Blair displays contempt and arrogance - again

"Tony Blair is ready to defy public opposition to road pricing and press ahead with proposals to test pay-as-you-drive charges." So begins The Daily Telegraph front page article (21st February 2007). What the people think doesn't matter. It never does. It never has. All governments are the same and just wear different labels and is the most likely reason that the Tories have (so far) failed to properly oppose the plan. If it's not opposed now then when nothing gets done to change the 'fait accompli' in the future there can be no repercussions of broken promises. This is government, after all. It is about distance and so 'road pricing' is critical to rebalance revenue deficit caused by less petrol sold. Less fuel tax. Government thinking is quite predictable. The time span of 5 years seems very unrealistic. I would estimate 1-2 years maximum. The e-mail that 'is being drafted' to be sent to each of the 1.8 million protesters was probably written months ago. The results of a 'fait accompli' are known at the beginning and not after the closing date. And I cannot imagine Blair wasting time writing this himself.