I am a socialist. I'm proud to say that, despite the best attempts of many on the right to turn "socialist" into a dirty word. I wasn't always a socialist though. When I first got seriously into politics, I was a supporter of the Conservative Party. Needless to say my support for them didn't last long. I took a step to the left and began supporting the Liberal Democrats. Then I saw how Nick Clegg became a puppet of the Conservative Party I stepped away from. So I took another step left and began supporting the Labour Party. Under the uninspiring leadership of Ed Miliband and before him Gordon Brown, I decided enough was enough. I stopped taking small steps, and took a big step left. I am now a socialist and supporter of the Respect Party. That's my political background. I however want to talk about liberals and how they irritate a socialist like me.
In the United States and the United Kingdom, right-wing politics is on the rise. In the US, they have the Tea Party which is comprised of the hardcore right-wingers of the Republican Party. In the UK, we have UKIP, a formally single-issue party who have evolved into a kind of BNP-Lite (The BNP is Britain's fascist party). So how have the Democrats in America and Labour in Britain reacted to these new players? They have shuffled slowly to the right in an attempt to appease the right-wing supporters of these new parties. You'll see them talk about how immigration is a huge problem and how austerity is needed to get the economy back on track. Even more laughable is how Democrats in America refused to even mention the President's name because he's unpopular among those on the right. Liberals need to grow some balls, get some principles and realise that people on the right aren't going to like them, but people on the left (who are being ignored by the parties meant to be representing them) might just like them.
Liberals need to own their successes. Look back through time and see how much better the world has become. Slavery in America is gone (Yes, Republicans got rid of it, but this was a time when Republicans were Liberal). Segregation is also gone also because of liberals. In Britain, we have free healthcare because of liberal (and socialist) ideals. What did conservatives do when presented with these changes? They opposed them! Liberals are on the right side of history and they heeded the previous piece of advice, think how much more could get done! What kind of people support gay marriage? What kind of people support healthcare for everyone? What kind of people support equal treatment for all people regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation? The answer to all of these is Liberals! If you are a Liberal (or better yet a socialist) be proud of that!
So I am full of praise for liberals, but I'm a socialist. Well in my opinion Liberals don't go far enough! Socialism isn't about the abolition of private property or imposing a classless society. It's about making sure everyone can have a good life regardless of how rich or poor they are. It's about making sure that the government looks after each and every one of its citizens. It's about realising that we're all on this world together so why not help each other out? Why not realise that we are all humans and that while we may look different, speak different languages, pray to different gods (or indeed no gods at all) we are all part of this world. It's a pipe dream, but it's a dream I'm rather fond of.
I am a socialist. I am proud of this. If you are a liberal, be proud of yourself! If you are a socialist, be proud of yourself! If you aren't, well nobody's perfect, but I'm sure we can find something that unites us.
Steven
No comments:
Post a Comment