(no subject)

[anotherusedpage]

Anyone who would describe themselves as left wing who was involved in the Pro-test march might wanna write and complain to the new-statesman. Because aparantly, in order to be descibed as left wing, one has to be a member of the SWP. Now who'd have thought it?

Comments

[oxfordgirl.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much for pointing that out. Have spewed mild vitriol in comment form.

[knirirr.livejournal.com]

...apparently, in order to be descibed as left wing, one has to be a member of the SWP

I didn't get the impression that that' what they were saying at all, except perhaps that the description of SPEAK protestors sounded a bit like SWP sellers.
It was a very strange article in any case.

[anotherusedpage.livejournal.com]

And yet the left was nowhere to be seen. There weren't any of those SWP placards that usually cluster around the merest sneeze of protest, and no veterans of 1970s splits bickering on the sidelines over whose position was most correct. It was a left-free zone.

In other words, because we journalists couldn't see SWP placards, and because the demo was in Oxford home of the young trendy Tory, we're going to assume that there was no leftist presence on the demo.

I can't get at the rest of the article anymore without subscription, but that was how I read it.

On an unrelated note - am I right in thinking that you've experienced physical intimidation and violence with the SPEAK guys? If so, fancy writing up for withiel, who's a mate of mine, and an independant student journalist? Mind if I give him your details?

[knirirr.livejournal.com]

Ah, I don't think I noticed that bit. However, I don't recall seeing any "rightist" posters or slogans either, which is appropriate as it was really not a political-party event. There probably were a load of lefites there, but also other types (like me, for example).

I have been slightly harrassed once, but it wasn't very exciting. A member of my family has recieved more. If your friend is interested I will mention what happened to me, but it's not of any great consequence.

[anotherusedpage.livejournal.com]

which is appropriate as it was really not a political-party event
Oh I totally agree. But using that as an excuse to bash the left for not taking action is really not good journalism.
I'll give Alex your e-mail, if you don't mind.

xx