NationStates Jolt Archive


10 reasons to vote Lib Dem

Tograna
13-04-2005, 18:00
I'd like everyone whos going to be voting in the General Elections on the 5th of May to take a look at this list. Knowing the sort of people who frequent internet forums its fair to say that a good portion will be students, the Lib Dems are the ONLY major party to oppose university top up fees, in fact they plan to scrap fees altogether. The Lib Dems are the Alternative to Labour for those voters who were against the Iraq war, the Tories backed the illegal invasion. They're also the alternative to another Tory government which if the past is anything to go by will make a right royal mess of our economy again

10 reasons to vote Lib Dem (http://www.libdems.org.uk/tenreasons.html)
FairyTInkArisen
13-04-2005, 18:03
:( i wish i could, stupid Blair, couldn't wait an extra 6 months so i can vote :headbang:
Aust
13-04-2005, 18:05
:( i wish i could, stupid Blair, couldn't wait an extra 6 months so i can vote :headbang:
Or an Extra 2 years for me. :headbang:
Tograna
13-04-2005, 18:05
:( i wish i could, stupid Blair, couldn't wait an extra 6 months so i can vote :headbang:

I know me neither, I'm 18 in september so I cant help. luckily my constituencys usually an easy Lib Dem seat. But I've got a big orange poster in my window and on my car =)
FairyTInkArisen
13-04-2005, 18:10
I know me neither, I'm 18 in september so I cant help. luckily my constituencys usually an easy Lib Dem seat. But I've got a big orange poster in my window and on my car =)
mine isn't, it's an easy Tory seat, in fact just this morning I had to stand at the door for 10 minutes speaking to some old Tory plonker before i could finally get a word in to tell him that I'm not old enough to vote and if i could I wouldn't vote Tory. I'd put stickers in my window except nobody in my family votes Lib Dem so I'd be made to take them down and also I live in the middle of nowhere so nobody would see them
Secular Europe
13-04-2005, 18:37
Yes...well....Go Lib Dems.

But the "Top-up" Fees is a bit misleading. You pay them after you graduate, not before you go, and only when you reach a certain level of annual income. This is exactly the same as the policy which the Lib Dems employed in Scotland, which they called a "Graduate Tax". The difference is that in Scotland, the rate is £2000 once you earn more thatn £10,000 per anum, but in the rest of the UK it is £15,000 once you earn more than £15,000 per anum. So you pay less in Scotland, but more people will have to pay it.

And lets not get into the war, because it's legality is a bit more of a "grey area" than you give it credit. Although I am a pacifist and certainly didn;t support the war at any point.

You should vote Lib Dems, because they are the only party (with anywhere near a chance of getting in) who are actually campaigning to protect important political and civil rights which both Labour and the Tories are restricting.

For example, the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, introduced by Labour, basically removed the writ of Habeus Corpus, allowing the government to jail people without charge where they were "suspected" of terrorist activitied and removed imporant procedural rights at trail. The House of Lords ruled that this act was against Human Rights and one judge said that "it is laws like these which are a threat to our nation, not terrorists"
This act would be supported by the tories too.

The Lib Dems are the most socialist party with any real chance of election - see free dental checks, Optical checks, and Free Healthcare for the Elderly and an increase in the top rate of tax for those earning over £100k

The Lib Dems are the only party with a progressive International Policy. Pro-EU! Pro-Euro - which is good because the manufacturing downturn, and the trade deficit are due to the phenomenal strength of the pound against both the Euro and the Dollar, with unfavourable exchange rates causing our manufactured products to be uncompetitive and expensive, a problem which would largely be solved by a single currency.

The Lib Dems are the most environmentally concious party outside of the Greens.

Finally, you should vote Lib Dem because they haven't run this election with racist, foam-at-the-mouth, BNP-inspired drivel about immigration and aslyum (which are separate issues, by the way) in the way that the Tories have and the way that Labour have followed. "We won't play politics with immigration" Hmmm, yeah Tony, well what was the whole preceding 5 minutes of your presentation about then? Asylum is something granted to people to provide protection from the horrendous regimes of their country of origin, not something you can put quotas on, and the only way to reduce asylum claims should be to improve civil rights world wide, not to cut benefits in this country so much that it's actually more attractive to face death in your country of origin than it is to seek asylum in the UK.

