Russia is in the process of electing a President.
There are many in Europe and the EU that question the poll and suggest that this is rigged and the result is a foregone conclusion.
I don't have enough information to comment on the fairness of voting in Russia.
I will observe though, that Herman von Rompuy, was, on Friday, elected as President of the European Council, representing 730 million Europeans, by the 27 leaders of the EU countries! No public vote, no consultation, the proximity to democracy was like that of one of those meteors that is picked up in deep space and is said to be brushing the edges of the Milky Way!
So, Europeans, before we get on a high horse about Russia's democratic deficit, we should look to our selves, first!!
There are many in Europe and the EU that question the poll and suggest that this is rigged and the result is a foregone conclusion.
I don't have enough information to comment on the fairness of voting in Russia.
I will observe though, that Herman von Rompuy, was, on Friday, elected as President of the European Council, representing 730 million Europeans, by the 27 leaders of the EU countries! No public vote, no consultation, the proximity to democracy was like that of one of those meteors that is picked up in deep space and is said to be brushing the edges of the Milky Way!
So, Europeans, before we get on a high horse about Russia's democratic deficit, we should look to our selves, first!!
We spend all our working lives in undemocratic organisations where individuals are appointed and not elected so what's the big deal?
ReplyDeleteNot necessarily.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the main point was the hypocrisy and particularly that of the media (which, for brevity, I didn't highlight). The election of Putin is tainted but that of Von Rompuy isn't??
UNITED RACES and The Holy Book of Racial Government.
ReplyDeleteI will not publish your comment as it is racist and contains offensive language.
Let's look closer to home and consider the House of Lords. How does a guy like Alan Sugar with no qualifications but who made a fortune through some business acumen but a lot of luck get to exercise power and influence over the UK from his position the House of Lords.
ReplyDeleteIt is a paradox that an advanced society like the UK still holds in high esteem those with appointed titles like Lords.
This is a little off topic but.
DeletePersonally I think that the Lords is a reasonably efficient reviewing chamber.
The 'inhabitants' of the Lords including people with 'real life' experience, I believe, adds value. When we look at the House of Commons, we see so many members who, to my mind are 'professional' politicians with little or no real world experience.
Compare and contrast that with the USA where both the House of Representatives and the Senate are peopled by professional politicians whose sole goal seems to be working towards their next re-election.
I don't say that the House of Lords is ideal but given the breadth of its membership, I am more comfortable than with some of the alternatives available. If only because sometimes the HoL is less partisan than the HoC.