paula.mcewan
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My Mum had a severe stroke. We had to put her in a care home because she needed around the clock nursing care. It cost 1300 per week – I kid you not. The place was staffed with low paid care workers. If Burnham can fix the care of the elderly he will give the working class hope. But I don’t think he will.
I agree with almost everything you have said Bijou. First and foremost, you are correct that neither you nor Wez have breached the moderation rules. Second, I agree that there’s been a lively and informative discussion – which is obviously a good thing. But I tend to disagree with your contention that anyone not enjoying the debate can ignore it. As I see it, this is a uniquely valuable forum and we should treasure it. But when arguments become circular/repetitive with no end in sight, I personally get bored and frustrated. We all want the forum to be interesting and engaging. I’ve felt personally engaged in this particular discussion because I started it, but it got to a point where everything that needed to be said was said. I apologise to you and Wez. I had no right to tell you to stop arguing.
It’s time that Wes and BJ stopped arguing. I speak as moderator. Millions of workers across the world have enjoyed the World Cup. The World Cup unites but also fractures working class unity. I’ve appreciated the debate here. However, I can’t step away from the fact that football gives joy to millions and the SPGB gives us no hope or enjoyment, just despair.
https://youtu.be/_BlkTSKqE_8?is=hZ__Qo4cHC2iZSJ8 Love train – get on board combrades!!!
I hope we can all agree. World Cup gives joy to millions, and WSM (with honourable exceptions) takes opportunity to declare from on high that it’s a circus and we should not be distracted from class struggle. As if this argument will persuade anyone. I’m off to see a film – oh, hang on it’s all bread and circuses. I’m off to a concert – oh hang on it’s all bread and circuses. I’ll just read a book – oh hang on it’s not a biography of Marx. According to some here, the working class isn’t allowed any fun because that would distract us from The Party Case. I submit that it’s frankly ridiculous to suggest that enjoying the World Cup football tournament renders millions oblivious to socialism. I’m concerned that a class conscious worker coming here might get the impression that WSM believes that you can’t be a socialist if you’re enjoying the World Cup.
PaulaHave we considered publishing/do we have a leaflet that can be posted in windows? It’s a common practice – in my local Manchester election I’ve been delivered 2 leaflets so far (Labour and Reform) in a format designed to stick them in your window. The Reform leaflet helpfully explained that you should do this to prevent other parties knocking on your door (!).
I would like to have a similar glossy poster to put in my window. I imagine an SPGB splendid leaflet posted in my window saying along the lines don’t vote for this shower, we’re the solution. I imagine this would resonate given we’re in unprecedented times when most of the electorate has given up on traditional party politics.
YFS Paula
(Not posting as moderator)Ps the forthcoming elections aren’t confined to the very local boroughs in London where we have a candidate: they’re national (Scotland and Wales and local English). I just can’t help thinking we could have anticipated these elections better and done more to promote our case. By, for example, having a glossy leaflet to put in our windows 🙂
I’ve just been to see ‘The Secret Agent’ – in a cinema near you now hopefully. You must see it. Like all films it’s not perfect, but it amazed me because of how immersive it is. I had to go to the toilet at one point (it’s quite long) and wondered why I wasn’t in 1977 Brazil. Why did I know nothing about Brazil until now? The film is billed as a political thriller, and it is. Don’t let the title put you off. This is the best film I’ve seen this year. The soundtrack is so good too.
Ps Going back to Howard’s point – do we need to go through the palaver of a written article submitted to the Editorial Committee, or should the Editorial Committee just accept online items for publication.https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi746571801?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
