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Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 9 2010, 01:24 PM

The General Election is just months away.

What has happened to the Labour and Conservative parties? They used to stand for what they believed in and people had distinct choices to make. Now they are one almalgamated mass with policies that are similar. Some, if not all of the Politicians are as bent as nine bob notes to boot.

Its just a popularity contest with no-one prepared to say what they will do about the massive national debt that we have until they get into power.

In fact instead of having a 'Leaders Debate' why don't we get David, Nick and Gordon to appear on the Krypton Factor. The winner gets in. Or we could have 'Britains got Talent' and the Public could vote....

I fully expect the lowest turnout in General Election history.

Posted by: Bloggo Feb 9 2010, 01:57 PM

I expect to see the vote for UKIP to be beyond expectation as people reject the egotistical, self serving, hypocritical lying bunch of MPs and Cabinet Ministers that we have the mis-fortune to have voted for in the past.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 9 2010, 02:00 PM

At least they offer a choice and have different policies.

Posted by: Bloggo Feb 9 2010, 02:05 PM

Can they do any worse that what we have now?

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 9 2010, 02:10 PM

Correct. And they talk about 'Immigration' and 'Europe'. Something the other parties will not let the population have a say in.

Posted by: Bill1 Feb 9 2010, 02:29 PM

To be fair, the Lib Dems do have different policies than "the big two" and are prepared to debate all the issues.

Did they not vote against the invasion of Iraq in 2003 for example?

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 9 2010, 02:39 PM

Agreed Bill1. The problem is with the big two. I think Tony Blair cloned himself and made David Cameron and as for Brown......I wished he'd go back to Scotland and stay there.

Posted by: Bloggo Feb 9 2010, 02:40 PM

Yes, I believe that is so. Perhaps we should give them a go.

Posted by: Bill1 Feb 9 2010, 02:42 PM

Quite.

Posted by: Biker1 Feb 9 2010, 03:39 PM

The Lib Dems will always follow whatever populist line they think will win them the most votes.

All very well until it comes to some tough decisions which aren't quite so popular but need to be taken.

An earlier post referred to immigration & Europe".
What are their policies on these subjects for example?

Posted by: Iommi Feb 9 2010, 03:40 PM

Lib Dems... oh dear...

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 9 2010, 03:43 PM

David Rendel... Oh Dear Oh Dear!

Posted by: Biker1 Feb 9 2010, 03:43 PM

Or perhaps Law & Order and Crime & Punishment?

Posted by: Biker1 Feb 9 2010, 03:50 PM

You mean the one who claims the credit for the building of both the by-pass and the hospital?
Both of which would have been built without any of his "input"!

Posted by: Darren Feb 9 2010, 05:51 PM

Not sure about UKIP doing well, but keep a close eye on BNP as they feed on this kind of enviroment.

Posted by: Strafin Feb 9 2010, 05:53 PM

If there's a BNP candidate here, I will definetly vote for them.

Posted by: JeffG Feb 9 2010, 06:52 PM

Why do I have the nasty feeling you're not joking?

Posted by: lordtup Feb 9 2010, 09:03 PM

I am sure I am not alone in my conclusion that those who seek to serve do so with the sole intent of self advancement .
Their complete arrogance is nothing short of criminal in a world so full of uncertainty and instability . Do they honestly believe that the electorate are so gullible to be seduced by the continual presence of the respective spin doctors ? If one approaches the question from an objective perspective then non of the parties , main or fringe ,offer any form of leadership or positive direction .It would probably be more cost effective to pay them to stay at home and let the country run it's self .Their is so much distaste of the whole political spectrum across the country that I fear the next government will be elected by default of the others as opposed to a collective consensus .
The analogy is akin to the executioner asking of the condemned man if he would prefer to be blindfolded on facing the firing squad ,to which the enlightened would reply " if it's all the same to you I would prefer them to be ".

Posted by: Strafin Feb 9 2010, 09:19 PM

I'm not joking, I wouldn't want them to get any major amount of power, but something needs to be done to get some serious debates on serious issues being had. People complain that there's no difference between the mainstream parties, so they need some new ideas and fresh debate to be brought to the table. Even if they are extreme views they would get people thinking on a wider spectrum.

Posted by: Berkshirelad Feb 9 2010, 10:29 PM

I may not be in tune with the rest of you here, but I do rate our local MP.

He is one of the few 'squeaky clean' ones regarding expenses; he does represent our interests and takes the time to meet and respond to his constituents.

