Iceland’s Biggest Political Party Is Now The “Pirate Party” — and It’s Amazing

After a devastating financial collapse a few years ago, Iceland has gone through many changes politically and economically.

They routed out many corrupt politicians and bankers.

Good for them because they have been recovering nicely and many things are above board as they should be.

One cool thing happening is the rise of a new political party.

Maybe some other countries need a change too.

The Pirate Party !!

Iceland’s Biggest Political Party Is Now The “Pirate Party” — and It’s Amazing

Iceland’s anti-establishment Pirate Party continues to lead nationwide polls as the most popular choice for the next elections. The party — whose policies include internet freedom, drug decriminalisation, and open democracy — has consistently led the polls for the last year and, as a result, has secured more funding than any of its rivals.

The 2008 financial crisis hit Iceland hard. The following year, the krona was devalued by around 50%, unemployment doubled, and capital controls were introduced. Miraculously, the country rose from the ashes to become one of Europe’s top performers in terms of growth. More recently, the political establishment has been in turmoil since three government ministers were implicated in the global Panama Papers scandal.

Despite their struggle, or perhaps because of it, the list of reasons to admire Icelanders keeps on growing. Whether it’s the sentencing of senior bankers — or the mass outrage at the offshore leak, which propelled 10% of the population to the streets and ousted the Prime Minister — the radical refusal of Icelanders to bow down and accept establishment corruption is admirable.

Go Pirate Party !!

Let me be the first to say, they must have an "Arrr" after their names.

originally posted by: DBCowboy
Let me be the first to say, they must have an "Arrr" after their names.

And their mascot is a parrot !!!

a reply to: xuenchen

If Hillary wins, I am now moving to Iceland!!

Good thing it's cold there, or we'd ALL be moving there!

Good on them. Is there any way this can be extrapolated out onto a country substantially bigger, more complex and less rational?

a reply to: xuenchen

Ah how good it is to see a party that actually represents the people become the major voice of a country.

I believe the biggest illusion government has ever created is that we need them in order to function.

Agorism FTW!

a reply to: xuenchen

A friend of mine visited Iceland recently. She was very impressed with their healthy food and healthy government.

I think they have done some amazing things!! And it is so different in so many ways from what we have here.

a reply to: Granite

The weird thing is, Granite, if my kid didnt need specialized medical care, they'd be top of my list too. And we generally don't agree on ANYTHING.

a reply to: xuenchen

I got offered a position as a candidate for MP a couple of years ago after I did some serious research on a couple of goverment bills in Canada. I'm still looking at it as they have a solid mandate and a credible platform. They want what the average person wants, less bloat, transparency, accountability, fewer ridiculous cash cow drug laws, banking reform - especially IMF related central banking, common sense laws, no more lobbying, tax department reform and equitable taxation, unfettered Internet access, etc. I think they're a great party.

Cheers - Dave

originally posted by: Granite
a reply to: xuenchen

If Hillary wins, I am now moving to Iceland!!

I don't think anyone is safe anywhere with that crazy lady leading the charge... If anything, Iceland will be fair game due to going against the "establishment"....

But on the topic, I love this idea and I wish more countries would take back their Govt.. I understand some countries will be easier than others, but this Iceland situation will be an interesting template for other countries to take note of and try to replicate, if in fact it works.

a reply to: xuenchen

If God really does exist and he gives humanity messages through deeds and not words, I would consider Iceland a massive message shouted from the heavens to humanity - wake the # up and realise you have the power to control your own destiny and reestablish the limitations of government interference in the lives of all the people of Earth.

hmm . . . sounds like a good idea to me!

If either HilLiary or trumped win the election, I say we start a pirate party in America. Now...we just need to locate some ships and cannon.

Listen to this and tell me you don't wish you were a pirate too.

originally posted by: bobs_uruncle
a reply to: xuenchen

I got offered a position as a candidate for MP a couple of years ago after I did some serious research on a couple of goverment bills in Canada. I'm still looking at it as they have a solid mandate and a credible platform. They want what the average person wants, less bloat, transparency, accountability, fewer ridiculous cash cow drug laws, banking reform - especially IMF related central banking, common sense laws, no more lobbying, tax department reform and equitable taxation, unfettered Internet access, etc. I think they're a great party.

Cheers - Dave

Hey, why not?
It can be fun. I ran for mayor of a tiny Nebraska town when I was 18. Found out I had to be registered to vote before I could pay the $23 to put my name on the ballot.