Also, recent WTO studies found that most Western European countries recquire huge amounts of immigrants to maintain their economies and standards of living. We have an ageing population - there are more pensioners and fewer people of working age, which means that there is an increasing pension burden and fewer people to pay it. Therefore we need more immigrants of working age just to maintain the status quo.
So not only are Labour and the Tories being small minded and parochial, they're also economically unsound

So.. Go Lib Dems!!
The Internet Tough Guy
13-04-2005, 18:41
You Brits take your politics seriously, at least from how it appears. We Americans take our politics about as seriously as we take our baseball teams.
Tograna
13-04-2005, 18:49
You Brits take your politics seriously, at least from how it appears. We Americans take our politics about as seriously as we take our baseball teams.

try taking it more seriosuly next time, if bush starts another war, I'm blaming major league baseball
The Internet Tough Guy
13-04-2005, 18:51
try taking it more seriosuly next time, if bush starts another war, I'm blaming major league baseball

I wish they would, this team oriented politics is killing us.
ComradeSteele
13-04-2005, 18:55
my friend supports the lib dems, but i know the reason is only that
he doesen't like blair, and he doesen't like the torys. i support them out of the three amin partys. however i am a bit more extreme leftwing
L-rouge
13-04-2005, 18:59
I can vote (yay! :D ).
Will vote Labour. They've done a pretty good job and, if you think about it long term, this is Blairs last term as leader so we'll probably get someone slightly more left-wing next time (here's looking at you Gordy!).
Won't vote Tory. Come on, "we'll increase police spending/clean hospitals/improve immigration controls etc but reduce taxes! Err...right...
Hope the Lib-Dems make it into opposition though. It'll either make or brake the Party, so whatever happens it can only be good news!
Sanctaphrax
13-04-2005, 19:01
try taking it more seriosuly next time, if bush starts another war, I'm blaming major league baseball
ROFL!
I second that motion!
Brehon
13-04-2005, 19:08
It really is clear that the one thing you shouldn't do is vote Labour or Tory. I don't know about anyone else, but I've found most of the Tory campaign slogans really offensive. And Labour isn't socialist - it's Thatcherite under the name of Modernism. There's far less difference between the two than people would have believed possible years ago.
Taldaan
13-04-2005, 19:14
I would much rather have the Lib Dems than Michael "lets hire more of everyone, spend more on everything, and lower taxes" Howard or Tony Blair, but I doubt that they will get much further than they have before. Probably the best outcome we can realistically have is an absolute tie between Labour and the Conservatives, with the Lib Dems outnumbering all of the minor parties put together.

On a lighter note, if Terry is short for Terrence, then why isn't Tony short for Tonence?
Tograna
14-04-2005, 13:16
the lib dems do already outnumber all the minorities by many times over ....
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 13:25
I've got a postal vote heading my way at some point :) Its gonna go back with a nice cross, tick or whatever on it marked next to the LD in my area...pity my place is a Tory stronghold... :mad: Damn Winterton
Refused Party Program
14-04-2005, 13:28
I've got a postal vote heading my way at some point :) Its gonna go back with a nice cross, tick or whatever on it marked next to the LD in my area...pity my place is a Tory stronghold... :mad: Damn Winterton

Hazel Grove is Tory area?

Well...that's surprising. I have a friend who lives there and every time I walk to his parents' [who are quite wealthy] house pedestrians cross to the other side of the road.

















It's true, Tories hate punks and can detect them even if don't have mohawks or ripped jeans. :D
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 13:44
Poynton is Tory (its in the Macclesfield borough). Its a pain...some of my friends even voted UKIP....
The Imperial Navy
14-04-2005, 13:55
Politics have failed. They've all become a bunch of bickering fools. The time for revolution is NOW! Let's take over the world! :D

But nah, I think i'll vote Lib dems... they're the best alternative, and a great way to throw my vote away.
Ariddia
14-04-2005, 13:55
Thank you for this thread; it's very informative. Especially this bit:


The Lib Dems are the most socialist party with any real chance of election - see free dental checks, Optical checks, and Free Healthcare for the Elderly and an increase in the top rate of tax for those earning over £100k
[. . .]
The Lib Dems are the most environmentally concious party outside of the Greens.


