After the General Election Result, What Next ...

Anyone who knows me knows I wasn't a big fan of the last government.  But at least they had the "big yellow albatross around their neck" to put a stop to their worst excesses.  Now there's nothing. Last Thursday's result was not what I hoped for.

Can anyone recommend a left-wing, English speaking country somewhere warm?

I don't buy the Daily Mash's theory that on polling day, voters surrendered to their inner bast*rd.  I believe that people on both sides of the debate want the same thing.  They disagree on how to get it.

Some think if you invest in people - education, care, housing, lives etc - it creates a workforce that makes businesses strong and successful.

Others think if you make business strong, it invests in people in the aforementioned ways, and you get the same outcome.

This time around, the Conservatives manged to convince enough people that the second idea might be true.  And if it turns out not to be, it might not impact them directly.

What can't be cured must be endured.  There are only so many Epic Acts of Cake that can be committed whilst downing a bucket of coffee and wailing: "What were you thinking, Britain?"

Here are some ways to make a difference:

Write to your MP.  

Let them know the issues that you're concerned about and the actions you'd like them to take.  Check who your MP is and find out how to contact them on TheyWorkForYou.

Discuss politics!  

The revolution will not be hashtaged.  Sharing a political meme on social media changes little as social media is self selecting.  People gravitate towards groups that reinforce what they already think.  Finding that the rest of the world thinks differently can come as a shock.

Encourage your friends to vote, be informed and engaged.  Talking in a constructive way about issues and listening to what others have to say accomplishes far more.  Whilst you may not change opinions, you'll exchange ideas, gain new perspectives and learn a few things!

As always with these things, be respectful of other's opinions and know when to STFU.  Expect the same in return.  I was confused when some friends were told off by others for commenting negatively on the election results on their own social media feed.  Don't want to read it, then scroll on by!

If you don't want to read about politics occasionally, then this may not be the blog for you.  Which is fine.  Other blogs are available.  On the other hand, if you run a Linky and comment on all the posts, my apologies.  And thanks for all your hard work!

Donate.  

Donate to charities or organisations that try to limit the impact of government policies on the vulnerable.  Donations take many forms - time, money, skills, space on your blog etc.  Give what you can.

Food banks are an obvious one.  Trussell Trust has the biggest network, but Google.  Some of the church based ones are independent.

Campaign.  

Join a campaigning organisation relating to the issue(s) that you feel most strongly about.  If you don't like austerity, there's  UK Uncut or the People's Assembly.

Join a political party.  

Political parties are how things get done in the UK.  Being a member gives you a say in their policies, who leads them etc.  You could also join a Union.

Register to vote. 

Just because you missed the last election, there's no reason to be late for the next one!

Look after yourself and your family.  

Have a look at your own circumstances as the social security net now has a big hole in it.  Whilst bad times may come, it's worth ensuring you're in the best possible shape should they arrive:

• Update your CV and get yourself on LinkedIn
• Look at other ways of making money, like taking a lodger
• Get your finances in order and start building a "fire, famine and pestilence" fund.

And, to cheer you up after all this doom and gloom ... @50shadesofTory ... And a lovely picture of some flowers ... 

As always, I hope everyone is well.

The Tubblet has just completed SATS week.  According to friends who are teachers, this year's exams were the hardest ever.  Sometimes there are no words ... Well there are, but ...

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