GOVERNMENT FOR RICH

GENERAL SCENARIO.

LABOUR PARTY has traditionally been associated with looking after welfare of the working classes, but during the last 11 years we have seen a massive change of direction. Modern NEW LABOUR has cynically moved its support to those with wealth and any attempts to demonstrate otherwise have been token gestures hidden within the framework of muddled policies. Welfare Benefits, Tax Credits, Winter Fuel Payments and the rest merely divert attention away from the ever-increasing Wealth Gap, and politicians are doing very nicely with remuneration from the bottomless taxpayers’ treasure chest, fulfilling their own financial security with impunity.

Even County and District Councillors, particularly the Elite Cabinets, have jumped on the bandwagon, and they always find reasons to defend their actions when telling the taxpayer what cannot be afforded. To rub salt into the wound, any out-of-balance situation is by comparison to others above them in the pay league, but they never bother to look behind. With the amount of expenses, back pay that is part of salary scale revamping, and overall employment cost, Council Tax is now more akin to a Local Government wage and pension contribution package funded by residents. If anyone has got some decent road surfacing spare we could do with it in the Cannock area. Likewise, a few of those Policemen/women guarding the Olympic Torch wouldn’t go amiss on our streets.

WEALTH GAP - full steam ahead.

During my campaigning period I have compiled graphics comparing MPs’ Salaries to State Pensions and below is an example that reflects the General Scenario:

* MPs voted to accept a below inflation increase. What an honourable and considerate action!

GOVERNMENT PROVIDING WEALTH FOR THE CHOSEN FEW – MODERN POLITICS A SOCIAL EVIL.

I have seen/heard comments that we should not practise politics of jealousy, and three of the candidates for deputy leader of the Labour Party said that taxing rich to reduce the wealth gap was not the right way; providing opportunities for lower paid to do it by achievement is their idea of a better system.

FAR FROM BEING JEALOUS, I AM FUMING AT SUCH ARROGANT DISMISSAL OF BLATANT INJUSTICE AND PATHETIC EXCUSES PUT FORWARD AS A SOLUTION.

FAILED POLICIES.

Government’s chosen route has failed a lot of citizens, not just Pensioners, in many directions, not least with COUNCIL TAX, UTILITY COSTS and BASIC STATE PENSION.

They are hooked on hit-and-miss benefit policies designed to maintain a state of flux, always then leaving an opportunity for them to say “We have achieved a lot, but there is still much more to be done” - it keeps them in a job.

INCOME TAX DISPARITY.

Government pathetically handled abolishment of the 10p Tax Band, particularly discussion about how it adversely affected some in the lower paid ranks and potential knee-jerk solutions that would redress the situation. Debate totally clouded the answer – HIGHER TAXATION FOR THE RICH. Listening to politicians from all parties makes one think that those who lost this level of taxation, with subsequent reduction in earnings, are a bunch of segregated lepers, and a special solution has to be found, albeit it would be difficult. What a load of typical political rubbish. Then Brown said the impact could be offset by tax credits should anybody care or dare to make an application given the fiasco we have seen in the past. Darling said there could be no re-writing of his budget and shortfalls would have to be considered next time. Watch out for the perks next year as he tries to start buying votes to keep the current regime in power. Yvette Cooper (namesake, but thankfully no relation) was yet another government spokesperson who tried defending the indefensible. All three spoke from a base of financial security at taxpayers’ expense (£63,291/annum basic salary) and will benefit from the new 20p tax rate, while telling 5 million+ in lower paid categories they have to pay more. In trying to dilute a backbench revolt, Brown and Darling created a new unit of currency! Lower paid will be able to pay for their shopping with BROWN’S UNDERSTANDING, subject to retailers playing ball. The stench of the abolishing the 10p band makes the fragrance from a cesspit smell like roses.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

To hell with such belligerent political obstinacy from those who have not got to suffer hardship from policies they have devised. A General Election has got to be called between now and March 2010, and for many I am sure it cannot come too soon. Read my views here - Vote - don't lose it.

OTHER POINTS.

Given the foregoing, can there be anything else rubbing citizens up the wrong way? What about Europe? We are going to get the infamous Amending Treaty (alias Constitution) come hell or high water, because Brown says so. In his book the majority of 60+ million who say otherwise are totally out of step and (order-round-the-room) he is in charge. Have you seen the way they do business in Brussels? Take a look at this link – www.NoRemoteControl.org. Numerous regulations, affecting us, are voted through at the speed of light; doubtful if anyone knows the amount of duplications and contradictions that have been passed. All of this from a body that cannot get its accounts audited. See more here – Europe.

Is there a bright side? What about FREE NATIONAL BUS TRAVEL FOR OVER 60’s? Now for anyone totally dependant on State Benefits the terminology is correct. However, consider the situation for elderly who have a Private Pension, where the amount is almost certainly liable to tax, and they are paying full Council Tax. These people are contributing to the scheme and therefore it is not free. Of course in true government style it comes with strings attached – time restrictions, and a multiplicity of local arrangements make it difficult to know if there are other geographical benefits. Would be nice to think that using the Pass to a few far and wide destinations would be a pleasant experience, but it begs the question “Will there be enough money to enjoy the amenities after paying for rising cost of living, and what about toilet facilities given the closure programmes adopted by local councils”?

Add to everything said so far Means Testing (read what Brown said in 1993 here – Means Testing - Mr Brown's words), Restoration of the State Pension Link to Earnings in the far-distant future (assuming they are in power and it is affordable), Spin, Hypocrisy, Propaganda, Petrol Prices (60%+ is tax), and there is little to enthuse about.

Whether change of administration will radically alter the situation is debatable, but it would at least provide light relief, if only on a temporary basis; who knows it might just surprise us and make things fairer! Must take up smoking a pipe while I dream about pigs flying.

Now comes another kick in the teeth – estimated cost of 2012 Olympics has more than doubled from £4 billion to £9.3 billion. On top of this we have the Northern Rock fiasco, with massive amounts of taxpayers’ money being pumped into the banking system to cover for gross mis-management. Chief Executives will continue to prosper and sleep easy while the rest of us suffer; watch how their contracts will have provided for huge rewards, even during the hours of failure.

Is this the result of government totally out of line with reality, and not knowing what it is doing, or is there a hidden agenda? Either way it is no wonder they are continually looking to hand control of this country to Europe. Latest revelation from there is refusal to publicise a report covering MEP Expenses (another gravy train). They must have a lot to hide!

ONE GLIMMER OF HOPE.

Other than praying, what can be done? See my views here – Campaigning - missing link.

22 April 2008 (modified 4 February 2009 & 11 March 2010).