What would you do then?

There comes a time in fractuous political discussion when the status quo right winger take a different tack and demands "Well, what would you do then?" It is a comfortable rest point for them. They have been satiated by the ideological mantra that there is no alternative - their tactic will, they are certain, show up your left wing words as mere posturing. After all, they will look at you sagely, icapitalism is not the best system but it's the best that's possible.

One way to respond is to congratulate them warmly for their rejection of the capitalist order - as disingenuously as they are asking you for alternatives, of course, and invite them to join the movement. A more realistic tactic is to give them a list of 'temporary' demands that are realisable and could lead on to more a socialist and constructive future. But what?

Over at 'Through the Scary Door' there is a list of modest enough proposals that could act as a block to this weary right wing ruse and, maybe, even something more. . .
"1) Stop the War – all British troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan – no support (military, financial or diplomatic) for further US or Israeli wars.(2) Trade Unionism – smash the pay freeze imposed by the government on public sector workers with united, rank and file led industrial action.(3) Unite Against Fascism – no public platform for racist or fascist parties – effective public campaigning against racism in state or civil society.(4) Housing – immediate end to all council housing sell-offs – direct investment in building and repairs.(5) Education – comprehensive education for all – all grammar schools and city academies abolished – return the grant to all HE students".

The labour Party should adopt this before 2009 - they couldn't do much worse than they did last week.