My Question To Candidates In The Next Election.

[Gladys]

I like your ideas Charles. You'd get my vote. The only points I disagreed with were concerning marriage. Where does it state that marriage is only between a man and a woman?

 

There is probably something in the bible about that. But, the important distinction to be made is between marriage and civil partnership. Marriage is a religious thing, whereas civil partnership is recognising that some non-conventional arrangements have resulted in an economic dependance which should be acknowledged and dealt with in the same way as conventional partnerships. I had a long conversation with a friend who just couldn't get the gay aspect out of his head. But then we looked at the example of two siblings who have lived with their parents all their lives. One is the breadwinner, the other the homekeeper. Both as economically dependant on the other as a married couple, but there was no provision in law to protect the survivor.

 

These rights are not God-given rights (when has he run a penison scheme?), but rights that were originally given by man so can be reallocated by man.

[Charles Flynn]

I like your ideas Charles. You'd get my vote. The only points I disagreed with were concerning marriage. Where does it state that marriage is only between a man and a woman?

 

There is probably something in the bible about that. But, the important distinction to be made is between marriage and civil partnership. Marriage is a religious thing, whereas civil partnership is recognising that some non-conventional arrangements have resulted in an economic dependance which should be acknowledged and dealt with in the same way as conventional partnerships. I had a long conversation with a friend who just couldn't get the gay aspect out of his head. But then we looked at the example of two siblings who have lived with their parents all their lives. One is the breadwinner, the other the homekeeper. Both as economically dependant on the other as a married couple, but there was no provision in law to protect the survivor.

 

These rights are not God-given rights (when has he run a penison scheme?), but rights that were originally given by man so can be reallocated by man.

 

This is a very good answer to Cheesemonster. I can't better it. However I have no hang ups on what makes people happy. If some want to call it 'gay marriage' I am perfectly content with that. It is more important that a relationship founded on love of whatever sort is allowed to mature than to worry about definitions.

[cheesemonster2005]

There is probably something in the bible about that. But, the important distinction to be made is between marriage and civil partnership. Marriage is a religious thing, whereas civil partnership is recognising that some non-conventional arrangements have resulted in an economic dependance which should be acknowledged and dealt with in the same way as conventional partnerships. I had a long conversation with a friend who just couldn't get the gay aspect out of his head. But then we looked at the example of two siblings who have lived with their parents all their lives. One is the breadwinner, the other the homekeeper. Both as economically dependant on the other as a married couple, but there was no provision in law to protect the survivor.

 

The bible has no relevence in today's society. Almost half of different-sex couples who get married choose to do so in a non-religious establishment forsaking any religious crap associated with such a ceremony and concentrating on what matters. They are also called marriage.

 

Gay marriage would differ from sibling-partnerships, for example, because they are based on love in a sexual way like marriage.

 

At the end of the day the arguement is dead for a little while as most gay couples are happy with what they've got now especially as their legal rights are the same/almost the same as different-sex couples. I'm sure this issue will be raised again within the next few years though.

 

Incidentally do the same-sex marriages apply on Mann? When will the island allow them or do we have to wait another 30 years?

[Charles Flynn]

There is probably something in the bible about that. But, the important distinction to be made is between marriage and civil partnership. Marriage is a religious thing, whereas civil partnership is recognising that some non-conventional arrangements have resulted in an economic dependance which should be acknowledged and dealt with in the same way as conventional partnerships. I had a long conversation with a friend who just couldn't get the gay aspect out of his head. But then we looked at the example of two siblings who have lived with their parents all their lives. One is the breadwinner, the other the homekeeper. Both as economically dependant on the other as a married couple, but there was no provision in law to protect the survivor.

 

The bible has no relevence in today's society. Almost half of different-sex couples who get married choose to do so in a non-religious establishment forsaking any religious crap associated with such a ceremony and concentrating on what matters. They are also called marriage.

 

Gay marriage would differ from sibling-partnerships, for example, because they are based on love in a sexual way like marriage.

 

At the end of the day the arguement is dead for a little while as most gay couples are happy with what they've got now especially as their legal rights are the same/almost the same as different-sex couples. I'm sure this issue will be raised again within the next few years though.

