Political Stance

[Yngwie]

Indeed. He confirmed this by thinking he'd struck a great deal with these guys for some cigars and voluntarily leaving a busy street to go up side alleys with them to complete the deal.

[DornochCaley]

Point i was trying to get

What's the difference between the Fascist dicactors and Castro? Try speaking out against the Castro revolution in Cuba, see what happens. Try using the internet, visiting another country, forming a free trade union or political association in Cuba. The main difference is that countries like Cuba allow left-wingers to indulge in Citizen Smith-style, anti 'imperialist' posturing.

And how do you know this? Where are you getting this information from? Thats one side of the coin. Cuba is by no means perfect. What country is? But you are looking at it in a stupid way tbh.

Oh, and Trade Union and political association are permitted in Cuba. Stop listening to whoever tells you otherwise.

http://www.poptel.org.uk/cuba-solidarity/C...nionsToday.html Have a wee read of that

Edited January 13, 2010 by DornochCaley

[ictchris]

Point i was trying to get

What's the difference between the Fascist dicactors and Castro? Try speaking out against the Castro revolution in Cuba, see what happens. Try using the internet, visiting another country, forming a free trade union or political association in Cuba. The main difference is that countries like Cuba allow left-wingers to indulge in Citizen Smith-style, anti 'imperialist' posturing.

And how do you know this? Where are you getting this information from? Thats one side of the coin. Cuba is by no means perfect. What country is? But you are looking at it in a stupid way tbh.

Oh, and Trade Union and political association are permitted in Cuba. Stop listening to whoever tells you otherwise.

http://www.poptel.org.uk/cuba-solidarity/C...nionsToday.html Have a wee read of that

The trade union your link describes is not free, it's controlled by the state and the Communist Party. Anyone employed by the state (pretty much everyone in a socialist state like Cuba) is compelled to join the union, which requires a signature on an agreement to follow the socialist policies of the government. The Labour Code of Cuba states:

Freedom of association, protected in Convention 87, does not translate into the false concept of 'trade union pluralism' imposed by the main centres of capitalist and imperial power.

Of course, freedom of assocation doesn't really exist either, with anyone expressing opinions contrary to the ruling Communist Party thrown in jail. The Cuban government also imprisoned the leaders of several independent trade union groups in 2003 for 'making threats'.

It really sums up your argument that you could post a link to a Cuba 'Solidarity' website as though it's a credible source. Here's a link to the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions report on Cuba from a few years ago:

2006 report

[Caley Stan]

http://www.poptel.org.uk/cuba-solidarity/C...nionsToday.html Have a wee read of that

That's an extremely biased account of the situation, DC. Speaking out publicly against the revolution in Cuba is not allowed. In Havana, there a police stationed on nearly every corner and any criticism of the regime takes place in hushed tones behind closed doors.

The wealth and power is still in the hands of a small elite, it's just they occasionally mouth Chavista slogans. The population of Venezuela still, in the main, live miserable lives beset by poverty and violence

Chavez has been elected repeatedly by the poor, miserbable, lives you describe. In itself, this is a victory for the masses in a continent that has seen small elites impose governments and ideolgies for so long. The thousands of co-operatives and community councils running health clinics and infrastructure projects is another victory for democracy in Chavez's Venezuela. The guy doesn't convince me to be honest. There is a massive personality cult surrounding him, he's far too into the military and isn't afraid to centralise when he feels threatened, but in spite of all that, it's impossible to deny that attempts to redistribute wealth and power have been made.

The countries who were influenced by the Chicago School are the most prosperous and politically free in Latin America.

How do define prosperity? Massive inequality and the exclusion of millions from health and education while the top 10% get stinking rich?

[ictchris]

The wealth and power is still in the hands of a small elite, it's just they occasionally mouth Chavista slogans. The population of Venezuela still, in the main, live miserable lives beset by poverty and violence

Chavez has been elected repeatedly by the poor, miserbable, lives you describe. In itself, this is a victory for the masses in a continent that has seen small elites impose governments and ideolgies for so long. The thousands of co-operatives and community councils running health clinics and infrastructure projects is another victory for democracy in Chavez's Venezuela. The guy doesn't convince me to be honest. There is a massive personality cult surrounding him, he's far too into the military and isn't afraid to centralise when he feels threatened, but in spite of all that, it's impossible to deny that attempts to redistribute wealth and power have been made.

