Is Boris/Tory bashing fair?

This chart, from the World Economic Forum, shows inflation cates in 40 countries at end June 2022 and I thought it was interesting.

I think the WEF is a reputable research group, I’ve read a few articles from them recently about inflation. I know statistics can be skewed and I am no expert but I prefer to read a chart rather than listen to possibly exaggerated quotes taken out of context in our newspapers.

I actually think David Cameron was a far worse Prime Minister than Boris Johnson. Boris Johnson is loud, noisy and we can all see what he is doing and he gets found out again, and again and again.

David Cameron actually did more in a quiet way to enable BJ to gain power. He was a PR man through and through and chopped and changed policies to meet the public mood, and his sheer careless laziness over the referendum led to Brexit.

He made it possible for BJ to be taken seriously as a possible party leader and PM.

MaizieD

Since when did 'critical of' become 'bashing'?

I think it could be since "mood" politics took over. You only have to look at the word "bashing" to realise we are talking to child-like minds. You then have a PM who is there, not to talk politics but to create a mood. When you have a life-changing policy, such as leaving the EU, chased, not because it was a good policy, it had no policy, but because it met the "mood", it becomes obvious you are playing to the kids.

Once you get your head around that, playing to the "it's not fair" children becomes a given.

However, something for the Tories to "think on". Having played this card for the last three years, it seems that the children wish to start being grown-ups again. Mood Theory is showing holes. Having been unable to pull Johnson out of the mire, it appears to also be ceasing to do the same for the party he has trashed.

Yes, it’s fair, governments and politicians should be called out on their actions.

I think there are Tory voters... and then there are "Boris" fans. And it appears that it's the latter who believe any criticism of him (or his party) is simply "bashing" which implies that it's just being done for the sake of "having a pop". Because, in the former group - the Tory voters, especially the traditional ones, there are also those who are critical of the man, whilst still being faithful to the party.

The problem for people like me who are politically 'homeless' is that I can sometimes appreciate the values of both Right and Left. I do believe in 'personal responsibility' (in so far as a person is fit, well and able), at the same time, I also endorse "for the many, not the few" - although I was never a 'Corbynista'.

So I would just like to declare that when I am saying what I think about Johnson, it is not just for the sake of taking an opportunity to "bash" him. I genuinely believe he suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I think Starmer is an Appeaser. As for Corbyn, I don't quite know what to think about him, except that the LP was riddled with bitter, factional in-fighting under his leadership; and I do believe he failed to grasp sometimes what really mattered to people.

I do however think that condemning Johnson for his appearance - I've heard him called a 'lard-arse' on FB many times - is bashing for the sake of it. In the same way that Corbyn was criticised for the way he dressed. Shaming someone for their weight or appearance is IMO pretty low. And there's plenty to criticise both men for, without stooping to that level.

That's it! Interesting topic...

I think the current government is terrible, the worst this country has had in living memory. Johnson is a lying, dishonest, self serving charlatan, who deserves to be called out, I have no sympathy for him whatsoever.
However, I don’t think all Tory MPs are in the same mould, there are honourable people in the party as there are in all parties. I don’t agree with their views but I can respect them.

If I could find anything good that the Conservative Party have done over the past 12 years I would happily applaud it. I do contact MP’s of all parties if I think they’ve done something worthwhile ( because I realised a long time ago that people are quick to criticise but rarely thank people) but the only time I’ve contacted any Conservative MP’s is when they’ve had the guts to criticise their own party.

M0nica
You must also remember, that just because someone thinks differently to you, it does not mean that you have monopoly of everything that is right and they are all wrong. It just means that you see things differently. It is this total inability of one party's supporters to have any respect for their opponents that is the reason are politicians of every hue are so inadequate.
Regardless of the current mess, your post is very accurate.

I would have thought he would have gained more insight by doing a shift with a hospital porter and then a cleaner!

MaizieD

Since when did 'critical of' become 'bashing'?

I've no idea Maizie, but the OP obviously wanted to discuss the usage of the word and the effects having mentioned it both in the title and in the post three times.

MaizieD

Since when did 'critical of' become 'bashing'?

I think it fits in with Johnson’s soundbites which is the level he’s dragged our politics down to. And I’ll continue to be critical of him until until he has been thoroughly investigated for the things he’s done over the past few years. He might be gone but he’s not going to be forgotten by me. And not for the right reasons.

Perhaps Bozo the clown wouldn't be bashed so much if he hadn't swept into power with a To Do list that out Trumped Trump. All those promises, all world beating of course. Even his "Oven Ready" brexit deal turned out to be still half frozen. Of course he's going to be bashed, look at his behaviour in the last week - his Leaving Party which is now widely believed to be the Wedding Party he was supposed to have moved elsewhere - and his joy ride in a fighter plane because as Prime Minister he should know how fighter pilots work! Seems a bit late to be finding out when he's got weeks left at best.

Since when did 'critical of' become 'bashing'?

I am a Tory supporter but do not take part in any political discussions on here as you will not change my opinions nor I yours.

I know how you feel Joseanna I supporter the policies of Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell. Those like me were derided and called "cultist" and "Corbinistas" etc. etc.
Funnily enough, this did not encourage me to change my mind.

Suffice to say I will continue to ‘bash’ ......... maybe such postings may make one or more of the fervent Tory supporters to take moment think how different our government could and should be!
As a Tory supporter, I can be led and persuaded by sensible arguments to look at things from a different perspective, but I cannot be driven by bludgeoning which is what bashing amounts to. It has the opposite effect.

Since most people on GN are anything but BJ/Conservative supporters and have had much fun bashing Boris ever since he took over. I am not clear what point you are making.

I would also add that frankly I do not think there is any party or any politician in this country at the moment who I would trust with organising a p*ss up in brewery, let alone governing this country.

You must also remember, that just because someone thinks differently to you, it does not mean that you have monopoly of everything that is right and they are all wrong. It just means that you see things differently. It is this total inability of one party's supporters to have any respect for their opponents that is the reason are politicians of every hue are so inadequate.