It is interesting how his talk (feelings of frustration and even some resentment) applies to other countries as well, especially in South America, where things are even more complicated, I think, than in most European countries... I am still not optimistic about it, but in the meantime, I think Brian's words can be inspiring for many people, especially because he does not want to be a preacher, This is a "good use" of fame, in my opinion, and even if I do not always agree with him, I do think that the key here is respect, whether you agree or not.
Robert Kennedy. Summed it up “Let no one be discouraged by the belief there is nothing one person can do against the enormous array of the world's ills, misery, ignorance, and violence. Few will have the greatness to bend history, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. And in the total of all those acts will be written the history of a generation.”
Brian May for President! How awesome would that be. I live in the US where we can vote. Sadly, we recognize that , that is an option , but there are so many loopholes and pockets being lined to get what matters to the so-called elite addressed. Unfortunately in a country that is so rich as ours, so many people and families are hungry, homeless and jobless. I pray for someone to get into office and have the compassion and due diligence to fight for the dignity and rights of all people! Keep pressing forward Brian and speaking out! God bless and keep you!!
OMG! This is brilliant! We seriously need to do this in Canada. NOW!! We have an election coming up this year and we cannot allow this to continue. We need radical reform as well. Stop Harper signs are everywhere, but we do need a Common Decency Initiative. Corruption-free parliament, what a wonderful concept. We can do it!!
This is great - so encouraging and full of optimism, and sure to ruffle a few establishment feathers! How can anyone NOT be in favour of the principles of common decency? It will be interesting to see which politician is the first to talk about these principles ....
Caro Brian. Per quanto riguarda la tua scelta di non mangiare più carne voglio dirti che l'apprezzo moltissimo. Da anni anch'io sto' maturando la scelta di non mangiare più carne nel rispetto di tutte le forme di vita che abitano il nostro pianeta. Hai tutto il mio rispetto ed ammirazione per questa tua scelta. Per l'iniziativa "Common Decency", ovviamente, non vivendo in Inghilterra,non posso conoscere la vostra politica interna più di quanto la conosciate voi che la vivete ogni giorno. Posso però dirti che ho comunque trovato le tue iniziative molto interessanti e piene di ottimi propositi di cambiamento. Quando ognuno di noi metterà la forza necessaria per cambiare ciò che non funziona, allo scopo di dare a tutti la possibilità di sentirsi pienamente rappresentato nelle proprie idee, tutto andrà sicuramente meglio. Buona fortuna. Al prossimo "Brian Talks" :-)
It's really interesting how this is relatable in many other countries. I live in the United States and one HUGE problem with voting here is people simply don't think their votes count, resulting in a very regrettable voter turnout. There's a ton of things that need to change here too. Thank you for uploading these videos! I'm enjoying them a lot. Although I'm a bit confused by the mystery of video 6
We need this in the United States, as well. The thought of another Bush possibly running for president is frightening, and evidence to why we, too, need change. Same old, same old. Two dominant parties... I wish you the very best of luck. One suggestion for your videos: a tripod. 😊
It is the same here in America, the world needs to change, including the UK and USA. It's about greed, power and control and it's NOT about the people! Lead on Dr Bri, we are listening to you!
I'm with you Bri! We desperately need change in this country. Just watching Prime Ministers Questions says it all. It's embarrassing the way our country is run and the way in which they treat us.
This is something I've thought about a lot in recent years, but thought would never be possible. This is real democracy. I find it hard to understand the voting system. I have often felt that my vote is pointless. Common Decency has led me to look again. The pie chart for my constituency was most illuminating. Our MP, Conservative (grr!) got 35% of the vote, but 34% did not vote at all. What a difference they could have made! I did vote, and our MP was not my choice. Ho hum, it happens, but I do wonder what the outcome would have been if everyone had voted. The Conservatives consider my constituency a safe seat.... I'd love for us all to get behind this movement and show them how wrong they are!
This is so, so true. I think it can be achieved because so many people are feeling disillusioned/fed up with the way things are run in this country. Like you say if we all come together and make our views heard, vote for who we truly believe will make a difference, that might trigger the start of systemic changes. The current system is just based on greed (as far as I can tell). Perhaps, as others have suggested, the money needs to be taken out of politics! Politicians and big corporations should not be working for each other etc. As for the Tories wanting to bring back fox hunting, that's just them trying to appeal to their wealthy demographic, because let's face it who else is going to vote for them!! It's disgusting that they'd use this tactic...I just hope it loses them more votes in the long run!
