New Zealand and socialism

Press, 28 October 1981, Page 24

New Zealand and socialism

Sir,—ln a society where tax-subsidised conglomerates dramatically increase their profits year by year, and international bankers and financiers, by manipulation of interest rates and politicians, influence the destinies of nations, while the ranks of our unemployed and under-privi-leged swell daily, for Alan Willens to consider New Zealand “socialist” is .incredibly naive. Socialism, by definition, implies certain ideals of social equality and brotherhood, attributes scarcely in evidence in our ’ present conservative, elitist establishment. Once again, by definition, conservatism per se has no ideals, merely traditional self-concerned resistance to change. Hence the condoning of the strong-arm tactics employed by our “guardians of the peace,” during the Springbok tour. Hence also the “user pays” argument advocated as a solution to our economic woes. Oh yes, the “user” pays all right, directly and indirectly, and big business collects its “incentives” and subsidies regardless. Capitalism on the run perhaps. But socialism — never!—Yours, etc., BILL FILSHIE. October 25, 1981.