Inclusionism: the new Socialism?

[sharoma]

I feel it necessary to state in more detail my own political views. I have identified as a socialist since my mid teens. I have always maintained what have become increasingly extreme left wing views in the shifting political landscape since the triumph of Thatcherism. Don't forget, even the Conservative Party maintained the Post-war consensus and remained committed to nationalisation until the 1970s. Socialism is a dirty word now. You're likely to be dismissed as a crank even by Labour, NDP or Democratic voters. The triumph of monetarism and the sanctity of the market cannot currently be seriously challenged. I decided a couple of years ago that I would start expressing my views as Inclusionism, making me an Inclusionist.

What is Inclusionism?

It is the belief that everybody on the planet has a right to a comfortable home, cheap or free energy, reliable healthcare, clean water, decent food, public transport, and communications. I wish to exclude nobody on account of anything: nationality, race, background, class, gender, personal persuasions. How is this different from the ideal Socialism the Orwell branded 'sandal and cardigan wearers' of the past were preaching about? It's not all that different, except that a new word is needed, as well as a more positive outlook on how this might 'end up'. The marketing beast of politics could very easily make me appear a fool; an archaic dreamer trapped in the Depression era 1930s.

Not so. I am not a fascist. Inclusionism is distinct from Socialism because it actively fights fascism and cannot be reconciled with it at all. The fear of the conservative elements of society (whether Tory voters or not) in the past was twofold: one, that mechanisation in the hands of Socialists would lead to Fascism. Two, the people they saw identifying as Socialists were people with manners and tastes that did not appeal to them personally; they were scared of these people having any say whatsoever. Inclusionists don't want to exclude anyone. You can wear sandals or a suit, cardigans or a football jersey. What is important is your fervent belief that our market based system is inherently evil, and has already led to fascism. Fascism put simply is the merger of corporate power with the state. Have we not been living in a completely fascist system since the death of the post-war consensus? I'm not just talking about the police attacking miners or shooting black people (though that of course is a surface expression). I'm talking about how everything is now being put on the market. The Conservatives, the corporations of the world, want everything on the market. If you can't afford that million dollar house or the exorbitant rent to live in its basement, too bad, you're homeless and it's all your own fault. You are excluded. Our governments are powerless. Corporate lobbyists dictate policy. The goal is to keep transferring the wealth ever upward.

Inclusionism is a dream in 2023. If I didn't believe it was possible within 100 years I would probably lapse into Nihilism. We must all fight this apathy. The Corporate state and its cronies want you to believe that you are helpless, that they are in control, that nothing can ever change, and that the market is the only way to organise or distribute anything. They are wrong. We can do better and one day we will do better.

[Sycorax]

Is this not Anarchism with a different name?

[sharoma]

Is this not Anarchism with a different name?

Yes, although like socialism, anarchy is also a dirty word to most folk!