There is considerable confusion on the British left about the politicalsignificance of the Euro and the position that socialists should adopt in
the context of a campaign. The small number of contributions on the subject
so far demonstrate that debate and clarification is needed - and one that
reaches beyond the boundaries of the CSE.
In the absence of a high-profile socialist analysis of the Euro, national
debate on this issue in the context of a referendum will become dominated by
a sterile opposition between 'Blairite Euro modernisers' and Tory 'Little
Englanders', the former seeking in part to opportunistically exploit the
internationalism characteristic of many young peoples attitude to Europe,
the latter seeking to mobilise a mix of xenophobia and nationalism.
Meanwhile, the class dimensions to the Euro are firmly obscured - and
socialists find themselves even more divided and marginalised from national
political debate than usual.
Perhaps the CSE could produce an accessible pamphlet on the issue that would
be suitable for distribution within trade union branches and as an aid to
undergraduate teaching.
For the record, my own view of the Euro is that it constitutes a class
strategy designed to enhance deflationary discipline across Europe, partly
by means of developing an institutional architecture that seeks to render
national monetary and fiscal policy immune to national political pressures.
That the Euro is designed to enhance the power of capital over labour means
that it must be opposed. The mobilisation of an opposition on this basis
could help to build and unite sections of the socialist left, developing
much needed organisational resources and political confidence which could
then be used to struggle against the alternative strategies that will
quickly come our way if the Euro project is defeated.
Abstention is an abdication of political responsibility and gets us nowhere.
Michael Fisher
Michael Fisher
Lecturer in Economic Geography
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8ST
-----Original Message-----
From: steve.devos
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: 20/02/02 17:18
Subject: Re: Euro vote
I am not a member of CSE but would certainly vote Yes - socialists and
other leftists should all vote in favor of the eradication of the
pound...
regards
sdv
Bruce Robinson wrote:
I am not a member of the CSE, but in a Euro referendum I would be a
determined abstentionist (or rather ballot paper spoiler). Socialists
should not choose between alternative economic strategies for the
bourgeoisie. This third position should not be forgotten in the CSE's
discussions.
Bruce Robinson
At 11:18 20/02/02 -0500, Alfredo filho wrote:
Dear all,
There is renewed speculation in the press about an early vote on
Britain's
entry in the euro-zone.
Perhaps there are significant differences of opinion between CSE
members,
in which case it would be impractical to launch CSE as such into the
debate. However, if this is not the case, and if a sufficiently large
majority of members are either for or against euro-entry, then the
organisation could play a constructive role in the forthcoming national
discussion.
Perhaps we could informally sound members (eg, through this list) to
feel
where they stand, and, if it seems feasible, think about a CSE meeting
to
discuss this issue, or even a larger conference involving other left
organisations.
alfredo saad filho.
ps - I am *against* the euro.
_____
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