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Politesub53 -> RE: Liberalism and Conservatism..... (9/27/2008 3:02:34 AM)
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Both parties trace back to the Whigs, made up of Aristocrats who wanted to take power away from Royalty and give it to parliament. So in that respect, the goal was partly achieved. I say partly, as the first reform act opened the way for the middle classes to vote, taking votes away from the Aristocrats, and more into the hands of the people. The second reform act did much the same for the working class, or at least for Tradesmen and Artisans.
The current Tory party obviously needs the middle class masses to vote for them, yet so many policies dont actually help the man in the street. Thatcher came close, with the right to buy, yet she alienated many by doing that, along with selling off national assets, and reforming union laws too far in one direction.
The Liberals, or should i say the Lib Dems, failed to make the biggest breakthrough in my opinion, as many voters wanted a more centralist party. They had a great chance to push for change under the gang of four, but it just didnt happen. I think the problrm the Liberals have now, is they are seen as more of a "green" party and no longer a major player. The downfall began with the Lloyd George cash for honours scandal, i really dont think they have recovered.
The Labour party has seemed to swing away from its original ideals, and to me, seems more to be interested in staying in power, than actual change. I wonder how Kier Hardie would view all the power suppliers being in Foreign ownership ? My wish is for Labour to become truly socialist, working on behalf of both rich and poor. I know it wont happen but its a nice ideal. I am actually ashamed that the Labour party still deny membership to the people of Northern Ireland. What happened to being the party for the people ?
No party has been in constant power, so we have an ebb and flow in British politics, each party tinkering with public policy, sometimes just for tinkerings sake. Things have vastly improved for the poor, especially since the last century Read Jack londons "People of the Abyss" for a view of how the poor were forced to live 100 years ago, and you will see that things are far better, even if not perfect. Pick any government from the past and you will find good and bad legislation, much of which was formed within the constraints of the era. So it is hard to be overly critical now. Even Thatchers trade union laws, which i despise with a vengance, can be understood by looking at the strife of the 70s.
Sorry if this seems over long.
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