Tuesday
13Mar2007
tygerland is back in the fold
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 6:28PM
I may have made a mistake.
I think I have jumped the gun.
Today I rejoined the Labour Party.
As you may or may not know, I left the Labour Party over Iraq. I believe the parliament was deliberately misled, and that the Labour Party made a fundamental error in following a rightwing cabal into a war of choice. I had promised myself that I would never rejoin until Blair was gone.
In the end I decided that if I wanted to debate and wax lyrical about the future post-Blair direction of the party, then I must be a member now.
However my membership is dependent on several things: -
We follow the recommendations of Peter Hain, and reassert Robin Cook’s idea of an ethical foreign policy. We sever our close links with the Bush administration and support a Democrat victory in ’08 (this does not mean we cannot have fruitful relations with any future Giuliani or McCain White House)
A Brown government scraps the proposed ID. Cards
We work towards further reform of the NHS, Home Office, and prison service – we demand returns on investment and force through necessary changes
We stop pandering to a rightwing press on criminal justice and look to European – mainly Scandinavian – successes in dealing with re-offending and drugs
We reduce our reliance on foreign-sourced energy, even if this means more nuclear power stations (yes, yes, I know we do not get Uranium from Kent, but I refer to our reliance on Russian gas, and Middle Eastern oil)
We offset a decision on replacing Trident (by refurbishing the current arsenal) for 10-years. I believe that the geopolitical tectonic plates are in a flux, and that in a decade, we’ll better know who our allies are, and where our priorities lie (although, ultimately, this blog would welcome Britain relinquishing its nuclear ‘deterrent’)
We have a consistent and critical approach to authoritarian regimes
We reform the House of Lords (although this now appears to be a given)
We have a full review of the tax system and look to simplify. I would like to see a greater use of incentives to shape behaviour and a simplification of the underlying tax code
The draconian, anti-democratic limits on legitimate protest are scrapped
I would like to see the proclivity of this government to control and monitor law-abiding people diminish. I accept this is a small country, and not the American Mid-West, but the current trend of authoritarianism is dangerous, illiberal, and contrary to liberty and democracy
I know I’m not in a position to demand anything. I’m just a blogger, shouting in the hope that someone is listening. Our leaders have a habit of not listening to us, and I doubt running a blog gives me any more clout that the average Joe, but these are my terms.
And if, a year into the next Labour administration, steps are not taken in a more liberal and progressive direction, and at least some progress is made towards the above demands, then I will indeed take my membership elsewhere.
I am very impressed with this interview by Peter Hain (who I support for the Deputy Leadership) in The New Statesman. Hain shares my belief that we need to be bold on the international stage, and be critical of both dictatorships and Neoconservatism alike.
As you know, this is a very internationalist blog, much more distracted with international affairs than it is with domestic policy, and this blog sees Peter Hain as an internationalist politician with genuine progressive credentials. We live in a globalised world, with porous borders, where no country can be insular – we must look forward and engage with the international community. This is why I believe that Hain would be an incomparable foil for a Brown government.
Hain is a team player who is prepared to be radical when contributing to policy debates, yet accepts the reality of collective cabinet decision-making. Any Deputy PM/Leader would need these complex skills, and simply being an old Labour stalwart, hankering for a more socialist direction, is not enough.
The reality of politics is that you are ultimately let down. I understand this. I am ready for this.
Dear readers,
I also promise that the instinctive independence of this blog is maintained. During my hiatus from the Labour Party this blog has been very critical of the government and its tribulations – I see no reason for this to change.
I’ll defend the Labour Party when – and if – it engages in rational progressive politics. I will not defend the authoritarian and reactionary politics of fear. And I will not defend legislation or taxation that hinders the advancement of the knowledge economy. Education is, and always will be, king.
I hope my more radical readers will understand my decision. This is not an endorsement of any aspect of Labour’s third term or the pending Brown government. Labour will be judged by its actions, but I hope, by being on the inside, I can do my little bit to shape the direction of this once venerable political party.
tygerland.net remains the home of occasionally acerbic, cultural and political comment.
Please keep reading.
I think I have jumped the gun.
Today I rejoined the Labour Party.
As you may or may not know, I left the Labour Party over Iraq. I believe the parliament was deliberately misled, and that the Labour Party made a fundamental error in following a rightwing cabal into a war of choice. I had promised myself that I would never rejoin until Blair was gone.
