Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

[Citizen's Nephew]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

I have gone the other way. I am far more mindful of other people as I get older - and am also more mindful of those who live on the breadline.

Me too. Something we agree on.

[life on mars]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

Me too. Something we agree on.

I'd have mandated voting and Covid vaccinations
( for those without health risks)

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

Until we force people to start taking personal responsibility for the decisions that have an impact on them, their families, colleagues, friends, and others, what hope do we have? If those being forced to vote care not a jot about the outcome or where they place an X on a ballot paper then should they reap the benefits of a society that is only in place because there are others who do care?

Of course, if these uncaring voters and 58% of non-voters in the UK end up living in a society that actively discriminates against them, their families, etc. because they just placed an X anywhere or didn't vote - maybe they'll be more appreciative of having the opportunity next time? Assuming there is a next time.

I'd ask myself this. Do I want to live in a society that forces me to actively partake in a democratic system or one that actively prevents me?

I understand the arguments for and against and I understand that there are complications. There would have to be caveats, for example, legal obligations to fulfill policies, local communities selecting local candidates that aren't affiliated to political parties, financial controls, and many more. But something has to change as the world is clearly broken.

We can all throw rocks. I may dislike many politicians and parties but I do respect the fact that they are actively putting themselves forward when the vast majority carp from the sidelines. If we could encourage and educate and admit to our institutionalisation maybe we'd have some hope.

We're just going to have to disagree on this one.

Disagreeing is not problem on here, old fruit. Our exchanges have been civil, non-personal and respectful and that's what matters.

[Citizen's Nephew]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

Disagreeing is not problem on here, old fruit. Our exchanges have been civil, non-personal and respectful and that's what matters.

Appreciated

[Citizen's Nephew]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

I'd have mandated voting and Covid vaccinations
( for those without health risks)

I think that's an interesting point however it's a bit more complicated when advocating what is technically a medical procedure. I don't agree with the anti-vaxxers but I do agree that it would have been better to have mandated a vote re. Covid vaccinations. But this is where I start arguing with myself (!) in that in order for your suggestion to work or my thoughts re. compulsory voting, they couldn't work under our current world of fake news (something we used to call by that quaint term - lying). Social Media monopolies and infiltration by governments make it very difficult to implement.

Of course, If I was the supreme leader of the universe (I'm still moderately ambitious) I promise to sort all of these problems out from the safety of my privately owned island. I'll even write it all down in a manifesto!

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

I have gone the other way. I am far more mindful of other people as I get older - and am also more mindful of those who live on the breadline.

Yeah, maybe I was a little bit harsh on myself, because you have reminded me that I do my, little, bit for those worse off than me every week as well, but I'd still say I'm not as generous spirited as I was, say, twenty five years ago.

Well done to you for being able to maintain such an outlook at your very advanced age - what is it again, you're about a week older than me aren't you

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

Yeah, maybe I was a little bit harsh on myself, because you have reminded me that I do my, little, bit for those worse off than me every week as well, but I'd still say I'm not as generous spirited as I was, say, twenty five years ago.

Well done to you for being able to maintain such an outlook at your very advanced age - what is it again, you're about a week older than me aren't you

Laughing here, TOBW. I honestly become happier with each year that passes. Our lifespan is finite and that becomes more evident as we get older - and I always thought that reaching 60 was all that I could expect from the Almighty who I don't believe in
(In fact, I cashed in my superannuation when I was 20 as I didn't think I would live this long!).
Every year beyond 60 is a bonus and I am fortunate that I will still travel to some of the wackiest places on the planet when normal life resumes and that I have got my health and enough money to live on.
Having been to many very poor countries and seeing people living off collecting plastic bottles on rubbish tips and sleeping on the side of busy streets and without even owning a pair of shoes I realise how very fortunate we are in having been born into one of the world's richest countries. On the other hand, I will retire in the coming weeks and not have to worry financially until I shed my mortal coil.
Understandably, I don't really want to descend into a poor mental or physical state and if the gods permit me another 5 years of globetrotting, walking, attending gigs and City matches I will be happy as Larry. As the Grim Reaper gets closer I will cram more and more in to every week, month and year.
Now go and cheer up, you old bugger. You're not a bad egg really

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

Laughing here, TOBW. I honestly become happier with each year that passes. Our lifespan is finite and that becomes more evident as we get older - and I always thought that reaching 60 was all that I could expect from the Almighty who I don't believe in
(In fact, I cashed in my superannuation when I was 20 as I didn't think I would live this long!).
Every year beyond 60 is a bonus and I am fortunate that I will still travel to some of the wackiest places on the planet when normal life resumes and that I have got my health and enough money to live on.
Having been to many very poor countries and seeing people living off collecting plastic bottles on rubbish tips and sleeping on the side of busy streets and without even owning a pair of shoes I realise how very fortunate we are in having been born into one of the world's richest countries. On the other hand, I will retire in the coming weeks and not have to worry financially until I shed my mortal coil.
Understandably, I don't really want to descend into a poor mental or physical state and if the gods permit me another 5 years of globetrotting, walking, attending gigs and City matches I will be happy as Larry. As the Grim Reaper gets closer I will cram more and more in to every week, month and year.
Now go and cheer up, you old bugger. You're not a bad egg really

Nice message, thanks

[life on mars]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

I think that's an interesting point however it's a bit more complicated when advocating what is technically a medical procedure. I don't agree with the anti-vaxxers but I do agree that it would have been better to have mandated a vote re. Covid vaccinations. But this is where I start arguing with myself (!) in that in order for your suggestion to work or my thoughts re. compulsory voting, they couldn't work under our current world of fake news (something we used to call by that quaint term - lying). Social Media monopolies and infiltration by governments make it very difficult to implement.

Of course, If I was the supreme leader of the universe (I'm still moderately ambitious) I promise to sort all of these problems out from the safety of my privately owned island. I'll even write it all down in a manifesto!

Indeed well presented.

[Veg1960]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

Is this the future for non-tories at the next election?

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/29/beat-the-tories-electoral-system-first-past-the-post

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

Is this the future for non-tories at the next election?

https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...-past-the-post

I just read that, Labour are clearly the party that could make it work, but I don’t see their left wing accepting it - perhaps we could see another SDP type split?

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

I just read that, Labour are clearly the party that could make it work, but I don’t see their left wing accepting it - perhaps we could see another SDP type split?

It's hard to imagine a split these days that could compare with the Gang of Four that created the SDP though.

[life on mars]

Re: Hammering For Labour In Hartlepool

It's hard to imagine a split these days that could compare with the Gang of Four that created the SDP though.

As the Gang Of Four Ironically sang - We Live As We Dream, Alone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dmaTtjTkHU