Current Politics in the United Kingdom

[scoundrel]

The reason why people don't make eye contact in London is that the place is far too crowded and full of extremely strange people, so you need to preserve a safe space for yourself. Sad to say this, and I always feel more relaxed whenever I go back up North visiting, but down in London I do as the Londoners do, at least most of the time.

[Wendigo]

Originally Posted by scoundrel

The reason why people don't make eye contact in London is that the place is far too crowded and full of extremely strange people, so you need to preserve a safe space for yourself. Sad to say this, and I always feel more relaxed whenever I go back up North visiting, but down in London I do as the Londoners do, at least most of the time.

When I was lost in London one night and trying to find my way to Euston station all the native Londoners I spoke to, or tried to speak to to get directions could not be arsed, even some London copper who was either dimwitted or having a joke at my expense sent me in the wrong direction. I found my way courtesy of some Swedish and Polish tourists who just happened to be out enjoying themselves. The fact that I don't look menacing in any way and had an Iron Maiden T-Shirt on probably also helped to break the ice as they all asked if I had been to the gig at Twickenham, which I had.

[scoundrel]

Originally Posted by Wendigo

When I was lost in London one night and trying to find my way to Euston station all the native Londoners I spoke to, or tried to speak to to get directions could not be arsed, even some London copper who was either dimwitted or having a joke at my expense sent me in the wrong direction. I found my way courtesy of some Swedish and Polish tourists who just happened to be out enjoying themselves. The fact that I don't look menacing in any way and had an Iron Maiden T-Shirt on probably also helped to break the ice as they all asked if I had been to the gig at Twickenham, which I had.

That, I admit, is poor. I always give directions provided I know the way. It might have been the late hour making people extra wary of strangers.

The only time anyone has ever cold-shouldered me when I requested directions was in Edinburgh. My impression of Edinburgh was that people regarded smiling or laughter as symptoms of mental illness. A huge contrast with Glasgow, where they might beat the crap out of you if they think you have slighted them, but they are much warmer in spirit, except when throwing police dogs back at the coppers.

[scoundrel]

Originally Posted by ********

soundrel, I notice you have not responded my to answers to your questions. It's not the first time they have been answered either.

It's frankly a bit frustrating when euroskeptics simply ignore contrary arguments that they have no response for, and then complain later that no one will answer the points those arguments address.

OK.

Taking into account the elections to the European Parliament and after having held the appropriate consultations, the European Council, acting by a qualified majority, shall propose to the European Parliament a candidate for President of the Commission.
~ Treaty of the European Union Article 17.7

Mr Juncker was appointed (not elected) by a decision of the Council of Ministers. His appointment was confirmed by a vote of the MEPs in the EU parliament but they weren't being given a choice of candidates, just being asked to confirm the decision. This is more like employing someone than electing someone; but employees are usually answerable to bosses. Who does Mr Juncker answer to? The answer seems to be that the EU parliament can dismiss the whole commission collectively, but not Mr Juncker individually. That is a strong barrier to action against Mr Juncker, if everyone else has to be sacked too.

As for his powers, we have seen them. He sued the British government in the ECJ for wanting to restrict access to social housing to UK residents; why he thought this was justified is for him to say, but it was not a good decision and it influenced the referendum vote. He has power to stop the UK government from making policy in the interests of the British people.

In whose interests Mr Juncker acts I really couldn't say, but he does not act in Britain's interests and that too has influenced the referendum.

Mr Juncker is not a mere civil servant; he exercises a lot of power. But we have no effective remedy for getting rid of him unless the EU parliament sacks the whole commission.

Others may find this satisfactory; but I do not.

[Mal Hombre]

Originally Posted by palo5

It's very democratic, but as noted above, you don't have a realistic concept of democracy anyway

If all you want is UK ruled by a rigged local election system, why not admit it, instead of saying 27 other nation states are "undemocratic"? Anyone can check this fraud online. That's why you're a laughing stock

Personally, I don't care how you elect people. You can elect elect a zombie, for all I care, that's your problem

But I do object when you think the EU has a "democratic deficit" compared with the UK, because actually you're about a century behind them

We may only be an online porn forum but We have achieved something significant,We have a working definition of Irony : Being lectured about democracy by a Russian..

[palo5]

Originally Posted by Mal Hombre

We may only be an online porn forum but We have achieved something significant,We have a working definition of Irony : Being lectured about democracy by a Russian..

I'm not very democratic myself. And I don't agree with free speech all the time, either. I admit it

What I don't like is hypocrisy

Anyway, we don't have to agree. It's moderated debate

[palo5]

Originally Posted by scoundrel

OK.
Mr Juncker was appointed (not elected) by a decision of the Council of Ministers. His appointment was confirmed by a vote of the MEPs in the EU parliament

Exactly, he was elected

You don't like him because he doesn't bend over for the English? That's your problem, but please remember, he can't decide anything by himself. The EU is a democracy, and majorities are required

[scoundrel]

Originally Posted by palo5

Exactly, he was elected

You don't like him because he doesn't bend over for the English? That's your problem, but please remember, he can't decide anything by himself. The EU is a democracy, and majorities are required

An election in which there is only one candidate; as a former citizen of the USSR you probably feel nostalgic for the good old days.

[palo5]

Originally Posted by scoundrel

An election in which there is only one candidate; as a former citizen of the USSR you probably feel nostalgic for the good old days.

No, it not the same. It's exactly like when the US President proposes a Secretary or UNSC Justice -- he's the choice of the Council, but he can be rejected just like the US Senate can reject candidates

[scoundrel]

Originally Posted by palo5

No, it not the same. It's exactly like when the US President proposes a Secretary or UNSC Justice -- he's the choice of the Council, but he can be rejected just like the US Senate can reject candidates

But this is my original point, Palo. These people are not elected; they are appointed.