Britain, more than anyone, is the true repository of the values of western freedom and democracy?

Question

A recent American user was rather churlish about the Brits. But when it comes down to it, Britain, more so than anyone, is the true repository of the values of western freedom and democracy.

Answer 1

British people are on the whole more cynical about how government works, so in that respect, yes.



In my opinion, the British people have a much clearer sense of whats going on in the world, but they have even less control over it than their cousins across the Atlantic.



When a British Labour Prime Minister allies himself with an American neo con president, to indulge in modern day nation building and colonialism against the wishes of the vast majority of his citizens, and an even larger percentage of those who elected him, one has to wonder.



Worse still, a Prime Minister can be replaced at the will of their party, no impeachment is required, no election is required, only the will of sitting Members of Parliament who are themselves accountable to their constituents.



As far as true democracy goes, I would say that the Scandinavian nations together with France, Germany, Australia have more representative democracies, enjoy systems of proportional representation so every vote counts, enjoy greater voter turnout at elections than either the US or the UK.



The US has at least a majority president who is true to the people who elected him.



The UK has a party in power who only obtained 35% or so of the popular vote, and where only what 60% of the population even turned up to vote. A party that betrayed the wishes of those who elected it time and again on many of the most significant issues of our times including the choice to wage an illegal fraudulent war, to environmental pollution, education and the provision of public service.



The difference is, at least most British people are aware that their government does not act to represent their views or interests.

Answer 2

We don't have full freedom of speech. There is so much censorship in the British media; I've had countless rejections because I've written something which isn't politically correct or 'doesn't fit the tone of the magazine'. That's why I went freelance in the first place; I'd had enough of being told which point of view to portray.



The government has covered up information that people really need to know, just for political gain. It has made decisions that the majority of society is against, like joining the fight in Iraq.



I really don't think there's much difference between British and American politics. There's still corruption, and there's still censorship.

Answer 3

No you're not. Y'all have to have security cameras on every street corner (which unfortunately some American cities actually think is a good idea). Your government openly censors things. It was only a few decades ago you had colonies in Africa under your thumb, and you probably still would if you could get away with it.

We're losing our democratic values and freedoms fast over here in the US too, but we still do believe in some of them. I have nothing against Brits, other than your superiority complex, but I think you're wrong on this one.

One of your fellow Brits agrees with me on the censorship.

Answer 4

Slavery: British 1807 abolition of all slave commerce, 1833 all black slaves have been unfastened adult males in English territories. US: 1865 all blacks are unfastened women human beings precise to Vote: British: the Aristocracy 1866 all women human beings 1918 US: 1920 white adult males precise to vote: British: 1867 after various diverse bill's US: shape 1787 Black adult males precise to vote: Britain: 1919<---unsure approximately this one date US: 1870 yet we had "try" that shop maximum them from doing so... So it quite is distinctly close.... The french invented democracy with the enlightenment although they did not have there revolution till after the american and then they went returned to a monarchy various cases in a while.....Edit french didnt invent it..they sophisticated it. feels like it replaced into practiced in acient India first...greece, plato noted it plenty and gave it it quite is call. gay rights: Marriage Britain: Dec 2005 US: umm is it nonetheless some states? Demark replaced into the 1st in 1989

Answer 5

I think that both countries are soo emblazened in PC social engineering and in many ways are at war with their own historical culture that I don't forsee either as having a grand future as democracies.



Remember, democracy is about the will of the people ... not the will of the elite or the "non-citizen"

Answer 6

You are the most photographed people on the face of the planet. You are filmed on close circuit television hundreds of times per day. That's a little too Orwellian for my tastes. I'm sure George W. thinks it's a GREAT idea.

Answer 7

Democracy only has value when the government represents the wishes of the people. Democracy is made a sham when the Prime Minister lies to the people so that they support his decision to go to war.

Answer 8

Celtish, Britain is truly the great Welfare Depot for the world's Islamic unemployables. Now does that constitute an honor or an honour? --Carlos

Answer 9

How? It's the same as anywhere else. Every four years pick the best of a bad lot to lead and you can be aure nothing too bad or good will happen.

Answer 10

I would agree with that statement...historically Britain has always been the first to change when it come to social rights.

With the exception of white male right to vote, US beat y'all on that one...but not by many years.

Answer 11

Isn't it a little too late to debate the relative merits of Britain and America?

Answer 12

I'm glad you feel like that, I am not sure if you are right. I dont think there is much difference between the Brits and the Americans where this is concerned.

Answer 13

It's a repository alright!

Answer 14

Isn't this a statement rather than a question?



Tell you what, I'll ask a question that's appropriate, then you can cut and paste your "question" in as an answer. Give me a few minutes...

Answer 15

My Nationalist narcissism can beat your nationalist narcissism up...

Answer 16

Americans think only stupid things (must be the absence of a pre-university education system).

Answer 17

British people think lots of stupid stuff. It is your education system.