Setting up a co-operative isn't a victory for anyone - if they were set up and providing goods and services then they would be. Venezuela's agriculture is being destroyed due to the Mugabe-esque policy of seizing farms from large estates and 'redistributing' them to Chavez supporters. Food importation has soared, as has prices and inflation. Other industrial concerns are equally haphazard - employees at a car factory making copies of decades old European cars went on strike recently in protest at the working conditions.

The countries who were influenced by the Chicago School are the most prosperous and politically free in Latin America.

How do define prosperity? Massive inequality and the exclusion of millions from health and education while the top 10% get stinking rich?

A country like Chile has the highest GDP per capita in South America, lower unemployment than Venezuela, lower inflation, lower debt and is ranked higher in political freedom than just about any other country in Latin America.

[Sorted]

Far too many guys on here with romantic ideas on life under Castro, Chavez et al. Next we'll be hearing what a great place to life that China is.

Bottom line, communist state, military junta or fascist dictatorship all have the same consequences and, in reality, similar methodology if not ideology. Oppressed people and an elite with privilege. Bet when Chavez troops were out shutting/reclaiming the shops on the streets that there was plenty food on his table?

Democracy, real democracy and all it's flaws is the only way. We may on occasion elect a ****** but that's our choice. Even those who whinge and refuse to participate as "they're all bent" or "makes no odds what I do" have the choice to do so.

Come the revolution!

[stevico1]

Once the current regime in Cuba does fall I wonder how long it will take for the commercialism juggernaut that is the USA to move in and turn this beautiful island into another fast food disney world for their entertainment? not long I bet.

[starchief]

Real democracy though. Not one where 98% of the wealth are held by around 2% of the people. And those 2% do everything in their very substantial power to keep it that way (those are figures quoted for the USA but I bet they're not too different in most countries).

I'd go for federalism myself, where decisions are taken at the most appropriate level, rather than nominally centralised in Edinburgh, London, Brussels or New York.

[Sorted]

Real democracy though. Not one where 98% of the wealth are held by around 2% of the people. And those 2% do everything in their very substantial power to keep it that way (those are figures quoted for the USA but I bet they're not too different in most countries).

I'd go for federalism myself, where decisions are taken at the most appropriate level, rather than nominally centralised in Edinburgh, London, Brussels or New York.

Our current system, at least in a UK context, if one of the poorest examples of democracy in action. The SP elections are better but still far more complicated than need be. Tend to agree with the federal approach myself and interestingly, this is the tried and tested method of the great majority of EU positive states.

Our local governments do little but tinker at the margins with the vast majority of funding they receive being already legally committed to statutory routes. Far better to allow us to be able to allocate and fund for our needs. As always, we are light years behind the Scandinavian countries (he said awaiting a lecture on high levels of taxation :004: ).

The Federal States of Europe, with a direct place for Scotland, can't come soon enough for me!

[TopSix]

Yay! 10% unemployment in the Eurozone - sounds like a great idea! Bring it on ASAP. We'll never be governed like a Scandinavian country. People would never vote for such high taxation. For all people slagging off the government and the PM, I think he's doing a decent job considering the circumstances.

[Sorted]

Yay! 10% unemployment in the Eurozone - sounds like a great idea! Bring it on ASAP. We'll never be governed like a Scandinavian country. People would never vote for such high taxation. For all people slagging off the government and the PM, I think he's doing a decent job considering the circumstances.

Taxation is only relative when measure against disposable income. For example, our minimum wage is a third of that in Sweden, their direct taxation being around 38% for someone on that wage and ours around 22% (including NI). Their indirect taxation is also slightly higher but their state provides so much more. Who is better off? How can students in Malmo think nothing of paying ?7 for a pint? Everything is relative.

