Just to illustrate how "nutty" (but dangerous nonetheless) the BNP are, their recent candidate in Rushden for election to Northamptonshire County Council (Wim Wauters - good British name that!) has recently stated:
"..... Fascism is already in power and it didn't come in from the 'right-wing' (they haven't figured out they should call it Nationalism), but from the left-wing liberals running personality cults who do the bidding of big money. Obama is a contemporary example... Mussolini is an older one."
Fascism already in power (in the UK, USA, where....?)? Obama a fascist? How loony do you have get to be in the BNP these days? What other weird and wonderful conspiracies lurk in the vivid imagination of neo-fascists these days?
*******
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Reflections on a bad few days
It’s been some time now since I posted onto my blog site. This has been for four main reason: a well deserved holiday in Venice (with some friends -great time by the way!), campaigning both in local elections for Independent candidate Jacqui Norton in a by-election for Wellingborough Council (who got a very creditable 10% at the first time of trying), campaigning against the BNP in both County Council and the Euro elections (with some mixed results) and simple laziness in keeping my blog up-to-date (it seemed a bit of an indulgence when there was so much more going on)!
Now that all the frenzied activity has subsided for the time being its time for some serious reflection on the state of the world in general and politics (nationally, locally and in Europe) more specifically.
The recent local and Euro elections have been a disaster for the Labour Party. At one level I take no pleasure in this (although I know some on the Left will) – although my distain for the Labour Party and Labour government (but not individual Labour Party members) knows no bounds. The Labour Party and recent governments, under both Brown and Blair, have badly let us down – after showing so much promise in the early years. However, I continue to have admiration for Labour Party members who, through thick and thin, have remained loyal to the “the Party”. But I fear that such loyalty is badly misplaced although I respect their position. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that what British politics badly needs are political openings on the progressive, green, democratic, left of the Labour Party that can coherently and credibly offer alternatives. The monopoly of the centre-left/left in British politics (in England at least) by the Labour Party needs to be broken – because it is bad for the Labour Party (monopolies tend to ossify and become corrupt and self-serving) and bad for democracy in general.
For too long all our political “eggs” have been largely in “one basket” and rested on the success of the Labour Party. This has enabled the Labour Party to threaten us with arguments about “back us or the Right wins - and we will then blame you if we loose”. This form of coercion is no longer a way of doing politics in the 21st century that I want any part in. I want to be able to exercise positive choices on the Left, and not be forced to support anyone – just because we may “let” the Right in.
But I also fear that the multitude of groupings, "socialist" parties, community based campaign groups, trade unions etc., who could make up a new Left are currently incapable of seizing such opportunities in a way that could attract the kind of support that similar groups (that exist in other European countries) currently enjoy. In Germany, Die Linke (The Left) and Die Gruene (the Greens) are now getting votes in the region of 10-20% and are increasing co-operating with one another in opposition to SDP/CDU/CSU goverment. The fascist far-right are miniscule and almost non-existant.
This shows the potential for the UK but the reality of achieving unity of this kind that is emerging in Germany seems far away. However, there are some “green shoots” that such possibilities are there for the taking and over the next period these may beginning to flourish. But this requires the whole of the diverse “Left/Greens” in the UK to throw away sectarian attitudes to each other, to recognise that progress can only be achieved by co-operation rather than competition (particularly at a local level), through honest dialogue and engendering a commitment to compromise around tactical political interventions, if not on ideologies.
Are these diverse “Left/Green” groupings up to it? Or is our current demise (based on current attitudes and ways of working) to continue? Are we condemning ourselves to a period in which politics is dominated by the Right and where we are more likely to be depressed - fighting defensive and scattered skirmishes - than positively engaging in politics because we are inspired about the possibility of progressive advance and achievements?
The successes of the BNP in the Euro-elections also requires some reflection and thought. Whilst it was no doubt related to the low turnouts (for which demoralisation with Labour can take most of the blame), there is nonetheless a real problem that would still exist even if the BNP had not won any Council or Euro seats. It now seems that the BNP are regularly attracting between 6 and 10% of those who vote, almost irrespective of actual turn-out. This situation needs to be tackled “head-on” with a national wake-up call to challenge this rise in support and the racism/xenphobia/Islamaphobia that underlies it. I don’t go with the argument that we need to “understand” those who vote for the BNP. It is clear that they knew exactly what they are doing and voted BNP because they signed up to their broadly racist/nationalistic agenda. If they wanted to simply "protest", they could have voted for some alternatives (even UKIP!), but they didn't - they voted for the BNP knowing (in most cases) precisely what they stood for.
