tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.comments2023-10-26T16:15:10.261+01:00Aberdeen University Labour ClubAberdeen University Labour Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076425203772932895noreply@blogger.comBlogger304125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-28853800046943025032009-11-21T22:00:08.007+00:002009-11-21T22:00:08.007+00:00October was domestic violence awareness month, but...October was domestic violence awareness month, but as we appraoch the festive period it is more important then ever that we keep the message alive.DVhelphttp://www.domestic-violence-and-abuse.co.uk/information/The-Feminist-Approach.phpnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-85963695962189497102009-10-19T01:46:07.671+01:002009-10-19T01:46:07.671+01:00Thanks Nahuatl! :-)
Best wishes
SDThanks Nahuatl! :-)<br /><br />Best wishes<br /><br />SDSocial Democrathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182223833297939653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-58003878741212746722009-10-16T22:17:27.343+01:002009-10-16T22:17:27.343+01:00You were clear; I just took a wider view in terms ...You were clear; I just took a wider view in terms of Party democracy...<br /><br />I do not think it is possible given 24/7 media coverage to avoid our Candidates, MPs and others from coming across as if we are all trying out for the latest X Factor...<br /><br />Since the media went 24/7 an erosion of what is important in news making went with it. It is not enough to do a speech at Conference for now they have to have star quality.<br /><br />We of course end up playing the media game and think they are all powerful and determine elections when largely they have little influence on voting patterns despite what they think. There influence lies in the superficial image they portray about people and what should be expected.<br /><br />The more honest we are the more it works against us. You only have to look at the irrational dislike about Brown to see that. For many it has nothing to do with policy or how well he does...nope sadly for Brown people are forever judging him by his looks and how he speaks.<br /><br />We are all in the media bubble now and it does harm democracy as it affects what is important news over garbage. Little short of 24/7 news going back to fewer broadcasts, Conference will remain a show case of talent no matter what policy is being put forward.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-2700751148176591562009-10-16T19:04:06.065+01:002009-10-16T19:04:06.065+01:00I should have been clearer, I was complaining abou...I should have been clearer, I was complaining about conference coverage. I agree that they have value, however I think that the huge emphasis on personalities reflected in the coverage undermines that value to a degree.Calum Darlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00543386856950837964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-15391612451524753402009-10-16T18:40:37.444+01:002009-10-16T18:40:37.444+01:00I disagree, the roll of a Conference is not always...I disagree, the roll of a Conference is not always who does the best speech or gets the most applaud it has a much wider remit then that. It is about unity and looking towards the next fight...<br /><br />There are plenty of positives achieved on the fringe for the Party and there is nothing like it for the opportunities it creates to network and promote causes.<br /><br />The Conference floor is about Policy of the Party but it should not be about who has the biggest moan. Years back that is all the press and media cared about, the end result was the public stopped watching and listening. <br /><br />Thinks of what all those arguments from the 80s and how it would look like with 24/7 media coverage? It could easily come back and its something we can’t allow.<br /><br />Party democracy will only ever work when there is a true balance, but that is not the case for many CLPs are not a good example of inclusion for all. Far too often there is no connection with the person who is called Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer to the very members they are supposed to represent. Not nastily but just because sticking to a 1950’s style meeting is extremely dull. Many places also have the far left of the Party in control and nobody with a different view gets a look in.<br /><br />If we really want democracy in the Party then we should do a way with the concept of officers at CLP level, and turn the areas into campaigns and debates with a central organiser.<br /><br />Engaging people with issue that affect them in their street, the issues can be small or big, but in doing so you are talking about things that they see everyday. Bigger issues on a national scale can also feature as delivering messages is about making things real. <br /><br />Talking with the people and not at them, if we can get past the 1950’s wall then we can really start having the influence and engagement that Labour is capable of.