Makes you proud to be British

[southernsoftie]

Thats a bit unfair. I couldn't be arsed to vote but thats was a fair amount influenced by not having a clue who to vote for:

I forgot! Only remembered at 10 when it was on the news!

But then I was probably going to spoil my card in protest.

I think the days of the great polar opposite ideologies are over, and most people just want the government to run the country. The party political process just makes this impossible.

Government need to be seen to be doing something but can't make painful decisions for fear of upsetting the electorate so we end up with expensive, ineffective 'initiatives', 'czars', and spurious statistics to support the effectiveness of said 'initiatives'.

Opposition should be there to support the running of the country by offering meaningful challenge to formulate effective policies, but instead rely on ridiculing the government at every turn. They too avoid the big decisions because they will not get elected on a manifesto promising anything drastic like tax increases to pay for a level of public service we all clearly feel entitled to without paying for, or to outline in too much detail how they will clamp down on the welfare state (in case they lose the vote of the underclass).

Couple this with the fact that we now have a government stuffed full of people who have dreamed of high office since they were 14: career politicians. No-one worthy of government should really want to hold that power, such is the level of duty and responsibility attached to it. It should be seen as a period of public service undertaken by those who have both contributed to and benefited from this great(?) nation.

If I dislike the government, where then is the credible alternative: someone I believe will actually change things? And if they don't exist and I then don't want to vote for anyone, I am one of the apathetic. Whilst I understand my not voting probably contributed to the BNP getting elected, I refuse to lend my support to any other party simply to prevent neo-Nazi mob getting in. It is down to the political parties to provide the meaningful alternative.

I suppose in a true democracy it would be down to me to become a politician to rectify the things I don't like - anyone up for joining Softie's Republic? - I might have even thought about it too, but it looks like I won't be able to claim a great deal on expenses any more. Stuff that!

Anyway, that off me chest, I can go to my physio appointment now!

[Trog]

Why is there a Black Police Officers Federation?

[nikalas]

Why is there a Black Police Officers Federation?

.... Because the police were, by their own admission, institutionally racist and, in order to attract more ethnic minorities to re-dress this and to provide a more representative police force, such a support group was deemed necessary.

There is also a British Association for Women in Policing for similar reasons.

[Witton Park]

Why is there a Black Police Officers Federation?

and why is the campaign for racial equality person always black?

[Witton Park]

Tories: Generally anti europe which I'm not, expense claims for cleaning moats and duck houses, David 'I'm a bit too smarmy for my own boots' Cameron (I prefer William Haig), generally pro countryside (a good thing) but at the same time too many buffoons and for me too many bad recollections of the devastation caused by Margaret Thatcher. All about sound bites and spin and never answer direct questions.

I tend to agree and sway to the Tories on the basis that they look to give responsiblity to the individual where the Labour Party adopt the nanny state approach.

But the Tories aren't anti Europe - they took us in with Heath - took us deeper in with Maggie - flirted with the ERM / Euro under Major and generally are pro EU with the odd exception.

However have a look at Labour back in 1987 http://www.psr.keele.ac.uk/area/uk/man/lab87.htm

Their problem is that they cannot say what they believe in. Politicians sch as Jack Straw, CHarles Clarke, Blair, Brown, Prescott etc all grew up staunch lefties, opposing Nuclear Power, Europe etc and changed their minds when they realised that the Britsh Public had frozen them out.

So they freshened up their suits, changed their stance, but lost all conviction.


I belive in Europe - I work with many EU colleagues - but I also work with Norway and they believe in Europe - just not the EU.

Do not confuse the EU with Europe!

The EU, along with our over-bloated Parliament, our Regional development agencies, National Assemblies, several tiers of Councils and then the Civil SErvice with it's 1 million plus additions in the last 10 years - is just the result of socialist politics trying to build up an empire around itself.

The empire is crumbling all around Europe - Europe will survive - but the EU will become a basket case.

[Penguin]

the BNP are trully out and out scum, i have seen them in recent times kick hell's bells out of people because they wouldn't put a flag up to support St. goerges day... look on the bright side at least they don't bother to attend coucil meetings nor attend local commitee meetings! after all there input is neglible if not crap.. it's a pathetic party with a racist attitude that should be stamped out. they shouldn't even be on the registar to vote.

great some on here have said well if they had done this or done that no-one would vote for them.. erm you will always have a dole dosser who belives a forigner has a job they can not only do but have yet they are more than happy to let the system pay there lifestyle..

[TheHeathens]

Anybody willing to 'fess up and admit they voted BNP?

I've seen only one person I know who admits to voting BNP - if they have respectable policies, why does everyone shy away from admitting they voted for them?

[TheHeathens]

First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the communists
and I did not speak out - because I was not a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me -
and by then there was no one left to speak out for me.

[CL]

Para 1: This is about removing institutional homophobia, sexism, racism and disablism (is that a word), not discrimination. The way it has been done isn't always the best, but the intention is good.

Para 2: This is about the Rule of Laws, not race. Oh, and the old "eye for an eye" argument. Nice.

Para 3: How can voting for a party which bases its manifesto on race be more "moral" than voting for any party which doesn't?

Para 4: I agree. Anyone who didn't vote should be ashamed. Anyone who feels really strongly should get involved and promote their own agenda.

No it isn't. It's about forcing their convictions on the rest of us. You regard your above goals as good, by YOUR standards. Therefore you don't think it wrong to force your convictions on people who disagree.

Likewise the BNP think they have the right to force their convictions on us for exactly the same reasons. They believe their goals are good, and yours are evil.

The truth is of course anyone who imposes their convictions on others is a monster, regardless of the end and regardless of political party.

[Pilgrim]

The truth is of course anyone who imposes their convictions on others is a monster, regardless of the end and regardless of political party.

Are you a monster then Chris?