We also don’t need to "understand" such BNP voters more, or respond "sympathitically" to their bogus, lie- induced, anxieties. What we do need to do is continually expose these lies, the racism, the prejudice that is being espoused and point to the kind of society that would logically follow from this if the BNP got within anything like a spitting distance of political power. We need to stop appeasing these bogus anxieties (as the Labour “community cohesion” agenda has done), and return to very simple but powerful concepts of racial equality, fairness for all and social and economic justice for all based on evidence not lies.
There is also a heavy responsibility on all political groups and parties to at least argue for inclusive alternatives to the problems that we face as a society, which are not based on scapegoating, hatred, prejudice and xenophobia. The Labour and Conservative parties, as well as the populist media, need to know that the rise of the BNP is directly linked to their flirtation with an appeasement and scape-goating agenda. They must stop doing it!! If they don’t, they must be held complicit in the eventual outcome(s). There could have been nothing more damaging to the fight against the BNP than, firstly, a Labour Prime Minister talking about “British Jobs for British Workers” - which clearly had racist/xenophobic connotations (and the slogan was subsequently adopted by the BNP). And, secondly, Conservative Party campaigns against local housing developments by citing the bogus threat of “migrant workers” - pandering yet again to a xenophobic agenda that has subsequently been exploited by the BNP.
We also need to stop endorsing, or showing any kind of sympathy or empathy, with notions that the new, marginalised, discriminated, group is now the so-called “White working class”. There is no evidence whatsoever that they are faring any worse than working people across the board. Indeed there is continuing and clear evidence that working class people from Black and minority ethnic groups are doing considerably worse, across the whole range of social inequality variables, than the so-called (and newly discover?) “White working class”.
What is worth acknowledging, however, is that consecutive governments, over many years, have failed to make any real inroads into reducing inequality and poverty in our society and, after 13 years of Labour government, we still have the most socially divided society in Europe – and the divisions are widening – with the rich getting richer, even in the midst of a recession. Some areas of our inner cities and out of town housing estates have been deserted by both Labour and Conservatives (in a rush to privatise social housing and public services and so-called "concerns" around "increased taxation"). Such neglect needs to be part of an alternative programme that rejects the Labour/Conservative concensus around public expendicture and taxation.
We desperately need a society that is comfortable with itself, is socially and economically just, and where problems are there to be overcome, together, collectively and in co-operation. There is a real need to articulate a diverse but united left alternative - both to current and future government policies (irrespective of whether they are Labour or Conservative) - and to challenge the racist agenda of the far-right, which will merely divide people and do absolutely nothing to create such a fairer society.
Can we raise ourselves to these challenges?
Now that all the frenzied activity has subsided for the time being its time for some serious reflection on the state of the world in general and politics (nationally, locally and in Europe) more specifically.
The recent local and Euro elections have been a disaster for the Labour Party. At one level I take no pleasure in this (although I know some on the Left will) – although my distain for the Labour Party and Labour government (but not individual Labour Party members) knows no bounds. The Labour Party and recent governments, under both Brown and Blair, have badly let us down – after showing so much promise in the early years. However, I continue to have admiration for Labour Party members who, through thick and thin, have remained loyal to the “the Party”. But I fear that such loyalty is badly misplaced although I respect their position. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that what British politics badly needs are political openings on the progressive, green, democratic, left of the Labour Party that can coherently and credibly offer alternatives. The monopoly of the centre-left/left in British politics (in England at least) by the Labour Party needs to be broken – because it is bad for the Labour Party (monopolies tend to ossify and become corrupt and self-serving) and bad for democracy in general.
For too long all our political “eggs” have been largely in “one basket” and rested on the success of the Labour Party. This has enabled the Labour Party to threaten us with arguments about “back us or the Right wins - and we will then blame you if we loose”. This form of coercion is no longer a way of doing politics in the 21st century that I want any part in. I want to be able to exercise positive choices on the Left, and not be forced to support anyone – just because we may “let” the Right in.
But I also fear that the multitude of groupings, "socialist" parties, community based campaign groups, trade unions etc., who could make up a new Left are currently incapable of seizing such opportunities in a way that could attract the kind of support that similar groups (that exist in other European countries) currently enjoy. In Germany, Die Linke (The Left) and Die Gruene (the Greens) are now getting votes in the region of 10-20% and are increasing co-operating with one another in opposition to SDP/CDU/CSU goverment. The fascist far-right are miniscule and almost non-existant.
This shows the potential for the UK but the reality of achieving unity of this kind that is emerging in Germany seems far away. However, there are some “green shoots” that such possibilities are there for the taking and over the next period these may beginning to flourish. But this requires the whole of the diverse “Left/Greens” in the UK to throw away sectarian attitudes to each other, to recognise that progress can only be achieved by co-operation rather than competition (particularly at a local level), through honest dialogue and engendering a commitment to compromise around tactical political interventions, if not on ideologies.
