So, the Tories are now The ‘Defenders of the NHS’ and prepared to fight the next election on that promise. Where oh where has the truth gone from politics? Do we really have the politicians we deserve? How on earth could we ever, collectively, have been that bad?

We now have a government run by Frat Boys, because they think ‘they’re worth it!’ Cameron’s famous admission that he ran for Prime Minister because he “thought he’d be good at it” rings awfully hollowly now, as austerity measures fall ever more heavily on the Have Nots. And yesterday Cameron announced £7bn of tax cuts by 2020 targeted largely on those earning above average incomes.

So, then, where is the Opposition? Out to lunch? Gone fishing? At any rate, not home speaking to the voters, in the sense of connecting to real concerns. What’s more, there is still no coherent narrative to unite progressives and centre – or any non-Torybody, really. Despite this gift of a government, the alternatives lie silently sleeping.

If I ruled the world what would my rallying cry be? How would I help people to see my view of what’s really going on ‘round here these days? And how might such an alternative story be told? Or, is it just too complex and nuanced, compared with the overly-simplified, seemingly straightforward Tory Story?

Here’s my starter for 10:

TORY STORY   

• Government should be as small as possible
• Poor people are lazy, dirty scroungers, out to get all the benefits/state aid they can get their hands on
• Too much State help will entrench existing couch-potato behaviours amongst the undeserving
• Rich people are rich because they are virtuous  hard-workers, deserving higher rewards and incomes
• Benefits (tax breaks) for rich people drive the economy upwards and forwards
• Taxes are bad for the economy, taking funds out of the hands of individuals and putting them in the hands of the bloated State
• The Public Sector drains the economy, slowing growth
• Public services should be the fall-back  option, not the mainstay of society
• Immigrants are only here for the beer

PROGRESSIVES’ STORY

• Government exists to support society
• All people are created equal but not all have access to the same chances
• Everyone deserves equal chances
• Ill health and disability are accidents, of birth or life events, not life choices
• A civilised society tries to care for those who need it when/while they need it
• Most people actually need to and like to work and contribute to their society/communities
• Taxes are the monetary tool with which the State pays for public services
• Public spending stimulates the economy and contributes to improved infrastructure (e.g.roads, rail networks)
• Immigrants contribute to diversity and richness of society (and sometimes do the jobs nationals don’t want to do)

So, why can’t the Opposition say so? Simply. Clearly. Loudly. Any views on how this story could be improved and told? Answers, please?

References:

The Guardian 1.10.14 p1 PM tries to plant Tory flag on NHS with spending vow, Patrick Wintour.

The Guardian 2.10.14 p1 The election starts here, Patrick Wintour