Originally Posted by
techie
But how can you trust politicians who are only interested in political gains for themselves and their party and will do and say whatever scores them points to make decisions for the good of the country? While such bodies are unelected, they are chosen by elected politicians, so the process is not entirely undemocratic. Politicians would still be accountable, but they keep proving time and time again that we cannot trust them to make decisions that benefit the many even if at cost to the few.
Whilst not defending politicians here, being interested in political gains means the same as trying to get re-elected which in turn means appealing to the electorate. If there was a huge swathe of the electorate demanding Heathrow expansion, we would see a very different view from the government. Much as I would like to see airport expansion, I accept it is not vey high on most people's list of priorities. Busnesses are pushing for it because of their own self interest but for the majority the economic argument is not that appealing.
In addition, the environmental lobby have played a bit of a blinder over the last forty or so years by getting their message over to the young from an early age. We are now at the point where it is difficult to persuade younger people to support these projects without them raising environmental concerns.