An old friend...

I was out in central London last night and I happened to come across an old friend. This old friend was a major part of my life for quite some time, particularly from 1990 to 1992. He has not changed, nor would I have expected him to, for he is intellectually a genius and one of those unique human beings that the rest of us try to emulate for our entire lives and fail. So why am I writing this on my blog, a blog usually full of political commentary? Well there is a connection for Andrew is a political strategist, probably one of the best in the world, but unfortunately a libertarian by belief. However, he has always been to the point, a quality that I admire, and last night was no different even after drinking an armies worth of drink. For he explained why I have failed to get selected in a winnable seat and he is completely right, in that I am not “cuddly”. Don’t get me wrong, I am chubby and that to me is the epitome of cuddly; no for him ‘cuddly’ means having electoral appeal...the kind of appeal that when the candidates face lands on the doormat that the response is “Wouldn’t he make a lovely MP, so cuddly,” instead of mine which would lead to the response “He looks like he’d eat your children.” I scare the middle classes, I do not provide them comfort because I challenge and provoke people to think of what is wrong with society and not what is “cuddly”.

I have always known it would be hard for me to get a parliamentary or even council seat, as I am not photogenic nor am I inclined to lie or deceive. What Andrew explained to me in a Marble Arch bar was that I had to change to realise my potential and that the potential alone is not enough. Being “in-vogue” or trendy is as much a part of the chances and opportunities that exist, as is passion and commitment. The election of Obama has put people from the Afro-Caribbean community “in-vogue” in politics, allowing the middle classes to feel all warm inside and forget that for generations people of colour have been made to feel “second class” citizens, just like the more rotund person is made to feel inferior now.

Politics is in a constant flux, change occurs and leaves people behind, but sometimes it catches other people up too. Maybe my time is yet to come, and I shall keep on trying. Parliament should be full of people who care about society, who want to empower ordinary citizens to take control of their lives knowing that the state is on their side and not against them.

It was good to see you yesterday Andrew. As always you represent a meaningful part of my life, that can never be erased.