Category: Politics

Labour, Politics, Thoughts

Labour’s Way Forward

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Labour’s Way Forward

Vision for Labour required don’t feel the party has any ideas.  Rather massive mountain, party polling is terrible.  Major mistake to underestimate the battles ahead. Honest Labour now can’t win, faces managed decline.  Creating new heartlands with no hope of power. Labour vs Conservative is not David vs Goliath firmly believe we can win.

Is the glass half empty or half full?

My answer half empty but can see world which glass becomes half full. However can see glass being half full, just requires serious change in thinking.  Slow reply to populist corruption on genuine concerns. Failed to listen genuine concerns instead swallowed up populist nonsense.   Created vacuüm which populist actors have taken hold. Worse still populist policy has been terrible for average voters. Serious lack of accountability,  major failure to hold politicians to account.

Hidden truth Labour lost in the past do one key reason.  Labour did not look like government in waiting. Party appeared deeply incompetent failed win over hearts.  Failed without clear message that connected to voters.  Average person still feeling chaos do earlier years wanted stability, faced with uncertainty.  Party must play the election game.  Can’t win without getting conservative voters to vote for us. Party needs to think differently when comes to exploiting narratives.  Not enough to attack conservatives must have clear vision behind it.  Accepting their values, speaking to hearts over minds.

Question time Labour leadership edition

Question time feels more like shout time. Politics now more about sound bites on TV.  Art of politics most people don’t care just want the job done.  Voters don’t care about lies, only care if they find out.  Opinion on leadership candidates after question time debate.

Watching question time feels like mum and dad fighting. Bringing up various points not mentioning the children [voters].  Ignoring past results house [party] is burning down in the background. Unwilling think about tackling, party burning down.  Mum and Dad both offer different viewpoints to problems ahead. Neither are right or wrong both could work with clever executions. Putting all your eggs into one basket is not wise [non voters].

Corbyn

Corbyn is deeply incompetent, reports that leaders office is dysfunctional. Hundreds of examples have pulled together at this point. Can’t do politics just day by day your opponents exploit that. Demanding he steps up his game or face the music.  Corbyn supporters holding the leadership to account. No confidence vote against Corbyn.

Corbyn has no plan for conservative swing supporters who rejected Labour.  Worse still no plan for Labour supporters who may reject Labour. Thinking more about rallies over how to win in the future.

Politicians have to do unpopular stuff to get things done.  Corbyn avoided doing unpopular things every time.  Left now has the courage fighting for what it values.   Unfortunate it has no idea how to go forward.

Smith

Smith biggest problem is trying to convince Corbyn supporters and non Corbyn supporters at the same time. Plan was simple Corbyn supporters were right but execution has been iffy. Smith own execution has been iffy guess that down no experience.  Rather hard to beat Corbyn with limited resources. Many ways seen the difference between both candidates.   Willing to show leadership by doing unpopular decisions like second european referendum.  Get the impression Smith willing to compromise to get things done.   Striking a balance between what we value and irrational demands.

Thinking more about winning over conservative voters over just rallies.  Vague idea how to do that compared to Corbyn.

Until Labour has plan to win over conservative voters SNP with Tories can rule.  Don’t believe the centre is dead just populist nonsense is here.  Centre faces major problems in how combat the problem.  Unable to speak to disillusion who been taken in by populists message.  One side has exploit it, concerned what happens next.

Solutions and problems

Solutions are based on my perception of reality.   Firmly believe we can find compromises which everybody likes.  Compromises are required in order get your own way.  Should exploit how current narrative is pitched.  Restarting the conversation finding compromise we desire.  Focused on three problems coming up with solutions.

Problems

  • Brexit
  • Immigration
  • Selfish narrative

Brexit

Should respect the vote to leave the European Union.  Some have been peddling this narrative. Ignoring Britain’s relationship, European Union over 40 years.  Displaying massive amount of ignorance,  over just how complex leaving would be.  Britain does not have resources required to leave.  Unpicking deep relationship with European Union won’t be easy or possible.  Not even possible to avoid the truth Britain must become real European nation. Britain is intertwined when comes to the European Union.  Nobody wants to admit this truth even eurosceptics avoid talking about it.

Labour unable to ignore European Union referendum.  European Union referendum was about many factors.  Vote was largely about personal values, how you see the past or future.  Arguments put forward from leave, exploited this to great effect.  Remain lost due undermining it own arguments.  David Cameron was unable to use something he demonized.  Debate was framed as being black and white. Simple task of divorcing, your partner for 40 years. No mess no problems, just sign the paperwork be done with it.  Divorces always messy never simple. 

Simple message take back control won for leave.  Non interest in European Union with sudden interest.   Exploiting voter ignorance on the subject.  Strong untrapped desire to take back control from politicians.  

Solution

Answer is simple Labour should focus on transparency.  Labour must take control of the debate, should not fear it.  Conversation should be changed, interest in politics demanding control. Party should demand whole process should be transparent.  Allow voters to see the truth something politicians never do. What people wanted was unclear we should exploit.   Painting picture that current compromises, best option on the table.   Requires switching the conversation.

Need to talk to voters hearts over minds, not sure how to do that.   Firmly believe should exploit narrative painted by the leave campaign.  Once the heart is captured we can to talk the brain.

Immigration

Politicians lied about immigration, for the longest time.  Historically natural concern about immigration stable for decades.  Minority 25% of people have concerns over immigration. Listen to voters see they care more about flow over levels.   Care more about whole communities changing to different cultures.   People haave problems with flow over numbers.  Don’t like large scale community change.   Unspoken truth only way reduce immigration is making the economy smaller.  No way reduce immigration not without doing serious damage.  Don’t want to do damage to the economy,  reducing future income potential.

