I’m not deliberately avoiding the subjects of the Mansion Tax or the quiet dropping of the commitment to the EU Referendum. I’m not trying to hide our Lib Dem Policies ’404′ shame. I just think… I think I’m about to crack. I may have reached the point of ‘had enough’.
Perhaps it’s the weather – it’s dark at 4:30 now, and it’s freezing outside. Tends to drag one down a little. Or maybe its the cumulative effects of things like this, taken from the ‘Pocket Guide to Lib Dem Policies’:
We are the only party who will put money into people’s pockets with fair tax cuts, the only party to offer universal chidcare [sic] and smaller classes in our primary schools, the only party who would use Gordon Brown’s wasted billions to create thousands of jobs today by investing in homes, hospitals, schools and public transport to build the green economy of tomorrow, the only party that will rebuild the jobs, homes and hopes this recession has destroyed.
All I see when I read something like that is an ambitious platform of economic planning, which I utterly deplore, attempting to nurture the economy back to growth through ‘good’ public spending (as opposed to Labour’s ‘bad’ public spending, obviously).
It’s the exact opposite of what I believe – in fact, in tone at least, I find it hard to believe there’s any social democratic or democratic socialist party in Europe that wouldn’t happily subscribe to that manifesto or something very similar. The inescapable reality is that the liberal movement to which I am truly loyal exists in name only (or, sadly, in the bars and pubs surrounding Lib Dem party conferences.)
The adventurous, insatiable hungering drive for liberty, for free trade and free minds, to allow society to become whatever the individuals within make of it? As far as mainstream politics goes that idea is dead. Reds, Red Tories or Red Liberal – take your pick.
It’s not just the Lib Dems that need sorting out. It’s the whole political system and, sadly, the emphasis on voting systems and financial propriety don’t impress me much at all when on the other hand Lib Dems seem to seek the power to dictate the destiny of the British economy for our own good.
So can I keep doing what I’ve been doing, trying to change the party from the inside? The short answer is no. I can’t keep on like this. See, the ‘Lib Dem’ badge I carry on this blog is more than just a label. It’s a community to which I belong – a community that I’m actually rather fond of – actual friends and things. People I respect, admire and like. And the problem with that is the closer you get, the more you build these friendships, the harder and harder it becomes to remain objective and honest. I’ve fallen into the same trap politicians everywhere seem to fall into.
I have, very quietly and almost without realising, been smothered with love. It’s caused me to hold my tongue and pull my punches and I’m starting to feel like a fraud, like I’ve lost the thing that made this blog worth writing – not being a tribal loyalist.
It’s choking my blogging – the ratio of ‘drafts’ to ‘published’ is getting worse as I abandon post after post. I’ve started worrying about what people think which, for me, is the most unforgivable crime in blogging of them all. What is blogging for if it’s not honest?
So the sad, miserable truth is that my time as a Lib Dem blogger is coming to an end. I don’t know if this means leaving the party or just pulling out of libdemblogs.co.uk and changing the graphics but I’ll figure it out.
Thomas Byrne said...
1 Dec 09 at 11:57 pm
Don’t be stupid be a smarty, come and join the Tory party, what what.
(I’m sure you’ll be invited along to other parties too, stay freelance please, your writing is wonderful.)
Charlotte Gore said...
1 Dec 09 at 11:58 pm
I don’t intend to join any other parties. Frankly I’d rather not be in any party. I suspect you have this same problem no matter which party you’re in.
Problem is I’m a blogger first, party member second.
Thomas Byrne said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:02 am
Imagine how us Europhiles feel.
Jakemottas said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:03 am
This blog maybe the most integrity I’ve seen in the current UK political environment for sometime.
I guess you’re really being a true liberal and refusing to be categorised… good luck.
Al Jahom said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:08 am
Damned right!
Just don’t burn your bridges, okay?
If you’re the leader of the LDs in 20 years time, they may then get my vote.
AJ
Fullabeanz said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:10 am
By all means remove the LibDem label, it may well free you up to blog as you wish, but please don’t stop blogging…I enjoy them and your Tweets, so carry on the good work!
Charlotte Gore said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:11 am
Well that’s the choice, isn’t it? Stop blogging or stop blogging as a lib dem… kinda like Mike Smithson perhaps. Hmm..
