I think you are right. It will take a broad realisation of the political class that we're basically heading over a cliff and it is imminent, before we will get the changes needed.
Like you, I expect we'll have to go over the cliff before that realisation dawns, so wedded are these people to their ridiculous ideas. Also like you, I don't think there is long to wait. We are just awaiting the spark that sets it all off and it really could be anything that does it and it could happen at any time.
Meanwhile, with Farage calling his own grass root supporters thugs, we can see where he really stands. He isn't prepared to do mass deportation or force countries like Pakistan to repatriate their criminals. With people like Andrea Jenkyns at the top of the party, any intellectual development is impossible to see.
Whilst working class movements like Tommy Robinsons and Danny Thomo's are laudable I would be worried if they went on the form a government. History teaches us that grass roots movements like this always go on the become despotic if they take power. They can however shape how any political party decides to govern by bringing pressure to bear.
What puzzles me is the solution to our woes is simple, we just need to undo everything Tony Blair did and return to common sense politics pre the turn of the century.
I wish I could disagree. If Reform were serious and had sound political judgement, they would make the point that these large gifts are there to level the playing field and hereafter let’s look at capping all donations so no party is held to ransom by big donors. Reform could then go back to being a popular insurgent party - at least to some extent. Meanwhile, why are there no serious policy units being formed? Pete North, Clouston’s SDP have done lots of groundwork that can be built on. Bring in experts, not just party hacks, like Liam Halligan on the economy and housing or Birbalsingh on education, Kathryn Porter in energy - likewise in farming, trade, health, social care and so on. Serious times require serious people. The research, listening, kite flying and publicity would be preparation for government and set the agenda. There isn’t much time, given the precipice we are being lead to. The alternatives are pretty grim. Maybe a crisis will be sufficiently bad for the establishment to course correct? As for Tommy and Danny or Uncle Rupert coming to the rescue, they will make a lot of noise, distract attention and won’t be able to fix or run anything.
I’ve virtually agreed with everything Peter has said.
When I get home I’ll check my temperature and blood pressure.
Till then, I read that Restore want a NATO type alliance to co ordinate sending back illegal migrants and putting sanctions on countries refusing to co operate. Not a bad idea at all.
As far as democracy is concerned, the current system isn’t viable, hasn’t been for years. It has to change.
A little known fact, a pontefract cake was used to seal the first ballot box used in a bi election in the town of the same name in 1873 and is in the towns museum!
Time we modernised the democratic process, with the people voting in referendums to decide important matters.
Nothing less is now acceptable in these very corrupt political times.
Well, you may be right about Farage not being able to run a bath and that his team will just piss this £72m up against the wall but two incredibly wealthy and successful businessmen disagree with you and have put some serious faith in Nigel and his people. Are you saying you have better judgement than them or are you suggesting they’ll splurge £36m each without undertaking due diligence?
Bit too much conspiracy thinking going on here for me John. If I was handing over the equivalent of what £36m meant to my wealth, I’d have done my due diligence and would be doing it because I believed in the recipient.
It’s all opinions…, you have yours and I have mine. But to say I’m politically brain dead is arrogant and offensive which pretty much says it all about your opinion.
Given the choices we have now and are on course to have up to 2029, I see Farage now as the wrecking ball for the legacy parties, Civil Service, quangocrats.
As a short stepping stone to potentially a much better two party system. Resurrection of old authentic Tory versus old authentic equivalent of Labour (when Judeo-Christian).
A political fresh start and political space for The Harrogate Agenda to be seriously considered.
Farage himself will not change but can still be a catalyst. A necessary catalyst.
The six guys in Kansas wrote two magnificent tunes in the 1970s.
'Carry on My Wayward Son.'
I hope Labour, Lib Dems, Restore, Greens, SNP, Plaid, Sinn Fein and (without a miracle return to basic traditional conservativism) the Conservative Party are soon 'Dust In The Wind.'
I predict Lee Anderson, Braverman, Jenrick, Kruger, and indeed Tice will now defy the doubters. Not because they are super human MPs. Far from it. But because Genesis 12 verse 3 works like North and South magnets attracting. Along with Farage, they have stumbled unknowingly onto the side of The God of The Bible who built us up from nothing to a once very great and very good nation.
Farage backing Israel was a gamechanger. The blessings and breaks he will get will now confirm God blesses those who bless the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (renamed Israel).
Not his human merits nor character, but his phone call to the Israeli foreign minister last week to bless Israel just as the other UK parties ignorantly curse them.
I predict Burnham is going to regret becoming PM. It is not for lightweights when substance comes to the surface with real crisis upon real crisis. He would have been better off in the media, a BBC presenter (maybe sport).
If I know you Pete, you'll be bitching about Danny Tommo next. I'm afraid your ego is as big as your cynicism, you have an absolute soul brother in Peter Hitchens.
I think you are right. It will take a broad realisation of the political class that we're basically heading over a cliff and it is imminent, before we will get the changes needed.
Like you, I expect we'll have to go over the cliff before that realisation dawns, so wedded are these people to their ridiculous ideas. Also like you, I don't think there is long to wait. We are just awaiting the spark that sets it all off and it really could be anything that does it and it could happen at any time.
