Why I'll be glad to see the back of 2009

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by rick0361

If there is one thing I would like to see with the politicos it is that they actually come from the constituency they represent and were born and bred there. Then we would have people who would know the real issues instead of just being sympathetic

Hear Hear

Pah, we need to move to the US system, where the date of the election is known years in advance, we need 4 yearly cycles and not 5 yearly ones, and we ought to have direct elections for the PM. The current system is wide open to abuse. Where's the fairness in the serving PM being able to choose the best time for the election? If the date were known years in advance, then they can't avoid reality. Also, in a fast changing world, 5 years is too long, 4 years is more like it. And voting for MPs who then choose the PM - rather than the electorate choosing who is boss - is arcane.

[Biker Biggles]

And another idea.We need to outlaw the central party control over who is allowed to stand for office.As long as the suits control this they effectively control who can become an MP.The Tories have their A list of candidates and regularly parachute one of the chosen few into safe seats,and Labour have a similar system.Totally corrupt.

[Bibio]

supose it weren't that bad a year considering the past couple i have had. hhhhmmm lets see what 2010 can throw at me.

[Drew Carey]

For me 2009 has been a year of the biggest highs and lowest lows....got married, was amazing. Then Hovis's sad passing, now followed by my Grandma who has untreatable stomach cancer and is bed ridden.....just a matter of time. Roll on 2010!!!!

Originally Posted by Bri w

How about we all pay 40%, then services won't have to be cut fairs fair.

Well I'll be paying it, if that makes you feel better ....

..... but I think how lucky I am to have some disposable income, to be able to treat my friends and family, and not to have to wake up each morning with the fear of debt ......

.......I don't sit and think how unlucky I am to be earning more than the national average .....

Glass half empty ??

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

And another idea.We need to outlaw the central party control over who is allowed to stand for office.As long as the suits control this they effectively control who can become an MP.The Tories have their A list of candidates and regularly parachute one of the chosen few into safe seats,and Labour have a similar system.Totally corrupt.

Rubbish - the problem is the narrow mind of the electorate. The proverbial donkey with a red rosette would be elected here. I wouldn't care if it was the candidate with the best policies, but electing it for its political party is not always a good idea.

5 year elections are fine if you command a large enough majority, a bad plan if you end up with 5 years of a hung parliament when no legislation can be passed.

Originally Posted by Bri w

How about we all pay 40%, then services won't have to be cut fairs fair.

You tell that to those on minimum wage - do you think they can afford it? We want people to work not live off benefits.

Services however will always be cut regardless of increases - but then again ours come from Scottish Government so slightly different.

2010 - I have high hopes for it

[Biker Biggles]

Originally Posted by simesb

Rubbish - the problem is the narrow mind of the electorate. The proverbial donkey with a red rosette would be elected here. I wouldn't care if it was the candidate with the best policies, but electing it for its political party is not always a good idea.

5 year elections are fine if you command a large enough majority, a bad plan if you end up with 5 years of a hung parliament when no legislation can be passed.

Dunno why you think my point is "rubbish"as you are agreeing with everything I said.The "donkey" with whatever colour rosette gets elected in most constituencies,so whoever controls the selection of said donkeys contols who gets elected.Think about it.

[Bri w]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bri w
How about we all pay 40%, then services won't have to be cut fairs fair.

You tell that to those on minimum wage - do you think they can afford it? We want people to work not live off benefits.

Services however will always be cut regardless of increases - but then again ours come from Scottish Government so slightly different.

2010 - I have high hopes for it


I'd like everyone to be on 40%, and have a disposable income and not have to worry about minimum wage. By having a low band of tax, and a minimum wage the govt and those paying the 40% are subsidising companies who don't pay a proper wage.

Another 'unfair' tax is council tax. I'm on a low band, in mid taxing council area. Why should Joe Bloggs just down the road, who may be on minimum wage, have to pay 50% more than me to have his bins emptied?

My point is equality, whether it be income tax or council tax, and if something somewhere else in the Govt's budget needs cutting to give equality then so be it.