View Full Version : If a general election were called tomorrow, who gets your vote?
Just a bit of fun really, so please take it that way as 'political' threads can spiral out of control sometimes ;)
Anyway, I am not looking for any comment, just a quick anonymous poll to see what the general populous of AoS think - not very representative I know, but as I said, just a bit of fun on the back of last nights surprising (or not) election results. If you don't normally vote please still poll - if you 'had' to vote who would you go for?
:)
(don't read anything into the poll 'order' it's alphabetical)
The Grand Wazoo
03-05-2013, 07:54
Ooh-err, another politics thread!
OWwOJlOI1nU
Hmmm, yes Chris, I don't want comment though, is there a way to lock a thread but still allow a poll vote?
If it starts going south take it down, but hopefully people will take note that I'm not looking for any discussion at all, just an anonymous vote ;)
chris@panteg
03-05-2013, 08:02
Pointless vote here in Banbury , the Tories could field Jimmy Saville's dead corpse and they'd still get a handsome majority .
The Grand Wazoo
03-05-2013, 08:32
OK, can I reiterate Tim's wishes to keep this fun and without partisan or confrontational sentiments please?
Please reserve any comment you may have on the performance, merits or otherwise of the various parties confined to the poll.
....and in support of that sentiment:
I must just say that I felt highly privileged and honoured, when I cast my vote last night, to be given the opportunity to operate a vital piece of technical equipment which was designed to keep the democratic process running like a well oiled machine. Thank God for good old British engineering prowess!
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you 'Shaw's Ballot Paper Compactor'!!
http://www.shaws.co.uk/images/products/large_LE120.jpg
I wish there was a "None of above useless twats" option in this poll :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
I wish there was a "None of above useless twats" option in this poll
:lol: indeed.
Audioman
03-05-2013, 08:44
It's a case of voting for the lesser evil based on the fact that the last government were incompetents, the present largest party's coalition partners are twats and the rest have no chance of actualy winning - It's got to be the posh boys Eaton mafia as they have at least grasped the basics that the country is broke and has to spend less.
You're taking a chance, Tim!
Voted - although as others have stated, it's clearly a case of the lesser of all the evils.
I've added another option... ;)
Marco.
I was trying to avoid that Marco, as that's kind of how I feel TBH, I was after a what would you do if you had to opinion. That option could potentially get the most hits as its clear a large percentage of the country obviously feels that way.
Rare Bird
03-05-2013, 10:21
I've added another option... ;)
Marco.
O go on then you forced my hand :lol:
jollyfix
03-05-2013, 10:25
Can i change my vote to the new added option? this would have been my first choice.
I've added another option... ;)
Marco.
Good man :thumbsup:
See what I mean, completely defeats the object I what I was trying to find out and I knew that already :doh:
Oh well,
Gmanuk101
03-05-2013, 11:39
no SNP no? probably not worth it since the most of scotland is SNP?
walpurgis
03-05-2013, 11:46
Perhaps we need a patriotic military dictatorship to put some grit and backbone back in the country and have it run in a strict no nonsense fashion.
They might for instance, bring conscription back for 17 to 20 year olds so they learn skills and discipline. Stamp on crime so hard, even the thought of prosecution becomes horrific. Remove remission on prison sentences and just give prisoners more time if they fail to behave or attempt some form of rehabilitation. Instead of bailing detained illegal immigrants and letting them disappear again, put them in labour camps to earn their keep prior to deportation. Give the ones who refuse to identify themselves so they don't get sent back, hard labour until they capitulate. Put benefit scroungers in labour camps too, for work training and provide for the genuinely needy instead.
I'll bet there'll be loads of 'up in arms' responses to this.
Gmanuk101
03-05-2013, 11:57
Perhaps we need a patriotic military dictatorship to put some grit and backbone back in the country and have it run in a strict no nonsense fashion.
They might for instance, bring conscription back for 17 to 20 year olds so they learn skills and discipline. Stamp on crime so hard, even the thought of prosecution becomes horrific. Remove remission on prison sentences and just give prisoners more time if they fail to behave or attempt some form of rehabilitation. Instead of bailing detained illegal immigrants and letting them disappear again, put them in labour camps to earn their keep prior to deportation. Give the ones who refuse to identify themselves so they don't get sent back, hard labour until they capitulate. Put benefit scroungers in labour camps too, for work training and provide for the genuinely needy instead.
