how many of you..

[solo_ar]

well..?

[kyotou]

I am. The only way for a change to occur is to make it yourself (this doesn't mean ALONE, but this means each and everyone of us should do SOMETHING, one single person can make a BIG DIFFERENCE).

[Pete]

I am in politics, but not the sort I think you are talking about.

[solo_ar]

I start Political Science at University this fall, and i intend to go into politics and make a difference in thos world. To many people talk of wanting to do something, very few ever do.

[The Children of the Revolution]

I would love to go into Politics. But I believe (in Britain at least) that "democracy" is too far gone. No-One can break the hegemony of the "big three" parties; no-one is really trying. So in order to "make a difference", you really have to join one of the two main contenders. And who'll listen to or promote (to the cabinet, where change is supposed to be made) a Communist who refuses to tow the party line? And if you do tow the party line... you've sold out.

No, I'm not going into politics.

[18tir]

I'm not currently active in politics, but I would like to be. It's a shame most Americans are tuned off to the problems we are facing. I heard Ralph Nader talking on tv a few weeks ago and he said something very clever. He said that if you turn off to politics, politics will turn on you. America's democracy is not perfect and there is no guarrantee that it will remain a democracy. If the people of this country want to prevent the rise of a dictatorship, they should take an active role in defending their republic and the freedoms which are guarranteed to them. Every American should be politically involved and try to get involved in the government. Currently, this country is ruled by a few elite people who decide what is good for us. Most often, they protect the interests of big business and the 1% wealthiest section of society. This needs to change.

[18tir]

Although I was born in Britain and lived there for nearly 5 years, I have not taken much time to analyse the political system there. From what I hear, the parliament is divided into two houses. There is the house of commons which is elected by the people. Then there is a house of lords whose members are either hereditary or chosen by the Queen. This is supposed to "check popular sovereignity."

Am I correct? If I am, this seems to be very undemocratic. Why should the Queen have any power? No one elected her.

[The Children of the Revolution]

This is supposed to "check popular sovereignity."


This is exactly what it does. I hate modern politics, it's a joke. But the House of Lords should remain. What's the point in electing two houses? How will the second have any power over the first? Seems like a silly idea to have an elected second house to me, not the other way round!



members are either hereditary or chosen by the Queen.


"Hereditary Peers" ARE indeed wrong. And they have now been abolished. The Queen may technically appoint Lords, (i'm not sure myself!) but in reality they are chosen because they are experts in their respective fields. Not a bad plan really.

[SonofRage]

Originally posted by [email protected] 16 2004, 08:19 PM
I heard Ralph Nader talking on tv a few weeks ago and he said something very clever. He said that if you turn off to politics, politics will turn on you.
I believe the quote is actually "If you don't get turned on the politics, politics will turn on you"

[revolutionindia]

politics gives u a platform which provides you with authority, power and the resources which are required to bring about a positive change.

Politics could also do with some people who are there not to make money or get rich but serve the people.

[18tir]

Originally posted by [email protected] 17 2004, 04:23 AM

I believe the quote is actually "If you don't get turned on the politics, politics will turn on you"


Yes, I think that is very true. If the people of the US are not concerned about the erosion of their civil liberties and not interested in doing something about their situation, the politicians can do anything they want. Eventually, people will begin to see how their quality of life will deteriorate. A dictatorship might even be established. If the people want true freedom and a higher standard of living, they will have to fight for it.

[ComradeRed]

If i don't go to college i'll probably be a politician, but im too damn honest. imean, sure im smart, modest, good looking, haveing an i.q. rivalling that of stephen hawkings, but i say im completely honest. :P
but over all, reform is needed, a new gov't form is needed for better checks and balances, and better representation.

[Knowledge 6 6 6]

I'm in politics right now in Toronto. It'll be my major until i get my BA (Batchelor of Arts) then, will go into law, international law though. After I might go back for my masters...

