WHY SOCIALISM?

WHY SOCIALISM?

Policies and Principle

This Blog is not about intellectual reflections on socialism. But neither is its concern limited to a political programme. Its purpose is to explore the thinking and experiences of those who have gone before - as the basis for a strategy to address the political, economic and social challenges we face in 2008.

However, if the policies proposed are to have a beneficial, and lasting, effect on our quality of life, we must have a clear understanding of the principles on which they are based. The action taken by government must lead to a more fair and equal society.

From my own experience of 50 years in the Labour Party, I hope to strike a cord with other members - and ex members who have left disillusioned. Even more important, I urge them to agree that it is the members, and only the members, who can save the Party and the Brown government.

But there is no time to lose. In the present, difficult, economic circumstances millions of people need help – and they need it quickly. Unless the government acts immediately, there is no chance that Labour will win an election in 2010.

We Must Act Together

I am convinced that we, the members of the Party, can make a difference – providing we act together. We can play a particularly important part in convincing our friends and workmates that there is an alternative to our unfair and unequal society.

What I describe as a socialist programme is also easily seen as a common sense response to the political challenges of 2008. The policy strategy I propose is a number of urgent initiatives made necessary by the, very obvious, failures of capitalism.

There are several reasons for the current economic difficulties; especially the rising price of oil, gas, raw materials and food. Although these increases are not the responsibility of new Labour, Blair governments must take responsibility for the freedom they allowed the banks to act so recklessly in the mortgage market.

New Labour A Spent Force

It is now blatantly obvious that new Labour is disorientated because its supporters do not have the policies to address the 2008 crisis. The banks, which are largely responsible for the housing crisis, get what they ask for – for example, over £50billion in loans – without giving anything significant in return. Meanwhile, victims of the irresponsible lending are having their houses re-possessed.

However Labour, Clause Four and all, does have the answers. Blair treated members of the Party, and the trade unions, with contempt. The only hope for the present government is to ignore the advice of the captains of industry, the Daily Mail, Washington and return to democracy as a basis for decision-making.

The immediate task is to restore democratic decision-making in the Labour Party - because this is the only means of acquiring the policies needed to address our current economic and social challenges.