Although I'm British (I have citizenship by descent), I haven't got the right to vote, because I don't live in the UK (as a French citizen living in France, I vote in French elections). I've been thinking that if I was voting, I wouldn't really know whom to vote for; no way would I be voting Labour, and no chance in hell would I be voting Tory (*shudders*). I had thought I would probably end up voting for some tiny party that was genuinely left-wing but didn't stand a chance, but this thread is making the Lib Dems look like an increasingly good option.

All you Brits out there who have a vote, as a fellow Brit I urge you to seriously consider voting Lib Dem. ;)
Strathdonia
14-04-2005, 13:56
I'm not sure who i'll vote for.

yes i do like msot of the Lib policies but i am a bit swayed by the fact that labour are liekly the only one's who would at least maintain defence spending at current levels (and before you moan about the recent scottish regiment and airbase cuts, it should be pointed out that those are nothing in comparission to the total decimation of the armed forces by john major). the fact that Brown has seemingly done a rather good job on the economy also makes it more difficult as does the fact i feel that our current labour MP has been doing a decetn job of things...
Jagonia
14-04-2005, 14:01
How many people would you estimate vote for the BNP? I would imagine only a few, but apparently they are gaining more votes.
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 14:22
How many people would you estimate vote for the BNP? I would imagine only a few, but apparently they are gaining more votes.


In my uni town they are pretty popular on a few housing estates near me...not good at all...
Tograna
14-04-2005, 15:43
Poynton is Tory (its in the Macclesfield borough). Its a pain...some of my friends even voted UKIP....


Ukip, ha what a joke party.

Without silk its nothing, and with silk its still nothing
Tograna
14-04-2005, 15:46
In my uni town they are pretty popular on a few housing estates near me...not good at all...

The BNP are pure evil, they're what the tories wish they were allowed to be but cant because they know its not popular to be a racist swine ...
New British Glory
14-04-2005, 15:46
Those are ten good reasons NOT to vote for the Lib Dem. There is no way is my tax going towards paying for a bunch of lazy students to drink their way through university nor do I think simply renaming Council Tax is an effective strategy for dealing with the trouble it causes pensioners.

I shall vote for the Conservative Party, the only answer to Britain's many socialist caused problems.
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 15:49
Those are ten good reasons for Lib Dem. No way is my tax going towards paying for a bunch of lazy students to drink their way through university.

If you think thats what all students at uni do, you are very sadly mistaken. As for lazy, thats sheer ignorance on your part. I work nearly 50 hours a week on my course, I am writing 2 dissertations in a year and a half, and am also trying to juggle a job to stave off debt. That ain't lazy.
Tograna
14-04-2005, 15:49
Those are ten good reasons for Lib Dem. No way is my tax going towards paying for a bunch of lazy students to drink their way through university.

Might I ask who you'll be voting for?
And did you ever go to Uni? because you dont seem to have a clue about what goes on there.
New British Glory
14-04-2005, 15:51
Might I ask who you'll be voting for?
And did you ever go to Uni? because you dont seem to have a clue about what goes on there.

Actually I am a student. But I would rather pay my own fees than force the burden onto the tax payer.
Tograna
14-04-2005, 15:53
If you think thats what all students at uni do, you are very sadly mistaken. As for lazy, thats sheer ignorance on your part. I work nearly 50 hours a week on my course, I am writing 2 dissertations in a year and a half, and am also trying to juggle a job to stave off debt. That ain't lazy.


