General Election- Glossary of Terms!

2010 will see a General Election in the UK, and as a non party political person, I felt it would be helpful to provide a set of words used by all politicians of all parties, and a guide to what they really mean! Here are a few. You will have your own, which you are welcome to add.....


'Clearly'. ...as clear as mud but I will dress it up in jargon so that you have no excuse but to know what I mean.


'I have always been clear about this'. ...still clear as mud, but the politician will now make you feel (without actually saying so) a numpty for not seeing it in the first place. Don't feel bad. The thing being clarified will still not be clear, as this word can be replaced by another simpler word, 'waffle'!


'We have to ensure'. A great way to make you think they will do something about the problem being talked about. It's a great and vague way of seeming to address something important, but not actually having any solution. In other words, they know as much as you. Actually, you will know more than them, but they will find this hard to accept.


'I have always said'. Probably said to the dog while out walking, or in the shower where no one else listens, or to the yes-men and yes-women who surround them and bask in their presence.


'I am calling for'. Sounds like a yodel from a high hill or mountain. All politicians will call for something in their career, but we all know (they don't) it's who will listen that's important, and even more important, who will do something about it! Anyone can 'call' but it takes someone special to 'do', and they are few and far between in the ranks of Westminster, or even any government body... including the Scottish Government.


'We will set up a committee to look at this'. A good way to put off making any decisions right now, while making it look like the obvious solution (which will be hard to implement) might not be the right one.


'Let's be careful not to offend'. Wow, this is one of the best ones. They will hide behind the PC flag, which allows the minority groups to take cover while the majority view is ignored. What is democracy if not the wishes of the majority(?)... except when we might offend someone, or a group. Now run over in your mind the types of people or groups who get most protection from this? Certainly not the mainstream voting majority.


'We will make the difficult decisions'. No they won't! These decisions are difficult, and therefore political suicide. So there is talk about decisions being difficult, but little or no action. Difficult solutions are needed for difficult decisions, and that is why there is no action taken.


'Manifesto promise'. This is different from all other promises. When other mortals make a promise, your word is your bond and can be counted on. Not so for the politician. As long as it is written in a manifesto document, it is open to being broken at will, because you can count on them saying 'but the situation has changed since the intention (it's not a promise at this point) was made'.


So what method can we use to help us decide which party to vote for? How about things like....
Has a nice face
Eyes are not too close together
Colour of eyes
Doesn't resort to insults
Stays calm under pressure
Not arrogant
Not ashamed of their roots or faith
Defends the underdog at the expense of the wealthy
Stays faithful to their spouse and family
Honest with expenses and allowances.


Another look at that list tells you that there is not a party political element to it. There is, however, something about honesty and integrity which should be the bedrock of anyone serving the public in office. Let's go for a choice along those lines, then whoever it may be, male or female, from whatever party, we are best placed to get a good return on our vote. Oh yes, and of course the eyes!!