Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/635/10110
From The Socialist newspaper, 18 August 2010
Debate how to fight back at Socialism 2010
Socialists and socialist ideas are subject to a virtual blackout in the media. The ideas of Marxism are distorted and denigrated in the universities. Politicians and 'experts' disparagingly label trade unionism and working class organisations as 'old fashioned'. If that's true, why is such an effort made by the bosses and politicians to convince us? Why does an interest in socialist ideas stubbornly refuse to die?
Sean Figg
It is because capitalism - the profit driven system of the bosses - is incapable of delivering a decent and satisfying life for the vast majority of us. It is because socialist ideas provide explanation. But more than that: they are the ideas that working class people need.
We can expect the bosses and politicians to step up their attack on socialist ideas as the brutal assault on public services and public sector workers gains pace. Their argument that "there is no alternative" will not be accepted if we can win mass support for socialist ideas. That's why Socialism 2010 comes at such a crucial time.
Analysis
Over two days in London, November 6 and 7, the Socialist Party will showcase the alternative to capitalism. Centre stage will be the fightback against the Con-Dem cuts. There will be sessions on: the strategy needed to turn back the attacks; learning the lessons from past struggles such as Liverpool city council in the 1980s; analysing the world economy and putting the arguments for a socialist budget and much more.
Those attending should not expect a lecture. The real value of Socialism 2010 is the exchange of ideas that takes place - the discussion and debate. To test our ideas, build consensus where possible and thrash out differences where not, a range of speakers from different political traditions have been invited to debate with us.
The centre piece of Socialism 2010 will be the Saturday night Rally for Socialism. The struggle for socialism is an international one and this year's rally will highlight this.
Cindy Sheehan, the US anti-war activist, will address the rally. Cindy became a hero of the worldwide anti-war movement and came to international prominence after camping outside George Bush's Texas ranch in 2005 demanding an explanation for the death of her son in Iraq.
Andros Payiatsos, the general secretary of the Socialist Party's sister party in Greece will also speak. Andros has been at the forefront of mass struggles of workers in Greece against the austerity measures and budget cuts of the Greek bosses.
It is vital that everyone who wants to fight the attacks of the bosses and politicians and build support for socialism is armed with the arguments and strategy to do that: buy your ticket for Socialism 2010 now!
Socialism 2010
A weekend of discussion and debate
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 November
Rallies: Friends Meeting House, 173 Euston Road, NW1 2BJ
Sessions: ULU, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HY
Weekend: £25/£12 concession. One day: £15/£7 concession. Saturday night accommodation available.
For more information and to buy tickets online go to www.socialism2010.net
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 18 August 2010:
International socialist news
Pakistan: Workers' solidarity urgently needed
Floods in Pakistan bring devastation - poor suffer most
Socialist Party youth and students
Youth must fight for a future!
Student demo should be start of the fightback
Uni bosses say cuts will cause closures
Socialist Party editorial
Forecasts of fragile economic growth
Socialist Party news and analysis
Cameron sticks the boot into our council housing
Private-profit company granted 'snoopers' charter'
Private Finance Initiative: A licence to print money
Socialist Party campaigns
Coventry Against the Cuts challenge councillors' 'legal obligation'
Northern Ireland: Belfast Stop the Cuts Alliance established
Bromley care workers fight privatisation and job cuts
Defend Our Community Services launched in Bracknell
Cuts devastate mental health services
Socialist Party Marxist analysis
Socialist Party workplace news
Kirklees Unison strike ballot launched
CWU members accept BT pay deal
Debate how to fight back at Socialism 2010
Tube staff vote for action against cuts
Jobs under threat at Ministry of Justice
Airport workers win improved offer from BAA
Socialist Party events
Socialist Party summer camp - book now!
International socialist news and analysis
Russia's raging wildfires - a crisis of government policies
Socialist Party news and comment
Bradford must organise against the EDL
Birmingham: Community says 'No' to racist spy cameras
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