to think the government might be being controversial on purpose?

[cerealqueen]

in terms of some policies? They were going to get rid of Bookstart but relented after' listening to the people'.
They were going to sell off the forests, but relented, after 'listening to the people'.

Is it a sign of a listening government, or pure manipulation?

It's manipulation. They'll be doing away with something else behind our backs while everyone thinks they're great.

yep, pure manipulation.

I cant help but wonder if they choose things close to people's hearts, knowing that people will get in arms about it, then the idea is shelved. And yes, perhaps while there is loads of publicity about these issues, silently something else controversial and equally shafting is being put through without issue. Grrrrrrr.

It'd be nice if they relented about cutting benefits for the disabled, wouldn't it?

tumbleweed

Lord Freud spoke such inarticulate crud on the news tonight about the cuts re disabled benefits. I was surprised at his inability to speak with any credibility.

Its such a classic technique though - give with one hand, take away with another. Lets announce a huge shake up of the benefits system...but oh, lovely people, your forests are safe. How many people would be affected by both these changes?

They're making massive cuts across the board.

The NHS is being destroyed, councils have had up to 20% of their budgets cut, libraries, leisure centres, parks and children's centres are being shut, thousands and thousands of people are losing their jobs. I could go on and on really.

Compared to ALL that bookstart and the forests are two very minor things they've gone back on. It's bullshit it really is.

They are minor, BUT, they have made headlines. Somebody is working very hard in the background. Spin, spin, spin.

The NHS stuff belied belief, a complete U-turn on what was promised, ie., no top down reform.

Yes, that is absolutely the tactic.

It's disgusting from people who are supposed to be there to represent and protect their constituents not serving their own reform agenda.

Glitter what, support the more vulnerable [hmmm]. Its the Tories (forget the LibDems wasters). They support only the enrichment of the richest.

Hmmm just seen somebody say on Question Time agreeing with me, they are 'Red Herrings' and 'Put up Jobs.'