Sophie Lancaster and the UKIP vote

[ingenue_the]

I think most people on my friends list, both LJ and FB will know who Sophie was. A young alternative lass who was murdered whilst trying to protect her boyfriend from being kicked to death in a local park in Bacup Lancashire in 2007. Police think that the way they both dressed was a significant contributing factor in their attack. Her mum set up an

Comments

[liz_lowlife]

My fiance is a Tory- a fine example of someone (myself) clearly being able to enter into calm, question and answer-based discussions as to why we vote the way we do.
However, a lot of UKIP followers are bigotted and there is no way around that.
I'm actually only left of centre and not very far left at all because I can see merits in many of the political party manifestos but... and this is a HUGE but...many of the people who answer "for" when it comes to the anti-Europe parties do come with a certain level of anti-immigration and anti-Europe speil as well. These I cannot condone or indeed agree with.

In many cases, it's not the party (except those akin to BNP) but the followers who give them a bad name.
I happen to know some pretty splendid Tories and some pretty awful Labourites... swings and roundabouts innit?

[liz_lowlife]

Discussion is the way forward. I'm totally with you. :) X

[ingenue_the]

You do seem to be right in saying that a lot of (not all) UKIP followers are bigoted. As far as I can determine that seems to hold true for their candidates too. But discussion has to be better, no?

I'm glad you and your Mr can discuss this kind of thing. Sounds like an excellent environment for bringing up a small.

ION: How I've missed clicky italic making buttons!

[jozafeen]

*waves hello*

Absolutely, which is why I've not only not issued such an instruction on Fb or booted off one of my friends who is an active supporter because we agree on many things, aside from which party we vote for.

To be honest, I get more angry about people who won't/don't vote and still think they have a right to an opinion.

[ingenue_the]

Hoorah for your inclusive attitude and for the return to LJ!

I used to feel grumpy about the non voters too, but I'm finding an increasing lack of representation on the ballot paper. A choice of identikit right of centre mains wearing different colour ties and assorted loony fringe is no real choice. I'm inclined to see a 'none of the above' option to at least see what proportion of the population is genuinely apathetic. It wouldn't sort out the problem of lack of choice directly, but would be a clear indicator of what people think of the choice on offer.

[november_girl]

Nicely put.

[ingenue_the]

Thanks!

[cookwitch]

I've been thinking about this today. My ward now has two Ukip councillors. I'm not happy about this, but it isn't The End of Civilisation.
I was also thinking about reaching out to the two new councillors, and inviting them to come to tea at my house, so that they can explain their plans to me. They're all locals, so hopefully have the interests of the borough, and locale, at heart.

It's also partly about facing up to a fear, and some of these people do scare me.

[ingenue_the]

That is a genuinely genius idea. Deeply impressed.

[cookwitch]

Email sent to them both. Now we wait.

Dear Sirs,

As a resident of Heaton Ward for nearly 15 years, I am writing to ask if you would be prepared to meet with me at some point to discuss what you see in the future for both our ward, and our Borough.

I will admit upfront that I did not vote for you, as some of the more publicised attitudes of your party, quite frankly, scared me, which is why I would like to meet you, and have a conversation, about your plans and ideals, and perhaps allay the fears that I have.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Kind regards,

Lisa J Feinson