Monbiot on Hazel Blears

[Cyberman]

On the other hand if the government do something which they think best that isn't popular, everyone attacks them for not listening to what people actually want.

However let's look at your examples. I don't think most people agree with all of those things, or even most of them. Those are mostly controversial issues where the government was criticised for its decision.

They were criticised, but you miss the point. They were minority issues and the cynical idea was to win those minority votes, which they did. They do not care about the majority where marginal seats are concerned, because it is the minorities that win the seats.

[Cyberman]

Perhaps, but the government knew otherwise.

I have no doubt that you were all for this illegal war, but a hell of a lot of us were not, and are still very angry about it, and want to see the perpetrators brought to justice - at the Hague.

It will never happen of course. These slime bags will get away with the vilest crimes over and over again.

At least I am prepared to be honest and say that I was in favour. A lot were against but I still think that most were in favour. You only need 51% for a majority.

[bogeyman]

At least I am prepared to be honest and say that I was in favour. A lot were against but I still think that most were in favour. You only need 51% for a majority.

Most of who was 'in favour' ???

I don't know a single soul who was in favour of that war - and I know some really bellicose idiots (you should visit my local).

Seriously though, I don't honestly know anyone who thought it was anything other than an utter disaster when we kneeled and sucked Bushes cock, and waded into Iraq.

It started a nightmare that our grandchildren will have to live with.

[Cyberman]

On the other hand if the government do something which they think best that isn't popular, everyone attacks them for not listening to what people actually want.

However let's look at your examples. I don't think most people agree with all of those things, or even most of them. Those are mostly controversial issues where the government was criticised for its decision.

This HMG make very few unpopular decisions and thus they have been in power for so long. Thus they have not done anything about public sector pensions, are still recruiting into the public sector in a recession, and are still increasing the welfare state, and borrowing, borrowing and borrowing.

They would not know a tough decision if it smacked them in the face. They are the yes-men of politics.

[Cyberman]

Most of who was 'in favour' ???

I don't know a single soul who was in favour of that war - and I now some really bellicose idiots (you should visit my local).

Seriously though, I don't honestly know anyone who thought it was anything other than an utter disaster when we kneeled and sucked Bushes cock, and waded into Iraq.

It started a nightmare that our grandchildren will have to live with.

I think that are many other things that your grandchildren will have to worry about after this government's exploits. The Iraq war will be the least of their worries.

[d000hg]

Most of who was 'in favour' ???

I don't know a single soul who was in favour of that war - and I know some really bellicose idiots (you should visit my local).

Seriously though, I don't honestly know anyone who thought it was anything other than an utter disaster when we kneeled and sucked Bushes cock, and waded into Iraq.

It started a nightmare that our grandchildren will have to live with.

I was under the impression that originally, there was a lot of support. Obviously public opinion turned massively as more information came to light but I think a lot of people were glad Saddam was finally going to be removed from power.

[Doggy Styles]

...I think a lot of people were glad Saddam was finally going to be removed from power.

Even that turned out to be a bad thing. For us I mean, not for his enemies between the no-fly zones.

[expat]

This HMG make very few unpopular decisions and thus they have been in power for so long. Thus they have not done anything about public sector pensions, are still recruiting into the public sector in a recession, and are still increasing the welfare state, and borrowing, borrowing and borrowing.

They would not know a tough decision if it smacked them in the face. They are the yes-men of politics.

That is New Labour (though it was pioneered by John Major). Old Labour had principles, but sticking to them often kept them out of government.

[ace00]

I remember at the time, all of the anti-Saddam propaganda and the information released on weapons of destruction and missile launch sites. At the time, most people believed that propaganda so I have no doubt as to their reasons for voting to invade. .....

Anyone who believed the transparent propoganda coming out of the Bush & Blair administrations prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq was an idiot. But there's a lot of idiots about.

[Torran]

anyone else having a problem accessing the comments?