Writing to One’s MP
One of the cornerstones of the democratic process is supposed to be that we can lobby our representatives. That’s the theory, anyway.
My opposition to the impending Identity Cards Bill has led to ongoing correspondence with my member of parliament. Much of this has been rather one-sided. Indeed, until the most recent letter, the responses have been vague and non-commital. His voting record showed that he was on the one hand saying “I will consider your concerns” and on the other completely ignoring them when entering the voting lobby. His most recent letter at least starts to answer some of my points. When I study his responses, I become further dismayed. One comment in particular struck me. He is taking the latest government line that the bill will in some way help with identity theft. The response was:
I believe that it is possible that an I/D card system could assist in preventing this happening or in speedily rectifying the situation should it occur.
No facts, no underlying logic nor reasoned argument - just his belief. We are discussing a bill that will substantially alter the relationship between the citizen and the state on the basis of belief. A naive belief at that.
I have little hope that I will persuade him to change his mind. Clearly the reasoned arguments and evidence I pointed out in previous letters has had no effect on his belief that this bill will combat identity theft - well, identity theft today. When that one has been thoroughly debunked, it will be something else tomorrow.
All I see here is evidence that democracy stinks.
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