See, this is the situation so many students find themselves in these days. (not the hard work bit, thats good for you) but the financial side, I mean under a Liberal Democrat government there would be NO uni fees, sadly its too late for you and me but a lib dem vote can help prevent students of the future enduring an increasing financial burden, it will also allow people from poorer people to actually go to Uni in the first place. I'm lucky my parents pay my fees but so many other people have to pay themselves and with fucking top up fees coming in they wont have a chance in hell.
Tograna
14-04-2005, 15:55
Actually I am a student. But I would rather pay my own fees than force the burden onto the tax payer.

What are you doing, moron studies? Students are the future of the economy and the country as a whole, they deserve support from the tax payer the same way sick people deserve support (via the NHS)
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 15:55
See, this is the situation so many students find themselves in these days. (not the hard work bit, thats good for you) but the financial side, I mean under a Liberal Democrat government there would be NO uni fees, sadly its too late for you and me but a lib dem vote can help prevent students of the future enduring an increasing financial burden, it will also allow people from poorer people to actually go to Uni in the first place. I'm lucky my parents pay my fees but so many other people have to pay themselves and with fucking top up fees coming in they wont have a chance in hell.

Precisely, it makes uni only available for the richer memebers of society, which is simply wrong, if a person is intelligent enough, capable enough, they should be allowed the oppertunity, no matter what background they come from.
New British Glory
14-04-2005, 15:57
See, this is the situation so many students find themselves in these days. (not the hard work bit, thats good for you) but the financial side, I mean under a Liberal Democrat government there would be NO uni fees, sadly its too late for you and me but a lib dem vote can help prevent students of the future enduring an increasing financial burden, it will also allow people from poorer people to actually go to Uni in the first place. I'm lucky my parents pay my fees but so many other people have to pay themselves and with fucking top up fees coming in they wont have a chance in hell.

If we have too many students going to university that will mean two things

a) There will be far fewer professional jobs as lots more people will be applying for them with their degrees in media studies.

b) Supply and Demand. If there is an excessive supply of (for example) lawyers then in order to make themsevles marketable they will have to lower their fees. This will cause high income jobs that require long hours to become low income jobs.

That is why it is best to make students pay their own way. If someone really, really wants to go to university then they won't let a trifling thing like money stop them.
New British Glory
14-04-2005, 15:58
What are you doing, moron studies? Students are the future of the economy and the country as a whole, they deserve support from the tax payer the same way sick people deserve support (via the NHS)

No they dont. Students have and should pay their own way. Its not the tax payers responsibilty.
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 15:58
That is why it is best to make students pay their own way. If someone really, really wants to go to university then they won't let a trifling thing like money stop them.

No, it will make them get a scholarship in the US or elsewhere and deprive the country of their potential. Nice idea that...
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 16:00
No they dont. Students have and should pay their own way. Its not the tax payers responsibilty.

Its not the tax payers responsibility to ensure the future of the country at all educational levels? please.

Students have no means of income so how are they meant to pay it?

Loans increase debt, which makes the economy less stable by placing the burden of debt on people. Credit in the UK is at epidemic levels as it is, so why increase it even more?
Anarchic Conceptions
14-04-2005, 16:01
:( i wish i could, stupid Blair, couldn't wait an extra 6 months so i can vote :headbang:
Pray for a hung parliament then.

The government might fall in a few months and another election will happen ;)

(or assassinate your MP on your birthday so a byelection is called).
Tograna
14-04-2005, 16:01
That is why it is best to make students pay their own way. If someone really, really wants to go to university then they won't let a trifling thing like money stop them.

Worst idea ever, ever wondered why jobs like lawyers and doctors get so much? its not because they work 10 times more, its because the bodies that regulate these professions make it very hard to be become qualified (ie 7 year course to be a doctor) this means theres fewer doctors and they get more money. its just wrong, why should doctors get a ton more than nurses? they dont do more work, granted they are trained better but does that justify a salary thats 3 times the size?
New British Glory
14-04-2005, 16:02
No, it will make them get a scholarship in the US or elsewhere and deprive the country of their potential. Nice idea that...

In the US and other countries they have will prbably have to pay triple what they pay here. Thats why all universites love foreign students.
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 16:03
or assassinate your MP on your birthday so a byelection is called

Good idea that...