Are these diverse “Left/Green” groupings up to it? Or is our current demise (based on current attitudes and ways of working) to continue? Are we condemning ourselves to a period in which politics is dominated by the Right and where we are more likely to be depressed - fighting defensive and scattered skirmishes - than positively engaging in politics because we are inspired about the possibility of progressive advance and achievements?
The successes of the BNP in the Euro-elections also requires some reflection and thought. Whilst it was no doubt related to the low turnouts (for which demoralisation with Labour can take most of the blame), there is nonetheless a real problem that would still exist even if the BNP had not won any Council or Euro seats. It now seems that the BNP are regularly attracting between 6 and 10% of those who vote, almost irrespective of actual turn-out. This situation needs to be tackled “head-on” with a national wake-up call to challenge this rise in support and the racism/xenphobia/Islamaphobia that underlies it. I don’t go with the argument that we need to “understand” those who vote for the BNP. It is clear that they knew exactly what they are doing and voted BNP because they signed up to their broadly racist/nationalistic agenda. If they wanted to simply "protest", they could have voted for some alternatives (even UKIP!), but they didn't - they voted for the BNP knowing (in most cases) precisely what they stood for.
We also don’t need to "understand" such BNP voters more, or respond "sympathitically" to their bogus, lie- induced, anxieties. What we do need to do is continually expose these lies, the racism, the prejudice that is being espoused and point to the kind of society that would logically follow from this if the BNP got within anything like a spitting distance of political power. We need to stop appeasing these bogus anxieties (as the Labour “community cohesion” agenda has done), and return to very simple but powerful concepts of racial equality, fairness for all and social and economic justice for all based on evidence not lies.
There is also a heavy responsibility on all political groups and parties to at least argue for inclusive alternatives to the problems that we face as a society, which are not based on scapegoating, hatred, prejudice and xenophobia. The Labour and Conservative parties, as well as the populist media, need to know that the rise of the BNP is directly linked to their flirtation with an appeasement and scape-goating agenda. They must stop doing it!! If they don’t, they must be held complicit in the eventual outcome(s). There could have been nothing more damaging to the fight against the BNP than, firstly, a Labour Prime Minister talking about “British Jobs for British Workers” - which clearly had racist/xenophobic connotations (and the slogan was subsequently adopted by the BNP). And, secondly, Conservative Party campaigns against local housing developments by citing the bogus threat of “migrant workers” - pandering yet again to a xenophobic agenda that has subsequently been exploited by the BNP.
We also need to stop endorsing, or showing any kind of sympathy or empathy, with notions that the new, marginalised, discriminated, group is now the so-called “White working class”. There is no evidence whatsoever that they are faring any worse than working people across the board. Indeed there is continuing and clear evidence that working class people from Black and minority ethnic groups are doing considerably worse, across the whole range of social inequality variables, than the so-called (and newly discover?) “White working class”.
What is worth acknowledging, however, is that consecutive governments, over many years, have failed to make any real inroads into reducing inequality and poverty in our society and, after 13 years of Labour government, we still have the most socially divided society in Europe – and the divisions are widening – with the rich getting richer, even in the midst of a recession. Some areas of our inner cities and out of town housing estates have been deserted by both Labour and Conservatives (in a rush to privatise social housing and public services and so-called "concerns" around "increased taxation"). Such neglect needs to be part of an alternative programme that rejects the Labour/Conservative concensus around public expendicture and taxation.
We desperately need a society that is comfortable with itself, is socially and economically just, and where problems are there to be overcome, together, collectively and in co-operation. There is a real need to articulate a diverse but united left alternative - both to current and future government policies (irrespective of whether they are Labour or Conservative) - and to challenge the racist agenda of the far-right, which will merely divide people and do absolutely nothing to create such a fairer society.
Can we raise ourselves to these challenges?
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Part 2: Are we Reckless or are we just Irresponsible?
In Part 1 (see below) we followed the antics of Wellingborough’s Tory Council as they, firstly, gave away peanuts because they think we are all monkeys, to secondly, their confusion over what “value for money” means: low council tax but poor services - the difference between a good, honest, professional, builder who charges more but does a good job, compared to a rogue trader who is cheap, but creates the kind of problems that we have all seen on our TV screens
But, so much for the past. I now wish to look to ahead, to gauge how responsible Wellingborough Council will be to future ratepayers and citizens of Wellingborough and to the most valuable asset of any organisation – its employees.
At a seminar for all Wellingborough Councillors recently, it was announced that the Council is facing a “tightening financial situation” and that in four years time we could face financial “meltdown” (their words, not mine), as the ability to use the Council’s reserves - to prop up services (in the face of low council taxes and reduce income in other areas) - disappears.
So what “solutions” are on offer in the face of this impending crisis: cut-backs in council services and potentially staff redundancies. They are not, of course (in Orwellian 1984-speak) called this. Instead the rather comforting and far more positive words “efficiency savings”, “re-examining priorities” or even “target key cost areas” are used. These “solutions” are presented as if there are no other choices available; that the council is the victim of circumstances not of its making – as if it is all some natural biological or physical process outside of human control - which just has to be responded to.
