In tonight's Newsnight a member of the clergy stated that one of the reasons that people resent politicians is when they refer to being in power rather than in office to serve the people. I thought it was a very important point and a shame that David Dimbleby decided to pass straight over it. Had the panel discussed it, we might have been privy to a real insight into the motivation of these public servants.

Tim Yes indeed... The whole trouble has been the Presidential style and assumption that he is there to rule, not to serve.

Please let us not forget that lesson when we get the power back to Parliament

service whether invested in government or the clergy gives power to an elite

you can't escape it, for petty or great, evil or noble they fashion your fate

the clergyman simply recognised a power it once held that is now diminished, but the structures which support the elite remain undiminished and those who are elevated to serve become powerful.

Doesn't matter what their name is; public servant, aristocracy, communist brotherhood ... the public topple the elite only to replace it with another one

no point looking at motivation, it's intrinsic to human nature

At this moment I must quote a line from a film that is very much one of my favourites because of it's message.

'Governments should fear their people' V in 'V for Vendetta'

The message of that story is one that I think most of us need to hear. A nation has power beyond it's own knowledge and belief. It only finds that power in times of hardship or oppression.

It gives me hope that the fundamental problems facing Britain are being discussed on the forum of the next Party to run the country.

But what would it take for the duopoly to return power back to the people?

I know this is a deeply unpopular message that I've put up on the old site but (deep breath): pay a decent wage (min £100K) to politicians and prohibit them from holding any other external position.

We are giving them the power by voting for them, but the customer service seems to be split according to which hat they are wearing.

Timbill:

A good point.

These people are supposed to be Civil *Servants*, not Civil *Masters*!

On Question Time last night, Peter Hain said the US Democrats were his 'sister party'. That is no longer true.

I think DC's modern Conservative Party has more in common with the Deomocrats than New Labour. New Labour have forged a bond with Bush and the Republicans - they should take responsibilty for that HUGE mistake. Labour are deluded.

In the US you can vote for the Right Wing party...


... or the *really* Right Wing party...!

Astrocat
I think your analysis is absolutely correct.

The problem is to ensure that the system of checks and balances to prevent abuse of power, are sacrosanct.

Once, as Blair has done, the party in power sets about changing the constitutional rules, all can quickly be lost.

The House of Lords is our main defence, but has lost important powers, and is under serious assault.

Sorry Tizzy



I strongly disagree with that proposal.

1/The current gravy train is obscene.
The ordinary back bench MP is only worth a nominal salary. (middle non professional management.) That should rise as responsibilities increase. But £100K is way over the top.

2/ Politicians should have as much contact with the real world as possible. Outside jobs give that contact.

3/ They should not be allowed to set there own pay & benefits.