I dug this one out of the archives from twenty years back. It seemed just as appropriate now.
I am a socialist idealist. That means I believe in a fair society with justice for all. I do not believe that workers should be exploited by bosses or that there should be a huge differential of wages and wealth. I am not opposed to there being a differential – it is when salaries and bonuses become obscene that I object. Some people are greedy, selfish and uncaring. They take from the poor to enhance themselves beyond all reasonable levels.
I do not believe people should have benefits and hand-outs unless they really deserve them. They should work for a living and receive a fair days pay for a fair days work. I believe we should stimulate the economy to provide skilled, well-paid jobs for working people. I believe we should do away with zero hours (except for the few who are in circumstances where it suits their needs) and low-paid work.
I do not believe in patriotism – I want a global community where all people are valued equally. No race is superior to another. We are all one species.
I do not believe in monarchy. The robber barons of old stole the land and riches through force, violence and callous brutality. The monarchy and aristocracy have blood on their hands.
I believe the Tory party represents business, banks and the wealthy. They were set up by the wealthy to look after the interests of the wealthy. They are a disaster for public services and ordinary people. They give working people as little as they can in order to ensure re-election and avoid riots. They always give tax breaks and concessions to the rich who they represent.
I wrote this poem in 1995. I had Thatcher’s duplicity and viciousness ringing in my ears. I saw the decimation of industry, destruction of well-paid jobs for working people, deliberate wrecking of working communities, breaking of the unions and policies that favoured the bosses.
I fear we are in for another dose of the same – The proposed anti-union laws, cuts to public services and policies that put power in the hands of the people.
I predict riots and social unrest.
God, King, Country but above all me
Beneath the veneer of morality
God, Queen and country
The Tory party
They’d sell their children
For a cup of tea
A thimble full of prosperity.
If it gets them on
They’d claw out your eyes
Ravage your genes
Fog out the skies
Stuff all your children
Full of their lies
Bring back the birch on prime time TV
Hang all the scum in the land of the free
Forget the homeless in deserved poverty
We’ve got the philosophy
Of the terminal greedy
This is the land
Where the rich hold the cards
Make the decisions
Run hunts through your yard
Posture and sneer
If you protest – you’re fired.
Opher 8.4.95