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'RED ACTION, THE ONLY
GROUP IN ENGLAND WORTH A TOSS'
27th Sept '02
In the latest copy of 'Spark' Autumn 2002, a publication produced by
Sinn Fein Youth an article on the rise of the far-right concludes that
the only group in England 'worth a toss is Red Action'. Entitled 'Far-Right
Rise on Back of Weak Left' the author as well as providing an analysis
as to why the threat from a revitalized fascism is continuing to grow,
also and as importantly foregrounds the basic political strategy required
to counter it.
On both these grounds the attitude toward what is described as the 'conservative
left' is unforgiving throughout. Among other points it is argued that
the 'one theme' that runs consistently throughout the recent elections
in Europe 'is the abject failure of the left'. Particularly when there
is, it is argued, 'a vacuum for alternative politics' with 'vast swathes
of disaffected votes there to be won'. An opportunity, which itself arises
out of the 'failure of the centre.'
But instead of adjusting to this objective reality, the left is widely
regarded, and happy to be seen as an 'extension' of the same failed 'liberal
political consensus'. Because it is 'blind to reality and mired in dogma'
the left is effectively paralyzed, with the result that as the far-right
continues to eat up essentially working class support the 'likely' and
indeed possibly only 'reaction of the centre left will be to blend into
and prop up the centre-right.' Along with the usual 'liberal do-gooders',
the 'greens' and assorted 'pinko-socialists', will rush to join these
ill-named radicals 'in this defensive'. As evidence of what it argues
is already 'a trend' it cites the activities of the ANL in England and
the left-wingers in France 'who rallied behind one right wing candidate
[Chirac] to keep out an even more right wing one [Le Pen]'.
While in England it points to 'the BNP rising as the real alternative,
the far-right opposition to a centre-left government', it is instructive
that in Ireland 'Sinn Fein is rising as the real alternative, the left-wing,
pro-working class opposition to a succession of centre-right administrations.'
Understandably the conclusion it draws from the comparison is that 'where
the left has shown itself to be dynamic, responsive to local communities
and competent it is winning support'. Hardly rocket science.
And in truth it is because it is just that straightforward, that Red Action,
the 'only group' it identifies as being full-square behind the basic analysis,
is eulogized. 'Allied to the militant Anti-Fascist Action, and staunch
critics of the conservative left, they are building the Independent Working
Class Association (IWCA) as a vehicle for pragmatic working class politics,
to provide a left alternative to disenchanted voters currently wooed by
the BNP. Naturally the Trots scream 'reactionary fascist' at every pragmatic
approach to socialism. Red Action and the IWCA are the hope the British
left has of fighting the BNP rise, because -let's face it - the middle
class, politically correct screeching of the SWP would be enough to turn
anyone to fascism!'
Like the IWCA and Sinn Fein 'the far-right is prepared to appeal directly
to the people to place its faith in hands of the general population rather
than the media...The left on the other hand treats the people with contempt
...They have largely proven themselves too lofty to engage in the nitty
gritty of street politics'. As a result, while 'pundits will rush to blame
apathy and irresponsible protest voting for results such as Le Pen's and
for the BNP gains in the English council elections...the real blame lies
with the Trots.'
*For a copy of 'Spark' or to find out more about Sinn Fein Youth write
to:
Ogra Shinn Fein, Ard Oifig, 44 Parnell Square. Dublin 1
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