Stu said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:21 am
Your secret, Charlotte, is that you’ve never been ‘a Lib Dem Blogger’ – instead you’re a blogger who happens to be a Lib Dem. You’ve always known which you want to put first, and clearly if worrying about towing the party line is causing problems with your blogging, you’re making the right decision.
Just don’t stop being a blogger, which is clearly what you do best!
Now I’m just slightly embarrassed at the thought that I might have provided the straw to break the camel’s back
Al Jahom said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:21 am
Stop blogging or stop blogging as a lib dem… kinda like Mike Smithson perhaps
Wanna bet?
)
Obnoxio The Clown said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:24 am
I’m so proud of you!
)
Devil\'s Kitchen said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:28 am
Your problem is that you are a libertarian—and it is very easy to get caught up in the personal aspects of political parties. A libertarian only fits in one party (if any at all) and that is because only one party lets you be a libertarian and express yourself as you wish.
I think you know which party that is.
DK
Devil\'s Kitchen said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:30 am
P.S. I’m really not trying to recruit you: just inform you of the facts. You’ve never sat well in the LibDems so fly—be free!
DK
Man in a Shed said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:31 am
Wow.
I think something is going to change in politics shortly, and your moving in that direction.
You’re really good at what you do here – I hope you keep it going and make people think.
Tom FD said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:35 am
“the only party who would use Gordon Brown’s wasted billions to create thousands of jobs today by investing in homes, hospitals, schools and public transport”
How can you use money that’s been wasted? Surely if it’s been wasted then it’s not and never will be available to use again?
Andrew Hickey said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:41 am
Traitor! Turncoat!
Those people like you precisely *because* you say stuff that’s different from the rest of the Lib Dem ‘blogosphere’. I disagree vehemently with you about economic stuff, but the only way you’d get me thinking badly about you is to stop saying what you think. I’m pretty sure the same would go for the people whose opinions you worry about…
You *might* feel happier outside the party, but if you do leave I think that would be a loss to us.
Thom said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:44 am
Compare and contrast:
from here
To this:
From here.
Charlotte Gore said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:46 am
Well Most Important Bit is to not be an ‘official’ Lib Dem blog. I don’t want to be listed as such. I want the same sort of status that newspaper bloggers and opinion columnists have, which is that their party membership (or lack of) is a private matter.
I think it might still technically be possible for me to remain a member. I honestly haven’t decided on that bit – I *have* decided that I’m going to stop being a lib dem blogger. I’m going to try being just a blogger.
Secret admirer said...
2 Dec 09 at 1:14 am
Charlotte, across all forums the Libertarians almost always refer to you as ‘confused Lib Dem blogger who talks a lot of sense’.
Besides, joining LPUK would just make you even hotter. Plus DK is the new leader! Yay!
Laurence said...
2 Dec 09 at 1:39 am
I’m glad you’re going to try being just a blogger and not giving up the blog. I think your blog is interesting, well observed and good fun and I dare say -and I certainly hope- that you may even enjoy it more without the constraints of a label.
Tim Carpenter (LPUK) said...
2 Dec 09 at 9:01 am
I am glad you have realised that you cannot change the LibDems into what you would like it to be from the inside.
The whole balancing act is around monarchism, by not letting Statism and Fabianism suck otherwise well-meaning people back down that road to hell.
Alas, the “pavers” have won in the LibDems. To end that, it would, IMHO, need to split.
Most importantly, keep on being true to yourself, keep on blogging. You are certainly able to fit in the “tent” that is Libertarianism of the only Libertarian party in the UK.
Von Spreuth said...
2 Dec 09 at 9:10 am
XX Charlotte Gore said…
1 Dec 09 at 11:58 pm
Problem is I’m a blogger first, party member second.XX
So carry on blogging and screw the party then you stupid bugger.
But PLEASE do not give up the blogging. Too many have dissapeared recently. Don’t be one of them.
Giles said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:13 pm
What is your problem with the Mansion tax? Don’t you think that the structure of the housing market poses a problem for liberty as well? Or does everything always end up hunkydory if only left alone?
I agree about the public spending pledges.
Tim Carpenter LPUK said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:15 pm
Damn IPhone it should read “minarchism” not “monarchism”!
Dick Puddlecote said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:22 pm
“The inescapable reality is that the liberal movement to which I am truly loyal exists in name only (or, sadly, in the bars and pubs surrounding Lib Dem party conferences.)”
This is the Lib Dem aspect that needs nurturing. That the parliamentary party are marginalising it is to its deep shame.
JuliaM said...
