LACK OF IMAGINATION

Industrial Unionist, Volume 1, Issue 8, 1 September 1913, Page 3

LACK OF IMAGINATION

It is interesting to note the schemes entertained by some labourites as to the way out of this capitalistic wilderness. They seem to never imagine that the exploiter, and not the wage slave, is on his trial. Some of them advocate a minimum wage; I venture that it would be better to barrick for a maximum. Another schemes for the “ Right to Work.” Why not advocate the right to leisure ? How can there be work for all, anyway, when some are doing more than their share?

I have seen some labourites proclaim that they were Revolutionary Socialists and then step right into the savings bank to again have the book defaced with ink. How can they ever hope to have the good things of life when they refuse to use them in their private life ? Karl Marx declares, with truth, that all wages are regulated by the standard of living. From a revolutionist’s standpoint I say:

Enjoy all you can get; don’t let the Boss fix your standard.

Another scheme is “ restriction of immigration.” Why not advovate shipping off some of the parasites—to some place without hope of being out of work ? I imagine it would be better if that kind of propaganda were left to the Farmers 5 Union. A noteworthy example of lack of imagination is that these labourites never advocate the plebiscite in the selection of labour politicians—but perhaps they think, as I do, that it doesn’t matter much.

But it is at labour conferences that imagination is most lacking. If anyone shouted “ Scab” when some resolutions are moved indignation would run high. Think of a delegate at an employers’ con ference moving that: “ Before airy employer or body of can sack, suspend, or lock one workmen they must first submit the question to their executive:”

When the murmur had subsided an amendment would at once be proposed: That the delegate be medically examined forthwith. I wonder what kind of men these labourites think the “ rank and file” is made up of to stand by and see a body of men defeated while it takes a month to get the all-powerful executive together ? W.M.