The Good News thread, local jobs, economy etc

[Alf Bentley]

Just watched a good video of a Lib Dem Minister Danny Alexander demonstrating how to not answer straight forward questions.

 

Wrong format to post it here.

 

Danny Alexander is probably the most objectionable politician in British politics: cheapjack shallowness, lying and utter cynicism, his specialities. I really hope he loses his seat next year - I'd enjoy that so much!

 

Please do not post any videos or photos of him on here, Ken, or you risk ruining my day. I'd honestly prefer to hear from Michael Gove.

[sphericalfox]

Danny Alexander is probably the most objectionable politician in British politics: cheapjack shallowness, lying and utter cynicism, his specialities. I really hope he loses his seat next year - I'd enjoy that so much!

 

Please do not post any videos or photos of him on here, Ken, or you risk ruining my day. I'd honestly prefer to hear from Michael Gove.

 

[Alf Bentley]

 

 

                 

[Rincewind]

I read the other day that the thing that has the most  complaints in Nick Clegg's constituency in Sheffield is the Bedroom Tax. That will be an interesting by-election result come next May. The number opposed to it is rising.

 

I cringed when I saw that video. He did not answer one question with an answer. The best part was when the interviewer said 'Is that politicians speak for I am sorry?'.

I wish they would get a new leader. It won't save them but I keep thinking Clegg is Cameron's half brother.

Edited 20 July 2014 by Rincewind

[Guest MattP]

I read the other day that the thing that has the most complaints in Nick Clegg's constituency in Sheffield is the Bedroom Tax. That will be an interesting by-election result come next May. The number opposed to it is rising.

r.

Absolute cobblers. The reason IDS kept his job is because people overwhelmingly support his welfare reforms.

The under occupancy charge is a great piece of policy and shows how the government are committed to being on the side of the hard working tax payer.

[purpleronnie]

Absolute cobblers. The reason IDS kept his job is because people overwhelmingly support his welfare reforms.

The under occupancy charge is a great piece of policy and shows how the government are committed to being on the side of the hard working tax payer.

I'm not totally against the idea of the under occupancy charge, it's the way they've implemented it that is a concern.

[Guest MattP]

I'm not totally against the idea of the under occupancy charge, it's the way they've implemented it that is a concern.

How would you have implemented it differently?

I find the arguments some use against it as bizarre, genuinely people out there who think taxpayers should fund spare rooms in case people have family over. You couldn't make it up.

[Rincewind]

I'm not totally against the idea of the under occupancy charge, it's the way they've implemented it that is a concern.

It was rushed. They are looking at ways to change it now because what it has cost in appeals when rooms that did not fit the criteria were charged for. This also affected low income WORKING families as well as people with MS and other disabilities that confined them to home and needing over night carers. Also there are not enough smaller properties for the ones on the waiting list at present. (as revealed in a FOI request to all councils) Apart from the above and a few other issues I am not totally against it either.

[Guest MattP]

We need to somehow work towards reducing the number of disabled people we produce as well.

Or work out a way where they can be useful for society and be self sufficient.

Can't just keep throwing money at a growing number of people to live a free life, we'll run out of it eventually.

How we do that I have no idea mind.

[MooseBreath]

We definitely need to reassess what we class as a legitimate reason to not be working. These days anyone with Internet access and the ability to use a computer can pull in some online work. Maybe the government should run an initiative to outsource routine administration to disabled people in their homes. If that works then everyone is a winner.

Edited 21 July 2014 by MooseBreath

[leicsmac]

We need to somehow work towards reducing the number of disabled people we produce as well.

Or work out a way where they can be useful for society and be self sufficient.

Can't just keep throwing money at a growing number of people to live a free life, we'll run out of it eventually.

How we do that I have no idea mind.

 

Going in for the eugenics, Matty?   

We definitely need to reassess what we class as a legitimate reason to not be working. These days anyone with Internet access and the ability to use a computer can pull in some online work. Maybe the government should run an initiative to outsource routine administration to disabled people in their homes. If that works then everyone is a winner.

 

That's a damn good idea.

[Rincewind]

Well someone in the thirties did have the idea of a perfect race. Some of his methods were a little drastic but if he had had world wide support it would have got rid of the imperfects amongst us.

Yes Moose that is a good idea and it is in fact what people with a physical disability want too you would be surprised to learn. Many do not want to be regarded as a burden on society and because they are in a wheelchair does not mean they have no feelings or a brain.

The problem is successive governments seem to punish inabilities rather than encourage and reward people for the things they can do.

But even so certain disabilities would not be suitable for the suggestion you make. MS,amputees war veterans etc. Are you suggesting these people should be exterminated so as not to be an inconvenience and financial burden and  and reduce  the taxes you pay?

Edited 21 July 2014 by Rincewind

[Guest MattP]

Well someone in the thirties did have the idea of a perfect race. Some of his methods were a little drastic but if he had had world wide support it would have got rid of the imperfects amongst us.

Yes Moose that is a good idea and it is in fact what people with a physical disability want too you would be surprised to learn. Many do not want to be regarded as a burden on society and because they are in a wheelchair does not mean they have no feelings or a brain.