 

Incidentally do the same-sex marriages apply on Mann? When will the island allow them or do we have to wait another 30 years?

 

Actually I do not know but doubt it. If I did stand and was elected I would support a law change which brings us in line with the rest of the British Isles.

[Gladys]

There is probably something in the bible about that. But, the important distinction to be made is between marriage and civil partnership. Marriage is a religious thing, whereas civil partnership is recognising that some non-conventional arrangements have resulted in an economic dependance which should be acknowledged and dealt with in the same way as conventional partnerships. I had a long conversation with a friend who just couldn't get the gay aspect out of his head. But then we looked at the example of two siblings who have lived with their parents all their lives. One is the breadwinner, the other the homekeeper. Both as economically dependant on the other as a married couple, but there was no provision in law to protect the survivor.

 

The bible has no relevence in today's society. Almost half of different-sex couples who get married choose to do so in a non-religious establishment forsaking any religious crap associated with such a ceremony and concentrating on what matters. They are also called marriage.

 

Gay marriage would differ from sibling-partnerships, for example, because they are based on love in a sexual way like marriage.

 

At the end of the day the arguement is dead for a little while as most gay couples are happy with what they've got now especially as their legal rights are the same/almost the same as different-sex couples. I'm sure this issue will be raised again within the next few years though.

 

Incidentally do the same-sex marriages apply on Mann? When will the island allow them or do we have to wait another 30 years?

I understand your point Cheese, but I was trying to take the partnership arrangement away from something based on sex (which then raises all kinds of other biases) to something based on pure economics, which is what the civil partnerhsip is all about! In truth, the sibling arrangement is probably very rare now, but it was a useful way of demonstrating that people do become economically dependant on others and the law needs to recognise that.

[Amadeus]

Right, let's do what Grumble did, and ask,

 

Would you vote for Amadeus?

 

More Immigration into IOM by foreigners

 

Yes - due to the simply fact that the Island wouldn't be as and where it is now without its foreign work force. As most probably know by now, I'm from Germany, and came over here more than five years ago. I'm working in the e-gaming industry, and am partly employed as a German speaker, helping to attract more business by doing so. The more specialised people from around the globe a place can attract, the better for it.

 

Population control in IOM

 

Yes - work permits are a good way to regulate the market, but may need improving here and there.

 

Cannabis legalisation

 

No, and a very resounding one as well. We have two legal drugs too many already - Alcohol and Nicotine. Cannabis has been portrayed as a "soft" and harmless drug for too long, and only now do long term studies show the real negative effects of it. Whoever knows me, also knows that I'm completely against any kind of illegal drugs, and will never change my mind regarding this.

 

I do find it highly pointless to lock up taxpayers with regular jobs and a stable social life for the possession of small amounts, though, and this should be reviewed - what's wrong with community service?

 

Europe - for or against

 

For - A strong union of countries can achieve more in today's environment, than many single countries could ever do.

 

Capital Punishment

 

No - No human being has the right to take another human being's life, full stop. Retribution by killing the killer can't be the way - life-long imprisonment might be, depending on the circumstances.

 

Corporal Punishment

 

No - As tempted as I would be to say Yes, it doesn't really bring any benefits when you think of it more deeply. It may appear as being a good deterrent on first glance, but the long-term implications do not justify it.

 

All Island Speed Limit

 

No - Driver education, as well as serious improvement of road and vehicle safety should come first. It is all too easy to just impose a general limit, and think that all other traffic related problems would just go away with that.

 

I love cars, and I love driving - always have, and always will.. I spend way too much money on cars - not because I want to race around at 100mph+ all the time, but simply because I enjoy the freedom it gives me - the freedom to travel anywhere at the pace of my choice...

 

Gay Marriage

 

Yes - Why not? Love knows no boundaries, neither can it be limited to genders - it doesn't matter if a man loves a woman, another man, or if a woman loves a woman - if you are prepared to say "until death do us apart", then go for it... It's the year 2005 for pete's sake...

