My article “Sleeping with the Enemies” is a more in-depth rounded expression of my views regarding the joke that is our government, which I ranted about on facebook yesterday. My friend jokingly suggested that I should start a Lisa Bent Party which he would vote for, and that was without hearing a manifesto.... I know how cool. I woke up this morning “The Lisa Bent Party” ringing in my ears and ideas popping up left right and centre. So whilst I do not ever want to become an MP (I cannot and will not compromise my integrity) and the party name is slightly narcisstic so I would have to change it, I thought I would write some ideas down in an as if quality... so people here is my manifesto!!!!
First and foremost I would like to assure you that campaign money which comes out of your taxes (in case you didn’t know) and air time, will not be used to mudsling other candidates. Instead it will be used to inform you of our policy’s and agenda so that when voting time arises you are clear on what we propose and how we propose to do it. Other opinions will be respected. There are numerous visions for what constitutes to making society better and here are our plans....
First and foremost...If you are alive, it means you live within a society. As a result ALL individuals from 16 years old are eligible and are required to vote. Voting is a democratic right which all should take an active part in. Your voice, Your right. Your decision.
The guidelines for MP’s expenses will be revised to erase any loop holes. It is not ok for the public to steal from the government and it is not ok for the members of the parliament to do the same. Double standards to be quashed.
We here at the Lisa Bent Party firmly believe if you don’t like your job, do the paying public a favour by either bucking up your ideas or quitting. No one wants to pay for a mediocre service. Which is why the earning capacity for an MP will be £28,000-£35,000. This line of work is about making change not making money. This role on this wage will attract only those who want to make a difference. Benefits and commission will be rewarding to those who have met their desired goals. In lay man’s terms – They have done what they said they were going to do, without fiddling the books or statistics.
The same applies to The BBC. The service is provided by tax payer’s money. Rather than paying fat cats large wads of money for what exactly? They should be pumping it into creating interesting and entertaining audio and visual media that represents the paying public. Media representations might I add, should be balanced as much as possible.
The dole. If you can work, you will work. No excuses. Help will be provided but not abused. Benefits will not be higher than the working rate. Those who have worked will get help and decent support when on maternity leave. If you cannot find work, voluntary work will be found in the meantime. There will be a cap on immigration, the people already here need to fill the jobs. The government’s ideas on a quick buck , cheap labour and colluding with lazy society will not be tolerated.
So many countries like England have invaded other countries, extracted all the goods and left them struggling to survive and then had the cheek to loan them money and aid which they have to repay, further disabling them. I would start by not making fair-trade produce an option. All goods will be fair-trade. Bought and sold fairly so that everyone can have a quality of life that extends beyond just trying to survive each day.
I would look into changing how the law deals with sexual abuse. Currently the system seems to support the perpetrator and the child is left feeling they are viewed as a liar. Statistics show that children do not and have no reason to lie, yet their voices are not heard. A large percent of cases are thrown out due to lack of “best evidence” and “insufficient evidence”. Sexual abuse and rape cases cannot be viewed in the same manner as other crimes. The level of trauma and fear means that a disclosure/report, unlike a burglary is not made directly after an incident and therefore cannot be judged in the same way.
Knowledge regarding change in behaviour and symptoms should be taken into account in the formulation of a case. And in regards to the perpetrator lie dictator tests should be used in conjunction with evidence from the victim.
Education now is more about teaching children to passively memorise and regurgitate information. The level of memory is then tested in exams of which the individual is rewarding and the school graded in league tables. This needs to change. School should be a place where children’s ideas about self, the world, responsibility should be acknowledged, whilst their potential should be tapped into nurtured and allowed to flourish. Children and young people need to understand that they have a choice, of which comes responsibility and one which they need to learn to own.
I propose for 2 hours each week as part of citizenship, children should watch The Wright Stuff, NOT Loose Women, in class and discuss their views on what they have heard. To support new ways of thinking, old ways will not work.
It’s not a one way street, teachers need to be feel supported and the system needs to be much more consistent and understanding. Morale is low but the same thing applies. If you don’t like your job leave. Projecting your frustrations on to children is highly unethical and damaging.
And my last two points...
Record company bosses should not be allowed to have so much control over the airwaves. It has become an incestuous money market which has destroyed good music. Playlists to be banned. Bring back the real DJ’s, inspiration and good times.
The rise and success of internet networking sites has not only managed to tap into the changing times of technology but also people’s want for a greater sense of connection, which is lost once the lap top is closed and you step outside the door. We walk past each other like we are all invisible. Smile, laugh or dare to sing in public and people look at you like you are mad. Which I feel is a damn shame. Say good morning at the bus stop and you risk hearing silence, seeing stares and a strong desire for the ground to just swallow you up.
This is not the case in Barbados, everyone you meet or have eye contact with says “Good morning” “Good evening” or “Good night” depending on the time of day. It is such a simple acknowledgement but one which makes you feel a part of society and happy about that fact. It also sends the message of respect and courtesy which I think is lost here.
So whilst England in the past had a desire to conquer everything in order to gain material wealth and power, whilst stamping their ideals, beliefs and notions of what is right and what is wrong. They have unfortunately missed the gem that is worth more than the price of Gold. Britain is a multi-cultural country and there is something to be learnt from how other cultures function in a community. Good morning everyone!!!!
So if you feel the old ways aren’t working....
Want to take a chance on something entirely new
Then
Vote for change, vote for the Lisa Bent Party!
Related Posts:
