I sometimes get frustrated when threads become centred on what our differences are, rather than on our shared values. This is especially evident, understandably, on the overtly political threads.
There are things that I think we can all agree on and outlining these things can help us to find common ground as a starter for re-thinking how, as a society and within communities, we can address some of the problems we see around us; particularly problems relating to poverty.
I run a homelessness charity and I get huge amounts of support from people right across the political spectrum, so I know that personal politics need not (and in my own experience does not) limit people's willingness to try to make a difference.
So, what can we agree on? What I note from the people who support my project are:
*That we share values of compassion and justice.
*That we acknowledge we all rely on public services in some way and that people who are struggling may need additional help.
*That as a society and a community we care about people and we have a moral duty to look out for each other.
*That although the economy can restrict people’s options, it can also be adapted or changed.
*That our social security system can be improved to release people from the restrictions the economy places on them.
*That people (almost anyone) can be drawn into poverty, by circumstances such as poor health, low wages, relationship breakdown, redundancy or increasing living costs.
I think (hope) that if we focus on these shared themes there would be a surprising amount of agreement.