I've always thought that the idea of a "safe seat" is based on the incumbent party persuading those who would vote against them that there is no point voting. If everyone who thought there was no point in voting did vote the would have to be a change, if only of the statistics. The trouble is we have MPs who went into politics after getting up one morning thinking "what the world needs is Me". However their Achilles heel is that they will do anything to stay in office, even take note of public opinion. So lets express our opinion.
We here in the US are going through the same thing. Hope you can do something over there. I will say that at least your system of gov. has the option of disbaning the sitting houses and starting over. Wish we had that here. Again good luck with this on your side of the pond.
Thanks for the quick explaination, Doc! This is going to be a pretty good reference for me, and was that a Heathers quote at the beginning? "I'm not Mother Teresa".
I live in Brazil and here is the same if not worst. We just re-elected the most corrupt government we ever had. So many scandals and public money stealing and nothing happens. I'm sick of all that. I hope you can begin to form the snow ball in your country. It really can be the greatest thing you'll do in your lifetime, even bigger and more important than Queen. I'd like to say that my admiration on you just grows and I thought this would be an impossible thing. I wish you and your country the best of luck.
I am with you 100%. Will this snowball involve making strong links with The Peoples Assembly, Unions, Greens etc? Together we are many, share common values and a deep desire for change, but remaining in isolation reduces the roar to a barely audible whisper.
You are correct Brian. Our system is stale, people have lost interest. The partys are all the same everyone says. First thing we need is Proportional representation, 16 and over should be able to vote, the freedom to vote for the party you want rather than vote for the party you don't want to keep out the party you really really don't want is a crazy system. Good luck 😀
Sir, I sure wish you would do some preaching on my side of the pond. I can't get the young folks in my area to take a role in voting and in government, simply because they, too, believe they have no voice. I keep telling to write to their folks in office and if you don't like how it's going, run for office yourselves. You couldn't pay me enough to hold office, but I have no problem telling the folks I do vote for or whose salaries my tax dollars fund what I think about their behavior. But, I sure wish you would preach this sermon over here. We need to have people take ownership of this government and make it something to be proud of, again. Thank you, sir.
So now I know this situation is everywhere, Poland is in the same position - ''Why would I vote, are going to win anyway'', ''I won't change anything'', ''There is no chance will get to parliament'' or ''this country is corrupted, it's impossible to change this with one person''. Hope my generation will find the power to do something with it.
Reformas neoliberalistas es lo que en cada pais adoptaron y ahora salen a la luz los problemas que estas decisiones causaron, Brian May es un gran pensador y muy buen idealista, creo que si se metiera al mundo de la politica (que no lo creo) tuviera gran apoyo ¡¡¡ Grande May ¡¡
I always vote regardless of whether I think the party I want will get in. What has really annoyed me over the past couple of years is the way UKIP have been artificially boosted by the media, including the BBC, giving them a voice even though they do not represent the views of that many people. Now OFCOM say they are a major party and should be included in election debates, but Greens are not, that is utterly crazy.
for a second I thought I misheard when he said "people who have never voted", but then I realised that only in Australia do we all have to vote... I don't suppose a similar action would work here
It's the same in USA, money or wealth, really corrupts politicians. The gap between rich & poor is growing. Here, every vote counts, & I feel it's everyone's duty to vote. 😎💖
On second thoughts, yes outlining that one doesn't consider oneself perfect is very good for neutralizing negative thoughts that people have, who place figures on a pedestal by default. But if killing millions and millions of animals, only to throw away the food, and skinning them alive, is people "being at a place in their journey, to be respected", I don't know... doesn't seem much of a journey but instead being manipulated to remain ignorant and abusive towards fellow human beings, included. It explains why if you try to even introduce or mention a different way of thinking, they immediately attack and ridicule you, and use your own difference to suggest that your way will never make it because it's "Normal" for humans to act the way they do towards animals! Makes me wonder: WHAT are they afraid of?
