I'm wondering whether I should sign the Euston manifesto.
The case for doing so is obvious. I agree with pretty much all of it. And my quibbles - what is "fair trade"? - are outweighed by the fact that, on several issues, I'd go further than the signatories.
They say they are "committed to democratic norms." I'd advocate direct democracy not only within countries, but within corporations.
They oppose the "anti-immigrant racism of the far Right." I'd advocate open borders, and oppose New Labour's policy of (aiming to) limit immigration to skilled workers.
What's more, many of the signatories are the sort of people I'd want to be associated with - and some of the non-signatories are those I'd stay away from.
And I can believe - contrary to the New Statesman's implication - that this is not (merely) a front for the pro-war left. Indeed, its assertion that human rights are universal is inconsistent with the notion that the war was necessary to protect the security of the west. If you believe, rightly, that Iraqis have the same rights as us, you cannot impose certain death upon some of them to protect westerners from a possible threat.
So, why don't I sign up? There are three doubts.
One is my problem, not theirs. I'm not much of an internationalist. This isn't because I think foreigners lives are less important - they are not. It's just that so much discussion of international affairs leaves me cold; too much groupthink, not enough methodological individualism.
Secondly, I'm worried this might descend into sectarianism. As I said, the left spends too much time already kicking village idiots like Galloway and the SWP, and not enough combating proper targets such as those in power.
Thirdly, I'm not keen on some of the signatories' more hysterical attacks on those who question "Enlightenment values." I find secular rationality a more ambiguous and troubled concept than they do. I'll defend liberty and equality, not rationalism.
Of course, the signatories of the Euston manifesto can live happily without my support. But if these doubts get dispelled, they'll get it.
I'll defend liberty and equality too, but I need to be more sure than I am what they are. It's very hard to find anyone who doesn't support liberty and equality. Tim Worstall is pro-equality, but he means "of opportunity" whereas I lean more toward "of outcome". We can both sign up to the word, but that's about all.
Posted by: Backword Dave | April 14, 2006 at 12:31 PM
Oliver's signed it. Just thought you might like to know.
Posted by: Phil | April 19, 2006 at 08:03 AM