*runs off to clean BB gun*
Anarchic Conceptions
14-04-2005, 16:03
What are you doing, moron studies? Students are the future of the economy and the country as a whole, they deserve support from the tax payer the same way sick people deserve support (via the NHS)

Ivory tower?

Surely everyone around my age is the future of the economy. I mean, it is hardly like I, or many other student, are going to become factory workers is it.
New British Glory
14-04-2005, 16:03
Its not the tax payers responsibility to ensure the future of the country at all educational levels? please.

Students have no means of income so how are they meant to pay it?

Loans increase debt, which makes the economy less stable by placing the burden of debt on people. Credit in the UK is at epidemic levels as it is, so why increase it even more?

Student loans are perfectly fair and most people from poor backgrounds will get huge grants/discounts anyway.
Bettia
14-04-2005, 16:04
In case anyone's having trouble deciding who to vote for, try this...

http://www.whoshouldyouvotefor.com

If anyone's interested, my scores were:

Labour -37
Conservative -28
Liberal Democrat 50
UK Independence Party -5
Green 23





Cardiff will be a LibDem city by May 6th. ;)
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 16:05
In the US and other countries they have will prbably have to pay triple what they pay here. Thats why all universites love foreign students.

Do you know what a scholarship is? If so, read my point again.
Ariddia
14-04-2005, 16:06
If we have too many students going to university that will mean two things

a) There will be far fewer professional jobs as lots more people will be applying for them with their degrees in media studies.

b) Supply and Demand. If there is an excessive supply of (for example) lawyers then in order to make themsevles marketable they will have to lower their fees. This will cause high income jobs that require long hours to become low income jobs.

That is why it is best to make students pay their own way. If someone really, really wants to go to university then they won't let a trifling thing like money stop them.


University is (almost) free here in France, and we haven't got the kinds of problems you're imagining.
New British Glory
14-04-2005, 16:06
Worst idea ever, ever wondered why jobs like lawyers and doctors get so much? its not because they work 10 times more, its because the bodies that regulate these professions make it very hard to be become qualified (ie 7 year course to be a doctor) this means theres fewer doctors and they get more money. its just wrong, why should doctors get a ton more than nurses? they dont do more work, granted they are trained better but does that justify a salary thats 3 times the size?

Urgh its as if I stumbled into the local branch of the British Communist Party. Soon you'll be wanting to give doctors the same wage as cleaners just because they work the same hours.

Fortunately the Lib Dems dont stand a chance in hell of winning as all polls have them placed over 15 points behind the other two. Labour will win with a decreased minority.
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 16:07
Student loans are perfectly fair and most people from poor backgrounds will get huge grants/discounts anyway.

No, they barely cover the amount needed for most students. If a student is having to live of the loan alone, then there is no way they can afford the uni. Especially no top up fees have been introduced.

The loan system is rediculous.
New British Glory
14-04-2005, 16:07
Do you know what a scholarship is? If so, read my point again.

Well the USA can have some more media studies students. God knows we dont need anymore.
Anarchic Conceptions
14-04-2005, 16:08
Do you know what a scholarship is? If so, read my point again.

The thing is, universities (in most western countries) are reluctant to give foreigners scholarships, not from xenophobia, but since they can make a lot of money off them (far more then domestic students).
New British Glory
14-04-2005, 16:09
No, they barely cover the amount needed for most students. If a student is having to live of the loan alone, then there is no way they can afford the uni. Especially no top up fees have been introduced.

The loan system is rediculous.

A friend of mine whose father is retired gets £3000 estimately in loan (which he does not have to pay back until he is earning over £15000) which is an interest free loan. He also got his first year of university paid for him.
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 16:10
Well the USA can have some more media studies students. God knows we dont need anymore.

Point is if they go to the US they WON'T pay if they are on a full scholarship! The uni won't make money out of them! Besides as someone else has pointed out already, other countries in europe have free uni education and no problems with over burdoning of certain areas, due to the highest qualifications being needed.

