Comments on: Clegg and Cable get Y the credit crunch matters http://liberalconspiracy.org/2008/09/19/clegg-and-cable-get-y-the-credit-crunch-matters/ creating a new liberal-left force Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:27:43 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Darrell http://liberalconspiracy.org/2008/09/19/clegg-and-cable-get-y-the-credit-crunch-matters/#comment-21223 Darrell Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:12:03 +0000 http://www.liberalconspiracy.org/?p=1292#comment-21223 I agree with moving away from the tax and spend discourse which does plague the left but am yet to be convinced that the tax cutting package is actually viable in the current climate. In other words I am not convinced the idea is either 'sensible' or 'equitable' given contracting growth; high public debt and a public spending bill for 'frontline services' that is likely to increase not decrease. I agree with moving away from the tax and spend discourse which does plague the left but am yet to be convinced that the tax cutting package is actually viable in the current climate. In other words I am not convinced the idea is either ’sensible’ or ‘equitable’ given contracting growth; high public debt and a public spending bill for ‘frontline services’ that is likely to increase not decrease.

]]> By: thomas http://liberalconspiracy.org/2008/09/19/clegg-and-cable-get-y-the-credit-crunch-matters/#comment-21196 thomas Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:47:43 +0000 http://www.liberalconspiracy.org/?p=1292#comment-21196 Chuck, if you want to present a counterargument to the one which says 'the Lib Dems haven’t simply lurched to the right', please do so by more substantial means than implicit assertion. I'd also be interested to know what you mean by 'neo-liberal' and how this relates to the LibDems in this context. Surely, with all their 'helping the poorest first' and placing restrictions on the operation of the market, they have suddenly become the new socialist party? Chuck, if you want to present a counterargument to the one which says ‘the Lib Dems haven’t simply lurched to the right’, please do so by more substantial means than implicit assertion.

I’d also be interested to know what you mean by ‘neo-liberal’ and how this relates to the LibDems in this context.

Surely, with all their ‘helping the poorest first’ and placing restrictions on the operation of the market, they have suddenly become the new socialist party?

]]> By: Chuck H. http://liberalconspiracy.org/2008/09/19/clegg-and-cable-get-y-the-credit-crunch-matters/#comment-21195 Chuck H. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:34:58 +0000 http://www.liberalconspiracy.org/?p=1292#comment-21195 When people see what the implication of top-ups in the NHS are the alternative of higher taxes will seem more attractive to the majority. The US healthcare system of top-ups is in crisis and has left many millions without access to treatment, with many more bankrupt by the process (this, despite the fact that the US spends 16% GDP on healthcare). All top-ups do is relieve the wealthy from subsiding the healthcare of those of median to low incomes. You don't need to look into a crystal ball to see the effects. Top-ups were introduced into community care several years ago and the service has been decimated, with anyone that has moderate savings forced to go private and the poor having their care packages stripped to the bone - elderly people with incontinence, for instance, being left padde up in incontinece pads because it's too expesnive to send carers in regularly to help them to the toilet. Even the poorest pesnioner is expected to pay £7 for assistance with a bath, and the rates are being ratcheted up each year. Community hospitals and respite care are being wound down to prepare the ground for the takeover of provision by the private sector. The idea that neoliberal policies will provide equitable solutions in education, health and social protection is a delusion promulgated by the wealthy to relieve them of the tax burden - one reason why the Lib Dems shift to the right has been so welcomed by the media. When people see what the implication of top-ups in the NHS are the alternative of higher taxes will seem more attractive to the majority. The US healthcare system of top-ups is in crisis and has left many millions without access to treatment, with many more bankrupt by the process (this, despite the fact that the US spends 16% GDP on healthcare). All top-ups do is relieve the wealthy from subsiding the healthcare of those of median to low incomes.

You don’t need to look into a crystal ball to see the effects. Top-ups were introduced into community care several years ago and the service has been decimated, with anyone that has moderate savings forced to go private and the poor having their care packages stripped to the bone – elderly people with incontinence, for instance, being left padde up in incontinece pads because it’s too expesnive to send carers in regularly to help them to the toilet. Even the poorest pesnioner is expected to pay £7 for assistance with a bath, and the rates are being ratcheted up each year. Community hospitals and respite care are being wound down to prepare the ground for the takeover of provision by the private sector.

The idea that neoliberal policies will provide equitable solutions in education, health and social protection is a delusion promulgated by the wealthy to relieve them of the tax burden – one reason why the Lib Dems shift to the right has been so welcomed by the media.

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