I am genuinely curious. Some of my passing thoughts are below, if some context is needed.
I strongly believe that PR is a much better and fairer system than FPTP, and I hope it passes in Canada at least at the federal level.
The question. Are there any real disadvantages to PR compared to FPTP?
PR is obviously not a peefect system, and it has downsides compared to other forms of representation, such as Direct Democracy. But i cant find any real downsides when compared to FPTP.
I heard about:
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PR allows extremist ideas to be represented.
This is maybe true, but I think it is blown out of proportion
It is also probably not a negative. Allowing their representation means that these ideas can be challenged in public, rather than simply censored. It also could reduce feelings of not being represented among the public, feelings which might be a strong contributing force to the rise of authoritarianism.
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PR could effectively freeze government by not allowing anything to pass.
This could be a negative, but in many cases it isn't. In case the majority is the extremist party, PR allows a sort of damage control.
I think prisons have to be reformed in almost every country, including my own (Canada). Prison should fill one or both of these roles:
My point that i want to make is that the punishment should not exceed simply limiting freedom. Prison should protect prisoners from violence. Prison should allow prisoners to live fulfilling lives while there in prison. Prison rape should not be a fact of life in prison. Prison should not dehumanise prisoners. Prison should guard all rights of prisoners (apart from freedom of movement). Prisoners can't be forced to do work or even follow a routine. Etc.
Unfortanutely, it seems things are so fucked up that not many have time to seriously fight for prisoner's rights (including me).