Party Manifesto

Let the race begin

Preamble

“Find an averagely intelligent 12-year-old with a good heart and they will solve all the problems of the world within twenty minutes.”  This is likely to be true because the solutions the world requires are so obvious.  It would not take much wishing to put us in a better place than we are now.  An end to poverty, an end to war, nice houses and fulfilling employment, a clean environment.  There is no reason why it should not (within rational parameters) be possible.  This does not happen because we are the human race, and we are irrational, and complex.  I was taught that “every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”  Much good work is quickly undone through selfishness and greed.

Radical parties can set out visionary futures, and occasionally they succeed, but they almost always succumb to the same forces that maintain the status quo and soon become part of the problem.  “Movements become monuments.” “Power corrupts from the moment one seeks it.” The Americans understood this years ago when they defined the ‘two terms only’ principle for their presidents.

Like the local who tells the lost traveller that “to get to Dublin, it would have been better if you had not started from here”.  We are where we are now.  Just as despotic political movement, such as National Socialism, started as a mild fringe movement, and gradually moved towards evil intent, so positive movement is likely to be successful if their movement is slow and gradual. 

Perhaps this is one reason why Jeremy Corbin was so signally unsuccessful.  He was once asked if he would carry the nuclear briefcase around with him if he were to become prime minister.  “Would he order weapons to be fired?”  He replied that he would not be carrying such a briefcase and would never call for the use of nuclear weapons.   This was seen as weakness, and passivity.  He did not do well in the 2019 election.

Parties must decide where to position themselves.  Are they The Green Party has only ever had one MP at parliament?  Apparently if people under the age of thirty had their way in Germany, the ruling party would be Green.  The Greens in the UK have a long way to go to move toward the tipping point where social norms shift decisively.  These are often understated dramatic moments in history, such as the enfranchisement of adults as voters in the UK (women and men), and the decriminalisation of homosexual behaviour.  It is difficult to imagine that we could return to these past eras that lasted in UK history of centuries.  Other momentous political acts of note that may be here to stay are free education for all, and social security to ensure no one starves.

Any serious party must present two pictures.  The first is the ‘here and now’, based on the current situation and gentle direction of travel.  There must also be a vision, but it will be a mild vision, that will not unnerve too many people, and will respect the status quo.  The second picture is the one where the ideology stems from.  It is the bigger picture, and defines the values, beliefs and aspirations of the party.  It is ultimately why supporters will rally to the cause and proselytise for votes, essential in a democracy for survival.  You can have great ideas, and be a perfect leader, but if you do not apply, you will not get the job.

 I will be setting out my manifesto for my imaginary party over the next six weeks.