How can we deal with this paradox.   David Cameron downfall partly due some of the lies. Small vocal minority who have turned the debate toxic.  Labour should not fear, immigration paradox. Party should be champions of immigration, restarting the conversation.  Time for Labour to take back control on the subject.

Solution 

Answer is simple let communities take control of local immigration policy.  Conversation needs to be reset, can’t offer the impossible.  Allow communities to take control of local immigration policy.

Selfish narrative 

Society has become more selfish sense of entitlement.  Politicians must speak to the comfortable and uncomfortable.  Serious lack of empathy within society these days. Selfish narrative has destroyed any sense of empathy.  Voters want more spending yet don’t want to pay for it.  Somebody else to pick up the cost.  Britain has become more selfish, lack of connection to society.  People want pay less taxes yet gain the benefits.  Yet strong desire for public sector spending on you.   Many feel left behind like nobody cares.  Serious sense of entitlement pay taxes should get something back.   Sense of entitlement when comes to housing.  Connect dots between recent events see people thinking won’t impact me.  Selfish desire is driving British culture. Time for new social contract between everybody. Solution would be exploiting the message take control.

Time to take back control, welfare state should not be an entitlement.  State should not pick winners or losers instead provide support.  Providing support with opportunities, should be investing in everybody.  Welfare should be about supporting people. Letting them take control providing them with necessary resources to do that.   Everybody in society should work together, strong social safety net.   Welfare should be highly flexible for modern life, providing you with support.   System should be designed to support you in whatever way you need.

Solution is simple time to take control.  Once again conversation needs to be reset. Willing to admit not sure how push this argument or paint it.

Unreadable did not read it!

Labour requires a clear vision, don’t believe the party has any ideas.  Failed to listen genuine concerns instead swallowed up populist nonsense. Here my ideas for how Labour should go forward.

Brexit

European Union referendum was about personal values.  Answer is simple Labour should focus on transparency. Painting picture that current compromises is best option on the table.

Immigration

Answer communities take control of local immigration policy.

Selfish

Britain has become more selfish, lack of connection to society.  Welfare should be about supporting people. Letting them take control providing, necessary resources to do that.

All three problems require conversation to be restarted.

Conclusion

Tried to change the arguments by changing the conversation.  Won these arguments in the past by thinking differently.   Not enough to tell voters just how rubbish Britain has become.  Let our opponents explain what they mean twist the argument.  Turn the conversation around looking like government in waiting.  Pragmatism is required getting things done.  Compromise needed does giving up what we value.  Must be willing to fight for what we believe in.   Forcing change in the conversation only way we can win.   Vague buzzwords which ignore reality won’t get you far. Need to be willing listen, take the conversation in better direction.   Hope you enjoyed reading my way forward for Labour.

Like to apologize for unreadable the post.

Labour, Politics, Thoughts

Labour Question Time

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Turns out some people did watch here some thoughts on question time Labour edition.

Question time feels more like shouty time. Many ways feels like art of debating has died more about shout bits. Voters don’t care about lies only care if you get found out.

Watching feels like mum and dad fighting. Bringing up various points not mentioning the children. House is burning down in the background. Unwilling think differently tackling the house burning down and children who rejected them. Both offer different perceptions to the problems. Neither are right or wrong both could work with clever executions. Putting all your eggs into one basket is not wise [non voters].

Corbyn is deeply incompetence, reports that leaders office is dysfunction. Hundreds of examples have pulled together at this point. MPs who voted no confidence did so for this reason. Corbyn voters should be holding him to account if he wins. Demanding he steps up his game or face the music. Corbyn has no plan for children who rejected him. Get the impression thinking about the now not the future. Can’t do politics just day by day your opponents exploit that. Worse still politicians have to do unpopular stuff to get things done. Leadership under Corbyn he avoided doing unpopular things every time. Given Labour courage stand up but lack rest of the package.

Smith biggest problem is trying to convince Corbyn voters and non Corbyn votes at the same time. Gameplan was simple Corbyn voters were right but execution has been iffy. Smith own execution has been iffy guess that down not having whole staff team behind you. Rather hard to beat the leader with limited resources. Many ways feel Smith show difference between him and Corbyn. Willing to make unpopular decisions like second EU ref. Benefits Labour more than some people think it does. Get the impression that Smith does think about the future. Willing to listen come up with something in the middle.

Biggest problem needs have vision for children and house. Until that happens SNP and Tories can run wild. Don’t believe the centre is dead just populist nonsense is here. One side has been willing to exploit it, question is what happens once the wind blows the other way….

Do have some vagues ideas how tackle this problem.

Labour, Politics

Concern about Corbyn

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Concern about Corbyn

Membership was right were right voting for Corbyn!

Frustrated about the Labour party membership voted for serious change. Party was unable answer voter concerns, submitting to poor choices. Organisation failed to understand, membership wanted organisation to think differently.  Clear membership won’t be conned or fooled many want guarantees.  Party won’t return to the good old days of immigration mugs.

Many corbyn voters have bunker mentality, organisation done same in the past.  World is against you, wants to destroy what you started. Many feel party wants to go back to the good old days without you. Narrative of Westminster Elite who hate what you done.  Creating some of mental bunker won’t help must address any critics.  Criticism is healthy thing but many offer uncritical defence avoiding substance behind it.  Avoiding the criticism failing to provide, solutions or address anything.. Dangerous position cost us power in the past.

