Conservatives are nasty

If you don't like it, switch off

Err, because they want to conserve the status quo. We saw exactly the same form of culture war being used by Norman Tebbit two decades ago. Presumably BBC journalists now have to check with CCHQ to ensure they don't say anything which, while perfectly good english and correct in meaning, might offend St. Dave and his crew of chinless wonders. Is this really the best you can do? Stephen Pollard used to be a serious commentator but it seems he's lost it.

Miv Tucker

Stephen, I disagree about the BBC's use of "conservative" re the Iranian mullahs, in that (just for once) I don't believe it's a calculated snub to David Cameron et al. And though I won't for a second dispute the sheer evil of the Iranian regime, it's really a question of perspective, for whether the existing regime is hard-left, or ultra-fascist, those within it who are resisting change are, by definition, conservative. And the question is not a particularly new one: a good literary example would be The Darfsteller, the 1955 Hugo Award-winning short story by Walter M. Miller, Jr. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Darfsteller). I'm quoting from memory here as I haven't got it to hand, but within the story a play is being performed, set in a post-communist Russia, and it is the communist old-guard who are referred to (in so many words) as right wing, and the anti-communists (what WE might call "right wing") as the progressives. But consider how often, in different circumstances, it is the LEFT-wing movements which are called 'liberal' and 'progressive'.

Lee Jakeman

To "If you don't like it, switch off". Yours is the kind of drivel that reduces debate to a meaningless slanging match. We pay for the BBC, so we are entitled to expect less bias and pontification. Stephen Pollard is still a serious commentator - this article being evidence of it. His willingness to publish your post is further evidence. I'm signing this post in my own name. I don't need to hide behind a phrase.

Ross

"Err, because they want to conserve the status quo." It is highly questionable whether they do want to conserve the status quo, or whether they want to bring about some radical changes. Besides which if it were that simple why does 'conservative' get applied to radical groups that oppose the status quo, like the Taliban or the Iraq insurgents?

Roy

Whoever leads CCHQ at the BBC holds a very important card. If it can alter the meaning and general usage of the English language, what else can it do?

Nort

I think it was the BBC that, on a recent TV documentary of the life of Stalin, repeatedly referred to him as a 'conservative'. Which probably tells us more about the BBC than it does of Stalin.

Ian C

Unfortunately for your argument even the Wall Street Journal calls them conservatives. But your point is probably right and the BBC see others using the phrase so justify it to themselves.