Too lib·er·al [adj.] is no more.

The partisan nature of our politics and the ever growing ‘hate’ towards different opinions is too much for me. All are entitled to freedom of speech and expression, but the post-Leveson climate makes it almost impossible. Democracy is being undermined by mob rule; the endless abuse for opposing or presenting an alternative idea is a sin, according to a minority.

I’m tired of the whole circus and worried, too. The whole climate is dangerous. British politics is becoming extremely vile and hostile to the point of all out partisan war. We’ve had people protesting and celebrating a death of an old lady just because a few didn’t like her politics. Others hoped the police, or members of the general public, would physically hurt or injury protesters. What the hell has happened to this country?

I disagree with many positions of Ed Miliband, but I don’t hate him. It is absurd to judge someone entirely on their politics; I don’t even know the Labour leader or spoke to him in person, yet others simply distaste Miliband because of political association.

Iain Dale inspired me to participate in blogging. Liberal Democrat Voice gave me my first national platform and Huffington Post opened the door to a international audience. Twitter, too, has been extremely beneficial for me. But the ‘hate’ is too much. In the past, I’ve received death threats from abroad (didn’t care at the time), but recent events have made me think about potential effects on my family and friends.

And I’m sick of the endless Twitter Wars. If you disagree with someone, then fine; but flooding their mentions with endless Tweets is obsessive. The blind loyalty to party brands are morphing political debate and dialogue into Soviet propaganda. Question the leadership and risk isolation. That’s the nature of British politics.

Too lib·er·al [adj.] blog will remain open encase I ever have a change of heart, but I highly doubt it. The posts will remain available to read and share, but no new content is planned to be released. I’m done. Finished. Game over.

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Announcement: working on a book

A little brief update (for those who don’t follow me on Twitter):

I’m currently working on a book, regarding individualism in the 21st Century. Completed the introduction and starting to plan out the rest of the project. The next couple of weeks will involve me selling the idea to a publisher and consideration of a literary agent; but, yes, busy times are ahead.

I would be grateful for advice and tips. This is a big step for me and, of course, I’m rather nervous.

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Why I returned to the Liberal Democrats

Voluntary exile from party politics proved to have a positive impact on me; majority of the departure was spent expanding and subtracting elements of my philosophy, understand contemporary liberalism and the current state of British politics. In all honesty, it was rather beneficial to me. The past two months have seemed more or less equivalent to a year and the brief absence allowed me to rediscover why I become a Liberal Democrat in the first place.

I’m a contrarian; my positions are opposed to the majority and based on radicalism and dissent. As a passionate liberal, I strongly believe opinions should always be based on principles and not popularity. Democracy becomes dangerous if a political vanguard embeds itself within populism and the tyranny of the majority; a liberal party should never be afraid of speaking its minds – regardless of public opinion. And it is that reason why I originally joined Liberal Democrats. It was better, as a liberal, to be associated with a political party who took principled stands on civil liberties and personal freedom. We are the only party in Britain that cares about the greatest minority on Earth: the individual. There is no exclusive admiration for either markets or the state, liberals philosophically do not endorse collectivism.

And that is why I reapplied for membership; how can a liberal exist in parties that either favour using the state to dictate civil society or the economy? Liberals desire no control or influence on anyone or anything. Sure we acknowledge a role in ensuring freedoms, but never seek to use the power of the state to influence outcomes for our own political goals. The existence of liberalism is based primarily of the principle of expanding, and protecting, the freedoms and liberty of the individual; as Hayek once wrote, “What a free society offers to the individual is much more than what he would be able to do if only he were free. “ Conservatives and socialists do not recognise the individual and seek to define humans in collective terms; humans, by nature, will form communities themselves, but a liberal party has no reason for the state to enforce it. It is a organic and a conscious decision, free from outside influence.

Britain is a liberal country and it requires a strong liberal party. During this period of government we should stand by what is right, not what will get us elected. As I stated before, populism is a hideous platform and dishonest to the electorate. This liberal returned because I thought the state is too powerful, the corporate sector is too corrupt, Parliament is weak and no one dared to challenge the status quo. It was better to challenge the establishment as a member of a liberal party than outside of it; to those liberals in exile, like I was, it is time to come home. It is time to rejoin the Liberal Democrats and promote a true liberal Britain.