In the end I decided that if I wanted to debate and wax lyrical about the future post-Blair direction of the party, then I must be a member now.
However my membership is dependent on several things: -
I know I’m not in a position to demand anything. I’m just a blogger, shouting in the hope that someone is listening. Our leaders have a habit of not listening to us, and I doubt running a blog gives me any more clout that the average Joe, but these are my terms.
And if, a year into the next Labour administration, steps are not taken in a more liberal and progressive direction, and at least some progress is made towards the above demands, then I will indeed take my membership elsewhere.
I am very impressed with this interview by Peter Hain (who I support for the Deputy Leadership) in The New Statesman. Hain shares my belief that we need to be bold on the international stage, and be critical of both dictatorships and Neoconservatism alike.
As you know, this is a very internationalist blog, much more distracted with international affairs than it is with domestic policy, and this blog sees Peter Hain as an internationalist politician with genuine progressive credentials. We live in a globalised world, with porous borders, where no country can be insular – we must look forward and engage with the international community. This is why I believe that Hain would be an incomparable foil for a Brown government.
Hain is a team player who is prepared to be radical when contributing to policy debates, yet accepts the reality of collective cabinet decision-making. Any Deputy PM/Leader would need these complex skills, and simply being an old Labour stalwart, hankering for a more socialist direction, is not enough.
The reality of politics is that you are ultimately let down. I understand this. I am ready for this.
Dear readers,
I also promise that the instinctive independence of this blog is maintained. During my hiatus from the Labour Party this blog has been very critical of the government and its tribulations – I see no reason for this to change.
I’ll defend the Labour Party when – and if – it engages in rational progressive politics. I will not defend the authoritarian and reactionary politics of fear. And I will not defend legislation or taxation that hinders the advancement of the knowledge economy. Education is, and always will be, king.
I hope my more radical readers will understand my decision. This is not an endorsement of any aspect of Labour’s third term or the pending Brown government. Labour will be judged by its actions, but I hope, by being on the inside, I can do my little bit to shape the direction of this once venerable political party.
tygerland.net remains the home of occasionally acerbic, cultural and political comment.
Please keep reading.
Reader Comments (23)
I know you support Peter Hain although he doesn't support much of your policy platform. Will you consider giving your second pref (or first if Peter doesdn't make 44) to Jon Cruddas who seems closer to some of your statements especially on trident.
A very interesting post, and very worthy aims. However I fear you may soon have cause to renounce your membership.
I don't share your admiration for Peter Hain, but I agree that boldness on the international stage is long overdue.
I am not a Labour Party supporter, and I think that most of your wish list should be implemented, regardless of which party is in power. For example, no reasonable Government (or opposition party for that matter) should object to seeing more return for the extra spending on the public services, a consistent approach to authoritarian regimes, simplification of the tax system, and an abolition of draconian rules restricting liberty. So it's not like you're asking for the moon, or for unrealistic things. Unfortunately, I am beginning to doubt whether both this Government and the Opposition even have the will to implement what one would regard as reasonable policies.
Wishing you all the best. For worth it's worth, I'll keep reading.
Alex,
John Cruddas as second pref. may be an option. He has an interesting grass-roots approach. However, this blog is a Hain one.
And I think, given the right role, Mr. Hain will be far more radical and progressive than people give him credit for. Cabinet shared-responsibility has a lot to answer for.
Bel,
Thanks for your kind words. I share your scepticism, but I will continue to push for those goals - however futile they may be.
Alex,
Some of my best friends are Cruddas supporters. ;)
Welcome back to the fold Tyger! What you are asking for isn't vastly different to what most of us party lowlies want.
I thought you looked a bit tired and confused today!
I hope what you want happens but I think you might be better off following your dreams elsewhere!
Diana for the new tenner??? If so get two one way tickets!!
Tyger, you're an independent and original thinker. You being a member of a political party is not going to change that. If anybody ever says so they are a moron and I'll send the boys over.
But politics is just ephemeral, a sideshow. I second meadowsboy, concentrate on what is really important.
Tyger, a bold and courageous move.
I am delighted to see that someone stands up for the principles they believe to be right in the face of adversity.
No matter what happens remember, you are not a party member for the leader, who come and go, you are a member for yourself, because you believe in the Labour Party.
