Sunday 29 June 2008

Towards a carers' movement ?

Just how close to getting organised to fight back against their oppression are carers ? What degree of political awareness actually exists among them?

Perhaps I am not best placed to answer these questions myself. As a long-time political activist I am perhaps too impatient to move towards an activism which may be beyond the capacity of many carers, particularly given the day-to-day situation in which they struggle to survive.

I doubt if it is any coincidence that 24/7 carers, such as myself, whilst probably having the least spare time, are among the most conscious of the disempowerment of their situation. They experience caring in its most oppressive form.

Carers' organisations vary from the bland, but sometimes useful, charities, which serve to provide tea and sympathy, information and advice, as well as a degree of social control, which is most instrumental for government, to the carer-led organisations. These latter vary in their idiosyncrasy, but are generally not very democratically accountable to their members. They are rather, vanity groups, led by ersatz charismatic personalities, whilst being more representative of carers than charities, most of them are still in a state of infantile disorder. I jest, of course I do. How could you possibly imagine anything else ! I think that Carer Watch, so far, has come closest to a democratic ideal, but it still has some way to go, in my opinion.

I imagine a fully democratic mutual carers' movement whose leadership is elected and accountable. Yes, and dismissable. Such a movement could embrace the campaign for a Carers' Charter, the campaign for a Carers' Trade Union and the Campaign for a Carers' Wage.

Speed the day !

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Typical 'leftie' waffling' It's either the inane group led by a non-Carer-a stalker-a mentally challenged racist of a press officer (LOL oh come ON!!! The guy wastes police time based on a remark made on the internet as well!) A woman that wrecked a marriage or a few groups that pass peoples information around.

Carers are f**ked because they haven't a clue how to change things, a charter and an trade union? Total waste of time and energy

Dugsie said...

Carers are f**ked because they haven't a clue how to change things

Unlike you ?

Anonymous said...

""""Carers are f**ked because they haven't a clue how to change things, a charter and an trade union? Total waste of time and energy""""............................................says who???

Would this comment be from the one man who knows all,who has all the answers but whilst doing so has become the most negative thing online regarding carers.

Whatever actions are taken by other carers, if he does not agree with it, its wrong.If its not his idea, it is wrong.

Dugsie I hope your blog continues along with the other contributions you make regarding carers issues.

Your knowledge and experience are invaluable but more important so is the respect many carers have for you.

Paperclip said...

hi,
You must be talking some sense to attract THAT troll's attention!

Dugsie said...

Yawn, ahhh same old same old drivel, seems he ahas even forgotten his own name now?

You can't mean me. My name is Dugsie. You must mean Clive. He's not very original, I have to agree. You'd think that he could manage some original drivel by now.