2 Dec 09 at 12:24 pm
“It’s caused me to hold my tongue and pull my punches and I’m starting to feel like a fraud, like I’ve lost the thing that made this blog worth writing – not being a tribal loyalist.”
So long as you don’t lose the thing that makes this blog worth reading.
And that has nothing to do with your politics. So, I think you’ll be ok there..
Gendeau said...
2 Dec 09 at 1:28 pm
Lose the label and gain the ability to become relevant!
What is the point of the L-Ds?
I have not been able to take them seriously, as they don’t appear to take the idea of getting power seriously. What was it this year? regulating the height of heels, or something? No bigger concepts to debate?!!!
Some _real_ liberal values would be interesting, but the lid-dems seem an unlikely place for them to come from – you’re better off out…
And don’t stop bloging (please)
Andrew Withers LPUK said...
2 Dec 09 at 1:33 pm
Your application form for the LPUK has been warming by the fire for quite some time.
All the best in whatever you do
sconzey said...
2 Dec 09 at 1:47 pm
Join us. Don’t be afraid.
Or don’t.
Just don’t stop blogging.
Thom said...
2 Dec 09 at 2:03 pm
“The inescapable reality is that the liberal movement to which I am truly loyal exists in name only (or, sadly, in the bars and pubs surrounding Lib Dem party conferences.)”
It is important to know how the Lib Dems have compromised themselves and their message by accepting an inversion of the term for liberalism; classically it means “freedom from”, the new, “modern” and corrosive change is subtle- “freedom to”. The reality is that freedom to water, to education, or to the lifestyle you want in evey way but to pay for it; the reality of the compromise of the Lib Dems was to try to support positive rights instead of their predecessors support of negatve rights, which eventually meant they supported neither.
They like all major parties are now rudderless and rely on tribalism to drive them; it will not be enough when people realise that a turd with a rosette is still a turd.
Liz W said...
2 Dec 09 at 2:27 pm
I’m not sure how anyone could have mistaken you for a tribal loyalist, but fair enough – I wish you and the blog well and would still love to chat over a pint should you feel like dropping in on any LD-ish social gatherings (or elsewhere, for that matter, but I’m so overscheduled as it is that the chances of us running into each other anywhere else are probably a lot less.)
Jackart said...
2 Dec 09 at 3:03 pm
Stay where you are or the socialists win!
Caron said...
2 Dec 09 at 3:19 pm
You know me, I’m a great big leftie peace loving hippy, but I felt that you and I both have our place in the Lib Dems. I think that our tax proposals will give people a measure of genuine freedom that they wouldn’t otherwise have. I don’t believe you can have that sort of freedom for all without that sort of state intervention.
I shall still read everything you write and you’ll stay on my blog roll because I like reading what you have to say – and I hope we do get the chance to meet up and have some beer one day.
Daniel1979 said...
2 Dec 09 at 3:32 pm
Good luck I hope you find what you are looking for.
Steve Tierney said...
2 Dec 09 at 3:57 pm
That was, quite frankly, one of the best blog posts I have ever read.
I know exactly how you feel. Exactly.
I too am working to “change the party from within”, though not the same party. I too have felt despair for all the same reason.
In fact, I rather suspect there are activists in EVERY party who will have read your post and said: “Yes. Exactly.”
ayld said...
2 Dec 09 at 4:00 pm
One day I hope Lib Dems will stop spewing that pseudo-social-democrat rubbish to anyone who will listen. It worked in the 1990s for those disappointed by Labour, it’s totally outdated and wrong now. One day…
keep up the good work ms gore.
Robson (working on the inside to change things since 2008)
Max Andronichuk (LPUK Member) said...
2 Dec 09 at 4:08 pm
Dear Charlotte
I must say that I am still pretty new to the whole blogosphere, and do take a look at your blog from time to time but rarely ever comment on ANY blog…
I thought that this post deserved a “well done” comment.
I left the tories and joined LPUK for many reasons, but the best one of them (upon reflection) has to be this: I no longer have to try and make them like me, instead I now have the confidence and freedom to allow me to be like me.
If ever you decide to join us at LPUK, I am sure you would be welcomed with open arms. But what ever your decision on renewing your LibDem membership, I do wish you the best of luck and will continue to visit your blog.
Max.
Von Spreuth said...
2 Dec 09 at 4:15 pm
WTF is “LPUK”?
Giles said...
2 Dec 09 at 4:19 pm
WTF is “LPUK”?