But getting into this situation, and continuing along the wrong road, is very much in the hands of Wellingborough’s Tory council to change. The only problem is their failure to face up to the problems that they have caused and to look afresh at alternatives for the future. What might these be you ask?
Firstly, they could increase the council tax by modest amounts each year instead of aiming to hold or even reduce it. Wellingborough has one of the lowest council taxes in the country, and each year we loose more and more potential income and stoke the fires of a future financial crisis (as well as failing to deliver value for money).
Not putting the council tax up at all (as happened this year) is just plain stupid - even Tories elsewhere in the county and the rest of the country think this as well. The responsible thing to do is to steadily increase council tax over a number of years so that it approaches at least Northamptonshire’s average. But, of course, being responsible (as opposed to being reckless and playing crude populist politics) is not Wellingborough Tories’ way. But don’t then shed crocodile tears when services are slashed, services suffer and loyal and committed council staff are sacrificed so that the books balance.
Secondly, the Council could look to generate income in other ways. Whilst a general introduction of car parking charges is something that I would not advocate, some targeted and modest charging (that also has the effect of regulating and managing car parking better around the town) could also benefit the council’s coffers and help secure a more rosy financial outlook. The complete political failure to even consider the possibility of some sort of charging for car parking – however modest, however targeted – is also irresponsible and reckless.
Thirdly, there are other potential income generation projects that could also be pursued by the council if only the current political leadership on the council had even a modicum of imagination and common sense. But no – inflexibility, lack of imagination and a failure to apply intelligence are the hall-marks of Wellingborough Councils’ political leadership.
Fourthly (and deliberately last), it may be possible for the council to do some things better and more efficiently. But for employees of the council to take such challenges seriously - or to sign-up for such changes - the the political leaders need to do somethings as well … like lead: to re-consider the path that they have chosen to take with the council’s finances to date and to change course. This will, of course, take political courage – but politicians should not ask others to be courageous and to make sacrifices in the face of adversity, whilst showing cowardice and pig-headedness themselves.
If this fails to happen, don’t be surprised if there is a less than enthusiastic response from employees to look for “efficiency savings” or to “re-examine priorities” or to “target key cost areas”. We know only too well what these words really mean.
But who in the end will suffer for this: the people of Wellingborough – as services are cut - and staff made redundant and/or subject to so-called “natural” wastage; with the weakest, the lowest paid, suffering the most for the political failings, irresponsibility and recklessness of others.
**********
But, so much for the past. I now wish to look to ahead, to gauge how responsible Wellingborough Council will be to future ratepayers and citizens of Wellingborough and to the most valuable asset of any organisation – its employees.
At a seminar for all Wellingborough Councillors recently, it was announced that the Council is facing a “tightening financial situation” and that in four years time we could face financial “meltdown” (their words, not mine), as the ability to use the Council’s reserves - to prop up services (in the face of low council taxes and reduce income in other areas) - disappears.
So what “solutions” are on offer in the face of this impending crisis: cut-backs in council services and potentially staff redundancies. They are not, of course (in Orwellian 1984-speak) called this. Instead the rather comforting and far more positive words “efficiency savings”, “re-examining priorities” or even “target key cost areas” are used. These “solutions” are presented as if there are no other choices available; that the council is the victim of circumstances not of its making – as if it is all some natural biological or physical process outside of human control - which just has to be responded to.
But getting into this situation, and continuing along the wrong road, is very much in the hands of Wellingborough’s Tory council to change. The only problem is their failure to face up to the problems that they have caused and to look afresh at alternatives for the future. What might these be you ask?
Firstly, they could increase the council tax by modest amounts each year instead of aiming to hold or even reduce it. Wellingborough has one of the lowest council taxes in the country, and each year we loose more and more potential income and stoke the fires of a future financial crisis (as well as failing to deliver value for money).
Not putting the council tax up at all (as happened this year) is just plain stupid - even Tories elsewhere in the county and the rest of the country think this as well. The responsible thing to do is to steadily increase council tax over a number of years so that it approaches at least Northamptonshire’s average. But, of course, being responsible (as opposed to being reckless and playing crude populist politics) is not Wellingborough Tories’ way. But don’t then shed crocodile tears when services are slashed, services suffer and loyal and committed council staff are sacrificed so that the books balance.
Secondly, the Council could look to generate income in other ways. Whilst a general introduction of car parking charges is something that I would not advocate, some targeted and modest charging (that also has the effect of regulating and managing car parking better around the town) could also benefit the council’s coffers and help secure a more rosy financial outlook. The complete political failure to even consider the possibility of some sort of charging for car parking – however modest, however targeted – is also irresponsible and reckless.