Unlike Rendel who would turn up to the opening of an envelope if he thought any publicity could be milked from it.

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Feb 10 2010, 08:10 AM

But he didn't though, did he?, and I doubt he'll ever treat MPs to a self-pitying 'This forum is no longer for me so I bid my farewell', either

Posted by: user23 Feb 10 2010, 08:24 AM

You're right, it seems to be the party of the xenophobe and the easily fooled.

"They're the only ones talking sense about immigration. This county is rubbish now becuase of all the immigrants who want to come here. Of course they all want to come here because it's such a great country"

Posted by: Iommi Feb 10 2010, 08:43 AM

Regardless of the truth, there are plenty of people who feel like this. I think the main parties should bear this in mind.

Posted by: regor Feb 10 2010, 02:56 PM

Whatever became of the Monster raving Looney Party?

Oh Yes, I remember - they lost their sense of humour and became the BNP!

Posted by: Biker1 Feb 10 2010, 03:33 PM

The fact that User sees fit to denigrate this party only makes me more curious as to what they may have to offer.

Posted by: JeffG Feb 10 2010, 04:51 PM

Curiosity is no bad thing. At least you'll find out just what they are like. (Were we talking UKIP or BNP? I forgot )

Posted by: user23 Feb 10 2010, 10:52 PM

The BNP

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 11 2010, 09:07 AM

Don't you ever have anything to say Hugh apart from criticising other Forum Members? You really are quite a sad individual with no thoughts of your own. I think you need to seek some help Hugh.

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Feb 11 2010, 09:21 AM

'I don't have respect for Hugh and for that reason I would not ever respond to any of his vitrolic attacks any more.' Another broken promise - sure you're not a politician yourself?

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 11 2010, 09:46 AM

mmmm.. Let Me think. Contributions from me to the forum. The last 2 polls in the NWN were taken from questions I posed. What if anything have you ever asked of any importance?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Feb 11 2010, 09:54 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong but don't you also stand accused of plagiarism? Hardly difficult to get ideas that way....

Posted by: Iommi Feb 11 2010, 10:14 AM

Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight, fight!!!

Posted by: GMR Feb 11 2010, 10:29 AM

I agree agree about UKIP. They are doing very well.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 11 2010, 11:03 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong Hugh but do you have anything ever useful to say apart from criticising other forum members? If you were on fire I would not urinate on you to put you out.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 11 2010, 11:04 AM

Oh and by the way - Do you have anything useful to say on this topic?

Posted by: Bloggo Feb 11 2010, 11:22 AM

I don't think I have seen him write anything at all usefull about any topic.
Seems to just want to annoy.

Posted by: Blake Feb 11 2010, 04:29 PM

I agree with a lot of what I see here.

We are being offered some fairly flimsy, meaningless policies by a system groaning under weight of its out of touch, distant and inappropriateness.

Labour have wrecked the economy along with their banker friends and now we are saddled with this catastrophic mess which will weaken Britain for decades.

What this country needs is an executioner; someone at least TWICE as tough as Maggie was if we have any hope of getting Britain back on track. And yet, I do not see that person yet.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 12 2010, 09:22 AM

Its oh so quiet.. shhhh shhhhh......... Come on Hugh. You must have an opinion on something other than criticising forum users?

I presume you will not be voting in the General Election then?

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Feb 12 2010, 01:19 PM

I know this may come as an unpleasant surprise, but for once I agree with you. We are faced with a pretty unimpressive collection from which to chose. Together with millions of others, my family was delighted when Blair swept to power in 1997, replacing the deadbeat Major government but gradually our trust was eroded over the years, probably really starting with the illegal invasion of Iraq. Now we also have a tired, discredited bunch asking for another term in power but the main opposion is led by a lacklustre chamelion-like character backed up by a snitchy boy wonder type of shadow chancellor and a shadow health minister who performed absolutely abysmally on the Today prog this morning (anyone else hear him?). Then there's the Lib Dems who, to be fair, did get it right about Iraq and have the only man, Vince Cable, who seems to talk sense about the economy. On the minus side, their leader is unmemorable and their track record when running local councils isn't great. Looks to me like there could be a hung parliament, presumably Dave Cameroon might be thinking that way as well, hence his wooing those Unionist characters in Northern Ireland. Lay a blanket of disdain regarding M.P.s expenses over it all and you have a right mess. I will probably vote, almost certainly, but still wavering about where I will put my X and am sure I'm not alone in being less than enthusiastic about all of them.