<br /><br />Politics should also be fun; it’s about helping others and improving environments for where people live. A common goal should be a theme not just something talked about for two minuets and then shoved in the minuets of the last meeting. We were brave enough in the 90s to change the National Party, but we have not done so with the CLPs, its time to brave again and start a debate on what is their purpose as we head toward 2010…60 years after that format of meeting was devised.<br /><br />If we invited people to do a conference call, say 20 members…..but at the same time invited the same amount of people to attend branch or CLP…its clear before even trying that the conference call would have far more people take part.<br /><br />Labour is a strong and vibrant Party nationally but we have to make the move away from the 50s at CLP level, if we do then we will find we would more likely have the people to help do the campaigns.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-41630638208616582762009-10-16T16:22:51.882+01:002009-10-16T16:22:51.882+01:00Sorry not publishing it was my fault. I didn't...Sorry not publishing it was my fault. I didn't realise that the article was old enough to pass into moderation. I get both notification of comments posted and comments moderated emailed to me which is why I didn't notice that I needed to approve it. <br /><br />Anyway it's been posted now. :)Nahuatlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01695947489412687926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-64656202898431303302009-10-16T13:44:38.728+01:002009-10-16T13:44:38.728+01:00I'm a wee bit sad that you didn't publish ...I'm a wee bit sad that you didn't publish my response to your last comment. However, it should come as no surprise given New Labour's track record of refusing to listen and airbrushing dissent! ;-)<br /><br />Nevertheless thank you for debating with me. It was very enjoyable. <br /><br />Maybe one day we will be on the same side and in the same organisation campaigning for a social democratic Scotland and a fairer World.<br /><br />Kind regards<br /><br />SDSocial Democrathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182223833297939653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-17659661356273143062009-10-12T00:14:55.122+01:002009-10-12T00:14:55.122+01:00Hi Kyle
Independence will give Scotland the same ...Hi Kyle<br /><br />Independence will give Scotland the same powers as our partner nations elsewhere in Europe. With a socialist/social democratic majority in our nation we will have the opportunity to use those powers to implement the “good policy” to achieve “egalitarianism and progress”. It has been achieved to a much greater degree in the internationalist and (primarily) social democratic Scandinavian nations. With the will to put the people first we can achieve it in Scotland. The SNP (and the Green Party) wishes to provide the people of Scotland with the power to grow our economy to its potential, increasing our nation’s wealth which, through redistribution, can raise our living standards. Therefore, in one sentence, it has been demonstrated that the pro-independence parties have a greater ambition and more solutions to Scotland's problems than the moribund and negative Labour Party.<br /><br />With the utmost respect, I find it rather bizarre of you to label me as a "nationalist" only to go on to justify your support for the 1707 Act of Union through use of shallow ethnic British nationalism. In talking of “double edged swords” you have utterly missed the point of my previous point. I am a global citizen. No offense but I don't give a damn about your lineage, or the lineage of any of my other brothers and sisters. We don't need to be ruled from a building in Westminster to show solidarity with the rest of the citizens of these islands. What will "work" is equal and modern political relations founded upon diversity and respect. What doesn't "work" is a blinkered narrow adherence to an outdated imperial regime which denies us the economic levers to effectively tackle social injustice. The way forward is closer European and Global interdependence. Why not have Scotland as an equal partner? Britain is the name of this Island. We will always be British. Therefore, what reason is there to deny Scotland equality within the wider European and global union?<br /><br />It is very tenuous to suggest that Blair’s five major pledges have been “achieved”. Perhaps progress has been made but if there is a belief that they have been “achieved” amongst the wider the Labour Party than you are more out of touch with the people of Britain than I first feared. <br /><br />On the SNP’s record. Considering they have a majority of one and, according to economists, a tightening budget, I think they have done rather well. Certainly their record of achievement and levels of activity in the first two years of power have vastly out-stripped that of the previous administration. Perhaps the other so-called social democratic parties in the Parliament could work with the SNP in delivering, for example, progressive and fair local taxation rather than working with the Tories to prevent it. <br />And that’s what it comes down to, Kyle. <br /><br />Socialism. Social Democracy. Social Justice. New Labour just doesn’t get it.Social Democrathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182223833297939653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-43985863247085339502009-10-12T00:13:00.151+01:002009-10-12T00:13:00.151+01:00Hi Kyle