[Fidelbrand]

666, I major in politics and i will get my BA too.. :)

It really depends on my perception when i graduate, i might turn out to be just a mere humanitarain in the long run .. not sure yet, but i sincerely inspire to do some big shit for mankind, to better the current situation~

[Hate Is Art]

I want to be a musician, doctor or revolutionary.

[Rasta Sapian]

fuck politics, got beer?


I am just another poor ass proletariot wating for a revoltuion :)

[Hawker]

Not me,there's nothing honorable about being a politician,first you see yourself kissing a baby,then when nobody's looking you're stealing candy from one.

[Lardlad95]

Lardlads Goals

1. Become a well known Leftist Author
2. Become a professor of history(preferably religous history)and or politics at NYu or COlumbia
3. Become Chair of the Socialist Party

[New Direction]

First post, so forgive me if it is crap!

I have to agree with The Children of the Revolution. Politics in Britain will not change much from now until the end of time.

Even if Tony Blair falls from grace at the end of this month, nothing much will change.

Politics in the traditional sense is not the answer. We need something different.

I think we need to seize the opportunity that the anti-globalisation movement presents to press home a universal solution. Because one country, no matter how big, will not be able to exert the necessary influence to bring about a socialist revolution.

There is a broad support for the anti-globalistaion movement, so let's make the most of it. Unite against capitalism. We can debate about post capitalism afterwards, but let's just defeat the beast first.

[Knowledge 6 6 6]

i dunno, i think its unfair to think a political realm will ever change...(look at Hitler in Germany! he was DEMOCRATICALLY elected into power!!!)

I think a true revolutionary believes in change, and know it'll eventually happen. Examples of this are, Bhagat Singh, Rosa Luxemburg, the White Rose, etc....there's probably millions of revolutionaries we dont know about that died for the cause, even if their death changed absolutely nothing...

[RebeldePorLaPAZ]

I want to get in Puerto Rican politics. It&#39;s a very complex sysytem. <_<


--Paz

[Iepilei]

I&#39;m a political science major at my university who looks to get into something in government. Probably not politics directly, but something around the government to make some sort of siginificant difference.

[BOZG]

Well what exactly do you mean by getting into politics? I would argue that almost everything is political, that politics is integral to our lives and therefore everyone is in politics to some extent.

I&#39;m guessing though that you mean, how many people hope to get into politics by being active, ie attending demonstrations, rallies etc. If you mean getting into politics in that sense, in my opinion I don&#39;t think that&#39;s really getting into politics. You will not change the world by being passive and thinking that if you go out and shout some slogans the world will change. Getting into politics is about building, whether by joining a political party/organisation or getting active in trade unions or trying to politicise everyone you know. Days of demonstrations and rallies are necessary but they will not change the world, it&#39;s day-to-day work, on the streets that will bring around people to be revolutionaries.

[Hegemonicretribution]

Originally posted by [email protected] 17 2004, 02:23 AM
Although I was born in Britain and lived there for nearly 5 years, I have not taken much time to analyse the political system there. From what I hear, the parliament is divided into two houses. There is the house of commons which is elected by the people. Then there is a house of lords whose members are either hereditary or chosen by the Queen. This is supposed to "check popular sovereignity."

Am I correct? If I am, this seems to be very undemocratic. Why should the Queen have any power? No one elected her.
Hereditary peers have almost been abolished, the last few are dissapearing very soon. I think it is like 96 left. I think fewer actaully..anyway the Prime Minister can appoint the Lords..most of the powers of the queen..the "royal preogrative" are held by the queen, that is declairing war, choosing dates for elections..even her speech and honours list are down to the PM.


Anyway I am going into politics after I complete my PPE degree..assuming that I get in based on exams this year :blink: on the Isle of man there are no major parties, people are elected independantly, and although harsh, many of thse currently in power will be dead when I return from uni. I have the advantage of knowing many MHks personally already because of the size of this island. There is a tendancy towards conservative politics, but it comes from having a very middle class and elderly, yet open minded and friendly government. However...

