Westminstenders: The Imperial March

[RedToothBrush]

There are many ways to enforce power indirectly using privilege. Jacob Rees Mogg knows every trick in the book and dresses it up as respectability rather than a subtle form or intimidation and deliberate exclusion.

It's not the stuff 'of the people'.

Meanwhile the newly crowned PM, is making rather a bug deal of how he is the man 'of the people', here to serve them and to deliver their will.

There's a big theme here about presenting as 'of the people' whilst simultaneously serving the interests of the elite and reestablishing its power over the people.

It's a theme that is set to run for some time, and is entrenched in Trumpism too.

This shift in power is particularly harmful to women it must be noted.

'Strong and stable' was 'weak and wobbly' and we should be mindful that in the era of reversed spin, what 'of the people' signifies.

We've long known about the authoritarianism at the heart of leaving thinking. It's only now that it's finally going to start stomping it's feet all over our freedoms and power.

The road back will be a long and hard one because we failed to spot the threat and the dangers of it.

DG

Thank you.

I've been beating myself up for being too pessimistic. But that's the date. That's it.

Damage limitation is the best we can hope for now.

My list of who is to blame for where we find ourselves is long and a depressing read...

buffy you aren't person non grata to me. But I do believe the type of Brexit we have and who is in control of that is of critical importance, particularly for women's rights actually.
The US state were I live is the only one around us where abortion is being protected. We are surrounded by states actively trying to dismantle access to reproductive health care. Thousands of miles with no funding or access to this medical care.
An unchallenged hard Brexit gives power to people who will misuse it to control women. To say nothing of rights regarding maternity etc, also non existent in the USA.

there

Don't apologise! Don't think I haven't thought about such an eventuality...

I wouldn't vote brexit party. Ever.

Ditto tory.

Which is why I said I can't imagine ever voting again.

Politically homeless. Forever?

I guess everyone has their line in the sand.

You see, I see the corruption of meaning and language and the rise of political lies as part of the same movement of increasing authoritarianism.

It harmed women's interests from more than one part of the political spectrum.

So in answer to the question would I vote Brexit party if it aligned with my gender critical views?

The answer is no, because it is about denying reality and trying to suppress debate through intimidation. Which is the problem I have with trans ideology too.

It's the act of demanding people comply and confront and the restriction of debate, scrutiny and transparency which is what I have a problem with as it creates a climate which gives power to an elite group and enables abuses of power against more vulnerable groups.

I am very much struggling with voting because all the parties are close minded because of tribalism and are not open to acknowledging their own intrinsic political blind spots and addressing them.

I do think this is why there is widespread dissatisfaction with politics generally, because of this tunnel vision and lack of willingness to admit hypocrisy or tackle internal bullshit because of tribal loyalty.

The trans stuff wouldn't have gained so much traction at any other time, where it wasn't piggy backing off this culture war split.

I personally don't buy into this culture war where you have to be one of us or against us. I think it's how we ended up it this mess in the first place.

And as such I won't say who I voted for recently as I don't think it terribly helpful.

Was it Elements whose analogy was about your hair being on fire? I'm going with that thought with my vote.

As I recall the analogy was that Brexit was your hair burning, while trans issues are something less pressing.

I'm piqued to know how much people outside MN care - or even know - about trans issues ?

(Personally I believe there is a link between trans issues and Brexit. They are both a manifestation of a reaction by the elite to their power being challenged and constrained. Brexit is a great way to disappear workers rights, and trans issues are pitch perfect at confusing the notion of equality until it become meaningless.)

As I said, it's been much clearer to me since BJ got the keys to no.10.

And more so since the appointments to cabinet.

It's clear to me - for the first time - that 31/10/19 is it.

Remains to be seen whether it's no deal, soft brexit or brino.

My own view is that a no deal Brexit is now more likely than ever.

I personally don't buy into this culture war where you have to be one of us or against us. I think it's how we ended up it this mess in the first place.

The thing is, it makes ruling so much easier. Not with us ? You're against us. You won't get good governance from that. Or even consistent governance. But it allows you to wind up different colour toys from your pool of voter demographics, and put them into a robot-wars arena whilst you continue filling your boots.

I agree DG

..
With the link between brexit and trans issues i mean...

Hello! Yes, it was me saying about Brexit being my hair on fire, and that other issues (including the trans issue) whilst undeniably important to me, I can't personally prioritise those whilst my hair is on fire. Thus I am willing to lend my vote accordingly.

Everybody has their own personal hair, and I certainly wouldn't judge others' priorities or haircare.

It's a good analogy:)
In normal times I'd agree...

Didn’t Trump get in because people didn’t hold their nose and vote for Hilary?

I’m just of the opinion that no political party is perfect. You just have to vote for your best fit.

The other thing to bear in mind, is that Leavers don't appear to be as burdened with the need for "purity" of purpose. I have seen some Leavers saying that they're ever so concerned about the poor, or the environment, or wishing to enable the immigration of more ethnic minority people at the expense of the predominantly white EU citizens.

Then they positively gallop to vote for BXP, UKIP and the Tories, and joyously champion No Deal Brexit. Because for them, getting Real True Clean Break Brexit is so important that they're happy to hang the environment and the poor and support the far right.

Me too, AdequateFood.

Meanwhile, here's the country we are supposed to be buddying up with:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-49177034

Former US President Ronald Reagan described African delegates to the UN as "monkeys", in newly-unearthed tapes published by a US magazine.

...

According to Mr Naftali, Mr Reagan called Mr Nixon to press him to withdraw from the UN. But the president later said Mr Reagan's "complaints about Africans became the primary purpose of the call".

which serves as a reminder that the US likes to talk the talk, but isn't so keen on walking the walk. Moreover, it just reminds us of where Trump stems from.

Now I read that article and am disgusted. I bet Boris & co. read it thinking "Why is this even news ? Surely everyone thinks that ?"

It has become about the least worst option.

Which isn't about representing anyone which is what parties should be doing.

I have no best fit.

That's my point.

It's a diabolical political situation we've found ourselves in alright. I'm just generally pissed off with the whole thing, but couldn't ever not vote, as it feels like the only I can do.

My vote in 2017 was counted as being for Brexit.

I won't ever make that mistake again.

The emasculation of our democracy - such as it was - is too perfect, too complete and too directed to be an accident. It's just a shame the people behind it didn't put their talents to making a better society that is more equal and happy.

We are living in strange times

I have no best fit

There must be a least shit option.

Tory
Labour
Lib Dem
Brex
Green

Do any of these party’s fulfil your gender critical ideals. If not, move onto the next most important thing.

I despise all of them.

ALL of them.

1 thing will determine my vote.

Which candidate has the best change of unseating my Tory MP.

That could be Lib Dem’s, Labour or Greens.

If there were a strong independent candidate I would give them consideration also.

It may be too late to influence Brexit but the most important thing to me is to unseat my MP.

I despise all of them

Equally? Do you despise the Greens as much as you despise Brex?