Independence will give Scotland the same ...Hi Kyle<br /><br />Independence will give Scotland the same powers as our partner nations elsewhere in Europe. With a socialist/social democratic majority in our nation we will have the opportunity to use those powers to implement the “good policy” to achieve “egalitarianism and progress”. It has been achieved to a much greater degree in the internationalist and (primarily) social democratic Scandinavian nations. With the will to put the people first we can achieve it in Scotland. The SNP (and the Green Party) wishes to provide the people of Scotland with the power to grow our economy to its potential, increasing our nation’s wealth which, through redistribution, can raise our living standards. Therefore, in one sentence, it has been demonstrated that the pro-independence parties have greater ambition and more solutions to Scotland's problems than the moribund and negative Labour Party.<br /><br />With the utmost respect, I find it rather bizarre of you to label me as a "nationalist" only to go on to justify your support for the 1707 Act of Union through use of shallow ethnic British nationalism. In talking of “double edged swords” you have utterly missed the point of my previous point. I am a global citizen. No offense but I don't give a damn about your lineage, or the lineage of any of my other brothers and sisters. We don't need to be ruled from a building in Westminster to show solidarity with the rest of the citizens of these islands. What will "work" is equal and modern political relations founded upon diversity and respect. What doesn't "work" is a blinkered narrow adherence to an outdated imperial regime which denies us the economic levers to effectively tackle social injustice. The way forward is closer European and Global interdependence. Why not have Scotland as an equal partner? Britain is the name of this Island. We will always be British. Therefore, what reason is there to deny Scotland equality within the wider European and global union?<br /><br />It is very tenuous to suggest that Blair’s five major pledges have been “achieved”. Perhaps progress has been made but if there is a belief that they have been “achieved” amongst the wider the Labour Party than you are more out of touch with the people of Britain than I first feared. <br /><br />On the SNP’s record. Considering they have a majority of one and, according to economists, a tightening budget, I think they have done rather well. Certainly their record of achievement and levels of activity in the first two years of power have vastly out-stripped that of the previous administration. Perhaps the other so-called social democratic parties in the Parliament could work with the SNP in delivering, for example, progressive and fair local taxation rather than working with the Tories to prevent it. <br /><br />And that’s what it comes down to, Kyle. Socialism. Social Democracy. Social Justice. New Labour just doesn’t get it.Social Democrathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182223833297939653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-72119261919435831312009-10-08T23:10:07.239+01:002009-10-08T23:10:07.239+01:00Hang on, indepedence gives Scotland just one thing...Hang on, indepedence gives Scotland just one thing. Independence. Greater egalitarianism and progress are the result of good policy, independence or no independence. As an example, the constitution stated the high ideal of 'all men are created equal'. The political reality has still not been met. I don't think the SNP have the ideas or the answers to the vast inequalities that exist in Scotland. Lets hear some policies from the SNP that show they have the solutions for this. <br /><br />And this stance is not a narrow nationalistic interpretation (a bit of double edged sword coming from a nationalist). As an English born man with a scottish heritage marrying the daughter of welsh heritage, this union isn't archaic. It works. <br /><br />Oh and by the way, talking about promises. Of the five major pledges that Tony Blair stated - class sizes, health care, crime and punishment - all have been achieved. <br /><br />The SNP haven't just not met their promises, they've scrapped them.<br /><br />Independence will make Scotland independent. Everything after requires the political will and fight neccessary. So far, the SNP have none of that.Kyle McGregornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-25985941037606951272009-10-06T19:04:29.565+01:002009-10-06T19:04:29.565+01:00Anonomous # 2