[DornochCaley]

Yay! 10% unemployment in the Eurozone - sounds like a great idea! Bring it on ASAP. We'll never be governed like a Scandinavian country. People would never vote for such high taxation. For all people slagging off the government and the PM, I think he's doing a decent job considering the circumstances.

Taxation is only relative when measure against disposable income. For example, our minimum wage is a third of that in Sweden, their direct taxation being around 38% for someone on that wage and ours around 22% (including NI). Their indirect taxation is also slightly higher but their state provides so much more. Who is better off? How can students in Malmo think nothing of paying ?7 for a pint? Everything is relative.

The Scandanavian counties are miles ahead of us. I went to Denmark a few years ago and i was astounded! The Tax we pay go to what? Getting roads which have nothing wrong with them redone and getting new offices for the HC. Yet in Denmark they have football pitches on every corner. They have a leasure Centre in nearly every town. I stayed in a own about the size of Dornoch and they had a Leasure Centre! Its mental. Loads of money goes straight back into the communities. They actually care about how healthy the people are. They make all these football pitches ect so the youth can keep fit and have fun. What do we have? We either play in a football pitch that is more like a mud bath or we have to pay to play somewhere. Fecking rediculous. They are miles ahead. Miles.

[starchief]

If you think we're bad, just looked at our American cousins. What do they get for their taxes? No free health care, very limited social security, little to zero tertiary education (unfortunately, now we're in the same boat but no so bad) and almost no social housing. Really, they get a weapons program and Israel. Doesn't seem a great return.

[PullMyFinger]

In the Catalan region of Spain, healthcare is miles ahead of the UK, Education is excellent, Roads? well if they see an obstacle the build a bridge using standardised supports or build a tunnel again using standard components. Public transport is unbelievably cheap, accessible and reliable, refuse collections are every day (for health reasons) including Saturday, Supermarkets are closed on Sundays, Sunday is a family day where generations gather every week which has held the fabric of family and community values together.

Taxation? Around 11%.

They also get more sunshine.

And a decent football team (Espanyol :( )

[TomCaleyJag]

Although the topic conversation has gone beyond posters simply listing their political stance, I've only just read the thread so I'm taking it back to the start

And am no doubt going to make myself immediately even more unpopular by declaring I am a member of the Conservative & Unionist Party, and would place myself on the further right of the party.

Edited January 19, 2010 by TomCaleyJag

[DornochCaley]

Although the topic conversation has gone beyond posters simply listing their political stance, I've only just read the thread so I'm taking it back to the start

And am no doubt going to make myself immediately even more unpopular by declaring I am a member of the Conservative & Unionist Party, and would place myself on the further right of the party.

A man almost as far from my own heart as possible it seems. Just curious though, what is it that makes you support them? Or be so Right-wing?

[TomCaleyJag]

Although the topic conversation has gone beyond posters simply listing their political stance, I've only just read the thread so I'm taking it back to the start

And am no doubt going to make myself immediately even more unpopular by declaring I am a member of the Conservative & Unionist Party, and would place myself on the further right of the party.

A man almost as far from my own heart as possible it seems. Just curious though, what is it that makes you support them? Or be so Right-wing?

Since i first got into politics and looked at the issues it was clear to me I was a conservative (small c), and it was after long deliberation I decided to join the Conservative Party. The reason being that David Cameron and other Tory leaders in recent years have moved the party into the centre to win over floating voters, and have advocated what Cameron refers to as a new "liberal conservatism". If Cameron considers himself a liberal conservative then I am most certainly a conservative conservative B) Despite this I do like Cameron and believe he will make an excellent Prime Minister after the election.

Socially I believe that the party's distancing itself from opposition to immigration and increased gay rights is incorrect, however it is nice to see the party still stands firm for supporting the family. These are the sorts of issues I believe in and I believe the Conservatives are the best party for me. There is a faction within the Conservative Party's MPs called the "Cornerstone Group", trying to promote what it views as the "Cornerstones" of a successful and moral life - Faith, Flag and Family. It advocates support for the Church of England, the family unit and patriotism. Were I a Conservative MP I would certainly be quick to associate myself with this group!