Many ‘moderates’ willing to admit that Corbyn voters were right.  Started something which many believed was not possible.  Should be respected channelled into effective direction with strong machine behind it.  Mass membership lacks clear direction to be any advantage.  Organization however must make effective use of this movement.  Massive membership does not mean mass movement has started.

Many joined the party under the same principles.   Throwing insults freely around won’t help you win any arguments.   News flash millions voted conservative insulting voters won’t get votes. Corbyn voters must understand people with doubts are not blairites.  Critics are not evil vampires,  valid amount of criticism should not be ignored.

Family spoke fondly of Labour growing up, remember meeting Labour councillors. Membership history joined after GE 2015 defeat.  Welcome Corbyn standing opened up the internal party debate. Still believe Corbyn standing was the right thing to do.   Corbyn gained my 2nd preference vote with Yvette first choice.

Lukewarm support

Corbyn had my lukewarm support,  hoped he would do better.  Tony Blair moment forced Labour rethink how organization was run, thinking differently to win. Given Corbyn time but can’t support Corbyn him.  Unable to grow within the role of Labour leader.   Lacking leadership skills required to lead.  Based on reports with general performance largely ineffective with no internal debate.   Organization has taken on bunker mentality, worse time any group could do it.  Various reports ranging former advisors to MPs saying the same thing.  Concerning Shadow ministers not having discussions can’t get hold of him. Corbyn voters complained party did not listen, now Corbyn is doing the same thing.  Incapable of leading if you can’t have internal policy debate.

Necessary to unite the party around your leadership in order to fulfill role of opposition leader. Can’t be successful playing tennis on chessboard.  Ineffective in getting his message to general population rather incompetence within westminster.   Failed in his daily duties making Labour party suffer as organization.  Real risk that Corbyn could split the party. Corbyn greatest gift to Labour won’t be his leadership what comes next.

Nobody wants to let the Tories do whatever they want.  My generation likely to feel pain for decades due constant weak opposition.  Choice in front of us reunite the party, reform it creating effective election winning machine or crack it apart.   More than willing to support Owen Smith, who can finish the job Corbyn started.  Corbyn needs plan to deal problems not just slogans.  Smith must offer guarantees to the membership.   Both leadership candidates need offer solutions to problems facing the party.

Let’s talk about evil word called compromise

Milk comes in various varieties whole fat, semi skimmed, skimmed and other called fat 1% milk.   Example you like whole fat milk,  don’t have the income to buy semi skimmed or whole fat.  Rest of your family does not mind the cheaper skimmed milk.  Normally people compromise take into account majority view and minority view. Politicians are required to compromise ones who don’t have means to avoid it.   Talking about politicians who can avoid making unpopular decisions.  Can still have principles doing any compromise.  Pragmatism is required dealing with many real life problems.  Reforms without pragmatism get overruled later down the line compared to solutions which do.  Best modern example which comes to mind NHS. Service has many compromises in place in order to exist.

Trying to make the point that compromises are not pure evil.  Should not dismiss view of others if they disagree with your own views but find common ground.   Instead make arguments which allow you get the compromise you desire. Can all disagree over bits of policy without insulting each other.

End of the day can still have principles when making any compromise.   Humans are irrational we all make bad decisions and choices.  Labour party made series of terrible choices post 2008. Compromises which was made in bad faith against reality.  Undermined economic link to European union which provided us with Brexit result.  Helped caused defeat twice in row made us question many values we hold as a party.

Centre ground problem

Centre ground large majority of voters who come together on series of issues. Political victories require compromises can’t win over any majority without it. Majority made up vast groups of voters, can’t win without winning large groups.  Each group has own set of concerns, values and ideas. Worse certain groups are more likely to vote compared to others.  Polling suggests Corbyn is deeply unpopular with every voter group.  Weak support with young voters which is declining.  Almost no support with big important voter demographics.   Can’t reach every group using social media echo chamber.

Opportunity

Opportunity post Brexit building majority of voters. Party must be willing to listen, learning from the past.  Fear small minority within the party, who don’t wish take advantage.  Current leadership unable use movement it created. Hate terms like right/left wing apologize in advance for next sentence. Right created majority could times in row.  Bringing together key groups to bring us Brexit vote victory.  Left have created a movement, which must listen not become echochamber. Series of compromises is required can’t ignore that.  All wings must come together can’t ignore each other. Left keeping the right honest giving it much needed courage.  Right giving the left must needed lesson can’t change everybody minds.  Compromises are required to rule and get what you want done. Leadership challenge provides Labour with major opportunity for us to work together again.

Big opportunity post Brexit and post Corbyn.   Speaking for majority who clearly not happy.  Very real opportunity to get the compromises required that so many desire. Very real opportunity to be destroyed.

Yes man

Corbyn greatest achievement could be Owen Smith.  Like many of you don’t know anything about Owen Smith.  Understand how some feel that Owen is just another PLP yes man who does not care. Every MP cares which why they decided to stand for public service.

Would you want job which get tons of abuse from the public?  Death threats even the real threat of violence?

Already done job like that gave me mental breakdown.  MPs are just normal people doing this role due caring. People can make choices you disagree with however they still care. May disagree with choices being made by these MPs but does not make them bad people.  We all make choices which many don’t agree with.  Understand how some feel that Owen is just another PLP yes man who does not care.  Every MP cares which why they decided to stand for public service.   Viewing them as the enemy won’t get us far. Rejecting viewpoints as bad faith does not win people. Labour party needs MPs to function within westminster.  Stop treating people like dirt you would hate to be treated the same.