The problem is successive governments seem to punish inabilities rather than encourage and reward people for the things they can do.

But even so certain disabilities would not be suitable for the suggestion you make. MS,amputees war veterans etc. Are you suggesting these people should be exterminated so as not to be an inconvenience and financial burden and  and reduce  the taxes you pay?

 

Of course I forgot, anyone who would like to people go to work and earn money is obviously Hitler.

[MooseBreath]

Well someone in the thirties did have the idea of a perfect race. Some of his methods were a little drastic but if he had had world wide support it would have got rid of the imperfects amongst us.

Yes Moose that is a good idea and it is in fact what people with a physical disability want too you would be surprised to learn. Many do not want to be regarded as a burden on society and because they are in a wheelchair does not mean they have no feelings or a brain.

The problem is successive governments seem to punish inabilities rather than encourage and reward people for the things they can do.

But even so certain disabilities would not be suitable for the suggestion you make. MS,amputees war veterans etc. Are you suggesting these people should be exterminated so as not to be an inconvenience and financial burden and and reduce the taxes you pay?

Amputees can work. War veterans can work. Trust, encouragement, reward, loyalty... Satisfaction. That's what I'm, you know. Trust people and they will be true to you. Treat them greatly, and they will show themselves to be great. Edited 21 July 2014 by MooseBreath

[Rincewind]

Amputees can work. War veterans can work. Trust, encouragement, reward, loyalty... Satisfaction. That's what I'm, you know. Trust people and they will bse true to you. Treat them greatly, and they will show themselves to be great.

True  physical disabilities do not have to old you back  Those attributes have to be a two way thing but sadly  that is not always the case.

[Guest MattP]

UKIP leading in several seats now according to Ashcroft polling.

 

Looking very likely we'll be seeing some orange in the Houses of Parliament next spring.

 

http://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2014/07/lord-ashcroft-battleground-polling-swing-in-marginals-falls-as-ukip-pick-up-labour-votes.html

[leicsmac]

UKIP leading in several seats now according to Ashcroft polling.

 

Looking very likely we'll be seeing some orange in the Houses of Parliament next spring.

 

http://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2014/07/lord-ashcroft-battleground-polling-swing-in-marginals-falls-as-ukip-pick-up-labour-votes.html

 

Not with FPTP Matt. General Elections tend to result in less funky stuff than the Euros and the opinion polls. People tend to go for the old standbys.

[purpleronnie]

UKIP leading in several seats now according to Ashcroft polling.

 

Looking very likely we'll be seeing some orange in the Houses of Parliament next spring.

 

http://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2014/07/lord-ashcroft-battleground-polling-swing-in-marginals-falls-as-ukip-pick-up-labour-votes.html

I think it's likely unfortunately, as long as Labour get it I won't be too concerned.

[Guest MattP]

Not with FPTP Matt. General Elections tend to result in less funky stuff than the Euros and the opinion polls. People tend to go for the old standbys.

 

This is FPTP polling with Lord Ashcroft.

 

UKIP are now odds on to win at least a seat at the General, personally think they'll take three with Thurrock, South Thanet and Boston and Skegness.

I think it's likely unfortunately, as long as Labour get it I won't be too concerned.

 

I think any chance of a Labour majority is long gone, a bigger lead blown than Kinnock as well if so. Though what do you expect, the public might be stupid but they still aren't stupid enough to put Ed Balls back in charge of the nations credit card.

[purpleronnie]

 

 

I think any chance of a Labour majority is long gone,#

It's going to be very close, I expect Labour to edge it.

[Guest MattP]

It's going to be very close, I expect Labour to edge it.

 

I think the chance has gone now, it would have to take an absolute disaster from the Tories to overturn a 14pt deficit and then somehow manage to lose it again in the last 9 months in the run up to an election.

 

I'd be amazed if we didn't get a hung pariliament, I'm on a big price at 8/1 on the Tories to get more votes but Labour to get more seats, looking cracking value at the minute.

[purpleronnie]

I think the chance has gone now, it would have to take an absolute disaster from the Tories to overturn a 14pt deficit and then somehow manage to lose it again in the last 9 months in the run up to an election.

 

I'd be amazed if we didn't get a hung pariliament, I'm on a big price at 8/1 on the Tories to get more votes but Labour to get more seats, looking cracking value at the minute.

8/1 sounds is a great price, I couldn't bring myself to put money on it though.

[MooseBreath]

If Labour get in I'm emigrating. They won't though. Most of the voting public have an interest iin living in a successful country. Labour haven't bought enough people off yet especially with milliband promising to stick by the tories spending cuts and no more tax and spend. Those potentially voting labour looking for a handout won't like the sound of that.

[purpleronnie]

If Labour get in I'm emigrating.

 

And the labour vote increases.

 

best thing is not to overreact.

Edited 22 July 2014 by purpleronnie

[MooseBreath]

best thing is not to overreact.

Last time labour were in power I had a seriously tough couple of years as there was basically no work anywhere. I've since worked hard to get myself into a position where I can up sticks and move away quite quickly. There's no way I'd stick around waiting for another economic disaster when I could just move. It's a contingency plan I'd have no hesitation in following through.