All well and good, but that is the price of a democratic system. It's also the reason why there is a parliament. The negatives of this are obvious, but it's the least worst system. Can you imagine every piece of legislation being decided by a public vote?

"I had a German friend a long time ago who argued that democracy was too precious to be left to the people"

Without a hint of irony

The EU taking over already extending the transition period as we speak.

May not ratify either as it is not satisfied with the treatment of its EU citizens.

If we remain we still have the veto and sit at the top table, undeservedly so, if the Johnson deal goes through the UK becomes a subservient colony a rule-taker.

Never before was so much damage inflicted by so few.

Everyone has to decide that for themselves.

The issue is that a GE might result in yet another 'Hung Parliament' with all the downsides this will bring as has been demonstrated these last few years.

I had a German friend a long time ago who argued that democracy was too precious to be left to the people.

He seriously argued that there ought to be thresholds other than just a minimum age which you needed to pass before you were allowed a vote. His primary one was an intelligence test of some kind, although how he thought that would be administered was never made clear.

Of course I didn't agree but I bet his views have hardened after the Brexit fiasco.

By the way, that's not what I am saying, as you very well know! All I saying is that everyone needs to think of the impact on future generations and not just their own. If you do, then fine.

So just out of interest and using some artistic licence here granted.

You’re 74 and moved to Truro. Average house price in Truro circa £330k so going to assume from that (and you over indulgent smug tones on this thread) that you are financially comfortable.

I am actually 75, but OK. I have a decent pension and some investments and live within my means.

So presumably you would be happy to take a cut in your state pension to help future generations? Not saying that is right or agreeable but surely that is something that would benefit. What then if everyone over 70 had to, whether they could afford to or not? Now let’s say the majority of these pensioners vote against it. But you consider it right. Are they wrong because they put their own situation first?

My remarks have only been about the way people should vote and not what else they ought to do. After selling my businesses and retiring I did quite a lot to help others financially, but it wouldn't be appropriate to go into details. In the event of Parliament deciding to cut the state pension then as I could survive it I wouldn't be too unhappy. How other's would feel is entirely their own business.

You make the point out impacting future generations.

1. No one can know the impact.

Know? Not in precise detail. Have a good idea of the probable range of outcomes, yes they do.

2. Most people will have considered their children/grandchildren

Then they have already met what I am suggesting and can ignore what I have said.

3. You’re clearly not a working class lorry driver from Doncaster, but I’ll bet you could lecture them to death and believe you have more right to an opinion than they do.

No, but I have several friends who drive (or more correctly used to drive) lorries. We can discuss things quite amicably. You might well be surprised at their attitudes. Most of the ultra leavers around here come from middle class backgrounds, and are incomers from the shires.

The most beautiful irony you seem unaware of though is that you continually state leave had the traction as it’s easier to argue for change. Missing the point that is exactly what you are doing now. Arguing for change. Yet when faced with reasoned debate, you revert to being overbearing.

Oh I fully realise which way the tide is flowing and and that the arguments have almost reversed. What is missing is the reasoned debate. Most of what I read is just the same old, same old, claims about "respecting" the 52:48 result 3 years ago etc, etc. Not a lot of reasoning attached at all. Just repetition.

My personal feelings - if you pay taxes, contribute to society and are a good citizen you have as much right to vote for any option.

Of course you do. Which all the people will do at the next GE and if they decide they were sold a pup in 2016 and want to reverse the decision that's what will happen.

I personally couldn’t vote for Corbyn under any situation (though the free Unicorn is tempting), but if someone chooses to then that is their right.

Nor could I, but neither could I vote for Johnson, or Farage. Just as well then none are standing here.

I would also suggest Truro is not taking the same hit that other parts of the country do with immigration.

It isn't but maybe that enables the people here not to be blindsided by it. Immigration won't decrease because of Brexit. The source of the immigrants might change though.

I vote how I vote based on personal knowledge, my local mp gets my vote as he is a good local mp. Wider than that, I voted out based on personal experiences both here and in other countries.

Then we decide in the same way. My local MP is Sarah Newton who helped me with a particular issue in the past and changed my life as a consequence. She is a good lady. I voted remain because of personal experiences both here, in Europe and further afield.

Moot?? surely??

Edited by the silurian (22 Oct 2019 5.24pm)

A General Election cannot come soon enough.

Edited by Matov (22 Oct 2019 5.17pm)