Dislike the show

Don’t dislike the politics of Corbyn however do dislike his leadership.  Failed to turn the Labour organization around into winning machine.   Media operation lacks the talent using mainstream media and social media to full effect.  Total disregard for appearing on TV stations during prime time.  Backroom operation needs complete redesign bringing in the best talent.  Can’t place the blame at somebody else’s door forever.  Can’t go on blaming the ‘media’ for various mistakes you done. Party is not functioning correctly time to change operation behind it. Journalists have reported finding it difficult meeting Labour leadership. Labour Members of Parliament reported the same issues.  Press releases hours late, Journalists given it to late. Can’t name single new Corbyn policy discussed by Labour.  Just views held by Corbyn on subjects quite frankly don’t care about.

Failed create clear coherent position which voters can remember.   After European referendum made clear current operation is broken.

Government in waiting

Labour right now does not look like Government in waiting.  Corbyn does not command the support of the party.  No clear coherent policy position,  opponents have defined us.  Labour needs rethink current approach organization requires deep reform.  Being honest can’t see anyway Labour can be in power.  Principles are sound execution is incoherent, amateur student politics.  Members of Parliament have tried hold Corbyn to account.  Members who voted for him must hold him to account stop blaming others or media.  Now in control of the party do something about it.

Political opponents have in past defined you, now time to define your own image.  Clear coherent narrative is required.  Fear small minority not up to the challenge.  Corbyn Labour failing in the same way as new Labour did in the past

Way forward

Journalist Owen Jones produced this post on medium.  Corbyn needs to address points by Owen Jones with solutions.   Chris Dillow produced various blog posts on Labour.  Most interesting talking about common aim shared by left/right wing view points.   Radical idea floating around shared leadership, great solution which Corbyn could do.    Shaking up the backroom operation at Labour is required.  Organization should seek out talent over like minded yes men.  Organization should combined resources upgrading digital backbone.  Begin to address the communication problems between leaders office and party whips.  Seeking out better ways to communicate with membership.  Seeking out yes men who have no experience or talent won’t help.  Locking people into small bunker does nothing.  

Supporting Smith

Unwilling to offer unconditional support to Owen Smith.  Leadership bid had better media management compared to Corbyn.  Early days yet Smith showing strength even with social media. Addressing problems facing us plus providing solutions.   Saying going to do better is not enough. Clear plan is required bringing on the best talent.  Corbyn allies have blamed poor performance on others.  Smith cannot be allowed to do the same.  Do believe Smith is better suited and has solutions.

Labour, Politics

Labour Leadership thoughts 2016 – Updated

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Membership was right!

Labour party membership in my opinion were right voting for Corbyn.  Clear membership was frustrated with lackluster defense of fiscal policy. Lackluster defense of immigration unwilling to challenge black and white narratives.  Unable to think differently tackle complex issues, dealing with voter concerns without submitting to poor choices. Organisation failed to understand true scope what happened expecting many issues to blow over.  Membership wanted the organisation to think differently.

Noticed many corbyn voters have bunker mentality, organisation have done the same in the past. Feels like the world is against you and wants to destroy what you started. Many feel party wants to go back to the good old days without you.  Notice that westminster Elite has fallen in love with simple Brexit narrative poor old uneducated left behind voted Brexit.  Notice some Corbyn supporters have fallen in love with simple narrative elite against Corbyn.  Easy take this view given negative press coverage.  Criticism is healthy thing but many offer uncritical defence avoiding substance behind it.  Deciding to avoid thinking about criticism,  taking the wrong view point.

Many ‘moderates’ are willing to admit that Corbyn voters were right.  Started something which many lacked the belief was possible. Something which should be respected, plus valued could be major advantage.  Many of us joined the party under the same principles as each other. Throwing insults at each other does nothing to win arguments.   Worse still won’t win over voters hearts insulting them.  Corbyn voters must understand people with doubts are not blairites.  Corbyn was able to wake up large number of people to act in politics.  Organization however must make effective use of this movement.  Massive membership does not mean mass movement has started.

Clear membership won’t be conned or fooled many want guarantees.  Party won’t return to the good old days of immigration mugs. Ignoring problems until things get bad enough people talk about it.

My history with Labour

Family spoke fondly of Labour growing up, remember meeting Labour councillor couple dozen times growing up.  Subject of politics never came up just was in the background.  Membership history starts just after the GE 2015 defeat, kept an eye on politics for years.  Various reasons why I did it, shared many of values with Labour why I joined.  Wanted to support Labour due helping my family over the years.   Felt that Corbyn challenging the current thinking at the time was necessary . Still believe Corbyn standing was the right thing to do.   Corbyn gained my 2nd preference vote with Yvette being my first choice.

Corbyn had my lukewarm support, hoped he would change thinking many had within the party.   Tony Blair moment forced Labour rethink how organization was run and win against any conservatives. Can’t support Corbyn now, lacks the leadership skills required to lead.  Based on reports with general performance largely ineffective with no internal debate.   Organization has taken on bunker mentality, worse time any group could do it.  Various reports ranging former advisors to MPs saying the same thing.  Concerning Shadow ministers not having discussions with the leader.  Incapable of leading if you can’t have internal policy debate.

Necessary to unite the party around your leadership in order to fulfill role of opposition leader. Can’t be successful in getting things done playing to different rules.  Corbyn has been ineffective in getting his message to general population rather incompetence within westminster.   Failed in his daily duties making Labour party suffer as organization.  Real risk that Corbyn could split the party if he carries on without real change. Corbyn voters complained party did not listen, now Corbyn is doing the same thing.

