General Election 2010 Thread

[orc]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Spoken from the heart Jester, that comes through in your thoughtful post.

I am reminded of a past event re industrial injuries and in particular- breathing and lung conditions. I overheard a conversation at an airport some years ago. I overheard it largely because the brash lawyer was full of himself and could not contain his glee and wanted everyone to know his "victory". It related to a court hearing at which it had been decided that a limit was to be set on the amount victims could claim, increased burden of proof required (if for example a person had smoked) and the time limits for the deceased relatives to claim within and tightened legal claim procedures which put off the day of judgement. The lawyer seemed to represent insurance companies and was boasting about how much would be saved in payouts and the positive impact on share and trading and his own firm of solicitors. That to me sums up the type of society engendered by the Tories.

The glee in his voice made me incredulous as it contrasted with the victims situation and the potential victims and their dependents circumstances.

Cetelco- I mentioned Scotland and Wales. I know that the Scot Nats who are only in power for the first time have been a refreshing change in government. They are doing a good job in difficult circumstances. That shows it is not impossible for another party to assume the mantle of power or to share power ie Liberals who have also shared power with Labour in Scotland. It also shows that if things in the UK as a whole don't change that Independence is not that far off, the first step has been taken with a devolved government. I have never voted for the Nats BTW.

Jester- I agree re Scargil- re the second time around, but he was fighting a government who had carefully planned the dismantling of the mining industry. (a mining industry which then left us entirely dependent on imported coal, when investment in the pits and new technologies might have secured some pits futures). Cetelco, the minors were not driven by greed- what is your reference for that statement please. They were driven by the dismantling of the industry and the impact on their futures and their communities, which were around the pits.

Lets not forget that the current economic situation was not caused by Labour, that can't be airbrushed. Thats a direct result of western financial institutions and greed- of a kind never seen or envisaged- of a kind that were encouraged by the Conservatives- Council house sales, share owning "democracy", over availability of credit, dependence of economy on increasing house prices, etc, etc, etc. That was on the watch of the Tories.

Yes mistakes have been made by Labour but, they have managed the situation temporarily. The scale of the greed has however left this country with a massive burden and the very likely prospect of a further depression, and division within the UK, the scale of which will be unlike anything encountered before- regardless of who wins the next election.

[TUTTSI]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Sadly, my memories of the Tory party under Maggie Thatcher was the worst years of our lives.

Bankruptcies were the highest ever especially arround 1990.

Interest rates were sky high, absolutely crippling.

As Jester has already said riots and strikes bringing most of the country to a standstill.

Who remembers High, Medium and Low when you were allowed to have electricity in your area. Business had to close during certain times of the day loosing millions. Everyone used to sit at home just by candleight during the time you had no electricity. This from memory was arround the early 70's.

We lost everything during this era and I for one would not chance the Tories ever controlling this country again.

I cannot say that Labour has done better and certainly not during this crisis with the volcanic ash and aviation. They say they have 3 naval boats on standby, when and where are they go to start bringing these people who re stranded home. This is just a political move imo. They are just empty words which are not actioned yet.

Also, with labour they have not looked after our troops properly and have not provided them with the right equipment - so it is no wonder why we have lost so many young lives. A travisty in my book, these troops should have had the best eqipment possible or bring them home.

But in all honesty my memories of Concervatives are really very bad going on to a nightmare and this is something which I would not want to go through again.

[Amy]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Lets not forget that the current economic situation was not caused by Labour, that can't be airbrushed.

Is it time for your medication? Or were you being sarcastic?

[Luminol]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

I remember as a child, my mother sitting at the table in tears, all she would say is Margaret Bl***y Thatcher, I was too young to understand, but I know I'll never vote conservative, and after recent years, no to new labour aswell. I am strongly leaning toward the Lib Dems, and even more to pure voter apathy, although I know this is not they way to go.

I find it hard to believe anything that comes from a politicians mouth, what I do know, is the Torys recently got in at Lancashire County Council and the cuts have been horrific under the guise of an 'Equal Pay Review'. We personally have lost £2k a year and under the new grading system although it looks like my Hubby has gone up grades, realistically they have not only cut the pay for that grade, they have also took his away his ability to achieve any higher increments.

The first thing the council leaders decided when they got in was to change the council logo (the red rose of lancashire), because it looked too similar to the labour rose, that is a waste of money.

The Second thing they did was to erect 7ft high railing around the car park and entrance area, it looks like fort knox now, keep the riff raff out me thinks. I could go on and on, but am aware that I may be biased because it is affecting me personally.

Lumi x

[Amy]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

I have read some of the Lib Dem's policies and they are actually worse and more scary than Labour's, which I didn't think possible. We all know Gordy lies, so maybe people aren't taking much notice of him. As for Clegg, people are believing him for some reason that I cannot fathom.

The worst policy for me is their complete and utter capitulation on immigration control. They advocate less control of our borders, despite the fact there isn't much (if any) under Labour. They also will have an amnesty for every single illegal already here. which they believe will miraculously turn them into tax payers.