The one area I majorly disagree with the party on is over protectionism - while it has been seen as a fundamental Conservative policy in the past to oppose protectionism in the economy, I actually view it as beneficial for the most part and necessary in some circumstances.

So I suppose I am a fairly unusual Conservative Party member (not the least being that I am 17 years old and live in Scotland - Not exactly Conservative core vote), but I would say while I agree with the party enough to become a member, there are quite a few policy issues I do not agree with and hope to see the party alter. In short, that the party has moved too far into the centre and needs to, on most issues, return further to the right.

[ictchris]

Since i first got into politics and looked at the issues it was clear to me I was a conservative (small c), and it was after long deliberation I decided to join the Conservative Party. The reason being that David Cameron and other Tory leaders in recent years have moved the party into the centre to win over floating voters, and have advocated what Cameron refers to as a new "liberal conservatism". If Cameron considers himself a liberal conservative then I am most certainly a conservative conservative Despite this I do like Cameron and believe he will make an excellent Prime Minister after the election.

Socially I believe that the party's distancing itself from opposition to immigration and increased gay rights is incorrect, however it is nice to see the party still stands firm for supporting the family. These are the sorts of issues I believe in and I believe the Conservatives are the best party for me. There is a faction within the Conservative Party's MPs called the "Cornerstone Group", trying to promote what it views as the "Cornerstones" of a successful and moral life - Faith, Flag and Family. It advocates support for the Church of England, the family unit and patriotism. Were I a Conservative MP I would certainly be quick to associate myself with this group!

The one area I majorly disagree with the party on is over protectionism - while it has been seen as a fundamental Conservative policy in the past to oppose protectionism in the economy, I actually view it as beneficial for the most part and necessary in some circumstances.

So I suppose I am a fairly unusual Conservative Party member (not the least being that I am 17 years old and live in Scotland - Not exactly Conservative core vote), but I would say while I agree with the party enough to become a member, there are quite a few policy issues I do not agree with and hope to see the party alter. In short, that the party has moved too far into the centre and needs to, on most issues, return further to the right.

A 17 year old member of the Cornerstone Group? Get invited to many parties Tom?

[Caley Stan]

There is a faction within the Conservative Party's MPs called the "Cornerstone Group", trying to promote what it views as the "Cornerstones" of a successful and moral life - Faith, Flag and Family.

Be careful with the flags, Tom.

[TomCaleyJag]

Since i first got into politics and looked at the issues it was clear to me I was a conservative (small c), and it was after long deliberation I decided to join the Conservative Party. The reason being that David Cameron and other Tory leaders in recent years have moved the party into the centre to win over floating voters, and have advocated what Cameron refers to as a new "liberal conservatism". If Cameron considers himself a liberal conservative then I am most certainly a conservative conservative :) Despite this I do like Cameron and believe he will make an excellent Prime Minister after the election.

Socially I believe that the party's distancing itself from opposition to immigration and increased gay rights is incorrect, however it is nice to see the party still stands firm for supporting the family. These are the sorts of issues I believe in and I believe the Conservatives are the best party for me. There is a faction within the Conservative Party's MPs called the "Cornerstone Group", trying to promote what it views as the "Cornerstones" of a successful and moral life - Faith, Flag and Family. It advocates support for the Church of England, the family unit and patriotism. Were I a Conservative MP I would certainly be quick to associate myself with this group!

The one area I majorly disagree with the party on is over protectionism - while it has been seen as a fundamental Conservative policy in the past to oppose protectionism in the economy, I actually view it as beneficial for the most part and necessary in some circumstances.

So I suppose I am a fairly unusual Conservative Party member (not the least being that I am 17 years old and live in Scotland - Not exactly Conservative core vote), but I would say while I agree with the party enough to become a member, there are quite a few policy issues I do not agree with and hope to see the party alter. In short, that the party has moved too far into the centre and needs to, on most issues, return further to the right.

A 17 year old member of the Cornerstone Group? Get invited to many parties Tom?

