On being serious in the city.

I'm getting to know that triangle of ground in front of the Royal Exchange quite well. Today it was a "don't bail out the bankers" protest called by London Shop Stewards Network. I think that I was the only Freedom Pass Anarchist in attendance but there was no shortage of Trots who looked like they were well past the first flush of youth.

I got talking to a nice lady flogging The Socialist and after commenting on the poor turn out I said that  hoped that they would create as good an impression on The City as the kids did on Friday. She explained that unlike Friday's young insurrectionists she represented a serious organization and went on to tell me that she had been a member of Militant (Socialist Party) since the 60's. She seemed like a good soul and I didn't want to be rude or sectarian. Didn't ask about when the correct historical moment was likely to arrive or make any of my usual smart arse comments. Just smiled weakly and made my excuses. I suppose this is where I've been going wrong all these years. Just not serious enough you see.