It is that Simple!

The prime Minster’s speech yesterday was exciting, inspiring and very apt. We are living in difficult times and David Cameron’s call to arms is what an astute, socially conscious and insightful leader will do – will ask from the people, because only when we work together and remember that we are in this together we will be able to pull out of this mess together.

Even though I was in Birmingham as a Conservatives, I tried to listen to the speech as an independent. It was hard but also rewarding. As a result I walked out of the Hall knowing what the “The Big Society” is all about!

I did not queue for hours (remember this is Walaa the independent) to hear some new policy or be given a magical equation or solution to the economic crises. Because I knew we were in too deep and I know politicians can promise you the world when they want your vote they also can take you the creek and bring you back thirsty. I spend hours standing and almost two hours sitting in the nose bleed section (two rows from the top) to get a sense of what this guy and his coalition government are all about. As an independent, who might or might not have voted Conservative in May’s election, now I have a Tory Prime Minster in Number 10 and he looks like he is going to be there for 5 years of my life, so I need to know what I was in for!

I came out believing that the Tories are on to something. This guy, Dave, actually has a vision, albeit deeply founded on Conservative values – and based mainly on personal responsibility – taking and being in control of one’s life and actions. And because it is such a simple and straight forward concept, everybody (media, political pundits and all those in between) refuse to take it seriously, that is why they are all getting bent out of shape about it!

And, it is understandable after 13 years of spin and elaborate highly complicated polices and announcements the country does not know how to do simple as for straight forward, well, where is the fun in that – it is here where the problem lays – here where Cameron needs to just say it over and over and over until it sinks in.

The biggest problem facing the country now, is the economic crises, every other problem and issue pales by comparison, but this government has already given us their solution – it will cut, and will cut now, in order to get to grips with the huge deficit so we can be back on track fast. Cameron also said; stick with me, bare with me and I’ll make it worth your while later – we cut fast feel the pain fast but recover fast – simple words straight forward words!

We all have a part to play in our lives and the lives of those close to us, but also in our community and the society at large. As citizens we have a duty, and no, it is not giving up work and running the local school or the community centre for free – but giving of our free and spare time when we can and make a difference – a small time, from many people equals big positive change for the whole country.

Most people I know and run around with are school governors, charity trustees, sit on their MPA ward panels, members of their neighbourhood watch, volunteers in the community centre, hold morning tea and game sessions for the elderly and many other wonderful deeds that depends on voluntary and charitable support by individuals who care about their community, the well-being of those who live in it and can give a few hours a week to make that difference. Another simple concept!

I came out of the hall (still as an independent) feeling encouraged that now I have a Prime Minster who genuinely cares about leadership not partisanship, the weak, the young, the old, the needy and fairness not his personal popularity, a leader who will lead from the front and by example and not scared to take the unpopular decisions and even rock the boat a little when its needed from time to time. A simple man who cares!

But most of all, now I know what the Big Society is!

It is a logical and practical philosophy not at all a socialist ideology as some are trying to make it out to be – on the contrary, the Big Society is at the heart of Conservatism – it is personal responsibility and private charity and that became absolutely clear form the speech yesterday.

Simply put, together we are better, stronger and happier as people and citizens, together we can achieve more and go far.