One thing that jumped out for me last night while watching both victory and concessions speaches was a lack of humility. Victors boasted. Losers pointed fingers, made excuses and predictions like, “not much will change.”
Unfortunately they may be right.
Forgive me for saying so as an outsider, but it does rather look as this is symptomatic of a larger issue. Reading the posts inTLR I have to say that the prevailing atmosphere of US politics (from the level of candidates right down to the level of TLR posters) is one of mindless belligerence. It really does seem that you people would rather call each other names and make all kinds of wild accusations than engage in anything more that remotely resembling an actual political discussion.
Let me ask TLR as a whole this question:
Does your nation not deserve better, both from you and from your politicians?
It really does seem that you people would rather call each other names and make all kinds of wild accusations than engage in anything more that remotely resembling an actual political discussion.
Kind of like Parliament, huh?
I never claimed my system was any good, only that the current situation in ‘the world’s most powerful democracy’ doesn’t exactly fill me with joy and bliss!
And before you make any comments regarding the tendency of British MPs to be guttural, I have one word for you:
filibuster
!
I never claimed my system was any good, only that the current situation in ‘the world’s most powerful democracy’ doesn’t exactly fill me with joy and bliss!
Well, you know what they say- it’s the worst system in the world, except for all the others.
And filibusters are eminently civilized. Especially compared to some of the antics that go on in Parliament.
“And filibusters are eminently civilized. Especially compared to some of the antics that go on in Parliament.”
such as? (just curious to see if you’re thinking of the same sorts of things I am)
For the record, I do not consider the UK system of government to be massively superior to the US one, nor do I support either of the UK’s two main parties. However, I would suggest that the level of debate - particularly surrounding elections - appears to be somewhat less…
tabloid?
such as?
Such as the treatment accorded to the PM by MPs when they don’t like what he’s saying as he’s addressing them in session. Talk about playing rough. Every bit as discourteous as the worst LR ravings, I think.
Anyway, relax- I’m not really trying to say the British system is more worser than the American, and I agree with you that our’s could be better. Just engaging in some light hearted ribbing. But I don’t think our political environment, or the level of debate in here, is all *that *bad. Certainly, it could stand some improvement at times.
We need a queen, or at least a royal family!
Don’t worry, I can take it. (Though I hardly think moaning, groaning and waving your papers in the air is quite the same as insulting the sexual preferences of one’s maternal grandfather as I’m fairly sure has happened here from time to time.)
It’s worth remembering, of course, that the PM is only really ‘first’ amongst equals. The role is not parallel to the US President.
anyway “more worser”?!
Oh no, that’s one thing I personally think we could ALL do without (at least in anything other than a ceremonial role).
Though I hardly think moaning, groaning and waving your papers in the air is quite the same as insulting the sexual preferences of one’s maternal grandfather as I’m fairly sure has happened here from time to time.)
I can only say that as an American, it’s strange to hear the PM actually get shouted down by Parliament. At times, it’s hard to tell if I’m listening to the PM address the British legislative body, or a campus speech by any conservative.
And hey, if you Brits and your grandparents have some special bond with sheep, who am I to judge?
It’s worth remembering, of course, that the PM is only really ‘first’ amongst equals. The role is not parallel to the US President.
So? You won’t hear members of Congress behave that way in session towards each other, either.
Look, the point is not to criticize your Parliament. That’s just the way things work on your side of the pond. It is what it is. I’m just saying that our political environment is really no worse generally, imo. The debate, and the uglier aspects, is simply expressed differently. Different political culture. Not better, not worse.
Agreed, and I’m certainly not trying to defend the outdated traditions of Parliament. Perhaps the clearest thing I can say is that in ALL intances I would like to see the participants (at all levels) in a political process approach it with the seriousness it deserves.
One thing that jumped out for me last night while watching both victory and concessions speaches was a lack of humility. Victors boasted. Losers pointed fingers, made excuses and predictions like, “not much will change.”
Unfortunately they may be right.
Actually, I think that is a GOOD thing. Well, better than slamming your opponent with distasteful attacks prior to the election then making all nice afterwards. That’s not manners, that’s lying.
I thought all the speeches form IL politicians, winners and losers, were very gracious last night.
Vitus, your response to Fade’s point:
“It really does seem that you people would rather call each other names and make all kinds of wild accusations than engage in anything more that remotely resembling an actual political discussion.”
was to say in essence, “We’re still better than you.”, pretty much making his point.
In answer to fade’s question, I think we are getting what we deserve. If our forefathers could see how bastardized our gov’t has become and the apathy of the general public, they would probably start another revolution.