I don't liek religion at all, but I agree with Samuel. I was Christened with the sole purpose of going to a Chruch of England school. It is the best performing school in the area and I hear this is common of "religious" schools compared to those that are "non relgious"

I've always thought it was down to the fact that most religions put a person/diety at the top of all humanity, whilst most (all?) communist regimes rely on the installation of a dictator who needs to take on a similar role to prevent, you know... revolutions and all of it. It's hard for Kim Jong-Il to be a god and overall ruler of his people, when his people believe that the Pope, someone/thing (really trying hard not to show my ignorance to religions, here) is also the head of all humanity.

The problem with deficit... any deficit, is the crippling effect it has on inflation. Contrary to popular belief, inflation is the direct result of debt (I can go into the economics of it all, if you want). Inflation, at the moment, is between 3 and 4 percent - almost double the BoE's target rate.... I would wager that the rate is so high because of the past year's huge deficit, and the mounting effect of the overall Government debt.

And, is inflation important? Yes. A sustained period of time of inflation at 3-4% would mean that the value of money would effectively half over a period of around 20 years. The value of money halving would be seen as prices doubling. The doubling of prices over twenty years... who do you think that's going to effect the most? The people who are currently struggling to get by, or those who have piles of money?

If a commie leader can convince their populace that they are a God (supernatural) like Kim Jong Il then they don't mind religion (because they ARE the religion). If they can't then they outlaw it.

Religion stands in their way because of the power base it can provide and because Communism is the only true religion. It's an atheist religion but it is a religion. They still believe in God, they just think the state is God and they're more intolerant than the Taliban.

Non-commy countries can put Parliament, the Constitution, the Army, a Monarch, a dictator, whoever at the head of the nation without outlawing religion.

the number of misconceptions you people put on Socialism is pathetic...you have created an entire fiction around it, none of which represents the true ideaology...

at what point have I even hinted at Dictatorship???? NONE...

I believe in Democracy...but I dont consider the UK or USA to be proper ones...which is part of why they fail...

the reason the Right oppose proper democracy and put so much misinformation about is because they know a well educated and informed electorate who have a real say would NEVER elect them.

Come on then, why DON'T you consider the USA or UK to be proper democracies? Stop making open ended statements, and actually put a little meat in your posts.

Monarcy (UK)

no Proportional Representation (Both)

far too few Referendums (UK)

low voter turnout (UK, dont know about US)

lack of participation in politics (both)

Whilst you are correct about the monarchy being far from a democratic entity... I posit the following: when was the last time the monarch denied the sovereignty of Parliament? I'd agree that the Lords are far from a democratic institution within Parliament - but the Government has committed itself to reforming it.

Proportional Representation... eh, not a fan. The strong constituency link coupled with the forthcoming right to recall MPs makes each MP much more accountable to her constituents, which I'd wager is a strong incentive for them to work in the interest of their constituents.

I'd agree about the referendums... but it seems like such a small point when compared to the anger you seem to show towards the political institutions of both nations. Particularly in the US, where there are a considerable number of referenda at the local level.

The last two are the result of a conscious decision by the electorate. Part of the whole freedom and liberty notions of a liberal democracy is that people have the right to opt-out of it all, if they want to. Also, I find that people are very interested in politics when it comes to the local level, I often see a lot of NIMBY campaigns, and the like, and I'm sure that this preference to local politics isn't just a phenomenon in my area (and is another argument for decentralisation).

Democracy is a sham. Democracy allows 51% of the population to kill the other 49%.

I believe in rights that supercede the will of the people, the will of government, the will of the Monarch and especially the will of a bunch of evil commies intent on destroying mankind.

I'm not talking about rights to free broadband like Europe, I'm talking real rights. Like the right to shoot anyone who tries to harm you or your family ie Commies.

Did I mention I hate Commies?

What planet are you from? just so i know which to avoid.