Whenever I am on a rally or a demonstration I think that they perform a four fold purpose. The first is to remind 'the powers that be' that the demonstrators have a grievance. The second is to inform the general public about that grievance. The third is to enrol extra support and lastly the fourth is the lovely feeling of solidarity and comradeship amongst the prostestors. [There is a fifth in my case which is that it also avoids housework but since that is a daily pre-occupation I cannot really count it in..]
So when we joined with others at the Southend Against The Cuts Rally yesterday, myself and Other Half came home tired but with a nice warm feeling. We had met up with old friends and marching comrades from other campaigns such as the Peace Marches and Anti-Trident Replacement marches as well as from other political meetings. It was good to catch up with Labour Party colleagues like Richard Howitt and Julian Ware-Lane and make new friends too. Also colleagues from other political parties and Trade Union comrades. There were of course friends from other campaigns in badges. Good speeches raised our morales even higher! And made us all feel primed for the TUC March for the Alternative on the 26th of March: http://marchforthealternative.org.uk/ or click on the blog title above.
The spring sun was warm and it was just a shame that the reason we were gathering together was to fight injustices.
At the risk of turning this into a mutual admiration society, it was good to see you too.
ReplyDeleteThat's OK, I am a sucker for admiration!
ReplyDeleteBTW I went to the dentist this morning and the receptionist was trying to book a date for my next appointment. When I declined the day she offered me by saying 'I will be on a demo that day' she replied 'What another one?' - I didn't realise I had a reputation that had reached that far.....