He's started to get that awful Blair habit of starting his replies "Look..."

I still think Nick Clegg is the best of the four leaders and the Lib Dems probably the most JK of the four but I still won't vote for any of them and would urge the majority of UK voters not to vote at all either. Democracy does not work.

JK2006 wrote:
Democracy does not work.


What would you replace it with?

Benign and limited autocracy

How would the autocrat be selected?

By a free vote?

Sadly no; that's democracy again and voters, as usual, would go on media image and shallow, superficial statements.

Perhaps an absolute monarchy with a King at the helm. Anyone fit the bill...

JK2006 wrote:
Benign and limited autocracy

This is fanciful.

Autocracies - the few that exist - are neither.

Usually brutal.

Can you name either a good or successful one, in 2013?

Bearded Jack wrote:
Perhaps an absolute monarchy with a King at the helm. Anyone fit the bill...

Jonathan perhaps?

Frequently they start well and then go off the rails; which is why they must be on limited times - like American Presidents - two four year terms; exit.

I have to say; I'd prefer Charles to any of the four political leaders.

JK2006 wrote:
they must be on limited times

Who would decide the limit?

The autocrat - or the people/subjects...

A benign autocrat would set his own limits - and that to be followed by successors. Like the last Pope did (I like the sound of the new Pope so far).

No, that Pope resigned because of bad health.

And he was not an autocrat.

you basically get autocratic rule already with politicians beholden to corporate entities.

the best you can hope for is a party that will govern in the best interests of the majority.

I still think Supreme Leader Your Highness & Greatness Hedda the 1st would be adored by the public.

Ben 8 wrote:
JK2006 wrote:
Benign and limited autocracy

This is fanciful.

Autocracies - the few that exist - are neither.

Usually brutal.

Can you name either a good or successful one, in 2013?





Bhutan?

China?

Pattaya wrote:

Bhutan?

Bhutan held elections a few years ago.

I wouldn't hazard a guess as to what its neighbour China is.

Some type of hybrid?

How about a technocracy?

Singapore is a good example.

I knew Miliband Senior and I doubt a more unimaginative, uninspiring, dour and dishonest left-wing academic existed at that time. He made Sidney and Beatrice Webb seem warm and sensible. He was one of those communists who managed to justify his beliefs without having the slightest sympathy for ordinary working people, most of whom he actually regarded with icy contempt. And he cultivated his kids like Stalinist robots, pre-programmed to scale the heights of Ralph's longed-for but never-materialised authoritarian communist party, stabbing in the back whoever stood in their way. The sibling warfare was classic behaviour, and now cocky little Ed is babbling away at the top of the Labour Party. What a depressing sight.

Andrew Neil interviewing the absurd Caroline Flint after Miliband's speech - completely destroyed her and showed how shambolic the energy policy is. He was way better briefed than her, and all she could do was shout 'Look!' I think since Blair Labour MPs seem to think saying 'Look' is a magic spell!