I might vote Tory but that doesn't make me a bad person

I am beginning to believe the silent majority is well represented on GN. We are just, for the large part, fairly silent . We don't hector non-conservative voters, we don't behave as if anyone who doesn't agree with us is, per se, stupid, blind, uncaring.
And no, I don't believe all the left wing voters are like that - many, as Mollie has said, have been gracious in defeat, which has been reassuring to witness. But I understand what Kitty is saying. There is a silent majority..... and a noisy and vociferous minority

For anyone who is interested, here's one analysis of the so called 'strong economy' argument put forward in support if the conservatives

mainlymacro.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/why-are-conservatives-so-incompetent-at.html?m=1

For what it's worth, my thoughts about conservative supporters and politicians are largely in accord with Mishap's. I am a socialist, so not really a Labour supporter but certainly the polar opposite of a conservative supporter. That doesn't mean I don't have friends of all shades, and I like and respect them. What I don't have, and wouldn't want, are friends who make cheap jibes and insults which add nothing to the debate. I don't think any one side of the debate has a monopoly on that behaviour but I have seen far more of it directed at those on the left on here today, rather than the other way round.

I tend to try not to comment on political threads, but in this instance I am happy to say that I, and the two others in the household voted Conservative.

I've never voted Labour in my life, and I don't think I'm a bad person either. For me it's the economy every time, because without a strong economy things that we ALL hold dear simply can't function properly. Sadly everything costs enormous amounts of money, and like household accounts the books HAVE to balance else misery and financial disaster is the order of the day and borrowing your way out of financial trouble is definitely not the answer, all that incurs is more debt which eventually HAS to be addressed. So for me to coin Bill Clinton's phrase, 'It's the economy, stupid'.

However, there are more of us on here than you would at first think, only some people don't post things, but are here never the less, which is exactly what happened Nationwide in the actual voting, the silent majority cast their vote.

Yes Mollie, we are all grown ups on here BUT most of us know exactly what Kitty means.

roses - indeed we all get off relatively lightly on here
I see both sides being magnaminous in victory - and gracious in defeat
do NOT read any Mumsnet thread where Conservatives are branded as the devil's spawn - not much graciousness in defeat there - all they can see is that anyone who does not agree with their ideology is evil and worse.
as I said on another thread - this is a democracy and democracy decided the outcome.

No such thing as getting off lightly on here!However, it is peculiar that the Labour supporters , also Greens , see everything in such black and white terms. Conservatives and even Lib Dems are hectored and lectured the whole time, so much so that it's hardly worth posting anything.They and only they know what is best for the poor of Britain, and only they 'care'.What rubbish.

I have never voted Tory in my life but I make no assumptions that Tories are bad people. And I include our Tory MP in that - he is a very decent chap and supports local causes to the hilt, often putting his hand in his own pocket.

It is a mistake to assume that because some people have concerns about the effects of Tory policies that we do not recognise fellow human beings doing their best to be of service to the country according to their ideas. I do not agree with them, but do not always impute evil motives.

There are unpleasant people in all parties; and none have a monopoly on conscience. It is just that they interpret it in different ways.

I think that Tory policies are likely to have a negative impact on disadvantaged people, but do not assume that they are motivated by a desire to make people miserable - they just believe in the idea of "trickle down" which feels pretty laughable if you are at the bottom of the heap.

Kitty nobody who has met you or got to know you in the virtual existence would aim vitriol at you and if it is any consolation it would be splashing all over me too. I consider myself a caring and compassionate person, I am not a bloated capitalist and we suffered appallingly when DH had to take his (private)pension when he became unable to work and we discovered that it was worth about half of what he had paid for by paying every possible penny during his last years at work after a lengthy period of ill health and unemployment which accompanied it. So we are pensioners, we do have our own house, but no perks like private medical care, cruises, foreign holidays and we have to watch the pennies.
But I voted Conservative for an MP I respect, whom I find helpful and approachable and I may feel in a minority on GN but stand by my decision.

Yes politics affects every aspect of our life, but we are free (thank God) to hold different beliefs and express them. Isn't that what democracy is about?

Don't speak too soon, merlot!

I thought we got off lightly

We're still getting the flak today, jingl...

Oh! It's an eat shoots and leaves thing. Sorry.

kitty It was yesterday sweetheart.