Sick of Starmer relentlessly using the words"difficult " & "painful"

I completely agree with you Dickens. Any government of any colour is committed to maintaining the status quo. Some may present a slightly more compassionate front, most will talk about being tough for the greater good .

I’m sad to say, they will all look after themselves and their friends. There doesn’t seem to be any notion of public service any longer, it’s all about what’s in it for them. I’m so disappointed in this government, and I didn’t expect much to be honest.

Yes I agree with your thoughts too Dickens

Of course, the status quo, and the elephant in the room is capitalism. I happened to comment to my son that I didn’t think capitalism was working out too well. He replied that it’s working out perfectly, doing exactly what it’s meant to do ie. keeping the rich, rich and becoming even richer, and keeping the rest of us in our place. One we realise that, and that those in power actually don’t give a monkeys’ about the rest of us except as a means to their ends, it all makes perfect sense.

And no, I’m not suggesting we should have a revolution (but nothing else will change anything).

Summed up the situation extremely well Dickens

I will add that those in the middle are often overlooked and left to their own devices, juggling with childcare struggling mortgages and bills.

Cuba, North Korea, Laos and a few others are examples of non capitalist countries it seems. Interesting.

ronib

Cuba, North Korea, Laos and a few others are examples of non capitalist countries it seems. Interesting.

We are fortunate that many of the richest people in the U.K. have come from poor backgrounds.

It is still possible to make your fortune here.

Much preferable to living under a regime like the ones you have mentioned.

I would add China to the list.

ronib I did say I’m not suggesting a revolution. Nor am I suggesting there is a perfect alternative. Please don’t see everything simplistically .

Every five years we have the opportunity for the shop to be under new management. All Starmer is doing is moving the goods around onto different shelves, but it's still the same shop selling the same goods

Looking around at the world today, it's more like rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic

GrannyGravy that’s great for those from a poor background who have made their fortune. Wonderful that they have made it. The problem is, it leaves a feeling that anyone can do it, and if you don’t then it’s because you didn’t have the ability/ knack/ work ethic or whatever. Many more people don’t make their fortune but work just as hard to keep the wheels turning.

Whilst I agree at times capitalism lets us down in many respects, particularly with the advent of the new great satans big kids on the block that have emerged, Amazon et al. The communist alternative has never worked, they're all pretty much failed states with very hard line oppressive governments, just look how many people have fled Venezuela. I had an interesting chat with a young Venezuelan guy who was waiting on tables in Seville when we were there, and I remember him telling us how desperate things were there for the ordinary citizen, whilst as ever with those that seize power in such places, Maduro and his corrupt cohorts were living high on the hog, whilst the ordinary citizen barely had enough to eat, we have the watered down version.

Having put my absolute faith in Blair when he swept to power, and ever since thinking we're just let down time and time again with his lies and successive governments, I asked my dear son, is there any politician out there who you feel is " a what you see, is what you get" he replied well "Jeremy (Corbyn) is pretty true to his principles imo, but I know you'd never vote for him" "damn right" said I, "look who he's in thrall to".

nightowl

GrannyGravy that’s great for those from a poor background who have made their fortune. Wonderful that they have made it. The problem is, it leaves a feeling that anyone can do it, and if you don’t then it’s because you didn’t have the ability/ knack/ work ethic or whatever. Many more people don’t make their fortune but work just as hard to keep the wheels turning.

I agree in part, but it is possible.

It is a fact of life that there will always be some that jog along at the bottom of society and I am in favour of a safety net via Government Benefits for them.

I am also in favour of a system that helps them get into paid work, as I think working and provide for yourself and family is beneficial mentally and financially.

Obviously I appreciate that some disabled (mentally and physically) are unable to work, they are in need of family and State support.

Casdon

I’m sick and tired of the whinging rather than of Starmer, because he is right. It is going to be difficult and painful.

Yes it is because he’s making it difficult & painful.
They can afford to pay these train drivers shit loads, who are already on a massive wage & foreign aid to the tune of millions- where is that going to end up, in some dodgy governments back sack ( pocket)?

Wait for it, nothing definite in the budget yet, but the rumour mill is up and running, and producing results.Letter from my local council re single rate council tax, having to confirm wether I still am. Can imagine some will say yes, when they really aren't, I'm a cynic!!
Awaiting the budget outcome, when singles, wether old or young, will have to pay the same council tax as say, a family of four or more, to their local council.

ronib

Cuba, North Korea, Laos and a few others are examples of non capitalist countries it seems. Interesting.

... these countries are always touted as the only alternative every time anyone questions Capitalism!

You do realise it's possible to have a mixed-economy - healthy Capitalism and decent social and welfare services?

Capitalism is great for selling stuff, but commoditising essentials like health, water, energy, and other services, impoverishes the nation.

A government should invest in its people, a healthy, well-paid, comparatively content people are good for the economy.

Allira

^Every five years we have the opportunity for the shop to be under new management. All Starmer is doing is moving the goods around onto different shelves, but it's still the same shop selling the same goods^

Looking around at the world today, it's more like rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic

Well put

Can I make it clear to those who appear to believe that questioning Capitalism automatically assumes Communism or its variants is the only alternative - that there are, in fact, different forms of Capitalism?

Free-Market Capitalism isn't the only form.

Dickens okay. Maybe we don’t have much stuff to sell/export these days?

Oh dear,

ronib

Dickens okay. Maybe we don’t have much stuff to sell/export these days?

In May this year, we were the world's fourth largest exporter of goods and services*, so we certainly do have stuff to sell!

(* SOURCE - "The Conversation - United Kingdom" - a non-profit, limited company and a registered charity.)

From what I can make out though, the goods zone lags behind the services sector.

... and Margaret Thatcher's 'de-industrialisation' of the north / north east means we're no longer big competitors in shipbuilding, steel and mining...

But, yes - we do have stuff to sell.

Dickens I am very surprised to hear this - I thought after Brexit the Uk wasn’t exporting much at all. To see that we are the fourth largest exporter of goods and services is astonishing…..

GG13 is this for real? 😧

ronib

GG13 is this for real? 😧

opendemocracy.net

It is all over social media.

I am hoping someone will come on and disprove it 🤷‍♀️

Allira, well put, it is just like re arranging the deckchairs on the Titanic!

BevSec

Allira, well put, it is just like re arranging the deckchairs on the Titanic!

Not just this government, they all think they have to make their mark.

Constantly rearranging everything doesn't always lead to more efficiency and often results in millions or billions of pounds lost in the process.

Yes I agree, it is all governments.