The Lib-Dem thread.

[Invictus_88]

Yes, of all people to make this thread...it's me.

Still, I console myself that giving the poor lot a thread makes them no less the unelectable whipping-boy of the British party political system.

Now, Simon may want a word in here..

Word.

..what do people think of the pressure within the party to depose Kennedy as leader?

Also, feel free to add whatever Lib-Dem orientated comments and take the thread in whatever Lib-Dem direction you wish.  

[Nebelstern]

Menzies fo' real!

He should so be leader. 3nodding  

[A Lost Iguana]

Are the Lib Dems a liberal party or a socially democratic party?  

[emmamme]

They shouldn't get rid of Charles Kennedy!

If they do that they may actually start to form an opposition! (Not a lib dem fan).
That man has the fence pole so far up his posterior..... How can they form an effective opposition when they don't oppose anything?

I was a Lib Dem, until I started watching Daily Politics, and reading the news, and realized they stood for, well, nothing, except to oppose the other two parties.
We should replace the Lib Dems with the Green Party; at least then their votes would be used for good other than for the purpose of backing up Tony Blair.

 

[Niphredil Ithilmir]

Come on, the Green party is more of a single-minded get-together. Menzies (how do you pronounce that, by the way? I've never figured this out) is preferable over Kennedy, IMO.. during the election he was the only one who really dealt any blows to the other parties. The party needs a bit of backbone.

Although I do support the LDs generally. ^^;;  

[Invictus_88]

A Lost Iguana

Are the Lib Dems a liberal party or a socially democratic party?

Generally, I hope that the Tories will beacome more truly liberal. In line with their best traditions.

The lib/dems seem to be a mix of socially democratic and transient petty vote-hunting.

Outside of the Tories, I root for the Greens. Which is unorthodox, I know.  

[emmamme]

Invictus_88

A Lost Iguana

Are the Lib Dems a liberal party or a socially democratic party?

Generally, I hope that the Tories will beacome more truly liberal. In line with their best traditions.

The lib/dems seem to be a mix of socially democratic and transient petty vote-hunting.

Outside of the Tories, I root for the Greens. Which is unorthodox, I know.

Wow, you have the same political agenda as me! I didn't think there were any other Tory & Green supporters out there! Yey!  

[Invictus_88]

I can see the tories taking a greener stance in the near future, the issue is a very real one and only being kept down by the way people cease to take it seriously as a result of stigma toward Greenpeacey-hippyism.

Personally though, it is more of an issue than immigration. It certianly matters more.  

[Boolean Julian]

Invictus_88

A Lost Iguana

Are the Lib Dems a liberal party or a socially democratic party?

Generally, I hope that the Tories will beacome more truly liberal. In line with their best traditions.

The lib/dems seem to be a mix of socially democratic and transient petty vote-hunting.

Outside of the Tories, I root for the Greens. Which is unorthodox, I know.

Liberal is the most misunderstood word in politics.
For a start, there are two very different kinds of liberalism, economic liberalism and social liberalism. The two concern totally different things and are not particularly closely related.

Social liberalism = people should be free to make choices about how to live their lives. Eg, no laws concerning wearing car seatbelts, or excessing drinking.

Economic liberlism = generally rather right wing. People should be free to make as much money as they choose without interference from the state. Shouldn't have to use money to benefit anyone except themselves unless they want to.

Apologies for the gross over-simplifications, couldn't be bothered to write much more.  

[Invictus_88]

whapcapn

Invictus_88

A Lost Iguana

Are the Lib Dems a liberal party or a socially democratic party?

Generally, I hope that the Tories will beacome more truly liberal. In line with their best traditions.

The lib/dems seem to be a mix of socially democratic and transient petty vote-hunting.

Outside of the Tories, I root for the Greens. Which is unorthodox, I know.

Liberal is the most misunderstood word in politics.
For a start, there are two very different kinds of liberalism, economic liberalism and social liberalism. The two concern totally different things and are not particularly closely related.

Social liberalism = people should be free to make choices about how to live their lives. Eg, no laws concerning wearing car seatbelts, or excessing drinking.

Economic liberalism = generally rather right wing. People should be free to make as much money as they choose without interference from the state. Shouldn't have to use money to benefit anyone except themselves unless they want to.

Apologies for the gross over-simplifications, couldn't be bothered to write much more.

Well that's true, both your separation of the two liberal stances and that the word liberal is often misunderstood.

I'm liberal in both regards, though more strongly in the social sphere. You'll not find me arguing too strongly for economic liberalism until I've learned enough to crystallise my opinions into something more defensible.  

[Shadow of an Illusion]

Invictus_88

Generally, I hope that the Tories will beacome more truly liberal. In line with their best traditions.

The lib/dems seem to be a mix of socially democratic and transient petty vote-hunting.

Outside of the Tories, I root for the Greens. Which is unorthodox, I know.

The Greens are great. Their image isn't so great but still heart .
The Greens are so much better than the Tories and the Lib Dems.  

[Nebelstern]

I would like to see a return to their true centrist values, rather than see these worrying divides over right wing and left wing policies. It's a pity that people are judging Charles Kennedy over his image rather than his capabilities.

All a bit vain, and Presidential.

Must admit though, seems a shame he cannot control his party.  

[Invictus_88]

I must say, I respect Kennedy for admitting his treatment for drink. However that respect is eclipsed by his consistently having lied about it, and undermined by the suspicion that his confession could easily have been drawn out by someone threatening to expose him anyway.  

[Nebelstern]

LEADERSHIPELECTIONS!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4582930.stm

I do hope they elect Menzies Campbell. He's a wise and revered figure and would help offer a good solid alternative to David Cameron's youth and inexperience.  

[Mr. Bono Vox]

Invictus_88

I must say, I respect Kennedy for admitting his treatment for drink. However that respect is eclipsed by his consistently having lied about it, and undermined by the suspicion that his confession could easily have been drawn out by someone threatening to expose him anyway.

3nodding