 

Islam

 

One of the biggest religions on earth, not to be confused with extremism or the acts of terrorists.

 

Christianity

 

I am a Protestant, but I couldn't say I'm a practicing one. Religion has never been of very high importance in my life, although I accept that many people think differently. I believe that I do not need to step into a church to pray.

 

Is there a God?

 

Maybe - undecided on that one. I'm usually very rational, and prefer to go with science, instead of just believing that everything was created in the way the bible describes it.

 

Global Warming does it exist?

 

Yes - It does quite certainly, and it is time to act on it. The Island is still years behind in even the smallest of areas which could reduce global warming. A nation-wide recycling scheme would be a start... a deposit on all bottles and cans sold in IOM supermarkets would also be desirable - it works in many other countries, why not here? And why not be an example for the rest of the British Isles?

 

War in Iraq

 

No - The whole war was one big mistake and should never have been started.

 

Nuclear Energy

 

No - It may look like a clean and efficient way to produce energy, but nations all around the world are currently looking for ways to store their nuclear waste - waste, which will haunt us for hundreds and thousands of years to come. Alternative sources have to be found, such as more efficient use of solar, wind and water energy.

 

Mr. Blair

 

No - He's a political leader right out of the text book. Perfect posture, smile and body language. He's good at his game, no doubt, but his time is over - not at least because he likes to cuddle up to George W too much, and his EU presidency left much to be desired.

 

Mr. Bush

 

No - And a very big No indeed.. Firstly, he shouldn't have been president in the first place. Secondly, looking at his education and general past, it should be very clear to the average inhabitant of planet earth, that it's not him, but a large group of advisors and "industrial friends", which seem to dictate a lot of his policies and actions.

 

Mr. Kennedy

 

No real opinion here...

 

Mr. Cameron

 

Yes - I like him - simply seing how he managed to make Tony Blair feeling seemingly uncomfortable during their first official encounter was quite a thing to watch. Let's see if he can keep it up...

 

Public Schools/private education

 

Public - I went to public schools back home and it didn't do me no harm. I learned all the things I needed to learn, and some I didn't. More funding should go into public education, so everyone gets a chance to receive a decent education, however you may use this in your future life...

 

Private health care

 

No - Public health care should come first, and more funds should be available for it. Being able to see my GP or Dentist on short notice, and receive a decent service, is one of the main things I would expect from a good political system.

 

Higher Income Tax

 

Yes - For higher earners, definitely. If you earn vast amounts of money, then you should be prepared to give some back to the society you live in.

 

Lower Income Tax

 

No - It's low enough as it is.

 

Council housing

 

Yes - Making affordable housing available to the people in need of it is essential. The single mothers of today are bringing up tomorrow's workers and leaders, hence having a huge influence on our future.

 

And if you lived in the UK which Political party would you vote for?

 

Can't answer that, as I never lived, and probably never will live in the UK. If I was back in Germany right now, I would have to plant all my hopes in Frau Merkel, as it can only get better after Mr Schroeder has left..

[Charles Flynn]

Good answers. I wonder how many votes you would get though from the Manx population? It would be a way of seeing if we were an open society or a closed one.

[Amadeus]

Good answers. I wonder how many votes you would get though from the Manx population? It would be a way of seeing if we were an open society or a closed one.

Thank you for your reply - I am genuinely interested in getting involved in politics, and in looking after the place that provided me with a good home for many years now. I know that acceptance could pose a problem with this, but may well just give it a shot - not at least to study any reactions and learn from the experience.

[Charles Flynn]

Good answers. I wonder how many votes you would get though from the Manx population? It would be a way of seeing if we were an open society or a closed one.

Thank you for your reply - I am genuinely interested in getting involved in politics, and in looking after the place that provided me with a good home for many years now. I know that acceptance could pose a problem with this, but may well just give it a shot - not at least to study any reactions and learn from the experience.

 

 

Welcome to Ellan Vannin.

 

Good on ya Yissir!

[Declan]

I think Amadeus would go far in local politics. He seems the type.

[nipper]

Personally, I could never, ever vote for anyone who even considered legalising cannabis.

