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JD, as usual your interpretations remain somewhat dogmatic rather than democratic, so I'll come to RealCabforceForum's aid!
On the contrary, I asked a simple question that deserved a simple yes or no answer.
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Let's take it to basics.
Democracy is government BY the people for the people (usually through elected representatives) - basically majority rule. Hopefully we agree on that. No-one could ever claim that ours is perfect, but it works fairly well.
No one would disagree with your interpretation of democracy in that sense and indeed I would go further and state that democracy is a form of government under which the power to alter the laws and structures of government lies ultimately, with the citizenship. It is no doubt a matter of fact that under a democratic system, legislative decisions are made by the people themselves or by elected representatives who act with the consent of the people, with periodical elections and the rule of law to enforce that consent.
In this modern age there are many concepts of democracy including social democracy and liberal democracy, just as our common law continually evolves likewise does our reasoning and understanding of democracy.
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It is clear that in Edinburgh, the overwhelming majority of the taxi trade and, indeed, population regard restricted taxi numbers as both equitable and adequate.
I have never commented on the adequacy of Taxi provision in Edinburgh nor do I intend to. Even if I was standing in your shoes I would never assume that I know what the majority of the public want? With regard to the Taxi Trade I would first need you to define what you mean by Taxi Trade? I assume you mean Hackney Carriage owners and perhaps Hackney Carriage drivers with the P/H sector excluded from the term Taxi Trade? I would agree that those with a vested interest to protect would no doubt say there are enough Taxis available. I don't know if the vested interests are in a majority or minority? All I know is that under a democratic system it is the legislature that make the laws of our land and they have deemed that everyone has the legal right to apply for a license at any time they like. Whether or not they get that license is another matter but they have the democratic social right given to them by a democratically elected Government.
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If you lived and/or worked here, you would know that - so take it as read.
As I previously stated I have never commented on Edinburgh's Taxi provision and nor would I. For the record, "I hardly take anything as being read".
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Within this framework a tiny minority mounted a legal challenge - and failed.
I don't know if they have failed, I was under the impression the council had gained an extension in time? Do you have knowledge as to their demise?
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Now to your semantics. Of course skull et al are entitled to apply for anything they want - what they are NOT entitled to, is automatic success.
Well it is gratifying to know that you accept the fact that Mr. Skull and anyone else who wishes to obtain a license has the legal right to apply under our democratic legal system. I am sure Mr. Skull will be heartened to hear you say that?
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The majority are entitled to expect that their wishes are respected. So, is it not right that the decision of the many be respected by the few?
Just what are the wishes of the majority?
I doubt the majority of the citizens of Edinburgh would like to see someone excluded from participating in the legal process of applying for a license, do you? You have already conceded that you believe anyone should be able to apply for a license, I am sure the public of Edinburgh would agree with you. Unfortunately we can't pick and choose which laws we abide by. It is like you said "Democracy is by the people for the people" and the people in this case have already decided that anyone can apply for a license.
I suspect there will always be those who try to bend the meaning of democracy to suite their own purpose but democracy is a double-edged sword, it can either work for you or against you. What it does do however is place a burden on all those living in a democracy to accept the framework in which that democracy has evolved and that means you, me, and everyone else accepting the laws as laid down in our legal system.
That is what the people of Edinburgh are to expect and not your warped notion that you personally believe there is a majority who would rather see the status quo of taxi provision retained, at the expense of denying persons their human right to apply for a license.
Regards
JD