Respect what Corbyn has done opened up the debate.  Nobody wants to let the Tories do whatever they want.  Fear that Corbyn is letting the Tories do just that.  My generation are likely to feel that pain for years.  Choice in front of us reunite the party or crack it apart.  Owen Smith can put Labour in much better shape due to Corbyn’s work.  However he must offer guarantees to the membership. Corbyn greatest gift to Labour won’t be his leadership but forcing the debate to change with surge in membership.  

Compromise

Milk comes in various varieties whole fat, semi skimmed, skimmed and other called fat 1% milk.   Example you like whole fat milk,  don’t have the income to buy semi skimmed or whole fat.  Rest of your family does not mind the cheaper skimmed milk.  Normally people compromise take into account majority view and minority view. Politicians are required to compromise ones who don’t have means to avoid it.   Talking about politicians who can avoid making unpopular decisions.  Can still have principles when doing any compromise.  Pragmatism is required when dealing with many real life problems.  Reforms without pragmatism often get overruled later down the line compared to solutions which do.  Best modern example which comes to mind is the NHS. Service has many compromises in place in order for it to exist.

Trying to make the point that compromises are not pure evil.  Should not dismiss view of others if they disagree with your own views but find common ground.   Instead make arguments which allow you get the compromise you desire.  Centre ground is end of the day large majority of voters who come together on series of issues based on compromise. Political victories are made up vast groups of voters.   Can’t win without winning over large groups of different types of voters.  Each group personal set of values, ideas and issues.  Worse certain groups are more likely to vote compared to others. Recent polling suggests Corbyn is deeply unpopular with over 65s.  One voter group who on average has highest turnout compared to many others.  Can’t reach them using social media often have more conservative personal value views.

End of the day can still have principles when making any compromise.   Humans are irrational we all make bad decisions and choices.   Labour party made series of terrible choices post 2008. Compromises which was made in bad faith against reality.  Undermined economic link to European union which provided us with Brexit result.  Helped caused defeat twice in row made us question many values we hold as a party.

Opportunity

Membership who voted for Corbyn were right on many issues.   Opportunity to learn from the history building on any failure.  Must be willing to listen and learn from your mistakes.  Small minority within the party whatever side who don’t want to listen.  Left have created a movement, which must listen and be listened by the overall party.  Right has made series of compromises which led to victory, must not be ignored.  Both sides must not be ignored coming together.

Corbyn greatest achievement could be Owen Smith forcing his opponents to change their minds.   Left keeping the right honest giving it much needed courage.  Right giving the left must needed lesson can’t change everybody minds.  Compromises are required to rule and get what you want done. Leadership challenge provides Labour with major opportunity for us to work together again and win.  Challenge can provide Labour with new start.  Like many of you don’t know anything about Owen Smith.  Understand how some feel that Owen is just another PLP yes man who does not care. Every MP cares which why they decided to stand for public service.

Would you want job which get tons of abuse from the public?  Death threats even the real threat of violence?

Already done job like that gave me mental breakdown.  MPs are just normal people doing this role due caring. People can make choices you disagree with however they still care.  Some choices made which may morally disagree with however was done in good faith and belief was right. Understand how some feel that Owen is just another PLP yes man who does not care.  Every MP cares which why they decided to stand for public service.   Viewing them as the enemy won’t get us far. Rejecting viewpoints as bad faith does not win people over or the argument. Labour party needs MPs to function within westminster.   Party can’t reunite under Corbyn, not functioning correctly under him.  Can’t name single new Corbyn policy discussed by Labour.  Just views held by Corbyn on subjects quite frankly don’t care about.  Won’t lie want compromises with guarantees for the future. Can all disagree over bits of policy without insulting each other.

United under the same principles yes we can disagree on certain subjects.  We all want Labour led government who follows these principles.  Even under proportional representation we would still have to work together.  Very real opportunity to get the compromises required that so many desire.

Journal, Politics, Thoughts

Trident more questions over answers

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Last night house of commons voted to renew Trident UK nuclear deterrence.    Debate around Trident has been rather simplistic with public media failing to inform or educate on the subject. Nuclear deterrence requires parliament to exercise unlimited sovereignty.  Government decided that giving house of commons vote on the subject means future governments can’t undo that decision.  Shows you that for some matters parliamentary sovereignty is all powerful.  Ministers have been avoiding the subject for some time now kicking the can into the long grass.  Last night House Of Commons decided to stop kicking and start digging.  Just because you win the argument once does not mean the debate is over.  Devil is in the detail with that have some questions still over Trident.

Questions

  • Why have ministers not exercised right to make decisions without parliament?
  • Why the delay if the decision was important?
  • Why was it not taken sooner?
  • Which is more important hard power or soft?
  • UK influence based on military strength?
  • Trident flexile for future threats?
  • Likely future targets or targets in general?
  • Does Trident require parliament before firing?
  • Situations which make Trident worth keeping without use?
  • UK power linked to Trident when other states don’t have nuclear weapons but same influence on global stage?
  • Why are these jobs more important compared to others cut due to spending constraints?
  • Wise to spend 6% of defense spending on one giant project?

Jobs

  • Total number of jobs connected to the program?
  • Total number of jobs directly connected to the program?
  • Total number of jobs directly connected by the supply chain?
  • Total number of jobs which could be relocated to other roles?