Thanks for your messages of hope (especially at that time in FRANCE), real democracy needs to be back simply for the common good of human beings. Have you ever considered SORTITION as a way to make a representative chamber more honest and less influenced by lobbies? I wonder...
I think Brian is modest and that during the past seven years he has been very proactive via advocating common decency. Common decency is respect for all life including humans and the entire animal kingdom. Common decency is to help the diasabled, people beset with grave illnesses, the poor, the hungry, the persecuted and the disenfranchised. Common decency is to denounce all forms of malevolent violence. Common decency is to acccept and protect human rights and animal rights. We must be voices for for the voiceless as a means to engender common decency. Let's hope unenightened politicians will begin to eschew greed and vainglory and opt to embrace common decency.
I appreciate Brian reaching out and trying to think outside the box. He is right, the "basics" of government is not being done right. It's more than getting rid of the current government political figures. The issues are much much deeper. Brian, I humbly and sincerely suggest that you take a look at Michael tellinger and his thoughts on contributionisum (ubuntu). He has some great ideas on his site. www.michaeltellinger.com/ubuntu-cont.php
I realise this is years old and I'm only just finding it now. But it feels so timely. We just lost a referendum in BC Canada for proportional representation. It was a horrible campaign. the incumbents with power fought on FUD and the pro side fought with data and facts. Guess who won. I can't really fathom how a voter would vote against PR and for "first past the post". Its like voting to choose that your vote won't count. The words of George Carlin come to mind: "Think about this; think about how stupid the average person is, and then realise that half of 'em are stupider than that."
"Mother Theresa" - lol. She was no perfection, she was known for horrid temper actually. These imaginary pedestals we have for our heroes have been getting in the way of anyone who can achieve real good out there - because we get the message all wrong. Real heroes don't have just a "light side"; they have managed to harmonize their light & dark in such a way that their own personal reputation isn't the important thing anymore - hence they can act in accordance with their conscience. Before, they would be plagued by "not fitting in" and how their actions "make them look" (because to inspire others, we were told, one needs to hide one's flaws, or even one's emotions - a dead-end road since everyone has emotions, every moment... so how is hiding going to help any of the "people", who hear this message as "Always hide how you feel, never be yourself"). So nice, therefore, to bring down that wall, with Queen and Brian. YAY. :)
Well Done Dr.Brian May. It was about the time somebody spoke up as The Voice of People. If any assistance is needed from Social Media Guru to help with the campaign would be more than happy to help. Please follow me on Twitter - twitter.com/m1lem
Bri, thanks for a lucid and achievable aspiration. Clearly this concept has implications far beyond the UK. Banksy nailed your concept beautifully in twitter.com/thereaIbanksy/status/553052261367435264/photo/1. Incentive to act is the next cab off the rank..... inertia and all that.
The actress Jenny Agutter signs autographs in exchange for contributions to charities she likes. Just an idea. There are people like me, who live in places or have disabilities where we will never get to see you in concert or meet you, who would do this.
Hi Bri, I've been involved with a campaign to get none of the above on the ballot paper. Although it is a campaign it still had to be registered as a party. The party is called Nota. The party was allowed to be registered by the electoral commission and the fee paid. Now they have moved the goal posts and said it's not allowed? There are plenty of people in this movement that share your views. Here's a link to the website... notavote.co.uk
would be safe to say the British Parliamentary system is not a true democratic representation of the voice of the people, then what could be a way to express the true voice of the people, that all feel represented, is this a utopian dream ? I grew up all my life in British Political System, here in the UK and in Canada, there is always some sort struggle for everyone to have their voices heard,
Some statement of position would not go a miss. Like are you for Capitalism, Anarcho Capitalism or Les Faire? Then what Economic model is one for, be it Austrian or Keynesian?. Is one principled or is one a consequentialist. Is one a full blown Statist is one a Minarchist. Are you for collectivistism in a sacrificial sense or do you hold the individual as the highest value? Just a couple of question whilst having my morning brew.
