BRITAIN IN 1981 Rotten to the core

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THE THIN pretence of a well-ordered, satisfied society with little else on its mind but the Royal wedding has broken down. Whole areas of Liverpool and London have been gutted in ripts that resemble the explosion of the American black ghettoes in the 1960's: except that white youth, and very young children have been involved too - and here the resemblance to Belfastor Derry is

Poison in a human body, or lack of oxygen,

produces paroxysms and convulsions.

Likewise, the organism of British society is experiencing convulsions not known in living memory.

CS gas has been used in this country for the first time. The Liberal leader of Liverpool council (remember the flower-power, community politics Liberals of yesteryear?) demanded that the Home Secretary put the Army on standby for the next time round.

Water cannons, plastic bullets, special riot gear, the militarisation of youth in a form of National Service, and more riot police have all been thrust forward as politicians bright suggestions for dealing with the situation.

What has caused the paroxysms? The Tories are evidently puzzled. But it doesn't take a genius to work out the answer.

Mass unemployment. (Up to 46% for black youth in Toxteth). Savage attacks on services. An arrogant Tory government stamped with the accents and spite of the middle class.

A labour movement unclear, offering no real lead for action now, assaulted and misrepresented by the press in its efforts to sort itself out.

Blacks alienated and driven into a corner, even if they've been here for generations, by the shrill pitch of official racism.

Youth only too aware that heavy repression is all that society has to give those for whom it has nothing to offer. The Tories in Parliament sneered and booed Labour spokesperson Roy Hattersley for even talking about social deprivation and unemployment in connection with Toxteth. They're out for

keep control via Kania and his men was preferable to the problems of an invasion which would

ord to let the Tories and Name.

Address ment on the basis of the nationalised economy -or the bureaucrats will crush the workers.

This is the last issue of Socialist Organiser as a fortnightly. The next issue will appear on July 31, after a holiday break, as a 16page weekly.

With weekly publication, Socialist Organiser will be better able to respond to the convulsions which are shaking Thatcher's Britain and to help organise the left to replace Thatcher with Workers' Government.

One other change: a new address. From now all correspondence should be sent to Socialist Organiser, c/o 28 Middle Lane, London N8.

To make sure of getting the weekly Socialist Organiser regularly, subscribe! Rates: £4.50 for three months, £9 for six months, £16 for a year.

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New paper will be weekly