 

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So, I’m now an independent wondering what will happen next…

Nearly a week on from my departure from the Liberal Democrats, I’m adjusting to the life of a political independent; which, I must confess, is rather comfortable and quite liberating. The whole NHS debate was intoxicating (in a negative way) to the point I considered abandoning my Twitter account, due to several skirmishes and outbreaks of war on my time line. It was a little tedious, I have to say..

Over the weekend, I’ve had several messages of support, sympathy and congratulations (thank you to my Tory followers); predominate question was whether or not I would ever align myself to another party, or rejoin the Liberal Democrats. Across the weeks and months you might see opinions and editorials on different outlets, which I have never contributed to before; don’t assume new affiliation, in the political sense. Just expanding my audience.

Any announcement, on new political affiliation, would occur on this blog first. It is something I have not really given much thought to throughout the last week; there has been offers, but I’m currently not entertaining anything just yet. Probably will participate in certain campaigns and endorse individual candidates (I am open to offers).

But the big question I was asked by numerous people: will I rejoin the Liberal Democrats? honestly, I don’t think so. I shall not give a reason why, but party members must look at the inner details of the polls; specifically voting patterns among Liberal Democrat voters. Forget the leadership, overall party support and dare I say the membership – focus primarily on the changing attitudes of voters in general and, fundamentally, your own voters. It is the key to survival. That’s all I will say.

I’m still available on Twitter (@danielfurruk) and via e-mail (danielfurr at gmail.com) for any questions, etc.

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Paranormal Activity compared to a real haunting

I’m unfortunate enough to be employed in one of the most haunted buildings in Canterbury; what was once an Elizabethan inn, where three children died in a fire in the late 1500s. During interior renovations, in the early 2000s, workmen started to report eerily activity throughout the building – mostly on the stairs and a certain room on the third floor, where remains of hair and fingernails were found. Supposedly belonging to children.

In the Hollywood movie series, Paranormal Activity, it usually begins with random and innocent knocks, footsteps and whispers. This is true for my working environment; I tend to be on my own for at least an hour or so, and occasionally hear the sound of footsteps following me; running, whispers and the sound of children laughing or playing. Noises will immediately halt if I go to investigate the source of the occurrence,  and start again, if I stop paying attention to it/them.

And this is where the similarities stop. Of course, there are different types of hauntings and activity, but Hollywood depicts a reality of carnage and legions of demons. There have been some major frights for me; having my name called, when alone, and doors slam on the third floor. Again, when I’m alone. But, alas, no demons are entertaining me.

I’m almost certain (and I swear on my own life) there have been two occasions, in which I am positive, I saw a child or figures. My scepticism was pushed to the extreme with those incidents. But, unlike the movies, I was not pulled, pushed or dragged down the stairs. People tend to ask me, routinely, how I can work in a reputedly haunted building and the answer is quite simplistic. 99% of the time, nothing happens. There tends to be short and precious moments of activity, followed by tranquility for many months.

Like the protagonists in Paranormal Activity, we don’t gather round and discuss the haunting; only if something occurs. As much as I enjoyed the movie series, especially the third installment, I have to confess a real haunted building is quite tedious.

Sorry, Hollywood

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Why I’m Quitting Blogging and Politics (for a while)

I’m not very good at this sort of personal blog post; in fact, I hate it. But, alas, I feel my readers deserve an explanation. Firstly, I do enjoy blogging and I know it’s a cliché, but it means a lot to have met so many different people who wish to hear my thoughts and opinions on a variety of subjects. I cannot thank you enough. Plus, the relationships I’ve built with the media-especially BBC Radio Kent-has been beyond my wildest dreams (urgh, forgive the phrase). And if it wasn’t for Liberal Democrat Voice, I’d probably wouldn’t be blogging.