Yes actually :P I don't allow my politics to interfere with my social life... Also some members of the Cornerstone Group are former members of the infamous Bullingdon Club at Oxford... Famed for its excessive partying :P

And yes Caley Stan, a vital lesson learnt from ICT :P

[DornochCaley]

Although the topic conversation has gone beyond posters simply listing their political stance, I've only just read the thread so I'm taking it back to the start

And am no doubt going to make myself immediately even more unpopular by declaring I am a member of the Conservative & Unionist Party, and would place myself on the further right of the party.

A man almost as far from my own heart as possible it seems. Just curious though, what is it that makes you support them? Or be so Right-wing?

Since i first got into politics and looked at the issues it was clear to me I was a conservative (small c), and it was after long deliberation I decided to join the Conservative Party. The reason being that David Cameron and other Tory leaders in recent years have moved the party into the centre to win over floating voters, and have advocated what Cameron refers to as a new "liberal conservatism". If Cameron considers himself a liberal conservative then I am most certainly a conservative conservative Despite this I do like Cameron and believe he will make an excellent Prime Minister after the election.

Socially I believe that the party's distancing itself from opposition to immigration and increased gay rights is incorrect, however it is nice to see the party still stands firm for supporting the family. These are the sorts of issues I believe in and I believe the Conservatives are the best party for me. There is a faction within the Conservative Party's MPs called the "Cornerstone Group", trying to promote what it views as the "Cornerstones" of a successful and moral life - Faith, Flag and Family. It advocates support for the Church of England, the family unit and patriotism. Were I a Conservative MP I would certainly be quick to associate myself with this group!

The one area I majorly disagree with the party on is over protectionism - while it has been seen as a fundamental Conservative policy in the past to oppose protectionism in the economy, I actually view it as beneficial for the most part and necessary in some circumstances.

So I suppose I am a fairly unusual Conservative Party member (not the least being that I am 17 years old and live in Scotland - Not exactly Conservative core vote), but I would say while I agree with the party enough to become a member, there are quite a few policy issues I do not agree with and hope to see the party alter. In short, that the party has moved too far into the centre and needs to, on most issues, return further to the right.

Well i suppose someone has to support them ;)

[Guest]

Although the topic conversation has gone beyond posters simply listing their political stance, I've only just read the thread so I'm taking it back to the start

And am no doubt going to make myself immediately even more unpopular by declaring I am a member of the Conservative & Unionist Party, and would place myself on the further right of the party.

A man almost as far from my own heart as possible it seems. Just curious though, what is it that makes you support them? Or be so Right-wing?

Since i first got into politics and looked at the issues it was clear to me I was a conservative (small c), and it was after long deliberation I decided to join the Conservative Party. The reason being that David Cameron and other Tory leaders in recent years have moved the party into the centre to win over floating voters, and have advocated what Cameron refers to as a new "liberal conservatism". If Cameron considers himself a liberal conservative then I am most certainly a conservative conservative Despite this I do like Cameron and believe he will make an excellent Prime Minister after the election.

Socially I believe that the party's distancing itself from opposition to immigration and increased gay rights is incorrect, however it is nice to see the party still stands firm for supporting the family. These are the sorts of issues I believe in and I believe the Conservatives are the best party for me. There is a faction within the Conservative Party's MPs called the "Cornerstone Group", trying to promote what it views as the "Cornerstones" of a successful and moral life - Faith, Flag and Family. It advocates support for the Church of England, the family unit and patriotism. Were I a Conservative MP I would certainly be quick to associate myself with this group!

The one area I majorly disagree with the party on is over protectionism - while it has been seen as a fundamental Conservative policy in the past to oppose protectionism in the economy, I actually view it as beneficial for the most part and necessary in some circumstances.

So I suppose I am a fairly unusual Conservative Party member (not the least being that I am 17 years old and live in Scotland - Not exactly Conservative core vote), but I would say while I agree with the party enough to become a member, there are quite a few policy issues I do not agree with and hope to see the party alter. In short, that the party has moved too far into the centre and needs to, on most issues, return further to the right.

Well i suppose someone has to support them ;)

Sorry to say DC that although I don't agree with Tom's politics, his post here is far better constructed and argued than any of yours in this thread and if the two of you were up for election I would give my vote to him based upon the fact that I do not agree with party politics and give my vote on the candidate rather than his/her party.

