A group of Leftists in England recently grew disenchanted with the hypocrisy and double standards of the anti-war movement, and have drafted the Euston Manifesto, which affirms a commitment to democracy and human rights for all people, including Iraqis and Americans:
We are democrats and progressives. We propose here a fresh political alignment. Many of us belong to the Left, but the principles that we set out are not exclusive. We reach out, rather, beyond the socialist Left towards egalitarian liberals and others of unambiguous democratic commitment. Indeed, the reconfiguration of progressive opinion that we aim for involves drawing a line between the forces of the Left that remain true to its authentic values, and currents that have lately shown themselves rather too flexible about these values. It involves making common cause with genuine democrats, whether socialist or not.
The present initiative has its roots in and has found a constituency through the Internet, especially the “blogosphere”. It is our perception, however, that this constituency is under-represented elsewhere — in much of the media and the other forums of contemporary political life.
The broad statement of principles that follows is a declaration of intent. It inaugurates a new Website, which will serve as a resource for the current of opinion it hopes to represent and the several foundation blogs and other sites that are behind this call for a progressive realignment.
Some main points:
- Democracy and human rights for everyone, including brown people.
- No apology for tyranny.
- Economic development leading to greater freedom.
- Opposing anti-Americanism.
- Against racism, including anti-Semitism.
- Opposing terrorism in all contexts.
- Historical truth, especially about the Left.
- Freedom of ideas, including criticism and mockery of any religion.