Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1059/29673
From The Socialist newspaper, 9 October 2019
Socialism 2019: why I'm going... and why you should too!
We asked people who have bought tickets for Socialism 2019 why they are coming. Their answers show how this festival of ideas taking place on 2 and 3 November is an unmissable event for everyone wanting to fight the bosses and the Tories and to defend working-class living standards.
Get tickets and info: www.socialism2019.net 10% discount on tickets until 1 November
As a postal worker, a CWU member and branch secretary of Scotland No.2 branch of the CWU, I'm attending Socialism this year as it's a great place to meet fellow working-class people and hear socialist ideas about how society should be run. This could not come at a better time for us postal workers as we're facing the most anti-union management we have ever had.
Gary Clark, CWU branch secretary
I'm coming to Socialism 2019 because it is the best place to find clarity in such turbulent times about what is going on and what I can do about it. This is my 4th year and every year the things I discuss at Socialism end up being the things which sustain me politically for the year ahead, through all the ups and downs of whatever battles open up or capitalism throws at us.
Bea Gardner, student and climate activist
At a time when it seems the whole world has gone mad, it's a chance to get some clarity and re-charge the batteries for the struggles to come.
Mick Whale, chair, Hull Trade Union Council
The opportunity to spend a weekend meeting, discussing and enjoying time with like-minded socialists, trade unionists and comrades can't be missed. A must-attend every year.
Matt Whale, Unison nurse (personal capacity)
Socialism is a wonderful opportunity to develop your political understanding of a volatile capitalist world and to get strategies for the working-class fightback.
Lynda McEwan, Glasgow
The sessions are brilliant and it's great to meet activists from around the country and internationally.
Neil Bahn, Unison (personal capacity)
The debates and rally are inspiring, even for an old-time revolutionary like me. It brings together the cream of working-class activists and fighters who show the real strength of our movement.
Paul Spooner, Unite trade union member
Being at Socialism is a bit like being on an island of calm surrounded by storms of confusion when looking at the world today. I always feel refreshed and inspired afterwards.
Alison Hill, Waltham Forest
I'm coming to Socialism 2019 to further my knowledge on the past and present so I will have more confidence to take part in discussions, debates and campaigns.
Michelle Francis, student
I look forward to the event every year. I am spoiled for choice over which sessions to attend. You learn so much about socialism in just one weekend. And it's great to make new friends and meet up with old ones. I never tire of it.
Heather Rawling, Leicester
Socialism for me is an anchor in troubled, political waters. Our annual 'Socialism' never fails to move and motivate me. Can't recommend it highly enough!
Dave Nellist, former Militant Labour MP
I'm coming because we need socialist solutions as the cracks deepen in this brutal capitalist system.
Suz Muna, Unite executive
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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 9 October 2019:
What we think
Syria: Trump gives green light to Turkey to attack Kurds
News
Cutting, lying Tories - kick them out!
Asda workers protest callous bosses
Cynical Tories' domestic violence bill not enough
Labour and workers' rights
Corbyn promises 'power in the hands of workers' - how can Labour do it?
Labour and the fight for a shorter working week
Obituary
Workplace news
BEIS: Outsourced caterers' indefinite strike victory
Vote yes to Royal Mail strike action to take on the bullying bosses
Birmingham HS2 protest against bosses' attacks on trade union organisation
Attacks on Caerphilly waste management workers
Equity manifesto lays out anti-austerity model for arts
Vote for socialist fighter Jared Wood in RMT elections
Unison's retired members reflect growing anger
Lincolnshire health visitors strike
Chinese revolution
Chinese revolution of 1944-49: 'The second greatest event in human history'
International socialist news and analysis
Trump, impeachment and the need for an independent workers' party
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Socialism: The alternative to capitalist austerity, low pay and crisis
Best way to fight back? Join the Socialist Party
Socialism 2019: why I'm going... and why you should too!
Waltham Forest: mobilisation needed to defend abortion rights
Huge opposition to Barry rehab ward closure
'The little people can win' - Leeds tenants push back demolition
Reviews
Book review: She Said - Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement
Film review: Joker - Sympathising with a monster created by today's incendiary conditions
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