Anyone who took the time to take an occasional glance at my blog during this year's General Election (see link in the Category list to the right) might agree that I don't feel an allegiance towards any particular political party in the UK. So, although it's only occurring to me as I actually write this piece, it could be argued that a coalition government was the ideal outcome to suit my own feelings at that time - and, if that is the case - that might explain why I'm becoming increasingly peturbed by the petty whingeing emanating from the left.
I refer, in particular, to those who might be described as 'Champagne Socialists'; many of whom - it seems to me - enjoy a lifestyle far removed from the real working-classes or students, for example. Furthermore, I doubt very much if many - if any - of them would be prepared to exchange their privileged existence with anyone - let alone those they claim to support.
What aggravates me, in particular, is an apparent inability to concede that the reason the coalition are taking the actions which they are (and, let's face it, they would hardly have chosen to be unpopular) is that they are having to clear up the mess left by their predecessors. This unfortunate state of affairs, by the way, seems to be indisputable. There is, for example, little evidence of any members of the Labour party denying that they left the UK economy in tatters. One former minister even left a handwritten note to that effect for his successor and those involved in the election for a new party leader seemed to be falling over each other to admit mistakes had been made - but not by them as individuals, of course.
Fortunately, on a more positive note, it can't be denied that some of those now charged with administering the Labour party have accepted their responsibility and just want to get on with the job of trying to repair the damage. I really can't imagine Messrs Blair, Brown & Mandelson being so contrite.
So, to get to my point, if those actually responsible for the debacle seem to be prepared to accept that desperate measures are required, why can't some of their supporters demonstrate the same logic? For example, it is reported that, as a result of the actions of the previous government, the interest the UK is paying EACH DAY is £106,000,000 and this needs to be reduced. Surely, in order to achieve that end, savings have to be made. Which part of that don't they understand?