[ictchris]

Socially I believe that the party's distancing itself from opposition to immigration and increased gay rights is incorrect, however it is nice to see the party still stands firm for supporting the family. These are the sorts of issues I believe in and I believe the Conservatives are the best party for me. There is a faction within the Conservative Party's MPs called the "Cornerstone Group", trying to promote what it views as the "Cornerstones" of a successful and moral life - Faith, Flag and Family. It advocates support for the Church of England, the family unit and patriotism. Were I a Conservative MP I would certainly be quick to associate myself with this group!

The one area I majorly disagree with the party on is over protectionism - while it has been seen as a fundamental Conservative policy in the past to oppose protectionism in the economy, I actually view it as beneficial for the most part and necessary in some circumstances.

So I suppose I am a fairly unusual Conservative Party member (not the least being that I am 17 years old and live in Scotland - Not exactly Conservative core vote), but I would say while I agree with the party enough to become a member, there are quite a few policy issues I do not agree with and hope to see the party alter. In short, that the party has moved too far into the centre and needs to, on most issues, return further to the right.

The whole political game about supporting 'the family' or supporting 'hard working families' is complete garbage. The Conservatives support for 'the family' is an absolute joke - tax breaks for marriage! Presumably this will encourage people not to get divorced as, although they may hate their partner, they'll pay ?25 a month less in tax if they get divorced! What a joke. The state should not get itself into a position of trying to 'nudge' anyone in the direction that the current government see's as right.

As for gay rights, why should the state take a partial position in terms of what people do in their private lives? If two men or two women want to get married or live together or make the two backed beast, why should the government stop them? People are sovereign over their own lives and bodies - people should be able to do whatever they want provided they do not demonstrably harm other people in doing it.

Why do you think protectionism is beneficial and necessary? This is, of course, a naive belief shared by the far right and the far left - protectionism is a leading cause of impoverishment and no serious proposals to increase protectionism are made by anyone in the modern sphere with any knowledge of economics.

There isn't really a difference between your politics and the politics of a socialist like DornochCaley - you both want centralised power to promote some ethereal goal, be is 'faith, flag and famliy' or the 'workers of the world'. Fundamentally, you both believe that the state should take powers from individual citizens to puruse a 'greater good', which is the thinking that drives tyrannies from Tsarist Russia to Democratic Kampuchea. On the positive side you are both young so hopefully will grow out of this nonsense by the time you actually have a vote.

[DornochCaley]

Although the topic conversation has gone beyond posters simply listing their political stance, I've only just read the thread so I'm taking it back to the start :P

And am no doubt going to make myself immediately even more unpopular by declaring I am a member of the Conservative & Unionist Party, and would place myself on the further right of the party.

A man almost as far from my own heart as possible it seems. Just curious though, what is it that makes you support them? Or be so Right-wing?

Since i first got into politics and looked at the issues it was clear to me I was a conservative (small c), and it was after long deliberation I decided to join the Conservative Party. The reason being that David Cameron and other Tory leaders in recent years have moved the party into the centre to win over floating voters, and have advocated what Cameron refers to as a new "liberal conservatism". If Cameron considers himself a liberal conservative then I am most certainly a conservative conservative :P Despite this I do like Cameron and believe he will make an excellent Prime Minister after the election.

Socially I believe that the party's distancing itself from opposition to immigration and increased gay rights is incorrect, however it is nice to see the party still stands firm for supporting the family. These are the sorts of issues I believe in and I believe the Conservatives are the best party for me. There is a faction within the Conservative Party's MPs called the "Cornerstone Group", trying to promote what it views as the "Cornerstones" of a successful and moral life - Faith, Flag and Family. It advocates support for the Church of England, the family unit and patriotism. Were I a Conservative MP I would certainly be quick to associate myself with this group!

The one area I majorly disagree with the party on is over protectionism - while it has been seen as a fundamental Conservative policy in the past to oppose protectionism in the economy, I actually view it as beneficial for the most part and necessary in some circumstances.

