Can CAN ?

[Nick Beddow]

Now we've all survived the Rapture last Saturday, we've all been given a second chance to live how we want to (while disregarding any future end-of-the-world nutters) . So, dizzy with hope and lack of sleep here's my hopes for CAN, my ten Uncommandments ;

 

1. We stand together when communities are facing struggles - through NCAN we share the news about local struggles and whenever it feels right we get behind any local groups to help them

2. We look after each other - loads of debate and arguing but also a load of laughs and friendship.

3. We don't fall out over our different takes on oppression - we recognise that divide and rule keeps us separate and ineffective.

4. We use language people will want to put on a tee-shirt; so if I say "Equalities" I make it clear that I don't think everyone will be "equal" in all ways. I mean we take action against all the oppressions which make inequality part of the fabric.

5. We challenge false empowerment - eg Localism is reduced to absurdity by cuts and the money-making opportunists waiting to take over services

6. We challenge fake representation  eg the big organisations who claim to represent grassroots while hoovering-up the cash to keep themselves in elite positions

7. We challenge attacks on human rights eg. the present onslaught against legal aid, and cuts to the people who monitor outrages and the impact of cuts

8. We challenge false fairness - inequalities are getting worse

9. We challenge False Society - Big Society is not big or clever, as commercialisation spreads over  everything, including how we are supposed to work (we're all businesses, eh?) . Volunteering should be an act of social solidarity, fun, friendship, and with the resources it needs so that it isn't exhausting and over-whelming. To be a volunteer under Cameron is in danger of becoming a manipulated substitute for jobs - a scab.

10. We expose "nudging" for what it is - manipulation and control. We won't be fooled again.

And finally, can we learn something from The Three Bears? : under the last Government the porridge was put in the bowls of Daddy Bear (Govt department) and Mommy Bear (Local State) but us Baby Bears had to leap around trying to catch the drips from their spoons. Under this new lot there's money in Daddy Bear's Bowl but Mommy Bear and Baby Bear are being told they have to compete for the drips and blame each other for their hunger. Let's find friends whereever they are sitting, regardless of sector (no more sectorialism)

 

[Nick Beddow]

Hi Lesley! Hope all's good with you. Never got anywhere near posh Radio 4 before- I'll have a right snooty accent next time we meet :)

[Lesley Rodgers]

Excellent post Nick! Thanks, I'll be sharing this on.

 

And thanks to both you and Joe for highlighting and contributing to Radio 4's debate on Localism yesterday.

[Maxine Moar]

so funny!!! Max aka 'alison'

[Nick Beddow]

Does anyone else wish me to rename them ? I can offer special rates for christenings, baptisms and deed poll parties. Meanwhile - Maxine, I'm an old fool who needs some kip ! Forgive me :)

[Maxine Moar]

Alison, Who's Alison!?

[Nick Beddow]

Thanks Alison - I'm really cringing because it looks like my earlier comment to myself is a really obnoxious response to your supportive comments ! :) Great weekend, eh? Here's hoping the next NCAN event has to hire the Greenwich Dome to fit us all in

[Maxine Moar]

Nick I so like the 10 commandments and agree totally with this vision. Well done for putting in words what we felt over the weekend

[Nick Beddow]

Shut up