I no longer see Jeremy Corbyn through the rose-tinted glasses that I did during the Labour leadership election. Even accounting for the unprecedented resistance towards him in the media and his own party, I've been disappointed with his lack of vigour up until this election. Despite that, I do see him as part of an aspirational global movement for a gentler, more caring politics. This is something desperately needed, not just in the UK, but throughout an increasingly hostile and unstable world. He is not, as the Telegraph/Daily Mail/Sun/General-Murdoch-Empire, would have you believe, a left-wing, communist loon. His policies would be considered centrist in areas like Scandinavia where you can find some of the most stable and fair economies in the world.
What's more, forget the leaders for a minute, the Labour manifesto is brilliant. It contains ideas that will bring the UK towards a fairer, inclusive future that's better for everyone apart from the top 1-3%, who are currently failing to pay close to their share (and also happen to donate a fair bit of dosh to the Tories). If we are going to have to leave the EU, it is vital that we have a party at the helm who will protect, rather than sell-out workers' rights and public services.
Suffice to say, the odds are not looking good for Labour, perhaps the only chance is if the usual shy-Tory phenomena reverses into a shy-Corbynista effect. It is a slim hope, but it must be fought for. The full effects of austerity politics are only just beginning to be felt - they have only ever been a short-term solution that will be devastating in the long-run.
A big win for the Conservatives will continue to take the UK away from the progressive attitudes that the world needs. If the Conservatives continue their path towards an extreme Brexit, it will continue a frankly terrifying shift of power to a callous right-wing. Not just in the hands of the populists and alt-right movements sweeping the West, but to the dictatorships in the Gulf states. Theresa May has threatened, if she doesn't get her Brexit deal, to emulate the economic policy of these countries. Motivated by a long-disproven 'trickle down' approach to economics, the Conservatives have made clear their intentions to turn the UK into a tax haven that will serve the super-rich. In reality, the only thing Britain shares with Saudi Arabia is our arsenal.
Photograph by Alex Sinclair Lack
Wealth inequality is the biggest problem facing the planet. Environmental issues, poverty, civil unrest, even terrorism, can all be traced back to the frankly disgusting imbalance between the rich and the poor. As power shifts from governments to corporations, we must ensure that safeguards are put in place.
If you're not planning to vote because you don't think politicians care about you. They probably don't care about you because you and your demographic don't vote enough. Register to vote, you have one day left. It takes five minutes. For the first time in a long time, we have a real choice between different worldviews.
Step 1: Watch this shocking video on global wealth inequality, I guarantee it will surprise you:
Step 2: Read the Labour manifesto:
Step 3: If you haven't already, take 2 minutes to register to vote:
Step 4: Decide to who to vote for. This chart is great + the Lib Dems & Greens also have some excellent policy ideas. I, for one, am all for a coalition of chaos, it sounds badass.
Step 5: Reward yourself with this hilarious motivational Jeremy Thorbyn mash-up video -
Optional Extra Step - Follow Alex Sinclair-Lack on Social Media: