Here's a topical piece except it's from 80 years ago.
Source: Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 150, 22 December 1934, Page 11
LIVING STANDARDS
IS RUSSIA'S LOW?
A VISITOR REPORTS
Mr. John Brown, of South Shields,
ex-tramp, author, boxer, and novelist has returned from Russia. For
the past month (says the London "Daily Express") he has .been
travelling alone in the land of the Soviet at the expense of Lord
Nuffield (formerly Sir William Morris). Now he is back to submit a
report on his impressions to the famoug motor-car manufacturer.
This
story began last May. John Brown stood outside the Morris motor works
selling Communist literature to Lord Nuffield's workers. A motor-car
drove up and Lord Nuffield accosted Brown. A heated discussion followed.
As result, Mr. Brown last month sailed for Russia to study conditions
as they really are, free of all cost to himself.
Mr. Brown gave his
impressions to a "Daily Express" representative. "I learned enough Russian" he said, "to get about on my own. I avoided all guides. I
wanted to find out things for myself. I covered 4000 miles
altogether and got into certain factories in spite of official
refusals. I worked on a Moscow subway and met commissars, generals, and
directors. My general impression ia that the facts do not fit the
theory. In theory Communism should have increased enormously the
standard of living of the worker since 1917. I expected the standard
to be at least comparable with the Western European countries. But it will take at least five five year plans before that
has been accomplished.There is no
unemployment, but it's is not quite so pleasant as it sounds. If you want
a ration card you have got to nave a job of some sort. It is easy
to get divorce, but if you have more than one you cannot get promotion. You just say you want a divorce and get it on the spot. Even the
highest paid workers in Russia are on a lower standard of living than
men on the dole in England."
Ends
Perhaps Bob Jones might like to sponsor a few Greens in a similar manner.
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2 comments:
This reminded me of the comment that George Bernard Shaw apparently made after a visit to Russia at this time. He said he thought that it was a fairer society (than Britain)as 'everyone was shabby'..........
Umm.... I read this. "Perhaps Bob Jones might like to sponsor a few Greens in a similar manner." I admit to being lost. What point were you trying to make?
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