Comments on: ed miliband is no ed militant

By: Jim Parker

Jim Parker — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 09:45:57 +0000

You got it right expecting any of the leaders of the Labour Party to lead any sort of effective fight against “the cuts” is delusional. They will soon be advising that cuts are necessary and backing up the Government by undermining whatever extra-parlimentary opposition that emerges – do not pander to calls for including Labour Party bureaucrats or MPs onto commitees etc You do not have any means to control them – no John Lewis lists, no places in boardrooms, no privileged entry to wealthy peoples dinner parties…
We do though have to connect with people whose understanding of “the cuts” and the “crisis” is partial, based on the practical understanding that the balance of power is heavily weighed against working class interests. They might not express it that way but wrap it up as “being reasonable” accepting that the global market determines what will happen in our life. Part of the task is to show that the forces determining our life are defined by humans who then present them as “facts that can’t be opposed” they can and they should be.
The results of these struggles will be compromises and we should never allow parlimentary politicians to build careers by claiming “victories”, explain the results prepare for the next fight.

By: Nick

Nick — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:44:19 +0000

Very good article, although it differentiates itself from “the left” ( what exactly is this ? How is it to be defined?) quite correctly whilst still seeming to think it’s part of it. As the old ditty goes: “the workers’ flag is deep magenta, it covers everything left of centre”.

By: c0mmunard

c0mmunard — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:40:14 +0000

“Ed Miliband’s victory can open a gap”, said Socialist Worker, without elaborating further. “This is a change in the situation socialists can capitalise on,” argued Workers Power, after making noises about a return to old Labour.

http://infantile-and-disorderly.com/2010/09/28/not-so-red-ed/

Good point. What on earth are they on about? What gap? Capitalise how?

By: c0mmunard

c0mmunard — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:03:43 +0000

In a rare example of circumspection (or perhaps a sense of the ridiculous), the AWL have changed their sloganised response from “Rejoice, but not naively! Organise!” to the lifeless and mundane “Don’t celebrate, organise!”

They’re so much more fun when they’re being enthusiastic.

http://www.workersliberty.org/story/2010/09/26/ed-miliband-labour-party-leader

By: davidbroder

davidbroder — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:31:34 +0000

Sorry, my mistake, the letter I received expressing support for ed m was from the GMB.

By: SeanG

SeanG — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:07:18 +0000

Strange that you received a letter from the CWU explaining they backed Ed Miliband given this.
http://www.cwu.org/news/archive/cwu-nominates-ed-balls-in-leadership-contest.html

By: Kaze no Kae

Kaze no Kae — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 23:51:39 +0000

“The left should not be picking between these choices, but rather, questioning why the alternatives offered are all so unpalatable.”
And so similar. ‘Do you prefer red & yellow striped shirts or yellow & red striped shirts?’

By: Chris S

Chris S — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:48:45 +0000

Spot on.