Obviously I cannot endorse all elements of your shopping list. I believe that Britain should retain its nuclear deterrent, because as you say we do not know what position the plates will be in 2017, but similarly, we do not what way they will be when Trident is finally beyond use. Britain could be found vulnerable to attack, at a time when Russia and China are both modernising and strengthening their military capacity, and selling their technology around the world, Britain should not cut its own wrists by taking unilateral action.
I also wonder about how best to change the Lords. I believe that what it best it 100% appointed. The current HoL has done more to reform and help strengthen the law in the 10 years of Labour govt, that the Commons or any other institution.
Appointed Peers do not fear the Whip and are loyal to the law. Just look at their stance on ID Cards, Trial by Jury, the time they spend debating, the efforts they take to ensure they law is sound and not filled with loopholes.
The fact remains, an elected house would merely be a Commons Mk 2, which would quite simply be a woeful waste of taxpayers money. Reform is needed, but merely incremental, not substanial constitutional.
For example, could the new Chamber retain the Lords veto (the only veto they have) over whether to extend the life of a Parliament?
You say:"Today I rejoined the Labour Party". You then list a series of 'conditions' which amount to about a dozen U-turns of government policy. Are we to assume that the prime minister and cabinet have accepted these, and that they will be announced at tomorrow's PM's question time? If not, what on earth did you have to drink last night?
anticant,
U-turns agreed.
I expect none to be announced tomorrow. I expect none to announced next week either.
Although, I expect the backbenchers would legislate them in a heartbeat...
And your second question - a very spicy, and agreeable Rioja.
spyder,
Your contribution, as always, is welcome and noted.
spyder,
I also have concerns about a 100% elected Lords. There needs to be specific roles for the Lords (a la The US Senate), or, it is selected - for 8-10 yr periods - by a committee not aligned to party politics.
Yellow,
Be wary of Meadowsboy - he's a genuine fruitcake. The sort of guy who shoots kiddies in the arse just to see them cry. He's watched very closely by the relevant authorities. Please, don't take him as a representative of tygerland's readers.
Actually, if I'm honest, I love Meadowsboy - he keeps me sane at work. This is no small feat.
I'm surprised, Tyger, you didn't join Clare Short and the Independent Labour Party...
I'm surprised, Tyger, you have re-joined the NuLabor (Old Tory) Party...
The mental gymnastics required to square political circles would be too much for me - but good luck to you.
I too agree that it should not be along party lines, however, the current vetting committee has proven its independence, no one could question that.
Howvever, that is not to say that party supporters "crony's" if you like should be prevented from being appointed to the Lords, just that they would not make up the body of the membership. It would be most bizzarre not to have party representation, however die-hard or loosely aligned.
Also, I do back your idea that it should be term limited, either in the form of 1 term being 10 yrs or that people could have say two 6 or 7 yr terms.
There is a good argument to be made for giving the Lords more specific, or indeed greater power to take on work different from that of the Commons, however, the Lords primary role (because in my view the current house is doing a good job) should be approving and improving legislation. Because we need them now more than ever.
PS I meant to say before, good luck in your endeavors, I know that you will commit yourself to the task in hand. May God grant you the good grace of getting to see some of the above plans to becoming a reality.
Your statement of intentions is praiseworthy, Tyger, I miss, however, something dedicated to the European Union.
It is better to try to reform from inside, ideologies are there to be strengthened not abandoned.
Welcome back. Three quotes...
Ghandi said something along the lines of "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
When Mao was asked in the 1950s what were the lessons of the French Revolution he responded that "it was far too early to tell".
Bob Dylan said, "Don't follow leaders..."
good quotations there....from our esteemed blogger....above.
watch yer parkin meters
and remember
i told you so
the pump don't work cause the vandel nicked the handle
Ah shit another one lost to a lost world.
But welcome back when you are well again.
Two points about Peter Hain
1 He went to china to laud globalisation and say how wonderful Chinese develepoment is for the economies of all the world.
2 He went to the burbery Factory in the Rhondda to say how disgusted he was that Burberry are moving their factory to China.
Call me a cynic....I dare you ;-)
Cynic.
Chris, just checked out your site.
Cool. But have you seen this site? http://www.thedissidentfrogman.com/dacha/index.html It's an interesting take on dual-language blogging. However the guy is something of a techie, but it looks very cool.