Bonn Square
From:
Nicholas Newman
Date:
2008 Jan 03 23:41 UTC
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Democracy is a curious thing, it seems for some people, a decision is only
democratic if you agree with it and not when you disagree. If you value
democracy like any other matter you have to work at it, if this means spending
less time playing on your Xbox, so be it.
Criticism is made of dealing with Oxford’s flood problem. The problem is
providing a solution for Oxford, can make matters worse elsewhere on the River
Thames. Oxford’s flood problem is a complicated technical matter requiring a
great deal of expertise. There is no simple solution. Once you have decided on
a strategy, there are always some who will disagree, that’s life.
The next question is, do you have the resources to implement a solution. The
trouble is finding the resources and skilled people to implement those
proposals. Britain, now with the Olympics and other major projects is suffering
a shortage of skilled engineering and construction workers. As demonstrated by
Network Rail, who could not find enough skilled staff willing to complete the
work on time at an economic price.
The same goes for flood defences, are you prepared to have your taxes doubled
or trebled, so as a flood defence program can be implemented quickly.
Take Oseney Island, it is in an area prone to flooding see
http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController. Perhaps it would
be cheaper and better for the environment, to demolish the houses on the island
and relocate the people living in Oxford’s flood plain to new safer settlements
elsewhere. Even if this is the best in environmental and economic terms, I
doubt inhabitants of Oseney Island would be happy, but if it means the majority
of Oxford’s taxpayers will not suffer massive tax increases, I am sure a vast
majority would support such a proposal.
As for the Iraq War Protest, the majority of the population did not turn out to
participate and there was no referendum, in fact a majority of our elected
representatives supported Tony Blair’s policies and the government won the
subsequent election. In fact, it is doubtful that participants shared a common
cause, as they included groups mutually opposed to each other.
The point is most people are satisfied with what our politicians do for us, so
they don’t see a need to take an active role in politics. Instead they get on
with their lives.
If you are dissatisfied, the only answer is to participate, the political
parties are always on the look out for dedicated skilled potential councillors.
.