The ABC article Foxy linked rightly points out that there are myriad definitions of the word 'socialist'. So when someone calls for "A socialist manifesto" they really ought to define 'socialist'.

Previously, when Belly was fretting about being called a socialist I asked him to define the term. He was none too pleased at that thought. But fruitful discussion can't really be had unless everyone agrees on the definition or at least understands each persons definition.

In my definition of the term, Labor isn't socialist and hasn't been since the mid 1960s. I'd define Labor's position as being Social-Capitalist.

The problem for the left (at least in Australia) is that much of what it stood for and wanted 30 years ago has been achieved. Concurrent with that, it has been taken over by people less interested in achieving idealistic goals and more interested in their careers. So they have to constantly find new things to create differences with their opponents in order to convince their followers that change is vital and supporting them electorally and financially is vital - all heat and no illumination.

The same can be said of the right.

But...things are not going to remain good. Australia is headed for a dark place and when it gets there, there are going to be real fights over real issues as to how to arrest the decline and who suffers the greatest economic pain.

At that point the left will have found reason to unite around an "ideological narrative"...as will the right.

"I AM ALP all my life"

Didn't Belly once tell us he was once a communist.

Or was that a different Belly?

mhaze gee your thoughts seem powered by a lard burning candle in a tin
YES age about 12 to 16, not very bright then
Dreamer, grew up, have you any intentions of joining me
Sorry to inform you some ugly side effects can threaten the likes of you
Understanding
you have wasted a life by not using your brain is one
THAT WAS needlessly rude
But am I to behave any better than you
Gee I hope so, in matters that involve thinking at least

A disgraceful waste of money by the immigrant, Corman. They get more like Labor every day.

"The ABC article Foxy linked rightly points out that there are myriad definitions of the word 'socialist'."

That is because every entity given the definition "socialist" has left an appalling legacy. Believing that the next socialist reincarnation can be successful is like believing Jeremy Corbin can overcome his antisemitism. As if.

//Didn't Belly once tell us he was once a communist.// No.