Eight people, a dog, and a really unrealistic model for how the economy works.
Max Andronichuk (LPUK Member) said...
2 Dec 09 at 4:30 pm
WTF is “LPUK”?
It’s the Libertarian Party of the United Kingdom.
http://www.lpuk.org
Thom said...
2 Dec 09 at 4:33 pm
Von Spreuth,
lpuk.org
Giles,
Patently untrue; we also have several cats, a robot and a handful of gnomes! All each with their own keychain and decoder ring on membership!
The only place small exists is in the minds of small men- LPUK is growing and yes needs help to grow bigger but the fight is a good one and worthwhile.
Andrew Withers LPUK said...
2 Dec 09 at 4:38 pm
WTF is “LPUK”?
Laughs,
‘One day I hope Lib Dems will stop spewing that pseudo-social-democrat rubbish to anyone who will listen’
As a Liberal who left when the Social Democrats took over and formed the ‘LSD’ its hardly surprising.
In the words of Max Boyce- I was there
HF said...
2 Dec 09 at 4:40 pm
Charlotte the truth is that on economic and social policy, Labour and the Lib Dems are in the same area. These are statist policies and would put the traditional Liberal party to shame.
Once Labour gives up the ID card then the conditions will drive a merger between the two parties.
Also Labour is a party of urban Scotland, the North and cities and most of the LD MPs are in the South and rural Scotland/North. A pretty good fit.
DavidNcl said...
2 Dec 09 at 5:47 pm
Respect!
MatGB said...
2 Dec 09 at 7:19 pm
Your local party membership secretary strongly thinks that it’s more than technically possible. And certain other people may want you to turn up at your branch selection meeting soon as well.
I’ve never been a lib dem blogger, I was blogging for a long time before I (re)joined. Can’t stand the idea that we’re mouthpieces, it certainly doesn’t stop Tory bloggers from talking bollocks, why should it stop us?
Meh, I’m sure we can talk properly tomorrow night, you’re coming to the Drinks in t’Ship, right?
MarcDB said...
2 Dec 09 at 7:48 pm
Please keep blogging – I always saw you as somebody who was free to comment and not be a party apologist. Your voice is important, and am sure your loyal LibDem readership want to keep thinking about what you have to say.
Have fun in your liberated role!
tonyhill said...
2 Dec 09 at 7:51 pm
I think you would have been much happier in the Liberal Party of the 60s and 70s. There was plenty of mutual incomprehension between different elements in the party, but that didn’t stop there being a ferment of ideas out of which came exciting and challenging policies. I don’t think I’ve been excited by a LibDem policy for years. Some of the most interesting discussions in recent months on LibDem Voice have been about libertarianism, and your contributions and those of Jock in particular have made me think about my political values. They haven’t persuaded me that I am a libertarian, but the LibDems will be the poorer for losing articulate dissenters.
Newmania said...
3 Dec 09 at 12:41 am
That is a terribly honest post and I now feel really bad about calling you deluded . (Don`t let that socialist Matt GB talk you round …)
There are lots a decent Lib Dem types , some funny people I am aConservbative but privately I try to get on with anyone who adds something to life as you clearly do.
I would write down all the things you dislike about the Lib Dems and all the things you dislike about the Conservative Party and choose the one you dislike least.
Daniel said...
3 Dec 09 at 1:09 am
Ah well. I warmly second (third, fourth, etc.) the others saying keep up the blogging, as it’s unusually sane whatever it’s labelled as.
Is there still such a thing as an ‘Orange Book’ liberal? That seemed okay at the time.
Oliver Drew said...
3 Dec 09 at 1:48 am
Hmmm…*wonders why Charlotte Gore doesn’t stand for Parliament*.
That is probably the best blog post I’ve read this year in terms of integrity, freedom of thought and expression of feelings in terms of politics today.
I guess you should do what you think is right – I enjoy reading your blog, so I hope you keep on writing!
Being a member of a political party should not disqualify you from making critical comment about that party, nor should you have to worry about making critical comment.
…But you should consider standing for Parliament – even if you’re an independent, because, whilst some of the things you believe in, I do not, I think you are probably one of the “new breed” of politician this country needs….badly.
Matthew Dear said...
3 Dec 09 at 8:44 am
I feel your pain – really I do! I sometimes think that you’re the blogger whose views most accurately reflect my own. Yet I’m a Tory, and choose to remain so. I think, for all of the warts which you so eruditely expose, I still believe in party politics as the ‘least bad’ way of doing things and I probably always will. Broad church and all that.
