24.03.2011

All get together

Now you know what we stand for, you too can help support us, argues Robbie Rix

Many of those attending this weekend’s demonstration will be witnessing for the first time what must seem to them like a bewildering array of left groups pushing very similar politics. Many will ask the obvious question: ‘Why don’t you lot all get together?’

Perhaps some of them will be surprised to learn that we in the CPGB - not least through our paper, the Weekly Worker - argue exactly that, week in, week out. Of course, we realise that it is not quite so simple. Unity must be on the basis of Marxist principle, not some lowest common denominator. But we, virtually alone on the left, consistently point out that our fragmentation is counterproductive and foolish. As Ben Lewis shows elsewhere in this paper, we not only argue against the current divisions, but identify their origins and the reasons for their perpetuation. In order to overcome them we need openness and democracy - not just as a temporary expedient, but as a permanent feature of our culture.

It is precisely because we continue to push that message that our paper has won both a substantial readership and an expanding pool of support. We rely on our readers and supporters to provide us with the financial wherewithal to continue publishing and improving the quality of our paper. Each month they help us try to reach our £1,250 fighting fund target - and usually we do.

Last week, for example, we received £438 - £355 of which came in the form of regular standing orders. Thanks to SK, MM, DO, AP, RP, FP and GD. Then there was the £73 received via our website’s PayPal facility - thank you, DY, JME and the mysterious “Unwelcome Guests Collection” (?). Mind you, three donations out of a total of 11,804 readers is not a high proportion. Finally comrade RB added £10 to his subscription cheque.

Well, now you know what we stand for, if you agree with our key aim, you too can help support us. Hand in a donation at one of our stalls or to a Weekly Worker seller. Our monthly total stands at £974 and we have just a week to make our target. With your help we can go way beyond.