. Now what would be the solution? Hmmm

Most people and even most politicians are against joining a European federation.

A United States of Europe was always the bigger game plan. Watch and learn...

Yes it was, and some of the most influential founders of the EU and its predecessors said as much when it was being created. However that's not really the game plan for us.