General Election – Campaign News

[howard]

I think Bill’s comments have hit a nail, and I hope it is not on my hand.  Let’s advocate higher wages for footballers…The art of communications is not simply to repeat and repeat what you have said until it goes in: it involves taking into account the language of the audience.  Surely we are not some English tourist who just shouts in English when not understood…May I ask everyone to reflect on the success this party has had in 111 years. Keeping our virginity is all very well but at some point it would helpful to procreate – imagine, one day we might even have…wait for it…more members [AAAAAAAARGH!]. It is a waste of time talking over everyone’s head, and in my view a turn off to most people to quote Marx every so often [are our arguments worse if we don’t? will we go to hell? Who is it for?].  Frankly who cares what he said – I thought it was the case not the face/holy name.30 years as a teacher taught me that you have to take people from where they are; you don’t start from where you are. Learners often take small steps approximating to where you want them to be.  It may be cosy for some to stay in a puritanical sect but I think political change is far too important for that. Not sure about you but I’m not sure the environment can wait either. I think this campaign has been really instructive and seeing people start to question their assumptions is very rewarding.  Sneering at the likes of Brand might be fun and gratifying but perhaps he has got many to ask questions that otherwise they would not have: yes he’s a twit but then possibly so are some members of this party; so are many members of the human race that apparently we are so concerned about.If our message is that good, just getting people to ask questions should bring them round – or do we actually have doubts about it? Are we scared that in fact they might go the ‘wrong way’? Are we in fact a bit worried about them – they can’t think for themselves…I have a bit more faith – perhaps misplaced – but anyway that’s my starting point. I think a sharp bit of soul searching after this election would do the party good…,oooh sorry, I mentioned soul, which I am sure someone will tell me is heresy

[Anonymous]

Howard, you make some very good points with which I agree (Pardon the grammar) 

[Anonymous]

Brian wrote:

I'm not so sure about having a "special post-election conference on the party and its future" is necessary.  I would have thought ADM and Conference is suffice for such a discussion.  However, I do urge all candidates, agents and members generally to be making a start on drawing up the positives and negatives so the Election Committee have feedback to add to the list the members of the committee are also drawing up.

That excludes many members with a lot to say but unable to get to the centre of powerWhy not hold a digital meeting on this forum so we can all take partThe meeting should not be bogged down with  the positives and negatives of the election campaign. There is more to it than that, and noone doubts the hard work put in by members, nor do we desire to tell them where they went wrong.I think Alan refers to a broader and more general discussion. Party name, key message, use of modern means of communication etc   

[Anonymous]

Howard Pilott wrote:

Last night at the Patcham hustings there were about 150-200 people – it was great: several hand shakes and back slaps after the event; even the UKIP candidate came up afterwards and told me my heart was in the right place [Gawd! with friends like that…].  I think my best line was directly after the UKIP madman had spoken: "Before I came here tonight I thought I was an extremist…" cue huge laughter.

With reactions like these which have been fairly typical of many other Brighton hustings whose afraid of the Brand/Lucas consortium?  She's going to be re-elected anyway; well, isn't she?BTW, the number of recorded clicks to http://spgb.net/br is now hovering around the 200 mark.  

[ALB]

Report of ecohustings in Oxford last Tuesday here (with photos of candidates):https://oxfordecohustings.wordpress.com/2015/04/29/oxford-west-abingdon-hustings-report/Today's issue of The Oxford Student has an 8-page pull-out supplement on the election with statements from most of the candidates in Oxford, including our two. Also photos, except the one of Kevin is not of him (but then the face doesn't count). Not yet online.We're getting 200-300 audiences here in Oxford too as last night in Summertown.Number of recorded hits from Oxford on our website is only 83 compared with Brighton's 190+ but one conclusion of the election already is that we were right to target Brighton and Oxford.

[J Surman]

Thanks Howard, I really relate to your message here. It certainly recognises the necessity of listening to one's 'audience', otherwise how on earth do we have a clue about what makes them different from anyone else, how do we approach all the medley of individuals we may come across? Horses for courses.Also I'd like to add that reading all the coverage each day regarding the hustings, whether from live meetings or written replies I am delighted, enthused and sincerely grateful to all the candidates who are doing a terrific job of presenting our party case. Thanks to all involved, front and back stage for your such positive contributions.Solidarity!

