Comments on: John Ashton: Fracking in England only possible if it is imposed https://www.climatechangenews.com/2015/09/08/john-ashton-fracking-in-england-will-only-be-possible-if-it-is-imposed/ Climate change news, analysis, commentary, video and podcasts focused on developments in global climate politics Thu, 17 Sep 2015 06:08:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 By: Ian Campbell https://www.climatechangenews.com/2015/09/08/john-ashton-fracking-in-england-will-only-be-possible-if-it-is-imposed/#comment-7214 Thu, 17 Sep 2015 06:08:00 +0000 http://www.rtcc.org/?p=24184#comment-7214 I would suggest that we use the term “dictatorship” for “power over”, and the term “democracy” for “power with”.

In most western “democracies”, we don’t have “power with” i.e. we don’t have true democracy – citizens are given a very limited choice of two dictatorships i.e. the two main political parties. This is how it is in the UK. The parties say and do what they feel they need to say and do in order to get into power, and then when in power they say and do whatever they feel that they can get away with – including breaking commitments, distorting facts, outright lying, favouring particular groups such as their donors or supporters, and making decisions in secret. This is not democracy.

At 800 years since Magna Carta, when an agreement was made putting limits on the power of King John and the way in which that power was exercised, it is time for #MagnaCarta2 – a statement drawn up by citizens saying what limits they will set on the way decisions are made.

On my list, I would include
– decision-makers are servants of the people – not their masters
– decisions are evidence-based, not arrogance-based, ignorance-based or corruption-based
– decision are made openly, with the evidence used being shared and clearly explained – with an end to secret lobbying – if someone has something to contribute, we should all hear it
– genuine consultation should take place on major decisions, with a willingness to improve draft plans in accord with the responses received

We should make clear that decision-makers who go beyond the set limits are no longer acting with public support or consent, that any taxes levied are not legitimate, and that the individuals involved are not democratic politicians but merely thugs in suits – their egos are probably their greatest vulnerability.

]]> By: Lewis Bogbeagle https://www.climatechangenews.com/2015/09/08/john-ashton-fracking-in-england-will-only-be-possible-if-it-is-imposed/#comment-7193 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 07:56:00 +0000 http://www.rtcc.org/?p=24184#comment-7193 Only 3 ways to have someone obey your will .. Consent, Force and Fraud.

That is, you can Contract with someone, voluntarily … You can compel, using force … or you can Deceive.

Force and Fraud are crimes.

Therefore, all Government, if it is not to be criminal, must be Consensual

Withdraw your Consent to their Governance, en-masse … and they will quake in their boots. This can be done without violence, without protest, without even leaving the comfort of your living room.

]]>