This epigraph pretty much sums up my approach to politics.
Any group, political or otherwise, can have its policies, its focus, its raison d'etre. It can protest, shout, lobby, petition. A political party can doorknock, hold hustings and spend thousands on election campaigns.
But, it is all pointless if you cannot 'connect' with the people you are seeking to win over. Sometimes it can mean just 'sitting with' feelings or behaviours we find uncomfortable or alien, but above all it is about listening; really listening. This will include hearing lots of things which you don't want to hear.
And then you must act.
Contrary to popular belief I don't believe members of the House of Lords to be 'alien', although practises, history and behaviour might be! In any event, a Green Lord will have to work with up to 740-odd other Lords and I believe that the vast majority will want to work with us. There is a wealth of dedication and expertise in the House of Lords and it would be foolhardy to dismiss it.
Learning policies and protocols is the "easy" bit, delivering them in an enticing way is the "clincher".
Measured, calm, respectful, with kindness and fire in the belly: this is how I intend to 'connect'.
Any group, political or otherwise, can have its policies, its focus, its raison d'etre. It can protest, shout, lobby, petition. A political party can doorknock, hold hustings and spend thousands on election campaigns.
But, it is all pointless if you cannot 'connect' with the people you are seeking to win over. Sometimes it can mean just 'sitting with' feelings or behaviours we find uncomfortable or alien, but above all it is about listening; really listening. This will include hearing lots of things which you don't want to hear.
And then you must act.
Contrary to popular belief I don't believe members of the House of Lords to be 'alien', although practises, history and behaviour might be! In any event, a Green Lord will have to work with up to 740-odd other Lords and I believe that the vast majority will want to work with us. There is a wealth of dedication and expertise in the House of Lords and it would be foolhardy to dismiss it.
Learning policies and protocols is the "easy" bit, delivering them in an enticing way is the "clincher".
Measured, calm, respectful, with kindness and fire in the belly: this is how I intend to 'connect'.
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