[DEBATE] : Re: DEBATE Digest, Vol 222, Issue 17

[Russell Grinker]

While Peter Waterman was probably only indulging in some idle musing over
the possible benefits of austerity, others seem only too eager to take his
train of thought to a depressingly logical terminus. Thus, having displayed
a moralistic scorn for the "orgy of consumption" enjoyed by relatively much
better off post-war American and European working classes, Mandi writes:
"Finally, we do *have* to find a way of returning to austerity - and may I
point out that austerity does not necessarily mean doing without to the
detriment of your health, but rather living a spare and essential life?"

Even if it is true that austerity is good for us, makes us happier and is
the only way to "Save the World" (and I don't believe any of these things -
the austerity-mongers on this list are viewing extremely nasty
wartime/blockade conditions through very rose-tinted specs), I wonder how
the masses are to be convinced of the need to conform. This kind of thinking
can ultimately only have extremely nasty anti-democratic consequences as
working class living standards are driven down further in the name of
reduced carbon emissions. The elites certainly won't feel the pain - they
never do - but they'll as usual be happy for others to repent the
aforementioned "orgy of consumption" on their behalf. 

In a state of panic over climate change, a crazy asceticism seems to have
gripped some on the left. The gospel of salvation through state socialism
has now been replaced by one of austerity and self-denial in the name of
saving the World. No doubt we'll all be rewarded in some low-emission
heaven.

-Russell

***

bounces at lists.kabissa.org] On Behalf Of Mandi Smallhorne
The improvement of the health of the British people during the war has been
thoroughly researched, and good reasons have been adduced for this
experience: rationed ingredients during the war included what are now known
baddies (when consumed to excess) such as fresh meat, cheese, sugar,
margarine and butter and anything that included sugar, such as sweets and
chocolate. Potato Pete and Dr Carrot, if I remember the names rightly,
encouraged people to grow their own veggies in allotments or in their
gardens; this also encouraged healthy exercise as did the supremity of the
bicycle and shank's pony in a world of petrol rationing. <snip>