Current Affairs 2017 General Election

[Bruce Wayne]

And you think those things are comparable to fundamental basic rights like having the vote do you? What makes you so sure you'd pass eh? Who'd set the test and decide what was fair questions?

What gives you or anyone else the right to decide who should or shouldn't qualify for a vote? It's really sinister and more then a little frightening that anyone would think this way. Presumably your sure that you'd pass, otherwise you'd never advocate such a terrible idea so I'd like to know what makes you worth more then anyone else?

It's quite possible I wouldn't. Why do you think it a good thing that people vote without even basic understanding of the things they vote on?

For instance, back in 2015, the following test was issued across Europe to understand political knowledge across the continent.

“For each of the following statements about the EU could you please tell me whether you think it is true or false [Options: True / False / Don’t Know]
1. The EU currently consists of 28 Member States,
2. The members of the European Parliament are directly elected by the citizens of each Member State,
3. Switzerland is a Member State of the EU.”

As you can see, nothing too onerous there. Fairly basic stuff, yet just 25% of British respondents got all of the questions correct. If you can't answer simple questions like this, how can you be expected to have an informed opinion on the EU (for instance)?

 

[Old Blue 2]

Why do you think it a good thing that people vote without even basic understanding of the things they vote on?

The above is a premise without any logic to it.

I believe people have a basic understanding of the things they vote on.

I believe they did last 23rd June. I believe they will come 8th June.

An in-depth knowledge is NOT required of everyday things: I switch the telly on, change channels, etc.. I know what it does, but ask me what's going on inside the guts of the TV, forget about it. I switch my amp on tonight for a 3-hour gig, 8:45 - 11:45. I know the principles of string vibration being transferred to the amp via the pickups, and then that signal being 'amplified' and transmitted to the speaker(s), but ask me the intricacies of what goes on in there once I start playing, I use it, Man, I'm not an electrical engineer!

You presume people don't have a basic understanding - you presume wrong...

 

[Old Blue 2]

For instance, back in 2015, the following test was issued across Europe to understand political knowledge across the continent.

“For each of the following statements about the EU could you please tell me whether you think it is true or false [Options: True / False / Don’t Know]
1. The EU currently consists of 28 Member States,
2. The members of the European Parliament are directly elected by the citizens of each Member State,
3. Switzerland is a Member State of the EU.”

As you can see, nothing too onerous there. Fairly basic stuff, yet just 25% of British respondents got all of the questions correct. If you can't answer simple questions like this, how can you be expected to have an informed opinion on the EU (for instance)?

Lies, damn lies, and statistics. You appear to live your life by quoting statistics. You must be a politician...

 

[peteblue]

If they do, then fine! I suspect they won't, though.

Nor me mate, I was only kidding......

 

[peteblue]

People aren't equal. That's life. I can't wake up tomorrow and decide I'm going to be a doctor or drive a forklift truck or any of the plethora of things you need to show skills, knowledge and talent before society deems you safe to do so. You can't even sit on a jury unless you're deemed safe to do so.

Indeed Bruce, people are not equal, except when it comes to vote. Isn't that the most wonderful freedom we have.....

 

[Gwladysstreetlad]

It's quite possible I wouldn't. Why do you think it a good thing that people vote without even basic understanding of the things they vote on?

For instance, back in 2015, the following test was issued across Europe to understand political knowledge across the continent.

“For each of the following statements about the EU could you please tell me whether you think it is true or false [Options: True / False / Don’t Know]
1. The EU currently consists of 28 Member States,
2. The members of the European Parliament are directly elected by the citizens of each Member State,
3. Switzerland is a Member State of the EU.”

As you can see, nothing too onerous there. Fairly basic stuff, yet just 25% of British respondents got all of the questions correct. If you can't answer simple questions like this, how can you be expected to have an informed opinion on the EU (for instance)?

