We shouldn't really be surprised if the gap between the rich and the poor has widened despite (and I believe them) the government saying more money has been poured into helping the needy than ever before. So, what has gone wrong?
We already know that the wealthy will always feel they have a God given right to grab more. We have only to remember last year's MP's expenses including a jaw dropping "Duck House". and the MP who, without a hint of guilt, accused the rest of us of being "envious" of his grand lifestyle. So is it any wonder we should feel just faintly uneasy when we think of putting such people in charge of our money, should we have the bad luck to see them back in power?. Surely, we would do well to recall, when we cast our vote, the Conservatives, as their name unashamably proclaims, will always "conserve" however sincere their pre: election promises may appear to be.. Added to which David Cameron may say his party has become more caring, but have you heard many of his members echoing the same message? A leopard seldom changes its spots, particular when it is in their own interest.
Labour God Bless them, has certainly ploughed more money into the pot for the needy, yet the gap has still widened. So, what has happened? My own thoughts on this is that while I certainly do not believe we live in a "Nanny State" it is that by, basically, taking decisions on other people's behalf, they are gradually sapping the recipient's self esteem and so leaving them feeling impotent.
Even the mother with her brand new baby is made to feel an army of "experts" knows better than her natural instincts. Parents and teachers are pushed aside when "counsellors" take control simply because they have graduated in child behaviour. Even firemen and police find the "experts" presuming they know more than they do when they have faced a harrowing situation.. Surely the person who has lived through similar traumas is best advised to deal with a less experienced collegue who has just encountered one for the first time. No words can offer more comfort than "I know what you mean. I've been there" Whether, parent, teacher or those who daily risk their lives, nothing has more than the ring of authenticy than those who have experienced it for themselves.. This, I believe, why the gap has not been narrowed. It is because people need to be able to trust their inner instincts. So, while it is good to cushion people from "the cradle to the grave" no one should presume they are "expert" in someone else's feelings. This is bound to lead to a sense of insecurity and that they are just not good enough to take control of their own lives. When we do this we are not only disabling the individual, but also the nation. Schemes and projects set up to help the not so well off are fine. They have certainly raised the living standards in so many areas.However, causing millions to question their ability to think for themselves, is nothing short of disastreous.
As a member of the Green Party I believe we all stand a far better chance of narrowing the gap, by promoting the "I can do" attitude by encouraging local trading and such schemes as Bartering and Time Banking. This way we bring people together as a community working for the good of the whole instead of either, being resigned to the Conservatives taking it all, or Labour stifling our inititave.Oh, and the Liberals? Well, as their name also suggests they are so liberal every member has a different policy, and you can't get more liberal than that, can you?