The race begins

I saw this cartoon today and laughed. It does seem to paint an accurate picture of the UK political landscape though. With the general election appearing just over the horizon, the political parties are drawing their battle lines. It's a time to get excited. Labour seems to have pulled itself together, after the failed attempt to oust Gordon Brown from power. Or perhaps this is just an illusion, considering the fact that the media has been preoccupied reporting the Haiti earthquake disaster. I'm sure that once this has fallen to the back pages of the papers, the media will pounce again on Brown who forever seems the easy target. However, the man has to be given credit for putting on a good show at PMQs for the past few months or so. David Cameron, in my opinion, seems exasperated every time he faces Brown. Last week, the two of them spent most of the time debating the weather and the snow. Could it have been a parley between the two? After all, Cameron has recently drawn fierce criticism for his plans to introduce a married couples tax break. 'At a time when Britain faces recession and hard economic times, how can he possibly afford such policies?' say his critics. But Cameron seems to believe strongly in the institution of marriage as the cornerstone of a healthy society and I like the fact that he can pursue such policies though they are unpopular. I also prefer his approach to Brown's who seems to think that single parents should be rewarded. Perhaps there is good intention there to support struggling single parents, but does it not encourage couples to leave one another? How can social breakdown ever be repaired if the tax system fails to encourage the institution of marriage? What I do not like is the accusation that Cameron is simply lining the pockets of wealthy couples. I would rather believe that this is a policy for Cameron that sends a message to a society that has lost its appreciation for marriage and family. But to cut this short, one can only speculate if this issue is going to blow out of proportion as the general election draws nearer. Speaking of elections, the Tories have a 12 point lead or so, and I can't see Labour gaining on them being a party that is very short of funds and probably facing bankruptcy. So are we going to see a landslide victory for the Tories? Only time can tell. But I say, bring on the fight!