Forum Topic

Should we question government or act like sheep

Someone previously made reference to some of the general public acting like sheep and the fact people don't question what they are being told.This got me thinking about a reference from Stalin many years ago. Stalin once ripped all the feathers from a live chicken as a lesson to his followers. He then set the chicken on the floor a short distance away. The chicken was bloodied and suffering immensely, yet, when Stalin began to toss some bits of wheat towards the chicken the chicken followed him around. He said to his followers "This is how easy it is to govern stupid people, they will follow you no matter how much pain you cause them, as long as you throw them a little worthless treat once in a while" I think this sums the current situation up nicely.

Jess Davis ● 1582d18 Comments

That's the problem Freddie people forget dodgy Dave and Blair - one of his wars has just finished after twenty years! Not to mention 'No tuition fees' Nick.Where are they now?In the meantime we lock up in solidarity confinement maximum security prison a journalist up who's crime was telling us about the lies of governments.

Ed Robinson ● 1581d

The current crop are certainly a complete bunch of mainly (not all of course) self seeking egotists. They probably were in the past but gravitas is nowhere to be seen today. But then who the heck would want the job given the attention of the media and social media? Oh, that’s right, psychopaths and the aforementioned egotists. I’m obviously generalising but I think there’s a basic truth in it. We do have influence though. Elections. Michael mentioned lack of choice but it starts at the local level. People not voting as a protest does not help.

Freddie Francis ● 1581d

I guess they do Freddie. However I feel there is so much distrust of this government and I find it really depressing. There is a lack of transparency on one hand and then what feels like a flagrant middle finger to folks that question or aren't in a position of any kind of influence.

Maxine Campbell ● 1581d

..anyway, isn’t ‘questioning the government’ what most people do down the pub over a few pints? I thought it was a national pastime.

Freddie Francis ● 1581d

Conspiracy theorists, in my experience, are usually the precise opposite of what they do smugly believe is their outstanding characteristic - being a free thinker. Just try and explain some actual facts to explain why the earth isn’t flat or how it’s undeniable that they landed on the moon and see how far you get. Believing or questioning dubious rumours about what a few stupid politicians or their slimes cronies are up to is not, in my book, anywhere near being in conspiracy theory territory. Saying they are lizards on the other hand…

Freddie Francis ● 1581d

Thanks for the link Maxine, that is exactly the sort of thing I'm talking about.It really annoys me when people don't challenge and just label someone that does challenge a conspiracy theorist.

Jess Davis ● 1581d

We seem to have an opposition that is not particularly transparent too to put it mildly.He seems to be doing his best to drive voters away.It doesn't look good.Perhaps we need to reform the system and  admit all leaders can't be trusted :)

Ed Robinson ● 1581d

Yes, they're good, Maxine 

Michael Ixer ● 1581d

True to some extent, Freddie; but sometimes it's just voting for what one considers the least worst option?

Michael Ixer ● 1581d

The old quote about getting the government we deserve comes to mind. Unless you subscribe to there being some sort of voting fix then the blame lies squarely at our feet, the voters. The excuse that there's no decent candidates doesn't cut it with me. People loyally/blindly voting along party lines is more the problem. That's how we end up with the Johnsons and Corbyns of this world.

Freddie Francis ● 1581d

My favourite group who don't shy away from questioning are led by donkeys. Their latest video.  https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUpa2ckI50V/?utm_medium=copy_link

Maxine Campbell ● 1581d

Arrogance? Because of their overwhelming parliamentary majority? And an opposition fragmented after a major defeat? Must admit I don't have an answer.

Michael Ixer ● 1581d

I have had my 2 jabs thanks Jane.It was more based on the past 18 months and the amount of times government ministers have told us to do one thing but privately are doing something completely different themselves regarding lockdown and the rules they set us.

Jess Davis ● 1581d

Might as well say we are all Donkeys following a carrot.

Barbara Stevens ● 1581d

Possibly, but I decided to answer the question as stated, Jane.

Michael Ixer ● 1581d

Agreed but I suspect the OP’s question was asked in relation to the  Covid vaccination, implying an anti vax stance. Happy to be proved wrong

Jane Carter ● 1581d

What scares me with this government is that there is currently no opposition to hold them to account.

Jess Davis ● 1582d

Yes, of course we should question government (particularly this one!) and any authority that seeks to control our lives. In a democracy the government and any associated agents should be the servants of the people, shouldn't they?

Michael Ixer ● 1582d