Like you say, it’s nice to ‘belong’ – and a wrench to leave, but I wish you well, wherever you end up. Stay interesting. Stay blogging.
Lawrence Aggleton said...
3 Dec 09 at 1:17 pm
It’s interesting that you read that statement as an ambitious platform of economic planning, I read it as a typical vapid, content-free political statement. I’d almost rather it were the former, at least it might be saying something other than ‘Brown’s rubbish, we’d be better (although we’re a little thin on the details)’.
I also find it a bit strange to square an investment plan in all of those services with the ‘savage cuts’ that were promised (and is pretty much the only thing anyone knows Clegg for at the moment, which, well at least they know him for something). I’ve heard self-described Libertarians happy with the idea of savage cuts, not sure they’d be so happy with socialist investment strategies.
Having said that, a reason to tag yourself as a ‘LibDem’ is that it’ll attract broadly like-minded people to the blog who might otherwise not stumble upon it. Maybe ‘liberal’ is a better tag as it’s more indicative of a general preference rather than demonstrating adherence to the shifting sands of party policy.
Great blog by the way.
Matt Wardman said...
3 Dec 09 at 3:06 pm
I think you’re worrying too much.
I’d just do it, and not fuss about the badge.
Cobden said...
3 Dec 09 at 6:53 pm
I totally understand – I gave up a few months ago. Time for a genuine Liberal party?
The Filthy Engineer said...
3 Dec 09 at 10:06 pm
Just keep on writing these superb posts. Just take your time to re-evaluate your political leanings. It’s your writing that inspires us all.
Dave said...
3 Dec 09 at 10:47 pm
I left the party a couple of years ago for the reasons you’ve given. Not being involved in a political party is wonderful. I have time for friends, interests and long chats in the pub instead of knocking on doors in the rain and posting socialist leaflets. Leave and enjoy your new freedom.
Frank Davis said...
4 Dec 09 at 5:01 am
I was never a member, but I voted Lib Dem for 20 years or more. But since 95% of their MPs voted for the completely illiberal smoking ban, I’ll never vote for any of them again. I thought they were liberals. Silly me.
All the parties – the entire political establishment – are utterly vacuous these days. None of them stand for what they used to stand for. There’ll all totally shallow and self-serving. And they’ve all got their snouts in the trough too.
Walk away from it all. Go your own way. You’ll find one.
John Locke's Ghost said...
4 Dec 09 at 6:03 pm
Oh no, first Tristan, now you…
Charlotte, if you are declining to take part in politics, you’re an idiot. I of course mean an idiot in it’s original meaning, used in Athenian democracy. I actually hope that I could afford to be an idiot, too. It would be much easier to just mind of my own business and ignore what’s happening in public life. Unfortunately, I’m not immune to what happens in the wider society around me. If liberals refuse to participate to the decision making, others wont, and the result will be so much worse for all of us.
I also don’t think that the Libertarian Party would be a viable option considering the current voting system. Libertarians would do better by participating to the work of Liberal Democrats and trying to influence its political direction. When the obecjtives on which the libertarians can agree with other liberals have been achieved, the libertarians can, if they wont, break away and continue on their own way.
Kevin Monk said...
8 Dec 09 at 11:49 am
Please keep blogging. I enjoy your posts and I don’t care what party you belong to.
But, if you’re intent on changing a party from the inside and winning the battle of ideas, why don’t you join the Socialist Worker’s Party (www.swp.org.uk) and change them to libertarians.
If you’re going to be a member of any party then surely it’s best to join a party that most closely reflects your ideals… **LPUK** * hint hint*. It would then at least be 8 men, a dog, 1 woman and a cat with LASER eyes.
Kevin Monk said...
8 Dec 09 at 11:59 am
I’ve just noticed that the Socialist Worker’s Party have an event coming up:
London: Ealing What is fascism? Thu 10 Dec, 7.30pm Zaytoon Cafe,
12 Bond St,
Ealing Broadway, W5 5AA
Is this likely to be a moment of self realisation? Perhaps they just put mirrors around the room.
Well google has an answer with “define: fascism”
top of the list:
a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government
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One critical part in the recovery process from nicotine addiction involves passing through that wall of denial to put smoking in the real light. We need to start to see our cigs not as the friend we need, but as the horrible Murderers they really are.