Lib Dims

The Liberal Democrats ought to have done rather well in this month's local elections. A Labour government has gained a reputation for bungling and faces a leadershup crisis while the Tory Opposition is failing to master the polls. In more normal times, the dear old Lib Dems would be riding the crest of the wave, but they aren’t. Dissatisfied leftwing voters have instead turned to the Greens, who are altogether more radical that the Yellows and have a greater claim on ecological principles. So although Sir Ed Davey gained 142 councillors and three councils, this year's result must have been rather disappointing to him.

Although the Liberal Democrat Party has a reputation for being centrist and compassionate, the Daily Telegraph reported last month the case of David Campanale who has just won a four-year legal battle which is expected to cost the party more than £250,000. The Lib Dems admitted unlawful treatment of Mr Campanale who was “mocked and abused” for his Christian beliefs before being forced out as one of their prospective candidates in a case that has caused bitter division within the party. One of his leading opponents is now a Lib Dem Frontbench spokesman and MP. Even the former liberal Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said the case could make it “impossible” for Christians to stand as Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidates. Quite how Mr Campanale could square his preferred political party with his Christian faith I cannot tell, but a British political party which would essentially oust him for the crime of following Jesus Christ is downright disgraceful.

The Lib Dems might be democrats, but I detect minimal liberalism.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. -Jesus Christ in Matthew, chapter 5

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