Most likely more questions around the whole subject.  Personal thoughts on the subject yet to hear convincing argument for keeping cold war relic. Argument comes down to idiom ‘Keeping up with the joneses’.   Don’t believe Trident is flexible enough for modern world.   Do find it rather frustrating the jobs argument given fiscal spending decline which reduced jobs in public sector.   Being honest feel this only reason behind not scraping the project.  However curious if jobs can’t be transferred with supply chain focused on other roles.  Plus curious how many United Kingdom based jobs are linked with Trident.

Would like to see Trident scaled back with clear plan on ditching nuclear weapons with money spent on other defense projects.  Jobs program designed to keep as many jobs as possible linked.  Willing to show pragmatism when comes to Trident.  Against nuclear weapons in general but understand nobody wants to cut jobs.  Current government has cut jobs in the past for no good reason.

 

Journal, Politics

David Cameron Legacy Successful Failure

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Successful failure

History won’t view David Cameron kindly nothing short of a successful failure.  Economic terms situation now worse, helping stagnate incomes due to fiscal policy choices.  Stalling economic recovery after 2010 due political economic fiscal reduction.   Making potential growth in the future even lower selling off public assets.  Reducing future tax revenues showing serious poor judgement.   Decision to hold referendum on UK European union membership added further uncertainty.   Future for united Kingdom is not very bright due his policy decisions.  Political front helped stoke up fears and pander to xenopedia.  Caused an economic crisis, political crisis and constitutional crisis.   Historians are going to view him as a very successful failure.  Leaving behind rather negative legacy showing poor judgement.

Wanted to keep united kingdom in European union he failed.   Wanted to preserve the union but failed Scotland may leave due Brexit.  Wanted to heal broken Britain but leaves behind country divided with hate crime rising.  Remarkable that David Cameron unlike some prime minister’s leaves office being rather popular. Popular with general public but unpopular with his own party.  Serious vacuum on political accountability, allowed him to avoid responsibility for his actions.  Big reason for these failures lies in economic policy. Highly unnecessary political austerity likely to have contributed to Brexit based on polling data.  Cameron exploited major political vacuum creating narrative allowing him enter number 10.  Lack of vision allowed his rivals to exploit the same mistakes.  Failure to tackle voter grievances and listen let him down.

Wanted to be Blair’s heir but turned out to be cheap tribute group.  Unlike blair lacked vision what he wanted to do.  Instead appeared that David Cameron was just doing the job due being expected. Obvious he did have some political talent riding the populist wave. Worse still everything done was avoidable.  Serious lack of vision helped diminished his premiership.  Serious lack of judgement helped diminished his premiership.  Incredible David Cameron was able to increase number seats sitting government held.  Last time that happened 1832,  Conservatives in 2015 was able to win 12 seat majority.

David Cameron legacy caretaker lacking vision who became successful failure.  Leaving things in worse shape compared to when he started.  Tony Blair cheap tribute group who lacked vision united behind economic illiterate goal.

Journal, Labour, Politics

Hard immigration discussion

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Let’s have a hard discussion on immigration. Voters often say immigration is one of the top concerns this is it complete lie.  Reason why this is a complete lie it’s because most voters. Been informed that immigration is a problem. Historic polling shows the immigration concerns have been a problem for a while now [80 odd years] but only for a small minority . Reality is most grievances have nothing to do with immediate immigration more simply domestic policy. Voters end up discussing economic features or failures in domestic policy.

Bank Of England study into wage impact showed -0.4% on low/unskilled workers.  Current government fiscal policy has had -10% wage impact on almost every worker group.

Hard discussion most people are deeply incorrect on immigration. immigration policy has been good for the country people completely wrong grievances are placed elsewhere. Political establishment have made false promises over tackling these grievances. Turning the immigration system into a complex disaster zone adding more regulation and tape. Voters are fickle bunch changing minds every couple of years. Current immigration debate is while being seen to tackle voter grievances but does not tackle them. Westminster is playing pragmatism and avoiding making rash decisions. Soaking up grievances but not dealing with them Westminster instead made the problem worse. Key problem here is how does Labour tackle this problem voter ignorance. Labour politicians have listen to concerns and give solution to voters. Labour has to champion immigration offering voters solutions to their grievances. Unfortunately telling the truth and facts may not be enough in this case and Labour may have to spin.  Age of information has just allowed misinformation to become the truth. Traditional Labour heartlands may already be lost but Labour can still speak to them.  Party faces two challenges winning over areas which understand immigration benefits and ones which don’t.

Hard discussion on immigration comes down to connecting to voters over immigration.  Strong robust defense of the subject is required we can’t out do other parties.   Instead we could create an even bigger mess which makes things worse.

Journal, Labour, Politics, Thoughts

Post EU Referendum/Corbyn

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United Kingdom referendum on European Union membership has exposed an inconvenient truth. Populist politics are here, lack of political leadership.  Westminster no policy on dealing with voter grievances.  Voters are fickle creatures often with legitimate concerns.   Politicians often exploit these concerns pandering voters.  Voters unwilling to take notice of politics until voting day. Worse still voters display serious lack of knowledge/information on various subjects.  Thinking they know loads about a subject but reality they are completely wrong.  Living in an age of information at your finger tips with voters unwilling to use this resource.  Politicians often don’t listen instead pick up white noise about legitimate concerns.  Worse still politicians are unwilling to admit success or failure.  With voters unable to hold politicians to account due total ignorance.  Claims various institutions are undemocratic often come down to general ignorance.

