Watching a programme on television on the Railways of Wales this evening, which included the severe cutbacks on services by Dr Beeching years ago and the severe congestion of today on Welsh roads, it struck me that what is needed is more investment in public transport services to relieve the strain, along with a policy of renationalisation of the railways. Extending this further, the power companies have been accused of hitting customers with substantial back-charges for gas and electricity, and it would seem to me that the power companies should also be nationalised by the Assembly so that there is a single provider for these services. Another point is that these companies compete with one another to persuade consumers to switch from one company to another by tempting the consumer to save money.
In my view, capitalism is alien to the Welsh culture. The problem with capitalism is that the primary purpose of companies is to profit shareholders and company executives to the detriment of the consumer. The profits accrued are then creamed off and siphoned into the pockets of shareholders and excessive company salaries, and the consumer in Wales loses out once again. Furthermore these big companies are based in England and the revenue is diverted over the border. Another interesting thing is that whenever I have contacted Swalec I was answered by voices which have a broad Scottish accent. Should the emphasis in Welsh society be transferred from competition to co-operation?
What do you think?
"The Nineteenth century saw a great Springtime of Nations as the revolutions of 1848 saw new countries created the length and breadth of Europe. In our world today we are now seeing our own Spring Awakening with people and cultures that have long been dormant and subdued asserting their right to exist, their right to dream." Adam Price MP
2 comments:
As a Marxist...
I'll finish there, because naturally, I agree: capitalism sucks - but not for the capitalists, who do nicely out of it. For the rest of us, it is an antidemocratic system.
By the way, I saw Terry Jones' documentary on the Celts again the other day. I just love anti-imperialist history, but it got me thinking. Ever notice how the celtic parties (SNP, SF, PLaid, etc) are left-leaning? Conversely, those in favour of the Union are typically right wing on social and economic matters.
I agree with your comments and believe that services like the railways (in fact all public transport) and electricity should be provided by the state.
One major flaw in your (nationalistic) argument is that most electricity companies are now owned by foreign companies and not British (English as you would say) companies.
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