Twice-told tales
Once again the worker has “responded magnificently” to Government appeals for greater production. Since the start of the drive in 1945, production has increased so much that a few weeks ago Sir Stafford Cripps was pleased to tell us we are now creating more wealth than at any time in our history.
As always, under Capitalism, however, there is a “but” attached to the “good news.” It is this: In order to reach the “era of prosperity,” we must now produce at lower cost and compete successfully in a buyer’s market. We must “go easy” on wage claims, work harder and leave everything else to the wisdom of our “leaders.”
That story has an old familiar ring. After the 1914-18 war, the Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Parties were spinning the same yarn—you needn’t “ask your Dad,” the information is in any history book.
The situation in 1945 differed slightly, of course, as at that time the Communist Party was also contributing to the clarion call for “More production, “Export or Die,” etc., etc. Indeed, it continued to do so until the line-up of British with American Capitalism, instead of Russian Capitalism, necessitated one of those lightning reversals in policy that have made the Communist Party an example to every political turncoat.
Although the antics of political opportunists may change, the economics of Capitalism remain the same. Like “Old Father Thames,” Capitalism “keeps rolling along” from boom to slump and back again, with a few world wars thrown in for good measure.
Just as the sequel to the production drive after the first World War was mass unemployment, the dole queue, the means test and malnutrition, so, in a short while, when world markets are again filled, those conditions of squalor and misery will once more greet the working class.
In America, already there are over four millions unemployed, with an estimated eight millions within twelve months (see Sunday Express, 26/6/49). That situation symbolises the “Era of prosperity” and the “Century of the common man” Capitalism has to offer. “Planned” or otherwise Capitalism cannot operate in the interests of us—the working class.
The solution to our problems lies in the abolition of class society, and the establishment of a form of social organisation in which things are produced solely in order to satisfy human needs—not to be exchanged or offered for sale.
In short what we need is Socialism. A system of society in which poverty and insecurity will be remembered only as a feature of Capitalism. Socialism cannot be produced by the wizardry of politicians, out of a hat (even an Anthony Eden). Knowledge forms the basis of revolutionary action! We must understand what we want, and organise politically as a class in order to bring Socialism about. The promises of would-be “leaders” notwithstanding, that is the only solution to working-class problems.
J. MCGREGOR.