 

That is an extremely dangerous drug. It may be ok for YOU, and a lot of others, and probably is safer than the demon drink. But that is no reason for a politician to legalise it.

 

So could YOU live with the responsibility for legalising and bringing that stuff into the lives of many who can be harmed by it?

 

There can be an awful lot more to cannabis than listening to music, giggling and having 'the munchies' you know.

[cheesemonster2005]

Personally, I could never, ever vote for anyone who even considered legalising cannabis.

 

That is an extremely dangerous drug. It may be ok for YOU, and a lot of others, and probably is safer than the demon drink. But that is no reason for a politician to legalise it.

 

So could YOU live with the responsibility for legalising and bringing that stuff into the lives of many who can be harmed by it?

 

There can be an awful lot more to cannabis than listening to music, giggling and having 'the munchies' you know.

 

Hoiw is it extremely dangerous? It's recently been shown that the drug 'may' have psycological affects on some people who use it. This is the same situation with alcohol. The only arguement for keeping cannabis illegal would be if we made alcohol illegal at the same time - both drugs are not harmless and can fuck you up, both drugs have an 'unknown' factor for some people; alcohol, however, can cause violence and is far greater harm to society.

[TheTool]

Very true i think you will find that alcohol abuse costs the tax payer more than drug abuse.

 

There is no easy fix for this problem, you may think cannabis is less harmful but research shows that it causes people to develop lung cancer faster due to the strength of it when smoked, i think i read somewhere that one joint is the the same as smoking 20 fags.

 

I just hope the next government will be better than this shambles at the moment.

 

Donald Gelling just seems to go from one jollie to another, and if they are going to talk about making the island more appealing to the rest of the world why have we got a old fat man fronting the island, a young more intune leader should be in charge.

 

Most business people want to deal with someone their own age not a grey haired grandad who they think is going to give them a Werther's Original. Donald's Favourite

 

How can we be taken serious with a 60+ Year old leader

[nipper]

Yeah sorry, I didn't realise.

 

Let's just introduce another unknown entity into our already pretty fucked up society.

[Utah 01]

Crikes! It’s like an invitation to appear on ‘Question Time’ so here goes……

 

More Immigration into IOM by foreigners

 

‘Foreigners’ is a somewhat contentious word. Are we talking about non Manx or non UK or non EU citizens? Whatever group we care to focus on the Island will require immigrants to sustain its workforce. The Island has neither the indigenous numbers nor, perhaps more importantly, the requisite skill-base to keep the economy driving forward and so the latter, especially, has to be imported. As to where from, that is immaterial as long as the ‘foreigner/s’ is prepared to contribute and assimilate to life here on the Island.

 

Population control in IOM

 

The population of the Island has a great bearing on the quality of life here in terms of social cohesiveness as well as aesthetics. Houses have to be built but should such eyesores such as the Peel ‘Ballashuttleworth’ development blight this beautiful Island. (I make no apology to any residents; go to any vantage point over Peel and objectively look at the estate – it is a blot on the landscape. That it is is the fault of our planners but that’s another matter). There are many who argue that the population is probably at its optimum for the Island’s infrastructure to sustain. In any event, given that immigration is a necessity, I believe that population control will be required sooner rather than later – and I would not tie that control solely to the basis of work.

 

Cannabis legalisation

 

Recent research now shows that the smoking of cannabis can have severe affects on the mental health of individuals – but so does alcohol on the physical health of individuals. To make the private use of cannabis illegal is too draconian but when its affects spill out of the ‘private’ into the public realm it should be treated, in terms of prosecution and punishment, as alcohol related offences.

 

Europe - for or against

 

I was old enough to exercise my vote for the first time in the referendum of 1975 and I voted to remain in what was then termed ‘the Common Market’. Free trade, the removal of tariff barriers and the like all seemed the way to go at the time. Nevertheless, the covert and long planned for subplot of European political union, which had always been buried in the Treaty of Rome, was never revealed at that stage. Since then, as the EU monolith has grown without check and our entire way of life has been controlled by an unelected, unaccountable cabal in Brussels. Whilst there have undoubtedly been some benefits from harmonisation in some aspects of pan European life, the erosion of national sovereignty and the precedent of EU statutes over our own is not acceptable. I am for EU membership but for trade and commerce reasons only – the political aspects must be renegotiated and I wouldn’t rule out withdrawal.

