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21614
hdtg
hdtg (Rank: Mileva Einstein)

what do you understand to be the fundemental principles of The social contract in relation to representative democracy?

Do you believe that this current government and/or system of governemt can claim to have legitmiate state authority?

DO you believe you are granting consent to this authority over you by staying within the society itself?

Do you believe you have the implied autonomy to exist outside its structure without immigration?

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Asked in politics, law, opinions asked on: 07/06/2008 07:39pm
closed on: 07/08/2008 11:10pm

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29980
funrunna

funrunna

Rank: Professor (4,506) | opinions (61), politics (60), law (22)

33 minutes after the question was opened (07/06/2008 08:11pm)

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The very words "representative democracy" burn into the very soul...

1. How can a majority of the minority, claim justification (legal or otherwise) for enforcing the true majority into cornered submission? But that IS what our version of democracy means.

2. If I partake of the system of voting rights accorded, then I am upholding the principals of this false democracy, and would live/abide by it's decisions. As I am NOT an active member of the current system, I reserve the right to view the whole process with the contempt, it richly deserves IMO. But, untill the majority develop a concerted platform for eradicating this disease in a truely democratic manner. I, as must every one else, swallow the detritus from above!

3. I do but there will be repercussions!

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4035
Candy.DeRun

Candy.DeRun

Rank: Albert Einstein (15,220) | politics (124), opinions (76), law (61)

100 minutes after the question was opened (07/06/2008 09:18pm)

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Any government who ticks all the democratic boxes is entitled to claim legal and legitimate authority - whether that includes moral authority is another question.

The intended role of democracy is to put in place an administration that reflects the wishes of the majority - sadly this will never happen whilst individual representatives are allowed to cheat that intention by combining within a party structure.
Q - Why is that companies that act in concert to cheat the public of choice may be prosecuted, but politicians are not?
A - Because politicians formulate the laws.

To your second section - my answer is yes.
As an anarchist, I strive to live as far as possible outside the confines of society. I still felt obliged to move to Spain due to my disgust over the Blair WMD-Iraq situation, (you may judge a person by the company they keep?)

Only partial autonomy is possible - for example, I pay for private health insurance, but those doctors etc were trained within the government funded system.

Which takes me to your final point on emigration.
This is not a reliable response as globally all societies are beset by the same malaise. The democratic system in Spain may one day spew forth a regime that does not reflect my views any better than Blairworld - should I then move on again?
The ideal solution is to stay and change society from within - you start, I'm right behind you!

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blacksmith81

blacksmith81

Rank: Albert Einstein (20,658) | politics (307), law (280), opinions (178)

115 minutes after the question was opened (07/06/2008 09:33pm)

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I believe the fundamental concept of a Representative Democracy, is for the elected representative to express the views of the majority of their constituents, not their own.

IMO, this or any other government of this country, will be unable to offer any evidence of compliance, even notionally, with this implied requirement. Thus any presumed legitimacy and authority of the state, exists by imposition, not consent.

When was the last time your MP, asked for your opinion on any subject?

Since I didn't vote for my local MP, I don't consider him to speak with either my authority, or consent, presumed or otherwise. My participation in other media, in order to express my views is, imo, the only means available to say what needs to be heard.

I believe that I have the God-given right to engage myself, to the extent that I choose within society. Thus my concept of autonomy comes, not from the state, but from outside it. Consequently, the state has little or no power to influence this concept.

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  • Comments
4035
Candy.DeRun
Candy.DeRun

Before I answer may I clarify that you meant IMMigration in your final point?

21614
hdtg
hdtg

Thanks Candy, no I meant the need for emigration, my apologies:)

I could use a bit more of the proof reading, it could save many misunderstandings:)

14489
rainchild
rainchild

Can you tell me more about the Social Contract?

21614
hdtg
hdtg

I will find you a link or two Rainy, there are different phillosophys:)

21614
hdtg
hdtg

http://www.iep.utm.edu/s/soc-cont.htm copy

This gives a reasonable insight into the principles of the social contract:)