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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/883/21944
From The Socialist newspaper, 6 January 2016
Featured letter: school student fights back
"I chose to be involved in politics, Michael Crick"
Last month, a television crew barged into a meeting in an east London cafe. Walthamstow Socialist Party had organised the discussion with a group of school students interested in campaigning against bombing Syria. The journalist behind it, Michael Crick, has a long record of attacking the Socialist Party, and its predecessor, Militant. Crick, and detractors on social media, sought to intimidate, patronise and denigrate those involved. Nancy Douglas, 15, was one of the students there.
I chose to be involved in politics.
I chose to be involved because even at my age I can see the destruction being caused around me and the complete disregard for anyone who isn't white or rich.
I chose to be involved in politics because the government we have today doesn't stand for the people, they stand for themselves and their own profits.
I chose to be involved in politics because I saw a left-wing alternative that stands for the right thing and provides a contrast to the hypocritical politicians we know today.
I chose to be involved in politics because current politicians are making decisions for my future that I can't have a say in.
I chose to be involved in politics because the youth of today aren't fairly represented.
I chose to be involved in politics because by the next election I will be the one holding the ballot paper, making a decision for my future and choosing the MP I feel fit to do this.
I chose to be in politics because of my future.
I chose to be involved in politics because we are the future.
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Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 6 January 2016:
What we think
2016: Crisis-ridden capitalism will meet with bitter mood of resistance
No retreat on resisting council cuts!
Socialist Party news and analysis
Support junior doctors' and student nurses' action
Another black man shot dead by the police
UK's private rail fares six times public rates
Birmingham Labour to axe at least 1,200 jobs in £165m cuts onslaught
UK wage growth will be lowest since 1920s
NHS England chiefs block hospitals from publicising emergencies
What we saw: Sadiq Khan's promises on London transport
Socialist Party feature
Floods, climate change and capitalism
Carlisle Socialist Party's action plan on floods
Profit system exacerbates flooding
Tories' hypocritical green policies pledge
Renationalise the water industry
International socialist news and analysis
No government majority as Podemos partially recovers
Workplace news and analysis
Union action needed to defeat attack on student nurses
Nationalise rail now! Rail workers strike around the country
Steel: public ownership needed as private buyers threaten pay and pensions
Condescending Tories savage Yorkshire fire service
Socialist readers' comments and reviews
Dark comic book fantasy throws light on abusive relationships
"I chose to be involved in politics, Michael Crick"
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
A 'People's Budget' to defeat cruel cuts
Stop the closure of Calderstones hospital!
2015 marks best fighting fund total this century!
Eleanor Marx: celebrate a life of struggle for socialism
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