elections

On 5th May 2011 elections for the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly will take place. Unfortunately there will be no real socialist candidate choice from the World Socialist Movement so we suggest spoiling the ballot paper by writing "world socialism" across it - a write-in vote for socialism as it were. Our ancestors were right to struggle for the vote and we shall be exercising our right to vote.



The following is an election address from the 1992 General Election

THIS IS NO APPEAL FOR YOUR VOTE
All the parties say "It is time for a change" and "Time to make a fresh new start". TOO RIGHT IT IS!

But are they proposing to get rid of the money system? Or the profit "motive" - which "motivates" us to always put the profits of a few before the needs of the many...? NO - they want the usual superficial reforms. Not fundamental change. What's so new about that?

Many of us have now experienced several Labour or Tory administrations trying to solve working class problems. Many know that these problems will remain unsolved whoever gets in, Labour or Tory. That's why there will be little excitement at these elections. What we need is REAL CHANGE.

WHY?
The world is rich in raw materials, technology, knowledge and human "doing power", to the extent that if the world was organised in a different way everyone would enjoy a comfortable poverty-free life.

Why don't we re-organise society to reap the benefits of these scientific advances? Because under capitalism politicians all look for solutions within the framework of the money-wages-buying-and-selling system of society.

History shows us that capitalism was set up by a minority of people (the owners of capital) to run in the interests of that minority. I mean, if we all had enough capital, we'd not be compelled to become wage slaves - THEN who would do the work?

So, if there's no profit in it, there's no production of it and no supply of it. That's the way the system of today works! If you can't afford it, you'll have to do without it.

THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE
Some people (because they've been encouraged to think solely in terms of money, wages, buying and selling) will undoubtedly dismiss any alternative as far-off dreams. Others will claim that human nature will make it impossible.

It's essential that you understand and believe in the ability of people to change, or you give up any possibility of serious change in society.

Socialism means the world belonging to all its people, producing the things we need to live and enjoy life. DIRECTLY meeting people's needs! This means no money, wages, buying and selling.

Why should we have to buy back what we've collectively produced?

This outmoded rationing system must GO. There's a world of abundance to work for. Work would be co-operatively organised on a voluntary basis. Everyone would have access, an equal voice and vote in every and any decisions which would affect their lives.

We don't want just your vote. We want your understanding...

2011 Scottish Parliament election leaflet can be read at Socialist Courier