There's a big debate on the left of politics at the moment about what to do at next month's General Election....
Vote Labour, even though Labour councils throughout the country are implementing cuts and gentrifying cities? Vote for Corbyn even though the local Labour Party MP or candidate is anti-Corbyn? Vote for the Greens as a protest, possibly allowing the Tories to get in? Or don't vote at all as it legitimises a corrupt system?
On June 4th, Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! Manchester and the Revolutionary Communist Group are hosting a Salford election debate at St Luke's Church on Derby Road, Langworthy the only one the Salford Star has heard of (see here).
It's titled Don't Vote, Fight for Socialism!, with a description of the event using recent Salford Star articles to slate Salford Labour Council and argue "The fact that their party is running for election with a supposed left wing platform means nothing to them...
"In the run-up to the general election on 8 June, socialists will have to decide either to campaign in support of the Corbyn-led Labour Party, or to oppose it because it remains a racist, imperialist and war-mongering party" it explains
"The RCG - Revolutionary Communist Group is clear: we are facing a global crisis of the capitalist system that is threatening humanity with war and destruction" it adds "It means that there is only one choice: we have to build a working class movement that can challenge the ruthless, predatory British ruling class. We have to fight for socialism..."
The Salford Star never tells anyone how to vote or not vote and thus does not support this statement. But it does echo many arguments currently being debated on the left of politics. Poet and Brixton activist Potent Whisper sums up the dilemma brilliantly, intelligently and eloquently with his Rhyming Guide To Voting video...
"Instead of getting on with it and being the solution
They attempt to use the system, to try and make a change
They choose their favourite party, and then become a member
Or try to get elected to get to the top, to get to be in power
Then change the world for better
And now, with Corbyn, we can see if that works
Or not.
This is the Election when playing the game could stop
This is the Election you can prove the system's wrong
You can prove it with one piece of paper
I reckon you can prove it
By voting for Labour...'
Watch the whole five minute video to get the full gist.
Meanwhile, Cabinet of Millionaires have put it all to an electro election beat with some searing gospely vocals from Pat Fulgoni in Serve Me... 'Don't you use that mocking tone...You're here to serve me. Just answer my question!', urging 'no more self-servatism, politricks...' (click here to watch it).
The band urges everyone to register to vote, as does a compelling video by Pearl Mackie, Dr Who's new assistant... "It's simple, if you don't vote, they don't care" she says "So make them care. Not voting is not a protest. Voting is your power...Unlock your power by registering to vote...
"You think your vote doesn't make a difference but when there are 15million people that think that, imagine the difference we could make" she adds "We must stand together and use our voices, it's the only way we will be heard..."
While Salford Council has made massive efforts to get people onto the electoral register and the Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre has spearheaded a unique scheme to allow homeless people to vote (see here), the problem the city has is usually around turnout.
Salford had the worst turnout in the Greater Manchester Mayor Election, while in the recent Kersal by-election, the Salford Star understands that just 10% of those eligible turned out to vote in the Lower Kersal area of the ward.
Is this because of apathy, the feeling of not being able to make a difference or a political stance? No-one really knows. But whatever the reason, the Salford Star would urge everyone to register for a vote by one minute before midnight, tomorrow, Monday, 22nd May. And then at least there is a choice of what to do with that vote.
To register to vote click here
For further details of the RCG 'Don't Vote, Fight For Socialism' debate see the Facebook event page click here
To see more of Potent Whisper's tracks click here
Re-mixes of Cabinet of Millionaires Serve Me are officially released on 9th June on ITunes and other leading download sites. To see the full video on YouTube click here there's links under the video for more information
To see Pearl Mackie's Register To Vote video see the Livity UK Facebook page click here or see the pinned Tweet on her Twitter account @Pearlie_mack
* The Salford Star does not endorse any political party or candidate- for a full list of candidates in all three Salford wards for the June 8th General Election - click here
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