Subject:
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Re: The position of authority (was: Handgun Death Rate)
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Fri, 20 Jul 2001 17:58:59 GMT
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Viewed:
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236 times
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> In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Scott Arthur writes:
> > What is you proposed solution on this? Smaller parties in the UK back PR as
> > they hope it will benefit them? Is that on the agenda in the USA?
In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Christopher L. Weeks writes:
> The solution that I would like to see for the US is undistricting. If we were
> electing the top n representitives instead of the top one from n districts,
> then small parties would get at least some representation. When that
> happened, I expect their views would receive note and that added interest
> and exposure would help them gain more seats. That would be a wholly
> improved system as far as I can see.
Good idea. The tiny majority in your last election is similar to what kept
the Tory government hanging on to power by their fingernails for a while
over here. With only 40% of the vote, they still managed to keep just over
50% of the seats in the House of Commons, and rule.
For those who don't know, the 'PR' Scott is referring to is just what you
described - what we call 'Proportional Representation' (not 'Public
Relations'). Generally anyone mentioning 'electoral reform' over here is
after some sort of PR (typically of both meanings ;-). The intention is to
break the hold of party politics. But, not everyone is sure it's a good
idea in the UK as it could lead to a lot more argument and tactical blocking
of policy in our parliament. Having said that, the main counter-argument
put forward is just about maintaining the status quo. I kind of sit on the
fence on this one, as the issues haven't really surfaced. I'd like to see
other parties have better representation in the house, but the logistics are
horrendous. Does it mean having an electoral system tailored specifically
to party politics? Where then do independant candidates stand? How,
basically, do you decide who gets in and who doesn't?
Jason J Railton
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