Salient. Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 42 No. 13. June 11 1979

Too Many Extremes

Too Many Extremes

Dear Peter,

Drawing of a woman reaching into a man's blazer

It is curious the fascination that writers in Salient, and many people generally, have for the particular model that has, at the left extreme socialism, and at the right fascism. I think this is naive, because in fact there is very little difference in the practice of extreme socialism or fascism. Both systems involve the control of the many by the few in power. Regardless of the proclaimed benefits for the masses, they are both totalitarian systems.

If there is a struggle today, I suggest that is neither against Communism, as some declare, nor, as you espouse, against Fascism. Rather the struggle must be against totalitarianism in any form or disguise; whether it be that of Hitler, of Stalin of Mao, or of Muldoon. The only possible means for this struggle can be the involvement of All in decision-making. To this end the real democracy must see the principle of agreement or concensus as the ideal to be reached; rather than majority decision or power group decision which serves only to alienate and divide.

As far as our own Student's Association goes I suspect Robin Craw is right in one thing: the question IS one of control. There are always people who wish to control others. That is why the system must have sufficient safeguards built into it to prevent any person or group from gaining control at the expense of others. Such a system may be slow, even inefficient, but better than our being held at the mercy of a power group.

For this reason the viability of SRC as a decision making body with a quorum of 50 must be brought seriously into question. Smear tactics and witch-hynting by power groups must not be allowed to obscure this question. If SRC is to retain it's function, I believe that the quorum must be raised, that the meeting be open to all students - including part-timers, and most important, that students be made to feel that they have a responsibility and a need to attend and be part of the decision-making process.

If this cannot be then a more effective method of student representation must be found, and make no mistake - it Must be found; for we cannot p — reach against anyone 'else's political backyard if we won't clean up our own.

John Penney.