We are living in what David Axelford has described as an “Age of Alienation”, in which all established parties & other institutions are struggling to get a hearing. Why? Because voters are cynical, disillusioned, and anxious that big problems cannot be solved by mere politicians who they believe have let them down. No democrat, seeking votes in this week of local and European elections, can afford to give in to that sort of despair. It would be self-indulgent to do so. We need policies & leadership to restore our politics to a good name. That includes acknowledging where things & individuals went wrong. The way to face up to an Age of Alienation is to aim high and offer a positive vision of better Britain but also to offer realistic and achievable policy ideas. Simple clear commitments which resonate with the issues people face on a daily basis. On wages, job security, NHS, on fairness, and a desire for a better future for our kids. But 2 other things are required. We must challenge lies and misconceptions at source. Base our arguments on facts not rhetoric and offer journalists something more positive to talk about. I am optimistic about the future even if the present is a age where siren voices predominate. They have been successfully challenged before and it falls to todays politicians to stand up and be counted even if that is currently uncomfortable. MK deserves better so I hope on Thursday the people deliver a Council that is aspirational and will secure the long term benefits from the citys growth for all areas not just a few.
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 18:25:07 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015