MiTT3NZ wrote: Going through the cited sources now. Half of em seem to be conjecture/speculation, the other half bang on. This is one of the other many reasons I won't vote. When it comes down to it, none of us actually know the political structure well enough to make a truly informed decision on who would be best to run the country. Even the least worst.
The problem is that, whilst I would like to see a number of policies implemented (every party has at least three or four guddens, even UKIP), we don't actually know how viable they are, and what will suffer as a consequence. A lot of that is down to the fact that we're never told exactly what's going on. It's always down to the media to report it, and it's their job to either make you furious at or rally behind a party. By cherry picking quotes, leaving out certain facts, and emphasising on others, we're left with a less than impartial view. It helps when outlets from asymmetrical political spectrums report the same story, as you can more often than not piece it all together to get the true story. Even then though, there's always shit left out that we don't know about.
One thing that I definitely know I want out of our government is stability, because it's just about the best alternative to transparency that we're gonna get. If that means the Tories are still in power, so be it. Considering how ruthless they've been, it could turn out to be for the best in terms of future government. If they've reduced the deficit as much as they claim, this may mean that the next party to take hold have a lot more wiggle room in terms of the overall budget.
May seem like I'm talkin bout millions dyin now so thousands can smile later, but I for one don't want to see the same cycle repeat itself... Well-intentioned party take over, plunge us into debt, lose trust, then the "bad guys" come into clean up the mess. I'm by no means happy to see the Conservatives remain in power, but I'm willing to give them a chance to see this plan of theirs through. And you can say what you want about Cameron (the cunt), but there's no denying that out of the potential candidates, he's the only true leader. I can't stand the fucker, but I can at least give him that.
I'm seriously getting pissed off with reading the argument "they're all just as bad as each other". This is a totally untrue and uninformed opinion. The Lib Dems blocked the Tories from pressing ahead with some pretty vile policies, including - need anyone repeat - WITHDRAWING FROM THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT. To say they're all "just the same" is outright bollocks.
Shall we just break down what the Human Rights Act consists of and protects?
The Human Rights Act protects the following freedoms:
Freedom of thought, religion and belief – you are free to believe anything you wish and practice any religion or belief.
No discrimination – everyone is seen as equal regardless of their gender, race, age, religion, sexuality, etc.
Protection of property – this protects against state interference with your property.
Education – all children have a right to an education. Free elections – any election must be free and fair.
Freedom of speech – you have the right to peacefully express your views.
Freedom of peaceful protest – you are free to protest organisations or people peacefully.
Respect for privacy – you are protected against unnecessary surveillance.
Freedom to marry – you have the freedom to marry and raise a family.
The right to Freedom – you have the right to be free and on a state with a very good reason can imprison you. Furthermore, you cannot be put into slavery or placed into slave-like situations.
The right to a fair trial – if you are charged with a crime you have the right to defend yourself and are innocent until proven guilty.
Protection against torture – you are protected from being tortured or treated in a inhumane or degrading way.
The right to life – your life is protected by law and the state is expected to investigate if it ends suspiciously.
Electoral rights - you have the right to vote in local elections and elections to the European Parliament. The right to vote also includes the right to a secret ballot and the right to stand as a candidate in elections.
Why is there a need for this to be scrapped? Is it not obvious that the Tories want to do away with some of these rights that are in place? I'll bet you my left bollock that Protection of Property, Freedom of speech, Freedom of peaceful protest, Respect for privacy, The right to a fair trial and Electoral rights will be drastically altered or scrapped altogether.
I can't say for certain but I'm fairly sure that you are from a working class background, MiTTZ, and by being so you will be one of the hardest hit.
I do agree that disabled people's benefits should be looked at on a case by case basis as the system is being abused, as is our sometimes lax stance on immigration, but again it should not be that the Government tar everyone with the same brush. It's blanket cutting, it's not on a case by case basis! I personally think what defines me as a human being is caring for others less fortunate than me, and to not demonise a minority just because a few bad eggs abuse a flawed system.
I know all of this has to be paid for, but why does the average Joe with an extra bedroom get hit with the tax but not the people who have enough money to pay for mansion or inheritance tax? The Tories pride themselves in the tag line "we're in this together" but that's simply not the case. Corporations are getting off scott-free with paying tax that they should be paying. Why?
I'm not pro Labour, I just want what's right. The Conservatives in my eyes are so far from being the right answer, that's my issue. I wish people would read into what's going on a little further.
We'll see how Middle England feels about the Tories once they manage to get the fracking fiasco underway. Their lovely little country homes surrounded by 5 acres won't be looking so scenic any more.