voting

the British Labour party are far removed from the needs of the working classes, however when faced with my first oppotunity to vote (locally) and the choice is these traitors or the BNP is it correct to vote,

both are rascist parties, and i feel voting Labour to block the BNP would be falling into the trap of the bourgosie parties, however to not do so might give the BNP power and make the immigrant population feel more intimidated and ostracised than ever,

should i vote, or abstain?

i know i shouldn't vote like this, yet i have a conflict of conscience..

Of course you should vote. Although existing political structures are not capable of abolishing capitalism (the state is always a projection of the power of the ruling class) we should still participate in elections, because elections can give us a platform to express our ideas and make transitional demands - they are strategically useful.

The reverse of this is also true - participating in elections can be used to deny fascists access to a platform, so they are not able to create divisions within the working class and distort the role of immigrant workers. Therefore, you should, in the absence of a workers party, vote for Labour. If a Labour candidate is effective, then the failure of the delegate to meet the expectations of the electorate may be a radical influence, and push the working class in the direction of other, socialist parties. Why don't you also try and contact the main socialist parties in your area and ask them why they have not put forward candidates? Have you considered standing as a candidate, on a radical platform?

it flashed through my mind but i have little or no idea how to stand and do not think i could give enough of my time to benafit the ward due to up coming exams and other commitments,

as for voting Labour, i know i should, i probably will but i dont like the fact i am being pushed into effectively 'rubber-stamping' policies i do not agree with,

suppose it is rational to go for the lesser of 2 evils,

as for voting Labour, i know i should, i probably will but i dont like the fact i am being pushed into effectively 'rubber-stamping' policies i do not agree with,

Is RESPECT not putting forward a candidate? What's your Constituency?

it flashed through my mind but i have little or no idea how to stand and do not think i could give enough of my time to benafit the ward due to up coming exams and other commitments,

Fair enough. There might still be something you do to discourage people from voting for the BNP, try and see if there are some leaflets you can hand out, so people know about what the party members have done and recognize the party for what it is. The BNP is making an effort to come across as a respectable party, which actually makes it more dangerous then a party which is open about its racism.

Off topic: I'm studying for my A levels as well...got to meet an AAA offer What's your offer?

BBB, im set for 2 A's (in general studies) a B, and maybe a D so i recon it will even out and do me fine

and in my ward there arent any socialist candidates at all, not even in my city i dont think, and i am taking action to spread an anti BNP message already

Labour is not a fascist party. Yes, you should vote for them, even if they've been hijacked by the right-wing for now.

When they get thrown out of government (or maybe even before that), Brown will be thrown out too and a new leadership campaign will take place.

The conditions will be one of rank-and-file revolt, and the desertion of much of the right-wing, many of whom will join the conservatives. That will be interesting. Socialist policies will gain an echo in this atmosphere within the Labour party.

I wouldn't rule Labour out completely, they've been transformed entirely before, and will undergo transformation again.