"Which truly social democratic...Anonomous # 2<br /><br />"Which truly social democratic movement is this?"<br /><br />Well there's a choice. The Lib Dems, SNP and Green party are all to the left of the Labour Party.<br /><br />Hi Kyle<br /><br />In 1997 there were record levels of child poverty in Scotland (30%). Since then there has been a reduction to 23%. All progress is welcome and I applaud that, but my point is that child poverty levels are still too high - persistently high - and progress has stalled since 2005. Frankly, Labour did not invest enough and didn't effectively redistribute wealth to help eradicate child poverty. Similarly, there are still 2 million pensioners living below the poverty line in the UK. After 12 years progress has been far too slow. A missed opportunity one might argue. <br /><br />I welcome Labour's investment in Schools. Credit where credit is due.<br /><br />On the House of Lords I didn't miss Brown's vacant pledge. You may have missed the fact that it was in the 1997 Labour manifesto. Promises, promises.<br /><br />On independence, as I pointed out independence provides us with the opportunity to forge a MODERN political relationship with the other nations of these islands based upon parity: a new modern, politically egalitarian Britain. We shouldn't let a narrow British nationalistic interpretations of our shared past stand in the way of achieving optimal egalitarian regional unity in these islands and a direct role for Scotland in the wider international community as an equal sovereign nation. Supranational problems such as climate change must be combated on an international, global basis. I want Scotland to leave behind a restrictive, archaic 18th century regional union and become a full, equal member of the 21st century global union.<br /><br />Progress is far too slow under New Labour. In some areas such as civil liberties there has actually been regression. There are social democratic alternatives to Labour. This is the reason why I won’t be voting for a party that has on too many occasions strived to out-Tory the Tories.Social Democrathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182223833297939653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-38794639989714601012009-10-06T18:37:22.279+01:002009-10-06T18:37:22.279+01:00A small comment here from a former comrade, the on...A small comment here from a former comrade, the only party who can stop the cuts that the tories today announced is the labour party, the only party who will defend those who the tories historically attack is the labour party.<br /><br />At times we love the party at times we hate it but all of us on the left have to rememebr that labour out of power will lead to a disaster with the party in it ignoring the interests of those who need it most.<br /><br />In scotland we have the snp more interested in the fight to break up our country rather than serving our nation, or the tories in westminister who want to attack those on benefit or working in the public sector as nothing but scroungers or cheats.<br /><br />If you believe in a progressive britian, if you believe in real help, real oppertunities and real change for those at the bottom of the ladder then you only have one real choice and this is labour.<br /><br />As kyle has said look at what the party has actually done in power, yes its made mistakes but its heart is in the right place and that is on the side of the real people of this country and not the bullingdon club brigade.<br /><br />peterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-49631008063510673042009-10-06T16:57:59.831+01:002009-10-06T16:57:59.831+01:00Well, first of all under Labour the levels of pens...Well, first of all under Labour the levels of pensioner and child poverty has dropped dramatically - due to Labour's policies including the winter fuel allowance, child tax credits and the inflation busting increases in the basic state pension. Pensioners are massively better of under Labour. And our children are better off under Labour. We've provided the equality of opportunity that has been so desperately needed. With record levels of funding in education, record numbers of teachers and teaching assistants and a massive amount of new schools and new sports facilities - that is a legacy and achievement to be proud of and will be something that will really reap the rewards when children are allowed to tackle any avenue that interests them. And if they want to go and learn further there is the EMA and more bursaries and grants to ensure that they can. <br />On the issue of the unelected House of Lords, you may have missed the part last week where finally abolishing the hereditary peers was discussed. <br />And we are not a continual nay sayer - disagreeing on an incredibly important issue like independence can't be divided into simply ai's and nays. In