The 'C' Word

Why do people get worked up when you admit that you are a Conservative voter? Is it because of old cliches and false rumours or is it because people are caught; ensnared by the old Labour 'up the worker' mentality? I feel that I should at least attempt to unravel some of these myths before they begin to affect voting ahead of the General Election in the coming summer months. Firstly, 'up the worker' is not a mentality solely supported by the Labour party, contrary to what their spin machine and propaganda might insinuate. Every governmental party believes in the safety and welfare of the working man, or woman, and the subsequent safety of their careers and lifelihoods. Without this crucial factor, our country simply couldn't exist. Contrary to what those harsh and outdated Labourites might have us believe, we all support the worker. I suppose, upon reflection the 'up the worker' phrase in itself, is too vague, too weak to warrant further understanding - the fact is, every person, and their mother, is most likely a worker of some description. The phrase, when used, indicates to me that the Labour party are lacking in votes and popularity and try to use the old unionist beliefs to claw back some kind of voting percentage. Yes of course, the well-informed Labourite will target the Conservative dealings with the unions in the 80's as a pretext to all of this. However, I sometimes find myself explaining the model of capitalism to those who are somewhat perplexed over why some earn more than others. It is simple really, in a capitalist model of government and society, both the higher earners and the lower earners co-exist by turn of mutual prosperity. Yes, so the higher earners might want to spend more on a huge house, or a larger car, but they are taxed accordingly for the amount these factors affect the population. For instance, if you have a bigger car, expect to pay more tax, due to the larger effect this will have on the environment via carbon dioxide emissions. The lower earners do not live in abject poverty either; some may choose to invest money in more practical options, such as saving accounts for their kids, or possibly an extension to their home - but the choice is theirs, and theirs alone, such is the nature of capitalist democracy. There is nothing to say that those born into lower income families cannot achieve the wage of a higher earner through promotion and their own merit; although these things do not come without achievements within a company or business. Anything can be accomplished in a free society.

What is often a larger myth about the Conservative party, is that they only accept into their ranks, elitist politicians who enter the party through a wrongly labelled public school like Eton: known as the 'nurse to Englands politicans'. William Hague did not attend Eton, and was in comprehensive schooling throughout his childhood; rising to the post of leader of the opposition through his own intellect and ability, rather than fast tracking through the system. It is true that in the past, convention has dictated who could rise through the ranks, a ceiling was imposed on those who did not have such 'crucial' schooling. Well, it may be news for some, but the times have changed, people from all walks of life, all backgrounds can enter politics in pursuit of making a difference. And this is perfectly feasible. There is no divide, and the sooner that certain misinformed traditionalists realise this, the closer we will be towards a democracy where people vote for what they really believe should be done, instead of playing party faithful to a party that may not be what it was, and may not stand for what people truly stand for. The north doesn't have to vote red in favour of the worker, and the south does not have to vote blue in turn, this election will be about the views of the individual, so we must vote accordingly.