Capitalism

“The problem with capitalism is that it best rewards the worst part of us: the ruthless, competitive, conniving, opportunistic, acquisitive drives, giving little reward and often much punishment – or at least much handicap – to honesty, compassion, fair play, many forms of hard work, love in justice, and a concern for those in need” Michael Parenti (1933-)

Chocolate Porn?

Far too long since I last blogged, but am back from Green Party Conference where I had a really great time, and had lots of interesting discussions. I decided it was time to blog again.

I arrived there on Friday afternoon and got straight into my first meetings. Unfortunately, I didn’t arrive in time for the International Group’s plenary session entitled ‘Global Voices’ with speakers from Palestine, Nigeria and Venezuela. I *hope* a video will be made available online.

The first meeting I went to was the launch of the Party’s response to the Darzi Review entitled, ‘Virgin Births and Private Polys’. Well done to Stuart Jeffery (a fellow blogger and the party’s health spokesperson) for an excellent review which I will link to here when it is up (for now, the press release is here). Important discussions were had about our policy on ‘polyclinics’ among other things. I will blog properly on this soon.

Jane Ennis gave an excellent introduction to eco-socialism to finish my first day with. She began by speaking on the history of ecological socialist ideas, with particular focus on William Morris (‘I tell you that the very essence of competitive commerce is waste’, WM, Art Under Plutocracy, 1883) before handing over to Derek Wall who made the case for eco-socialist economics.

Saturday began with Keith Ross holding a fringe for all us ‘first-timers’ at conference, really useful in helping us work out where everything fitted in!

Derek Wall gave an impassioned speech at the plenary and was given a standing ovation by many in the audience. He argued that while the Green party should be realistic, it must have the radical ideas needed for change which will help everyone. This was followed by voting on reports and organisational changes to the party (unfortunately I missed the policy changes debated and voted on during Thursday and Friday sessions).

The Green Economics policy working group was fascinating, discussion future changes to the party’s economic policy. It was great to take part in such a discussion on how to make economics work better for people and the environment. I also picked up a copy of the International Journal of Green Economics, which has since provided me with several hours of interesting reading (yes, I know, now everyone’s idea of fun…).

A great meeting organised by the Trade Unions Group on Migrant Workers was had next, where we were lucky enough to have a speaker from MedAct along side our London MEP, Jean Lambert, speaking about problems with policy on migrants. It was highlighted how awful changes are being made to healthcare for ‘failed’ asylum seekers and refugees which will result in many being unable to access vital care. Several government reports have been unable to provide ANY evidence of ‘health tourism’ yet this ideology is being used to be totally inhumane to thousands.

The next to meetings I went to were on energy: one organised by the International group on the ‘Geopolitics of Oil’ and another on ‘Biofuels’. It was made clear by the speakers at the second that biofuels are not the solution the climate change rollercoaster. Instead, they will cause land-use changes which will exacerbate the crisis. There will be a protest against the use of such fuels on the 15th April organised by the Campaign against Climate Change.

The best fun at conference was to be had by talking to people outside the organised meetings: speaking to members from all over the country and discussing ideas with them is truly fascinating and a reminder that I am in the right party! The evening session was some stand up comedy by George Marshall who pointed out that our addiction to images of climate catastrophe is like an addiction to chocolate, and some of these images are so over-the-top as to be like ‘climate porn’ (hence ‘chocolate porn?’ as this post’s title – apparently it will double the number of hits I get on here :p)

So there we are, my summary of my first party conference experience. It was great fun and very interesting. Hope to be at the next one in Autumn!