Important to remember how we got here.  Biggest financial crash which saw the worse decline in incomes blamed on government fiscal policy over financial institutions.  Average voter demanded solutions opposition then exploited this opportunity. Claiming the answer was sharp fiscal cuts, after recent worst economic downturns in modern times.  Economic experts were firmly against the move spent years studying the decision.  Uninformed media pundits proclaimed experts on economic issues. Instead of gaining stability voters was given uncertainty and incompetence.    History is important 1930/40s saw the same conditions legitimate grievances caused by politicians own failure went unchecked. Politicians unwilling to admit features are not bugs, voters are often seek extreme viewpoints for solutions.  Seeking answers to legitimate grievances populism thrives during economic hard times.

Voters often have legitimate grievances,  sometimes going unnoticed.  Majority often ignored until unlike any loud minority. Politicians should listen to grievances, understand what is driving each one. Impossible to understand every grievance sometimes blaming the wrong cause. Politicians should address each grievance pandering only caused more problems. Various historic examples showing that is the case.  False promises reduce voters trust in politicians to solve problems. Seeking out solutions from non things as they are sources often the loud minority takes hold.  Trying to influence voters grievance to the minority cause.

Feel like broken record repeating the above important to remember.  Status quo suffered from serious case of memory lost post 2008. Pundits claim to understand or know what is happening reality they don’t have a clue.   Voters are fickle however want the same thing stability and economic success.

Corbyn should resign from the labour leadership,  lacks the skills required for the role.   Legitimate criticism against the leadership, trying to reply on grievances.   Providing answers when many on the things as they are pander playing to biases,   Lackluster media operation combined with unclear message unable to reach voters.  Constant clear message from loud minority easier to understand over long message.  Labour party members clearly connected to Corbyn vision other candidates failing to offer any vision.  Policy matters at the moment so does vision that connects to voters minds. 

Opposition party role is holding the government to account, providing alternate vision. Leadership has failed on many fronts with various flaws lack of vision is not one of them.   Lackluster response post 2008 is worrying with many seeking populism answers.  Some Labour MPs have gone down the populism route claiming Corbyn answers are nonsense populism.  Unable to understand grievances not even listening to voters.  At the same time jumping on the populism wagon they claim is a real threat.

Personal opinion Corbyn needs to go,  Labour should not ditch his ideas.  Next Leader pragmatic when comes to dealing with voter grievances.  Post 2008 needs answers Labour wants to rule again needs to deal with grievances.

End result does not matter what does matter is the grievances voters displayed.  United Kingdom now suffers various divides with no plan.  United Kingdom now faces this period of uncertainty with serious challenges.   Political made series of crisis with no plan on what comes next.   Voters just want answers with stability back lack of leadership is not clear.   Making matters worse politicians who have helped create this mess don’t want any blame.  Unaccountable politics can do no wrong with nobody holding anybody to account.   Toxic mix of challenges now facing the United Kingdom with serious risk.

Great divide between leave and stay voters is education.  Leavers have far lower level of education compared to stay voters.  Leaving school with just GCSEs gives you far more likelihood voted for leave. Remain voters generally hold A Level or higher majority within this group voting to stay. Labour party must listen to voters trying to understand grievances.  Offering a stability, clear vision of the future and being honest.  Big key lesson to learn current operation is not providing a clear message to voters. Instead of answering any grievances party ignoring them.   Labour should talk about various subjects educating the public explaining if they are features or bugs.  Vast majority of voters don’t trust politicians.   Only need to see what happening in Westminster during this period to see why.

Referendum was one big giant test for Labour with the party failing do some basic mistakes.   Corbyn may hold some answers but not a real leader.  PLP has acted rash in trying to remove Corbyn given how likely another general election this why the decision. Whatever the result never a good time to seek new leadership during this uncertain period.   Europe question is going to stay around for decades now.   

Consequences yet be fully absorbed with many voters no understanding got no idea what they voted on.  Obvious that Westminster has no wish to leave European Union,  rash decision to hold the referendum viewed as a mistake.  Westminster forced to deal with serious consequences not dealing with voter grievances.  Letting fickle voters who lack knowledge on Europe vote on the future European union membership.  Stroking populism fears blaming voter grievances on Europe. Leave campaign was able to win referendum which was non legally binding. Westminster helped create the conditions which allowed leave campaign to win.  Due to voters being fickle politicians have time on their side.  No action taken until politicians have some sort of plan.  Voters wanted quick fix to problems now have to wait.  Politicians not acted on the vote yet due non legally binding.

Vote result may have forced westminster to deal with voter grievances.  Politicians now dealing with policy consequences of the past 40 years.  United Kingdom blighted with populism politics.  Easy to take very pessimistic view given the uncertainty created.  Adding to this politicians have jumped on the populist band wagon do voters being fickle.  Fueling further uncertainty lack of leadership being displayed.  Westminster now has to deal with political made crisis over Europe.  Required is realpolitik pragmatism dealing against with the problems on the table.  Bright side House of commons has shown pragmatism overcoming various problems.   Conservatives fiscal plans are dead showing high levels of pragmatism when required.  Loud minority has no time for pragmatism just seeks power.  Politics has been happy exploit grievances but unwilling calm grievances or offer real solutions.