an incredibly complex issue and should be treated as such. I, personally, feel that Scotland shouldn't be independent (as does about 70% of other scots). Not because I don't believe it won't survive (RBS aside) but because I believe that Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom are at their best when we pool our resources achieve a great deal. Put it this way, we didn't win the world wars as separate countries, we didn't fight this economic recession as separate countries and we will struggle to fight global warming, terrorism and anyother supranational incident as separate countries. We work best when we work together. <br />And I am a leftist and I am a pragmatist and I know that the only way for progress to occur is to vote Labour. I put my weight behind a party ready to lead, to make change and to continue to work at improving this country.Kyle McGregornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-65246054194203114772009-10-06T16:37:10.074+01:002009-10-06T16:37:10.074+01:00Which truly social democratic movement is this?Which truly social democratic movement is this?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-5503820440158477702009-10-06T13:17:42.732+01:002009-10-06T13:17:42.732+01:00Hi folks
With the utmost respect I really think t...Hi folks<br /><br />With the utmost respect I really think the Labour party has totally lost it. New labour is now more like an authoritarian Tory party than a radical socialist party. Look no further than Labour’s proposal to inter teenage mothers to demonstrate the odious depths to which they've plumbed.<br /><br />It seems that all Labour have to offer us is in Scotland is narrow UK nationalism and endless Nat-bashing. No to independence at all costs. No, despite the fact that it gives us the opportunity to forge a MODERN political relationship with the other nations of these islands based upon parity: a new modern, politically egalitarian Britain. No, despite the fact that it gives us the opportunity to achieve our economic potential. No, despite the fact that it gives us the chance to become a truly progressive, socially just, prosperous, internationalist country. <br /><br />No ambition. No drive. Simply continual nay-saying and fearmongering.<br /><br />But arguably more important than the constitutional issue is the Labour party’s lurch to the right. So much hope in 1997 dashed away after 12 years of massive underachievement. When Gordon Brown reeled of Labour’s list of apparent achievements (some of which could only be partly attributed to Labour at best) I thought is that it??? That is what should have been done after one year of a truly progressive social democratic party! In 1997 Labour had the chance to truly change Britain for the better. It’s what we expected! It’s what Britain voted for. However, Labour failed to deliver and in so doing failed the people. Labour unashamedly moved to the right, and despite a few decent policies and endless lip service to social justice we find ourselves in a position 12 years on where the gap between rich and poor is greater, where there are persistently high levels of pensioner and child poverty, where there are continuing assaults on civil liberties, where there is STILL an unelected hereditary House of Lords, where we have been involved in an illegal war and are embroiled in another unpopular, costly and unnecessary one. What a shameful legacy! What a bloody disappointment.<br /><br />Vote Labour? No thanks. I'll stick to my leftist principles. I beseech you guys to do the same and to put your weight behind a truly social democratic movement.Social Democrathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182223833297939653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-11099283232151566542009-10-05T12:00:25.778+01:002009-10-05T12:00:25.778+01:00My mother?My mother?Kyle McGregornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-36827910514266425412009-10-04T00:41:02.531+01:002009-10-04T00:41:02.531+01:00It seems like your mother is more concerned about ...It seems like your mother is more concerned about symbolic areas of importance to SNP scotland alone.<br /><br />Oh come on, ditch the Labour party. The problem with this whole set up is that you are locked into idolizing Brown and the rest. They are all fundamentally dishonest people. Why associate yourself with them?Thomasnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-9256470939810725942009-09-27T09:39:39.394+01:002009-09-27T09:39:39.394+01:00A fair and neutral observer would surely say that ...A fair and neutral observer would surely say that the SNP has clearly done a fair bit to focus on infrastructure, business grants, transport changes and inner city regenerations. Certainly as much, if not more than the previous Scots administration. And if Scotland is "struggling" is that not largelly due to mismanagement of the economy, the major levers of which are controlled by the UK labour government?