Are the UK electorate out of touch with reality?

Jonathan Swift on metropolitan elites for you, daphnedill.

I hope not. We need to make our voice heard. We are a large demographic and we are not all complacent compliant Tory voters. Speak up for what we believe is best for our children, grandchildren and our country.

Quite honestly, Luckygirl, I'm inclined to feel that we just need enough opposition bums on seats to make May feel a bit insecure and a bit more considering of the good of everyone in the country. Regardless of their quality.

Though, going on Corbyn's dismal record he'll just whip his members through on the government side of all votes..

As they say, often, on the mumsnet Wesminstenders threads, "We're f*cked really. Aren't we"

But not for long. I have just listened to a representative of the Labour party talking on PM. My heart is with their policies and the ethos behind them; but she was so vague about the detail as to render them unelectable; I thought Dianne Abbott was bad enough bu this lady truly took the biscuit.

the Tories want our votes

I don't think the tories do anything other than assume (correctly) that they have the older generation's votes in the bag and have no need to particularly please us.

We slightly to the left of centre grannies are an aberration really.

But in summary it was saying that it is possible that the years 1940s -1980s may be seen as an aberration, and in fact we are heading back to what is arguably a more normal economic and social reality.

That is very unnerving, whitewave.

I would agree that the postwar period (up to 1980) was certainly very different from anything before in British history. But what is so depressing is that in 1979 the country voted to return to a condition of servility and they are embracing it even more enthusiastically now.

As it pointed out in the article I quoted from in my first 'Marx' post; the views of the ruling elite have become the 'norm' even though there is no reason why they should be so, apart from deference.

Two quotes about Joe and Jo Public that I like:

“The public is never wrong. We lose elections because we deserve to.” Alan Johnson

"In a democracy, you cannot choose your opponents, your press, or your electorate. If your guide to election victory is based on changing any of these three components, or a misunderstanding of what they are, then you will lose." Conor Pope.

Hear hear varian.

I love that sketch Anya

When our grandchildren's schools are told that their budgets will be cut to such an extent that teachers will be sacked, classes will get bigger and parents are being asked to fund books and essential equipment, we should protest. (I'm not in favour of a pensioners party but we do have a fair bit of clout - and the Tories want our votes).

Tell them to stop any plans for new un-needed "free schools" and grammar schools which will damage the education of most children in the areas where the priveleged few are creamed off, and spend the money on good schools for all of our grandchildren.

schools have never been so well funded Well apparently not according to what George Osborne has apparently written in an editorial in the ES. Now in his new incarnation you could be forgiven thinking he'd was an interested observer in what had gone on during the Coalition and not the instigator of austerity policies.

No, Brexit is going to happen, no matter what. Don't kid yourself that Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn would change that. Jeremy was always very anti-Europe as a back bencher, he only paid lip service to the 'remain' campaign as he was caught between his conviction and political expediency. Theresa May was very quick to throw her hat into the ring after Brexit when Cameron jumped ship so her 'remain' convictions were soon cast aside.

So don't fool yourself this is about Brexit. It's about power and how our country will be governed over the next 5 years. Yes, Mrs May wants her 'mandate' but that is more power. I personally don't believe a word she says. Reduce unrestricted immigration? Not possible for at least the next 4-5 years, and besides she's promised that before, often! How about protecting workers rights? Yes, a year off without pay to look after a relative ....don't all rush at once will you!

Policies that affect us. She says schools have never been so well funded. really? Well that's about to end......

I don't trust her, I don't believe her and I don't think she's up to the job.

Surely this election is about both Brexit and what policies are in store. I'm concerned about the best outcome for Brexit and the policies that will affect us all; the two aren't mutually exclusive.

Doing well aren't we?

I cannot think of any generation in history that has been more fortunate. It would be a terrible indictment if we were seen in time as the generation which left the country, indeed the world in a much worse state.

tricia if it does turn out to be true, then we are a blessed generation.

I can't make head or tail of his last sentence! What did you mean, James?Do you think we're not considering future generations?

jugger its because we are women - but I can live with it.

In all the vox pops I have heard since the election was called the voice of the population has been reasoned and remarkably hard-nosed. They may not know which party has which policy, but essentially most say, 'they promise the world and never deliver' and 'Yes, but how do they intend to pay for it all?'

Inthe end any extra taxation, whoever actually pays it, comes out of our pockets.

Is it only me who thinks James 2451 is being just a tad patronising?

I've heard that view before,*whitewave*. It was someone on a radio phonein, arguing that the only time the UK (and England especially) accepted socialist views was during and after WW2, when everyone was in the same boat. Then by 1980 it returned to the status quo of rule by the moneyed classes. It's only the composition of the moneyed classes that has changed.

I must try to find an article that I was skimming this morning. But in summary it was saying that it is possible that the years 1940s -1980s may be seen as an aberration, and in fact we are heading back to what is arguably a more normal economic and social reality. The state will do very little more than defence and other obsolutely necessary things - like educating the workforce to the bare minimum necessary. But everything we now or have in the immediate past taken for granted will disappear.

Interesting theory. Many on the hard right would undoubtedly agree.

DD your post reminded me of this Two Ronnies update sketch....see above.

Are we all taking this too seriously?

Thank you Anya. I'm going out,so I'll have a think about the article in more depth later.

I see what seems to be happening as a battle between different elites - like a Medieval battle between kings.

It seems that there is a powerful group (of mainly men), who want to replace the current establishment. They seem to want to rip up protections and rights which the non-elite have gradually acquired over the centuries.

I would go further than the article, because I think the definition of those who are smeared as "elite" is much broader than the mega-wealthy and mega-powerful.