Thirdly, there are other potential income generation projects that could also be pursued by the council if only the current political leadership on the council had even a modicum of imagination and common sense. But no – inflexibility, lack of imagination and a failure to apply intelligence are the hall-marks of Wellingborough Councils’ political leadership.
Fourthly (and deliberately last), it may be possible for the council to do some things better and more efficiently. But for employees of the council to take such challenges seriously - or to sign-up for such changes - the the political leaders need to do somethings as well … like lead: to re-consider the path that they have chosen to take with the council’s finances to date and to change course. This will, of course, take political courage – but politicians should not ask others to be courageous and to make sacrifices in the face of adversity, whilst showing cowardice and pig-headedness themselves.
If this fails to happen, don’t be surprised if there is a less than enthusiastic response from employees to look for “efficiency savings” or to “re-examine priorities” or to “target key cost areas”. We know only too well what these words really mean.
But who in the end will suffer for this: the people of Wellingborough – as services are cut - and staff made redundant and/or subject to so-called “natural” wastage; with the weakest, the lowest paid, suffering the most for the political failings, irresponsibility and recklessness of others.
**********
Friday, 3 April 2009
Part 1: Are we Monkeys, or are we Human?
Wellingborough’s Tory council are currently boasting about their “Good news for Wellingborough’s Council Tax payers” following their recent decision to freeze the Council Tax for 2009/10. They claim that it will be “making life easier for residents during the recession”. Even Wellingborough’s Tory MP, Peter Bone, jumped on the bandwagon and raised this triumphant news in Parliament: “Would the Minister like to conclude his statement by congratulating Councillor John Bailey and all the councillors at Wellingborough on the zero council tax increase this year?” Needless to say, the Minister’s reply was rather contemptuous.
So what does all this amount to?
Are Wellingborough’s Tories really helping people through the recession? Has there been some huge handout to the poorest (or anybody really!) who are struggling financially? Are the rich the beneficiaries yet again? What does this mean for improved council service? The simple answers to all these questions are “No”, “No”, “Yes” and “Not much if anything at all”!
The options before Wellingborough Council a few weeks ago were to either put up the council tax by 3% (like almost every other council in the country under all types of political leadership), or freeze it. We know what Wellingborough Tories did - and it will cost the Council around £90,000 next in lost revenue. So how much was "given away" to Borough households?
So what does all this amount to?
Are Wellingborough’s Tories really helping people through the recession? Has there been some huge handout to the poorest (or anybody really!) who are struggling financially? Are the rich the beneficiaries yet again? What does this mean for improved council service? The simple answers to all these questions are “No”, “No”, “Yes” and “Not much if anything at all”!
The options before Wellingborough Council a few weeks ago were to either put up the council tax by 3% (like almost every other council in the country under all types of political leadership), or freeze it. We know what Wellingborough Tories did - and it will cost the Council around £90,000 next in lost revenue. So how much was "given away" to Borough households?
- Nothing at all for 30% of all Band A council taxpayers, because they are so poor (either pensioners, the disabled, unemployed etc.,) that they don’t pay any council tax in the first place and therefore do not see or save a single penny!
- Up to £1.80 per household per year for the remaining 70% of Band A Council tax payers (even less if they received some form of benefit)
- Up to £2.73 per household per year for Band D council tax payers
- £5.46 per household per year for those living in properties in the highest Council tax band (Band H).
Is this really something that warranted front page headlines in the Council’s LINK newspaper? Is it so earth-shattering that it warranted being raised in Parliament? Is this really going to make any difference whatsoever to those struggling with unemployment or reduced income as a result of the recession? The answer is clearly “No”!
This so-called freeze on council tax amounted to no more than a fart in a bath, a desperate public relations exercise being spun to it maximum. It did, however serve another unintended purpose: it showed precisely how much contempt Wellingborough Tories have for us, the values they hold in respect of fairness and equality and the kind of society they really want see. In short, it shows that the Tories think we are all stupid monkeys and we will be ecstatic with delighted because they have given us a few peanuts .....but even then the richest monkeys get significantly more peanuts than the poorest!
Most people are only too aware that a low, or lower, council tax does not necessarily mean better or improved services or make a real difference to people' lives during a recession.
The Council could (as I proposed at the Council meeting) have ear-marked the £90,000 raised by a 3% tax rise to really help people and groups through the recession. By way of an example:
Wellingborough Welfare Rights Advice Group (which I am proud to have been associated with for over 20 years), costs around £30,000 per
annum to run. It helps the poorest and most vulnerable in our
society to gain minimum levels of state support to survive and have some sort of quality of life. It helps over 700 people a year. In doing this work it generates approximately one million pounds a year in increased benefits from out of the Borough that would have gone unclaimed. In turn this three million pounds might generate a further three million pounds through something called "the multiplier effect" (if I spend money it goes to someone else, who in turn spends it again). So, by investing in better advice services (by spending £30,000) the local economy is boosted by around £7,000,000. Now we are talking! This will really help people in Wellingorough during a recession - and not just the poorest either.