<br /><br />Where are the fresh ideas from the labour party? Has Labour become simply an anti-SNP, UK nationalist party?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-61090264992304938642009-09-22T12:12:09.291+01:002009-09-22T12:12:09.291+01:00Personally, I find this talk about socialism, demo...Personally, I find this talk about socialism, democratic socialism etc irrelevant. To paraphrase Deng Xiaoping "It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice". Pragmatism should be the modus operandi and we have seen that in order to become electorally viable (the main aim of a political party) the Labour party has had to make some shifts away from it's dogmatic past. Being born in 1987, I can't say what that dogmatic past was like, but i am certainly New Labour because I believe in justice, fairness and equality of opportunity yet I don't believe in antiquated systems of analysis to find out how to ensure these beliefs come into fruition. <br />However, I do feel remorseful. We should have gone further - there is a pensions black hole that needs plugging, our education system needs continually reforming to allow it to adapt to a changing globalised economy. And i don't think we have done nearly enough, nearly enough to tackle the problems of social exclusion, social deprivation and injustice in the UK and abroad. And I'm ready to tackle these with fresh ideas and fresh approaches. It would be great if, rather than trying to outsmart people on who knows more about the definition of socialism, we work together to bring new solutions to these problems.<br />Just one example (a personal example) of what New Labour has done. I am 22 years old, I started high school in England in 1997. Since then, that high school has been equipped with three new computer rooms, there are many more teachers and assistants, it has received extra funding for its science and technology. When I went to sixth form, I received the EMA meaning I could focus on studies rather than try to work as well. I gained 2 A's and a C. In my home town, new social housing and home ownership laws means that people have a sense of worth about our town. But the biggest thing for me is that now at uni, I can work for £6.64 an hour. That would have been unheard of in a Tory government. Yes, there have been mistakes, yes we haven't achieved everything. But we haven't finished, so lets not fight, lets work together so that the Tories stay out of power and we can continue to work for good.Kyle McGregornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-61069625441290348612009-09-21T11:30:23.783+01:002009-09-21T11:30:23.783+01:00As for alternatives I think it is right to point o...As for alternatives I think it is right to point out there is a massive void left in the left-of-centre at a UK level as the many political parties crowd the centre to right-of-centre part of the spectrum. The Lib Dems (as flawed as they are) seem to be generally to the left of New Labour however, and therefore perhaps could be seen as best of a bad bunch. In Scotland it has to be said that the SNP in government have implemented many admirable social policies such as vastly increasing construction of social housing, reintroducing free education, freezing council tax (thus alleviating the strain on societies least well paid) and phasing out prescription charges. Whether we like it or not it has to be conceded that their behaviour in government has been closer to the ideology of Wheatley, Hardie and Bevan than Labour governance both at Holyrood and Westminster has displayed for many, many years. Greater home rule or even independence is surely not something we should be frightened of given the potential for developing an internationalist, progressive, social democratic sovereign nation such as demonstrated by our Scandinavian neighbours? Furthermore, proportional representation at Holyrood makes votes for other leftist parties such as the Greens and even the SSP more likely to yield elected representatives. A compelling argument for electoral reform at a UK level surely?<br /><br />I recognise there are many social democrats that remain in the Labour Party with the hope of steering it back to a genuine left-of-centre position in the political spectrum. I fully respect those people. However, I would respectfully suggest that those who defend the ideology and record of the New Labour Party whilst proclaiming that they are proud democratic socialists are the ones who should be looking up the definition of socialism.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-60892493286614708022009-09-21T11:28:36.195+01:002009-09-21T11:28:36.195+01:00Anonymous 2
