A reader says there’s more to democracy than just casting your vote (Photo by Benjamin Cremel/AFP via Getty Images)
In today’s MetroTalk, readers are delving into a dialogue about the true meaning of democracy.
One reader emphasises the necessity of not only participating in democratic processes like voting or signing petitions but also actively embodying the change we want to see.
Meanwhile, a life where everyone simply minds their own business sounds great doesn’t it? Especially if you’re the one playing loud music on the train, but would it result in a less compassionate world? And, have you ever wanted to tell someone to keep it down on public transport but didn’t out of fear?
Share your thoughts on these topics and more in the comments.
There’s more than one way to enact democracy
Denise (MetroTalk, Wed) says the protesters who slashed tyres as they fought to stop asylum seekers being bussed to the Bibby Stockholm barge were in the wrong.
She says ‘mob rule and vandalism’ have no place in today’s society and that if people are not happy with the law, they should ‘get involved in your local government affairs, become a councillor, an MP, sign petitions or vote’.
She is so willing to preach about democracy (voting, signing petitions etc) but fails to realise the rights of assembly, speech and protest are fundamental aspects of democracy.
Democracy is not just in the ballot box – you have to act like the change you want to see. Deacon, Leeds
METRO TALK – HAVE YOUR SAY
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John T Pharro (MetroTalk, Wed) talks about the ‘appalling’ turnout of 40.5 per cent in the London mayoral election. As the percentage of people not voting for a mayor was 59.5 per cent, surely that means there shouldn’t be one. Doug, Witham
People need to do their duty and vote. Look at the Brexit referendum turnout of 72.2 per cent – far too low for such an important decision.
As a woman, I value my right to vote as a nod to all the women who fought for this freedom. Perhaps it should be illegal not to vote, but that would come with its own difficulties. Our votes are precious – be proud that we can vote. Marianne Kellett, Dalmeny
Staying in our lane on the train
Is playing your music too loudly in public anti-social behaviour? (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Marlon (MetroTalk, Thu) says teens should be allowed to play loud music on trains because they pay the same fare as other passengers and that no one would ask a busker to turn it down.
He says those complaining should ‘stay in their lane’. I was going to say it depends on what loud music they were playing.
But on a serious note, should people be entitled to set up a multi-gym machine or a picnic table with chairs, booze and smelly food?
If anyone is physically or verbally attacked, visibly struggling, upset or taken ill, are we all meant to ‘stay in our own lane’ and mind our own business? And I say to myself, what a wonderful world… Dec, Essex
Playing loud music or talking on the phone with the speaker on is antisocial behaviour. These selfish people are not in their kitchen but in a public space.
I am never asked if I want to hear other passengers’ music or their often graphic and swear-riddled chats.
Wear headphones and respect others. People are intimidated when wondering whether to ask someone to stop or lower the volume, in case they are abused. John, Edmonton
My experiences, as someone nearly 40, is that older people can be just as bad as younger ones when it comes to this sort of thing. Talking on speaker-phone is a favourite. And letting doors swing back into your face. Aidan, Dartford
There’s a lot we don’t know about GMO crops (Credits: Getty Images)
GMO crop fears
Mark (MetroTalk, Wed) says environmental groups are costing lives by successfully lobbying against genetically modified (GMO) crops, as they have in the Philippines.
He says golden rice could have addressed a vitamin A deficiency in children there and been more resilient to the effects of climate change.
A quick check of the internet shows an abundance of local natural products with vitamin A in the Philippines.
GMOs are dangerous because no one knows how changed products affect other plants and species. And as for climate change, encouraging everyone to cut down on driving, flying and eating meat would be a better solution. Joan P, Stockport
Is knife carrying motivated by self-defence?
John (MetroTalk, Wed) claims young men are ‘roaming the streets carrying machetes and Rambo-style knives’ but denies this is motivated by self-defence.
How else does one defend oneself against someone with a knife if one does not, at the very least, have one’s own?
And clearly, police stop and search is damaging to young men, despite what John says, since they can be harassed without evidence of them having committed a crime.
No rational person would accept being treated as guilty before having to prove their innocence.
Moreover, since the UK police are as institutionally racist as the wider white culture, stop and search is used far more frequently against ethnic minorities. Robert Bucknor, Tunbridge Wells
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