StoneyPicton

You're absolutely right about single issues being absorbed, the most prevalent being gun rights and abortion in the u.s.. I think I lean much more on the side of education and civic engagement you mentioned. Not easy to shove that down anybody's throat. The moment you try to introduce a larger extent of that you'll get the "brainwashing our kids" crowd crying fowl, even though they're right. My solutions to these problems aren't well received or practical given the current state. While I understand your objections and am willing to throw caution to the wind I don't think a change to PR will really be of consequence.

Edit: I came back to this because I realized this sounded too defeatist. Certainly PR or something similar is the next best step. Nothing we do will happen quickly so the most important thing always is to keep moving.

A list of those beers please. Am happy to chip in! Cheers

Great piece, thanks.

I don't suggest that one issue parties would form government. I do suggest however that a one issue party would be part of a coalition and would eventually want their one issue addressed. If a coalition government wanted the votes for an issue they really felt important, they may concede to other issues that they would not otherwise entertain. I know you will say, rightly, that this is what democracy and working with others is all about. My complaint is that it simplifies what governing an entire country entails. I feel it invalidates governance when myopic views are allowed to prevail and striving for one issue can eliminate proper consideration of another for the simple desire to get that one issue passed. I feel this contributes to allowing an ignorant electorate to treat the only thing the care about as a zero sum game where no matter what else is allowed to happen, at least they get their way. I know I overplay this narrative and simplify my concerns but the underlying premise is still valid. To not strive for a more informed electorate and a more broad appreciation of cause and effect does no one any favours.

I've always leaned toward ranked ballots as I felt it would be an improvement over a constant over-representation of the conservative mentality in a majority progressive country. Recently there have been posts on Lemmy where people have made good points for proportional representation (PR) but I still have reservations. I agree with a post here about the fact the party ultimately chooses who to appoint to the earned positions and so also agree that it would need to be adjusted with an open list, details to be worked out. My main objection to the PR system though is the rise of many single issue and or myopic platforms for parties that would get representation. My fear would be a party coalition quagmire where issues that should never see the light of day are entertained in an effort to appease the dubious partners. Would we want a Muslim, Christian or Hindu party pushing a particular agenda? Would we want an NRA backed group pushing gun freedom? I feel I could only support PR if there were guardrails put in place to mitigate this type threat. I've had someone comment that if that's what people choose then shouldn't they have that right? I understand that point but still have reservations. Thanks for prompting this discussion.

It's a good thing to have control of your border and it's a good thing to break up and deport criminal gangs. As always, his methods are moronic.

yeh, I should have added that disclaimer, lol.

I don't know the details of the powers trump would have under a shutdown so I'll have to reserve judgement on this one. Some of the dems are acting a little shell shocked since this chaos started though so you wonder if they can be useful again.

Smart thinking. All the best in your new life. Germany and europe should be booming for the next few years so hope you can take advantage. Cheers

Where are you heading, if I may ask. Is this something you've been thinking about for a while or just with recent developments? I'm very disappointed that Canada didn't immediately start publicly inviting STEM people north and spending lots to create openings and programs.

That covers some Chinese departures over a period prior to trumps policies but there are a lot more nationalities to cover and more recently I would expect the number to increase substantially. Thanks for the info though. I'm sure there's more movement to come.