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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN:left"><a style="COLOR:#336699;FONT-WEIGHT:normal;TEXT-DECORATION:underline" href="http://democracy2015.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a05e325221a7dc0d97214b68e&id=3bda3b7b1d&e=bed8b751a3" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; MARGIN: 0px; OUTLINE-STYLE: none; OUTLINE-COLOR: invert; MIN-HEIGHT: 106px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; OUTLINE-WIDTH: medium; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 0px" border="0" alt="Democracy 2015" width="200" height="106"></a></div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN:left;LINE-HEIGHT:150%;FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:#505050;FONT-SIZE:14px"><strong>Dear Supporter</strong>,<br> <br>I am writing to give a brief report of the public meetings that <em>Democracy 2015</em> 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 <a href="mailto:nick.white@legogroup.co.uk" target="_blank">nick.white@legogroup.co.uk</a>)<br>
<br>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 <em>Democracy 2015</em> 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 - <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/democracy2015/" target="_blank">www.independent.co.uk/voices/democracy2015/</a>. When the debate has run its course, a redrafted version will be published. <br>
<br>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.<br>
<br>Finally, people talked about what <em>Democracy 2015</em> 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. <br>
<br>The hunger for a new, more rational, respectful, listening and honest politics was palpable. <br><br><strong>Andreas Whittam Smith</strong> 23 October 2012<br><br>-<br> <br>(copy for the D2015 section of Independent Voices)<br>
<br>copy begins<br>In the three public meetings that <em>Democracy 2015</em> 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 <em>Democracy 2015</em> 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<br>
<br>The Values of Democracy 2015<br> <br>Democracy 2015 aims to imbue politics with values. It is thus more than a grassroots reaction to the wretched state of our political system.<br> <br><strong>Honesty</strong>:<br>Loyalty to the truth is fundamental to healthy politics and legitimate government. Politicians should also be explicit about their feelings and goals.<br>
<br><strong>Listening</strong>: Politicians must listen carefully to the people they represent. Even if they disagree, they should nevertheless be genuinely receptive to electors’ concerns.<br> <br><strong>Objectivity</strong>: <em>Democracy 2015</em> 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.<br>
<br><strong>Public service</strong>: Standing for Parliament should be an offer of public service rather than a career move.<br> <br><strong>Respectful debate</strong>: Be respectful of opponents. Public debate should focus solely on the pros and cons of ideas rather than personalities.<br>
<br><strong>Transparency</strong>:<br><em>Democracy 2015</em> will answer straightforwardly all questions about its operations and its goals.<br> <br>Copy ends.<br><br><br><br></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN:left;LINE-HEIGHT:125%;FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:#707070;FONT-SIZE:12px"><em>Copyright © 2012 Democracy 2015, All rights reserved.</em> <br>You are receiving this email because you expressed support for Democracy 2015 <br>
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