“I
was on the March”. What March? Paul Edwards reports in the Review that
on police estimates, over 100,000, demonstrated against the cuts which
are affecting millions of people. Yet you would be hard pressed to know
about it. Few major English Daily newspapers reported on it. Why would
the peaceful voices of so many be ignored?
Why was it not considered
worthy of publicity? It would be interesting to know your views.
However, the impact and feeling of solidarity for those who were there
will still have been felt. It would have affirmed many that they are not
a lone voice in feeling concerned at the austerity measures taking
place and its affect on the poorest and most vulnerable.
What
is important to draw attention to is that whilst the march could be seen
as against the cuts, as demonstrated by the many banners and placards
its title ‘A Future that Works’ has a positive side to it. Not only
does it imply the need for funding and creating employment it also
‘nods’, albeit cautiously, at possible alternatives, the theme of our
last newsletter. The Union Unite is planning to establish a network of
Credit Unions to challenge the extortionate interest rates of payday
lenders.
Another idea voiced at the march was support for a finance
transaction tax. The idea is to impose a small charge on transactions of
currencies, bonds and shares traded at banks and financial
institutions. The money raised could go against the European countries’
debts. There is however arguments against the idea including the UK who
are apparently particularly opposed to it because of the
implications for the City of London.
Many Christians taking part in the
march would see it as an action in solidarity with those who are and
will suffer the most because of the changes to the Welfare State. It
is imperative that we find a voice, share a voice and have a voice along
with the modern day equivalent of the widow, the orphan, and the
stranger. In practice if we are not with, or for them, then are we
against them? This edition focuses on the actions of MCW members who
have found a place for their voice and a direct expression of their
faith. Our National Conference’s theme in November is ‘The Mission of
the Movement Today’. It would seem that Ann, Marcus & Paul are
living it.
Read our last Review MCW of October 2012