The Labour government has admitted it has no idea how many illegals there are here, but the figure will treble under an amnesty when dependants are brought here too - completely legally. This country is already a magnet for immigrants and it will rocket if the Lib Dem's get anywhere near Downing Street.

[orc]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Well, this is getting livlier Amy, thanks for your comments.

I have read some of the Lib Dem's policies and they are actually worse and more scary than Labour's, which I didn't think possible.

Please detail these policies that you have read, which would add to the debate, and outline why they are more scary than Labour's.


We all know Gordy lies, so maybe people aren't taking much notice of him.

When has Gordon lied- please back this statement up with factual evidence regarding what he allegedly lied about and when.


As for Clegg, people are believing him for some reason that I cannot fathom.

Well there you go then, maybe they know something you don't. Maybe they have a social awareness, fear the Tories and want something different to a 2 party system. They are exercising a right. I take it you believe opinion polls then- someone else on here thinks they are always wrong- but have not backed that statement up.

The worst policy for me is their complete and utter capitulation on immigration control. They advocate less control of our borders,

What less control are they advocating?

Why is this the worst policy out of every policy that the Lib Dems have?

Why is it complete and utter capitulation?

Why pick immigration as the worst policy??

despite the fact there isn't much (if any) under Labour. They also will have an amnesty for every single illegal already here. which they believe will miraculously turn them into tax payers.


Here we get to the rub of the green- fear of immigration, fear of people that are different and a lot of it being whipped up by extreme right wingers and the daily rags.

Complete Xenophobia and dangerous.

How does immigration affect you Amy?

Why are you frightened by this Amy?


The Labour government has admitted it has no idea how many illegals there are here, but the figure will treble under an amnesty when dependants are brought here too - completely legally.

Why will the figure treble- please explain this rationale??

What facts do you base that on please?

Re dependents- where should they stay? Where do your dependents live??


This country is already a magnet for immigrants and it will rocket if the Lib Dem's get anywhere near Downing Street.

What are the facts for this- we are a magnet for immigrants- why??

Why will immigration rocket?

Where do all these immigrants come from??



Amy, have you considered how many British people express the right of freedom of movement within European Union to live in:

France
Spain
Portugal
Greece
Turkey
Cyprus (Greek)
Germany
Eire
etc

Or elsewhere in the world:

Canada
USA
Australia
New Zealand
etc

or perhaps even English people that move to a Highland idyll or somewhere in the Welsh countryside (or buy second holiday homes there), or move to Cornwall or Devon, etc seeking a better quality of life, cheaper and better housing, schools, cheaper University courses or free personal care for the elderly, etc.

Did you know there are 250,000 second homes owned by British nationals in France alone.

I could also refer to the wealthy UK citizens that don't pay taxes in this country, and live here for set durations and donate massive sums to the Conservatives.

What is your solution to immigration Amy?


What would you do with the immigrants that are here- illegal or not???


Why do you fear immigration?


------------------------------- merged -------------------------------

Is it time for your medication? Or were you being sarcastic?

Hi Amy,

That was not the most friendly of posts.

Not on medication- thanks for your concern, but for all you knew, I might have been. You know I was not being sarcastic.

Right Amy, what caused the world economic downturn and the current economic situation please?

Whose fault was it?

What factors caused it?

[natweststaffmember]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Our Manifesto

Under your community is their policies on immigration.
------------------------------- merged -------------------------------
The Conservative Party | Policy | Where we stand | Immigration

The conservative party on immigration policy which is not dissimilar to the LibDems either.
------------------------------- merged -------------------------------
Westminster 2010 Manifesto | SNP - Scottish National Party

The SNP manifesto(I haven't looked for their immigration policy btw)

[orc]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Thanks Nattie

Did you pick up on the fact that the age of majority is 16 in Scotland and not 18 as elsewhere in UK?

[natweststaffmember]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Thanks Nattie

Did you pick up on the fact that the age of majority is 16 in Scotland and not 18 as elsewhere in UK?

I read your post and realised that being in England means I know very little about Scotland, lol.

[Guest]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Right Amy, what caused the world economic downturn and the current economic situation please?

Whose fault was it?

What factors caused it?

From what I have read above, I am going to have to agree with comments you have both made.

What happened (and is still happening) is a global economic downturn, Flash Gordon cannot be blamed for this, however, he has caused many of the issues within the UK. Vince Cable was one of the first to warn of the recession, yet he was pretty much scoffed at, laughed at, and ignored.

Much of the problem, especially within the banking sector, was caused by the sub prime and the want to maximise profits as much as possible. The potential consequences were ignored. This course of events was caused, in part beacuse of the deregulation of the banking industry - a Tory policy.

Maybe the lib dems wont get in, but there has to be a change. A two party system that alwyas looks after their own can no longer work. No matter which party gets in (red or blue), its always the lowest earners that suffer most.

[Sapphire]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Can someone please explain something to me please - apologies if I sound thick.

Its my understanding that Scotland, Wales and N Ireland want and/or have their own goverments, so if that's the case then why are they getting involved in English politics ?

