Mine's a G&T!
"Mine's a G&T" has long been the derisive and patronising shout from the Tory benches whenever John Prescott stands up. He was, as is well known, a steward before he became our deputy prime minister. In a delightful Radio Four documentary - '' - JP recalls the cruise fifty years ago on which he served Sir Anthony Eden. Eden was fleeing his troubles after an unpopular war (I know what you're thinking...).
Prescott talks with fondness of his days afloat and "a real Tory gent", and there are insights into the class system and politics. My favourite moment is the media "doorstep" with Eden when he's asked by one of my predecessors whether he'd care to reflect on his recent troubles. These days we shout "yer goin t' resign?".
Not sure we can claim things have improved.
You can listen to the programme here or it's repeated on Sunday morning.
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Only the other day, I was reminded of lumpenproletariat, a term originally defined by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in The German Ideology. In simple terms, where the proletariat and bourgeoisie were productive and progressive, the lumpenproletariat was unproductive and regressive. As Nick comments and the radio interview suggest, the bourgeoisie may be split into bourgeoisie and lumpenbourgeoisie.
One of my favourite quotes is 鈥淭rue happiness is the full use of your powers along lines of excellence in a life affording scope.鈥 In many ways, it defines my personal, work, and social philosophy. It unites science, religion, and politics, prediction, the moment, and faith, and the role of master and servant. Success is all about ability and opportunity; how we go about things and how we treat other people matters.
As other commentators have picked up, behaviour tends to be mirrored. Likewise, behaviour can be transferred. The clownish but earnest actions of Prescott and the aloof but gracious behaviour of Eden are a microcosm of the world. Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemies, but an alert and relaxed approach can help us step back from these things, work through difficulties, and create a positive consensus.
Persistence and polish are useful qualities in the superior man.
What is it they say? When the going gets tough, the tough get going? Blair has opted for toughing it out while a lot of the Parliamentary Party have not got the stomach for riding out the squall.
Well for once I find myself in Prescott's corner. To think he went from a bar man to man of the bar under his own efforts and stream is admirable.
'Mine's a G+T!' Utterly dispicable! and I would imagine being hurled at him from those whose only experience is to be waited on hand and foot throught their priveleged lives.
I think a lot of the folks who hurl this at Mr Prescott would do rather well to take a few leaves out of his book!!!!!but not too many and for Christ's sake be selective!
yours Eddie :-)