I imagine that many of us often raise our hands in despair when thinking of how to change the social and economic system under which an entire planet is yoked. A profit driven system, with those profits going to just a few as the planet is trashed and the majority struggle along, often going without.
It may be simpler than we think to stand up to Capitalism. Purchasing a train ticket recently I was outraged at the cost. Disproving Mrs Thatcher’s disingenuous argument that privatisation stimulates competition, drives down prices and raises standards as companies vie to attract customers, 35 years on the route is monopolised by the Great Western Railway, on which I was obliged to buy an unpleasant “sardine class” journey at an exorbitant price.
On this occasion I decided to do something and not simply accept my station in life. As I paid for the ticket I politely told the teller clerk that the cost is outrageous, the service inferior, and the experience unpleasant and that he should pass the message on to management. That I would also vote for political parties that promise to re-nationalise the rail system, and ask other passengers to do the same. (At which point I flashed my “Crusade for Public Transport” badge).
Perhaps he never passed it on. Though perhaps if enough people were to take that active stance, rather than passively standing there whilst shareholders rob us in broad day light, then maybe prices will come down. Though the long term aim is of course not just to bring prices down, but capitalism itself.