I'll bet there'll be loads of 'up in arms' responses to this.
with all due respect, who will pay for the up-keep and maintenance of all of this sudden influx into conscription?
sounds like you actually want an "up in arms" response to quite frankly is an ill thought out solution. but hey each to their own opinion.
Gmanuk101
03-05-2013, 11:58
oh an a patriotic military dictatorship is anything but that, it's a dictatorship which only serves one end, military. pfft... sorry but this is laughable at least
Well my vote has gone in.
Until recently I was a member if one of the parties but no longer pay subs as they have drifted so far from my community of interest now.
Rousseau said that in a democracy the majority of people get the government they deserve. I'm a believer in this and think that whoever voted for our current government deserves no better than what they are getting. Seems fair.
Election wise I would like to see the current lib dems obliterated, if only because neither left or right really needs them. Other than to play junior partner in a sham coalition. Their demise will be a good thing for the left and the right alike, let's get them out of the way eh?
Rousseau said that in a democracy the majority of people get the government they deserve. I'm a believer in this and think that whoever voted for our current government deserves no better than what they are getting. Seems fair.
No, it doesn't work and is a fairly preposterous 'observation'. However, I'm not going to get into a political debate as I have neither the hours left in my life nor the desire to debate a subject in which most people have fixed and intractable views.
Guys are we incapable of just polling as requested? :scratch:
Moot point now anyway as Marco has crapped over it, as I very deliberately didn't want a I can't be arsed option, so its pointless now from my point of view.
Ho hum :confused:
Audioman
03-05-2013, 14:10
See what I mean, completely defeats the object I what I was trying to find out and I knew that already :doh:
Oh well,
Thought you were admin Tim - change it back. Marco you've missed the point. Imagine you are in Australia and voting is compulsory and 6 months jail for spoiling a vote. You can't sit on the shelf and just say they are all twats then? You have to pick the most acceptable option.
Paul.
Gmanuk101
03-05-2013, 14:18
why not disable comments on the post, simples
Gmanuk101
03-05-2013, 14:19
I love the fact that some people say their opinion then state they can't be bothered to debate...highly amusing.. imo
Guys are we incapable of just polling as requested? :scratch:
Moot point now anyway as Marco has crapped over it, as I very deliberately didn't want a I can't be arsed option, so its pointless now from my point of view.
Ho hum :confused:
My apologies, Tim. It's just that I have about as much interest in politics as I have examining the contents of my last turd. Anyway, the crap, as it were, can be removed, no problem - just let me know :)
Marco.
twickers
03-05-2013, 15:37
In the short life of this thread we have observed democracy. Basically Everybody gets what nobody wants. Now that's democracy.
Perhaps the last option on the voting screen should be less emotive and changed to Spoilt Paper, after all this is an accepted option in an actual election.
I have entered into the spirit of the thread and I have cast a vote. Cheers for this Tim it is an interesting experiment. So far UKIP are doing well which is pretty much what I expected and hoped for.
Thought you were admin Tim - change it back.
I was Paul, but voluntarily stood down - I didn't feel I could devote enough time to the role, as it wasn't something I was going to do lightly. I also felt a little bit of an imposter, as music is my true love and I have never really considered myself to be an audiophile - still not sure what one is anyway. The guys in the engine room really do put a lot of time and effort into making AoS what it is ;)
My apologies, Tim. It's just that I have about as much interest in politics as I have examining the contents of my last turd. Anyway, the crap, as it were, can be removed, no problem - just let me know :)
Marco.
Might as well leave it now Marco as there are quite a few votes cast now, so it would be unfair to remove it. I was genuinely interested in what the poll would throw up and to see if it was representative of what happened last night, as not every council had an election. I was also interested to see if we could play nicely too :lol:
WOStantonCS100
03-05-2013, 16:44
...I have about as much interest in politics as I have examining the contents of my last turd...
:rfl:
As I'm not a UK citizen, I refrained from voting. But, if I was, I would have voted UKIP just so I could walk around saying, "UKIP? Me kip, too! UKIP? Me kip, too! UKIP? Me kip, too!" ad infinitum.
I can see from reading this thread that it's pretty much the same poop no matter what country one lives in. :brickwall: It's obviously a conspiracy.
walpurgis
03-05-2013, 16:53
Perhaps we need a patriotic military dictatorship to put some grit and backbone back in the country and have it run in a strict no nonsense fashion.