So I suppose I am a fairly unusual Conservative Party member (not the least being that I am 17 years old and live in Scotland - Not exactly Conservative core vote), but I would say while I agree with the party enough to become a member, there are quite a few policy issues I do not agree with and hope to see the party alter. In short, that the party has moved too far into the centre and needs to, on most issues, return further to the right.

Well i suppose someone has to support them ;)

Sorry to say DC that although I don't agree with Tom's politics, his post here is far better constructed and argued than any of yours in this thread and if the two of you were up for election I would give my vote to him based upon the fact that I do not agree with party politics and give my vote on the candidate rather than his/her party.

Fortunatly for me, i ain't here to win an election. I do find it rather hard to put my own opinions through though because even when i say the slightest thing on it i get shot down by a certain few people.

[DornochCaley]

Socially I believe that the party's distancing itself from opposition to immigration and increased gay rights is incorrect, however it is nice to see the party still stands firm for supporting the family. These are the sorts of issues I believe in and I believe the Conservatives are the best party for me. There is a faction within the Conservative Party's MPs called the "Cornerstone Group", trying to promote what it views as the "Cornerstones" of a successful and moral life - Faith, Flag and Family. It advocates support for the Church of England, the family unit and patriotism. Were I a Conservative MP I would certainly be quick to associate myself with this group!

The one area I majorly disagree with the party on is over protectionism - while it has been seen as a fundamental Conservative policy in the past to oppose protectionism in the economy, I actually view it as beneficial for the most part and necessary in some circumstances.

So I suppose I am a fairly unusual Conservative Party member (not the least being that I am 17 years old and live in Scotland - Not exactly Conservative core vote), but I would say while I agree with the party enough to become a member, there are quite a few policy issues I do not agree with and hope to see the party alter. In short, that the party has moved too far into the centre and needs to, on most issues, return further to the right.

The whole political game about supporting 'the family' or supporting 'hard working families' is complete garbage. The Conservatives support for 'the family' is an absolute joke - tax breaks for marriage! Presumably this will encourage people not to get divorced as, although they may hate their partner, they'll pay ?25 a month less in tax if they get divorced! What a joke. The state should not get itself into a position of trying to 'nudge' anyone in the direction that the current government see's as right.

As for gay rights, why should the state take a partial position in terms of what people do in their private lives? If two men or two women want to get married or live together or make the two backed beast, why should the government stop them? People are sovereign over their own lives and bodies - people should be able to do whatever they want provided they do not demonstrably harm other people in doing it.

Why do you think protectionism is beneficial and necessary? This is, of course, a naive belief shared by the far right and the far left - protectionism is a leading cause of impoverishment and no serious proposals to increase protectionism are made by anyone in the modern sphere with any knowledge of economics.

There isn't really a difference between your politics and the politics of a socialist like DornochCaley - you both want centralised power to promote some ethereal goal, be is 'faith, flag and famliy' or the 'workers of the world'. Fundamentally, you both believe that the state should take powers from individual citizens to puruse a 'greater good', which is the thinking that drives tyrannies from Tsarist Russia to Democratic Kampuchea. On the positive side you are both young so hopefully will grow out of this nonsense by the time you actually have a vote.

One of Hilter's policies was to do with marrage and increase the population. He gave extra money to those who got married, stayed married and those who had kids.

And although i am not a fan of homosexuals, people should have the freedom to choose who they love and who they are with. No Government should choose that for them. That is moving into the realm of totalitarianism.

In the ideological side of me, i am an Anarchist. I believe that the wealth should be shaired equally and the only people really fit to rule the working class are themselves. So really, there should be no centrelised government. Thats all a dream though.

The Realpolotik side of me reaslises that Communism will never, ever work. Socialism can though. Shortening the gap between the highest and lowest paid is something that can be acheived so that we live in a fairer society. Socialism will have its downsides. But so does the current system we are in. The banks being closed down. Many people out of the job. Banks being Nationalised yet the people, who's money bailed them out, get no say. Socialism is not perfect. But it is definately not worse than the current system we see ourselves under.