Mass Delusion Breaks Out

What is it with these crazy Labour supporters? They seem to be getting themselves worked up into a right old frenzy about the upcoming election and imploring those of us who they suspect might be a teensy bit sympathetic to vote Labour. (For 'teensy bit sympathetic', read 'union reps')

I am not quite sure where these people have been for the last 13 years but they do appear to be suffering either from a collective amnesia or mass delusion.

At one time, yes I confess, I would've voted Labour. It was almost a birthright in my family. An heirloom, if you will, passed down through the generations. Labour represented 'us', my family when I lived with my parents, where the Tories never did.

But I've moved on and grown up considerably since then and, a few years ago now, came to the blindingly obvious conclusion that none of them - Tories, Labour, LibDem et al - represent my family as it is now - wife, daughter and myself. Quite why it took me so long I can only put down to the insidious and penetrative effects of the ongoing malaise afflicting those who still 'believe'. Those who can still hear 'Things Can Only Get Better' ringing in their ears when they look upon Gordon's righteous physiognomy. Those who can only see the 'good' in being ruled by a party that perpetuates the very worst elements of capitalism while assuring the faithful how much worse off they will be under the Tories (they're one of the other capitalist parties remember). As I said to one ardent Labour devotee on Twitter, "Britain is only a democracy if u believe the rich&powerful know what is best for u & act in ur interests. I don't believe that."

So, I've racked my brain and come up with a list of some of Labour's betrayals of the working class over the course of 13 years just to reiterate my contempt.

1. Anti-Trade Union Laws - they could've got rid of them but they didn't. Why? Because that would upset their crony, boss mates. And yet my union continues to throw millions at them.

2. The Iraq & Afghanistan Wars - we can find the money to invade other countries yet we can't find the money for public services, funny that. Doh! Silly me, forgot about the oil contracts.

3. ID Cards & The Database State - would you look at the size of that White Elephant?! It's fucking HUGE! What's it really for I wonder...

4. The Privatisation Of The NHS - we're keeping it public, no really we are. Why don't you believe us? Because the evidence to the contrary, that you're doing it by stealth, tells us not to.

5. The Privatisation Of The Royal Mail - see above.

6. MPs Expenses - I know I can't pin this one solely on Labour as they are all in it together. Though that fact alone tells you all you need to know.

7. Lobbygate - Google it if you don't already know what it is. Labour in government and getting cosy with big business is the short version. Very cosy.

8. The Bank Bail-Outs - "No return to boom & bust" that was Gordon. What a twat! You have no control over capitalism's periodic 'bubbles' - even I know that. See also (2). We can find the money to throw at banks...

9. The Ever Widening Gap Between The Rich & The Poor - Labour spout off about "A future fair for all". It's just that some are more 'fair' than others under their stewardship. And let's not even get onto their hollow promises around child poverty.

10. Addiction To Debt - has been going on for more than 13 years admittedly but has only got worse under Labour. Record unsecured debt coupled with suppressed wages married to an economy built on consumerism multiplied by top-up fees and student loans do not a happy combination make.

11. The 'War On Terror' - as Jim Royle would say, 'War on Terror my arse!" An excuse to keep people living in fear while getting away with the Police harassing photographers, no right to silence, CCTV all over the fucking shop, FIT teams photographing political protesters.... The list goes on. See also (2) and (8). We can find the money to...

12. Cash For Honours - or "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours". As long as you have the necessary funds to donate to Labour of course. See also (7). Labour & big business buddies - nice.

13. The Marketisation Of Education - your university place - sponsored by McDonalds! Our courses offer an exciting range of studies: learn how to say "Do you want fries with that?", the correct temperature for serving a burger, how is a McFlurry made?.....

There you go, that's one for every year of office.

Give 'em their due though - it would be worse under the Tories but at least everyone knows what to expect from that shower of shit. They don't hide behind a facade of care, compassion and "we'll do better next time if only you'd re-elect us" while stabbing you in the back with lies and spin. Labour, Tories, Lib-Dem.... THEY ARE ALL THE SAME.

Anyone else want to make a contribution of something glaringly obvious that I have missed?