So I've followed up on the election campaign almost every day so far, watched every debate and analysis on TV, and watched most interviews with the leaders on youtube. I've read manifestos, and (most importantly), read threads on TSR.
I know a lot of you HATE UKIP, but don't just tell me you hate them. Logically explain why I'm wrong. I really would like to understand the opposing views here, so if you can change my mind on these things, go for it.
Here's my take on things:
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Immigration control'Racist' is normally the first response I get. No. It is not racist whatsoever to want to control the borders of a country. It has nothing to do with race, religion or ethnicity. It's simply to do with numbers, and the principle. It's a policy adopted by most countries in the world. If I want to go and live in the US, I have to apply for a work permit, and a green card etc - I can't just turn up? Are the US racist? Is every other country on the planet that has controlled borders racist?
It's true, that ideally, we would have expanded the education and healthcare sectors, built more houses, to ensure we could accommodate more people, but the reality is we don't have the resources or the money at the moment. What's wrong with admitting that? I feel that no-one wants to admit this because they're just scared of being branded a racist.
And let me highlight something. Many people are opposed to this because, for instance, so many NHS staff were born in another country. The policy is
control of immigration, NOT prevention of immigration. Under an 'Australian-Style' system, skilled workers, such as doctors and nurses WOULD be allowed in. I would want students to be allowed in for sure. People in their thousands should still be allowed in - I would hate for immigration to be stopped completely - Immigration has been massively beneficial to the country, and always will, but it is only logical that it's controlled, surely? What's to stop immigration from continuing to rise? If a million people moved here next year would that be fine?
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EU BureacracyNot sure how many people realise this, but the EU gets to decide an absurd number of laws for us. Jean-Claude Juncker a familiar face? A lot of people who haven't been elected by the British public are powerful enough to decide legislations which get enforced on us. I think Farage is absolutely correct in saying this is undemocratic, and unnecessary. The vast amount of red tape affecting small businesses comes from the EU, and we don't need most it.
Look at the countries which used to be under British reign; the commonwealth nations. It's funny how all those countries strived to become independent, yet why do we not? Why are we not capable of running ourselves? I'd want us to continue to trade with the EU as we do now, but without all the other strings attached.
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Grammar schoolsThink these need re-introducing - would prevent those who can't afford to go to private schools being at a disadvantage.
There's plenty of other policies I like, but I'm getting bored of typing. I think it's worth finally mentioning that there are things I disagree with, such as their attitude towards climate change, but, honestly, on the whole, I agree with the majority of their policies.
So what did I say wrong?