Wonderful effort Dr. May, but being in the U. S, I can't help. That said, when I hear common decency my mind goes to world issues of terrorism and barbarism . Wish we could spread decency beyond your country's borders. ♥
Just RT this video & replied on Twitter @icklepickle Grrrrr Twitter and it's 140 characters, so I decided to comment on here too, rant over :-) I totally agree, the next election seems too close to call. I would love to help, can you conceivably see getting this together in the time frame left, before the next election? Or is this something your looking at for the future ? #snowball
You need to be targeting the younger generation about this, talking to my 25 year old son, he and his friends are all talking about the Green Party and supporting it, as they are so disillusioned with growing up with and entering adulthood being governed by either the Conservatives or Labour. There is a whole generation of youngsters with important votes who are feeling like "what's the point".
You, my dear are a wonderfully brilliant man! hope all turns out well for you & everyone in the UK. Wish we had someone speaking for us here in the USA ,.. we are going thru the same thing.. wish I could help you there in the UK. (like i could do anything) but anyway, nice to hear from you, Carry on Carry on.. & good luck on your tour! @i_hte_bees :)
Brian is pretty much right about political parties but so wrong about democracy. Actually there is good reason to ban political parties and to have all candidates standing as individuals. The electorate would then have to at least read a short summary of every candidate to know who to vote for. This would instantly reduce the overall number of people voting which would hugely improve democracy. It's a complete myth that democracy is strengthen by maximizing the size of the electorate. All those millions of uninformed and generally disinterested voters who trot down to the polls once every five years and vote out of idiotic party tribal loyalty or out of some ridiculous idea that the act of casting a vote alone is productive and worthwhile. In reality, democracy is strengthened only when you increase the overall quality of voters based on how genuinely interested they are in the political issues of the day. Mass voting only leads to populist pandering complacent politicians. I'm surprised to see Brian going on about MPs expenses. It's a totally bogus issue promoted by people who stupidly believe that the solution to crap politicians is to pay them less. Ban political parties, cut the number of MPs by half and pay them more. That's the answer. Brian and all the rest have got that issue completely backwards.
how can a government be for the people by the people if the people dont participate? the problem is not enough vote, not enough are informed, and not enough give a shit.
No, I actually think you don't understand what he is saying, taking only the form of the words without bothering to look into the concepts. He did not say to "maximize the size" of the electorate... and some of the things he said, you are repeating yourself... he is advocating that we CARE a lot more about what is happening and stop being paralysed by the "idea" we cannot get into power "anyway". This does precisely what you say: improves the quality of the voting group.
Please don't end up in politics and divide your fans...Bono did it he is now hated by millions...Roger Walters....same....Gene Simmons....DONT Brian. Freddie wouldn't...Small parties yes...but please dont go mainstream.
Yeah, cause you really know what Freddie would or wouldn't do in his late 60s... I think it's obvious that Brian is acting according to his own conscience now; if the "fans" (who don't amount to anything good and just love tearing each other apart anyway over a piece of toilet paper used by their "idol") can't deal with that, then it's no use trying to please them all anyway. Things are different today, we all grow, and we are allowed to use our energy into the things we care about. He understands many things about how things work, and is looking to change that "mainstream" (which, besides, it's elitist of you to say "don't be mainstream").
Great hair! Apart from that I believe his ideas to be quite naïve. Not because he votes for the green party or whoever, but because he believes in democracy, governments and country. Great hair though.
It is interesting how his talk (feelings of frustration and even some resentment) applies to other countries as well, especially in South America, where things are even more complicated, I think, than in most European countries... I am still not optimistic about it, but in the meantime, I think Brian's words can be inspiring for many people, especially because he does not want to be a preacher, This is a "good use" of fame, in my opinion, and even if I do not always agree with him, I do think that the key here is respect, whether you agree or not.
Robert Kennedy. Summed it up
“Let no one be discouraged by the belief there is nothing one person can do against the enormous array of the world's ills, misery, ignorance, and violence. Few will have the greatness to bend history, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. And in the total of all those acts will be written the history of a generation.”
Brian May for President! How awesome would that be. I live in the US where we can vote. Sadly, we recognize that , that is an option , but there are so many loopholes and pockets being lined to get what matters to the so-called elite addressed. Unfortunately in a country that is so rich as ours, so many people and families are hungry, homeless and jobless. I pray for someone to get into office and have the compassion and due diligence to fight for the dignity and rights of all people! Keep pressing forward Brian and speaking out! God bless and keep you!!
