Guest author: Tony Benn
I’d like to see troops withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan immediately in 2008. I’d also like assurances that there will be no attack upon Iran. I would like to see Israel withdraw to its historic frontiers, to make possible the establishment of a Palestinian state, and lift the embargo on Gaza.
I would also like to see the religious element in the world’s conflicts removed, as all the major religions preach the same thing: treat others the same as you would like others to treat you. I would like to see the UN strengthened and made more democratic, to better reflect the size of the states involved. This would mean that China would have a bigger representation than Luxembourg, which is not the case at the moment.
There should also be a much more serious examination of market forces after the Northern Rock episode. Pensions should be linked to earnings as they used to be, while students should be liberated from the debt they accumulate for acquiring an education. I would like to see an end to privatisation, which I do not think has worked, and finally I would like to see Parliament stand up for itself much more than it did in 2007.
But you don’t predict the future; the future’s what you make it. Who would have predicted that apartheid would come to an end a year before it did, or that women would get the vote by campaigning? The future is made by people, not by leaders.
However we got into Iraq, withdrawal would mean an Islamist theocratic quasi-Fascist dictatorship. Afghanistan likewise. I can see why people would oppose the war, but until a decent side emerges, surely an American defeat would be the worst outcome for the peoples of those countries?
Israel has no historical frontiers with the Palestinians because none have ever been recognised. Let me join Mr Benn in agreeing with him about Palestine though. Here's to a Palestinian State, an Israeli withdrawal and an end to the embargo on Gaza - starting with the first, main and only precondition: an end to Palestinian terrorism.
In what sense of the word "democratic" would the UN become more democratic by taking votes from a democracy like Luxembourg and giving them to a repressive Communist dictatorship like China? Surely Mr Benn has chosen two very poor examples - or perhaps it was a Freudian slip?
The obvious problem of linking pensions to earnings is that it is regressive. Rich people get more. As they do if their University fees are cancelled. Is this just playing to the gallery of new potential recruits?
Posted by: Benjamin Kirby | Monday, 24 December 2007 at 09:37 AM
"I would like to see the UN strengthened and made more democratic, to better reflect the size of the states involved. This would mean that China would have a bigger representation than Luxembourg, which is not the case at the moment."
Sorry, you think it's *more* democratic to give greater power to a dictatorship? Where's the logic in that?
Posted by: David | Monday, 24 December 2007 at 10:22 AM
Surely you'd also like a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty? All best wishes.
Posted by: Cally Hope | Monday, 24 December 2007 at 10:44 AM
I'd like to see the realignment of the Left with talented Liberals like Cable and Clegg being brought into Government and the opportunist Tories being banished to the backwoods where they belong.
Posted by: Paddy Briggs | Monday, 24 December 2007 at 05:03 PM
"...as all the major religions preach the same thing: treat others the same as you would like others to treat you."
Alas, this is not the case. While the 'golden rule' lies at the heart of Judaeo-Christian theology, and forms the nexus of the laws of karma for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, there is no such injunction in the Qur'an.
His Grace (who is a great admirer of yours) respectfully recommends that you move on from your Penguin edition of the musings of Mohammed.
Posted by: Cranmer | Monday, 24 December 2007 at 07:01 PM
But Benjy-poo, your lot said you *wanted* to give Iraq back to the Iraqis?? So, was that a lie then, Benjy??
Your war's been an absurd failure, everything you claimed has failed, and nothing you have to say on the subject has any further validity. UK OUT NOW.
Posted by: Neil McGowan | Tuesday, 25 December 2007 at 12:04 AM
Apart from the Lisbon Treaty comment I have never seen such a pathetic collection of comments
Posted by: Andy | Tuesday, 25 December 2007 at 07:52 AM
And not a word about the suffering and chaos in Zimbabwe today. All brought about by your lot. Zimbabwe is historically much closer to Britain than Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. With you it is always -do as I want but others cannot live as I do. Big mouth Benn you are an insufferable hypocrite!
Posted by: Guest | Thursday, 27 December 2007 at 10:16 AM