[fvc-wat-disc] women and minorities under MMP

[Angela Yenssen]

Rick, I feel compelled to respond to your comments that only the best person
for the job should be elected to parliament, not undeserving women and
minorities who obtain their positions only for the sake of having women and
minorities in office.  I completely agree with you.  I would hope that you
would also agree with me that it is a tragedy that we occasionally end up
with stupid white guys elected to office because of the systemic barriers
that keep talented women and minorities from running for office, let alone
getting elected.  That is the point of the comments about minority and
female representation under MMP:  every group in our society has talented
members, so let's level the playing field so that every group can see its
talented members elected and we have legislatures that reflect our society.
MMP is not an affirmative action program, it's about better representative
democracy. 

-----Original Message-----
From: fvc-wat-disc-bounces at listserv.thinkers.org
[mailto:fvc-wat-disc-bounces at listserv.thinkers.org] On Behalf Of Richard
Fairman
Sent: September 5, 2007 2:57 PM
To: fvc-wat-disc at listserv.thinkers.org
Subject: [fvc-wat-disc] 


Hello All

There has been a lot of talk about MMP providing for more females and
minorities running as candidates and being represented in government.  I
have no problem with that and encourage it.  What I am concerned about is
the gender/nationality criteria being the determining factors as to a
candidate's suitability rather than the political skill and wherewithal one
might possess to do the job effectively, regardless of one's superficial
characteristics.  For it seems to me that good government is about
delivering sound policy.  Therefore, whoever is best at it should be the
determining criterion for nomination and candidacy.  However that pans out
regarding race or gender is irrelevant.  So come one, come all, but vie for
the job based on one's abilities.  We have to look past the shell and get to
the kernel.  Otherwise, we correct no problem but rather, create one.

Peace
Rick Fairman

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