There is a very sociallist feeling already..that is all berad is baked here, the milk is manx, all have fixed prices, schooling and university is all paid for and non-returnable means tested grants are available. Hell if housing wasn&#39;t at London prces we could even staff the new all singing and dancing hospital for only 75000 inhabitants. Private dental and medical care is provided for every one in full time educationa and under 18 year olds etc...A few extentions of policiy, and it not fiercly debated..more rubber stamped here..and what is considered by some as the last socialist state in europe could be thriving.

Damn I am so much more nationalist than I used to think.

[BOZG]

3. Become Chair of the Socialist Party


I don&#39;t mean to be *****y but what exactly would that acheive other than making yourself feel better?

[Don't Change Your Name]

I wanna know what someone with a degree in Political Sciences does for a living, because I fidn that carreer very interesting

[solo_ar]

Originally posted by [email protected] 18 2004, 07:41 PM
Well what exactly do you mean by getting into politics? I would argue that almost everything is political, that politics is integral to our lives and therefore everyone is in politics to some extent.

I&#39;m guessing though that you mean, how many people hope to get into politics by being active, ie attending demonstrations, rallies etc. If you mean getting into politics in that sense, in my opinion I don&#39;t think that&#39;s really getting into politics. You will not change the world by being passive and thinking that if you go out and shout some slogans the world will change. Getting into politics is about building, whether by joining a political party/organisation or getting active in trade unions or trying to politicise everyone you know. Days of demonstrations and rallies are necessary but they will not change the world, it&#39;s day-to-day work, on the streets that will bring around people to be revolutionaries.
easy preacher man, i had ne reference to &#39;rallying demonstrations&#39;, i meant GETTING INTO POLITICS, working within a party to become part of the government.

how is it everyone on the board got that except you?

[Felicia]

Originally posted by [email protected] 16 2004, 08:38 PM
well..?
I&#39;m involved with the communist party in my country.

[Ernestocheguevara]

Originally posted by The Children of the [email protected] 17 2004, 01:44 AM
I would love to go into Politics. But I believe (in Britain at least) that "democracy" is too far gone. No-One can break the hegemony of the "big three" parties; no-one is really trying. So in order to "make a difference", you really have to join one of the two main contenders. And who&#39;ll listen to or promote (to the cabinet, where change is supposed to be made) a Communist who refuses to tow the party line? And if you do tow the party line... you&#39;ve sold out.

No, I&#39;m not going into politics.
I think you are underestimating the power of the people&#33; Our party (the Socialist Party) Have five councillors throughtout England and Wales and one has just recently been elected in Telegraph hill Lewisham where there is now Two of them. There are also many in Scotland though I am not sure of figures there&#33; I intended to run in my ward asap as our branch really wants (and needs to put a candidate forward) I think there is far to much discord in the three main parties at the moment and the people really realise the need for a new party to start making the changes they want and crave for&#33; Those three main parties you talk of ( Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats) are really one and the same all working for the interests of big buisness&#33; A workers party is what&#39;s needed, I&#39;m not saying our party is nessicarily the choice for all but it does seem to have it&#39;s politics right&#33;

Socialist Party Manifesto. (http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/Manifesto.htm)

[Al Creed]

(Temporary)Card-Carrying Member of The New Democratic Party of Canada, Baby:D

[YKTMX]

I&#39;m an activist, not a politician. I have an interest in Politics, not politicians.

The vote changes nothing, the struggle contines.

[cubist]

i am intending on it after doing social work and criminal rehab for a bit,

[dannie]

i plan to go into regional politics as soon is i&#39;m like 20 or something with a leftist partie, i&#39;m not shure if i will succed tho, but i wil sure try

[Red Flag]

Speaking of this, many times Ive searched the web for information on what requirments (years of residency, petitions, etc) are needed to run for office in America, speaking more-so local or state government and I&#39;ve yet to find anything.

[Communist_Block]

no....

i think

1) money is the root of all evil

2) George Bush is the root of all evil

3) politics are the root of all evil

[Hegemonicretribution]

Originally posted by [email protected] 20 2004, 07:53 AM
no....

i think

1) money is the root of all evil

2) George Bush is the root of all evil

3) politics are the root of all evil
Politics is merely conflict resolution, it is strange that you see that as the root of all eveil...perhaps it is, but it is also the sollution to it.