 

Capital Punishment

 

I would reintroduce capital punishment for certain offences: acts of terrorism where there is loss of life; the murder of members of the Police, Safety and Armed forces in the line of duty; murder involving a firearm; and what might become ‘first degree’ murder if new definitions are introduced. There should be no doubt in the mind of any citizen in this country that the deliberate taking of a life under the criteria above will mean the forfeiture of his or her own.

 

Corporal Punishment

 

Petty crime and vandalism is rife on the Island. By this I mean the ripping off of a car’s wing mirror, the smashing up of playground facilities. I firmly believe that the reintroduction of the birch, used sparingly, would serve, in such a small community as ours, as an ‘example pour les autres’. Watch the offence rate plummet!

 

All Island Speed Limit

 

An all Island speed limit is neither required nor desirable.

 

Gay Marriage

 

Whether we like it or not the laws by which we abide and the overall ethos of our society is based upon Christian teaching and that teaching is quite explicit in defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. The granting of certain legal concessions and rights to people of the same sex who cohabit is proper but the term ‘marriage’ cannot and should not be applied to a same sex partnership.

 

Islam

 

An individual has the rite to follow whatever religion and pray to whoever or whatever god he or she wishes to - provided that there is no attempt to impose those beliefs on others.

 

Christianity

 

We live in a Christian nation (see above) and the Christian religion is still subscribed to by a large number of people.

 

Is there a God?

 

I wish I knew.

 

Global Warming does it exist?

 

The entire history of the planet has been characterised by, at times, quite massive changes in climate. Extremes in weather are symptomatic of the volatile nature of the earth’s atmosphere. The statistics show that the earth is entering an overall warming phase and that there could be contributory factors from human input. To that extent we would be unwise not to take some measure not to exacerbate our input into the system.

 

War in Iraq

 

The war in Iraq was unjustified and will go down as one of the great debacles of British foreign policy.

 

Nuclear Energy

 

Sustainable energy sources have their place at a local level. For example, why couldn’t each house have a small wind-powered generator attached to its chimney? However, nuclear is the only big player that can meet the bulk of the planet’s increasing needs into the future. The disposal of nuclear waste is the problem which should attract as much thought and investment.

 

Mr. Blair

 

He has revolutionised British politics – for the worst! A complete slime-ball and I cannot understand how or why the British electorate did not realise that within weeks of his winning the ’97 election.

 

Mr. Bush

 

A very dangerous man.

 

Mr. Kennedy

 

A complete non-entity as is his party.

 

Mr. Cameron

 

Yet to be decided

 

Public Schools/private education

 

It is the right of anyone to spend his/her money on whatever he/she wishes and if that is education then so be it. However, it is the duty of the state to strive to provide an education to equal or better that provided by the public school system. We are extremely fortunate here on the Island where the state sector does provide first class educational opportunities for our children, proven by the very fact that there are many parents who could easily afford to educate privately but do not because of the excellence of the Island’s schools.

 

Private health care

 

Substitute health, healthcare service as appropriate in the answer above.

 

Higher Income Tax

 

Like an all-island speed limit, it is neither required nor desirable.

 

Lower Income Tax

 

Should always be striven for. The state should take in tax only that which is required for the maintenance of core services. I believe that here on the Island some elements of government are becoming too profligate with taxpayers money and a shake-up is long overdue. A low tax economy encourages risk-taking by entrepreneurs, investment by businesses and savings and spending by individuals – the very elements which the island needs to keep the economy driving forward.

 

Council housing

 

Coucil housing must be provided for those without or with a genuine need for affordable accommodation. However, despite the high cost of property on the Island, I am sure there are many domiciled in state housing who, although perhaps in need initially, could now, following changes in circumstances and income over the years, afford to enter the private market. They are a block on those genuinely in need and a review of state provision is probably required.