Socialism - The Solidarity Economy

Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged the need for a post-capitalist system has been evident to anyone who cared to pay attention. Those colloquially known as the 1% are committed to protecting their own interests even when it conflicts with the well-being of society as a whole. Working people who were previously struggling to survive above water who lived from pay-packet to pay-packet had been largely ignored until the lockdowns and now it is understood who are the key essential workers that keeps society running. The old norms which many found acceptable are no longer seen as inevitable. The capitalist system has nothing to offer except increased austerity and insecurity. The coronavirus crisis has revealed what was hidden obvious to everyone. It is clear that the profit motive made COVID-19 more deadly than it would have been in a socialist system.

The Socialist Party is not trying to save this dying system. We are working with determination to put an end to it and create a new world. Cooperation and mutual aid are now seen as important aspects of humanity. People are beginning to see different ways of living our lives which depend upon sharing resources and making decisions in a truly democratic process. Socialism is a model for ecological, economic and human sustainability that builds social cohesion. It’s time working people finally let go of the blind faith they have in reforms and regulatory system. Doing so will allow them to work in more meaningful solidarity for a better world.

We need to reach people in order to counter the pro-capitalist narrative that is everywhere. To build economic democracy, to create an alternative vision of how we can organize society we must talk to as many people as possible, not just to those who already agree with us. Most people who consider themselves socialists or who dislike capitalism are fooled by appeals to support ‘their’ country, ‘their’ military, ‘their’ leaders. They are told over and over and over again that ‘we’ are the good guys and that countries ‘over there’ are the ‘bad guys’. The rich and powerful have been dividing and conquering us for an awfully long time. It won’t stop until we build a powerful enough international movement of people who understand how this oppresses us.

We are living at a time when many of the inherent problem of capitalism have come to the fore. It is our moment to present the case for fundamental change. If we don’t succeed the world will continue on its current self-destructive course. People have power. Let’s use it. The only path is for people to organise for socialism. It is time to embrace the socialist idea and not step back from it.