[lbo-talk] RE: Cultural Change

[Gary?]

From: "joanna bujes"
> The "welfare state" consisted of organized temporary hand-outs until the
chance to regroup (Thatcher). Lennon was complaining about what passed for
"life" in post war Britain. I grant that this welfare state seems like a
socialist fantasy compared to what is happening in the U.S. now; but that's
just relative to a completely fucked up situation.
>
rather dismissive ? I doubt Attlee had any idea that his hard work would be
disrupted by the Iron Lady, anymore than the US expected to be pitched into
a crusade by Bush. Life in post war Britain was far from idyllic, the class
system was in full swing, but a move had been made in the right direction.
There was optimism and a real opportunity for lasting positive change. I
don't think the children of that age appreciated their circumstance and the
world certainly doesn't give Attlee the credit he deserves.
How much did Tariq Ali pay to put himself  through University I wonder,
prancing around like some spoilt brat leading demonstrations and sit-ins,
they took the opportunity of a scalpel and used it as a bludgeon.
Wearing cliché che Guevara t shirts and waving Mao's red book what a bunch
of elitist poseurs. What gains did they make ? Alienated the working class
certainly and it was those students who grew up and gave power to Thatcher.
The tremendous gains,(- the British worker paid approx a third of his wages
in taxes and nhs contributions, in return he received free education, free
healthcare and a pension- cradle to grave coverage. Industry important to
the well being of the public was nationalised,) were pissed away by the
generation that benefited most from it. Lennon might have been singing of
working class heroes but George was complaining because he was being asked
to pay for his welfare state.
I suggest you have no idea what 'life' in post war Britain was like , if you
did you might have more respect for it's achievement., rather than compare
it to a fucked up US of today compare it to any socialist ideal, it would
come up short but would be closer to the reality.

Gary?
ride si sapis