The episodes are coming out of order? He's pulling a Lucas on us
PS. keep up the fine work Doctor.
HA HA HAHA :D
Dr Bri you have such insight!! Enjoy listening to you!!! Luv these chats!! Very compassionate about "Common Decency"
OMG! This is brilliant! We seriously need to do this in Canada. NOW!! We have an election coming up this year and we cannot allow this to continue. We need radical reform as well. Stop Harper signs are everywhere, but we do need a Common Decency Initiative. Corruption-free parliament, what a wonderful concept. We can do it!!
This is great - so encouraging and full of optimism, and sure to ruffle a few establishment feathers! How can anyone NOT be in favour of the principles of common decency? It will be interesting to see which politician is the first to talk about these principles ....
Caro Brian. Per quanto riguarda la tua scelta di non mangiare più carne voglio dirti che l'apprezzo moltissimo. Da anni anch'io sto' maturando la scelta di non mangiare più carne nel rispetto di tutte le forme di vita che abitano il nostro pianeta. Hai tutto il mio rispetto ed ammirazione per questa tua scelta. Per l'iniziativa "Common Decency", ovviamente, non vivendo in Inghilterra,non posso conoscere la vostra politica interna più di quanto la conosciate voi che la vivete ogni giorno. Posso però dirti che ho comunque trovato le tue iniziative molto interessanti e piene di ottimi propositi di cambiamento. Quando ognuno di noi metterà la forza necessaria per cambiare ciò che non funziona, allo scopo di dare a tutti la possibilità di sentirsi pienamente rappresentato nelle proprie idee, tutto andrà sicuramente meglio. Buona fortuna. Al prossimo "Brian Talks" :-)
It's really interesting how this is relatable in many other countries. I live in the United States and one HUGE problem with voting here is people simply don't think their votes count, resulting in a very regrettable voter turnout. There's a ton of things that need to change here too.
Thank you for uploading these videos! I'm enjoying them a lot. Although I'm a bit confused by the mystery of video 6
We need this in the United States, as well. The thought of another Bush possibly running for president is frightening, and evidence to why we, too, need change. Same old, same old. Two dominant parties... I wish you the very best of luck.
One suggestion for your videos: a tripod. 😊
and another Clinton is just as scary.
i feel like i've been waiting my whole life for this channel.LOVE
Brian, Please publish/post Brian Talks #6. Thank you..
Looking forward to more videos of brian talks
Excellent idea. We can make a change, I'm not sure how yet but count me in.
There's POWER IN NUMBERS ..UNITES and fight for what you believe in.
It is the same here in America, the world needs to change, including the UK and USA. It's about greed, power and control and it's NOT about the people! Lead on Dr Bri, we are listening to you!
Great video Brian, and in time is something wholly achievable if like minded people come together to make a difference for the better of us all.
Love the "snowball and snowflake" metaphor, and this entire base and idea of this all is wonderful.
It would be wonderful to see this Common Decency worldwide.
I'm with you Bri! We desperately need change in this country. Just watching Prime Ministers Questions says it all. It's embarrassing the way our country is run and the way in which they treat us.
We feel the same here in Argentina...
U are awesome at guitar, u are my favorite guitarist
I'm in and thinking....
This is something I've thought about a lot in recent years, but thought would never be possible. This is real democracy.
I find it hard to understand the voting system. I have often felt that my vote is pointless. Common Decency has led me to look again. The pie chart for my constituency was most illuminating. Our MP, Conservative (grr!) got 35% of the vote, but 34% did not vote at all. What a difference they could have made! I did vote, and our MP was not my choice. Ho hum, it happens, but I do wonder what the outcome would have been if everyone had voted. The Conservatives consider my constituency a safe seat.... I'd love for us all to get behind this movement and show them how wrong they are!
I am so with you. we can make a difference, but we need the people power to do it.
This is so, so true. I think it can be achieved because so many people are feeling disillusioned/fed up with the way things are run in this country. Like you say if we all come together and make our views heard, vote for who we truly believe will make a difference, that might trigger the start of systemic changes. The current system is just based on greed (as far as I can tell). Perhaps, as others have suggested, the money needs to be taken out of politics! Politicians and big corporations should not be working for each other etc. As for the Tories wanting to bring back fox hunting, that's just them trying to appeal to their wealthy demographic, because let's face it who else is going to vote for them!! It's disgusting that they'd use this tactic...I just hope it loses them more votes in the long run!
