[OccupyComms] URL Re: Democracy 2015 - Newsletter

Wed Oct 24 12:04:45 GMT 2012

*Sorry for double post*

Dear Supporters,

The URL address in the previous email should have read:

www.independent.co.uk/democracy2015

Best wishes,

Andreas Whittam Smith

On 24 October 2012 13:02, Mark Barrett <marknbarrett at googlemail.com> wrote:

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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:*
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> United Kingdom
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