Tory Propaganda

[HorribleOffensiveScouser91]

It is quite interesting that in the Tories recent political party broadcast it focuses on how the government has reduced the deficit by 25%. The Average Brit apparently thought it was just 1.5 - 3% and so on the face of things everybody seems very impressed.

However, it seems the Tories are more focused on misleading the public into thinking they're improving things when in fact quite the opposite is the case. The terms 'deficit' and 'debt' mean two entirely different things, deficit is the amount of borrowed money being spent by the government per year, whereas the debt is the amount of borrowed money being spent that is owed back.

So it is clear that whilst the government is cutting the amount of money borrowed in comparison to previous years that it is spending, it is still spending borrowed money! Therefore the debt can only be rising can it not? It seems like statistical propaganda to many who are now discussing this subject, misleading statistics and the same old lies from the Tories.

What are your thoughts?

[Darth]

Yup, governments and politicians fudge the numbers. Look at any 'spending cut', it's no cut. They forecast a highball figure, an 8% increase in spending, they then increase spending by 6%, and then claim they cut spending or spending growth by 2% (or 25%).

It wouldn't think that it can only be rising. Might a small deficit not be offset by inflation? But yes, it would only add to the debt.

Is labour a party of statistical angels then?

[HorribleOffensiveScouser91]

Yup, governments and politicians fudge the numbers. Look at any 'spending cut', it's no cut. They forecast a highball figure, an 8% increase in spending, they then increase spending by 6%, and then claim they cut spending or spending growth by 2% (or 25%).

It wouldn't think that it can only be rising. Might a small deficit not be offset by inflation? But yes, it would only add to the debt.

Is labour a party of statistical angels then?

No Labour are just as bad, they're all friends with the Rupert Murdoch brigade and therefore they're all wankers!

[downbeatplumb]

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/ramesh-p...07552.html

Labour in 1997 inherited a debt of 42% of GDP. By the start of the global banking crises 2008 the debt had fallen to 35% - a near 22% reduction page 6 ONS Surprisingly, a debt of 42% was not seen as a major problem and yet at 35% the sky was falling down?

in 1997 Labour inherited a deficit of 3.9% of GDP (not a balanced budget ) and by 2008 it had fallen to 2.1% - a reduction of a near 50% - Impressive! Hence, it's implausible and ludicrous to claim there was overspending. The deficit was then exacerbated by the global banking crises after 2008. See HM Treasury. Note, the 1994 deficit of near 8% haaaaaah!

[Tiberius]

Not sure how it is misleading the public if they used the word "deficit". I haven't seen the advert though. If they've done what they say they've done, it is not misleading.

Both the deficit and the debt are bad. Reducing either is a good thing.

But yes, no party is perfect when it comes to wording accomplishments. This is what you get in an unfair electoral system...people playing unfairly.

[Napoléon]

Not sure how it is misleading the public if they used the word "deficit". I haven't seen the advert though. If they've done what they say they've done, it is not misleading.

Whenever I hear talks on political programmes the words deficit and debt are often used synonymously, or at least appear to be used so to the simple interpretation of the general public (myself included). The government doesn't seem too intent on making the distinction clear.

[Tiberius]

Yup, hence why I added the bit at the end of my post. Wording is done very carefully so they are not explicitly stating falsehoods, but so that they make themselves look the best they possibly can in a bad or "meh" situation.

[HorribleOffensiveScouser91]

It is definitely a clever use of wording to make something bad seem good...unfortunately this will always be the case until you get governments operating to serve the public again rather than to dictate to them. It's all about keepin the voters happy to gain power, once in power try know they can u turn all promises. We need politicians to stop promising the world and instead state that there is a problem and that what their actions will be to tackle it will have consequences, be honest with the electorate

[Tiberius]

It is definitely a clever use of wording to make something bad seem good...

Reducing the deficit is bad?!?

[HorribleOffensiveScouser91]

No but spending continuously borrowed money is. It is clear the government isn't intent on making the distinction between the two clear as napoleon suggested