Political cross-dressing is occasionally sensible from a tactical perspective but rarely does it make for an effective political strategy. Too many voters just don't see what the real differences are between the two main parties in Britain, we live in the age of fuzzy politics.
As Gordon Brown attempts to set out his 'vision' for the nation he knows that he will need to articulate what differentiates progressive Labour politics from reactionary Conservative politics.
For me there are three main differences:
1. Conservative politics believes that inequality in society is inevitable - progressive Labour politics believes that inequality is repugnant to a modern, civilised society.
2. Conservative politics believes in that most government 'intervention' is futile, be it in the markets or in the realm social policy. Progressive Labour politics believes that there is both strength and virtue in collective endeavour, that government really can make a difference in helping improve the quality of life for all.
3. Conservative politics seeks to entrench privilege and limit opportunity, it is about maintenance and not improvement. Progressive Labour politics recognises that to live is to change, that reform is often necessary to help re-affirm or re-assess strongly held values and beliefs for a modern setting.
Over the coming weeks and months Gordon Brown will need to share his 'vision' for Britain and offer the electorate a real choice come the next election. Yes, the centre ground is where elections are won and lost, but we should remember that in politics the centre ground covers a very wide area.
As Gordon Brown attempts to set out his 'vision' for the nation he knows that he will need to articulate what differentiates progressive Labour politics from reactionary Conservative politics.
For me there are three main differences:
1. Conservative politics believes that inequality in society is inevitable - progressive Labour politics believes that inequality is repugnant to a modern, civilised society.
2. Conservative politics believes in that most government 'intervention' is futile, be it in the markets or in the realm social policy. Progressive Labour politics believes that there is both strength and virtue in collective endeavour, that government really can make a difference in helping improve the quality of life for all.
3. Conservative politics seeks to entrench privilege and limit opportunity, it is about maintenance and not improvement. Progressive Labour politics recognises that to live is to change, that reform is often necessary to help re-affirm or re-assess strongly held values and beliefs for a modern setting.
Over the coming weeks and months Gordon Brown will need to share his 'vision' for Britain and offer the electorate a real choice come the next election. Yes, the centre ground is where elections are won and lost, but we should remember that in politics the centre ground covers a very wide area.
