Europe Against Austerity takes off

 With the heebie-jeebies spreading across world stock markets and talk of more failures of both banks and sovereign states it seems apt that supporters of alternatives to this failing system have got themselves organised across Europe.

A new website has been set up called 'Europe Against Austerity and Privatisation and in Defence of the Welfare State'. Not exactly a snappy title but one that describes exactly what is is about.

A European conference has been organised in London on October 1st to begin a fresh round in the battle against solutions that penalise the poor.


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Greens are the REAL alternative

"....But the bigger political picture, in the wake of the greatest economic crisis since the 1930s, won't get a look in. That's partly because over some of the crucial controversies, the public is on one side of the argument and the political class on the other.

"That's the case with the war in Afghanistan, the cossetting of bankers, privatisation of public services and tax privileges for the weathy, for instance. The main parties in England support them, so most voters will have no choice."

So said Seumas Milne, writing in yesterday's Guardian summing up the cosy consensus amongst the three main parties.  The Green Party does hold sharply different positions on these issues and if you are lucky enough to live in Brent you can vote for them:

• AFGHANISTAN - We are for withdrawal of our troops and a regional peace process
• BANKERS - We want reform of the finance sector, separation of retail and investment banking and a 'Robin Hood' tax on international  financial transactions
• PRIVATISATION -We are opposed to the privatisation and deregulation of services and would end PFI schemes 
• TAXES ON THE WEALTHY - We would increase taxes on the wealthy, close loopholes and have a special permanent tax on bankers' bonuses