They might for instance, bring conscription back for 17 to 20 year olds so they learn skills and discipline. Stamp on crime so hard, even the thought of prosecution becomes horrific. Remove remission on prison sentences and just give prisoners more time if they fail to behave or attempt some form of rehabilitation. Instead of bailing detained illegal immigrants and letting them disappear again, put them in labour camps to earn their keep prior to deportation. Give the ones who refuse to identify themselves so they don't get sent back, hard labour until they capitulate. Put benefit scroungers in labour camps too, for work training and provide for the genuinely needy instead.
I'll bet there'll be loads of 'up in arms' responses to this.
I was wondering if anybody would take this seriously and jump on it. That's why I started the post with "Perhaps". I wasn't making recommendations.
Most MPs are useless anyway and it would be quite fun to have one or two UKIPs in the parliament to abuse the Labour,LibDem and Conservatives MPs with waves of profanities. Something we would actually love doing ourselves.
The danger was if a lot of people started thinking this way, UKIP could be voted into becoming a majority and we would be totally ass-f***ed.
Rothchild
03-05-2013, 17:55
6 months jail for spoiling a vote.
Really?! Shit me, that's appalling. I had a great time when I went to Oz but even back then they were too heavy with the nanny state crap.
IMO ballot paper spoiling is a crucial democratic right and I would always encourage anyone who was in the 'can't be bothered, tossers' camp to exercise their franchise through spoiling their ballot (at least you turned out and took part in the process).
So far it's neck and neck between Labour and the 'Tossers' ! :lol:
walpurgis
03-05-2013, 20:23
So far it's neck and neck between Labour and the 'Tossers' ! :lol:
I thought both lots were "tossers"?
chris@panteg
03-05-2013, 20:29
Ukip is doing rather well , disaffected Tory voters or bit off all parties ?
Audioman
03-05-2013, 21:27
Really?! Shit me, that's appalling. I had a great time when I went to Oz but even back then they were too heavy with the nanny state crap.
IMO ballot paper spoiling is a crucial democratic right and I would always encourage anyone who was in the 'can't be bothered, tossers' camp to exercise their franchise through spoiling their ballot (at least you turned out and took part in the process).
:lol: - that was supposed to be a bit tongue in cheek. I have no idea if you get punished for spoiling the ballot over there or whether there is an option to register 'none'. Voting is certainly compulsory which avoids low turnouts and you don't get into power with votes of 20% of the population.
Rothchild
04-05-2013, 07:45
:lol: - that was supposed to be a bit tongue in cheek. I have no idea if you get punished for spoiling the ballot over there or whether there is an option to register 'none'. Voting is certainly compulsory which avoids low turnouts and you don't get into power with votes of 20% of the population.
Heh, got me!
I would have no issue with a compulsory vote but to me if you had that policy it would be necessary to have a RON or spoil option, otherwise it's not really democracy, just the shadow of a demcratic process.
It was our dear friend Billy Connolly who said that anyone who wishes to be in politics should be automatically disbarred from entering politics, so don't vote it only encourages them :lol:
I would actually vote for someone who wasn't a career politician, who actually managed to do a full day's work, who may have been on their uppers at some time in their life, who maybe ran a business so that UK PLC had people running it with a good dose of worldly experience. Someone who had done a bit of porridge shouldn't be ruled out either as it is now, at least we would have a voice or opinion to say that "rehabilitation" as it stands is a joke, because who the heck has been "habilitated" in the first place??
losenotaminute
04-05-2013, 11:22
I would actually vote for someone who wasn't a career politician, who actually managed to do a full day's work, who may have been on their uppers at some time in their life, who maybe ran a business so that UK PLC had people running it with a good dose of worldly experience.
Agreed.
Sadly, very few politicans nowadays have any experience in business. You could count the number who have started or run a business on the fingers of two hands.
Until you have been there and done it, you know diddly squat about economics IMO.
anyone who wishes to be in politics should be automatically disbarred from entering politics
So true. Perhaps a system like jury service? Then again, I'd want an intelligence test incorporated. Mind you, that alone would exclude many current MPs.
Rothchild
08-05-2013, 07:00
So true. Perhaps a system like jury service? Then again, I'd want an intelligence test incorporated. Mind you, that alone would exclude many current MPs.
