Claire Short

Dy

What are peoples views on Claire Short's threat to resign over Iraq? Story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/2835519.stm[^] For those not from the UK Claire Short is a labour MP, an advocate of 'New Labour' (the rebranding of the labour party that had a significant impact in getting them into power in 1997), a left winger (as is was the labour party). She's also a member of the cabinet, the International development secretary. Personally, I think Britian needs more people with the courage of Claire Short. Elected people who are prepared to make people stop and question their actions, and most importantly: someone who will not tow the party line but rather stand up and be counted for their views (much like Blair...) Claire Short for PM! I was also reading on the front page of today's Metro (a free newspaper distributed on public transport in London, Manchester and other cities) (www.metro.co.uk[^]) that 10% of labour party members have resigned from the party over the issue of Iraq. I can't find a link to their front page on their website, can anyone confirm this??

Dylan
[Bush] said he's praying for guidance about Iraq. I'm thinking there is no way God would direct him to start a war with anyone. Only Satan wants wars. Conclusion: Bush must be a Satan Worshiper. Cathy, Soapbox, 07/03/03

Lost User

I admire her for standing up for what she believes in, even though I disagree with her views on the impending war. She is very much a member of the old-school left, and, to be honest, I'm surprised she is still a cabinet member. She is more Old Labour than New, and is generally seen as a bit of a loose cannon by the New Labour mandarins. I think her career is over though. She'll get to keep her job for now, and even if we go to war with UN approval, she'll be kicked out soon after any fighting stops. I don't think I'd want her as PM though ... or any of her Old-Labour chums - New Labour are doing a bad enough job of running the country as it is! I don't think there is any place for 1970's style extreme left-wing politics anymore - George Galloway/Tony Benn/Andy Gilchrist are dinosaurs and, quite frankly, are living in a different reality to the rest of us. I think the political situation here in the UK stinks at the moment - we desperately need an effective opposition (Iraq aside, the government seems to be dropping the ball on so many issues and is getting away with it). It feels like a one-party state at the moment. Is there any real alternative to New Labour? The Tories are a joke and the LIb-Dems are unlikely to ever be a real force (unless we get Proportional Representation or they somehow end up holding the balance of power in a future hung parliament). People are getting sick of party politics - as the low turnout at the 2001 general election proves. Sigh. It's too depressing to think about, especially on a Monday!

When I am king, you will be first against the wall.

Giles

I've never liked Claire short. Not becuase she's an ugly old moose, but becuase of her stupid policies. Rememeber when Monserate (is that it - the island the blew up? ) when the 20,000 britsh passport holders & residents asked for aid in rebuiling their homes which were no more (and her being the International development secretary at the time) replied, 'No, and I suppose they will be asking for Golden Elephants next.' Anyway they did get help when she was forced to backtrack. Hmm not the caring moralistic Clare short we see now, and also the one who adopted out her love child she had at University, and then tried to rake in the publicity as being reunited when the press found out. Funny that one that she only wanted to be reunited when the press contacted her over it, on in the intervening 20 odd years. Dylan Kenneally wrote: Claire Short for PM! Not with teeth that look like crubling bits of coal she can't. Anyway, you may not have noticed but she threatens to resign over all kinds of things, and not all of them have appeared such a selfless act. Maybe she should I would be glad to see the back of her. Quote from a clever bloke : "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." - Albert Einstein

Dy

Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: I think her career is over though I think your right her, though I wish you were not. She's said a few things in recent years that have got her into hot water, but I can't recall any of them that I didn't agree with... Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: I don't think I'd want her as PM though That was a joke. I really can't see CS being the next iron-lady :laugh: You make a good point about 70's style leftwingers, the thing is though, that there's still a lot of extreme left wing views out there. I'm thinking this has a lot to do with new labour getting into power and not really acting like a labour goverment. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: I think the political situation here in the UK stinks at the moment Thank god I'm not the only one to think so!! The tories are a joke, and I hope they stay that way, I don't want Daily Mail readers voting those muppets in again so they can close my local hospital. Again. I think the lib dems might do better in the future, there's certainly a lot more lib dem talk now, compared to when Ashdown was govering the party, but they still have a long way to go; most people in my age group (18 - 30) can't even tell you who their party leader is! (Or they think he's a drunk thanks to newsnight's Paxman!) Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: People are getting sick of party politics - as the low turnout at the 2001 general election proves. You think that's because people are sick of politics? That's got to be part of it, but I think it's much more sinester then that, I think people are feed up with having no choice, and they don't feel their vote would make a difference to their lives (too much international policy and not enough local policy by any chance??) Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Sigh. It's too depressing to think about, especially on a Monday! Agreed! <jest>Fcuk it, lets start a riot. </jest>

Dylan
[Bush] said he's praying for guidance about Iraq. I'm thinking there is no way God would direct him to start a war with anyone. Only Satan wants wars. Conclusion: Bush must be a Satan Worshiper. Cathy, Soapbox, 07/03/03

Debs 0

Giles wrote: Not with teeth that look like crubling bits of coal she can't. That's something I find so depressing about politics: people are more concerned with superficial appearance than almost anything else. So if you don't "play the game" you won't succeed, which, to my mind, encourages completely the wrong people into politics and makes things even worse. And the spin doctors thrive. Yip-de-dooo. Debbie

Paul Riley

Dylan Kenneally wrote: Claire Short for PM! I hope you're not serious. Okay, so she's taken a stand here, but don't you think it's deeply counter-productive when her government are trying to swing public opinion towards an unpopular war? Whether you agree with the war or not, if the cabinet think it's a good idea then it's bad for a cabinet member to be threatening to resign over it. Or maybe I've just never forgiven the woman for using parliament time to rebut personal stories in the tabloids. I really don't like her. I think I'd leave the country if she was PM. X| Paul We all will feed the worms and trees
So don't be shy - Queens of the Stone Age, Mosquito Song

Shog9 0

Dylan Kenneally wrote: Personally, I think Britian needs more people with the courage of Claire Short. Personally, I think you should wait until she actually *does* resign before applauding her courage. If she gets kicked out for talking shit about her boss, that puts her more in the "stupid bitch" category, IMHO. ---

My whole life I've practiced the art of self-sabotage -- fearing success perhaps even more than fearing failure. I think I have got this flareup resolved, but I'm constantly waiting to see what new and exciting ways I can spoil my chances for a better life. - koreykruse, Compulsive Skin Picking