Went from the city building to the courthouse and registered as an independent. Went back paid my $23 and went to high school the next day. Primary was between prom and graduation. I ended up third out of six. But a strong showing. One of the top two actually came to my graduation party. I used the rest of my campaign money to put an ad in the local paper to support him.

MP would be more fun. Might be a tax nightmare since I don't know the system up there...but I say go for it. It opens doors you never knew existed.

originally posted by: the owlbear

originally posted by: bobs_uruncle
a reply to: xuenchen

I got offered a position as a candidate for MP a couple of years ago after I did some serious research on a couple of goverment bills in Canada. I'm still looking at it as they have a solid mandate and a credible platform. They want what the average person wants, less bloat, transparency, accountability, fewer ridiculous cash cow drug laws, banking reform - especially IMF related central banking, common sense laws, no more lobbying, tax department reform and equitable taxation, unfettered Internet access, etc. I think they're a great party.

Cheers - Dave

Hey, why not?
It can be fun. I ran for mayor of a tiny Nebraska town when I was 18. Found out I had to be registered to vote before I could pay the $23 to put my name on the ballot.

Went from the city building to the courthouse and registered as an independent. Went back paid my $23 and went to high school the next day. Primary was between prom and graduation. I ended up third out of six. But a strong showing. One of the top two actually came to my graduation party. I used the rest of my campaign money to put an ad in the local paper to support him.

MP would be more fun. Might be a tax nightmare since I don't know the system up there...but I say go for it. It opens doors you never knew existed.

Wow, good for, must have been a real experience! Would you do it again?

I've worked for ministers, heads of military and counterintelligence, I was the guy in the shadows that usually retained his anonymity (at least when I was operational), but sorts out everything. I considered going into politics with the PP when they asked, however, being involved with politicians and heavy on the military side, plus knowing what illegal things theier handlers are willing to do, it kind of turned me off. I have a line I won't cross and I can't apply the same kind of solutions to problems that I used overseas. I don't have the tolerance for a degraded campaign process with all the back-biting. Politics is nothing more than entertainment, it truly is political theatre.

You never know what the future may bring, my tolerance for BS might increase lol.

Cheers - Dave

originally posted by: bobs_uruncle

originally posted by: the owlbear

originally posted by: bobs_uruncle
a reply to: xuenchen

I got offered a position as a candidate for MP a couple of years ago after I did some serious research on a couple of goverment bills in Canada. I'm still looking at it as they have a solid mandate and a credible platform. They want what the average person wants, less bloat, transparency, accountability, fewer ridiculous cash cow drug laws, banking reform - especially IMF related central banking, common sense laws, no more lobbying, tax department reform and equitable taxation, unfettered Internet access, etc. I think they're a great party.

Cheers - Dave

Hey, why not?
It can be fun. I ran for mayor of a tiny Nebraska town when I was 18. Found out I had to be registered to vote before I could pay the $23 to put my name on the ballot.

Went from the city building to the courthouse and registered as an independent. Went back paid my $23 and went to high school the next day. Primary was between prom and graduation. I ended up third out of six. But a strong showing. One of the top two actually came to my graduation party. I used the rest of my campaign money to put an ad in the local paper to support him.

MP would be more fun. Might be a tax nightmare since I don't know the system up there...but I say go for it. It opens doors you never knew existed.

Wow, good for, must have been a real experience! Would you do it again?

I've worked for ministers, heads of military and counterintelligence, I was the guy in the shadows that usually retained his anonymity (at least when I was operational), but sorts out everything. I considered going into politics with the PP when they asked, however, being involved with politicians and heavy on the military side, plus knowing what illegal things theier handlers are willing to do, it kind of turned me off. I have a line I won't cross and I can't apply the same kind of solutions to problems that I used overseas. I don't have the tolerance for a degraded campaign process with all the back-biting. Politics is nothing more than entertainment, it truly is political theatre.

You never know what the future may bring, my tolerance for BS might increase lol.

Cheers - Dave

You've got a plus one then...
With all of the behind the scenes stuff. I was starting from nothing as an 18 year old. Doors opened that I could have, (and should have) taken.

The line you won't cross will never change. You can't do anything about that line. But for the inside...eventually...you may be able to have some say.
If you're clean campaign-wise...(which I regretfully am not anymore), I still say go for it.

a reply to: the owlbear

Maybe one day when i can't do a real job and I'm tired of living. I would be the guy who wants to investigate and charge all these politicians with their crimes and treasons. You know what happens to "those" guys, right?

You know what they say, when you can't do anything that's productive or useful, go into politics ;-)

Cheers - Dave