My thoughts are that both parties are far too powerful ,and it all hinges on finance rather than societal problems which are an natural outcome of the former, and we know where that leads, as is more obvious to-day than ever, as the gapgrows between the mega rich and the poor. But like yourself I have no idea how it can be resolved.
This is precisely what I mean, accusing people of xenophobia or calling anyone who voted Conservative "thick and racist". I agree with you, a lot of the anti-immigration stuff that Johnson and Farage played on was based on xenophobia. But saying that to people, or belittling people's views as that radio host did does nothing to moderate their stand point, it only makes them dig their heels in. I agree about Theresa May, she was a much better leader. Nothing wrong with being Churchillian either- I'm a big fan. And, yes, I am aware of his many faults. Edit: I'll reiterate my previous point in response to your comment about needing a new cabinet in order to not alienate people: we have the cabinet we have, precisely because people felt alienated.
I don’t think that James O’Brien berated or belittled that caller in any way, he gave him every opportunity to express his views and the caller failed to do so, he could not comment on one single topic that he “disagreed” with. If you don’t want to look foolish, don’t voluntarily pick the phone up and express shallow/headline opinions that you can’t then substantiate when asked to. That’s what those type of radio programmes are about, listeners know that and should be prepared to explain their views. The programme wouldn’t last five minutes on a commercial station if the host moved onto another caller as soon as the caller said they disagree with something.
I agree that the caller failed to make his point. I also realise that the 'entertainment' factor in shows like that is in the polarised views and the controversy that arises from that. As lacking in oratory skills as he was, the host barracked him, rather than giving him the time and space to make his point.
Have you read what I wrote? Immigration was a problem for many people. I don't agree with them, but you don't get them to vote for you by telling them they're wrong. You don't bring people around to your way of thinking by telling them they're stupid.
It merely demonstrated to me how easy it is to say I disagree, or it's Corbyns fault and how difficult it is to substantiate the it. Politics and people are much more complex that the headline writers would like us to believe.
But surely that's because your opinion is closer to the host's than the caller's. I agree, politics and people are complex. Sometimes people's opinions are complex to the extent that its difficult to put them into words. Even the best public speakers struggle under pressure and that radio host created a pressured environment for the caller. The point he was making about Corbyn is quite clear- his anti-establishment stance was off putting to many people- I've no idea what the cheese sandwich stuff was about. But as an allegory for political discourse these days, it was very eloquent.
That's a strange comment, compartmentalising me without knowing me. For the record, my opinion is not even in the same ballpark as James O'Briens opinion. However I am not naive and can see the issues which O'Brien was highlighting
How's it a strange comment? You've made left leaning comments on here in the past so its safe to assume that your opinion will be more aligned with a left leaning radio host than a right leaning caller, no? I'm not naive either, and it was perfectly obvious that the host was trying to belittle the caller because he disagreed with his views. It was made all the easier for him because the caller wasn't the brightest spark. I mean, if it wasn't about someone with (very mild, in reality) right wing views being shot down, what was the point of posting it on a thread about politics?
You assume my comments are left leaning because they are in contrast to your right leaning views? You should really read what you type
Well I think people are just waking up to the fact that they believed a load of absolute bullshit and they chose an ideology out of the two that will increase poverty . I’ve only called one or two people on here stupid because I think they are. Do i think i lots of people fell for a blag? Yes. A blag and power grab which is harming our democracy. Anyway. The games on
Imho, Leavers said how awful EU was and how great being independent would be. Definitely exaggerated. Imho remainers said how great the EU was and how awful being independent would be. Definitely exaggerated. We did sell a lot to the EU, but they sold even more to us... we will see in a few years time if more home produced goods/services stay in the UK. Immigration was not and is not a big issue for me. What is going to be interesting is to see, where cheaper EU labour used to depress wages are some low paid jobs going to earn more? Also not just low paid but the construction trades, nurses etc.
