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Very interesting post, Ian. I myself think that we also need to factor in some analysis of the 35% who did not vote and also to constantly bear in mind that Toryism in the working class would appear to be an English problem. Admittedly I say that as an Irishman with a deal too much satisfaction. As to how to react to Labour's defeat my thinking on the matter was heavily influenced by the Tony Wood NLR article Good Riddance to New Labour that Lou posted. So for me it is good riddance to Mandelson, Blair, Brown and all that slew of pigs at the trough. I have also finally decided that it is good that the Lib-Dems went with the Tories. It clarifies things nicely. It has also produced an incredible amount of tortured bad faith in the pages of the Guardian, especially in Polly Toynbee's column. I tried to force myself to read David Milliband's statements but I couldn't. My prediction remains, though, that he will try to do a balance between New Labour and also to revive some of the links with the working class. that might make for a few left sounding statements, but that is all they will be. the golden rule is that all will be done with an eye to what the media and the ruling class regard as acceptable. As to what now? Well the working class will have to learn to resist. It is as simple and as difficult as that. Something like the Poll tax demonstrations is needed. And I believe in my heart it will come. On the cultural level I keep thinking that it is a mistake for the ruling class to have the Cameron -Clegg clone act so visible. They do sound so exclusively private school types. They may think they are born to lead, but in the coming emergency their background means that they will not be able to represent the "National Interest" despite all their rhetoric. How can their calls for sacrifice have purchase, even with the English? Your post also had a good deal on the middle class or petit bourgeois. We have to bear in mind that this group is going to be hammered as well as the working class. What impact this will have on their consciousness will be linked to how the working class respond. If the workers are tough and decisive and brave, the middle class will slide in behind them, as their "leaders" of course. comradely regards Gary ________________________________________________ Send list submissions to: Marxism@lists.econ.utah.edu Set your options at: http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