[The Children of the Revolution]

I think you are underestimating the power of the people&#33; Our party (the Socialist Party) Have five councillors throughtout England and Wales and one has just recently been elected in Telegraph hill Lewisham where there is now Two of them. There are also many in Scotland though I am not sure of figures there&#33; I intended to run in my ward asap as our branch really wants (and needs to put a candidate forward) I think there is far to much discord in the three main parties at the moment and the people really realise the need for a new party to start making the changes they want and crave for&#33; Those three main parties you talk of ( Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats) are really one and the same all working for the interests of big buisness&#33; A workers party is what&#39;s needed, I&#39;m not saying our party is nessicarily the choice for all but it does seem to have it&#39;s politics right&#33;


Sir, I commend your actions and words... I would consider voting for "the Socialist Party" if the greens weren&#39;t hanging around, really I would... But the majority of the British public are morons&#33;&#33; I had a great discussion the other day with a friend; we reached the conclusion that democracy would be wonderful in a society of intellectuals... but unfortunately, we don&#39;t live in one&#33;

Most of the electorate cannot be bothered to turn up on election day; if it rains, they stay away&#33; If they DO vote, it is for a party which has plastered posters everywhere, been in the tabloids, been on TV, hired advertising companies - in other words, a party which is "working for the interests of big buisness&#33;"

I was watching Jeremy Paxman interview the PM yesterday with a couple of housemates... Everyone at University hates Blair, everyone at school hated Blair, my family hate Blair and my friends hate Blair... All these people are intelligent individuals and voted for a Party that represented their ideals - some went Green, some Socialist etc etc - but this split our potential voting power 4 or 5 ways&#33; Whereas most of the population will only know of the "big three", or not trust (haha, ridiculous I know) a smaller party which hasn&#39;t long been around&#33;

In short, we&#39;re doom&#33;ed.

And don&#39;t u&#33;se as many exclamation marks next time, you&#39;re making me start randomly inser&#33;ting them into otherwise compre&#33;hensible sentences&#33;&#33;

[dannie]

Most of the electorate cannot be bothered to turn up on election day; if it rains, they stay away&#33; If they DO vote, it is for a party which has plastered posters everywhere, been in the tabloids, been on TV, hired advertising companies - in other words, a party which is "working for the interests of big buisness&#33;"


this is why i strongly favor an obligation to go vote, we here in belgium have and this immidiatly solves the problem of lazyass people, we have the votes of our commited members and "sympathisants", but we could also gain a few votes from people who don&#39;t feel like going to the voting booth and tick with a pen on a computerscreen, but do because otherwise they get a nice PV in their mailbox telling them to pay 500€

[The Children of the Revolution]

AN OBLIGATION TO VOTE SOLVES NOTHING&#33;&#33;&#33;

Yes, more (if not all) people will vote... But the lazy ones who cannot be bothered to find out about a political party that represents their views WILL VOTE FOR WHOEVER THE TABLOIDS AND THE MEDIA SUPPORT&#33;&#33;&#33; Lunacy&#33;

[BOZG]

I&#39;m an activist, not a politician. I have an interest in Politics, not politicians.

The vote changes nothing, the struggle contines.


Every advancement for the proleteriat is a victory, not to say that you don&#39;t know this already. I&#39;ve come around to the idea that we must take our struggle wherever we go, into the bourgeois parliament or onto the streets.



easy preacher man, i had ne reference to &#39;rallying demonstrations&#39;, i meant GETTING INTO POLITICS, working within a party to become part of the government.

how is it everyone on the board got that except you?

Did I say you mentioned rallies or demonstrations? I was pointing out that some people would consider these as the be-all and end-all of struggle. Did you clearly state that you meant going into political parties? No. Your entire first post was just "Well...?" Doesn&#39;t explain a lot.