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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/932/24238
From The Socialist newspaper, 18 January 2017
Why I joined the Socialist Party
"I witnessed the effort and commitment displayed by members"
Richard (centre left) marching with Socialist Party and Socialist Students members for free education photo James Ivens (Click to enlarge)
Richard Edwards, Cardiff East Socialist Party
I joined the Socialist Party after I witnessed the effort and commitment displayed by members in the streets of Cardiff. As someone who has long been interested in Marxism and disillusioned with Labour, it was inspiring to meet members on a stall who could match actions to the words.
The Socialist Party can point to any number of campaigns, support for strike action and numerous other actions which make a material difference to the struggle that so many hard-working and exploited people are going through right now. The regular meetings, constant encouragement to take action and learn more, and passionate and friendly members are the perfect antidote to the antipathy which I had begun to fall victim to.
Some of my generation are frustrated, angry and upset with the Tory government and the way the whole world seems to be heading. I say to them that the Socialist Party is an organisation in which you can actually witness the difference your actions can make to the political environment in which we live, and to the living and working conditions of ourselves and those around us.
The Socialist Party is a ready-made network of contacts, activists, allies and friends - I would recommend membership to any of my friends or family, and I would encourage anyone reading this and considering giving us a go. Come down to a meeting - you won't be disappointed!
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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 18 January 2017:
What we think
Labour's civil war continues - build a mass workers' party
Tories torn in two on single market
Resist Trump
We can stop Trump's sexist agenda in its tracks
International socialist news and analysis
Mexico: Mass movement against "gasolinazo"
USA: Seattle activists win housebuilding programme
1917revolution.org website to launch
Socialist Party news and analysis
'Black alert' NHS: Demonstrate 4 March
Eight billionaires own as much as half humanity!
Pollution kills 600: fight for clean air!
Northern Ireland calls snap election: back Labour Alternative
Millwall FC move threat: Defend the Den - 'wall not Renewal
Workplace news and analysis
Billions in profit for Tesco, cuts and job losses for workers
Liverpool dockers and drivers protest "appalling lack of facilities"
Manchester: BA cabin crew pay strike
London: Taxi drivers gridlock City of London
Southern Rail strike continues
PCS union national executive elections
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
The Socialist: read it, write it, sell it
Protesters surround Sheffield's cutting council
Fracking protest in Sherwood Forest
Residents protest at plans to close nine community centres
Anger at south east Kent Momentum meeting
Socialist Party national committee agrees document for congress
Socialist readers' comments and reviews
Why I joined the Socialist Party
Theatre review: high art and savage poverty in Bootle
John Berger: remarkable art of a contradictory socialist
Socialist artists invite others to exhibit work
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