Pondering, and while slightly more optimistic than we once were, still really quite unhappy Lefty thread

[Hassled]

Where had we got to? We'd agreed that we all love Cameron, right?

'NHS promotes people to their natural level of incompetence. That is, people get promoted whilst they're doing things they can manage and stop when they get to the point when they can't. This leaves a lot of people in post that aren't quite up to it.' - that was exactly my ex-P's experience, MrJusta.

I agree animula, an NHS reduced to providing only basic services would be a terrible outcome. I want an NHS that provides all services to a high standard, and no incorporated privatised elements.

I can't see nationalised insurance working here.

I mean in France the government already pays almost the same % as the UK government in public money AND they pay private insurance too. Can you see people here accepting that?

Why does that happen, do you suppose, MrJusta?

Coolfonz - your measures are a bit harsh .

Just rember that one of our main industries is handling, and charging for other people's (GLOBAL) money. Freeze the economy and remove that income and then we will not have revenue to pay for the NHS for sure. Might not be popular to say so but it is true. Got to develop those alternative industries before we shut down the city.

yes Leningrad- a global agreement on bonuses but you need to be pretty comprehensive. Do you include hedge funders/private capital?

"Diane Abbott on BBC News. Conceding it, no-one wants it!"- yes, that is why I think Labour is in the best position just sitting back for now

We could stimulate the economy with a biscuit-drive. The UK could dominate the global biscuit and sweet crispy-snack markets.

Rise up people!! We can claim the future with delicious shortbread embossed with pictures of Noam Chomsky!

charges off on his own into a hail of bullets

Diane Abbot is a windbag opportunist with no authority or influence.

I do think we're talking endgame now.

What's occurring? Have I time to go to Waitrose?

interesting from last hung parliament

This is fascinating - please don't explode cos the URL contains a reference to Maggie!

Oh he's talking to cbt ministers. Gulp.

Brown back, meetings with individual cabinet members ("I'm really sorry but there's no room"- although Ed Miliband first), and a sword to be fallen on.

It's very close to Clegg making up his mind.

Yes, but if a govt (of whatever stripe) is close to being formed ...

Thanks. Off to get some of them Duchy's Originals Chomsky shortbreads then.

lo anything happening we're watching mr maker...oooh dancing feet now!

Lenin - just interesting. I suppose it depends on whether you think that the past offers any insight into how the present will be handled, Yes, the world is different but is politics?

I suppose it shows why GB has backed off so much (as current incumbent), but then NC didn't give him much choice.

Plus it has the leader of the Liberals walking across "three wet fields" in his wellies to avoid the press! Brilliant extraneous detail! I love this type of stuff.

Actually on a serious note, it does shows the difficulty of trying to form a rainbow coalition with the 'regional nationalists'. They hold too power relative to their position/electorate, which is a real stumbling block for a LibLab coalition.