I'm glad about Jeremy Corbyn's election as leader of the Labour Party but I can't somehow muster up the spirit of rejoicing that others have. My niece works voluntarily as secretary of the Local Labour Party and was very happy yesterday (I'm proud of her). In a FB discussion someone whose views I respect mentioned the issue of 'population levels' and received the reply from someone else (who I also respect) "what's not to like about being anti-war, anti-nukes and anti-austerity". All measured and valid comments. Population levels do cause concern to a large number of people in this country, some of our towns and cities are over crowded with issues like multiple occupancy housing, high rents, closed doctors lists, lack of school places and long waits for medical/hospital appointments all very real. Other more affluent parts of the country never see these problems because they come with being just an ordinary citizen, not necessarily poor. Better off people in pretty villages and small towns are protected by the fact you have to be fairly loaded, upwardly mobile and not dependent on public transport to live there. Allowing immigration with no restrictions (and I'm not talking about refugees) will only reduce the quality of life for those 'ordinary citizens'. Inspired by my niece I will probably now join my local Labour Party but I fully intend to speak out on issues that the celebrators yesterday would rather not address.
Hear, hear for realistic Socialism, good public transport systems, green energy, a sound NHS and I think that should also include some restraint on immigration.
Oh, and by the way - here's another point ....
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/sep/12/jeremy-corbyn-not-one-female-voice?CMP=fb_gu