We must be doing something right !

( The title is meant in both senses.)

The BBC report Matthew Taylor (outgoing No10 strategy advisor - not the Lib Dem mp ) having a little hissey fit about Blogging. He seems puzzled as to why the socialist controlled forums for communicating directly 'with the people' aren't enough. Citing the boy Millibloger's efforts (paid for by the tax payer) and the various stuff Downing street has been trying on over the last few days to show they are trying - in an organised socialist sort of way.

We're all shrill teenagers ( I wish ), apparently.

Taylor is reported as saying (emphasis is mine):

"I want people to have more power, but I want them to have more power in the context of a more mature discourse about the responsibilities of government and the responsibilities of citizens,"

That 'but' should make you worry. It has restrictions and control implied. I wonder what he, as a strategist is thinking ?

The BBC article starts by saying: Tony Blair's outgoing chief strategy adviser fears the internet could be fuelling a "crisis" in the relationship between politicians and voters.

What it should really have said is:
Tony Blair's outgoing chief strategy adviser fears the internet could be fuelling a "crisis" in the relationship between NuLabour politicians and voters.

Of course what he says doesn't matter much. It is in fact counter productive. NuLabour's success was based on controlling the message - and ruthlessly suppressing information and people it didn't like. Right now that's become impossible. However, how long before terrorism or such is used to curtail blogs and free expression on the net. Perhaps not as long as we might think.

James Cleverly takes Matthew Taylor to task here - saving me any more effort. West Brow blog also gets a mention in dispatches here.

Update: Iain Dale has managed to rope George Bush into his rebuttal !

Tag NuLabour, Matthew+Taylor