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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1030/28712
From The Socialist newspaper, 20 February 2019
What we saw
The Economist sneers that 'Millennial socialism' is an infantile disorder (Click to enlarge)
"Socialism is storming back" declares the Economist magazine. It points out that 51% of 'millennials' in the US aged 18-29 have a positive view of socialism.
In the same breath, the Economist claims that inequality is not continuing to rise. That's news to the millions at the wrong end of rising inequality! Its conclusion is that it would be "politically dangerous" to claim that socialism is "the answer to capitalism's problems".
Instead its answer is to call on liberals to oppose socialism - without saying in what ways they can "answer capitalism's problems". Because they can't. Because they have no answers. Capitalism must go and socialism is the answer.
The new Taxpayers Alliance campaign (Click to enlarge)
Also scared about the rise of socialist ideas is the right-wing Taxpayers' Alliance, widely believed to be a Tory front organisation. They have launched a "Stand Against Socialism" campaign to make the case for a "pro-enterprise economy".
Will it include previous proposals put forward by the Alliance? Tory MP and Alliance organiser Phillip Davies' idea is that disabled workers should receive less than the minimum wage. Their research director called on the Conservatives to cut older people's benefits sooner rather than later. Because many of them would "not be around", or would have forgotten who was responsible, by next election.
Let's keep the Taxpayers' Alliance frightened by fighting for a socialist economy, under democratic workers' control, that meets the needs of all and not the profits of the rich.
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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 20 February 2019:
News
Nationalise Airbus and other manufacturing plants to save jobs now!
NHS crisis deepens: Workers' and community action can save our health service
Youth climate strikes
"There's no planet B": Thousands of youth strike against climate change - we need socialist change!
Youth strike for the climate reports: "There's no planet B"
Opinion
TV: Les Misérables - Hugo's novel and this adaptation both offer a message of hope
What we think
Eight Blairites split - Now kick out the rest
Workplace news
PCS Left Unity must unite on pay and elections
Universal Credit staff ballot for action
Annoyed?! I'm annoyed to be on poverty wages
Nationalise to save jobs at Honda!
Birmingham bin strike against 'blacklisting'
Deliveroo riders strike against exploitative pay and conditions
Leicester college pay strike goes on
Cardiff Uni: urgent action needed to stop job cuts
Hackney: Unite fights racism and victimisation
Harrowing accounts of austerity at Unison women's conference
International socialist news and analysis
Spanish state: social polarisation and budget defeat force snap election
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Unite union London council workers back Enfield Labour no-cuts call
Leeds TUC presents a no-cuts alternative budget
Socialist Students conference shows potential for fighting leadership
London housing campaigners disrupt auction
Birmingham Uni: Standing up to racism is not harassment!
Leicester Socialists stand against Blairite mayor
Lincoln students back UCU ballot
Claimants and union slam Universal Credit
Energy retail firm collapse hits Tyneside
World economy
New recession fear stalks the world economy
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