Angry in the Great White North

From the Socialist Workers Party (Britain):

Our thoughts are with all those killed and wounded in this morning’s terrible attacks in London.

London is a centre of peace, the most multiracial city in Europe and a global centre of opposition to the war and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. A majority of those killed and wounded will have opposed the war in Iraq; some will have joined the huge marches for peace.

These bombings followed the biggest ever protest in Scotland’s history against world poverty. The anti-war message was everywhere on that magnificent march.

These bombings target ordinary people travelling by bus and underground to work and study; people who oppose Tony Blair’s support for George Bush and their occupation of Iraq. They are in no way a blow against imperialism or the G8 leaders, who are ensconced in a luxury hotel 450 miles north of London.

The British government cannot avoid its responsibility for these terrible attacks, which are a consequence of its support for war and occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan. The best way to ensure that there are no more such terrible attacks is for British troops to be withdrawn from there immediately.

As a mark of respect for the dead we have cancelled the opening day of our Marxism 2005 event. We call on the international anti-war movement and the global left to rally round the people of London and, in the face of these terrible attacks, to redouble their work for global peace and justice.

Chris Bambery, editor Socialist Worker
Martin Smith, National Organiser, Socialist Workers Party
1pm Thursday 7 July 2005

I've reprinted the statement in its entirety. It is a monument to political opportunism. Six deaths and counting likely perpetrated by a group that would behead every member of the SWP without batting an eye, and the SWP decides to take the opportunity to make these key points:

• the victims were probably supporters of the SWP or its policies with regards to Iraq and Afghanistan


• there was a magnificent anti-poverty march in Scotland; let's not forget about that most important event


• the British government is responsible because of its support of the United States


• the British government should immediately cave and give in to the demands of the terrorists (presumably because those demands are in line with the SWP)


• the cancelling of the opening day of Marxism 2005 (to start today in central London) was a mark of respect, and was in no way related to the fact that travel inside of London is severely restricted because of the attacks (or because the SWP leadership doesn't want to be caught up in another attack); the idea of holding the conference in defiance of terrorism (in contrast, the G8 is not being cancelled) is not considered

Not...one...single...word.

Here's a thought. Why doesn't Mr. Banbery or Mr. Smith take a photographer in tow and visit some of the victims and their grieving families, and console them by explaining to them that their pain and sacrifice was not in vain if it helps advance the cause of the global socialism?

[Socialist MP George Galloway is making the same noises.

Another British blogger writes:

Of course, George Galloway wouldn't be George Galloway if he was capable of being a human being for a mere thirty seconds to express some genuine sympathy for the killed and wounded, possibly even among his own constituents in Bethnal Green and Bow.

Wizbang has more about Galloway.

Michelle Malkin finds similar statements coming from the American left.

Meanwhile, here is what Canada's homegrown socialists have to say.

Apparently the "Blame Blair" meme has an audience.]