LOCAL ELECTIONS MAY 2017

More elections in May.     Democracy?

Overall I see the need to put people before profits    Once we accept that then details fall into place.

In my view voting once every 4 or 5 years for “them” to govern “us” and make our decisions “for” us,  is not democracy.

Grass roots is democracy.

Do we really want to perpetuate the present “economics ” (i.e. greed)  and  “from the top down” system?

And likewise ANY party however good that wants to rule with an absolute majority.

Even labour  and indeed all parties talk more about “election success”  than human need and personal fulfilment.

As Momentum in support of Labour   is quoted in the Mirror recently

“……one of Momentum’s key aims is to support Labour members to become more active in the party and to help build the mass campaigning movement that will help win Labour the next general election.”

and as stated on Momentum’s own website

“Campaigning for Labour victories and helping members become more active in the Labour Party were the most popular options for Momentum’s priorities in 2017, chosen by 71.7% and 68.2% of respondents respectively”

Nothing wrong with wanting to win election but when winning election and party whips become more important than the issues of food banks and exploitation, health service and zero hours contracts, open borders,  welcoming those in real trouble,  or the dignity and  love of the individual,   then I worry.

I cannot promise that money will be spent on this or that.    But I can guarantee that I can watch and report back what the larger parties are up to,  I can and do guarantee that if a suitable format is found I will resign if people loose faith or trust in me     I am here as your watchdog,  as your voice.

FEUDAL POWER ALIVE AND WELL

I see the present party system as simply new form of feudalism and not democracy.    It is rule by a few at the top, based on greed and lust for power  and certainly not “by the people for the people”.  (and yes there are some really great individual politicians at all levels but they are the exception not the system).

A politician gives his promise to support his party and gets a seat in parliament  in return.    Like a minor noble under feudalism,  he holds his power in return of doing what his Lord tells him not what his tenants or those below him or what his voters, want.   And so a politician give his allegiance to his party NOT his constituents and NOT to society.

And now that we are preparing for another Independence Referendum, then I feel to get grass roots mobilised is even more important than ever.
I am a great believer in the quote used by Mandela.    I want to see all people in Motherwell E and Ravenscraig and everywhere empowered, all people take control of their own destinies,  and all people can.
We want “Power for” not “Power over”.   We need to change  to “power for”
I want power from below      I am here as an independent to be your voice.
Power of love v Love of Power
This may seem strange but it would be my wish in four years that someone today who would not dream of sanding for election will in the next election be taking my place.Too many have said “no body listens to the like of us”

Well, in that case make them.  Believe in yourselves.  IT CAN BE DONE

For my own part this respect of the individual is more important than any economic theory and I want to see this introduced to local government?

And this local election is a step on the way to getting power back to the people for the people by the people.
deryck

“Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous”? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t fell insecure around you. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others….”

 (Often attributed to Mandela  but in fact it seems by   https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Marianne_Williamson)
 INDEPENDENCE
 I am fiercely for Independence for two reasons
  1. as a means of bringing about  a better society
  2. and why should we not “come of age” and govern ourselves?  We never vote for Westminster governments so why be subjected to them?