Here in London [England] we have three elections coming up in June; one for the mayor, one for the London council and one for the EU MP's.
Since there isn't a 'none of the above' box on the ballots, at least not one on the sample ballots, its a choice between voting for muppets or not bothering.
Still I thought I'd write a letter to all the candidates and see whether they are actually muppets.
I asked what their positions were on gun ownership, CCTV and biometrics.
So far only one reply from, Steve Norris, the Conservative party mayoral candidate:
"I believe the real problem of firearms are not those held by legally registered owners, but the thousands of illegally held guns in London that are used in criminal activity. Over the past four years, violent crime, especially involving firearms, has increased dramatically. We need targeted police activity to start reducing gun crime.
CCTV cameras play an important role in deterring, and helping the police solve, criminal activity. I believe their presence in important public places, such as public transport terminals and high streets, provides great assistance to the Metropolitan Police in their efforts against crime. I will support additional cameras in places where they will add to the ability to free Londoners from the fear of crime. However, the importance of tackling crime has to be balanced with the need to protect the privacy of the law-abiding majority of citizens.
Biometrics technology has great potential in the fight against crime. Whilst I appreciate that the fight against crime and the growing threat of terrorism must not come at the expense of civil liberties, I will also consider supporting any technological innovations that will help make the police force more effective."
Conclusion: Norris is a muppet.
Since there isn't a 'none of the above' box on the ballots, at least not one on the sample ballots, its a choice between voting for muppets or not bothering.
Still I thought I'd write a letter to all the candidates and see whether they are actually muppets.
I asked what their positions were on gun ownership, CCTV and biometrics.
So far only one reply from, Steve Norris, the Conservative party mayoral candidate:
"I believe the real problem of firearms are not those held by legally registered owners, but the thousands of illegally held guns in London that are used in criminal activity. Over the past four years, violent crime, especially involving firearms, has increased dramatically. We need targeted police activity to start reducing gun crime.
CCTV cameras play an important role in deterring, and helping the police solve, criminal activity. I believe their presence in important public places, such as public transport terminals and high streets, provides great assistance to the Metropolitan Police in their efforts against crime. I will support additional cameras in places where they will add to the ability to free Londoners from the fear of crime. However, the importance of tackling crime has to be balanced with the need to protect the privacy of the law-abiding majority of citizens.
Biometrics technology has great potential in the fight against crime. Whilst I appreciate that the fight against crime and the growing threat of terrorism must not come at the expense of civil liberties, I will also consider supporting any technological innovations that will help make the police force more effective."
Conclusion: Norris is a muppet.
And he is a conservative? CCTV and Biometrics: tools of liberty 