[Anonymous]

A response to questions about the family, same-sex marriage, sex education in primary schools, abortion, Sharia law, 'discrimination' against Christians, etc., asked by an individual connected with this organisation:  http://www.election2015.org.uk/

Howard Pilott wrote:

Thanks for your email.  Given that I am standing on a Socialist ticket you may not surprised to learn that I am not a great fan of organised religion, the history of which shows it as having been central to the legitimation of oppressive power structures. I acknowledge that Jesus Christ was an interesting figure: a reforming rabbi [probably a pharisee] who stood against the power structures of the temple and advocated a return to simpler and more honest values.  However I am not sure that anywhere he advocated starting another religion [wasn't that Paul?]. We have inherited in the west a judeo-christian moral backbone to our legal system and so many aspects of the christian ethics are already embedded within our world.  However I feel it is time we cast off the world views of 2000 years ago; put aside what we might now refer to as childish things. Oppressive worlds need something to enable people to have hope, and religion fits this bill.  I'd rather address the oppression than adopt the religion. There are some things in your list with which I have some sympathy and many that I baulk at.  I haven't answered them all as I think you will already have formed your opinion about my candidacy: I will not be advancing the cause of radical christians and also I am not a fan of Andrea Williams. If however I am mistaken and you wish more of my views, please let me know and I will be happy to oblige. Regards, Howard Pilott The Socialist Party Candidate for Brighton Pavilionhttp://spgb.net/br

[northern light]

I attended the Hustings at St. John's church, Seaham, with our candidate, Steve Colborn.The Lib. Dem. candidate did not show (that's the second event he/she has missed) but the others were out in force, Tory, UKIP, Green,North East Party and Labour Party.The audience of 38-40 was a pretty poor turn-out, considering most of them were partisans. Nevertheless, everyone was handed our party leaflets (there were no refusals).Steve's opening statement was assured and he was confident in his manner.(as expected)I got the first question in, on the N.H.S. but I never got an opportunity to ask any more. We needed more support.Toward the end of the event, the Green Party candidate (pointing to Steve) said that he agreed with much of what he (Steve) said.In his closing address the UKIP candidate tried to get away with saying that Communism had been tried before and failed.We did not let him get away with that. Lasted about two and a half hours, but time flew bye.

[Anonymous]

Quote:

Dear Howard Pilott, As I consider who to cast my vote for on May 7th, one of the issues that is important to me is International Development.I am a supporter of Concern Worldwide, a development organisation that works in 27 of the poorest countries in the world. They have produced a commitment card that calls on the next UK Parliament to: 1. Protect the UK's commitment to spend 0.7% of national income on aid2. Focus UK aid on the poorest and most vulnerable 3. Tackle hunger, because in a world of plenty no one should go hungry4. Fund programmes that help communities build their resilience to disasters5. Tackle inequality which keeps people poor, vulnerable and powerlessFind out more about Concern's campaign here: https://www.concern.net/en/2015-general-election Will you commit to these core principles so that we can assist the world's poorest to climb out of poverty?Thanks,Vicki

Howard Pilott wrote:

Hello Vicki, Thanks for your email.  I wish it were as easy as making commitments to action; that in some sense making these offers would in the longer term be worthwhile.  I am afraid I do not hold this view. Hunger, inequality and vulnerability are built into this system of haves and have-nots: our current system works on the basis of the wealthy [individuals and corporations] being able to do as they wish in pursuit of profit, and the rest of us are resources to be used and abused as fits their ends. Simple recent facts and figures: life expectancy in poor Blackpool is 8 years less than in wealthy Kensington and Chelsea; since the recession the richest 1% in UK have seen their aggregate wealth rise by an average of £77m per day.  What would it matter if our aid budget was 10% of GDP is we ruined other countries by means of WTO and GATT regulations; had them hamstrung in using GM crops; had forced them to privatise their industries so our corporations could step in and ransack their economy? Added to which the rapacious nature of capitalism means the planet is merely another resource to be used and abused leading to more poor countries being the brunt of climate change.No, unless we dismantle this egregious system so that power is distributed amongst us equally, unless we take away the wealthy's ability to determine our futures; unless we show we have had enough of this exploitation, things will carry on in this disastrous manner. 

