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'm not sure claig - but I have a Burberry Jacket -

I bought it from Burberry though not eBay.

That is a sign of taste and distinction. I think many New Labourites also wear Burberry when they quaff champagne and discuss the 'chavs' (i.e. us, the mugs who believe their spin).

The demonization of the working classes started with Thatcher claig - ( killed the unions, sold off council houses ) she made no attempt to hide her hatred of them - But New Labour are their true enemy - they smile in your face then stab you in the back. Champaign Socialists the lot of them.

I think what you say about New Labour makes sense, but I don't think Thatcher hated the working class. I think she was like Orwell, who said "hope lies with the proles". Thatcher was on the side of ordinary people, she gave them a chance, she gave them hope and aspiration. That is why she won so many elections, voted in by the working class, who deserted the Champagne Charlies and Socialist Snarlies who wanted to hold them back. Thatcher trusted the instincts of working people; she distrusted 'Red Robbo', the rabble-rousers and revolutionaries who wanted to use ordinary people as part of their 'class war' battle to gain power and champagne for themselves.

Thatcher was at Oxford, she saw the champagne socialist leaders face to face. She knew their writings were full of spin. Thatcher never referred to the working class as 'chavs'.

I saw the author of 'Chavs' on TV. I didn't think he warranted the attention he was getting. I thought he must be a socialist and must have been to Oxbridge, so I looked him up and, of course, he is.

But on one thing, he seems right. Programmes like 'Shameless' help to demonise working class people. But I doubt that programmes like 'Shameless' are made by Tories. I doubt Thatcher or Widdecombe would like them.

Yep - and 'Little Britain's Vicky Pollard - single mum scrounging off the state - no redeeming features whatsoever - another New Labour BBC production.

Exactly. Vicky Pollard and the like all drag the working people down. Tories encourage aspiration, education and progress. The progressives do the opposite.

George Orwell knew all about the progressives. He wrote some good books about them.

He did - I've read them all.

Has everyone managed to order/get hold of a copy of the book?

Hi CM - I'm half way through.

I am reading Chavs now
so does my 14 yo dd

count me in :)

What do you think of it so far, rycooler?

You're counted in, happy

I'm really enjoying it, great book.

I'll have it finished by Friday so hopefully we can get together then for a full on critique.

Excellent

My copy arrived yesterday (was China further upthread, have returned to original ID)

Only read one chapter, but like it, it's informative and readable. My mate Downtrodden Dave (don't ask) had warned me off it telling me it was a horrific indictment of the working class yawn, but so far it seems more of an indictment against DM journalism.

Ah

I have a dilemma: Discuss "Chavs" book tonight? Or dinner date?

Shall I start a thread in WWYD (?)

How far has everyone got with reading the book?

I'm half way through ( still ) so happy to postpone for another week if you'd prefer.

But If you want to get cosy with me later - let me know asap - I'll put some on ice.

I need to get my copy back and skim read.

I may be too overwhelmed having an adult only night out - no naughty business slightly busy to do an in depth analysis tonight, but do put that on ice

In depth analysis was never my strong point so no worries.