A low council tax also does not mean that Wellingborough’s Tories are giving us value for money (even if they are charging less). We all know this – just because a cowboy (or girl) builder charges a cheap rate does not mean that they do a good job – in fact they can make things worse.
The independent, and hardly revolutionary or even mildly socialist, Audit Commission recently rated Wellingborough Council as “Poor” (a fall from “Excellent” under a previous Labour administration that I was proud to have been part of). The Audit Commission describes the Tory failures thus:
“Low expenditure is reflected in low council tax levels, though this is confused (by the current Tory Council – added by me) with good value for money”
“Low expenditure with average and declining services does not represent good value for money”.
Precisely!
I don’t thing the people of Wellingborough are so easily conned…. we are significantly more intelligent than the monkeys …. that they think we are!
Part 2 follows shortly. Watch this space.
**********
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Me on Racism today
For those who are interested in my dulcet tones on the issue of racism, have a listen to: Radio Northampton & Weston Favell Upper School Interview 20-3-09
This was recorded last week. I was interviewed by two pupils at Weston Favell Secondary School in Northampton.
****
This was recorded last week. I was interviewed by two pupils at Weston Favell Secondary School in Northampton.
****
Friday, 6 March 2009
Who Cares about the White Working Class?
Over recent weeks (months) there has been almost a continuous debate about whether or not the white working class in the UK is the new “ethnic minority” that is exploited and discriminated against in the face of: (a) “political correctness gone mad”, (2) exploitation in the labour market from “unfair” competition from new “immigrants” or migrant workers, (3) unfair competition for limited resources (such as council housing) - where it is alleged priority is given to everyone but “white, English/British” families, or indeed a combination of these and other factors.
The main protagonists in promoting such a position have been the popular media (such as the Daily Mail, Express and Telegraph) and the British National Party (who now claim to the unique political representative of this new exploited minority – in the face of being deserted by “new” Labour). The BBC also played its part in promoting such ideas with its “White” season last year.
What is very interesting is the sudden discovery, by particularly the right wing popular media, of the “working class” (albeit now prefaced by the adjective “white”). Historically these newspapers had spent tons of paper and miles of column inches slagging off anything that addressed issues of social class and class inequality. When “working class” interest were being asserted (particularly in battles involving multi-racial/ethnic workers) they were demonised and vilified. You only have to look back at the reporting of the miners strike, Grunwick or other industrial disputes over the past 20/30 years to know whose side the popular media was on – and it wasn’t the “working class” – whatever their colour or racial or ethnic make-up!
It seems that Britain has now gone from a society in which social class is/was irrelevant (and those who perpetrated such “silly” notions were defined a “class-war warriors or worse), to one in which it is now acceptable to advance the cause of the working class, so long as it is ethnically or racially defined as “white” or “British” or “English”. And the protagonists of such a position proudly proclaim that they are not racist but are, instead, “nationalists” or “patriots” – as if this makes it somehow better!
Of course class inequalities have never gone away – you only have to look around the UK to see huge disparities of wealth and income, unequal access to health, education, housing, council services, etc. to see that claims we have moved from an industrial to a post-industrial society and the “end of history” were (to be crude) a load of old bollocks! Class has been, and always has been, a key determinant of inequality in the UK (and else where in the world as well). As the recession bites it will be noticeable that those who will be worse affected by it will be the poorest, the most vulnerable and those without power - again, the working class of all races and ethnicities.
Those who caused the crisis – as is already being demonstrated on a daily basis – will be bailed and will continue to draw their disgustingly large salaries, bonuses and pensions – whilst trying to reduce wages and remove pension rights from others (such as local government workers). Why is it always the pensions of the working classes that are “unaffordable”, whilst the rich and the powerful continue to draw theirs?
However, it is also the case (and this has sometimes been ignored by the “left” and classic Marxism) that class exploitation is also mediated through or stands alongside other forms of exploitation and inequality – such as that of gender, race/ethnicity, disability. To argue (as anti-racist or feminists have done) that racial/gender inequality and racism/sexism are also important issues to address, does not detract from the struggle to reduce or eliminate class inequality – indeed it supplements and enhances our understanding of how inequalities are created and sustained and how they can be reduced or abolished. The world is very complex and it does not serve us well if we simplify or reduce all forms of inequality or exploitation to one single cause or explanation. We have to look at it the world in all its complexity.
This does not, however, suit the political agendas of the Daily Mail, Express or Telegraph, or even the BNP and others. In their eyes the world and its problems are simple to understand and there are simple solutions. Such simplicities reflect their state of mind and their assumed intelligence of the audiences they are trying to reach!
