Agree with that. As my earlier point in response to the OP was we are not so much seeing the rise of socialism in itself as the death of neoliberalism.
Don't tell me: Citizen "wolfie" Corbyn of the Islington Popular Front?, we've heard it all before data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
It is indeed a free world, but what do we do about those that cannot for whatever reason think for themselves, do we just say those people are an anathema, socialism to those people looks like a solution, that political ideology gives them hope, a purpose, a family, and that's why they turn to it for an answer.
Of course it can work, not sure what went down culturally in the 70s, maybe a cultural awakening with out empire and the hard work of others from distant shores was no longer a given to create cheap cost effective wealth, so a time of readjustment was needed.Many of our privatised industries are owned or stated backed by foreign Governments. It's not to much of leap to put faith in our own abilities run and manage our own projects and infrastructure. I suppose in essence it's similar to controlling our borders and laws, it's a matter confidence and pride.
My memorys of nationalisation/socialism in the 70s, strikes, rubbish everywhere, rolling blackouts and a three day working week, I like the idea ofnationalising power/water but I really dont fancy a rerun of that to get it.
That's pretty much what I remember too.
Add to that waiting weeks/months to have a phone fitted by the GPO.
British Leyland producing rubbish carson the odd days when they weren't on strike.
I very nearly voted Corbyn. Nearly. I personally think for a while the gap between rich and poor is getting wider each year. I am no expert it just seems that way in my own "bubble". The same as everyone I like to buy things(probably would not be on an AV forum site if not). It may just be myself but the attitude of me,me,me in society today by a lot of people has started to grind and I think Corbyn touched a nerve in me. I can see a change in myself towards others less well off. This is probably not a reflection of society as a whole but if I am starting to think about others more it has to say something. I am not saying I am right in my thoughts but where as I used to think "get a job you scruffy ..,.." I am now thinking poor bloke how did he end up like that. And sometimes I give a bit. "There for the grace of god".
I work hard 12 hour shifts in a hot factory and my body sometimes aches all over. But would I pay a bit more out of my salary in tax/VAT if it could improve the country.I am starting to think yes I would. So what I couldnt afford a few more blu-rays or some more headphones.
I dont think socialism as a full concept can work but does it really effect us trying to help others a little if we are OK off ourselves.
I am far from a saint so this is a big shift in my thinking. Are there more people like me out there and this is why so called socialism is on the rise.
You flash git, we didnt get a phone until about 1978, people used to call the phone box at the end of the road and if someone was passing who lived on the street they would answer it, ask them to hold on and knock your door and let you know.a simpler time.......
Probably the most sensible post in this thread.
Everything in these discussions seems to come down to an extreme left v extreme right argument when, in reality, the majority of us are sitting a long way in from either extreme. There's definitely more people like you out there.
the great Jose Alberto "Pepe" Mujica enjoying his retirement- no flash cars, no sharp suits no unnecessary this and that. Just him and his dog living amongst the kind of ordinary people he grew up with.Apart from his background I would suggest Jezza is somewhat similar to him.He lives in a modest house, takes the train,he cycles, makes jam, tends to his allotment and his suits areoff the peg. Respect! https://awesomeorsum.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/pepe-y-manuela.jpg