Posted by: Bloggo Feb 12 2010, 01:50 PM

Well put. My sentiments entirely.
It's going to be a real leap of faith voting this time.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 12 2010, 01:56 PM

Thank you Hugh. And I mean that.

Posted by: Biker1 Apr 7 2010, 06:49 PM

Made up your mind yet Hugh?

I think many may be going for the protest vote this time - B. Burgess for MP?

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Apr 8 2010, 06:00 AM

Still no obvious choice so far as far as I'm concerned

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 8 2010, 08:00 AM

Difficult to distinguish between which breed of pig with its snout in the trough!
I'll be joining the protest voters methinks.

Posted by: Bloggo Apr 8 2010, 10:10 AM

I hope that they canvas me as I will be telling them that the events of the last 12 months have left me with zero confidence in any of the three major parties.
None of them represent me or my views of how this Country should be run and I don't even think that they even care very much.
The lies, deceit and corruption still being displayed particularly by the Labour Party is so unpalatable for me that I am considering a "protest " vote.
What a sorry lot they are.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 8 2010, 10:23 AM

Got my first Lib Dem pamphlett though the door last night. It made me want to puke.

Posted by: diamond41970 Apr 8 2010, 12:54 PM

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=12950

Just read about the various candidates. I have voted for LibDem since the age of 18 but it seems they will never come to anything as I think sometimes people are afraid of change and stick to Labour or Conservative. I now think though that the public are well and truly peeved off with them and hopefully will now start looking at the other parties. I really can't bear another Labour term especially under a Prime Minister I honestly don't feel should be there with his Scottish roots if he wants to run a country then bugger off back there and do it. BNP are looking good and I may be swayed now to change my vote but I actually don't want to speak to any of them for fear of being locked in the cells for the night for venting my anger at them all.

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Apr 8 2010, 07:09 PM

Certainly can't get that &rsed about it - it's only politics and there are so, so, many more interesting things in my life.

Posted by: Iommi Apr 8 2010, 08:01 PM

Posted by: Bloggo Apr 9 2010, 08:19 AM

Great rebuff Iommi. Very subtle.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 9 2010, 08:29 AM

Quite agree! Now where's the Kings Horse?

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Apr 9 2010, 09:55 AM

Very touching, I'm sure, but even playing the drama queen card doesn't alter the fact that a large proportion of the electorate, including me, currently find politics a bit of a turn off.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 9 2010, 11:28 AM

So what turns you 'on' Hugh?

Posted by: Iommi Apr 9 2010, 12:08 PM

It looks as though history passed you by also.

Emmeline Pankhurst (née Goulden; 15 July 1858 – 14 June 1928) was an English political activist and leader of the British suffragette movement, which helped women win the right to vote.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmeline_Pankhurst


My joke revolves round the idea - imagine what it might be like if people, like Emmeline Pankhurst, ignored and showed disinterest in politics.

The picture you see is of her being released from gaol. She broke the law in her campaign for women's suffrage.

You are entitled to do as you wish. I suspect, however, that you have that privilege because others have campaigned, and indeed, fought to put you, and others, in that position.

I feel rather depressed about the current state of politics, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't care. Indeed, it is possibly down to people that don't care, that we find ourselves in this situation.

Posted by: Bloggo Apr 9 2010, 02:00 PM

You're right, if you don't respect the mainstream parties, and many of us don't, then make a protest vote.
Let them know that you are fed up with corrupt British politics and self serving members of parliment.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 9 2010, 04:14 PM

What I don't like is the arrogance of them all. On the Liberal Democrat leaflet it states that any vote apart from a Conservative Vote or a Liberal vote is a wasted vote.

If enough of us vote for other parties perhaps they may get a shock.

Posted by: Bill1 Apr 9 2010, 04:33 PM

Whatever you do just make sure you DO vote.

That way at least you've had your say.

Posted by: Biker1 Apr 10 2010, 08:02 AM

Yes - very arrogant aren't they!

Posted by: GMR Apr 10 2010, 08:06 AM

What about UKIP? Unless you are pro European.

Posted by: user23 Apr 10 2010, 08:12 AM

True. As far as I know there are five confirmed candidates. Choose the one that best fits your views.

Having said that you still have the option of standing yourself until (I think) the 20th April.

Posted by: JeffG Apr 10 2010, 11:04 AM

Arrogant or not, they do have a point. The only way that the outcome of the vote in the Newbury constituency will be affected will be to vote for one of those two. Whatever anyone says, one of them will be first and the other second (by a large margin over the rest).

