Scapegoating "foreigners"

The profits enjoyed by the rich are supposed to be rewards of their risk-taking. Where was the risk when having gambled and speculated on financial bubbles they were then compensated for their losses by the State and in many cases emerged wealthier than before. The same people who caused the economic recession remain in charge and are trusted to manage its aftermath. Apart from some populist generalised condemnation of bankers and a few toothless sanctions, the traditional scapegoats have been targeted, benefit claimants and immigrants - and if a person happens to be both  - so much better. It is easier picking on the vulnerable than challenging the powerful and which would involve potentially revolutionary implications.

SOYMB reads that the work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith wants some EU citizens to be entitled to benefits such as for housing, unemployment, sickness and disability.only if they have been resident in the UK for at least a year, as opposed to the current three months. Duncan Smith said he would like to have tighter restrictions in place before Bulgaria and Romania are given full access to the EU next year. Duncan Smith said "I think we will be able to tighten up and make those regulations much tougher for people coming in just to take advantage of our benefit system." Those in search of a better life for themselves and their families are accused of being "benefit tourists" taking advantage of "soft touch" Britain.

 The world over, workers must do what they can to survive and that means escaping economic poverty by migration if necessary.