Understanding how the “regime change” myths are dredged up
By Alec Hogg
I've long been bemused by the ANC government's continuous allegations that Western powers are instigating undemocratic "regime change" in South Africa. It's inconceivable that with so many other pressing priorities on their agenda (massive debt, uncertain global economy, immigration, etc) what happens in SA makes it onto any First World radar.
But after seeing the feisty leader of the UK's Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers trade union (RMT), it's easier to understand Zuma and Co's misguided paranoia. RMT's president Sean Hoyle, an ally of the Labour Party's hard left leader Jeremy Corbyn, was in the media this weekend after agitating for "regime change" – a concept deeply ingrained into the left wing agenda.
Hoyle says this is part of a co-ordinated effort by trade unions to "bring down this bloody working-class-hating Tory government". Strikes are their weapon of choice, with RMT having instigated 56 ballots in 2016. Next up is a five-day strike over plans by London-serving Southern rail network to implement a previously signed agreement to use doors that open without the intervention of a conductor.
There is no suggestion of redundancies as conductors will continue with all of their primary duties such as ticket checking. But the union needed an excuse to flex its muscles, and has made this into one. Because, it admits, "regime change" is the real priority. And if millions can't get to and from work, that's tough. SA certainly doesn't have the monopoly on bad leaders.
David Mordant responds from Canada:
Agreed Alec. Sometimes I think the Brexit vote was about the British citizens hankering after a Britain of 1916, when Britain led the world, to Britain of 2016 and its lowly place in the pecking order of nations. In 1916 the instigators of the Irish rebellion were executed for treason. The citizens of GB, USA and maybe of France, Italy & Germany are fed up with paying through taxes for what some may call the treasonable actions & words of the "no want to work" cadres espousing some agenda that someone else has to pay for & do the work while they protest & strike. Hence Trump. If his administration works the politicians of the world better watch out. Instead of their freebooting taxation raising ways, they will be replaced by successful business men where dollars and cents count more than words.