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Family Life, the Universe and Everything with a Latte on the Side

After the General Election Result, What Next ...

Friday, 15 May 2015

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 ... 

Pink Blossom


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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Posted by Tubbs

14 comments

  1. Love Emily15 May 2015 at 21:01

    Well said! I was never particularly anti-tory but without the coalition I'm quite worried now that they've been let loose and their true policies are coming to light. If people want to have an opinion I think they need to be involved in the solution - these are great ways to do that.

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    1. Tubbs15 May 2015 at 21:24

      Thank you. I apologise for my epic rant in the comments section of your blog btw!

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  2. The Plagued Parent16 May 2015 at 01:50

    Yes! People need to become more active, rather than just sit around and complain. Even a little activism can make a difference! #PoCoLo

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    1. Tubbs17 May 2015 at 13:41

      If we all did our bit, the world would get interesting! They rely on our apathy. Thank you for commenting!

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  3. Unknown16 May 2015 at 09:05

    You're right, sometimes there are no words. Being informed and involved is vital - I tried to teach my Year 4 children about politics in a fun, lively and interesting way and they became really enthused which was great. Thanks for this post and linking up #bigfatlinky

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    1. Tubbs17 May 2015 at 13:43

      We've started encouraging the Tubblet to watch Newsround as they still seem to strike the right balance. Thank you for hosting.

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  4. Anonymous17 May 2015 at 02:19

    Some scary things happening. Not thrilled either. The phrase 'Epic Acts of Cake' is...well, epic.

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    1. Tubbs17 May 2015 at 13:45

      So glad it's not me! Thank you for commenting

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  5. Unknown17 May 2015 at 19:53

    What you say about some people complaining about the negative comments on the election result rings true with me. As someone who would have been right up there with the Suffragettes, I shared a few posts along the lines of 'don't forget to vote!'. The next day, a 'friend' said she wished 'people' would stop having a go at people who chose not to vote (which I took to be me because no one else in her particular 'friend' circle appeared to be sharing the posts that I did). I took the decision to unfriend her... A bit drastic maybe? Not really. My feed, my opinion. Her feed is usually full of negativity and voting is something that I feel VERY strongly about. Can't decide who to vote for? Get a grip and make an informed decision then! Simple really. Oops Mrs T, sorry didn't mean to rant...! :)

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    1. Tubbs31 May 2015 at 18:05

      No worries! Rant on!

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  6. Martyn Kitney21 May 2015 at 11:42

    Every one has an opinion and I completely respect that. I prefer of people have an opinion and get an informed decision. What o don't like is how people can be so harsh on others for having one. Life and circumstances lead us to that point and people need to respect it. I worries me about people not voting. Not because it wasn't their choice but more that they're usually the ones 6 months down the line moaning. Cut it out. Do something about it. #bigfatlinky

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    1. Tubbs31 May 2015 at 18:05

      Too right! Thank you for hosting and see you soon!

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  7. Unknown21 May 2015 at 18:14

    Yes, my mum said the Sats were awful, she had to leave her class in order to support various sessions as the kids were getting so upset :( great post, really important to discuss this. Thanks for linking up to #TheList xx

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    1. Tubbs31 May 2015 at 18:06

      Thank you for Hosting as always!

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