Most of both cabinets / front benches have passed the state preferred intelligence test; they all got in to Oxford to do PPE (apart from Gideon, he did History at Oxford). The only alumni club that's better (for the individual) is Goldman Sachs (cos then you get to run the world rather than just the UK)
Being a politician isn't about being clever though, it's about doing the right thing. In order to do that you have to believe in something (be that 'the value of the family' 'the value of associational activity' 'the environment' 'profit for the sake of profit' etc etc etc) the crisis we face is that no one in a position of power actually believes in anything (or if they do, they lack the courage of their convictions) they are therefore incapable of generating congruent policy.
Sorry, but getting into Oxford doesn't impress me. I've interviewed far too many students in my time to be taken in by their chosen degree or where they're studying. Some of them simply have no common sense, ability to think logically or ability to research issues. Passing exams is a skill not required in normal life.
Saying that, your greater point is a good one. Too many MPs sway with the wind and have no fixed stance on anything for fear of being unable to move on it. They seem increasingly unwilling to pin their beliefs to a mast and then stand by them. Now we are told that a manifesto is not really a promise. Well, that's clear to see from past experience but why bother outright lying to us?
It is interesting to note that despite the vocal protestations of those who are perfectly willing to accept a government chosen for them by myself and other voters, the next general election will be a straight fight between Labour and UKIP if our tiny community is representative of the rest of the country, which it probably isn't... :cool:
losenotaminute
08-05-2013, 19:00
Passing exams is a skill not required in normal life.
I think that is an over generalisation - surely it depends on your chosen career.
Would you want to be treated by a surgeon who failed all of their exams?
No - but surgeons have to prove themselves in the operating theatre. Doing what they're trained to do.
Let me put it this way: I've interviewed students with very high scoring grades in their Computer Science degree modules. Some are undoubtedly good while others I would not let anywhere near my network or our administrator privileges.
Surely a good balance between experience and qualifications is the ideal. Having said that I have some sympathy for the newly graduated because they won't have accrued the necessary experience in their chosen field to satisfy a demanding, prospective employer.
Yes, agreed about balance Dave. I was only suggesting that extreme cases exist, not that all graduates are poor! It's a tough life out there for graduates right now.
Yes, agreed about balance Dave. I was only suggesting that extreme cases exist, not that all graduates are poor! It's a tough life out there for graduates right now.
It surely is Martin and somewhat selfishly I am glad I am not in that position :eyebrows:
My son is studying for a degree with the Open University and Ruth's son is in his first year at Sussex. Mine was very lucky and has just started working for a bank, which makes him financially secure now while he studies. Hers is doing part-time event catering work which doesn't bring in much but helps to ease the strain.
It's criminal in my book, and people wonder why so many British graduates elect to find work abroad? They don't feel they receive enough appreciation and support for their efforts from the establishment and unfortunately that has always been the case in this country :(
It's also the British bias at work: why aren't engineering graduates more appreciated, as they are in Germany? They certainly contribute a lot more to society than, for instance, lawyers and yet people here seem to look impressed when someone says they're studying law!
Don't get me started on Lawyers and Barristers Martin . . . :(
Makes you wonder whether Doug Adams was right and that perhaps us Brits arrived on Earth on the Golgafrinchan 'B' Ark... :lol:
LOL - hairdressers and such, weren't they?
yup, plus middle managers and ad execs, oh and lest we forget, telephone sanitisers... hehe
JazzBones
09-05-2013, 13:46
Don't get me started on Lawyers and Barristers Martin . . . :(
I think it was Oscar Wilde who said, 'Barristers and lawyers are a body of men who will argue that black is white or white is black according to how they are paid' and I will add,'and accordingly to how much money is involved'. ;):(
Rothchild
13-05-2013, 17:57
Sorry, but getting into Oxford doesn't impress me. I've interviewed far too many students in my time to be taken in by their chosen degree or where they're studying.
Me either. I said it's the state approved measure, that doesn't make it any use. In fact the govt are doing a great dis-service to all graduates from HEIs that aren't members of the Russell Group, by regularly using RG as a proxy for quality, indeed our own government is probably the worst advert for a RG education going! :mental:
13 votes for ukip.
Amazed anyone would want to vote for that muppet.
Amazed anyone would want to vote for that muppet.
Agreed, but separate the muppet from the policies, and some of it starts to make sense.
I'm actually pro-Europe, but I do see what UKIP are striving for and it's not all bombastic nonsense.
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