This is a cross-post from homo economicus by John Sargeant
The hashtag generation demands that it be heard, and when you question what it is demanding expect your points not to matter. For the message of the hashtag, the emotions and passion are the thing.
My points on #CameronMustGo are very clear. It is one thing to point out the impact of coalition policies especially on the disabled – as indeed I have recounting my experience looking after my brother full time.
My concern though is not holding the other parties to the same standard. We should be demanding to know what impact, changes and guarantees they all will have regarding how local government and the state will help the disabled and those that care for them.
I have been a party activist in the past. Yet the things I cared about were ditched as they passed through the door of Ten Downing Street. Labour in 1997 promised no tuition fees. Then promptly did a U-Turn having deliberately targeted the young student vote.
Then in 2010, with a commitment on tuition fees during the election, the Liberal Democrats went into coalition with the Conservatives. Lib Dem activists came to their HQ during negotiations, from far and wide to press they hold the line on … electoral reform. Despite all their parliamentary candidates signing not to raise tuition fees, the policy was shoved in the bin. Years later the leader Nick Clegg apologised for having made such a promise in the first place.
A policy means nothing unless you are prepared to hold a party to account to honour it. That there is a consequence regarding your support if they do not follow through. Otherwise, you are voting for them come hell or high water. Begging to be lied to. To be let down, again and again.
I value people who show loyalty to principles more than to a political party that abandons them.
Do read the rest of John’s post here