Tomorrow Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg will be holding the second national televised public debate in Bristol, with international affairs at the head of the agenda. Whilst many will be sitting comfortably at home assessing how they each react and respond to questions from the audience and examine their debating skills, the planning behind this event is seen as a censorship of democracy and free speech and people should be aware of the real facts surrounding the debate. Bristol, United Kingdom, 21/04/2010.
The debate is being held at a secret location with what is rumored to be a massive security presence. The reasons for doing so are simple - keep the public out whilst using the carefully picked candidates for the audience, those who met the criteria and will ask the bland questions that no doubt will be served up. The questions are arranged beforehand by the broadcaster. Clearly, The Independent has picked up on this with advertising vans driving around the Strand in London today with the slogan, "Rupert Murdoch won't decide this election. You will." Sky news is the media force behind this 'public' event.
A report from thisisbristol.co.uk states that, "The rules [determined by Sky] also set out how most of the audience of around 200 will be picked from the local area to ensure a balance of gender, age, ethnicity, social class and voting intention."
The question that looms over is who would want any of the trio of leaders to be the next Prime Minister with such a fixed debate. It seems more important for Sky news that it will be in HD, judging from their adverts on the Underground in London this evening. Here we can see a prime example of the cosmetic facades that are created in Western Democracies. Whilst we live with a wealth of information to be discovered it's easier to eat what is on the plate in front of you and not ask questions - at least that is what they hope.
According to various sources, members of the handpicked audience will meet at The Mercure hotel on Redcliff Road at 4:00pm. Apparently they will then be driven to the actual debate location to stop protesters who will be trying to get outside to make their voices heard and let the public and government know that the voice of the people cannot be silenced. The Arnolfini is rumored to be the actual venue at 16 Narrow Quay, but again to stop protesters and real representative members of the public this might be changed at the last minute.
Go Alex Go!
Go Alex Go!