Ecology and Social Democracy, Green and Left

More from brillant theorist jurgend on politics.ie! posted on 2/6/2004

quote [from a post by a green on politics.ie]: "It combines the better elements of the capitalist philosophy with the better elements of the socialist philosophy, and throws away the rhetoric and excesses of both."
That's called social democracy. It has been the main idea of the centre left for many decades now.
Having been a member of both the Greens and Labour, may I observe: Greens cut across the traditional right-left spectrum, due to the fact that ecology unites them, rather like nationalism unites Sinn Fein. Some elements of green idelogy could be seen to be "new left" focusing on issues not properly addressed by the left [non class/ national economic ones] but, articulated by various movements since the late sixties. Also in the greens are many, like the author of the above quote, who think they are the first people on the planet to try and integrate counterveiling interests. They could do well to look at the history of socialism and liberalism in europe over the last 2 centuries. Where the greens come into their own however is their ethical emphasis on global issues, issues which are *incredibly* urgent. The left, which has a great internationalist tradition, has forgotten how to appeal to the higher values of its constituency. However, its practical experience would help the greens alot. Some greens have a woolly libertarian attitude to state power which really amounts to conservative neo-liberalism in practice. There will be no answer to globalisation , and environmental meltdown, without some level of social democracy at supra-national level. Leftists and Greens have much to learn from each other. I left the greens over their attitude to Europe etc. However, I welcome all the support they get, as much of it gets translated into progressive policies, and often comes from voters who would never vote Labour.

posted by Daniel @ Monday, August 16, 2004