Politicians are rightfully easy targets for criticism and bile, particularly the recent/current bunch. But are there any that you actually respect and admire? Might be nice to rebalance a little, remind ourselves that there have been some good examples of the species, though at heart I agree with Gore Vidal's sentiment (quoted by Uber a few weeks ago) along the lines of 'anybody who actually wants to be president should be disqualified from running'. I'll go for Roy Jenkins, simply because as Home Secretary in the late sixties he drove through significant pieces of liberalising legislation about abortion, divorce, the death penalty and homosexuality in the face of public and press opposition on all of them, simply because he believed they were the right things to do, and as an elitist thought it was his duty to do them. I cannot imagine any current politician attempting radical social change on this scale in the face of public opposition, and suspect if they did their careers would be very short, in the current climate of paranoia. Everything else I know about Jenkins points to a rather odious individual, sadly. I could equally have gone for Attlee or Bevan. Before you pigeonhole me, last time I voted it was for the Conservatives.... What about you? Any politicians you actually respect/admire? I expect to see a few Churchills; Thatchers and Kennedys and absolutely no Blairs. In the spirit of engagement I'm not going to comment on anybody's choices except perhaps to ask questions, just interested in the who and why. If we don't start to up the quality of our political leaders and our attitude towards them the current malaise will go on forever......
Absolutely none, in particular those of the the last 50 years. All thieving conniving power-hungry wastes of space !! As they are all responsible for the bankrupting of Britain's public finances. "You probably can pigeonhole me."
Michael Foot is one of the few I can remember who I respected for his ideas and for being seemingly an honest Politician. But it didn't help his party too much! Tony Blair I respected for bringing Labour back to Government and keeping them there a long while. He is the only politician in his party that has ever managed that, and he may well remain the only one for a few more decades.
Couldn't think of one until I read yours Swords. Totally agree. I would add George Mitchell, a man who essentially saw his family for one day a week in NY and lived the other six in a plane or in Belfast, for many a year. True definition of a politician, cutting through the politics to come to a peaceful solution for all.
Bit of a generalisation there KPDH. There are still decent politicans. Take Dennis Skinner - never misses a sitting of the House, claims the least in expenses and always speaks his own mind.
Not at all, I have never heard of a single politician that has quit on the voting of a budget, that has put Britain further in debt. Politicians are good at talking, but putting their career on the line for what is right, would be the point at which I change my mind !! Britain is further in debt (as a percent of GDP), than any other country in the history of mankind... bar one !! Weinmar Germany And we all know where they ended up
I'm no Labour fan boy, or a Tory one for that but I have to mention John Prescott. He was hit by complete surprise at point blank range with an egg on the side of his face, love or hate any politicians this was way out of order in my opinion so you can forgive him for being a little bit freaked out by this and without thinking retaliating. Also I don't agree with a lot of what he says but at least he is one of a very few rare politicians that will give you a straight answer and is true to what he stands for.[video=youtube;5XTiI1e-wVc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XTiI1e-wVc[/video]
Don't know what figures you are working on, but in 2012 UK national debt as % of GDP was 88%. Japan's was 214%. And the Weimar Republic's problem was hyperinflation in the early 20's, which they managed to sort out until the Great Depression hit.
There are many politicians who work quietly for the good of their constituents doing the best job they can with limited resources. They never get caught with their trousers down, don't fiddle their expenses and you'll never read about then in the media because of that. It is far too easy to knock the politicians but I see few of the knockers (if you'll pardon the expression!) stepping up to do what they do in leading the country. For what it's worth, one of our local MPs, Steve Pound, seems a decent sort apart from being a Fulham fan! Even that is redeemed because his lad is a QPR ST holder!!
So you would like to see all those opposed to the passing of budget that put Britain into futher debt to quit following its passage? What good would that do? And I think it's fair to say that debt won't lead to dictatorships and genocide in all cases.
john smith martin linton m.p for Battersea and ffc season ticket holder, he knocked round my house and I was out
Good call Swords. I actually used to know his daughter slightly and met him a couple of times. Good man, who definitely likes a pint or two. I would also add Mandella.
Screaming Lord Sutch... Ok, he was never elected to sit in the Commons, but anyone who has, as their election manifesto, policies to: 1) Fill the Thames with man-eating crocodiles, and 2) Throw all politicians in the Thames, gets my vote. On a serious note, Churchill was definately the right man at the right time during World War 2, and whilst Thatcher was a b$&@h, I do respect her for the actions during the Falklands war. Also, as mentioned above, Skinner has a fantastic work Eric and takes his role as a public servant as literally as it should be taken, unlike most of the rest of the politicians these days.
Thats the problem, they all like making promises the country cant afford. So great you want people running the country that you know are lying to you, but happy to keep the status quo. Perhaps, lead to the restoration of our country, true to its principles of honesty and decency, rather than where are today...bankrupt Oh but you wait and see what bankruptcy feels like !!
Great "Bill Clinton" The same Bill Clinton, that put in place Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac loosen lending requirements to encourage home ownership !! Same corrupt power hungry politician of all colours all nationalities