I'm a bit perplexed at your rathe...Anonymous 2<br /><br />I'm a bit perplexed at your rather myopic reference to an obscure and defunct political party with no relevance to modern politics. Social Democracy is an international modern political ideology, part of the pantheon of Socialism. I would have thought that someone claiming to be a socialist would know that. Indeed it can be credibly argued that Social Democrats and Democratic Socialists are really more or less the same thing. Certainly any differences between us should be regarded as negligible. We should be on the same side, singing from the same hymn sheet.<br /><br />However, the problem is that it is very difficult to see any justification of referring to the Labour Party as in any way "socialist". At best Labour is centrist. Indeed in several policy spheres it can be shown to be centre right and even, alarmingly and unbelievably, to the right of the Tories in some areas such as civil liberties!!!<br /><br />You claim that Labour provides opportunities and support to people that other parties don't. Sadly, this doesn't square with the facts. Regardless of what good policies Labour have introduced since 1997 (such as the minimum wage) there are still fundamental failures regarding the gap between rich and poor and levels of relative poverty across the UK. The improvements since the desperate Tory years have been nowhere near good enough. Arguably this is entirely due to Labour lurching to the right in order to try and retain power in the deeply flawed first past the post Westminster electoral system. This has stifled any attempt to implement real social democratic policies and make the difficult decisions required to make a real difference. This current UK government is closer to Thatcher than Atlee. That is a shameful indictment on the New Labour project. <br /><br />There have been mistakes over the past 12 years. You expect that from any government. However, I’m not talking about mistakes per se. I’m talking about fundamental policy positions which should surely repulse any individual whose political opinions are founded on a desire for social justice and internationalism. Unflinching support for ID cards in the face of cuts to front line services for example, support for the multi billion pound imperialist folly of nuclear weapons in the face of mass unemployment and widespread relative poverty. Above all continued justification by the Labour government for the appalling illegal war in Iraq which saw so many of our fellow global citizens die. To dismiss these as merely “mistakes” is frankly an insult and demonstrative of the deep malaise in the modern Labour Party.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-76222172468906953472009-09-19T11:20:06.933+01:002009-09-19T11:20:06.933+01:00Dont you just love the line "as a GENUINE soc...Dont you just love the line "as a GENUINE social democrat" i wonder if that is in relation to the british SDP that split from the Labour Party in 1981 and helped thatcher stay in power for so long.<br /><br />I am proud to be labour and i am proud to be a democratic socialist, someone who supports the oridinary people of our country and wants to bring them out of poverty and give them oppertunities that they will enver recieve under any other party but Labout.<br /><br />Yes over the last 12 yrs the government has made mistakes and has done things that supporters find hard to swallow but look at the alternative, a lberal party that wants to cut harder tahn the tories and a tory party who want to cut public services to fund an inhritance tax cut that will only help their natural base.<br /><br />So if you are a true social democrat then to NOT vote labour shows that you dont know what those 2 words really mean.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-58724782853660910512009-09-19T01:12:22.303+01:002009-09-19T01:12:22.303+01:00Still no contrition then Kyle?
As I said before i...Still no contrition then Kyle?<br /><br />As I said before in the past 12 years there were some decent achievements (Although your artificially long list contains more than a few very tenuous claims). However, fundamentally you have failed badly on social justice. The gap between rich and poor is greater now than in 1997. The legacy of Labour misrule is 1 in 4 children and 1 in 5 pensioners in Scotland living in relative poverty.<br /><br />Still you support ID cards, PFI, “British jobs for British Workers” and the obscenity of nuclear weapons. <br /><br />Still no apology for the illegal war in Iraq.<br /><br />Whatever good policies you have implemented are overshadowed by your failures on social justice and your shameful and destructive neo-con foreign policy.<br /><br />Sorry guys, as a GENUINE social democrat I would never ever dream of supporting Labour. You have let the people down badly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-17074323942893415822009-09-18T17:25:11.227+01:002009-09-18T17:25:11.227+01:00You can also click on the title of the blog to get...You can also click on the title of the blog to get there.Calumnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861503191739164916.post-85444233092475526092009-09-17T01:02:35.794+01:002009-09-17T01:02:35.794+01:00Well said Kyle!!!Well said Kyle!!!Nahuatlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01695947489412687926noreply@blogger.com