Hands up if you want democracy ...

... you at the back! I can't see your hand up. Don't make me fine you. You will participate in democracy whether you like it or not.

I noticed this story on the BBC News website earlier today and Steve at Village Hampden has started the ball rolling.

Basically, Geoff Hoon has decided that a 61% turnout at the last election simply isn't good enough and the best way to encourage people to take part in the democractic process is to remove their democratic right not to vote and fine them if they don't turn up on election day.

I'm starting to lose track of all the things the government have done to erode our democractic and human rights. I think I need to make a list.