Call me old fashioned if you like but I always thought a conversation was a two sided affair. Ah but then I am a sentimental old thing who has always liked to have conversations with dear friends, lovers and family members over a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or while walking by a river or lake.
In short I have not adapted to New Labour’s redefining of “conversation.” If you remember, The Traitor and War Criminal promised us a national conversation in which we were all to be invited to tell the Government how we felt about certain issues. The way Blair pitched it suggested that our views would be listened to and acted on.
The Downing Street e-petition site was intended to be part of this great conversation, a way of testing public opinion.
Well nothing is ever what it seems to be, especially where New Labour are concerned so it comes as no surprise to learn that The Traitor and War Criminal has said he will ignore the 1.6 million signature petition of protest and just carry on with his pet Road Pricing scheme (including the controversial “spy in the car” tracking system.)
In other words in the government’s definition of conversation, one part put their point of view in a restrained and rational way and the other responds, “talk to the hand coz the face ain’t listening.” Or in more British colloquialisms “bugger off you bastards, we give you chance to tell us how wonderful we are and all you do is complain.”
I reckon its time to dig out those pitchforks and cudgels.