Earl Aelfheah

Blah Blah Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > "Why did we do so badly there? First, we spoke to > our core voters but not to aspirational, > middle-class ones. We talked about the bottom and > top of society, about the minimum wage and > zero-hour contracts, about mansions and non-doms. > But we had too little to say to the majority of > people in the middle." > > Spot on ????. To win an election in the UK you > have to win the support of this group of voters. > It is said that just 150 seats decide elections in > the UK (maybe more after the SNP tsunami) but > those 150 seats are definitely middle ground. And > Chuka is being tipped as a possible new leader for > Labour too. This assumes that those in the middle are only concerned with their own narrow self interest, "what are you going to do for ME".

For what it's worth Louisa, I agree that outside of London, immigration and the perception that Labour crashed the economy are probably what saw the Tories win.

What are talking about? I haven't blamed anything on the press. I've pointed out that the Right banging on about media bias and liberal elites.. as some Tory supporters have predictably done in this thread, is ridiculous.

I always find it astonishing when the Tories talk like they're some sort of bullied minority... Going on about liberal elites and media bias, how "you can't talk about immigration", silenced by the (far from apparent) forces of political correctness etc, etc. they've a ridiculous persecution complex considering that they're backed by big business, most of the press and represent establishment interests. They paint the left as soft, whilst (despite having most of the power, money and influence) acting like a bunch of crybabies.

holloway Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I really feel for James Barber, always struck me > as a good bloke and a visible presence in Dulwich. > Hope he isn't part of the Lib Dem exodus. Absolutely, I'm a Labour supporter generally, but James has done a lot locally and seems genuine and passionate.

bobbsy Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Can someone explain to a layman why many central > city areas across England are so labour centric? Because cities attract the brightest, hardest working people? ;-)

time for London to declare independence?

See London has bucked the national trend and voted heavily Labour

Very depressing. Huge cuts to come, a possible withdrawal from Europe and potentially the break up of the Union.

It's been under construction for a very long time and now seems to have just stalled. Does anyone no if they've hit a problem with it?

All electoral systems have their flaws, but first past the post has more than most and more than should be acceptable in a mature democracy. Trying to get sitting MPs to push for change though is like asking Turkey to vote for Christmas.

DulwichFox Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Mildred.. George & Mildred :) > > > Foxy 😃

if you bombard girls with these kinds of messages from day 1, it's likely to have an impact on them, even if it's not at an entirely conscious level. It's nothing to do with intelligence.

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Otta Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > david_carnell Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > > We have an obesity epidemic in thsi country - > we > > should encourage children on bikes at all > times. > > > > > I don't disagree for a second that kids should be > encouraged to cycle, but the reason we're told we > have an obesity problem is that obesity numbers > are based on the hugely flawed BMI. That, and the fact that kids are loads fatter than they used to be

Does anyone know what the new playground in Dulwich Park is due to open?

fazer71 - seriously man, I think the sleep deprivation is affecting your mood. If earplugs don't work, I would recommend a few glasses of Scotch.

I don't believe there are huge differences between the two main parties policy wise. Their manifestos don't really tell you much of substance, and as the next government is going to be in coalition anyway, the parties can jettison any part of the manifesto during 'negotiations' should they wish. Besides, who knows what sort of decisions will have to be made over the course of the next parliament? Personally, I think it's more important to come to a view on the parties general 'orientation' towards issues. This at least provides some very general clues as to how a parties future decisions are likely to align with your own preferences. For me, in very general terms, the Tories are about a small state, individualism, trickle down economics. Labour are more about stronger state services, collectivism, some redistribution of wealth. The latter proposition is for me much more convincing, but others will have their own view (or may entirely disagree with my characterisations of the main two parties).

midivydale Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > People that wont "move down inside the carriage > using all available space". .... and people who insist on standing between the front door and the stairs on the bus, even though the top deck is half empty. "I'll just stop as soon as I have got both feet on the bus, I'm sure none of those queuing behind me had any interest in getting on, they're probably just taking in the sights and sounds of the bus stop".

If I intervened every time I saw someone doing something I personally considered unwise, I wouldn't get anything else done.

david_carnell Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Bunch of busybodies! > > Should you "have a word with him"? No. Mind your > own bloody business. He's not breaking any laws. I > see a guy going up and down Crystal Palace Rd on a > bike with his young son (aged 5 or 6) on a small > bike in front of him. I think how wonderful that > he's teaching his son road skills. Totally agree.

Fair enough, as I said, I didn't actually see it. Thought it sounded a bit odd.

Didn't catch question time debates last night but hear Milliband ruled out coallition with SNP. That's the end of his chances of being PM then.

Children transported by bike shocker.

If it's taxed and insured, it's entitled to be there. It is a shame that it permanently obscures the artwork though.