Idle Thoughts of a Retired Dominie: Mr Cameron Retreats?

Following the poor showing of Conservatives in last week's Council elections, and the demise so many of Lib Dem councillors, it appears that reference to same sex marriage legislation, and reform of the House of Lords, are to be dropped from the Queen's speech to Parliament next week.

It is good news that this has happened, though sadly it does not indicate a policy shift or a change of heart. It is simply a matter of expediency. The Government now realise that the average voter is angry that while he or she is suffering from the austerity programme, the "Posh Boys" at the top of the tree are not feeling any pain.
Prices are rising quickly, while income is falling due to wage freezes. Savings accounts are paying minuscule interest rates to savers. The cost of domestic energy climbs ever higher, and petrol prices show no sign of decreasing.
The recent budget has turned into a disaster. There are to be increases in allowances next year, but there are new taxes on Old Age Pensioners ( Granny Tax"), and new taxes on hot food "( Pastie Tax"). This last one adds to the cost of a hot pastry bought from a baker. If it is cold, there is no tax, only if it is hot. What if it is neither...just warm?
So while the man in the street is enduring the hardship of these austerity measures, the Government has come under huge pressure in the press over same sex marriage and House of Lords reform. The question is why is time and energy and money being spent on these highly unpopular issues while the people of Britain labour under financial restraints. Why are we taxpayers subsidising the Euro, a currency we opted not to join?
Why are we giving large amounts of money for the poor in India, while India expands its nuclear weapon technology and it's space programme? India has more millionaires that the UK.
Many families in Britain are now struggling to find the money to heat their homes in winter due to the high cost of domestic fuel. And some of the extra costs are the so-called "Green Taxes", so we can extend low carbon power production.

The people and the National Press, and Religious Organisations are making it clear that same sex marriages is definite no-no. And the Coalition Government is slowly accepting that it does not want to have the reputation of pushing unpopular legislation at a time like this. Hence the leak that there will be no legislation in the coming year.

In Scotland, the Scottish National Party did not make the progress it was hoping for. And there is reason to think that it's intentions in the area of same sex marriages is having an effect on it's vote. The big issue for Mr.Salmond is what effect this issue might cause when it comes to the Referendum on Scottish Independence?

It is quite clear from recent Government statements that the SNP do not regard marriage as in any way special with regard to the upbringing of children.
Voters who are opposed to same sex marriage were urged to contact the leaders of the 4 main parties to tell them why we did not vote for them in these elections.
Tesco, a major Supermarket Group, announce last year its support for Gay Rights. Christians were urged to protest and to shop elsewhere. Since then, Tesco have announced their worst ever trading figures. Does anyone see a link there?

We have to maintain the pressure on all parties. None of them have the right to re define the meaning of Marriage as it has been understood for thousands of years. They do so at their own peril.
It has nothing to do with human rights. How long before pedophiles or those whose perversion is bestiality will be pushing for their human rights?
After all, we live in the age of liberalism. Anything goes, as long as it makes you happy!

This is my family. I am very proud of them all. They are all very talented, smart and caring.