Dr. B do you think we can start this here in the States? we are screwed up more than the UK!
I've always thought that the idea of a "safe seat" is based on the incumbent party persuading those who would vote against them that there is no point voting. If everyone who thought there was no point in voting did vote the would have to be a change, if only of the statistics.
The trouble is we have MPs who went into politics after getting up one morning thinking "what the world needs is Me". However their Achilles heel is that they will do anything to stay in office, even take note of public opinion. So lets express our opinion.
You are so intelligent and wise, Brian. I could listen to you speak forever!
We here in the US are going through the same thing. Hope you can do something over there. I will say that at least your system of gov. has the option of disbaning the sitting houses and starting over. Wish we had that here. Again good luck with this on your side of the pond.
Thanks for the quick explaination, Doc! This is going to be a pretty good reference for me, and was that a Heathers quote at the beginning? "I'm not Mother Teresa".
Hi brian
I live in Brazil and here is the same if not worst. We just re-elected the most corrupt government we ever had. So many scandals and public money stealing and nothing happens. I'm sick of all that. I hope you can begin to form the snow ball in your country. It really can be the greatest thing you'll do in your lifetime, even bigger and more important than Queen. I'd like to say that my admiration on you just grows and I thought this would be an impossible thing. I wish you and your country the best of luck.
Thank d.Brian it's good
I am with you 100%. Will this snowball involve making strong links with The Peoples Assembly, Unions, Greens etc? Together we are many, share common values and a deep desire for change, but remaining in isolation reduces the roar to a barely audible whisper.
How can I help? I'm 16... I can't vote yet :/
You are correct Brian. Our system is stale, people have lost interest. The partys are all the same everyone says. First thing we need is Proportional representation, 16 and over should be able to vote, the freedom to vote for the party you want rather than vote for the party you don't want to keep out the party you really really don't want is a crazy system. Good luck 😀
real gentleman
Sir, I sure wish you would do some preaching on my side of the pond. I can't get the young folks in my area to take a role in voting and in government, simply because they, too, believe they have no voice. I keep telling to write to their folks in office and if you don't like how it's going, run for office yourselves. You couldn't pay me enough to hold office, but I have no problem telling the folks I do vote for or whose salaries my tax dollars fund what I think about their behavior. But, I sure wish you would preach this sermon over here. We need to have people take ownership of this government and make it something to be proud of, again. Thank you, sir.
So now I know this situation is everywhere, Poland is in the same position - ''Why would I vote, are going to win anyway'', ''I won't change anything'', ''There is no chance will get to parliament'' or ''this country is corrupted, it's impossible to change this with one person''. Hope my generation will find the power to do something with it.
thank you Brian for your courage in speaking out and setting an example. Revolution/evolution!
Issues should be voted on by Internet and civil servants manage it. No more politics
Reformas neoliberalistas es lo que en cada pais adoptaron y ahora salen a la luz los problemas que estas decisiones causaron, Brian May es un gran pensador y muy buen idealista, creo que si se metiera al mundo de la politica (que no lo creo) tuviera gran apoyo ¡¡¡ Grande May ¡¡
I always vote regardless of whether I think the party I want will get in. What has really annoyed me over the past couple of years is the way UKIP have been artificially boosted by the media, including the BBC, giving them a voice even though they do not represent the views of that many people. Now OFCOM say they are a major party and should be included in election debates, but Greens are not, that is utterly crazy.
for a second I thought I misheard when he said "people who have never voted", but then I realised that only in Australia do we all have to vote... I don't suppose a similar action would work here
It's the same in USA, money or wealth, really corrupts politicians. The gap between rich & poor is growing. Here, every vote counts, & I feel it's everyone's duty to vote. 😎💖
💖💖
We need this thinking in the USA. Actually we need Common Decency through out the world!
