What ever the answer is, it is not a shift to "the left"

Tankist Sun May 25, 2008 at 05:41:01 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

We're in a hole. It's a pretty deep one. And ways to get out of it are in short supply.





But certainly one way that won't work is to increase taxes, widen the state or reach for the list of things to "ban".

We might not like it, but the public clearly don't want a bigger state, or to pay more taxes, and nor are they particularly keen on the habit of some to look for things to ban.

Labour's task - assuming we still want to win (I do, I'm not sure about some others) is to find policies that run with the public's desire for more control over their own money and lives and for increased chances to make informed decisions for themselves with our hopes for a fairer society.

It's not an easy thing to do...

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What ever the answer is, it is not a shift to "the left" | 8 comments (8 topical)

Re: What ever the answer is... (#1)

by NorthernMonkey on Sun May 25, 2008 at 05:59:00 PM GMT

But certainly one way that won't work is to increase taxes, widen the state or reach for the list of things to "ban".

Agreed.


Re: What ever the answer is... (#2)

by jkitleft on Sun May 25, 2008 at 06:59:31 PM GMT

Yes, but this is what many on the left have said. THAT is why there is anger over 10p tax, 42-day detention, and have been calling for less centralisation.


[ Parent ]

Re: What ever the answer is... (#3)

by doctordunc on Sun May 25, 2008 at 07:14:14 PM GMT

Those of us calling for a radical shift in policies are certainly not coming up with lits of things 'to ban'. Any suggestions re tax are not about putting up taxes for the majority and indeed John McDonnell's May Manifesto talked about a tax cut for the least well-off.  Your points about the role of the state more generally need more serious discussion than can be managed in easy sentences and slogans.  People don't like the state playing a big role in decisions they'd prefer to make for themselves; there's little or no evidence that they'd prefer unaccountable private companies making those decisions.

So no, we don't need the things you say.  I agree.  But we do need a shift to the left!


Re: What ever the answer is... (#4)

by jljb2 on Sun May 25, 2008 at 07:20:24 PM GMT

Dunc, I honestly don't know how you manage to stay so reasonable faced with these kind of people! Good on you...


[ Parent ]

Re: What ever the answer is... (#5)

by Anonymous X on Sun May 25, 2008 at 08:24:02 PM GMT

Makes me wonder how many people here are crypto-Tories. Repeating the blatant lie that any shift leftwards means a return to Bennism, or becoming a Bolshevik party, is doing the Tories' work for them.


[ Parent ]

Re: What ever the answer is... (#6)

by Group51 on Sun May 25, 2008 at 11:45:41 PM GMT

At best, I think there is a genuine fear of it, because its the same people as who were left-wingers in the past.  But we really are doomed if we argue with Cameron on his terms.  I also think we're doomed if we get rid of Brown and spend an age on a leadership election, and I also think we're doomed if we install Jack as a caretaker till the election.  Jack as a caretaker means we accept defeat, and are only interested in damage limitation, rather than running the country.

So, I've not heard any reports of Ministers shouting at the Prime Minister in cabinet to make the changes necessary.  I'd rather they start shouting than bring in the grey suits.


[ Parent ]

Re: What ever the answer is... (#7)

by Floating voter on Mon May 26, 2008 at 01:35:08 PM GMT

"any shift leftwards means a return to Bennism, or becoming a Bolshevik party, is doing the Tories' work for them."

Nothing could help the tories more than Labour shifting to the left - that would open some 'clear blue water' and leave the tories to occupy the centre ground.


[ Parent ]

Re: What ever the answer is... (#8)

by Group51 on Mon May 26, 2008 at 05:03:49 PM GMT

Not at all, if done astutely.  The government is to the right of the Tories on liberty for starters.  Second, the public don't care about how it's done, only outcomes.  Third, I don't think Labour is about to call for nationalisation of the commanding heights, (from my perspective) it's just a tiller adjustment to help re-define what Labour is all about, and to create an set of policies and aspirations that are worth voting for rather than in spite of.


[ Parent ]

What ever the answer is, it is not a shift to "the left" | 8 comments (8 topical)