The Socialist Party advocates popular democracy: we want YOU [not us] to be in charge. Voting for us is a statement that you have had enough of being treated like a serf: that you want your share of power and of the wealth of the world. We believe Socialism can offer a better future for us, our children, and the planet. Vote for us and/or better still get involved: visit our website for 3 free issues of our magazine – http://spgb.net/br

Kind regards,Howard Pilott Prospective Party Candidate The Socialist Party of Great Britain

 

[Anonymous]

northern light wrote:

I attended the Hustings at St. John's church, Seaham, with our candidate, Steve Colborn.The Lib. Dem. candidate did not show (that's the second event he/she has missed) but the others were out in force, Tory, UKIP, Green,North East Party and Labour Party.The audience of 38-40 was a pretty poor turn-out, considering most of them were partisans. Nevertheless, everyone was handed our party leaflets (there were no refusals).Steve's opening statement was assured and he was confident in his manner.(as expected)I got the first question in, on the N.H.S. but I never got an opportunity to ask any more. We needed more support.Toward the end of the event, the Green Party candidate (pointing to Steve) said that he agreed with much of what he (Steve) said.In his closing address the UKIP candidate tried to get away with saying that Communism had been tried before and failed.We did not let him get away with that. Lasted about two and a half hours, but time flew bye.

 Good work cdes. Sorry I couldn't make it

[maxhess]

Robert Cox has apparently saved Tory candidate, Julian Brazier, from certain death at Whitstable hustings! http://commie.f2s.com/robert-cox-saves-tory.jpg

[Anonymous]

Quote:

Dear Candidate,My name is Leslie, and I want to see an end to the housing crisis.The housing crisis affects so many of us, whether we're stuck renting in terrible conditions, struggling to pay our rent or mortgage every month, or worrying that our children will never be able to afford their own homes.I am writing to ask you: please support Shelter's call to end the housing crisis.There just aren't enough affordable places to live any more in Brighton, Pavilion. For decades, governments have failed to build the homes we need. In fact, we are now building just half as many as we need every year.This is having terrible consequences for people across the country – sky-high rents and house prices mean so many of us don't have a safe, affordable place to call home. Ultimately, the lack of affordable homes leads to more people becoming homeless. In fact, there are now 885 homeless households with children in Brighton and Hove.It is possible to end the housing crisis – by building more affordable homes.Shelter have outlined the mix of affordable homes we need to build, and set out a comprehensive plan for how to do so, at thehomesweneed.org.uk.As a prospective parliamentary candidate in Brighton, Pavilion, you are in a unique position to influence your party's priorities.Will you ask your party leader to prioritise the housing crisis and make sure the next government builds more affordable homes?Please reply to my email and let me know what you plan to do about housing – this issue is very important to me, and to many others in Brighton, Pavilion.Yours sincerely,Leslie Bunker[/quote/]

Howard Pilott wrote:

Dear Leslie,Housing and the property market is a superb illustration of so many things that are wrong with capitalism: this area of the economy is one of the most market driven and as a consequence one of the most divisive and dysfunctional. From the ‘buy your own council house’ bribery scandal of the 80s to the rise of the buy-to-let schemes, housing has been a series of awful messes. However the property market has to keep rising because politicians believe it is key to the feel-good factor.  What this does is embed a system of haves and have-nots.Trying to reform this system is like trying to reform a leech: it thrives on sucking your blood.  Some rent controls here, some health and safety there, a few more affordable buildings…like applying a sticking plaster on a cancer.  Only the destruction of this rapacious system will yield a solution.  No-one should be able to own a portfolio of properties and thereby control the lives of others, while the rents from these latter often pay the mortgages on the rented properties.  The other side of the coin is that there are one million empty properties in this country.If we had a true democracy where people decided local and national issues, we could simply take these empty properties and use them.  We could arrange to build where we needed them.  We could use all the second homes that the better off have at their disposal and mostly leave empty. A socialist society offers this scope.  To see what else we stand for have a look at our website – http://spgb.net/br – you can get 3 copies of our magazine free [no obligation!] and hopefully it may encourage you to ask some questions about how this current system works. You might even consider voting for me.Best wishes,Howard PilottProspective Party CandidateThe Socialist Party of Great Britain