As for Media Studies, its an in vogue subject right now, just wait til it goes out of fasion. I don't think much of it either, but thats not to say we can't let people do it.
Sarzonia
14-04-2005, 16:11
You Brits take your politics seriously, at least from how it appears. We Americans take our politics about as seriously as we take our baseball teams.In New York or Boston, perhaps. :p

Go Nats!

I can't vote for the simple reason that I'm across the pond, but I might be a Liberal Democrat if I were British. Then again, I don't know with complete certainty.
Anarchic Conceptions
14-04-2005, 16:13
In case anyone's having trouble deciding who to vote for, try this...

http://www.whoshouldyouvotefor.com

If anyone's interested, my scores were:

Labour -37
Conservative -28
Liberal Democrat 50
UK Independence Party -5
Green 23

Cardiff will be a LibDem city by May 6th. ;)

Labour -20
Conservative 1
Liberal Democrat 26
UK Independence Party 34
Green 45

o_O :confused:

I think the high UKIP score is due to the assumption that one must be nationalistic to dislike the EU and the proposed constitution. (among other assumptions)
Ariddia
14-04-2005, 16:13
http://www.whoshouldyouvotefor.com


Well, that seems to settle it ;) :


You should vote: Liberal Democrat
The LibDems take a strong stand against tax cuts and a strong one in favour of public services: they would make long-term residential care for the elderly free across the UK, and scrap university tuition fees. They are in favour of a ban on smoking in public places, but would relax laws on cannabis. They propose to change vehicle taxation to be based on usage rather than ownership.


All of which I agree with.

My second highest score was in favour of the Greens.
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 16:14
A friend of mine whose father is retired gets £3000 estimately in loan (which he does not have to pay back until he is earning over £15000) which is an interest free loan. He also got his first year of university paid for him.

Yeah, i get 3000ish a year too. My parents both work as well, but don't earn a huge amount. Hence I have to work as well as doing my studies. And I am still in debt.

Don't forget fees are about half of that, with rent usually being more than the other half as well, then you have to get money for food and books and all sorts of other stuff. Its just debt accumulation.

My point is, its economically stupid to have so many people in debt, you can't get them to buy houses, its hard for them to get a car. In essence you are taking away there financial basis for a start at employed life once they have left uni. Why do you think so many live at home after they have finished their degrees?
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 16:20
Ok...heres a suprise...

Labour -24

Cons -58

Lib Dems 82

UKIP 7

Green 31

ok no suprise :D
Lumpias Maximus
14-04-2005, 16:31
Point is if they go to the US they WON'T pay if they are on a full scholarship! The uni won't make money out of them!

Scholarship doesn't mean that the university gets no money for the student, it means that the student is considered exceptional at something, and that the university wants them, so a fund pays for their education, the uni stills gets the money, but the student doesn't pay. Often businesses will sponsor scholarship programs, and students will be required to either spend work experience there (free work) or have to work for that company for a certain amount of time, provided they graduate. Sometimes there may even be a clause that states if they don't get a certain result (i.e. must get a 2.1 or equivalent) they are responsible for paying back they cost of their education. Make no mistake universities still make money out of scholarships.
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 16:33
Scholarship doesn't mean that the university gets no money for the student, it means that the student is considered exceptional at something, and that the university wants them, so a fund pays for their education, the uni stills gets the money, but the student doesn't pay. Often businesses will sponsor scholarship programs, and students will be required to either spend work experience there (free work) or have to work for that company for a certain amount of time, provided they graduate. Sometimes there may even be a clause that states if they don't get a certain result (i.e. must get a 2.1 or equivalent) they are responsible for paying back they cost of their education. Make no mistake universities still make money out of scholarships.

True enough. I was writing a little to quickly without thinking, thanks for the correction.
Sarzonia
14-04-2005, 16:39
Labour -36
Conservative -21
Liberal Democrat 44
UK Independence Party 7
Green 44

You should vote: Liberal Democrat
The LibDems take a strong stand against tax cuts and a strong one in favour of public services: they would make long-term residential care for the elderly free across the UK, and scrap university tuition fees. They are in favour of a ban on smoking in public places, but would relax laws on cannabis. They propose to change vehicle taxation to be based on usage rather than ownership.

