Odd shades of purple

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 13 July 2007 11:25:32

I don't know why the Lib Dems are yellow, I think purple would be much more appropriate (as they spend so much time trying to be red and blue).

At the moment they are swinging back towards the blue and I have to admit I'm ready to resign totally from the party first - although I am going to read the small print attached to this plan to cut tax. Now don't get me wrong I think that the basic principle behind it seems fair enough and there are some decent proposals included within the document (particularly in relation to inheritence tax and stamp duty) but I have a major problem with the whole thing, even though I would be exactly the sort of person who would benefit.

My problem? Well, how ever you dress them up tax cuts end up effecting the quality and range of public services provided in this country. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe just throwing money at the public services sorts out all the problems but proper investment and resourcing of services is needed if professional service is to be provided. As somebody who believes that we were all created with equal worth I believe that we all have an equal entitlement to good quality, professional health care, education / life long learning, care and housing. However, I also understand that this costs money and that each should be required to contribute according to their wealth. That is not to say tax rates for the rich should be so high they inhibit entreprenurial activity, but sensible, appropriate stewardship is required. We have a duty to look after all in society, just as all have a duty to contribute to that society, understanding we all have responsibilities towards others aswell as rights ourselves.

It seems now that any concept of socialism and social responsibility involving a real cost is being lost from our society. Tax cuts may seem appealing but what they actually do is further promote values of individualism that I for one don't want to buy into. Rather I want to find a party which will stand up and say yes I am willing to pay for education, yes I am willing to pay for health care, yes I am willing to pay for housing, but I want to pay into a pot which means that all have the best standard of living, according to the amount that is available to finance that standard of living, not just my family. It may not be fashionable, it may not be popular but I believe it is moral.