Bruce we could go back and forth on this issue forever and a day and my outlook will never change. Everyone is entitled to the right to vote, it goes along with all our other rights and freedoms. I'm not even going to explain myself on why I feel that way as I do because I think its pretty self explanatory. Nothing you or anyone else could say or do would ever make me question this right (and that's what it is). I regard our right to vote as scared. It is not a privilege given to a select few deamed worthy by a benevolent leader from on high.

 

[jaycee]

People aren't equal. That's life. I can't wake up tomorrow and decide I'm going to be a doctor or drive a forklift truck or any of the plethora of things you need to show skills, knowledge and talent before society deems you safe to do so. You can't even sit on a jury unless you're deemed safe to do so.

I suppose you could have a point but at the same time the politicians taking up cabinet positions have no real knowledge of the departments they hold a seat in,they have experts helping them out, maybe not have a house of parliment

 

[JonS]

The above is a premise without any logic to it.

I believe people have a basic understanding of the things they vote on.

I believe they did last 23rd June. I believe they will come 8th June.

An in-depth knowledge is NOT required of everyday things: I switch the telly on, change channels, etc.. I know what it does, but ask me what's going on inside the guts of the TV, forget about it. I switch my amp on tonight for a 3-hour gig, 8:45 - 11:45. I know the principles of string vibration being transferred to the amp via the pickups, and then that signal being 'amplified' and transmitted to the speaker(s), but ask me the intricacies of what goes on in there once I start playing, I use it, Man, I'm not an electrical engineer!

You presume people don't have a basic understanding - you presume wrong...

Great post mate.

And even those who are thought to have more than a basic understanding eg economists, scientists can often be found to be wrong later down the line.

Instincts and gut feelings can also be as or more valuable than getting into detail in a big way

 

[neil999]

The coallition of chaos sounds quite exciting!

 

[peteblue]

The coallition of chaos sounds quite exciting!

It's not a band btw.......although it would be a good name for one.....

 

[neil999]

It's not a band btw.......although it would be a good name for one.....

Oh......theres loads from this and brexit- article 50, the schengen agreement too name but two!

 

[peteblue]

Oh......theres loads from this and brexit- article 50, the schengen agreement too name but two!

The four freedoms....

 

[Sarnia Kevin]

Why don't you just say that only people earning over £70,000 per annum (this seems to be the fashionable arbitrary figure) are intelligent enough to vote? Or homeowners? Or registered members of an approved political party? The possibilities are endless. As are the possibilities for vote rigging

 

[bring the ghost on]

For instance, back in 2015, the following test was issued across Europe to understand political knowledge across the continent.

“For each of the following statements about the EU could you please tell me whether you think it is true or false [Options: True / False / Don’t Know]
1. The EU currently consists of 28 Member States,
2. The members of the European Parliament are directly elected by the citizens of each Member State,
3. Switzerland is a Member State of the EU.”

As you can see, nothing too onerous there. Fairly basic stuff, yet just 25% of British respondents got all of the questions correct. If you can't answer simple questions like this, how can you be expected to have an informed opinion on the EU (for instance)?

Bruce, I know plenty of people who couldn't care less if Switzerland is a member of the EU or how many Member States there are. However, they still have an opinion on the EU and last time I checked Britain is a democracy.

 

[Zezti]

It's quite possible I wouldn't. Why do you think it a good thing that people vote without even basic understanding of the things they vote on?

For instance, back in 2015, the following test was issued across Europe to understand political knowledge across the continent.

“For each of the following statements about the EU could you please tell me whether you think it is true or false [Options: True / False / Don’t Know]
1. The EU currently consists of 28 Member States,
2. The members of the European Parliament are directly elected by the citizens of each Member State,
3. Switzerland is a Member State of the EU.”

As you can see, nothing too onerous there. Fairly basic stuff, yet just 25% of British respondents got all of the questions correct. If you can't answer simple questions like this, how can you be expected to have an informed opinion on the EU (for instance)?

"Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

There are far too many who vote on gut-feelings, dismiss evidence and are unwilling to educate themselves.