A good time to join the WSM?

national | anti-capitalism | opinion/analysis Tuesday January 27, 2009 10:26 by 1st of May branch - WSM wsm_ireland at yahoo dot com

For almost twenty years those of us who argued for an alternative to capitalism were told There Is No Alternative (TINA). We were presented with two arguments, firstly that capitalism was resulting in increased prosperity across the world and over time there would be a trickle down of that prosperity so that even the poorest would benefit. And secondly that socialism meant dictatorship and inefficiency so whatever our ideals it was no real alternative.

Many of us never accepted that logic but particularly in Ireland it had an appeal to the mass of the population. Most of the TINA period co-incided with the Celtic Tiger, a boom that saw real improvements in living standards for almost everyone and the promise of significant wealth for a minority which many imagined they could enter.

Things changed in 2008. Capitalism went into and remains in crisis. Unemployment is rising, people are being put on three day weeks, and public services including health and education are under threat. Tens of thousands have already taken part in protests in the closing months of 2008. Even mainstream commentators are saying that capitalism no longer appears to be working.

Recessions are not new and the experience of the left is that the initial wave of protests and strikes can end quite quickly. Unemployment and fear of unemployment demoralise's people and instead of fighting it can lead them to search for scapegoats and strong leaders.

The WSM has always seen a significant part of its role not only in fighting alongside others in struggle but also in arguing for the anarchist alternative. The idea that capitalism promises constantly improving living conditions may have collapse but may people still believe that as flawed, as capitalism is there is no alternative to it.

We want to take this moment to ask you to consider joining the WSM. Our ability to argue for the alternative, our ability to make arguments to the mass struggles that are emerging is severely limited by our small membership. So whether we've asked you before and you've said 'not yet' or whether this is your first time we would ask you to consider adding your weight and experience to this small number.

We don't care if you have been active 20 years or are just taking the first steps; all we ask is that you agree with the political content of our 'Join the WSM' document ( http://www.wsm.ie/join )and are willing to commit to the membership requirements in it. We've never been good at recruitment (as some people who may have tried to join in the past by email will know) but right now we are in a time where it matters.

If your interested you can email us at wsm_ireland AT yahoo.com for more details.

in solidarity
1st of May branch, WSM