Meanwhile, with Farage calling his own grass root supporters thugs, we can see where he really stands. He isn't prepared to do mass deportation or force countries like Pakistan to repatriate their criminals. With people like Andrea Jenkyns at the top of the party, any intellectual development is impossible to see.
Whilst working class movements like Tommy Robinsons and Danny Thomo's are laudable I would be worried if they went on the form a government. History teaches us that grass roots movements like this always go on the become despotic if they take power. They can however shape how any political party decides to govern by bringing pressure to bear.
What puzzles me is the solution to our woes is simple, we just need to undo everything Tony Blair did and return to common sense politics pre the turn of the century.
Simple to understand: difficult to achieve.
Seven Days of Humble National Prayer and Repentance between Dunkirk and just before D-Day.
This would be a good start.
I wish I could disagree. If Reform were serious and had sound political judgement, they would make the point that these large gifts are there to level the playing field and hereafter let’s look at capping all donations so no party is held to ransom by big donors. Reform could then go back to being a popular insurgent party - at least to some extent. Meanwhile, why are there no serious policy units being formed? Pete North, Clouston’s SDP have done lots of groundwork that can be built on. Bring in experts, not just party hacks, like Liam Halligan on the economy and housing or Birbalsingh on education, Kathryn Porter in energy - likewise in farming, trade, health, social care and so on. Serious times require serious people. The research, listening, kite flying and publicity would be preparation for government and set the agenda. There isn’t much time, given the precipice we are being lead to. The alternatives are pretty grim. Maybe a crisis will be sufficiently bad for the establishment to course correct? As for Tommy and Danny or Uncle Rupert coming to the rescue, they will make a lot of noise, distract attention and won’t be able to fix or run anything.
Agree
Read Turbulent Times this morning and unerstand the principles of Gene Sharp.
Sorry; not got the time. I'm trying to source my teletubbies disguise!
I think I’m going down with a virus.
I’ve virtually agreed with everything Peter has said.
When I get home I’ll check my temperature and blood pressure.
Till then, I read that Restore want a NATO type alliance to co ordinate sending back illegal migrants and putting sanctions on countries refusing to co operate. Not a bad idea at all.
As far as democracy is concerned, the current system isn’t viable, hasn’t been for years. It has to change.
A little known fact, a pontefract cake was used to seal the first ballot box used in a bi election in the town of the same name in 1873 and is in the towns museum!
Time we modernised the democratic process, with the people voting in referendums to decide important matters.
Nothing less is now acceptable in these very corrupt political times.
But who is the Wizard of Oz pulling all the levers? And where does the Yellow Brick Road lead to?
Never trust a wizard !
Well, you may be right about Farage not being able to run a bath and that his team will just piss this £72m up against the wall but two incredibly wealthy and successful businessmen disagree with you and have put some serious faith in Nigel and his people. Are you saying you have better judgement than them or are you suggesting they’ll splurge £36m each without undertaking due diligence?
I wouldn't mind knowing what was in their minds giving this money to Reform. Was it sabotage?
Bit too much conspiracy thinking going on here for me John. If I was handing over the equivalent of what £36m meant to my wealth, I’d have done my due diligence and would be doing it because I believed in the recipient.
Well if you think Reform under Nigel Farage is the answer you are polically brain dead and are sadly therefore no part of the solution.
It’s all opinions…, you have yours and I have mine. But to say I’m politically brain dead is arrogant and offensive which pretty much says it all about your opinion.
Just that yours is wrong!!! 😁
Given the choices we have now and are on course to have up to 2029, I see Farage now as the wrecking ball for the legacy parties, Civil Service, quangocrats.
As a short stepping stone to potentially a much better two party system. Resurrection of old authentic Tory versus old authentic equivalent of Labour (when Judeo-Christian).
A political fresh start and political space for The Harrogate Agenda to be seriously considered.
Farage himself will not change but can still be a catalyst. A necessary catalyst.
I come to the comments section in the hope that someone will prove Pete North is wrong!
The six guys in Kansas wrote two magnificent tunes in the 1970s.
'Carry on My Wayward Son.'
I hope Labour, Lib Dems, Restore, Greens, SNP, Plaid, Sinn Fein and (without a miracle return to basic traditional conservativism) the Conservative Party are soon 'Dust In The Wind.'
I predict Lee Anderson, Braverman, Jenrick, Kruger, and indeed Tice will now defy the doubters. Not because they are super human MPs. Far from it. But because Genesis 12 verse 3 works like North and South magnets attracting. Along with Farage, they have stumbled unknowingly onto the side of The God of The Bible who built us up from nothing to a once very great and very good nation.
Farage backing Israel was a gamechanger. The blessings and breaks he will get will now confirm God blesses those who bless the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (renamed Israel).
Not his human merits nor character, but his phone call to the Israeli foreign minister last week to bless Israel just as the other UK parties ignorantly curse them.
I predict Burnham is going to regret becoming PM. It is not for lightweights when substance comes to the surface with real crisis upon real crisis. He would have been better off in the media, a BBC presenter (maybe sport).
If I know you Pete, you'll be bitching about Danny Tommo next. I'm afraid your ego is as big as your cynicism, you have an absolute soul brother in Peter Hitchens.