On second thoughts, yes outlining that one doesn't consider oneself perfect is very good for neutralizing negative thoughts that people have, who place figures on a pedestal by default. But if killing millions and millions of animals, only to throw away the food, and skinning them alive, is people "being at a place in their journey, to be respected", I don't know... doesn't seem much of a journey but instead being manipulated to remain ignorant and abusive towards fellow human beings, included. It explains why if you try to even introduce or mention a different way of thinking, they immediately attack and ridicule you, and use your own difference to suggest that your way will never make it because it's "Normal" for humans to act the way they do towards animals! Makes me wonder: WHAT are they afraid of?
Thanks for your messages of hope (especially at that time in FRANCE), real democracy needs to be back simply for the common good of human beings. Have you ever considered SORTITION as a way to make a representative chamber more honest and less influenced by lobbies? I wonder...
role model
I think Brian is modest and that during the past seven years he has been very proactive via advocating common decency. Common decency is respect for all life including humans and the entire animal kingdom. Common decency is to help the diasabled, people beset with grave illnesses, the poor, the hungry, the persecuted and the disenfranchised. Common decency is to denounce all forms of malevolent violence. Common decency is to acccept and protect human rights and animal rights. We must be voices for for the voiceless as a means to engender common decency. Let's hope unenightened politicians will begin to eschew greed and vainglory and opt to embrace common decency.
I appreciate Brian reaching out and trying to think outside the box. He is right, the "basics" of government is not being done right. It's more than getting rid of the current government political figures. The issues are much much deeper. Brian, I humbly and sincerely suggest that you take a look at Michael tellinger and his thoughts on contributionisum (ubuntu). He has some great ideas on his site. www.michaeltellinger.com/ubuntu-cont.php
Brian May and RT for Princes of the Universe.
I realise this is years old and I'm only just finding it now. But it feels so timely. We just lost a referendum in BC Canada for proportional representation. It was a horrible campaign. the incumbents with power fought on FUD and the pro side fought with data and facts. Guess who won. I can't really fathom how a voter would vote against PR and for "first past the post". Its like voting to choose that your vote won't count. The words of George Carlin come to mind: "Think about this; think about how stupid the average person is, and then realise that half of 'em are stupider than that."
"Mother Theresa" - lol. She was no perfection, she was known for horrid temper actually. These imaginary pedestals we have for our heroes have been getting in the way of anyone who can achieve real good out there - because we get the message all wrong. Real heroes don't have just a "light side"; they have managed to harmonize their light & dark in such a way that their own personal reputation isn't the important thing anymore - hence they can act in accordance with their conscience. Before, they would be plagued by "not fitting in" and how their actions "make them look" (because to inspire others, we were told, one needs to hide one's flaws, or even one's emotions - a dead-end road since everyone has emotions, every moment... so how is hiding going to help any of the "people", who hear this message as "Always hide how you feel, never be yourself"). So nice, therefore, to bring down that wall, with Queen and Brian. YAY. :)
Well Done Dr.Brian May. It was about the time somebody spoke up as The Voice of People. If any assistance is needed from Social Media Guru to help with the campaign would be more than happy to help. Please follow me on Twitter - twitter.com/m1lem
Bri,
thanks for a lucid and achievable aspiration. Clearly this concept has implications far beyond the UK. Banksy nailed your concept beautifully in twitter.com/thereaIbanksy/status/553052261367435264/photo/1. Incentive to act is the next cab off the rank..... inertia and all that.
The actress Jenny Agutter signs autographs in exchange for contributions to charities she likes. Just an idea. There are people like me, who live in places or have disabilities where we will never get to see you in concert or meet you, who would do this.
Hi Bri, I've been involved with a campaign to get none of the above on the ballot paper. Although it is a campaign it still had to be registered as a party. The party is called Nota. The party was allowed to be registered by the electoral commission and the fee paid. Now they have moved the goal posts and said it's not allowed? There are plenty of people in this movement that share your views. Here's a link to the website...
notavote.co.uk
would be safe to say the British Parliamentary system is not a true democratic representation of the voice of the people, then what could be a way to express the true voice of the people, that all feel represented, is this a utopian dream ? I grew up all my life in British Political System, here in the UK and in Canada, there is always some sort struggle for everyone to have their voices heard,
We need Proportional Representation where every vote counts and if the good Doc gets behind that, who knows? It may actually happen.
Some statement of position would not go a miss. Like are you for Capitalism, Anarcho Capitalism or Les Faire?
