NOTES ON THOUGHTS FROM OUR A1 poster, 'Ecosocialism not Extinction'
SELF: I think, we are all capitalists and all part of "capitalism's relentless pursuit of private profit". All part of capitalism's relentless pursuit of public profit, too, aren't we?
We are all big users of capitalism. Overthrowing capitalism means overthrowing ourselves, doesn't it?
Natural capital = oil, gas and coal and every other precious mineral. We are living off all of them as if they are income. All a quick, thoughtless take and an unsustainable consuming of our one-off geological inheritance we will never see again.
Not only the market system is creating the problem of climate change but we are each responsible. Calling for a massive programme of public works means supporting £100 bill HS2, £15 bill Metro extensions and Sprint to boost tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents or, all greenhouse gas emissions)
I think, an anti-finite fossil fuel (fff) stance is a more helpful and practical slogan than an anti-capitalist one. But, obviously we can't be totally anti-fossil fuels when our very lifestyle depends on them. Hence our predicament in drinking so deeply and enthusiastically from the poisoned chalice of fff.
Even the left wing trade unions and their leaders and staff, over the last 70 years, have all supported the transport disasters, blunders and follies I have outlined here. Not one has shown the slightest interest:
ALLAN TODD wrote: 'Extinction Rebellion gets political'
I do think XR has been more truly political and magnificent from the outset, than the trade union movement that seems to have always had, as its top priority, getting as much money out of the hated bosses as possible. And, being so disappointing in being up to their necks in their complicity with the horrors of my 'Horrible History of Terrible Transport' essay. I've never had any interest, let alone support, because they all agree with HS2, Metro and Sprint and the destruction of about 100 Kms of our urban railway network in the Black Country and Brum.
XR has acted bravely and sacrificially in being political and outspoken with non-violent deeds and words with too, the most clever, intelligent and well-thought-out sketches and demos - as we saw on the 6 Nov march in Brum.
XR has shown real leadership and courage and self-sacrifice with their offshoot, Insulate Britain, adding to the slow crawl that already exists with congestion, road works and accidents on the M25. The left-wing trade union/socialist movement needs to get similarly active. CAAT is also brilliant with their non-violent direct action. The TUC needs to similarly up its game.
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