There are no prizes for third place with our first past the post system.

Posted by: Biker1 Apr 10 2010, 03:09 PM

Nevertheless they are arrogant.

As User23 says, vote for whoever fits your views the best, not vote for someone else because you think your candidate will not win.

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Apr 10 2010, 07:02 PM

Don't think so, Glenn - seems some of them were at it a long time ago as well - 'a truly dishonest man' - think I'll just go down the Winchester Club to see if anyone's thinking of standing there

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Mote#Appeal

Posted by: user23 Apr 10 2010, 10:34 PM

Don't forget Tom Wise

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Wise#Suspension_from_UKIP

Posted by: Iommi Apr 10 2010, 11:08 PM

...and the numerous other p*ss takers, from all the other parties.

Posted by: GMR Apr 11 2010, 08:58 AM

But they all have bad members. And didn't they remove them?

Posted by: GMR Apr 11 2010, 08:58 AM

He was suspended.

Posted by: Biker1 Apr 11 2010, 05:21 PM

I have just had a flyer through my door from the Lib Dems saying "Labour can't win in Newbury" which is a lie.

Posted by: JeffG Apr 11 2010, 05:56 PM

Oh, really? Theoretically possible, but unlikely.

Posted by: user23 Apr 11 2010, 06:06 PM

Don't forget Godfrey Bloom

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6390929.ece

Posted by: Iommi Apr 11 2010, 07:31 PM

Why?

Posted by: Biker1 Apr 12 2010, 07:16 AM

Exactly - theoretically possible.

To say Labour CAN'T win is not true.

Unlikely - yes.

What the Lib Dems are trying to do is to convince those who would choose to vote Labour to vote Lib Dem by trying to convince them that Labour CANNOT win.
Surely one should vote for the candidate who best fits your needs and beliefs - not for the most likely winner.

Many will probably vote for Brian Burgess even though, according to the Lib Dems I'm sure, he cannot win.

Bit like football really (which I know nothing about).
Would you change from the team you support because they allegedly cannot win?

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 12 2010, 08:15 AM

'Man Utd fans, Arsenal Fans, Liverpool Fans, Chelsea Fans.....'

I've always supported Stoke and will continue to do so even if they end up playing in the Unibond league.

Some other 'fans' change allegances with whoever is 'winning' and has the best prawn sandwiches. Some people are the same with political parties I fear. Me - I always used to vote Conservative. Not this time though. It's UKIP for me as they address the issues that the other parties won't talk about.

Posted by: JeffG Apr 12 2010, 08:53 AM

I've suggested that to my son several times - he supports West Ham

As for voting, it depends whether you vote for the person you would really like to win, or vote to influence the outcome. The first is laudable, the second is pragmatic. If the two coincide, that's the best of both worlds.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 12 2010, 09:00 AM

The problem is JeffG that if we all vote to 'influence the outcome' then we are in effect voting to keep the status quo of Con / Lab / Lib.

I want change. Change that matters. Viva la revolution!

Posted by: Biker1 Apr 12 2010, 09:06 AM

Good for you - even though, as the Lib Dems would have it, they cannot win.

I think I may join you.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 12 2010, 09:17 AM

Exactly. They may not win. But if there vote increases significantly people might think that they may win at the next election and vote for them then. You have to start somewhere. As I said I want change. Real change. Not the 'change' that Lib / Lab / Con spew out of their lying deceitful corrupt orifices.

Posted by: dannyboy Apr 12 2010, 12:31 PM

You are deluding youself.

Power corrupts........

Do you really think that if a new political party came to power, even within the next 50 years, they'd be squeeky clean & remain that way?

Nah, they have their cronies in in no time. Bungs here, bungs there & jobs for the boys. Politics is a business & a career just like any other. It is about what you can get out of it, pure & simple.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 12 2010, 12:39 PM

So just accept the inept and corrupt? People like you are the reason their is no 'Great' in Great Britain anymore. Just accept that power corrupts? No thanks.

Posted by: Bloggo Apr 12 2010, 02:54 PM

Yes, you may well be right that pockets will be lined and noses will be thrust into the trough, seems to be todays standards, but isn't it great that you have an opportunity to at least push out the encumbent self-serving, greedy,grubby gang.

Posted by: dannyboy Apr 12 2010, 06:22 PM

There is no Great in Britain precisely because people have the right to vote.

Even Governments, which rise out of revolutions end up corrupt, & of no use to the very people they was supposed to be liberating from the yolk of oppression.

