... to wonder if I'm the only Conservative voter on mumsnet? Is there anyone else out there or should I just go and hide my head in shame?

[freudianslips]

The title says it all. I'm not a toff. I'm just a normal mum and PhD student. I don't earn much and no-one in my family went to univeristy, let alone Eton. I'm getting the impression I'm in a tiny minority, possibly N=1. I haven't dared post on any of the political threads because I lack time and courage to be a lone voice of dissent. Anyone else out there or should I just accept that I sniff don't belong?

anyway how do you know she left the PC on?

Honestly ski just shut up will you.

You are right?

Ok then skihorse whatever, you believe what you want PMSL.

And I know people judge me on my typing,most people also judge me on other things so that's OK,and when I explain (purpose of that thread I started) most people accept.

I'm OK with that. If someone ignores my posts becuase of my typing am OK with that also; but I don't feel I should give up a forum I have used for 8 years now just becuase a few people are annoyed.

Yet again, it has been proven that we cannot have a serious political debate on here without it turning into a free-for-all..........

Oh there's a few nice ones about elsewhre twiry, willlink you in a mo

Peachy it isn't you, I am sure you know that...a little gentle searching might help

email me if you like P.

sinty puppa at googlemail dot com (no spaces)

Oh I know FA LOL. Thanks though, appreciated.

SWC I agree on many things you say- I don't see why people should pay more than the basic needed to create a genuine catch all security system for those in need. And I am a big fan of massivepunishments for those who are playing the state by commiting fraud. I do think those of us in long term situations shouldn't have to survive in absolute poverty, but I don't expect diamonds either. Enough to have some form of a life is it, really- we ahve that now, and I am scared of losing that as have been there and it wasn't good. I fully admit to a level of nervousness about any change to the status quo, but esp.if the party can't actually tellme what they will do- I did email and ask.

twirly here

can't guarantee it won't go tits yup though....

Thanks, I'll have a look.

peachy - I am with you there 100%. There needs to be a basic level of support for everyone - in terms of education, health, benefits. And it should be given freely and without stigma to those who genuinely need it. The problem with some of those of the Tory persuasion is that they don't seem to see that the sort of society we'd have without that support would be fairly grim for everyone. Rich people can't live in a bubble.

You can argue till the cows come home about how efficient the spending is, but in the end the principle remains that those have must pay for the benefit of society as a whole. Mr and Mrs Well-Orf aren't paying to keep Ms Single-Mothers's little boy at school - they are paying to keep the society they live in functioning.

Well said OrmIrian!

Now I'm getting out of this thread before any more abuse is hurled around...

I hope I am not guilty of upsetting anyone with abuse

I wasnt sure whether to stand my ground or skunk off, and I do hte letting people think they have scared me off

Apolologies though

That was a very succinct summary, OrmIrian. I try to aim for "brief but punchy" and end up being cryptic and garbled. Tsk.

Just to clarify (was out at toddler group, not crying )- I haven't done voluntary work since DD was born, and it is impossible to make any comment about donations to charidee without sounding like a twat of the first order. So I won't be.
I am a member of the Lib Dems though, that's more than ticking a box. And hey, even ticking a box is something - every little helps, right? That's what you capitalist running dogs say, no?

Peachys - no I don't think you were abusive; sorry if you thought I was having a go at you.

Peachy - I think what you've said makes good sense. And I don't think you've been abusive at all. You want to understand why people vote Conservative and find out what they will do for those in your position.

I'm a lifelong Labour supporter but don't know who to vote for next time (not the Tories obviously - you don't grow up in south Wales in the 80s and learn nothing). If you stand, Peachy, I'll vote for you

Sadly I do know a lot of Tory voters like that swc. Some of whom have been discussing this very issue loudly all morning in the office

No it isn't a side-issue - atm it's very important - but it is irrelevant to the principle that those who earn enough have to pay the state to run our society for us.

I'm a daily mail reading Tory and proud of it! It's time for a change!

This country has gone seriously tits up in the last 12 years - any one who thinks otherwise is completely deluded!

The change I would like to see is the govt no longer encouraging children to have children! Take away the financial incentives and the free housing and then encourage them to avail themselves of the free contraception.

Why should the tax payer pick up the tab for teenagers with loose morals and no ambitions???? Then these children grow up in poverty and the cycle continues!

In my years posting on MN I have never typed a personal attack but ski has once again made me see red

So shoot me, delete post or kiss my arse ski but you are a very rude woman/man/hairy arsed trucker called Dave.

I'm a Tory and have been since I could first vote in 1984. I have an innate distrust of the Nanny state, which is what has been foisted on us by NuLab.

I agree that there needs to be a level of support for those who need it and those who abuse the benefit system by fraudulent claims need to repay it and be punished.

Labour have underfunded both defence and education for the past 12 years, and have not been evenhanded with the funding per pupil per head. Devon and Cornwall get very little per pupil in comparison with those in the Labour heartlands.

Labour have been very successful in creating a client state who will vote for them willy nilly because Labour make any alternative seem like a scary place to be. I was bitterly upset when Labour were originally elected, and I have seen nothing in the intervening 12 years to change my opinion.

I do not vote,tories or otherwise.

Although i did once vote for the raving loony party.

I agree with alex, with the addition that they should be taken out and shot.

Ski only has one answer for anyone that doesn't vote Tory, that they are a champagne socialist. I wonder if he/she/conservative central office might try to be a little more imaginative?