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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1097/31155
From The Socialist newspaper, 5 August 2020
Why I joined the Socialist Party - Covid changed my outlook
Protesting against unsafe returns to schools and work (Click to enlarge)
George Holman, South Tyne and Wear Socialist Party
I joined the Socialist Party a month into the lockdown. Previously, I had always avoided politics and tried to remain neutral. Covid made me change my entire outlook.
I work as a recruitment consultant. The business I work for has a typical cut-throat approach.
In my role, I have seen staff, temporary and permanent, abused and exploited by bosses. Everything we did was purely in the interest of profit and in utter disregard of the health and wellbeing of workers and their families.
I even saw a cleaner sacked because they were so hungry they ate out of a bin. All because they didn't have the money to feed their family and themselves.
To me it's clear as day that this is the result of capitalism.
Money means power and in today's society the rich have proven they don't deserve power. How can they when a handful of billionaires own most of the wealth, but millions live in poverty?
Seeing all this, and feeling like I couldn't help, had me awake till 3am during lockdown. That was when I found the Socialist Party website - socialistparty.org.uk.
Since joining I have really felt welcome and learnt a lot. It has provided a support network and allowed me to feel like I am really helping to support others.
I would urge anyone to attend a meeting and see what it is like. There is no hierarchy, no judgement and everyone gets their say. Something hard to find these days.
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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 5 August 2020:
News
From first wave to second? Capitalism's Covid failures
Capitalism's 'vaccine war' shows need for socialist cooperation
Tories' obesity plans - blaming individuals not the profit system
What we think
Labour payouts: unions must discuss political representation
Workplace news
Wales: GE Aviation workers march to save jobs
PCS union: Reject longer DWP opening hours
'First you clap us then you slap us': hundreds march for NHS pay rise
Sick pay victory at Homerton hospital!
Unite union branch pledges to support socialist candidates who oppose cuts
Oppose BT site closures - national strike ballot needed
No going back
What would socialist universities look like?
International
Cuba: Covid-19 and the 60-year-old embargo
Anniversary of nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
80 years since the murder of Leon Trotsky rally
Campaigns
A-level results day 2020: Fight for our future!
Fighting to end racism and capitalism
North London: Socialist Party speaks at BLM protest
Doncaster: Vigil for murdered women
Engage for Change Hull - trade union youth festival goes online
Campaign stalls on jobs, pay, NHS and racism
Why I joined - Covid changed my outlook
Socialist Party meetings: Online and in-person
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