I spent a couple of hours yesterday re-programming the Wilde's tills in preparation for the increase in VAT which kicked in at midnight.
You will recall that an absolute commitment to no increase in VAT was the single issue on which all three parties were agreed last May. So in the spirit of cynicism which pervades the political musings of this blog, I suppose the only surprise is that it has taken this long for Ant, Dec and the egregious Osborne to implement the increase.
You might think that, at my age, I would be accustomed to broken promises from politicians. But it still pisses me off. Especially when there are other options which do not strike so viciously at those who cannot afford it.
VAT is a regressive tax. It hits the poor harder than the rich by taking a higher proportion of their limited income. It is, simply, unfair; another example of this coalition reinforcing the class divide and punishing those below it by pursuing overtly ideological policies.
One expects it of the Tories. That's what defines them in the first instance. And that's why, once again, my anger will be vented primarily against Clegg's lot.
For a party which campaigned on a theme of broken promises, they are building up a pretty impressive track record of their own. Even the beatific gravitas of Saint Vince Cable has long disappeared; those pictures after his Torygraph indiscretions made him look quite sinister, I thought. Dec Clegg is beginning to look a rather seedy grey underneath his fake tan. And as for Simon Hughes, he's just plain embarrassed and embarrassing.
Do you think they have enough rope yet? Or are we in for yet more about-turns, denials, and lies in 2011?
Today's listening: Herbie Hancock, Takin' Off. Stunning debut release from the early 60s with some haunting Dexter Gordon tenor sax.
You will recall that an absolute commitment to no increase in VAT was the single issue on which all three parties were agreed last May. So in the spirit of cynicism which pervades the political musings of this blog, I suppose the only surprise is that it has taken this long for Ant, Dec and the egregious Osborne to implement the increase.
You might think that, at my age, I would be accustomed to broken promises from politicians. But it still pisses me off. Especially when there are other options which do not strike so viciously at those who cannot afford it.
VAT is a regressive tax. It hits the poor harder than the rich by taking a higher proportion of their limited income. It is, simply, unfair; another example of this coalition reinforcing the class divide and punishing those below it by pursuing overtly ideological policies.
One expects it of the Tories. That's what defines them in the first instance. And that's why, once again, my anger will be vented primarily against Clegg's lot.
For a party which campaigned on a theme of broken promises, they are building up a pretty impressive track record of their own. Even the beatific gravitas of Saint Vince Cable has long disappeared; those pictures after his Torygraph indiscretions made him look quite sinister, I thought. Dec Clegg is beginning to look a rather seedy grey underneath his fake tan. And as for Simon Hughes, he's just plain embarrassed and embarrassing.
Do you think they have enough rope yet? Or are we in for yet more about-turns, denials, and lies in 2011?
Today's listening: Herbie Hancock, Takin' Off. Stunning debut release from the early 60s with some haunting Dexter Gordon tenor sax.
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