Then what Economic model is one for, be it Austrian or Keynesian?. Is one principled or is one a consequentialist.
Is one a full blown Statist is one a Minarchist. Are you for collectivistism in a sacrificial sense or do you hold the individual as the highest value? Just a couple of question whilst having my morning brew.
Two more questions. Is Government a valid concept. If so how so. Is Money a valid concept if so how so. Two vital questions. That need answers.
rather jealous of the UK right now. the USA needs someone high profile speaking the same language.
Wonderful effort Dr. May, but being in the U. S, I can't help. That said, when I hear common decency my mind goes to world issues of terrorism and barbarism . Wish we could spread decency beyond your country's borders. ♥
Just RT this video & replied on Twitter @icklepickle Grrrrr Twitter and it's 140 characters, so I decided to comment on here too, rant over :-) I totally agree, the next election seems too close to call. I would love to help, can you conceivably see getting this together in the time frame left, before the next election? Or is this something your looking at for the future ? #snowball
We should be against this I TOTALLY agree
You need to be targeting the younger generation about this, talking to my 25 year old son, he and his friends are all talking about the Green Party and supporting it, as they are so disillusioned with growing up with and entering adulthood being governed by either the Conservatives or Labour. There is a whole generation of youngsters with important votes who are feeling like "what's the point".
You, my dear are a wonderfully brilliant man! hope all turns out well for you & everyone in the UK. Wish we had someone speaking for us here in the USA ,.. we are going thru the same thing.. wish I could help you there in the UK. (like i could do anything) but anyway, nice to hear from you, Carry on Carry on.. & good luck on your tour! @i_hte_bees :)
join forces with Russell Brand sir. strength in numbers
woooo, woooo... (like a Shin Chan)
Who is filming this? This camera work is awful.XD
Brian is pretty much right about political parties but so wrong about democracy. Actually there is good reason to ban political parties and to have all candidates standing as individuals. The electorate would then have to at least read a short summary of every candidate to know who to vote for. This would instantly reduce the overall number of people voting which would hugely improve democracy.
It's a complete myth that democracy is strengthen by maximizing the size of the electorate. All those millions of uninformed and generally disinterested voters who trot down to the polls once every five years and vote out of idiotic party tribal loyalty or out of some ridiculous idea that the act of casting a vote alone is productive and worthwhile. In reality, democracy is strengthened only when you increase the overall quality of voters based on how genuinely interested they are in the political issues of the day. Mass voting only leads to populist pandering complacent politicians.
I'm surprised to see Brian going on about MPs expenses. It's a totally bogus issue promoted by people who stupidly believe that the solution to crap politicians is to pay them less. Ban political parties, cut the number of MPs by half and pay them more. That's the answer. Brian and all the rest have got that issue completely backwards.
how can a government be for the people by the people if the people dont participate? the problem is not enough vote, not enough are informed, and not enough give a shit.
No, I actually think you don't understand what he is saying, taking only the form of the words without bothering to look into the concepts. He did not say to "maximize the size" of the electorate... and some of the things he said, you are repeating yourself... he is advocating that we CARE a lot more about what is happening and stop being paralysed by the "idea" we cannot get into power "anyway". This does precisely what you say: improves the quality of the voting group.
Please don't end up in politics and divide your fans...Bono did it he is now hated by millions...Roger Walters....same....Gene Simmons....DONT Brian. Freddie wouldn't...Small parties yes...but please dont go mainstream.
Yeah, cause you really know what Freddie would or wouldn't do in his late 60s... I think it's obvious that Brian is acting according to his own conscience now; if the "fans" (who don't amount to anything good and just love tearing each other apart anyway over a piece of toilet paper used by their "idol") can't deal with that, then it's no use trying to please them all anyway. Things are different today, we all grow, and we are allowed to use our energy into the things we care about. He understands many things about how things work, and is looking to change that "mainstream" (which, besides, it's elitist of you to say "don't be mainstream").
Great hair!
Apart from that I believe his ideas to be quite naïve. Not because he votes for the green party or whoever, but because he believes in democracy, governments and country.
Great hair though.
Also I'm glad you are not Mother Teresa, I don't think she was as good a person as she was made out to be.
I won't Badger you over eating meat ...