TONY BENN, "COALITION OF RESISTANCE" CONFERENCE. 27.November 2010

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/04/time-to-organise-resistan...


The time to organise resistance is now

We reject these cuts as simply malicious ideological vandalism, hitting the most vulnerable the hardest. Join us in the fight


Tony Benn:

It is time to organise a broad movement of active resistance to the Con-Dem government's budget intentions. They plan the most savage spending cuts since the 1930s, which will wreck the lives of millions by devastating our jobs, pay, pensions, NHS, education, transport, postal and other services.

The government claims the cuts are unavoidable because the welfare state has been too generous. This is nonsense. Ordinary people are being forced to pay for the bankers' profligacy.

The £11bn welfare cuts, rise in VAT to 20%, and 25% reductions across government departments target the most vulnerable -- disabled people, single parents, those on housing benefit, black and other ethnic minority communities, students, migrant workers, LGBT people and pensioners.

Women are expected to bear 75% of the burden. The poorest will be hit six times harder than the richest. Internal Treasury documents estimate 1.3 million job losses in public and private sectors.

We reject this malicious vandalism and resolve to campaign for a radical alternative, with the level of determination shown by trade unionists and social movements in Greece and other European countries.

This government of millionaires says "we're all in it together" and "there is no alternative". But, for the wealthy, corporation tax is being cut, the bank levy is a pittance, and top salaries and bonuses have already been restored to pre-crash levels.

An alternative budget would place the banks under democratic control, and raise revenue by increasing tax for the rich, plugging tax loopholes, withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, abolishing the nuclear "deterrent" by cancelling the Trident replacement.

An alternative strategy could use these resources to: support welfare; develop homes, schools, and hospitals; and foster a green approach to public spending -- investing in renewable energy and public transport, thereby creating a million jobs.

We commit ourselves to:

• Oppose cuts and privatisation in our workplaces, community and welfare services.

• Fight rising unemployment and support organisations of unemployed people.

• Develop and support an alternative programme for economic and social recovery.

• Oppose all proposals to "solve" the crisis through racism and other forms of scapegoating.

• Liaise closely with similar opposition movements in other countries.

• Organise information, meetings, conferences, marches and demonstrations.

Support the development of a national co-ordinating coalition of resistance.

We urge those who support this statement to attend the Organising Conference on 27 November 2010 (10am-5pm), at Camden Centre, Town Hall, London, WC1H 9JE.

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[Smuzz101]

Ahhh... Remember when members of the Labour Party looked like (And sounded like) human beings?

This is a gorgeously simple, clear and wonderful clarification of the underlying issues of the last... what? Century?

Everyone should see this. It takes less time than one family argument on Jerry Springer or a single character on 'Superfat to Superskinny' but makes sense of the world you live in.

[rockgoinin]

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE SMASH HIT SONG "SUPAMAN STRONG" AND "STAND DOWN TO NO NIGGA"..PROMISE U THOSE ARE THE HOTTEST TWO SONGS OUT RIGHT NOW!..LEAVE RATINGS AND COMMENTS AND I WILL BE SURE TO RETURN THE FAVOR!

[thumminxy]

I love Tony Benn, but I wish he would support July 7th & 9/11 truth.