Half way through this now, having done half during a 6 hour bus journey. Enjoying, a good account of a history that never gets spoken of in the mainstream.
two questions though:
What does it profit the liberal left to so undermine street action at that time? Other than lovely money from labour and so on, where comes the disdain and attempts to outflank in the political sphere? I can't see any downside for these people. They have a deniable militant wing- people willing and able to do the dirty work. So why saddle up High Horse McHigh? Why did Searchlight act as they did?
many reasons, opportunism, cowardice already mentioned by others. A major factor though, was who their membership were and moreso who the party orientated themselves to, both in class terms.
It was a symbiotic relationship, if they were to have a protest, there would be crash barriers (provided by them, if need be) and you won't be asked to do anything remotely expected of a so-called revolutionary.
The membership knew this, that their white collar and /or professional career structures would not be threatened by arrests as a result of anti fascist activity. The logical outcome was to end up negotiating their safe passage through the day out, with the forces of the state.
Searchlight was far closer to the state from the outset, but at least never put themselves up as 'revolutionary'.
from the other side, I'm waiting for the book Frank P said he was researching a couple of years back.
) but do recall that being mentioned. Kept him warm on a chill morning I expect.
