We must not give up vision of better world
WHY is Andy Phillips so hung up about Jeremy Corbyn? Why is he joining the cohorts of the right-wing media who are determined to try to discredit Corbyn.
Before Corbyn was Michael
Foot, a highly intelligent author and passionate advocate for a society that reflected social justice and humane values. They have both been personally demeaned, patronised and ridiculed, from their donkey jackets to Corbyn’s beard and allotment. Yet they had come from a century of devastation, of terrible wars and conflict ending with the great and terrible danger of total nuclear annihilation. But they also could see a great new Jerusalem of democracy and co-operation based on the beginnings of the National Health Service.
For me, the greatest tragedy was the loss of the Labour leader John Smith in 1994. A man of great integrity and compassion, he was deeply respected by all sides. I still feel one of the most moving state ceremonies was the memorial held for him when people from all political sides could be seen crying.
That was the terrible sadness of the 1997 General Election that saw Labour win a huge majority. Although they had a young Prime Minister in Tony Blair, Labour were scared of losing such jubilant support again, after being so long out of office. Yet at that time you could feel the vibrancy in the population for a better politics, a more humane and caring society, a bright optimism that we can do this together, to sweep aside the deadpan negativity of prejudicial corporate interests and create a culture of sharing and happiness.
Labour could have changed everything for the better, a new dawn in human relations of mutual participation, but Labour, fearful of being sidelined by the public again, bottled it and, although there were some great reforms, they failed to change our politics away from the powerful and greedy. Since then we have fallen back into corruption and privilege by the few.
People need dreams and visions, ones of love and beauty that we can be a ‘whole’ again in contact with the healing impulses of humanity and life.
What if Mikhail Gorbachev had survived politically in Russia and John Smith had become Prime Minister of Great Britain? A new understanding may have been achieved, integrity fostered, had we shared the best aspects of both our cultures. Instead, Russia descended into the worst aspects of Western culture and influence and lost the integrity of its own great literature.
Yes, we have got it terribly wrong, including Nato and the perpetuation of weapons of destruction on all sides. Putin’s horrific use of cruel mass violence and modern warfare against Ukrainian sovereignty can never be forgiven for the terrible suffering, shock and tragedy it has caused.
But we cannot give up holding a vision for a better world especially for the people who suffered or who have died. We must embrace everywhere our hearts and loves, hold hands and work together.
Philip C Hills Camborne, Cornwall