AIBU to really dislike the Tories right now?

[Purpleflamingos]

They're benefit bashing for votes.
They are MP's who for the main part have had a privileged upbringing. Why can't they talk about their plans for the UK's defence in light of ISIS and the Ukraine? Why don't they talk about foreign policy and/or their plans for the EU? Why don't they speak up on green issues? Why don't they discuss immigration levels or London house prices? Or even patiently explaining that benefits aren't that large a portion of expense.

Why, dear god, with their education do they lack empathy towards people already living on the lowest levels of income and have no innovative suggestions to make? Clearly original thought and critical thinking wasn't on their curriculum.

I was relieved the result wasn't Tory!!

Personally, I could not vote for any party other than Labour but they are not convincing at the moment

I hate the Tories, they have only ever been a party for the already privileged. They are not sorting out a mess, they are dealing with a world crisis. There are ways of sorting it out and theirs is to do it by taking away from the most vulnerable members of our society and by protecting the richest. That's why I hate them.

The LibDems are pathetic- led by the spineless liar Clegg, who has ended up with a minute amount of power and no one voted for him!

People must vote in this election. If they care about the most vulnerable, they will vote Labour. It might cost us more but it will cost the richest much more and that is right. They should never be protected at the expense of the poorest.

Thoroughly depressed by that Newstatesman article, and the one about reducing CB to two children.

I have never, and would never, voted Tory and I am disgusted by those who buy into their propaganda.

Labour may get in as a weak alternative but not on the strength of their policies and credentials.

If we removed the egos and politics from the running of the country we'd be much better off. I'd trust a parliament full of mumsnetters before this shower of shite. And I do believe that the dominance of men in power -and that particular type of man - is detrimental, across all parties.

We need more sensible women like us standing against the politicians.

Maggie was a woman as I remember her.

Sexist generalisation here.

I don't think it's a sexist generalisation, there really aren't enough women in politics, the whole system is set up to suit businessmen, not people who have children. Yes, they're there and they manage, but not without amazing childcare from other people.

Maggie was a woman, but I honestly don't think she can be counted. She was as much a misogynist as any chap in her cabinet. No women in cabinet.

I don't think I made a sexist generalisation with regard to the male dominance of the government. We live in a patriarchal society and I think it causes huge problems. You only have to look at the make up of the front benches and the policies introduced by this government. Women have undoubtedly been hit hardest.

They just need to cap benefits in a way that there is no chance you'd be better off on benefits than national minimum wage. Would solve most the anger issues around people claiming benefits long term.

YANBU. Wankers.

Women who get into top political posts, or top posts anywhere, don't tend to be very nice and caring people IME. Likewise the men.

And I think that is because they try to win the approval of, and emulate, men at that level.

Oh definatly agree parliament is set up as an old boys club but not a great fan of the 'women care about things like child care' men just want to climb the greasy pole.

I think like Dilbert most people in top jobs anywhere are generally both competitive and ruthless.

Not sure how you couid change that though.

And I simply can't take Ed seriously and detest Balls.

Equal detest Dave and George.

The liberals are dead, the greens are daft and the rest unspeakable!

No idea who to vote for.

They just need to cap benefits in a way that there is no chance you'd be better off on benefits than national minimum wage. Would solve most the anger issues around people claiming benefits long term.
Yeah, that'll really help me and my disabled dh and children with disabilities.

You've got to hand it to the Tories though, they've done a fantastic job of convincing much of the electorate that cuts to public services are due to a handful of benefit cheats and some foreign people coming over and claiming JSA.
Nothing at all to do with global financial meltdown caused by uncontrollable bankers and weak regulation.

The Tories appear to have sold the idea that the obvious way to address high unemployment, poor job security and a crippled health system is to stop paying JSA to a few people and deport a few foreigners.
Stopping routine tax avoidance by multinationals and billionaires wouldn't help at all I suppose.

When all the 'benefit cheats' and illegal immigrants have gone, who will the Tories blame next? Not their banking buddies or CEO pals I suppose.

Million they're already looking at the 'working poor' and are positing the idea of benefit sanctions for those on wtc and housing benefit if they don't do enough to increase their hours etc. But then of course how can they increase their hours when they work for, say, Tesco, who are using slave labour by 'employing' those on jsa to work for free. They have in effect sealed the circle.

the new Universal Credit is being rolled out this week, it is designed so you are always better off in work than on benefit, it is meat to be flexible to a change in circumstances and adjust entiltement accordingly?

would Albour pledge to reinstate Universal Child Benefit, I think all children should get it regardless

If you're a parent of children not yet in school surely you can only be better off in work than on benefits if you're provided with free childcare. Is that the intention? More than 15 hours?

Green's are not daft. They are just portrayed that way in the media.

Apart from the SNP, they are the only nationwide party with an anti austerity agenda.

I agree with the concept that people who don't work shouldn't be better off on benefits. People who would like a job but don't take one because they would lose this benefit and that benefit. That's not a good situation for anyone to be in.

This is what the cuts have done

This is important too

The Economist isn't a left wing publication
They say the 2008 crash started with financiers Lehman Brothers, then spread. They don't mention Gordon Brown or benefits as major causes

just saying

TheCatAteMyTaxReturn

Something apocalyptic would have to happen for a conservative to not get in in Louth and Horncastle.

I don't just dislike the Tories, I despise them!!!!!

Dawndonna that first link is heartbreaking. Especially the final paragraph.