[OccupyComms] Fwd: Democracy 2015 - Newsletter

[Mark Barrett]

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     *Dear Supporter*,

I am writing to give a brief report of the public meetings that *Democracy
2015* held on successive evenings last week in Manchester, Birmingham and
London. Overall some 150 supporters came along to what were lively affairs.
In Manchester and Birmingham, local groups were formed on the spot with
email addresses being exchanged to facilitate meetings. There is also a
West Country group in formation (to express interest, contact
nick.white at legogroup.co.uk)

Above all, it became clear, especially in the London discussions, that
there is an urgent need for a statement of the movement’s values. As a
result, the *Democracy 2015* team has drafted a set of values for
discussion by supporters, a copy of which is outlined below. Please view it
as a basis for discussion. Proposals for improving the document would be
very welcome. Please post comments in the Voices section of the Independent
- www.independent.co.uk/voices/democracy2015/.   When the debate has run
its course, a redrafted version will be published.

At the three meetings, there was also a lot of discussion of the related
question of what our style should be. ‘We will listen and we will be
competent’ said one participant. ‘We will be consistent’ said another.
  And ‘have discussions not arguments…be inclusive…understand that the
truth can be painful and avoid having a London-centric attitude’ were other
views expressed.

Finally, people talked about what *Democracy 2015* would have to do to
succeed. It must of course be ambitious. The ‘near impossible’ of returning
sufficient MPs to form the next Government was accepted as the correct
objective. Democracy 2015 would prosper if it filled the gap left by the
traditional parties as they have abandoned their roots. It would also need
to understand at a deep level how the political process works.   And that
might even require consultation with former MPs and retired civil servants.


The hunger for a new, more rational, respectful, listening and honest
politics was palpable.

*Andreas Whittam Smith*              23 October 2012

-

(copy for the D2015 section of Independent Voices)

copy begins
In the three public meetings that *Democracy 2015* held last week in
Manchester, Birmingham and London, it became clear that there is an urgent
need for a statement of the movement’s values. As a result, the *Democracy
2015* team has drafted a set of values for discussion by supporters.
Proposals for improving the document would be very welcome. Please post
comments here. When the debate has run its course, a redrafted version will
be published

The Values of Democracy 2015

Democracy 2015 aims to imbue politics with values. It is thus more than a
grassroots reaction to the wretched state of our political system.

*Honesty*:
Loyalty to the truth is fundamental to healthy politics and legitimate
government.  Politicians should also be explicit about their feelings and
goals.

*Listening*:  Politicians must listen carefully to the people they
represent. Even if they disagree, they should nevertheless be genuinely
receptive to electors’ concerns.

*Objectivity*: *Democracy 2015* does not view any issue through an
ideological prism, as would a political party of either the left or the
right. That is why it appeals to its supporters to work together to
formulate the policies that will comprise its election manifesto.

*Public service*:  Standing for Parliament should be an offer of public
service rather than a career move.

*Respectful debate*:  Be respectful of opponents. Public debate should
focus solely on the pros and cons of ideas rather than personalities.

*Transparency*:
*Democracy 2015* will answer straightforwardly all questions about its
operations and its goals.

Copy ends.



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 *Copyright © 2012 Democracy 2015, All rights reserved.*
You are receiving this email because you expressed support for Democracy
2015
*Our mailing address is:*
Democracy 2015
15 Galleywall Road
London, SE16 3PB
United Kingdom

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-- 
*Local*
*http://www.meetup.com/Enfield-Network21*
http://fbpeopleslibrary.co.uk/
**
*UK-wide*
http://www.democracy2015.co.uk/

*London / World*
http://www.meetup.com/21stCenturyNetwork/
http://www.globalnet21.org/
http://occupylondon.org.uk/
http://www.peoplesassemblies.org
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