Oh no, I don't think so

[binidj]

Well goodness me, I've just read some things that ... frankly .. made what little hair I still have stand up on end. I am also in the uncomfortable position (for me) of sharing some of the views of people on my friends list that I almost always disagree with politically.

Please, if you haven't already done so, read the following post: http://oldmotherchaos.livejournal.com/65547.html

And then read the Bill that our Government are trying to push through (it isn't very long, honestly) at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/111/06111.1-4.html

Then, if you are as worried by the implications of this as I am, use the facilities at: http://www.writetothem.com/ to contact your MP so that they are aware of the seriousness of this Bill.

Now is not the time to sit on the fence or not bother to act because plenty of other people will do stuff instead.

Please spread this information on your LiveJournal or anywhere you can.

Comments

[westernind.livejournal.com]

Customs & Excise have been able to do this for years. It used to be one of the key defining differences between them and the Inland Revenue. If the IR had a court case go against them, they put up with it. But if C&E had a tribunal case go against them, they just whacked out another Statutory Instrument to reverse the decision.

It affected the nature of the department as a result; much more draconian. HMIT wouldn't bankrupt a taxpayer for non-payment of taxes. But C&E would wind up a business for non-payment of VAT, even if it was an honest mistake.

I wouldn't like to see the power given out to all government departments. :-(

[binidj.livejournal.com]

You know I used to work for HMIT right? This wouldn't have anything to do with faction leadership would it?

(sorry, I just couldn't resist)

[swiftblade.livejournal.com]

I refuse to contact my local MP I'm afraid for several reasons.

The main reason being that I will not participate in a system of party based electoral dictatorships, it would be hypocritical of me to do so.

However, I do think this bill is appauling in the extreme, surely there is some way of bringing this more to the media's attention?

[curlwomble.livejournal.com]

Write to whatever organs of the press you think will stir people to do something. Ask the editor why it's not been covered, maybe...

Seriously, though, I didn't vote for Soulsby, but he's the only one with any direct link to the process which might put a brake on this lunacy. Be a hypocrite; we won't mind.

[binidj.livejournal.com]

I'd agree with Womble, contact newspapers, other websites, anywhere you can to make sure that this Bill isn't passed. As long as you do something.

The excuse that people didn't act because they didn't want to participate in a governmental system they disagreed with won't hold a lot of water with me when the day comes that I'm being transported to the camps.

For evil to triumph ...

[swiftblade.livejournal.com]

That wasn't what I said, government I have no issue with per se.

But yes, I will do something.

[curlwomble.livejournal.com]

Actually, it was. You won't write to your MP because you don't like the system that appointed them and it feels wrong to utilise that system because of that dislike.

Not an excuse.

[swiftblade.livejournal.com]

Nope, that isn't it at all. I won't write to my MP, because he isn't my MP. He's a lackey of a party based electoral system and has nothing to do with representing the area who actually voted him in.

Whilst we have party based politics I will have nothing to do with thse party pawns.

However, what I have done is written a letter to the editor of my local newspaper and I will continue my campaign of trying to pursuade people not to participate in a aprty based system.

Once we have independant MPs who actually are voted in on the basis of what they personally believe in, and what they intend to do for the people that voted them in, then I will contact my local MP. I have better things to do than waste my time writting to someone who participates in yaboo politics.

[curlwomble.livejournal.com]

"He's a lackey of a party based electoral system and has nothing to do with representing the area who actually voted him in."
Lackey or no, unless his constituents actually tell him stuff, that's not going to change, is it?

[swiftblade.livejournal.com]

Firstly, he's an MP, its his job to know.

Secondly, he's a Tory, so he'll vote whatever way the Torys want him to (the same for Labour etc), not what his contituents want.

Anyway, Bin's LJ is hardly the place to have a discussion like this. The fact of the matter is that I will not participate in a system that I oppose, to do so would only encourage it to continue.