First reason for this announcement is related to my writing; I’ve lost confidence and lack the drive I use to have. I don’t know why, but the motivation has evaporated. As I tweeted last night, everything I believed in-politically-has turned out to be one big lie. And it saddens me. Individual evolution does lead to disassociating yourself from once held beliefs, but the current environment is extremely uninspiring and depressing that I need to escape from it all. And everything I write seems weak, tedious and lacking – struggled with external contributions.

And I need a break from politics in general. Too sectarian, too partisan and confrontational. My Liberal Democrat membership renewal form has been carefully waiting for several weeks; if everything you believed in was a false reality, then there is no point fighting the battle. Don’t know if I shall renewal.

Second reason is quite personal. For those who know me as Daniel Furr the person, not the political blogger, realise my life is currently chaotic. The last few months have been rather dark and unfortunate for me; my attention and priorities are elsewhere, for understandable reasons. In all honesty, I’m lost. I’ve always believed in standing on your own two feet, but it’s quite the struggle at the moment. Maybe when the tempest ceases I’ll explain, but currently won’t be talking about it. This is kinda related to me losing confidence in writing, etc.

As I blow out the candle, I will be still around. And I promise to return. Just need to rediscover myself and heal some wounds.

Thank you.

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Site news: I’ve joined the Huffington Post

I wish to inform my readers of my new blogging role for the Huffington Post UK. A great honour, indeed, to participate in the British site and expand my blogging work, too. Very good prospect for me, personally, and my career.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/daniel-furr/

Too Liberal will continue, but a second contributor has been added. On some occasions I will do cross over posts between here and the post.

p.s podcast will restart, shortly. First scripts for the ‘Too Liberal‘ show have been written, too.

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Review of my first article for Liberal Democrat Voice

A trip down memory lane; I was ready my first ever OP/ED for the voice back in 2008. Arguably the most controversial article to ever appear on that website. I was, at the time, an ‘independent liberal’ defending the Iraq war.

46 comments; majority of them quite critical. In retrospective, I was quite naive and rather too overt with my contrarianism. Reviewing the wording and presentation does not alter my original opinions. I still support my stance. But I do make one observation and criticism;

That is why I am an independent liberal. My views and beliefs are different to some, and my support for the neoconservative agenda has isolated me amongst liberals. But if the liberalism we hold so dear is based on liberty and democracy, then we of all people have the moral right to spread it.

I was extremely arrogant with my assertions and too cocky. Had an uncanny ability to alienate the readers by assuming my opinion was the only legitimate answer. Honestly wish to believe I’ve matured and no longer maintained that attitude.

Sometimes, I think it is beneficial to review previous work and to observe potential areas for improvement. Good for the soul.

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Appearence on the Voice

I was kindly invited to take part in the ‘Bloggers’ takeover‘ at Liberal Democrat Voice today. You can read my opinion piece on arguing for Liberal Democrats to take up the defence of liberty

A huge thanks to Paul for the offer and Alex for arranging the project. It is always good to participate in helping the Voice.

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A personal post

I tend not to do ‘bleeding heart’ blog posts about my personal life. My writing tends to be strictly political. Nothing else. But alas, I feel the need to exploit this medium to get a few issues off my chest.

Sadly, I was born with an “imperfect” bone structure. A painful combination of pectus excavatum (rib cage deformity) and bone distortion in both my knees. Either my days are peaceful, pleasant and enjoyable or I am in extreme agony. Due to this disorder, I am unable to work full time – the pain is literally too much at times. However, I do work though; sitting around and feeling sorry for myself does not appeal to me. I risk damaging and hindering myself though – potentially reducing the ability to walk or even crippling me.

Pectus excavatum adds pressure to my lungs, thus I am also a suffer of serve asthma. Your humble blogger is quite a tragic case :/ However, my situation does not sadden or even depress my mood. There is nothing I can do to alter my life, but I’ve managed to take advantage of it to explore potential avenues; such as talents or hobbies.

Financial, believe it or not, I’ve been quite lucky. I’ve refused state help or welfare – the government is not here to look after me. Careful saving and investments means money is no real worry for me.

Talking about it is still quite bizarre and uncomfortable; I have an old fashion view of not seeking attention or sympathy. But, however, seeing today is quite a bad day for me (pain wise) I felt the need to share it will my readers.

Thanks.

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