No more physical attacks

We are almost two weeks into this year’s Summer Offensive and a steady pace is being maintained. Over the last seven days £2,194 came in, bringing the total so far to £4,734. A figure that is roughly comparable to where we were at the same stage in 2007. Pride of place this week goes to comrades MM with a chunky £250, JS for his useful £75.77 and MF for his £200.

Also encouraging is the fact that CPGB members and supporters around the country have started to take some political initiatives for the campaign. Regular party stalls are being arranged in south Wales, Manchester, Leeds and London. CPGB comrades will also have a good opportunity to sell papers, pamphlets, books and badges at the SWP’s Marxism event this coming weekend. This may not be so easy following the hostile atmosphere of last year, when SWP national organiser Martin Smith attacked one of our comrades, but we are determined to ensure that the voice of Marxism is heard in the face of crassly sectarian intimidation and violence. CPGB comrades have also taken the initiative in designing some materials for the forthcoming public sector workers’ strikes on July 16-17.

As usual, this year’s campaign has produced slightly less orthodox means of raising money. Communist Students member and CPGB supporter Dani, a music student, is going to be gracing the streets of south Wales with his guitar - busking and distributing leaflets. Another CS member and regular Weekly Worker columnist, James Turley, is putting his body on the line for the campaign - well, his hair at least. He will be shaving off his long, Cousin It-style locks in aid of the Offensive, something he describes as “a once in a lifetime opportunity to see seven and a half years’ worth of hirsutary accretions wiped out!” He hopes to raise “at least” 200 quid (as well as quite a few eyebrows) for his troubles. A PayPal account is currently being set up, and comrades can show their support for James’s quest to find his long lost ears by joining the Facebook group: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid =18181979929.

Some comrades newer to the organisation seem to be slightly overwhelmed by the prospect of meeting their SO targets - something that has prompted them to look to cut down costs either by staying at home, working extra hours or living off bread and water in an attempt to get somewhere near their pledges. Whilst such dedication and self-sacrifice is encouraging, it does not grasp the essence of the Summer Offensive as a way of increasing our political presence and expanding on our interventions. We would rather comrades spent money to attend and help out at SO actions and events - expenses which can, of course, be added to comrades’ SO totals. Every contact made, every paper sold helps to expand our audience and influence in the coming period - and will usually see a return in terms of income.

Within the context of a left in terminal crisis and decline, and its shattering into halfway house projects like Respect, Left List and the CNWP, the Weekly Worker has an indispensable role to play. And the proof is in the pudding - thousands read us and appreciate our open and honest press. Take this week’s issue for example - where else on the left are you going to find such a thorough analysis of the political developments on the left such as in the Left List, Campaign for a New Workers’ Party, the National Shop Stewards Network and the latest sectarian turn of the International Socialist Group? Or a critical engagement with some of the positive developments from the Permanent Revolution weekend school? That is why the Weekly Worker must continue to play the role it does and why that role should be expanded - both in terms of its existing format and online.

All this requires hard cash. But by stepping up our work and imaginatively thinking up ways of raising funds, we can be confident that we will not only attain our target of £30,000, but can actually go that little bit further. So please, comrades, dig deep!

Following the CPGB aggregate on July 12, there will be a joint Summer Offensive/Hands Off the People of Iran barbeque and social where all comrades, supporters and friends of the organisation will be welcome. Tickets are priced at £5 unwaged/students; £10 waged; £20 solidarity price. Rumours abound that hair clippers may also be making an appearance, so make sure you’re there!