Cable Forum - View Single Post - The state benefits system mega-thread.

**Hugh** · 30-03-2015, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone

There is nothing wrong with people having a opinion as long as its a educated opinion and not one prejudiced by what certain politicians and certain sections of the media espouse to people.

l am supportive of welfare reform but there comes a time when enough is enough and that time is near as if we continue to go down this road for the next five years then those because of no fault of their own because of the disabilities and illnesses who need it the most are sadly going to be left with no help at all and no one can tell me that's right.

Or some could put it that those who need the help most will be supported, and those who don't, won't.

There's always two ways of looking at things.....

Nick Robinson put it well (imho) on his blog - "Election 2015 - It's all about you"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32106884

Quote:

Aha, I hear you say, but what on earth has any of this got to do with me? Consider the following questions and you'll have your answer.

Do you care whether Britain stays in or gets out of the EU?

Do you mind if the UK breaks up, with Scotland becoming an independent nation?

Do you have a view about whether we send British forces abroad to fight? Or spend billions renewing our nuclear deterrent?

Have spending cuts gone too far or are more needed to balance the nation's books? Do you think welfare's too generous or that benefit cuts are hurting the vulnerable?

Do you think the country is full or do you fear that politicians might stop the immigration the country needs?

The make-up of the next government will make a profound difference to the answer it gives to these questions.

Whatever your view on them, there's probably someone running for election where you live, with views close to your own.

If you live in a seat where the outcome's in doubt, you could make the difference between who wins and loses. Even if you live somewhere where the same party always wins, your vote could send a signal about the national mood.

Finally, take another look at David Cameron and Ed Miliband.

Ask yourself whose values are closer to your own, who you'd prefer to see representing your country abroad and who you think has the skills needed to lead.

To many, David Cameron and Ed Miliband seem very similar - middle-aged white men from well-off families in the south of England who have spent most of their adult lives as professional politicians.

On the other hand, they have profoundly different values and profoundly different ideas about what being prime minister involves.

Cameron sees himself as a man capable of taking decisions, who is not weighed down by ideology. His critics say that, all too often, that means that he takes decisions that suit the sort of people he grew up with, and he has no real idea where he's taking the country.

Miliband, on the other hand, privately sees himself as a man with a mission to bring about lasting change in his country and to re-write the rules. Another Clement Attlee or Margaret Thatcher in other words. His critics argue that he too is the prisoner of the views he grew up with, and that he does not have the leadership skills needed to run the country.

Now, if having read all of this you think none of this really matters to me, or if you prefer to agree with your friends that all politicians are the same or nothing ever changes or they're all in it for themselves then you would be right to insist this election is not really all about you at all.

That, though, will be your choice and no-one else's.