Comments on: Democracy: driving and drinking

By: Jim Bliss

Jim Bliss — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:41:10 +0000

I much prefer your original version.

By: a very public sociologist

a very public sociologist — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:34:20 +0000

That should have been *public* scrutiny, obviously.

By: a very public sociologist

a very public sociologist — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:33:27 +0000

36 grand for 156 hours “work” a year? What a laughing stock this shower is. If you look at all levels of government there is a perfectly legal and “legitimate” trough our representatives can (and do!) stick their snouts in. Corruption in our political system is low compared with other liberal democracies because it is institutionalised in the system of perks, allowances, monies for committees, and so on. If transparent government is going to be a reality in this country there needs to be more democracy, more pubic scrutiny, making our representatives accountable, and demanding they live on no more than the average wage of the people they represent. In short – a sea change in our political culture.

By: john b

john b — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:18:45 +0000

@ Jherad - 50p? They say there's a dsquared post for every occasion. I don't know who they are, or why they'd say something so obviously untrue, but as it happens they're right about this one.

By: Jherad

Jherad — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:36:13 +0000

Anyone found a menu? I wonder how much Charles Clarke costs.

By: jailhouselawyer

jailhouselawyer — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:55:05 +0000

Let me get this right. Someone in local government cannot speak to someone in central government unless it is arranged through someone who used to work for central government, and is now in a retirement home called the House of Lords, and is paid a bribe of £36,000 per year, for 3 hours of work per week? I think the taxpayers should be asking why the connection charge in this case is far greater than the cost of a local call under BT.

By: scotch

scotch — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:28:07 +0000

Done. And with my real name and everything (truculent devious person that I am). I’ve even counted out the cash but tonight it may have to go towards a nice dinner.

By: Link Splurge | Big Sticks and Small Carrots

Link Splurge | Big Sticks and Small Carrots — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:09:33 +0000

[...] Democracy has never been cheaper. [...]

By: ejh

ejh — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:03:09 +0000

Hours. Not days. Hours. Sorry about that. I lost touch with unreality for a moment.

By: ejh

ejh — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:01:15 +0000

Three days a week?

If somebody will dob me thirty-six grand a year I promise I’ll do four.