The Green Party, which is of course strong on environmental issues, takes a strong position on welfare issues, but was firmly against the war in Iraq. Other key concerns are cannabis, where the party takes a liberal line, and foxhunting, which unsurprisingly the Greens are firmly against.

--

Interesting...
New British Glory
14-04-2005, 16:44
Labour -24

Conservative 60

Liberal Democrat -50

UK Independence Party 44

Green 10

The Conservative Party is strongly against joining the Euro and against greater use of taxation to fund public services. The party broadly supported the Iraq war and backs greater policing and ID cards. The Tories are against increasing the minimum wage above the rate of inflation, and have committed to abolishing university tuition fees. They support 'virtual vouchers' for private education.

Unsurprising.
Kellarly
14-04-2005, 16:53
I think you (NBG) and I will just have to agree to differ. :) Fair enough?
The Tribes Of Longton
14-04-2005, 17:05
Reasons to vote Lib Dem:

No. 11 - they aren't the conservative party.

OK, so technically :rolleyes: neither is Labour, but it's a damn good reason!

EDIT: I just took that test. Lib Dem baby :)
Like minded Baldricks
14-04-2005, 18:59
Labour [is] Thatcherite under the name of Modernism. There's far less difference between the two than people would have believed possible years ago.
ok so Labour has moved considerably to the right but they're a long way off Thatcher. People seem to forget that the Labour party is a huge group and they credit too much power to it's leader. he is not as presidential as we think...
Tograna
14-04-2005, 20:25
Urgh its as if I stumbled into the local branch of the British Communist Party. Soon you'll be wanting to give doctors the same wage as cleaners just because they work the same hours.

Fortunately the Lib Dems dont stand a chance in hell of winning as all polls have them placed over 15 points behind the other two. Labour will win with a decreased minority.

communist, no not yet, I'll wait for the revolution like everyone else, I think that you my friend will be one of the first against the wall :)
Tograna
14-04-2005, 20:29
A friend of mine whose father is retired gets £3000 estimately in loan (which he does not have to pay back until he is earning over £15000) which is an interest free loan. He also got his first year of university paid for him.

ok so lets actually get the facts straight, the loans are low rate, not no rate yes it is true you dont have to pay it back until u earn 15k+.

However at it stands 1.2k of that goes on fees and the rest on accomodation meaning students have to work to feed themselves .... as of next year with top up fees the full 3k goes on fees with students having to pay for accomadation and living by working thats insane.
Cuzzbin
14-04-2005, 20:35
I'm not old enough to vote, but I'm in the Conservative Future, and have turned a few dozen people in South Ribble to Tory (labour won here last time), and he's hoping we have Michael as our Prime Minister in 3 weeks, and Boris is in the cabinet.
Tograna
14-04-2005, 20:36
I'm not old enough to vote, but I'm in the Conservative Future, and have turned a few dozen people in South Ribble to Tory (labour won here last time), and he's hoping we have Michael as our Prime Minister in 3 weeks, and Boris is in the cabinet.

well I'm sorry to bust your bucket there sport but boris was a bad boy, he got booted from the shadow cabinet ... shame he was the only good thing about the tories, he gave them comedy value
The Tribes Of Longton
14-04-2005, 20:42
I'm not old enough to vote, but I'm in the Conservative Future, and have turned a few dozen people in South Ribble to Tory (labour won here last time), and he's hoping we have Michael as our Prime Minister in 3 weeks, and Boris is in the cabinet.
No fucking way! You live in South Ribble?
Ying Yang Yong
14-04-2005, 22:36
communist, no not yet, I'll wait for the revolution like everyone else, I think that you my friend will be one of the first against the wall :)


Hehe, I have a friend who's trying to work out how to cause the revolution. *shakes head* :)

Personally I'll vote for either Labour or the Lib.dems; although I'll have to wait and see what the candidates in my constituency actually propose and then make a judgement based upon that and the national party manifesto's. Hopefully whatever the outcome it won't be either the Conservatives, UKIP or BNP anywhere near forming government or in opposition. *shudders at the thought*

