General Election 2017, What a massive lead in the polls brings! Options

[Andy Capp]

But we all know what polls can be like! I'm waiting for the 'Queen' of lurkers to show up and bestow her wisdom!

[On the edge]

If Labour does do badly and Corbyn stands down, all the more reason to vote Labour round here. The very last thing we want is yet another coalition with a party which had a manifesto that makes Labour's look sane! If the LibDims do pick up the odd seat, like West Berks, we are in deep trouble. With them, it's not don't hold your breath, more don't breath in!

[Andy Capp]

If Labour does do badly and Corbyn stands down, all the more reason to vote Labour round here. The very last thing we want is yet another coalition with a party which had a manifesto that makes Labour's look sane! If the LibDims do pick up the odd seat, like West Berks, we are in deep trouble. With them, it's not don't hold your breath, more don't breath in!

What is insane about the Lib Dem's manifesto?

[On the edge]

What is insane about the Lib Dem's manifesto?

The idea of legalising cannabis, taxing sales and using the revenue to pay for the programme. Presumably the LibDims will continue to try and outlaw smoking!
Frankly, a safer approach would be to legalise prostitution and tax that - would solve the NHS problem wouldn't it?

Sorry, and it's probably me being very cynical, but what happened to the policies they had when in coalition? Anyway, West Berks ought to be once bitten twice shy.

[Andy Capp]

The idea of legalising cannabis, taxing sales and using the revenue to pay for the programme. Presumably the LibDims will continue to try and outlaw smoking!
Frankly, a safer approach would be to legalise prostitution and tax that - would solve the NHS problem wouldn't it?

Sorry, and it's probably me being very cynical, but what happened to the policies they had when in coalition? Anyway, West Berks ought to be once bitten twice shy.

Cannabis is already effectively legal.

[On the edge]

Cannabis is already effectively legal.

Yes, I can see that to some extent. Similarly, shoplifing is also effectively legal.

[Andy Capp]

Yes, I can see that to some extent. Similarly, shoplifing is also effectively legal.

I seem to remember reading ~85% of robberies are sponsored by the 'need' to fund illegal drugs use. It seems also that drug use is as 'popular' as ever. It makes sense therefore to approach the issue from a different angle, perhaps then we might also see a reduction in shoplifting.

[On the edge]

I seem to remember reading ~85% of robberies are sponsored by the 'need' to fund illegal drugs use. It seems also that drug use is as 'popular' as ever. It makes sense therefore to approach the issue from a different angle, perhaps then we might also see a reduction in shoplifting.

Why don't they try out the theory on other intractable crimes first, then we'll see if this approach really works. For instance a huge percentage of road accidents are caused by 'the need to speed', in spite of cameras and constant tough enforcement, speeding is as 'popular' as ever. So it must also make sense to approach that from Tim's different angle.

Sorry, its populist clap trap, aimed at the pseudo intelligentsia who thought 'restorative justice' would solve our anti social crime problem and that free school meals would suddenly lift our schools performance.

What saddens me is the odium heaped on Labour for its manifesto, which doesn't contain anything anywhere near as wacky or revolutionary. It even includes stuff the Daily Mail is fighting for; renationalisation of railways. Nonetheless the LibDem one does fit like a glove with the May one party vision. We are all Tories, dark and light and blue all in the same room and if you think you are a trendy you go and join our mates having a fag on the patio.

PS - Have just seen that our local LibDem hopeful is going on a march campaigning for better help for people suffering from mental illness. Latest findings are beginning to reveal long term use of cannabis substantially increases your chances of suffering mental illness. Not exactly joined up policy thinking, unless you have a Tory mindset - increase use means more tax, but don't worry 'we'll look after you'.

[Andy Capp]

Why don't they try out the theory on other intractable crimes first

I believe the illegal drugs trade is 'intractable'.

, then we'll see if this approach really works. For instance a huge percentage of road accidents are caused by 'the need to speed', in spite of cameras and constant tough enforcement, speeding is as 'popular' as ever. So it must also make sense to approach that from Tim's different angle.

I think that is a specious argument. Speed management controls have made roads undeniably safer. Moreover, the speeders amongst us haven't developed a revenue stream that helps underpin a criminal underworld.

Sorry, its populist clap trap, aimed at the pseudo intelligentsia who thought 'restorative justice' would solve our anti social crime problem and that free school meals would suddenly lift our schools performance.

Those initiatives are a part of the evolution of human behaviour management. They were never meant to cure anything, that's your hyperbole. Those ideas were underpinned by research; whether they work or not remains to be seen, but it is better than just keep doing the same thing over where it has been proven not to improve matters.

What saddens me is the odium heaped on Labour for its manifesto, which doesn't contain anything anywhere near as wacky or revolutionary.

I think it does. Some of Corbyn's ideas are simply unworkable under the current zeitgeist.

PS - Have just seen that our local LibDem hopeful is going on a march campaigning for better help for people suffering from mental illness. Latest findings are beginning to reveal long term use of cannabis substantially increases your chances of suffering mental illness. Not exactly joined up policy thinking, unless you have a Tory mindset - increase use means more tax, but don't worry 'we'll look after you'.

The legalise drug idea isn't about curing anything, it is about a different way of managing a problem that is not going to go away any time soon. Perhaps it is the company I keep, but I don't know anyone that doesn't experiment with illegal drugs simply because they are illegal, but I do know people who don't speed because it is.