A Taste of British Politics

Yesterday evening I attended a political debate on campus as part of our "One World Week" (a celebration of diversity). The panel included a Labour counsellor, a student moderator, and a Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament, Lembit Opik. The audience asked the questions, which ranged from nuclear deterrent/trident to prison reform, to engaging youth in politics and civil society, and their opinions on the US election- which evolved into a discussion of whether or not England should have a written constitution similar to that of the United States (in structure, not necessarily content). I've gotten used to my "token American" role here, and it was fascinating to hear the discussion (not really a debate, there weren't many disagreements!). Mr. Opik talked about how Americans can (and frequently do) cite their rights as enumerated in the constitution. As he said that, I smiled and in my head started reciting the bill of rights. He was right! We do have that document in the back of our minds. I spent the evening thinking about what it would be like to live in a country with no written constitution. As a Politics/Government major in college, I saw how the 'founding documents' are what we as a people rely upon to understand our country- how we came to exist, what our 'founding fathers' were fighting to create. Any study of US government will include a survey of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence... the Federalist Papers... It's the cornerstone of our country. I think may of us find the root of our pride and patriotism growing from these documents, or at least in the sentiments that they illuminate. I'm proud of them. And, while I respect the arguments that I heard last night- some in favor of, and some against the formation of a written constitution, I can't help but think that the process of creating a written constitution would be quite empowering for any country. And as the world seems to be headed into a time of 'economic downturn' (I can't bring myself use the 'R' word- though we're probably there or getting close), what's wrong with a little national empowerment?

I really enjoyed the debate last night. And I'm even more excited now for some "national empowerment" back home come election night. It's finalized- there will be an election watch party in our student bar on campus. They will have CNN International on all the TVs, and we'll have a computer with a projector to check websites. I'm bringing my computer with me, so I can check on the 26th legislative district races, and on all the races that I'm really interested in- Governor, Initiative 1000... the list goes on! Party alllll night long, and class at 9am. ;-)