Using the total number of councillors is misleading, as it doesn't accurately reflect the number of councils controlled by whatever party. Worse, it also doesn't reflect those councils which are 'hung' (of which there are quite a few) and where the balance of power is dictated by minority parties or even individuals.

And yes, I do think Blair is a Guardian reading, do-gooding left winger. The other broadsheets are generally so sceptical about him and his ideals that I can't imagine him feeling comfortable with them.

For the record, I also think he's a c*nt.

Probably about time I stuck my neck out on this thread.

Good point Seth - as I read the Independent, I can claim a certain amount of middle ground. Firstly, Cucking's extended post on the various merits of white and black culture should be attacked. White culture and white systems have dominated this country since the year dot. Teh encouragement and promotion of ethnic minority culture is an important step in continuing integration in a society not yet rid of the evil of racism. There is no need to promote white culutre - it's all around us, everywhere. And anyway, can you objectively identify 'white culture'? Ethnic minority culture is readily identifiable precisely because it is different - there are various influences from different backgrounds that create a fascinating muluticultural mix. What we need to do is to promote the fact that this combination, with all its different expression, is essentially a British culture. Culture is not static, it changes with time and experience, just as it is now. That is why we need the inovolvement of ethnic minority imput - because they are part of our society, and they have yet to become completely immersed and involved as an integral part. Hence the promotion of publications like the Voice - this exists precisely because of the inequality in this country, and when the level of inequality is reduced or eventually destroyed, there will be no need for such publications.

Grr. I'm off to word games.

And what?

Define 'english culture'

Great post tome.

Stu - one of the most positive things about this country is the ethnic diversity. In fact, the mix of the these cultures tends to be better in cities as they're more metropolitan.

The other thing I don't understand is the constant use by some people of "do-gooding" as something bad.
What, may I ask, is wrong with trying to do good and help other people? Especially, what is wrong with trying to help someone from a different background to yours

I think I agree with Cucking, for a change, but only on the way The Voice proclaims itself. There is nothing wrong with promoting black culture etc etc that The Voice aims to do. If the masthead were to claim itself as promoting black culture, there would be no problem.

On a side note, does anyone spot the hypocrisy of many of those who attack "left-wing" "PC" "Do-gooders" in their pedantic attack on the actions of said group?

It's just a matter of crossing the i's and dotting the t's