Posted by: dannyboy Apr 12 2010, 06:24 PM

and let another bunch of self serving, tossers in?

Maybe we should go the whole hog & let politicians buy our votes.

Posted by: JeffG Apr 13 2010, 09:06 AM

What does that mean, exactly?


Egg on their face?

Posted by: Biker1 Apr 13 2010, 10:07 AM

I see many of the local landowners are using hoardings that encourage us to vote Tory that use the old "flaming torch" logo rather than the new "green tree" one.

What do you think this may indicate?

Posted by: dannyboy Apr 13 2010, 10:17 AM

Britain got the soubriquet 'Great' at a time whern the common man could not vote. There was no democracy. You did what you were told, paid dearly if you transgressed the line & were thankfull for the meagre existence you had.

Providing you made it to 5 you worked hard & for recreation you ate drank & ******. The Victorian do gooders messed it all up with the clamour for emancipation.

Posted by: Iommi Apr 13 2010, 10:59 AM

My understanding of the origins of 'Great', in Great Britain, is to do with regions, not necessarily its Global importance as it were.

Posted by: Bloggo Apr 13 2010, 12:28 PM

Great Britain? Well it was once but the constant erosion of standards, respect and the ethos of putting Country before self has ensured that this Country is becoming 3rd rate.

Posted by: Iommi Apr 13 2010, 12:32 PM

Notwithstanding we ran out of money 'looking after' those, 'third rate' countries.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 13 2010, 12:33 PM

3rd rate? Walking through Newbury Town Centre and seeing the druggies, teenagers with ferocious dogs carrying kegs of beer, girls with skirts that end at the waist etc etc. I'd say we were almost 3rd World.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 13 2010, 12:34 PM

Someone had to give them 'aid' money to pay for all their guns and bullets to shoot each other with....

Posted by: Iommi Apr 13 2010, 12:36 PM

#2 Indeed, some might question whether seizing, by force, land which doesn't belong to us, is showing 'respect' and good 'standards to the rest of the world.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 13 2010, 12:55 PM

Tony B's happy about it. Gives him something to talk about on his 'money spinning' talks.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Apr 14 2010, 12:24 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/england/8608403.stm

The Lib Dem's Newbury candidate David Rendel added: "I don't think the problem here is worse than anywhere else in the country.

"But we have a local Conservative council which refuses to pay for more wardens. If I was elected I would put more pressure for these wardens who do a great job. I don't think Asbos are the thing as they can be seen as a badge of honour to some youngsters."

More Wardens? What is he on about PCSO's or Green Goblins? Anyone got a clue?

Posted by: Bloggo Apr 14 2010, 12:37 PM

So that makes it all right does it?
When will these limp politicians begin to see that the law abiding, tax paying public have had enough of weak and ineffective laws that do nothing to cure the crime problem.
Wake up Rendall and the rest of you.

Posted by: Iommi Apr 14 2010, 01:01 PM

What I think we would like to see is swifter action. All the measures mentioned do help, but it is the speed of action that can be deflating.

People are asked to compile dossiers, camera footage, etc, over many months, if not years sometimes, before anything is done.

Also, Housing Associations should be a lot more reactionary to problem tenants.

Posted by: Bloggo Apr 14 2010, 01:03 PM

Good heavens, your beginning to sound like me and TD&H.

Posted by: Bloggo Apr 14 2010, 01:08 PM

I see that a chap named David Yates is standing in Newbury as an independent as he feels that none of the present representatives standing represent him.
Sounds interesting. Does anyone know anything about him? How can we find out?

Posted by: Iommi Apr 14 2010, 01:19 PM

In truth I don't always disagree, it is just I might disagree with the way you and others word things sometimes. I am also sensitive to sensationalism, and I can't help but feel that is also a factor in all this.

I don't wish to see whole sale change, but perhaps there are a few tweaks needed. Empowering the Police can have its down sides as well!

Also, I'm kind of speaking for you, rather than with you, if that doesn't sound too naff!


I see him in the pub sometimes, he sounds like he's from the Midlands. Seems like nice bloke.

Posted by: Bloggo Apr 14 2010, 01:29 PM

Hey, that's OK by me.

Which pub is that? I'd like to have a few words with him as I am sympathetic to his views about not being represented by those standing for election.

Posted by: Iommi Apr 14 2010, 02:09 PM

Before now, in the Snooty, but I am not a regular in town to be able to tell you if this is his 'regular' or not.

Posted by: Bloggo Apr 14 2010, 02:12 PM

OK, Thanks