United Kingdom has couple options on the table.  Highly unlikely that United Kingdom leaves the European Union.  Westminster has couple choices in making things work after the referendum.   Remain has strong majority within westminster any decision to leave would be complex undertaking. Spending cuts has reduced number of experts within UK institutions leading negotiations. Leave campaign goal appears more about power grab over leaving.  Leave politicians unwilling to admit or own up to consequences.   Concerning given how these politicians want to take up the top jobs.  Decision to remain requires dealing with voter grievances.  Owning up to policy consequences and explaining what policy choices mean.  Leave campaign are now backtracking over promises. Remain campaigners warnings seem to have been correct.  More worrying is the fact United Kingdom held non legally binding voted.   Created global turmoil destroying the economic recovery proving how weak it was.  Illegitimate concerns have now become legitimized likely mobilised again. Disenfranchised voters exploited for personal gain. Voter grievances are features of policy decisions. Opportunity to pick up disenfranchised answering grievances.

United Kingdom is now facing a political made crisis.  Facing full-scale crisis in the following areas, Political crisis, Economic crisis, Constitution crisis and Social crisis.

  • Political – General lack of direction within all the mainstream political parties.  Lacking purpose are the Tories who came to power under the promise of fiscal tightness.   Growing number have rejected fiscal plans the party came to power with.   Appears some did not fully understand consequences of this policy.  Labour feeling the aftermath of Tory fiscal plans with many communities worse off.  Party has been unable to correctly challenge the narrative painted by the Tories.  Membership clearly want it challenged with real leadership and vision on the other way.  Soft challenge on the narrative has failed with some wishing to pander.
  • Economic – Uncertainty now stands around European Union membership.  Causing serious economic damage as uncertainty grows.  Weak economic recovery now likely to have died off.  Unbalanced as an economy facing real challenges plus global headwinds.   Required reforms have not been completed in some cases delayed or dropped from the table.  Bank Of England has little to no tools to help the economy.   Politics get in the way of major fiscal support.
  • Constitution –  Patch work repairs to United Kingdom Constitution likely to undo.  Real thinking required how to repair and keep together the Union.  Helping to fix some of the power balances and economic imbalances.   Obvious answer is Federal united kingdom.
  • Social – Growing number of grievances.  Couple nasty social trends which need answers or face going mainstream.

Corbyn unprepared United kingdom is facing biggest set challenges in recent modern times.  Should resign as leader of the Labour party current backdrop demands it.  Require somebody who can give leadership during this difficult period.  Unable to grow into the role addressing any weakness. Necessary to discuss this opportunity calm ruthless pragmatic fashion.  Publicity lost confidence of colleagues Corbyn can’t hang on without causing serious damage.   Labour party often not ruthless enough when comes to getting rid of failing leaders.  Painful to watch this unfold before my eyes given political made crisis unfolding in the background.  Lack of stability coming from westminster.  Corbyn has allowed Westminster unaccountably to carry on.  Wasting opportunity to attack lack of planning when comes to Brexit.  Don’t respect Corbyn used to respect him do his principles, lost my confidence to lead.   Leadership would be Corbyn resigning from the job having laid the groundwork. Don’t wish to give the conservatives feel ride when comes to power and setting the narrative.   Small opportunity to settle grievances getting Labour back into office.  Experiment must end now future of United Kingdom is at risk. Economic experiment from the conservatives have failed. Social experiment has failed fueling grievances.  Failing to dent the conservative narrative he must go. Management has been lacking when comes to the media operation.

Having lost the confidence of colleagues leadership contest is now required.  Corbyn leaving the post would mean he not ultimately included on the ballot.  Resign no place on the leadership ballot. Stand on try to fight off any leadership challenge Corbyn faces ripping the party apart.  Obvious choice would be to resign,  forced to fight very long battle otherwise.  Labour party bigger than one person more than protest movement.  No good scenario for Corbyn to hang on for. Destroying the Labour party defeated almost wiped out.   Depressing to think about it, unlikely things have happened.  Don’t expect that to happen but very messy ending for Corbyn. 

Labour requires pragmatism vision unite every fraction under one banner together. Contradictions heighten until a revolutionary synthesis combines all factions. Divorce is the wrong answer would only be messy.  Regards concerned Labour member who wants a Labour government.

Journal, Politics, Thoughts

Oh dear Brexit…

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Disclaimer:  Suffering from lack of sleep, not eaten much at all.

Okay

Lets not sugar coat anything David Cameron has just made the worse gamble and lost.  Don’t agree with Brexit voters just dropped one hell of a time bomb.  Time to deal with the problems and reach out/listen.

 

 

Politics, Thoughts

More EU Referendum thoughts

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Tomorrow Britain holds a referendum on European union membership.  Little sick of the whole thing opinions being given as facts. No debate just pure focus on domestic.  Referendum has showed that average voters cares little to nothing about what happens in Europe.   Care little to nothing about politics until we feel pain don’t take an active interest in the subject at all.   My position has always been remain within the union.  Currently all issues within the debate purely domestic caused by government policy.  Rather surprising that government has not been held accountable for certain choices.  Uneducated public are being let down by politicians who are not listening like voters until ballot paper day.   Depressing state of politics comes down to couple weeks small minority imprint the issues.  Economic pain caused by the 08 financial crisis still impacts people today and politicians have made things worse.  Made false promises pandering failing to offer solutions, declining to take responsibility.  Any other job these people would be fired due lying and pure incompetence.   Unlikely to never find another job again.  Many on the leave side are doing mini rebellion against Government policy.  Voted in on certain mandate now doing rebellion against that mandate.  Desire to climb up the ladder by stabbing your boss who won against all the odds.   Turns out that current fiscal policy rather hard and has an impact which voters do notice.   Success story only and not my fault is the name of the day somebody else messed up.  

Part of the reason why feel the need to take up an interest in politics.   Nobody else wants to sort out this bloody mess.   Time to repair the relationship between the public and house of commons.  Voters need to take much greater interest in politics.