Re: Immigration its my understanding and belief that this small country of ours is full up and therefore we need to either stop all immigration or select just the people who will contribute to our society, other countries do it, so why shouldn't we ?

Re: Benefits its my belief that we should call a halt to paying benefits willy nilly, child benefit should be for 2 only and after that then 'if you can't feed them don't breed them'. Enough is enough people are fed up to the eye teeth of their taxes going to people whose sole intention is to breed a family the size of a football team, sit on their arses and let the rest of us pay for them, so its about time we made them 'earn' their money and start cleaning the streets, parks etc.

Just a couple of points for starters.

[Guest]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Can someone please explain something to me please - apologies if I sound thick.

Its my understanding that Scotland, Wales and N Ireland want and/or have their own goverments, so if that's the case then why are they getting involved in English politics ?

Re: Immigration its my understanding and belief that this small country of ours is full up and therefore we need to either stop all immigration or select just the people who will contribute to our society, other countries do it, so why shouldn't we ?

Re: Benefits its my belief that we should call a halt to paying benefits willy nilly, child benefit should be for 2 only and after that then 'if you can't feed them don't breed them'. Enough is enough people are fed up to the eye teeth of their taxes going to people whose sole intention is to breed a family the size of a football team, sit on their arses and let the rest of us pay for them, so its about time we made them 'earn' their money and start cleaning the streets, parks etc.

Just a couple of points for starters.

I can only answer for Wales, but we dont have a Government, we have an Assembly. We have no powers of Primary Legislation - ie we can make no laws / changes etc. Anything like that has to be a recomendation, which the goes to Parliment and subsequently, the Yeahs lose out.

[natweststaffmember]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Saffy, that child benefit policy reeks of Chinese policy of 1 family 1 child. We know the consequences of that don't we?
With immigration policy, it is an issue for everyone with Australia having an island detention centre....how about Isle of White as being one, lol?
I would like to see a lowering of tax on fuel because petrol costs links into food prices. At the moment, petrol prices are stable but I suspect after the general election they will rise substantially and that will raise food prices.

[Jester]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

Personally, I've always thought that the answer to the 'Benefits Culture' is simply 'if you aint put anything in to the system then you don't get anything out of the system'.

Lost count of the number of people who reckon this could not be policed. But think about it, if the Inland Revenue are able to trace back people who have underpaid tax (sometime many many years previously), then they obviously have the capabilities of tracing who has paid into the Welfare state in the past. You would have to have some form of income to be paying tax in the first place.

Would stop those people who simply have no desire to work from claiming money for nothing, hence forcing them to seek work to get money. Also, it would stop the culture of getting pregnant simply have an income on benefits and free housing etc. I appreciate that many single Mums find themselves in that situation through no fault of their own (e.g. divorce or absent-fathers)and allowance would havfe to be made for those, but there are far too many who see it as a career.

The Welfare State was originally set up to help those who got into difficulty (i.e. found themselves out of work) as a stop-gap. It was not meant to support those too lazy to even bother looking for a job !!

I could go on as this is a big bug-bear of mine (and probably as close to a Tory-way of thinking that I come), but I shall refrain lol

[WendyB]

Re: General Election 2010 Thread

I have deliberately kept away from this thread as I believe that there is no way that any discussion about politics can be lighthearted - it may start off that way but no way will it continue in that vein. I haven't voted in the poll, partly because I haven't made my mind up yet, and also because I believe that my voting intentions should be a secret between me and the ballot box.

That said, I was brought up in a strong Labour household, right in the heart of the Black Country. Labour party meetings used to be held in our front room when I was a kid. I remember the row it caused between my parents when my mom decided she was going to vote Tory in the local elections so that we would be able to buy our council house - Labour councils had put a ban on selling them, I believe. My dad didn't speak to her for ages lol.I just missed out on voting in 1979 so was not responsible for electing Margaret Thatcher. I lived through the Tory years and survived them, voting Labour at every opportunity. When Tony Blair was elected I really beleived that this was the turning point. Over the years of New Labour, however, I have become more disilusioned with them and my once far left leanings have turned far more right wing. For the last 2 elections I have voted Conservative. The traditional Labour values have been eroded into nothing, with everything seeming back to front, giving to those who do not deserve it, whilst making no redress to hardworking people who have paid taxes etc and worked for everything they have, or aspire to have. The benefits system is out of control. NHS ands hospitals are spiralling into an even worse state. Labour cannot simply keep relying on the old chestnut of still putting right the Tory mistakes - isn't 13 years long enough to have at least made some sort of inroad into them?

All that said, I have not yet decided who I will be voting for,, except for I definitely know I will not, and never ever would, vote BNP. There is a difference between wanting to look after your own citizens first, (which I firmly beleive in) and being racist or Fascist (which I am most certainly not)

And lastly, I believe that whilst everyone should be able to exercise their democratic right of whether or not to vote, I also, personally agree with what Sapph said right at the beginning, if you don't vote then you won't really have much grounds to argue. And lastly, ( I know this is my second lastly lol)(and this is my very personal thing as a woman), every woman in this country should remember that women fought and struggled and died so that women could vote, and for that very reason, I will be voting on May 6th.