I joined the Labour Party today.
It’s really easy for the smug Tories to have a pop at the govt right now just as it was for New Labour to act that way back in 1997. Of course some are smug, some realistic and some just plain childish but that says more about them than their party. So why join?
It is a case of putting money where my mouth is to be honest. I do not believe in the core values of the Conservatives. Those smug Tories now can be quiet because I lived through Thatcher’s time – I have seen what those values are and I do not like. And when those smug Tories say “Ah but it’s not like that now” they will be the same ones who in 1997 said that New Labour had sold out to get into power. Anyway, I do not like what they stand for. There is only one Conservative MP I admire – Anne Widdecombe.
There are several Labour MP’s I admire – Tony Benn, Dennis Skinner, Frank Field, Gordon Brown, John Prescott. I am perfectly aware these are Old Labour but if their values persist – which I believe they do – then they are values I share, they are values I want to see used, supported and if my joining and paying a few £ a month helps then all is good. Giving time may be involved, not sure about that yet for practical reasons. And it is not that I am joining because I think Prescott threw a great punch at that guy or that Frank Field should have been listened to more. It is because I believe that what Labour stands for is right. You have to take the long view and for me the Left offers me for us than the Right. (and no, the Centre doesn’t work for me. Pick a side..)

Apparently I can make a blog at the Labour site. I’ll pass on that one :)