A-Infos (en) Ireland, Now is a good time to join the WSM

For almost twenty years those of us who argued for an alternative to capitalism were told There Is 
No Alternative (TINA). We were presented with two arguments, firstly that capitalism was resulting 
in increased prosperity across the world and over time there would be a trickle down of that 
prosperity so that even the poorest would benefit. And secondly that socialism meant dictatorship 
and inefficiency so whatever our ideals it was no real alternative. ---- Many of us never accepted 
that logic but particularly in Ireland it had an appeal to the mass of the population. Most of the 
TINA period co-incided with the Celtic Tiger, a boom that saw real improvements in living standards 
for almost everyone and the promise of significant wealth for a minority which many imagined they 
could enter. ---- Things changed in 2008. Capitalism went into and remains in crisis. Unemployment 
is rising, people are being put on three day weeks, and public services including health and 
education are under threat. Tens of thousands have already taken part in protests in the closing 
months of 2008. Even mainstream commentators are saying that capitalism no longer appears to be 
working.

Recessions are not new and the experience of the left is that the initial wave of protests and 
strikes can end quite quickly. Unemployment and fear of unemployment demoralise's people and 
instead of fighting it can lead them to search for scapegoats and strong leaders.

The WSM has always seen a significant part of its role not only in fighting alongside others in 
struggle but also in arguing for the anarchist alternative. The idea that capitalism promises 
constantly improving living conditions may have collapse but may people still believe that as 
flawed, as capitalism is there is no alternative to it.

We want to take this moment to ask you to consider joining the WSM. Our ability to argue for the 
alternative, our ability to make arguments to the mass struggles that are emerging is severely 
limited by our small membership. So whether we've asked you before and you've said 'not yet' or 
whether this is your first time we would ask you to consider adding your weight and experience to 
this small number.

We don't care if you have been active 20 years or are just taking the first steps; all we ask is 
that you agree with the political content of our 'Join the WSM' document ( http://www.wsm.ie/join 
)and are willing to commit to the membership requirements in it. We've never been good at 
recruitment (as some people who may have tried to join in the past by email will know) but right 
now we are in a time where it matters.

If your interested you can email us at wsm_ireland AT yahoo.com for more details.

in solidarity
1st of May branch, WSM
More: http://www.wsm.ie/join
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