If there is genuine concern for the exploitation and inequalities that affect the “white” working class, then this same concern must extend to the working class as a whole, irrespective of its ethnic, racial, gender or religious composition. Likewise, it would be grossly unfair if we did not also recognise that on top of class inequalities, other forms of injustice and unfairness can make things worse as well. If we want a fair and equal society for all, then all forms of inequality must be addressed.
A recent publication by the Runnymede Trust has looked at some of these issues and is well worth the read. It is entitled “Who Cares about the White Working Class?” and it can be found at: Who Cares About the White Working Class
The main protagonists in promoting such a position have been the popular media (such as the Daily Mail, Express and Telegraph) and the British National Party (who now claim to the unique political representative of this new exploited minority – in the face of being deserted by “new” Labour). The BBC also played its part in promoting such ideas with its “White” season last year.
What is very interesting is the sudden discovery, by particularly the right wing popular media, of the “working class” (albeit now prefaced by the adjective “white”). Historically these newspapers had spent tons of paper and miles of column inches slagging off anything that addressed issues of social class and class inequality. When “working class” interest were being asserted (particularly in battles involving multi-racial/ethnic workers) they were demonised and vilified. You only have to look back at the reporting of the miners strike, Grunwick or other industrial disputes over the past 20/30 years to know whose side the popular media was on – and it wasn’t the “working class” – whatever their colour or racial or ethnic make-up!
It seems that Britain has now gone from a society in which social class is/was irrelevant (and those who perpetrated such “silly” notions were defined a “class-war warriors or worse), to one in which it is now acceptable to advance the cause of the working class, so long as it is ethnically or racially defined as “white” or “British” or “English”. And the protagonists of such a position proudly proclaim that they are not racist but are, instead, “nationalists” or “patriots” – as if this makes it somehow better!
Of course class inequalities have never gone away – you only have to look around the UK to see huge disparities of wealth and income, unequal access to health, education, housing, council services, etc. to see that claims we have moved from an industrial to a post-industrial society and the “end of history” were (to be crude) a load of old bollocks! Class has been, and always has been, a key determinant of inequality in the UK (and else where in the world as well). As the recession bites it will be noticeable that those who will be worse affected by it will be the poorest, the most vulnerable and those without power - again, the working class of all races and ethnicities.
Those who caused the crisis – as is already being demonstrated on a daily basis – will be bailed and will continue to draw their disgustingly large salaries, bonuses and pensions – whilst trying to reduce wages and remove pension rights from others (such as local government workers). Why is it always the pensions of the working classes that are “unaffordable”, whilst the rich and the powerful continue to draw theirs?
However, it is also the case (and this has sometimes been ignored by the “left” and classic Marxism) that class exploitation is also mediated through or stands alongside other forms of exploitation and inequality – such as that of gender, race/ethnicity, disability. To argue (as anti-racist or feminists have done) that racial/gender inequality and racism/sexism are also important issues to address, does not detract from the struggle to reduce or eliminate class inequality – indeed it supplements and enhances our understanding of how inequalities are created and sustained and how they can be reduced or abolished. The world is very complex and it does not serve us well if we simplify or reduce all forms of inequality or exploitation to one single cause or explanation. We have to look at it the world in all its complexity.
This does not, however, suit the political agendas of the Daily Mail, Express or Telegraph, or even the BNP and others. In their eyes the world and its problems are simple to understand and there are simple solutions. Such simplicities reflect their state of mind and their assumed intelligence of the audiences they are trying to reach!
If there is genuine concern for the exploitation and inequalities that affect the “white” working class, then this same concern must extend to the working class as a whole, irrespective of its ethnic, racial, gender or religious composition. Likewise, it would be grossly unfair if we did not also recognise that on top of class inequalities, other forms of injustice and unfairness can make things worse as well. If we want a fair and equal society for all, then all forms of inequality must be addressed.
A recent publication by the Runnymede Trust has looked at some of these issues and is well worth the read. It is entitled “Who Cares about the White Working Class?” and it can be found at: Who Cares About the White Working Class
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Holocaust Memorial - why it is important for everyone
Over the next couple of months there will be a variety of activities and events to commemorate the Nazi Holocaust, with a strong emphasis on “learning the lessons” and encouraging activity and commitment to oppose currently genocides, racism and xenophobia both locally and across the world. January 27th is formally designated as Holocaust Memorial Day and around this date there are special commemorative events around the County. For the whole of February the world-famous and acclaimed “Anne Frank and You” exhibition will be at the Guildhall in Northampton.Dates/times for all these can be found at: www.northampton.gov.uk/annefrankfestival
All this activity is unfortunately taking place at a time when the proclaimed Jewish state of Israel is engaged in some clearly documented serious human rights abuses and war crimes as it invades Gaza – killing hundreds of civilians in the name of rooting out and destroying the Islamist, albeit democratically elected, Hamas.
