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A comment on The secret negotiations behind the Hong Kong handover. Parent comment

Re:The secret negotiations behind the Hong Kong handover by ihaveajob on Monday June 19, 2017 @06:57PM (#14591052)
I'll take politicians who know they're up for periodic reelection over what they have in China any time.
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Re:The secret negotiations behind the Hong Kong handover by r00fus on Monday June 19, 2017 @07:24PM (#14591166)
The problem is that the lobbyists and civil servants do not have any re-election or term limits.

So you have replaceable pols who are a facade to the real influence being brokered by chiefs of staff, head lobbyists - and the distinction between the lobbyists and civil staff is blurred at best.

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Re:The secret negotiations behind the Hong Kong handover by icebraining on Tuesday June 20, 2017 @03:37PM (#14597804)
Bernard: The Department of Employment lobbies for the TUC, whereas the Department of Industry lobbies for the employers. It's rather a nice balance. Energy lobbies for the oil companies, Defence lobbies for the armed forces, the Home Office lobbies for the police and so on.

Hacker: So the whole system is designed to stop the Cabinet from carrying out its policies?

Bernard: Well, somebody's got to.

-- Yes, Minister

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