The Power of Passion
Originally published by South Lincolnshire Liberal Democrats
Last week, we had an old friend from the US - a Democrat - staying with us. You can imagine that we spent most evenings talking about politics - Trump & Brexit, specifically - and the 'descent into 1930s fascism', as she described it. But it wasn't all depressing!
She had not been over since we moved to this area, so it was fun taking her shopping in Cambridge & Stamford, and for dog walks around Castle Bytham. But the highlights of her stay were our visits to Isaac Newton's family home in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, and the Belton House 'Below Stairs' tour. The properties themselves are fascinating, of course, but what made those trips special were the volunteers who showed us around. On both days the weather was freezing, but the 2 ladies at Woolsthorpe and the gentleman at Belton made every effort to share their obvious passion for their properties with us. Every question was answered, and they became so involved in their stories that our tours overran significantly- at Belton by over 45 mins! It was a privilege spending time with people who care so much about our local history that they are willing to give up their time to share their knowledge. I thoroughly recommend both National Trust properties if you haven't been recently.
But it got me thinking about passions… all passions (and I write this the day after Valentine's Day)! They can be strangely attractive, draw people in, and ultimately may make others come to feel the same way. I have a feeling that this may be the answer to the 'descent into 1930s fascism'. I think that those of us who care deeply about what is happening in British politics need to be unafraid to get involved, to come together, to share our passion and to start to change our society and government.
There are many opportunities for that at the moment. A week tomorrow, in Stoke Central, our candidate, Dr Zulfiqar Ali, is fighting Paul Nuttall, the UKIP leader who seems incapable of telling the truth about anything, and a Labour candidate who has been forced to apologise for numerous sexist comments. Some say that our man might win. Whatever happens, we must do everything we can to stop Paul Nuttall being elected to Parliament (although it would be somewhat ironic if he achieved something that Nigel Farage was unable to do 8 times!) ;-
Then, next Wednesday at 7.30pm we have a Lib Dem Pint social in the village of Swayfield (midway between Grantham, Stamford & Bourne). The Royal Oak is a lovely old pub… please come along and say Hi!
And next month, in York, we have the Federal Conference. It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss the big issues, hear speeches by senior figures and get to meet other Lib Dems from across the country. If you don't want to attend the whole weekend, just come up for the day on Sat 18 March… it's an easy day trip.
But please… get involved… let's share our passion!
Take care, and speak soon
Anita
--
Anita A D Day
Membership Development
South Lincs Liberal Democrats
Tel: 07410 709338 /Twitter: @AnitadayA
Dear Friend,
Last week, we had an old friend from the US- a Democrat- staying with us. You can imagine that we spent most evenings talking about politics- Trump & Brexit, specifically- and the 'descent into 1930s fascism', as she described it. But it wasn't all depressing! ;-)
She had not been over since we moved to this area, so it was fun taking her shopping in Cambridge & Stamford, and for dog walks around Castle Bytham. But the highlights of her stay were our visits to Isaac Newton's family home in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, and the Belton House 'Below Stairs' tour. The properties themselves are fascinating, of course, but what made those trips special were the volunteers who showed us around. On both days the weather was freezing, but the 2 ladies at Woolsthorpe and the gentleman at Belton made every effort to share their obvious passion for their properties with us. Every question was answered, and they became so involved in their stories that our tours overran significantly- at Belton by over 45 mins! It was a privilege spending time with people who care so much about our local history that they are willing to give up their time to share their knowledge. I thoroughly recommend both National Trust properties if you haven't been recently.
But it got me thinking about passions… all passions (and I write this the day after Valentine's Day)! They can be strangely attractive, draw people in, and ultimately may make others come to feel the same way. I have a feeling that this may be the answer to the 'descent into 1930s fascism'. I think that those of us who care deeply about what is happening in British politics need to be unafraid to get involved, to come together, to share our passion and to start to change our society and government.
There are many opportunities for that at the moment. A week tomorrow, in Stoke Central, our candidate, Dr Zulfiqar Ali, is fighting Paul Nuttall, the UKIP leader who seems incapable of telling the truth about anything, and a Labour candidate who has been forced to apologise for numerous sexist comments. Some say that our man might win. Whatever happens, we must do everything we can to stop Paul Nuttall being elected to Parliament (although it would be somewhat ironic if he achieved something that Nigel Farage was unable to do 8 times!) ;-)
Then, next Wednesday at 7.30pm we have a Lib Dem Pint social in the village of Swayfield (midway between Grantham, Stamford & Bourne). The Royal Oak is a lovely old pub… please come along and say Hi!
And next month, in York, we have the Federal Conference. It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss the big issues, hear speeches by senior figures and get to meet other Lib Dems from across the country. If you don't want to attend the whole weekend, just come up for the day on Sat 18 March… it's an easy day trip.
But please… get involved… let's share our passion!
Take care, and speak soon
Anita
--Tel: 07410 709338 /Twitter: @AnitadayA