[northern light]

I never got the chance to ask the following question at yesterday's Hustings, so if anyone gets an opportunity, can you slip this one in. .What with manufacturers moving jobs to places like the Far East and India, to take advantage of cheap labour, and Zero Hours contracts  and low income jobs being taken out of the tax bracket (in this country), coupled with reduced revenue from North Sea Oil.With promises of tax freezes being thrown about like confetti, by the big parties, where is the exchequer going to find the money needed to run the country? And maybe this one.   In 2010, at the Iraq Inquiry, Tony Blair said that the removal of Saddam Hussein had made the world a safer place. Was he correct?

[ALB]

Mayday in Oxford. We leafletted the starting point of the traditional trade union march at Manzil Way between 11.30 and 1pm and had a literature stall at the end in Bonn Square in the centre of Oxford from 1.30 to 3pm. Also there were the usual suspects: SWP, TUSC, CPB (Morning Star), CPGB (Weekly Worker), Socialist Resistence, RS21 (SWP fragment), Workers Fight, Revolutionary Communist Party of Britain (Marxist Leninist), International Bolshevik Tendency.The Green Party candidate in Oxford East put in an appearance and one of their councillors, in his trade union capacity, was among the speakers. Their candidate for Oxford West & Abingdon, out shopping, stopped at our stall to say hello before catching his bus. Today's Independent  has an article on his brother, a US Senator, entitled "The socialist who could cause a real stir". He is the only Senator to call himself a "socialist" though he's seeking the Democratic Party nomination to stand for President in 2016.We took the opportunity to ask who they said workers should vote for on 7 May.The CPB were distributing a leaflet headed "Despite Its Flaws Labour Remains The Best Choice" but with the proviso that this does not mean giving "the Labour Party leadership a blank cheque" and "Still less does it mean voting Labour in every constituency across Britain". "The best vote in some constituencies may well be Communist, socialist or Green. But in most it has to be Labour". After all, they are putting up a dozen of their own candidates (in safe Labour seats).The CPGB is committed to supprting TUSC as their third preference and us as their fourth (after selected leftwing Labour candidates and Left Unity as their first and second preferences). Logically this means that in Oxford West & Abingdon they should be urging a vote for us, but we didn't press the matter as we are not in the game of vote cadging. Anyway, their lit seller lived in Oxford East. He criticised us for standing against Jeremy Corbyn in Islington.The SWP support TUSC in Oxford East though they haven't done much to work for the TUSC candidate there, a member of SPEW. They did have a few of his leaflets on their stall and will presumably vote for him. In Oxford West & Abingdon one of them indicated they might vote for us (on the grounds of voting for whatever "left" candidate is standing if there's only one).Socialist Resistence seemed to be split, with some saying they were going to vote Labour and others voting Green.The RS21 member we met said he was voting Green (not TUSC)The oddest was the RCP(M-L) which was calling for a vote for the National Health Action Party in Oxford West & Abingdon. As this seemed incredible for a Maoist sect I checked on the internet and the endorsement can be found here.Never got round to asking the International Bolshevik Tendency. Their leaflet was in American, about "labor action", while the one from Workers Fight was in Fringlish.The Oxford Communist Corresponding Society were distributing leaflets urging workers to vote for us on the grounds that we like them advocate "the abolition of capitalism, money and the state, and the creation of a free, classless, socialist society". They carried placards with a picture of Karl Marx, which contrasted with those sponsored by the SWP which proclaimed "Tax the Rich", i.e leave them (and so capitalist class-divided society) in existence but tax them. As Marx might have put iI:  "Instead of the reformist slogan 'Tax the Rich' the workers ought to inscribe on their banner the revolutionary watchword 'Abolish the Rich'".

[alanjjohnstone]

What's Fringlish?Wiki said it was a mix of english and french used in Canada. 

[Author]

Posts