[Stubbs]

"We live in a society absolutely dependent on science and technology and yet have cleverly arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. That's a clear prescription for disaster." - Carl Sagan.

It seems he had several different versions of this quote from different publications, but they're all equally applicable.

I am reminded of the fact though that we voted for this! I wonder if any of the other parties, the fringe parties like the Greens or the Pirate Party could do any better?

[robertskmiles]

> we voted for this

Not really. Claire Perry was elected as Conservative Member of Parliament for the constituency of Devizes in Wiltshire. Devizes has elected a Conservative candidate in every single election since 1924, so running for election there as a Conservative is kind of a formality.

She was then appointed to the position of Parliamentary Private Secretary to Philip Hammond, the Secretary of Defence. My understanding is she has no official position, qualifications, expertise, or mandate with regards to technology, the internet, or children's welfare.

[junto]

Whilst I agree with you, one should point out that no politicians have the expertise or mandate with regards to technology, the internet, or children's welfare!

[Stubbs]

It doesn't really matter how safe a constituency is, there was an election, we voted, this is what we got.

To change that people will have to change the way people vote. Maybe one of the things the next candidate for Devizes can do is campaign on Claire's lack of understanding of technology and the impact that has on her ability to be an MP.