UK Students thoughts on NCAFC

[Steve_j]

Im sure most people in the UK have heard about the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, just curious to see what people think of them. Was listening to the news today, and in all honesty i was blown away by alot of the rehtoric comming from their camp, at a time when the press has completely turned on the students, their spokes people have come out fighting big time.

So yeah, im not sure how things are internally, i know it was a mix of various trot party activists, some anarchos and other sorts. Not sure now, but yeah people thoughts on the potential of this?

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

Well from what I know of them, they've done a good job of putting protests together and mobilizing many people at these events, and they take a good and radical position against the cuts, acting as an alternative to the reformist NUS.

Their press release that condemned the police tactics was good too.

[Steve_j]

I dont see their position on the cuts, (at the moment) as a radical one, ie tax the rich and regin in tax evaders to fund a free education system (although it is a practical and imeadiatly realistic goal)

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

I dont see their position on the cuts, (at the moment) as a radical one, ie tax the rich and regin in tax evaders to fund a free education system (although it is a practical and imeadiatly realistic goal)
I suppose, to be honest I was only talking in terms of their relation to the NUS which has tried to take a hold of this movement.

It appears that their position is flexible though, it doesn't seem as if they have a fixed set of policies or anything, and so far their organized events have attracted a lot of militancy and many students have been coming to anti-capitalist conclusions.

[Steve_j]

Their press release that condemned the police tactics was good too.

The interviews have been solid aswell, i heard Ed Maltby (?) on LBC today, almost chocked on my coffe :lol: was brilliant.

[Steve_j]

It appears that their position is flexible though, it doesn't seem as if they have a fixed set of policies or anything, and so far their organized events have attracted a lot of militancy and many students have been coming to anti-capitalist conclusions.

I think thats what i kind of like about them, they dont seem to take a paternal attitude to the youth on the streets, comes across that way anyway.

[IndependentCitizen]

They've been leading us, and I respect them for that - me and the guys at my party have had an increase in interest in the Socialist party since the 24th of November. And they all say the same thing.

The NUS has abandoned us, and Aaron Porter has left us to fight on our own whilst he cosies up with Labour MPs. We held a small meeting yesterday for college and secondary school students and 20 people turned up, all with socialist minds. So this movement is very good for the left. Unlike the NUS.

[Stranger Than Paradise]

So far in general they've done an ok job in calling demo's. Sadly it seems from this account: http://libcom.org/library/national-campaign-against-cuts-fees-insider-perspective-leftist-dead-end

that it is a power struggle between different Trot groups.

Also their stewards have been diverting the protest and ensuring it doesn't stray from the a-b route.

[nuisance]

Same as the old Unions, can pull the numbers but fuck all else.

[Steve_j]

Same as the old Unions, can pull the numbers but fuck all else.

Yes they pull numbers, maintained outspoken support for the actions at their demos, extreemly outspoken against the police, discrediting the governments propaganda that these cuts are both necessary and "progressive" and are supporting people to take non violent direct action where they see fit.

What more do you want from them, to lead the revolution?

If they were doing anymore you would probably be condeming them as authoritarians.

Whilst im interested in hearing criticisms of them, that comment was a cop out.

[nuisance]

Yes they pull numbers, maintained outspoken support for the actions at their demos, extreemly outspoken against the police, discrediting the governments propaganda that these cuts are both necessary and "progressive" and are supporting people to take non violent direct action where they see fit.

What more do you want from them, to lead the revolution?

If they were doing anymore you would probably be condeming them as authoritarians.

Whilst im interested in hearing criticisms of them, that comment was a cop out.
Sorry, but what else are they actually capable of other than getting it the numbers? Issuing statements? Who the cares? Support for actions not made my the group? Great! So, they're basically a mouthpiece.
Your suggestion that this is a cop out shows that you have had little experience of the inner workings of the steering groups involved in these groups....
Decry them as authoritarians? I ain't some wanky liberal.