would anyone be interested in a politics book club?

[alexandriana]

we could do titles like 'the spirit level' or 'the shock doctrine'

any other ideas?

I've been meaning to read Chavs for a while now - I'll order it tonight.

Two weeks time (?)

OK. I'm in :)

Caramel: - Two weeks is fine with me.

I'd like to join this as well. Will order 'Chavs'.

Yes me too how will it work?

I'm not entirely sure how it works - I'm guessing we read the book, re-group in 2 weeks & discuss it? -

Re-group in two weeks. Discuss book. Sounds good.
Was certainly an eye opener for me. Have lent it out, however, will get it back soon and re-read.

(Am going to look up Road to serfdom also)

Count me in, off to order Chavs....... wasn't that the author on the awful post-riot discussion where David Starkey made a fool of himself?

Not sure tbh - I missed the DS interview.

look forward to meeting up again in two weeks

Oh btw, The Rise of Political Lying is a very good read ( Peter Oborne )

May I have permission to do a brief hijack? I have a political question I need to ask,and this thread looked the best bet.
My dd is doing a course,and they are studying Tressell. She would like to know the following (I will write it as she has):

What is it called when a (political) leader gains votes from followers who have little or no knowledge of what they are voting for?

Ok,well I think she means there is a term for politically 'brainwashing' the potential voters' I am stumped ,so I just wondered....anyone know what the hell she's on about?
Your help will make me look reakky clever will be gratefully received.
Thanking in advance.

'What is it called when a (political) leader gains votes from followers who have little or no knowledge of what they are voting for?'

I think that is called a Labour party campaign.

If your DD sticks to studying the Conservative party, then she will not be exposed to any such devious trickery and spin.

Can I join please? I'll order chavs today :)

crazynanna - get your dd to read The Rise of Political Lying - it's about New Labour. A must read if she's doing politics.

oops seems I have wandered onto a Blue thread...my apologies.
I will seek out a Red one
Thanks all.

Oh,just one more thing....

VIVA LE REVOLUTION!!

Hello bigkids

crazynanna - get back here now - you know you want to

Can I join? Better late than never! Have ordered Chavs!

Hi Bucharest, good to see you again. Widdecombe was without doubt the wisest woman in the West. No wiles, no New Labour lies, just wisdom that would always win against New Labour spin.

In fact, may I suggest that we choose a biography of Widdecombe to discuss for the club?

Hi DreamsAreChina ( were you a T'pau fan? )

I'm only on chapter 1 so don't worry.

One popular myth makes Chav an acronym for 'Council Housed And Violent'

I see that the first book on the agenda is about New Labour (i.e. 'Chavs'), written by an Oxbridge socialist. I like champagne as much as the next person, but Widdecombe is even better.

'Council Housed And Violent'

Doesn't chav have something to do with throwing mobile phones around as well?