Wheee! First election. :D
Tograna
15-04-2005, 09:29
lol you know the BNP are famous for being evil fucks not for being a real political party, they have 0 MPS and about 3 councilors
Mekonia
15-04-2005, 09:58
KEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP BLAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vote Labour!!!



even tho I'm Irish and can't vote in your elections!!
Independent Homesteads
15-04-2005, 13:30
ok so Labour has moved considerably to the right but they're a long way off Thatcher. People seem to forget that the Labour party is a huge group and they credit too much power to it's leader. he is not as presidential as we think...

yeah, i remember the 80s. labour rightwingery just isn't having the same economic effects as thatcherism did, but they are continuing the privatisation thing. PFI? free money for the rich, no services for the rest of us. He privatised air traffic control for crying out loud. I don't think atc is private even in the great satan/mammon/US.
Rownhams
15-04-2005, 23:38
Woo first election only been 1 for a few months, good timing Tony. Ill probably be going down the lib dem route too mainly beacuse I loathe Michael Howard (bloody vampire) and dont like conservative immigration policy, o and voting labour would be pointles in my constituency. Only problem is there a bit socilist for my tastes, university fees arent as bad for low income families as the lib dems would have you believe. Im going to university next year and because im from a low income family all my uni fess will be paid and ill get a £1000 grant from the gov so it doesnt seem too bad. Although i am just missing top up fees.
B0zzy
16-04-2005, 00:25
WE PROPOSE: Putting patients first

WE PROPOSE: Scrapping student fees

WE PROPOSE: Spending the money on 10,000 more police

WE PROPOSE: Free personal care for the elderly

WE PROPOSE: Cleaner transport & cleaner energy

WE PROPOSE: £1.5 billion towards reducing class sizes

WE PROPOSE: £100 extra per month starting with the over 75s

WE PROPOSE: Only one tax increase - on income above £100,000 per year

WE PROPOSE: Local income tax, saving typical households £450 per year


Hey! Throw in free ice cream on tuesdays and an IPod for everyone and you got a deal!
Tograna
17-04-2005, 00:12
Hey! Throw in free ice cream on tuesdays and an IPod for everyone and you got a deal!


what as opposed to

"theres a good pensioner, c'mon, vote for us and you get a one off £500 off your council tax, c'mon oh good pensioner, whos a good boy, whos a very good boy ... now FETCH"?

*cough* tories *cough*
Myrmidonisia
17-04-2005, 00:36
I'd like everyone whos going to be voting in the General Elections on the 5th of May to take a look at this list. Knowing the sort of people who frequent internet forums its fair to say that a good portion will be students, the Lib Dems are the ONLY major party to oppose university top up fees, in fact they plan to scrap fees altogether. The Lib Dems are the Alternative to Labour for those voters who were against the Iraq war, the Tories backed the illegal invasion. They're also the alternative to another Tory government which if the past is anything to go by will make a right royal mess of our economy again

10 reasons to vote Lib Dem (http://www.libdems.org.uk/tenreasons.html)
So if these guys do away with fees, who's going to pay? Oh, that's right, it'll be free!
Itinerate Tree Dweller
17-04-2005, 01:11
When I hear "british politics" the only thing that comes to mind is a drive-by argument....

-I say, isn't that Reginald B Stiffworth? The young chap who's been touting the merits of a united European commonwealth?
--Why yes, I believe it is.
-Oh, let's get him! (yells out window) "Oh, Reginald. I disagree!"


/family guy
Everymen
17-04-2005, 01:13
I am a centrist liberal patriot who believes in meritocracy and government ownership. Go me.

I'd never vote Lib Dem because they don't have the political acumen or experience to fulfill those promises they have made in their manifesto. It all looks good on paper, but their politicians simply aren't up to the role of governance. Which is a shame, really.
B0zzy
17-04-2005, 02:02
But what about the FREE ICE CREAM!!! Come on, they're buying everone elses vote, all I want is Ice Cream!