I never thought much of politicians generally. But this is different. During the Pandemic my disabled son was vulnerable. I could actually envisage him dying alone in hospital. He would have been not just terrified but unable to comprehend what was happening. I don’t blame governments for a virus of course and to some extent I can even get my head around them being unprepared but Tories politicised the virus, (in some cases MP’s like Desmond Swayne actually tried to spread dangerous conspiracy theories, they were also profiting from it, and broke their own rules to party and by doing that undermined other people’s safety by making them believe the rules can’t be that important. I couldn’t believe it was happening. That is a choice, sincerely Ian, I genuinely find THAT evil. Thats what changed for me. It’s not just politics, not just about competence, it’s participating in a great evil. I was waiting for them to say something maybe we’ve gone too far but that moment never came. Every single day they came on FOR years and lied and lied and lied. If anything it must have been tedious but they have these second jobs that make it worth it I suppose. Thats the measure of them because in the end it’s your actions that speak loudest.
6 more sleeps. The Afghanistan and Probation service chapters in your book tell everything about this waste of half a generation. The looks on the faces of the wretched Tory losers at 3 am on 5th July, in a cavernous council building on the edge of town, will be very cathartic, they deserve all they get and much much more.
I am absolutely desperate for a form of boring, quiet competence. I still hate the fact that so many of our leading positions require "Showman" alongside other skills.
Read Jess Phillips’s Life of an MP last night. It’s very clear that political pragmatism combined with an ethical framework and affection for people is indispensable to competence. Really what you are both talking about is the need for more practical wisdom, and care for everyone, not just ‘people like us’.
Thanks Ian another good one. Now i have to be boring, importantely boring. Alcohol needs to be consumed with moderation too much to often does serious harm. We need you and don’t want to loose yet another great to it. Sorry needed to say that
Excellent thesis - I love the concept of competence as a moral imperative. But my God, given the policies proposed recently, can you imagine the consequences if they *had* been competent?
God I hope it's a parable and that our politicians collectively are ready to learn the lessons of the last 14 years. I really hope the country has the capacity to move on from the scepticism and apathy that this generation has brought us because the tone of vox pops towards politicians of all flavours at the moment is horrendous.
Afghanistan - Boris rescued the dogs. Hurrah! I'd have a pint with him just for that.... Oh, and don't forget we made the key discovery of the 21st Century - a discovery yet to achieve its full potential. There are days when 'the sea is shut'. There's your competence....
I never thought much of politicians generally. But this is different. During the Pandemic my disabled son was vulnerable. I could actually envisage him dying alone in hospital. He would have been not just terrified but unable to comprehend what was happening. I don’t blame governments for a virus of course and to some extent I can even get my head around them being unprepared but Tories politicised the virus, (in some cases MP’s like Desmond Swayne actually tried to spread dangerous conspiracy theories, they were also profiting from it, and broke their own rules to party and by doing that undermined other people’s safety by making them believe the rules can’t be that important. I couldn’t believe it was happening. That is a choice, sincerely Ian, I genuinely find THAT evil. Thats what changed for me. It’s not just politics, not just about competence, it’s participating in a great evil. I was waiting for them to say something maybe we’ve gone too far but that moment never came. Every single day they came on FOR years and lied and lied and lied. If anything it must have been tedious but they have these second jobs that make it worth it I suppose. Thats the measure of them because in the end it’s your actions that speak loudest.
6 more sleeps. The Afghanistan and Probation service chapters in your book tell everything about this waste of half a generation. The looks on the faces of the wretched Tory losers at 3 am on 5th July, in a cavernous council building on the edge of town, will be very cathartic, they deserve all they get and much much more.
I am absolutely desperate for a form of boring, quiet competence. I still hate the fact that so many of our leading positions require "Showman" alongside other skills.
AI Narration of this post:
https://askwhocastsai.substack.com/p/14-years-of-tory-rule-by-ian-dunt
That is good but also really, really weird.
Read Jess Phillips’s Life of an MP last night. It’s very clear that political pragmatism combined with an ethical framework and affection for people is indispensable to competence. Really what you are both talking about is the need for more practical wisdom, and care for everyone, not just ‘people like us’.
Fabulous rant. Spot on. Sorry about the hangover.
You should drink more if this is the outcome!
This was good. Take two neurofen. Eat a bun. Go for a nice lie down.
Thanks Ian another good one. Now i have to be boring, importantely boring. Alcohol needs to be consumed with moderation too much to often does serious harm. We need you and don’t want to loose yet another great to it. Sorry needed to say that
Hope the coffee helped! Fine writing as always, Ian. So looking forward to July 5.
Excellent thesis - I love the concept of competence as a moral imperative. But my God, given the policies proposed recently, can you imagine the consequences if they *had* been competent?
God I hope it's a parable and that our politicians collectively are ready to learn the lessons of the last 14 years. I really hope the country has the capacity to move on from the scepticism and apathy that this generation has brought us because the tone of vox pops towards politicians of all flavours at the moment is horrendous.
Afghanistan - Boris rescued the dogs. Hurrah! I'd have a pint with him just for that.... Oh, and don't forget we made the key discovery of the 21st Century - a discovery yet to achieve its full potential. There are days when 'the sea is shut'. There's your competence....
Another great read Ian. Here’s hoping July 5th sees the end of the Tories for the foreseeable future.
This piece made me cry, thinking of the damage the Tories have done. Fingers crossed for 5th July when they are gone.
That intro is pure poetry!
It sounds like coffee isn't enough... May I suggest hair of the dog? Then it will be "Tomorrow Ian's" problem...
But also, excellent piece, regardsless of the cripling hangover!