Vive la revolution...

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OK, maybe not but it is May Day, the day of the worker, the day we traditionally celebrate the ordinary man or woman. Indeed, as I write this CNT - Valencia just marched down my street, complete with the usual bored looking Nacional de Policia escort, on their way to the main march. Immigration of course is intimately intertwined with labour, and one of the scapegoats used to try and explain why there is a lack of jobs, decent wages etc. Yet it is crucially needed, especially in the West with our ageing populations and native workforces often unwilling to do the jobs immigrants will do. The BREXIT debacle in the UK has highlighted this perfectly, with people voting for something based on prejudicial ideas the narrative of which has been pitched at the lowest common denominator. As the true repercussions of that decision now start to become apparent, the idea that immigration can be restricted is beginning to be seen as unworkable. From the NHS staffing to baristas in coffee shops, jobs simply will not get done. The problem is, there is no easy solution and we seem to live in a world where we expect everything to be solved by quick soundbites. I think that explains the rise of "populists" like Trump etc.; people cannot think critically or deeply anymore and gravitate to politicians who exemplify their shallow world view. Of course, they are exploiting this to their own ends, which in my opinion seems to be pointing towards some sort of Orwellian future mired in hate and division. But, today is a day where we can remember what drives this world - the workers not the bankers. There are more of us than of them and, if we look at history, when we come together we have enacted massive change. We can again, if we start thinking for ourselves and stop consistently voting against our own interests.

​On a side note, I really want this guy's shirt :)

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