Depressing party propaganda

[plimsolls]

Not sure if this is highbrow enough to post in the politics topic but:

I live in a pretty deprived London borough. All the party propoganda leaflets that have been coming through the door are focussing on the fact that we have a high rate of unemployment, lower than national average GCSEs (etc), higher than average crime figures. Obviously they follow this up with blaming the current govt and local MPs, which of course is the point of the leaflets, I get that bit!

BUT I feel annoyed and despondent that they gloss over the fact that whilst our figures may be low, our borough has made massive improvements. Yes, our figures are low but when you consider the huge amount of need present, I think we're doing pretty well (by we I mean the residents and the people who work here). To take education as an example, many pupils arrive in London not speaking English and they, their parents, and their teachers, do pretty well, IMO.

So, I guess what I'm saying is, I feel insulted by the leaflets that imply that we are crap and I don't think the material in the leaflets acknowledges the issues underlying the statistics, iyswim. Which makes me lose confidence in their ability to any better than the current lot. It makes not want to vote for any of 'em!

Anyway, I realise this is a bit of a pointless post, just wanted to vent.

Well said.

You have obviously thought this all through and have typed out a very intelligent reponse to the politicians. Perhaps you could ask these politicians about your points, about the positives. Would you consider getting involved with the local group who have put all these positives into action.

The local group who are in charge ATM are the only ones who have done any door knocking so have spoken to them. I'm not in a position to get involved in supporting them practically at the moment, as am working full time then trying and mostly failing to write my thesis in the evening and at weekends (and obsessively posting on MN, obv).

Am also slightly wary of tying myself to them as don't agree with everything they do/say....Kind of like when you have a friend whom you really like and are fond of but who occasionally acts like a twat. Iyswim.

I guess it would be worth me making an effort to speak to the other politicians/candidates. But I want them to door knock me so I don't have to go out and find them! (Lazy person)

No, I totally agree.

If someone cant be bothered to knowck on my door I certainly wouldn't be bothered to put a cross next to their name.

Also, I dont think any of them have perfect policies. I just go with the one who I agree most with, doesn't matter what colour rosette he/she is wearing. They can all be twits, its a basic qualification, I'm sure!

Plimsolls, I read your your post and could understand your position. I think that unless you become involved in Politics/Groups,
nothing changes. I live in an area where the people are quite political and active (also wealthy) the residents often seem to get what they want. You will only normally see Politicians in your area at election times. I know that you say your area has improved, but I still don't think Governments/Politicians give a monkeys about deprived areas and those in them.

crystal I think you are probably right. Will look into getting more involved when I;ve got my bloody doctorate out the way. And when I've decided who to vote for

I don't know if I'm naive (I probably am) but I think the only reason my area has improved is because of the people who work here in public services and the like.

I'm sure govt is involved somewhere (divvying up the money, I guess) but not at a practical level at all. It really irks me when people who work really hard (at all levels, I'm not necessarily bigging up the directors etc) don't get any credit. Must be pretty demoralising to read all the stuff saying how low our education attainments are when you're a teacher who works your arse off in difficult circumstances. Or a pupil, for that matter.