THE PICTURES of Tony Blair announcing his welfare to work scheme surrounded by smiling, fresh faced youth reminds one of Mao Tse Tung's propaganda in China promoting himself as the 'Great Leader'.
Youth are supposed to be eternally grateful to the 'Great Leader' whatever he does. Yet who'll thank Blair when they find themselves conscripted into a cheap army of labour for the bosses?
Who will keep smiling as he introduces even more reactionary policies against youth than the Tories?
Curfews
The Labour Party has had very little debate on fees for students, ID cards/curfews for teenagers or workfare for the unemployed. Blair is busily adopting a whole gamut of ideas which would make even former leader John Smith turn in his grave.
By destroying Labour's democratic structures, Blair hopes the party will never be able to voice any criticism of his 'new' programme.
Yet Blair cannot silence a debate in society. Much of the electorate voted against the agenda Blalr wishes to pursue. The policies for youth will increasingly be seen as a threat to all workers.
Even under the Tories many trade unionists were arguing that plans similar to 'Welfare to Work' led to job substitution, not job creation. Many people will recognise the introduction of ID cards for youth (under the premIse it will prevent under-age drinking) is a step towards a more widespread use.
The crusade led by Jack Straw against alcopops and soft drugs is against a tide of public opinion blowing in favour of a relaxation of drugs laws. His promise to bang up young offenders goes against mounting evidence prison is not the (only) answer in crimefighting.
Blair's policies for youth are increasing inequality rather than challenging it.
Fees for students will deter working class students from unlversity and make it again a haven for the rich. 'Welfare to Work' and removing under 25s from any minimum wage legislation will increase the wage differential between young and older workers.
The effect of Labour's benefit cuts on youth and the maintenance of Tory laws in areas like housing reduce the ability of youth to live independently from their familles.
Youth are being treated by Blair as guinea pigs.
Drinking his potions will lead to collective lunacy. Don't just say No! Struggles for real jobs, wage rises and a better Welfare State must be fought now.
Graham and