EDITOR, The Tribune
UNDER the point of the sword, King John of England enacted the Magna Carta on 15 June, 1215, and created parliament. The principle is that everyone is subject to the law, even the king, and guarantees the rights of individuals, the right to justice and the right to a fair trial. The problem with any rights is how you enforce them. s1
The effective control of government is the supremacy of parliament. In the 17th century, Edward Cook wanted to make the Magna Carta above the king and above parliament. He failed. Parliament has been able to act like a king having parliamentary prerogative - usually corrupt without being subject to the law. Parliament can give you rights and take them away. Making citizens of parliamentary democracy subjects and not free.s1
Because the guarantee of rights were to guard against the king, abuse of power by a pro parliamentary group and transfer the power to parliament. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. I recommend that parliamentary supremacy be put in check by requirements to hold referendum on any matter that affects the citizens significant.
We have made parliamentarians kings then we are upset when they act accordingly. Elections only reinforce this system because they become a government in waiting. They will continue to act like they are above the law because in practice they are. As a mathematician I study patterns. Never give people absolute power (like some to fight crime) because they will never give it up. It is like good sex and lots of money - intoxicating.
BRIAN ELLIS PLUMMER
Nassau
June 10, 2019
Comments
joeblow 5 years, 4 months ago
Excellent points and agree with the referendum idea but as long as Parliament has law making power, they will always be above the law. Especially when the government can disregard the results of a referendum as the former gov't did with gambling.
Collective responsibility is the issue that has to be undone to give MP's more freedom to represent the views of their constituents
sheeprunner12 5 years, 4 months ago
The 1973 Constitution gave a Bahamian PM "absolute power" ...... over ALL 3 branches of government for 5 years ........ with one deviation, Vote of No Confidence by MPs.
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