"There are weathercocks and there are signposts"

[enlightenment]

Mhairi Black - the newest and youngest (20yo) MP in the UK Parliament - gives her maiden speech and delivers a powerful blow to Osborne's budget.

Her message is universal and we in the US do well to listen, I think.

Transcript here, in case you have trouble following.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mhairi-black-speech-in-full-snp-mp-tears-apart-conservative-government-and-labour-opposition-in-maiden-speech-10389334.html

[Scootaloo]

1. And I think I'm in love

Great speech, and the line you chose for the title is, ah, especially appropriate to the pressing topic on DU these days.

[Igel]

3. It is a good line.

It's also ambiguous.

If Politician X does something the majority dislike and which we dislike, he's dishonoring democracy. The people should rule.

If he does something the majority like and which we dislike, he's a weathercock and spineless, pandering to idjits.

If he does something we like but the majority dislike, he's a signpost, full of spine and standing up for principle.

If he does something we like and the people like, then the people are wise and democracy is working.

There's a fine line in a democracy between being a weathercock and the servant of the people, between being a signpost and an imperial asshole. I don't know of a principled way of locating that line.

[GeorgeGist]

2. Impressive for someone of any age ...

I hope she thrives.

[enlightenment]

4. As do I. nt