These are strange times in politics, especially British politics. Next May, we will probably have an election that could be pretty unique. These are difficult times financially, people are rebelling against big corporations and looking to target the rich. In Europe, we are calling for more regulation and for governments to take more control. Ideologically, these are left wing tendencies. Big government, more control etc.
However, we have had the Labour Party (Center Left) in power now for 12 years and it looks at though we will elect the Conservatives (Center Right) into power. This brings about a paradox. A more left leaning public electing a more right wing party. Can this be so? Why?
Well unfortunately, I probably know more about Korean politics than I do British politics but I have and will continue to vote so my opinion is valid a little bit. Both our leading parties I feel are now very centralist and to be honest don't have a ton of difference. Public sentiment may be swinging left but there is no credible party for them to go to (Liberal are not a realistic option for winning an election) so instead they look for change. Before in the mid-nineties we had a similar sentiment that brought in the first Blair government.
When America was looking for change it was a much simpler process. As they went left, there was a party and viable option to choose. We all know the result. Ironically the US Democrats would probably be classed as a right-wing party in the UK.
This leaves a difficult decision for the current Labour Government, it could try to become more left wing, increasing benefits, regulation and taxes. In times of recession though this is a dangerous path to follow. Alternatively, it can try and change it self. This is near impossible considering Brown has not really been in charge for long and what do they change to without contradticting their current policies. Time is off the essence. Could they become more centralist? The danger is that they will just be seen as copying the Tories. With the last budget, G20 and stimulus packages I feel the former is what they have choosen.
The problem I find in the UK apart from those who study a political science is that ideology doesn't really matter. I've met young Chinese children that know more about the left and right than some British graduates. The message of change brought about from the Obama campaign was so strong that it could bring the conservatives to power across the pond. The irony!
Personally, I can't catergorise myself like this and thus in a dilema still about how I will vote. My believes would put me left of centre but also I don't believe that one party should have power for such long periods as 2 decades. Given that both are parties only vary on the small details, I guess I could win and lose either way. In addition I think the type of government needed is different depending on it's state of development. So I couldn't say I was left wing because in some instances I don't think it's positive and vice versa.
With the European elections coming up this has made me think more. I have publically supported the PES but again I'm not sure they would be a positive infleunce in the UK.
Maybe I think too much!
Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost
- John Quincy Adams
12 May 2009
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2 comments:
the real prob with the UK is that the electoral system is fundamentally undemocratic. The first past the post system does and never reflects the national percentage of the vote. this will never allow a new party or third party to gain power. look at the 1987 election stats http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_general_election,_1987.
As for the next election I doubt the conservatives will get in for two reasons 1. scotland-at the mo there is no appetite for the conservatives in Scotland and this the realy only place they can snatch seats from Lab or SNP. The conservatives can only make minor gains in England 2. they still don't have the mass media support- News international and daily mail are still largely in support of labour. these are by far the greatest opinion shapers in UK society unfortunately. The conservatives can only win if old Brown screws up on the expense row or is embroiled in another scandal or the Conservatives concede on devolution to Scotland and tax bearing powers to Edinburgh
I have to disagree about the next election. I think cameron will have to do something drastic not to win. When betting shops have tories 10 to one on to win then the writing is on the wall. I hope they don't win my the predicted 20pts but they will win i think. The local media here are sensationalising all the news which is not helping the gov. I agree our system is undemocratic but I also don't totally agree in the one person one vote view. I would say as bad as is the winner is usually the one the general public wants which is essentially the point.
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