Liberty in the UK.?

Question

"When the Government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the Government, there is tyranny."---Thomas Jefferson.

Which do you think exists in the UK?

Should we go for a written constitution?

Answer 1

That's a great question! I emigrated from England over 10 years ago but I have been back sevaral times to visit family and friends. I can tell you this: England has changed a lot in 10 years.

Everything looks in a state of disrepair - roads are cracked, common areas are weeded over and out of control. Well, at least in the areas I visited. I don't know if that has anything to do with the question, but it points at the possibility that local governments do not have the funds to make those repairs. So taxes must be in short supply OR as I suspect, they are being spent elsewhere.

The crime rates have decreased since the late 80s. If the people fear the government (and by proxy, the police) then this is typical, I would guess. Either that, or the Police have so little funding that the crime is being ignored to some degree.

I believe there IS liberty in The UK. I don't believe anyone is being persecuted or forced to toe the line. The UK has the same freedoms as those persons in the US (who have a written constitution) except for that "right to bare arms" bit - the 2nd ammendment to the Bill of Rights. And to be honest, a gun in the hands of a law abiding citizen  is not a threat - it's those *** holes who do the crimes that are the problem.

There are those who do NOT fear the government - these are usually the criminal aspect of society.

I believe that RESPECT for the Law and your neighbors is way more important. This is because it is a 2 way street. If the Government decides to flout the law, they stop respecting it and then you have Tyranny. When the public begin to Flout the Law, then you have Anarchy and that is the extremes of liberty.

When the Law is respected by all, you have Liberty and Order.

Answer 2

Jefferson had it spot on. My view is that we in Britain do not "fear" the government, we just feel powerless. The wishes of the majority are totally overlooked. Once elected, those in power do what the h**l they like. Legislation that was never alluded to in the manifesto is made statute, promises made are reneged upon or are sidelined. We have little personal freedom, whilst every aspect of our lives are being dictated to the major issues are ignored. We have no right of redress until an election, then we swap one set of self seeking, corrupt, so called politicians for another.

It is time we reminded those who govern us that we are still (only just) a Democracy. They are our public servants, paid more than handsomely to carry out our wishes, not theirs. Time to put some fear back in their bellies. What govenments fear above anything else is tyranny, I am not in favour of revolution but I am in favour of reminding them that the tail does not wag the dog.

We already have a constitution, unfortunately it has been "watered" down so much over time that it's original concept has been lost.

Of course politicians are very clever and forward thinking, most of that which has led to the demise of this once great country has been at the diktat of our EU masters, effectively we are no longer governed by those we elected but by faceless bureaucrats who have no other vision than a Federal State of Europe. By insisting that we open our borders, inflicting upon us the Human Rights Act, the heinous pursuit of political correctness, they have all but ensured that we apologise for our history, culture, and national identity. Why do you think that the Union was divided? Whilst Brit is fighting Brit they will fail to see the bigger picture. As a nation we are far too tolerant, it is time we stood up to the bullies in our midst. I personally am sick of being Mrs nice guy, my country is being sold down the river, at least half of it is now owned by foreigners, that includes my utilities and my bank. Wake up Britain, there is little time, or enough of us left.

Answer 3

This is a good question  it is a pity that it will not ever be considered by the officials who could do something about bringing this into being, what we have now in the UK is fully explained by others on here and very accurately, "Liberty for all" isn't that how the saying goes? In the UK it is, for those who know someone, who knows someone, who knows, etc.

Answer 4

If tyranny existed as such in England, you would not be around to ask such questions.Having lived abroad in several different country's and under vastly differing political regimes, I think that you need to broaden your outlook.Have you ever met or spoken to someone whose only possessions are a pair of shorts and a T shirt both of which had been obtained by the only way possible in their circumstance. Stolen from a wealthy capitalists washing line.Try to imagine having nothing and no way of improving your situation because you are just one of several million others , then tell me that you are oppressed

Answer 5

I always felt that something in writing is something to hold on to....so yes, I think it is better to have a written constitution....

Answer 6

Neither

Answer 7

Our backtacking Govt. just voted for a constitution, unfortunately for us it was an EU one.

Answer 8

I think it is tranny......

Answer 9

I don't think anyone gives a d**n.  The government sure don't fear the people.  If they did they wouldn't carry on trying to shaft them.  The people think the government is a joke, a sleazy, corrupt, greedy joke at that.  However, the people haven't got the will or the inclination to do anything about the corruption and sleaze and the government know it.  The government are out for what they can get out of the system which is exactly what the people are doing!!!   A written constitution wouldn't be worth the paper it is written on.   Have you seen the patient's charter?  Do you think that is working?  Hardly.  So what makes you think anything written down by any government would be worth it?  This applies to any government in the UK.

Answer 10

I think the people are beginning to fear the government and Local councils who have forgotten that they are elected to serve all the people (I know you will never satisfy all) not rule with a rod of iron at the behest of a foreign occupying power (EC)

Answer 11

Tyranny protesters beaten up, gased at G8 Summitt in Scotland, in The U.S.A. in Seattle, most places.  There are people that advocate a making use of The U.S. Constituition. The people who do  suggest The Bill Of Rights might be of use.  People are afraid of The Government. Solar Power Socialism could put fear into the part of The Government which people do not like were people to elect a party which stood for such.This would make the other parties work for victory.

Answer 12

Tyranny, this Government couldn't care less what the people think or want and have forgotten that they were elected to represent the people. A written Constitution would be great in theory, but who would take any notice, certainly not the Government, or the Courts.

Answer 13

Pointless the US has a written constitution and it never bothers their leaders to constantly break it so what would be different here.

Answer 14

i think most people in Britain despise the government for the decieving thieving all controling liars that they are. i wonder if Jefforson had a saying for that?? we should not only have our own constitution, but we should have VERY harsh laws in place to imprison lying thieving decieving MPs. you can never move forward as a country with liars in government and deception as your foundation.