In such a situation there is a temptation to question involvement in or support for holocaust memorial activities and/or a continuing focus of the European “Jewish” holocaust. This would be a grave mistake for following reasons.
Firstly the Nazi holocaust was not just directed at the Jews of Europe, although this was their prime target group for elimination. The Nazi’s genocidal intent also extended to Gays and Lesbians, Roma Gypsies and the Slav populations of Eastern Europe. Their political project also extended to the elimination of all opposition. In short, the holocaust was a crime against the whole of humanity.
Secondly, unlike other genocides that preceded it, and have occurred since across the world, the extent and scale of the killing was unprecedented (with over 6 million murdered and millions of others displaced and reduced to utter terror). The whole European continent was virtually destroyed by the Nazi inspired attempt at world domination.
Thirdly, all the functions of a modern 20th Century state, and all the modern advances in science and technology, were drawn into the project - systematically and ruthlessly.
Finally, across Europe million of ordinary people, and the political, economic and social elites of many nations, were seduced and drawn into supporting this project, either actively or passively.
Putting all these factors together (and there may also be others) The Holocaust was unique and is therefore deserving of our unique attention and commemoration.
But commemorating the holocaust raises important and profound questions about all genocides and how they can be prevented in the future. Following the Second World War the nations of the world, through the United Nations, Council of Europe and other initiatives, pledged themselves to establishing new, or strengthen existing, international legal frameworks to act as a standard against which the activities of any state and their political leaders would be judged or held to account. These included the Geneva Convention, the European and UN Conventions on Human Rights, the definition of a ”War Crime”, strengthening of the role and neutrality of the International Red Cross/Red Crescent etc. In short a new, secular, and world-wide univeral morality was establish reflected in law. In the history of humanity this was new and hugely important for everyone across the globe.
At the heart of many of these conventions and treaties was a clear statement that it is totally unacceptable for any state to set out to eliminate or persecute any (minority) group based on their race, ethnicity, nationality or national origins, or gender, disability, sexuality; or to engage in collective punishment of any group; and to protect civilians and non-combatants (especially the most vulnerable) from the effects of war or civil conflict.
It is therefore right and proper that we should judge all states and governments against these international standards of behaviour. Indeed it is our duty to do so, to be a witness, to say “no”, if any state steps away from these basic standards. This is one of the main messages of holocaust memorial activity; and it remains at the heart of why I, and many others, see it as so important. If we are to learn anything from the Holocaust, to commemorate all those who died in this and other genocides, it is this!
The Israeli state arose out of the ashes and despair of the holocaust and has created an enduring legacy in its own right. It provides us with a vivid example of how one historic tragedy and injustice can lead on to others, in a cycle of revenge and retribution that can continue to haunt us. Without the holocaust there is little doubt that the state of Israel would probably not have come into being. Prior to the holocaust Zionism had little resonance within the world Jewish diaspora dispite centuries of European persecution of the Jews. But afterwards the yearning for a safe homeland became almost irresistable.
But the state of Israel was established at tremendous cost – not by the peoples of Europe (from where the holocaust was planned and executed) but by those who traditionally lived on the land that became the new Jewish state. A tragedy for the Jews of Europe became another for the Palestinians of the Middle East. We are still living with this new tragedy, with a new set of victims, and it lies at the heart of the current problems for which a long-term solution seems further and further away. Justice for the Jews in Israel cannot be obtained whilst there is a continuing and enduring legacy of injustice to the Palestinians.
Over the years Israel has become a modern state, with extensive and sophisticated weaponry supplied (mainly but not exclusively) by the United States. Israel must therefore itself live up to the international standards for judging the behaviour of states.
But what we are now witnessing in Gaza at this time is clearly and unambiguously breaching these international standards. In short, the state of Israel is currently engaged in war crimes, breaches of international human rights conventions, and is committing crimes against humanity. There are no gray areas here. Such international standards cannot be varied or watered down or subject to qualifications – they are absolute and must apply equally to all states and governments.
Whilst the state of Israel acts in such a manner there can be little or no likelihood of finding a long-term and just solution which guarantees the rights and safety of Israel and the rights and freedoms of the Palestinians. Injustice can only lead on to more injustice and everyone suffers. The despair and hopelessness that the Palestinians feel, and which has existed for generations, in itself can only lead to the strengthening of extremists within their community – and thus the cycle of conflict continues, with each extreme feeding off each other. Time and time again history tells us that this is so and the cycle has to be broken if a lasting solution is to be found.
And this is why holocaust memorial is so important - there are historic lessons for all of us to discuss and learn from!
Images from Gaza (thanks to the BBC website):
For more photos go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7810145.stm
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