Why are we listening to anything politicians say?
Discussion
I'm really curious. I've been reading the various threads on the forthcoming election, about who will do what and who promises the other, etc.
But one thing that has really become clear in the past few elections, is that politicians are completely free to say anything they like, anything they like at all, to get elected, and there is no compunction whatsoever, in any way, shape or form, for them to stick to their word.
And if they don't stick to their word, the British populace will not do a single thing about it, except grumble, and possibly grumble even louder if some minority fringe group somewhere does have the audacity to lift heads a tad above the parapet and hold some tiny protest of some form or other about promises not being kept.
Or - whisper it - somebody somewhere goes on strike in protest about the govt. Then we'll moan to high heaven - but give our useless and deceitful politicians a rough ride - naah, too much like hard work, and anyway, they're our betters.
So why?
*Why?*
Why are we even discussing what they're saying they'll do? What is the point? What is the point on voting based on promises that don't have to be kept and hardly ever are? What on earth is the point?
I just don't understand it.
But one thing that has really become clear in the past few elections, is that politicians are completely free to say anything they like, anything they like at all, to get elected, and there is no compunction whatsoever, in any way, shape or form, for them to stick to their word.
And if they don't stick to their word, the British populace will not do a single thing about it, except grumble, and possibly grumble even louder if some minority fringe group somewhere does have the audacity to lift heads a tad above the parapet and hold some tiny protest of some form or other about promises not being kept.
Or - whisper it - somebody somewhere goes on strike in protest about the govt. Then we'll moan to high heaven - but give our useless and deceitful politicians a rough ride - naah, too much like hard work, and anyway, they're our betters.
So why?
*Why?*
Why are we even discussing what they're saying they'll do? What is the point? What is the point on voting based on promises that don't have to be kept and hardly ever are? What on earth is the point?
I just don't understand it.
I don't listen to what they say. I just hope that the Tories won't f**k up as badly as the Labour scum have, and it'll be a Tory vote purely to try to prevent the scum getting another Term. Personally I would prefer the UKIP to win, BUT I have to be realistic and so it's a tactical vote for me.
JagLover said:
Both main parties have a fairly decent record of sticking to manifesto commitments. So if something is there in black and white in a manifesto I tend to believe it.
Though of course it is what they don't say that is even more important.
I seem to remember Labour's manifesto promise not to raise tax.Though of course it is what they don't say that is even more important.
And was there not a promise to hold a referendum on EU membership?
heebeegeetee said:
I'm really curious. I've been reading the various threads on the forthcoming election, about who will do what and who promises the other, etc.
But one thing that has really become clear in the past few elections, is that politicians are completely free to say anything they like, anything they like at all, to get elected, and there is no compunction whatsoever, in any way, shape or form, for them to stick to their word.
And if they don't stick to their word, the British populace will not do a single thing about it, except grumble, and possibly grumble even louder if some minority fringe group somewhere does have the audacity to lift heads a tad above the parapet and hold some tiny protest of some form or other about promises not being kept.
Or - whisper it - somebody somewhere goes on strike in protest about the govt. Then we'll moan to high heaven - but give our useless and deceitful politicians a rough ride - naah, too much like hard work, and anyway, they're our betters.
So why?
*Why?*
Why are we even discussing what they're saying they'll do? What is the point? What is the point on voting based on promises that don't have to be kept and hardly ever are? What on earth is the point?
I just don't understand it.
I think the problem you have lies with the question you ask.But one thing that has really become clear in the past few elections, is that politicians are completely free to say anything they like, anything they like at all, to get elected, and there is no compunction whatsoever, in any way, shape or form, for them to stick to their word.
And if they don't stick to their word, the British populace will not do a single thing about it, except grumble, and possibly grumble even louder if some minority fringe group somewhere does have the audacity to lift heads a tad above the parapet and hold some tiny protest of some form or other about promises not being kept.
Or - whisper it - somebody somewhere goes on strike in protest about the govt. Then we'll moan to high heaven - but give our useless and deceitful politicians a rough ride - naah, too much like hard work, and anyway, they're our betters.
So why?
*Why?*
Why are we even discussing what they're saying they'll do? What is the point? What is the point on voting based on promises that don't have to be kept and hardly ever are? What on earth is the point?
I just don't understand it.
Why do you assume anyone else has this feeling?
Obviously I listen to the politicians, but if I didn't I wouldn't have a way to determine for myself if they speak any truth.
Listening, and belief are quite distinct.
Should I assume you are asking others, why you believe the politicians?
It's an odd question, and I'm afraid I don't have an answer.
Jasandjules said:
I don't listen to what they say. I just hope that the Tories won't f**k up as badly as the Labour scum have, and it'll be a Tory vote purely to try to prevent the scum getting another Term. Personally I would prefer the UKIP to win, BUT I have to be realistic and so it's a tactical vote for me.
Exactly what I told my Tory MP when he was out canvassing yesterday. The message will get across slowly, but it will get across.whoami said:
I seem to remember Labour's manifesto promise not to raise tax.
They promised not to raise the rate of income tax, which, aside from the 50% rate which is coming in right at the end of the parliment, they did do.What they didn't mention were such things as fiscal drag and all the other stealth taxes they have brought in.
JagLover said:
whoami said:
I seem to remember Labour's manifesto promise not to raise tax.
They promised not to raise the rate of income tax, which, aside from the 50% rate which is coming in right at the end of the parliment, they did do.What they didn't mention were such things as fiscal drag and all the other stealth taxes they have brought in.
They also promised a referendum.
Which I must have missed.
Oh yes, and they were also going to "reform Europe.............. and bear down on regulation"
All pish.
Edited by whoami on Saturday 10th April 18:47
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