Okay. Agree with everything. Just one small thing. No SWP. Get rid of them and we're all with you all the way.

dont go there, rick1 .because you've got anarchist inclinations doesnt mean you have to be anti this and that, tho there are a lot of things to oppose with all your heart and mind at the present time. you could be for autonomous and self governing communities networking with other similar communities in councils for the benefit of each other - keep positive! and this from an ageing and obsessive sadster. you dont need some centralised socialism with a thin hope of being elected - goddam em - to organise your thoughts and beliefs for you.just keep an open mind and heart - let in all the versions of reality and get it out to your friends, associates, and on the street and on the wire. thats the best hope for us all.

ricks honest open comments are i think in keeping with the spirit of the times.Although libertarian, I joined the S.A, not because i signed up for socialism but because they can connect with the ordinary joe and jill in the street and workplace.I dont particularly like the name but its actions that matter.Originally and still now hopefully, the S.A was an attempt to bring all forms of progressive opinion together. they don't have all the answers and they are not perfect, but it's a start.Despite the the terrible events of S11 and now tonight I think we may be on the brink on the biggest period of social change/dissent for many decades.However, we must learn to relate better to each other and to accept others opinions, still the sectarianism in the 80,s and 90,s was much worse.


re.swp i,m not sure about London, but in the provinces at least, (up north) the swp have provided an energy and some creativity to an sometimes low key anti-war movement and not dominated with millions of placards.

in these 'interesting times' (chinese curse 'may you live in interesting times') its easy to put your faith in centralised organisations, governments,centralised socialist parties with a small chance of winning elections, -more chance of turning every good cause to dust
keep your faith rick - better to think of a future consisting of autonomous and self-governing communities networking with others for the common weal - think positive - open your heart and mind and eyes - the wtc attack was a psychological operation trauma based thing designed to make people want to cling to hierarchical organisations whether government lies or oppositional organisations. keep your anarchism - you dont need to be anti this or that tho there is much to be opposed. we're desparately in need of some positive and loving stuff - dont surrender to this mind cage

Hey Rick, you make some really good points. Dwight may be cynical about socialists (we're not all the same!!). He says instead of getting involved with the Socialist Alliance, you "could be for autonomous and self governing communities networking with other similar communities in councils for the benefit of each other". Guess what? Lots of us in the SA work in a decentralised networky sort of way 'cos we see it as one of the best examples of socialist principles in practice. But it's not the only example.

Working in a disciplined way is also important - being careful about security, people's safety, challenging prejudice while working to keep people involved - it is hard when feelings run really deep and need to be expressed. But far better they get channelled into positive collective action which can expose the sham of capitalism, globalisation and now the War Against Terrorism (following hot on the heels of the War Against Drugs ~ but that's another story).

There's been much arguing within the anti-capitalist movement over different organisations, different tactics, different strategies for dismantling the human tragedy before us now. We need to put aside differences when we march together and celebrate differences when we engage in democratic dialogue & debate. What we need are 'people's forums' or something so that we can all get together and develop creative & practical solutions to the problems we face. We cannot leave it to the mainstream politicians - none of whom ever make any pretense at being socialists any more. But be warned - anti-capitalists can also include fascists & they are very much on the move - all the more important to organise a network of socialist alliances.

Part of the thing about working in a 'party' is that it allows community, trade union and political activists to learn from each other, support each other & promote a vision of social change that has been forged out of our collective experience. That's what set the SA manifesto in the last election apart. Everything in there came out of real life struggles and gave ordinary people a chance to vote for something that meant something to them.

You're right Rick about it going down well with people you work with...it did & does make sense to alot of people. Now more than ever do we need things that help pull people into positive dialogue and action for our future. I'd say to anyone - get involved & help make the SA really something different in british politics - a zapatismo wind of change has taken place and it blows the sails of the new international resistance movement.

Most importantly get involved in your local Stop the War network & talk to people about what you want to see happen next. Talk to your workmates. Talk to people involved in the SA and people who aren't. We should be looking out for each other on this rocky road we're on - there's enough of us living in all the fuzzy space between the SWP (who I also respect & think have moved on alot in recent months/years in many ways) and the most anarchic of anarchist activist networks!

Take care & keep safe. Respect to you all out there.