Featured letter: school student fights back

"I chose to be involved in politics, Michael Crick"

Last month, a television crew barged into a meeting in an east London cafe. Walthamstow Socialist Party had organised the discussion with a group of school students interested in campaigning against bombing Syria. The journalist behind it, Michael Crick, has a long record of attacking the Socialist Party, and its predecessor, Militant. Crick, and detractors on social media, sought to intimidate, patronise and denigrate those involved. Nancy Douglas, 15, was one of the students there.

I chose to be involved in politics.

I chose to be involved because even at my age I can see the destruction being caused around me and the complete disregard for anyone who isn't white or rich.

I chose to be involved in politics because the government we have today doesn't stand for the people, they stand for themselves and their own profits.

I chose to be involved in politics because I saw a left-wing alternative that stands for the right thing and provides a contrast to the hypocritical politicians we know today.

I chose to be involved in politics because current politicians are making decisions for my future that I can't have a say in.

I chose to be involved in politics because the youth of today aren't fairly represented.

I chose to be involved in politics because by the next election I will be the one holding the ballot paper, making a decision for my future and choosing the MP I feel fit to do this.

I chose to be in politics because of my future.

I chose to be involved in politics because we are the future.

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.

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