What the view like up there!

If you look back over the last few blogs you will see I have become a little testy with those from the chattering classes that seem to feel that they are slightly above the rest of us, and such things as popular petitions are really rather grubby, ineffective and even if a million+ (with some wonderful juggling on what % of the voting population they constitute) do offer an opinion it is... misguided.

So, with due deference to our youngers and betters in the media, I bring you something Not in our (now who is that?) name: what looks pretty much like a petition.

How very Animal Farm, now some petitions are more relevant than others, and a few score elite - Leading figures from politics, religion, the arts (leading whom, exactly?) and the military - are waaay more important than the mere working public.

ps: In the Indy yesterday, and I admit to being selective, but these are direct quotes: 'Petitions should not determine government policy', 'we should not be unduly swayed by this petition'

Guardian - Beware of No 10's instant democracy

You know, I'm getting a teenie bit tired of being told I am not as worthy of having, and/or expressing an opinion by those who feel better positioned to do so.

http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/02/emperors-new-steamroller_14.html

http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/02/what-view-like-up-there.html

One thing is true though. Nothing will kill the value of this valuable opportunity to actually engage the workings of government with the working classes quicker than all the nonsense petitions, which are clogging the system. Democracy inaction, I guess.

And those used to a clear, suitably moderated (thanks, CiF) shot at telling us what to do and think (pols, commentators, spokespersons) all have a vested interest in making it so. There's an unholy alliance against a great threat: a population fed up with being fed spin and kept in a froth, who just want to get on and do what they can and is reasonable to make life fairer and safer for their families and futures.

Just before the airflown compost hit the windwill, I had submitted a compromise IHT petition advocating a Carbon Legacy to future generations, which has been acknowledged but not yet accepted or rejected - http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/02/carbon-legacy.html . Just a tad busy elsewhere at the 'mo to get it up, I'm hoping.

I also sweat on it getting rejected for not mutting the custard. Or maybe being too sensible and uncontentious to risk being shared with the ignorant masses.

Because that just seems how some want to keep things that they don't control these days - divide & rule!

BBC - Transport targets 'not being met'