I can quite happily discuss political differences, but when my stance on the coalition between the LibDems and the Tories results in people, some I know, personally attacking me – I feel that I have a right to respond more openly. Most of you who have raised your opposition to my views with respect. I respect your viewpoint, as I can tell you respect mine. But when it comes to bitter comments such as calling me a ‘national fool’ – then to me, that has gone too far.
Furthermore, I will not be told to monitor my words on my blog in correspondence with the local party/members/liberal democrat students. What goes on my blog is my own and no one else’s view. I have heard people’s views on the deal and I accept where you are coming from but I will not be bullied into thinking it myself.
I am staying in the LibDems to hopefully see that I am wrong, and that this coalition does work. Ideologically I am a lot closer to the Libdems than the other parties. But if I continue to suffer from these attacks I will not stay a Libdem for long. Nor will I stay for long if the LibDems seriously compromise our values within the coalition.
I am fully aware coalitions involve compromise. I just don’t see the deal we have got as that ground breaking. Obviously, I am in a disagreement with many of you. Something I accept. Something some of you have to accept too.
I will not accept people trying to make out that my comments alone with bring down the case for PR. That is unfair and denying members, I am not a whipped MP, to have the right to voice their objections. This is what this conference on Sunday is for – for people to voice their own concerns. Hounding down on anyone who does not agree with you is not democracy and it is certainly not why I joined the LibDems.
May 13, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Dear Jane,
I disagree with you about the coalition but you have as much right to express you views as anyone else.
Keep stating your case and just ignore the idiots.
May 13, 2010 at 4:32 pm
I cannot say I am being attacked, but I am otherwise in the same boat as you.
The problem I have is that after a fantastic general election campaign I need to encourage our new members to keep up the momentum, whilst at the same time I have my own doubts.
I see the situation as very nuanced. I can easily put a positive gloss on what has happened, including from a left liberal point of view. But in truth I think the price we are paying is too high. In the end I am staying with the Lib Dems and see what happens.
May 13, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Jane, what twits are treating you like this?
I happen to disagree with you but of course you should be allowed to express your opinion….
May 14, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Thanks for the comments, much appreciated.
Geoffrey, I can see your dilemma – i hope things work out for you.
Chris – mainly someone i would personally be working with next year at leeds uni. Surprised me really.