Debate discussion

Don't know if you guys have heard the story about the expenses scandal that is tearing through British politics, but I would like to hear your thoughts.

I have in fact, although I haven't read much on the specifics.

Hmm, i haven't heard, would you ming explaining it?

Basically, MP's (Members of Parliament, of which your equivalent would be Senators I think) have a certain amount of money each year that can be classed as 'expenses' and charged to the taxpayer. This might be hotel accommodation, transport and the like. However, one of our national newspapers has managed to get hold of MP receipts which has detailed all sorts of items that have been charged to the 'expenses' account. Namely porn DVDs, massage chairs, a duck pond, the clearing out of a moat, widescreen TVs and the list goes on. Not only that, MPs are entitled to have so much money each year to go towards the mortgage or rent of a 'second home' - so MPs can a home close to Parliament and another within their constituency. Some have been claiming mortgages after the mortgage had already been paid off. Some have claimed rent for apartments that their relatives are using as homes. Others have used their 'expenses' account to redecorate their house and then sell it on at a profit. Some have done that and not paid the capital gains taxes on the sale. This has, understandably, made the British public very, very angry.

Oh yeah yeah, I did read all about that. Gordon Brown has always struck me as kind of a dick.

Our MPs are all very ashamed indeed. Admittedly, this show of remorse only occurred when they got caught.

James wrote: "Basically, MP's (Members of Parliament, of which your equivalent would be Senators I think) have a certain amount of money each year that can be classed as 'expenses' and charged to the taxpayer. ..."

Wow. Thats horrible. What can the people do ti fix it? Thats really horrible.

Not vote for Gordon Browns party again (which I am forgetting the name of, and feel like an idiot)

Labour. We could vote for the Conservatives. But they were doing it. So I guess there's the Liberal Democrats. Oh no, they were doing it too. What are we left with? Far-right extremists and one-policy environmental types.

In England you guys dont have a certain amount of time that someone is in public office like we do yes? Gordon Brown can be a, whatever he is for as long as people continue voting for him?

Prime Mister, and yes they do.

As long as Labour wants him to be leader and his position is critical at this moment in time. His party can cast a vote of no confidence and force him out. Its digusting really - he is at fault, don't get me wrong, but his party were more than willing to go along with him until we find out about their ugly behaviour. Now the opinion polls are down, they are all queuing up to stab him in the back. The system is different here in another respect. You vote for your local representative, who will represent a party. They add up the votes, and the party which gets the most becomes the Government. Their leader becomes Prime Minister. So you don't really have a say in the leader, but their choice of leader will influence the vote.

Ooooooooh

Its not the same system as the US election. However, the face of the government is becoming more and more important, and even though the system is different, it is still becoming more and more 'presidential'. A lot of people will vote on the face - if he looks trustworthy, or 'fatherly', or 'kind'. Most people don't even know what policies the parties are pushing.