NationStates Jolt Archive

Imagine that each of us could vote for our representative in the United Nations General Assembly. I’m not talking NationStates here – I mean planet earth.

The Australian delegate would be answerable to me and all the other Australian voters, not simply be the tool and mouthpiece of our federal government.

Think of the credibility such candidates would have in the general assembly. If it caught on, it would become our chamber, not the plaything of career diplomats.

Consider how it might evolve. It may become more democratic. Large countries would get more seats. Decisions would be based on what the majority of world citizens wanted, not be corrupted by the wants of a powerful elite.

Imagine how we may evolve. We will begin to see ourselves as world citizens. Nations will be seen as subsidiary.

yes.... and the represntative for your country couldnt be a national of that nation. eg british delegate couldnt come from UK. try and get a more balanced world, and would mix things up.

or make them go paintballing the guy/gal who won got to set the rules. imagine the TV

Here, anyway, that position is supposed to represent the policy of the government. That's why we elect the government -- to represent us.

Here, anyway, that position is supposed to represent the policy of the government. That's why we elect the government -- to represent us.

That's a bit like saying, "I vote for my state representatives (or my county's, or my town's) so they should appoint my national representatives.

The trick is to see oneself as a citizen of the world, not a citizen of a nation. Once that leap is made, it becomes imperative, or so it seems to me, that the UN (or whatever might replace it) is answerable to me and my fellow citizens.

Errinundera']That's a bit like saying, "I vote for my state representatives (or my county's, or my town's) so they should appoint my national representatives.

The trick is to see oneself as a citizen of the world, not a citizen of a nation. Once that leap is made, it becomes imperative, or so it seems to me, that the UN (or whatever might replace it) is answerable to me and my fellow citizens.
That's a leap I don't care to make. I like the idea of sovereignity. And I also don't mind the idea that some national representatives could be appointed by my state government.

Plus, why should the ambassador to the UN be selected in a different manner than my ambassador to any other nation?

I like the idea of sovereignity.

I like the idea of global sovereignty.

A question, Mymidonisia. If a global government re-distributed wealth from rich nations to poor nations would yours be worse off?

Errinundera']I like the idea of global sovereignty.

A question, Mymidonisia. If a global government re-distributed wealth from rich nations to poor nations would yours be worse off?
Sure, there isn't a developed nation in the world that would be better off. Until the poor nations, and I'm thinking of Africa in particular, cast off the despotic governments that have held them back, no amount of wealth redistribution will ever improve their lot. It's the whole "Give a man a fish ... " thing.

Maybe you should get involved in the UN Youth Assembly. If you're that interested, that might be something for you.

Sure, there isn't a developed nation in the world that would be better off. Until the poor nations, and I'm thinking of Africa in particular, cast off the despotic governments that have held them back, no amount of wealth redistribution will ever improve their lot. It's the whole "Give a man a fish ... " thing.

Your point is a valid one.

Let me approach this a different way. 40 years ago many of the state houses of parliament in Australia were severely gerrymandered. The federal parliament (despite its oddly structured senate) was much fairer. People began to ask themselves why do I vote in comparatively fair federal elections but in unfair state elections? Steadily the state governments have improved the fairness of their systems. A more democratic UN would encourage its member nations to be themselves more democratic.

Maybe you should get involved in the UN Youth Assembly. If you're that interested, that might be something for you.

If you're referring to me, I don't qualify.