China and Che
In GLW #328, Bob Saltis is critical of Eva Cheng's support for "workers' democracy" in GLW #315. It is a pity that Bob, who is president of the Cuba Friendship Society in SA, has not taken Fidel's advice to study the economic writings of Che Guevara.
Che emphasised that the key element in the struggle for socialism was consciousness. Economic mechanisms, in themselves, won't solve the problems. Capitalist economic mechanisms, such as unregulated markets and material incentives, foster capitalist consciousness.
Such mechanisms may be to some extent necessary in very difficult economic circumstances, but socialist and democratic mechanisms must also be used. People need to be motivated by collective or socialist goals, but this will not happen if these goals are set by an economic or bureaucratic elite.
Economic development towards socialism must be given conscious, political direction, based on democracy. Otherwise it will conform to the narrow interests of the new class of capitalists and the old layer of bureaucrats.
There was a time, when the SPA/CPA had begun to understand that the failure of "socialism" in Eastern Europe was linked to the huge gap between the party and the people, and the lack of socialist consciousness in the society in general. It is a pity this has been forgotten.
Che, of course, was highly critical of many aspects of Soviet society and those who were introducing Soviet style policies into Cuba. This led some sections of the left to present a censored caricature of him, which still persists.
If you like Bob, I'll lend you my copy of Che Guevara: Economics and Politics in the Transition to Socialism by Carlos Tablada.
Adelaide
Austudy
I am one of the many students who have been affected by Mr Howard's removal of dependant spouse allowance and Austudy reductions. With no warning, he has broken a written contract formatted at the start of the year, even to the detail of what I would receive, when and in what account.
When I applied for Austudy in December '97, he said, "no, you will not be affected by the changes on 1/7/98". Lies, lies, lies.
I consulted Centrelink over four weeks ago and they still can't tell me of my reductions or provide a written statement. I have taken all avenues — ARO, Federal MP, Legal Rights Advice Unit, Commonwealth Ombudsman — to get a complete reassessment of their 41% reduction of my Austudy. With family income below $25,000 it's a joke. We need an active political body; i.e. an Australian Student Party.
Sydney
Hanson
I agree with Dave Riley (GLW #328) that it is easier to challenge One Nation's racist policies because they are so gross.
The success of this strategy is proved by the magnificent turnout of young people around Australia to shout their opposition to racism. And this is no doubt only the beginning of an even bigger mobilisation that should scare the pants off the establishment and their media.
But you can only go on yelling at Hanson for so long. Hansonism is a symptom, not a cause, of a political system that has failed young people, failed indigenous people, failed the unemployed, and failed working people who continue to be ripped off by the powerful.
Maybe it's time for the fight, and the public debate, to be taken to that level.
Sydney
Government cuts
The August 15 Sydney Morning Herald article by Adele Horin headed "A fistful of dollars is no fix" tells us "The Howard government has cut about $20 million from public and community housing. [This is] part of the $6 billion it has slashed from health, housing, education, job retraining and social services."
Now the government is offering Australians big income tax cuts. "Where will the money come from? In large part, from the savings made by cutting services for the unemployed, students, migrants, working families, people needing legal aid, hospitals and dental care."
Any lingering doubts one might have had as to the benefits to be gained from the GST is I think settled in Horin's last paragraph. "What has occurred in Australia is a basic philosophical shift. More private affluence more public squalor."
The unemployment problem, with all its worry and strain and constant threat to the employed, is apparently beyond the government's comprehension. So how about a shorter working week? This would cut unemployment, they then become tax payers and we are on the way to the kind of society want for the 21st century.
As your paper says: stop the corporate tax rip-off.
Balmain NSW
[Abridged.]
Socialist candidates
I am pleased that John Percy is contesting the seat of Sydney and that the Democratic Socialists have elected a team to stand for the Senate.
Frederick Engels attached considerable importance to elections. His viewpoint remains valid, regardless of the obstacles that the ruling class and their stooges place in the path of socialist candidates.
To offset the difficulties imposed, widespread leaflet distribution and public meetings, house to house canvassing, factory gate meetings and advertisements in the local press are essential for a good campaign.
Now the electorate for the Senate is the whole of NSW, special attention should be given to Sydney, the Hunter Valley region, Wollongong, Port Kembla, Lithgow, Broken Hill and Cobar. The candidates need to cover as much of the state as possible.
The class issues in this election are more clear cut than usual.
The Business Council of Australia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Coalition government are energetically for a GST so as to benefit the rich at the expense of the poor.
The word reform is their euphemism for what the Labour Movement regards as regression.
Strathfield NSW
[Abridged.]
A battler's lament
As an ordinary battler on $100,000 a year, I am writing to express my disgust at the Coalition's proposed tax reforms. After all, what's in it for me?
A pathetic $86 a week in income tax cuts. Barely enough for a night at the opera.
Okay, there's $7 a week towards private health insurance and dividend imputation is to be extended to unit trusts and insurance bonds which should yield a few extra bob. But apart from that, nothing!
And look at the additional costs: 10% higher veterinary fees for the polo ponies for instance.
As a lifelong Liberal voter, I am appalled. When is this government going to do something for the rich?
Rydalmere NSW
Innocent animals
I am tired of reading about Beverly Buckingham lying so courageously in hospital after breaking her back by falling off her horse at a race in Tasmania. Now we are asked to fork out money for her medical expenses.
What about the innocent horse, which never asked to be put in the race, and was probably enjoying its harmless, happy life till an opportunity came along for it to make money for greedy gamblers? It stumbled, was probably in great pain and was "destroyed". No one cares about the helpless defenceless animal's life.
Somehow we must organise the abolition of cruel horse racing. We have no right to cause these innocent and beautiful animals the pains and horrors of race-course accidents.
Also, why are mounted police allowed at political demonstrations? The horses are clearly terrified. Why should they be mixed up in human quarrels?
Of course, horses were used in battles back to the time of the Romans, but we are not told this when battles are presented as great victories. To understand what horses suffered in World Wars I and II, read Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front, and Antony Beevor's recent book on Stalingrad.
St Kilda Vic
[Abridged.]
Appeal
I have lived among the poor in India and Africa for nine years. As a refugee, I endured political and financial insecurity and the plight of the oppressed in the Third World is an issue close to my heart.
Almost everybody in Australia is privileged. We possess a great deal materially and enjoy rights and freedoms so much above the meagre standards of the Third World. Even in Australia we can gain some idea of the contrast through listening to and asking refugees, immigrants from the Third World and Aboriginal people.
The problem is a lack of good will toward global justice.
The solution is not money-based, but relies on the greatest gift we as individuals have: solidarity and a desire to help.
Australians for a Global Concern will campaign to get people motivated and personally involved. Our aim is to send a large number of independent-minded Australians to visit the Third World, where they can live amongst people in need.
Volunteers could spend from six weeks to three months in a selected area in the Third World in order to gain awareness and use their skills to help improve living conditions.
At this end, we will provide a general overview of possibilities in volunteering and an introduction to issues of cultural sensitivities.
For a full copy of the proposal, or to find ways to get involved, phone (02) 9351 7320. A network of people interested in the project is being set up.
Sydney
[Abridged.]