Mick Lynch on Starmer, strikes and a united Ireland
Feb 9, 2024
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Mick Lynch, a charismatic figure known for advocating for public sector striking, discusses his critique of Keir Starmer's leadership and the need for solidarity and wealth redistribution. The podcast also delves into the incompetence of ministers in the railway industry, Mick's experiences with political figures and unions, his socialist beliefs, and support for a united Ireland. They also touch on concerns about Joe Biden's cognitive decline and the difficult choice in the American presidency.
Advocating for working class people and pushing for better conditions and fairer distribution of wealth is crucial in addressing the wave of strikes and industrial unrest in Britain.
The concerns about President Joe Biden's memory issues and potential cognitive decline have raised doubts about his viability as president, highlighting the choices facing voters in the upcoming elections.
Deep dives
Strikes and Working Class Advocacy
Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the RMT union, discusses the wave of strikes and industrial unrest in Britain. He highlights the importance of advocating for working class people and pushing for better conditions and fairer distribution of wealth. Lynch emphasizes the need for stronger public ownership, particularly in housing, to address class divisions and create a more equal society. He shares his disappointment with the current Labour leadership and calls for a bolder stance in representing working people.
Biden's Cognitive Decline & Her Report
Concerns about President Joe Biden's cognitive decline are raised as the Her Report on his retaining of classified documents is published. While no criminal charges are recommended, the report mentions Biden's memory issues and the potential sympathy factor it may create. Biden's press conference response emphasizes his memory is fine, but his misidentification of leaders and confusion about recent events raise further questions. The Democrats are divided over Her's report, but the issues surrounding Biden's memory add to existing concerns about his viability as president.
Class Divisions & Political Advocacy
Mick Lynch discusses the enduring class divisions in British society and the need for political leaders to understand and address the realities faced by working class people. He emphasizes the importance of public ownership, particularly in housing, to combat inequality. Lynch criticizes the lack of grassroots engagement by some left-wing politicians and highlights the significance of representing all sectors of the working class. He also expresses disappointment with the current state of the Labour Party, urging bolder action to deliver change for working people.
Biden's Memory Issues & Political Impact
Concerns about President Joe Biden's memory issues are raised as a factor in Her's report on his retaining of classified documents. Biden's press conference response highlights his frustration with these concerns and emphasizes that his memory is not a hindrance. However, his misidentification of leaders and recent events raises further doubts. The impact of these memory issues on Biden's viability as president and the choices facing voters are discussed, with the contrast between an ailing but harmless older candidate and a potentially volatile alternative being highlighted.