Thursday 5 November 2015

Does Jeremy Corbyn align himself more with traditional socialism or is he a social democrat? Why?

Now Jeremy Corbyn is the new party leader of Labour, I believe that British social democracy has returned.
Jeremy Corbyn's policies have been relentlessly attacked by mainstream politicians and media pundits, not only from the right but even more by the self-proclaimed “centre left.” Time and again the charge is that Corbyn’s ideas are dangerously extreme and unworkable, and will not fit with public opinion, and hopelessly behind the times. However, it looks like the scare tactics that were employed to such effect only recently in the Scottish independence referendum may not work this time.
In fact, far from  unworkable, Corbyn’s policy proposals are moderate, common sense measures that would lessen some of the economic damage done since the 2008 recession, rebalance social provision away from corporate welfare, and restore an element of security for many of those margined by a neoliberal project that has been running at full pace since the rise of Thatcherism in 1979. Corbyn’s economic program is comparable to Obama’s 2009 stimulus package, while his commitment to raise taxes on corporations and high-income earners is basic math for anyone really interested in reducing budget deficits rather than just “starving the beast.” His proposals for rent controls have a huge resonance in the UK, where a super-inflated property market makes affordable rent a necessary complement for a living wage. While investment in public education and free university tuition would bring enormous social benefits, it would not be successful economically.
Jeremy's policies are seen as unpopular or out of step with public opinion. 71% of voters see economic inequality as a major social ill, 62% prioritize social justice, and 85% believe corporate greed is a significant problem.
 What accounts for the hysterical attacks, name-calling, vilification, and smear tactics that have been unleashed against Corbyn and those likely to vote for him?
There are two answers to this question which taken together also give a broader insight into the value and meaning of social democracy within the contemporary moment.
The first answer relates to the very popularity of Corbyn’s platform: like the extraordinary popular mobilization for Scottish independence last year, Corbyn’s leadership bid appeals to the wrong kind of voters. That is, it appeals to those who have already been excluded from the political calculus of the elites.
From this, it shows Jeremy Corbyn's policies, ideas and the way he is controlling the labour party shows a return in social democracy rather than him being a social democrat.

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