Deputy leader of the Labour Party Tom Watson has joined the party's dissenters publishing negative opinions in the previously Labour supporting publication the Guardian. It is an open secret that the Guardian is struggling to keep its head above water in these tough news times, with competition from the Internet and social media. Last week it was a previous Labour darling Owen Jones and Tuesday it is Tom Watson; his post is titled "Trotskyists 'twisting arms' of young Labour members to back Corbyn, Watson says." Watson has attracted an angry response on Twitter but also inadvertently become the butt of the joke as #TrotskyiteTwist trends along with Vines of various dancers doing the twist. But there is of course a more menacing side to all of this. Sharing such opinion pieces in widely read and supported publications hammers home a message whether it is true or false. Hard-left “Trotsky entryists” have been “twisting the arms” of young Labour members to shore up Jeremy Corbyn’s control of the party, the deputy leader Tom Watson has said. It is posted as news not an opinion piece.
More mind manipulation with the media the message? On Facebook's Labour Party Forum one of the male admins posted a link to the story with the following: "You're being led by Trots! Or so Tom Watson puts at least part of Corbyn's popularity down to. He also doesn't think you should have such a big say on who is party leader. Given that part of his mandate as Deputy Leader is social media engagement, I think it'd be a great idea to let him know why you did vote/intend to vote for Corbyn here (or why you didn't/intend not to, of course), and what you think of the state of the Labour Party as I know he posts on here occasionally (it goes without saying that normal forum rules apply to any comments; those that don't will be deleted) Sure enough Watson came out of the Facebook woodwork. He posted a link to another of his Guardian pieces saying "I have no doubt that David Robinson will not like the interview that lead to the Guardian headline but for clarity, it may be worth reading it in conjunction with the news report. Best to you all, even the people who don't agree with me." It made not an iota of difference to me. It lacks credibilty like Mr Watson. Links to both reports are posted at the end of this opinion piece. For what it's worth here is my opinion: I noticed Watson looking shame-faced, squirming a bit in his seat in the House of Commons and allowing Angela Eagle to step ino Corbyn's shoes when he was not in the Commons from day one. I often wondered why? To my mind a deputy leader is just that and should deputise when the leader is away. Retired these days I found myself watching PMQs as it happens, live on TV, from the House of Commons. And I often wondered why Watson even turned up? He was more supportive when Eagle stood in for Corbyn but he appeared quite unnecessary the rest of the time. As the fight for the Labour Party continues we supporters and members all virtually 'die' a little. Words said will not be easily forgotten or forgiven. Every ill-worded piece aimed at removing Corbyn may act as reverse psychology. I am not a Trot, I am not a Moron, I am not young, I am not easily led by arm twisters, I am not a Corbynista but I appear to be in each of those categories if you take note of some in the Labour Party. I wonder what I will be when it comes to local and General Elections? https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/a-show-of-no-confidence-in-tom-watson-mp-deputy-leader-labour http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/aug/09/trotskyists-young-labour-members-jeremy-corbyn-tom-watson http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/aug/09/tom-watson-interview-jeremy-corbyn-labour-rifts-hug-shout
5 Comments
Jean Hall
9/8/2016 08:30:07 pm
Does this man think that people go round with their eyes closed ? Does he regard Labour supporters as brainless individuals who are incapable of making decisions for themselves ? People are disgusted at the state of the country. Disgusted at the prejudice shown by this government for the average individual. Disgusted at the favouritism shown towards the rich. Disgusted that they are selling off assets to their rich friends that are public property. We need a party in power that is fair and cares about every citizen. A party that has a strong leader who earns respect, doesn't demand or buy it. A leader who doesn't back down against bullies. A leader who leads by example and has a long history of caring for his fellow man and his country. A leader who didn't enter politics for financial gain but to make a difference to the lives of the people. No, nobody is supporting Jeremy Corbyn because they are being forced to do so. Jeremy Corbyn has won each individual's support by his own merits and you Tom Watson should be ashamed of your allegations against Labour party members. It's comments like yours that are shredding the party to pieces. If you don't have faith in the members they won't have faith in you. I think you have caused a lot of damage with your words......but only to yourself. Well done 'comrade'.
Eileen
9/8/2016 09:13:18 pm
Well said Jean Hall I hope others will share their views thank you
Wendy Mcmillan
10/8/2016 12:50:14 pm
Thank you, Jean Hall. That sums it up very well.
Graham King
10/8/2016 08:09:13 pm
On the one hand, you cannot blame Tom Watson for his opinion. He knows the gravy train is coming to an end if Jeremy Corbyn, wins the Leadership. But on the other hand, he offers no evidence. So does that mean, we have to take his word for it, or is this just his imagination. The same imagination he uses when filling out his expenses.
Eileen
13/8/2016 04:55:24 pm
True Graham Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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