finally...
...a good reason to vote for David Cameron.
I'm really pleased to see that the idea of marriage is being supported by politicians, and that it has been recognised that 'the current tax system "does not recognise the benefits of marriage" and "disincentivises adults from openly living together..."'
Labour of course are whinging:
'Ed Miliband said Mr Duncan Smith's proposals would "discriminate against some children" in its tax policy, adding: "I don't think it's right for politicians to come on and preach."'
Discrimination, discrimination. There are very few circumstances in which laws can be set which don't favour some slightly more than others, and I don't care much for the unnecessary and fruitless beauracracy trying to avoid it brings.
On the subject of whether or not politicians should "preach", Mr Milliband perhaps has a point at one level. But on the other hand, politicians should be prepared to stand up for their views, and lead by example. Apparently Christian Gordon Brown decimated any chance he had of my voting for him when he commented that 'religion is a private matter' and wouldn't be drawn on his beliefs. How sad that the country is in the hands of someone so gutless.
I'm really pleased to see that the idea of marriage is being supported by politicians, and that it has been recognised that 'the current tax system "does not recognise the benefits of marriage" and "disincentivises adults from openly living together..."'
Labour of course are whinging:
'Ed Miliband said Mr Duncan Smith's proposals would "discriminate against some children" in its tax policy, adding: "I don't think it's right for politicians to come on and preach."'
Discrimination, discrimination. There are very few circumstances in which laws can be set which don't favour some slightly more than others, and I don't care much for the unnecessary and fruitless beauracracy trying to avoid it brings.
On the subject of whether or not politicians should "preach", Mr Milliband perhaps has a point at one level. But on the other hand, politicians should be prepared to stand up for their views, and lead by example. Apparently Christian Gordon Brown decimated any chance he had of my voting for him when he commented that 'religion is a private matter' and wouldn't be drawn on his beliefs. How sad that the country is in the hands of someone so gutless.
Comments
I disagree with using the money to reward marriage instead of targetting the poorest kids. If a marriage is stable, then I'm not sure what the gain is for the taxpayer, if the marriage is unhappy then it probably requires more subtle help than stuffing the parents' pockets with gold.
What I am pleased about is the fact that politicians have finally woken up to the fact that marriage is A Good Thing and it has been publicly recognised that the current tax system if anything discriminates against it rather than supports it.
The financial side of things might be small (though I can't see how or why it could be bigger) but the shift in principle is the important thing.
Fair enough if you like the message that marriage is a good thing, but I think the policy will be much more effective at winning over voters like yourself than tackling our 'broken society'.
Finally, are you sure that marriage is discriminated against by the tax system? Inheritence and capital gains tax rules make marriage look pretty tasty.
In that sense, religion is a personal matter.
However, I don't think it should be a private matter. Firstly, the Christian faith doesn't do relative truth. So, like other faiths, if it's important for me, it's important for you. I'm therefore not prepared to keep schtum on my beliefs, especially since my faith has made such a positive difference I feel it's worth sharing.
Secondly, for most people of faith, faith is so important that it is bound to influence their decision making. Don't you therefore think that it's right that we understand where the leaders of our country are coming from, if nothing else?
Finally, I stand by my original statement. He is gutless. I also think it a little odd that on one hand he will promote religious discussion and tolerance and yet on the other hand he won't share his own beliefs.