More on Michael Foot:

After reading some of the comments about Michael Foot, it seems to me the stance comrades take towards this man is often generational. Those like myself, who remember him mainly as a Minister in the 1976-79, Callagham government, and when Labour Party leader, are far more less forgiving than those who first became aware of Michael earlier in his career, when he was socialist agitator, editor of Tribune, and an active CND campaigner against Nuclear weapons. 


Last week I wrote a piece for Organized Rage about Michael Foot, warts and all, a shorter version was also published as a letter in the Morning Star. In reply, Ray Davies in the letter below, gently chides me and reminds me no human being is infallible. I know others elsewhere have expressed similar sentiments, nevertheless, I stand over my critism of Foot, as I believe it is imperative we speak the truth about the history of the Labour Movement and its leaders, so as to forewarn future generations about the mistakes we made, and those of the leaders we placed in positions of authority. 


MH
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Can I take issue with Mick Hall (M Star March 12), who takes apart the many accolades showered on the late Michael Foot.

First, Mick, no human being is infallible.

Look back on Nye Bevan - a self-educated miner who worked his way up through the district and county councils all the way to Parliament. He was always seeking to use his power to do good and, in spite of all the difficulties and back-stabbing, he managed to put on the statute books the finest piece of legislation ever, our National Health Service.

In the late 1950s I attended a Labour Party conference. I couldn't wait to hear my idol Nye Bevan speak. He stood on the rostrum and made his famous speech in favour of nuclear weapons.

"Don't send me naked into the conference chamber," he pleaded. We were all angry - some were crying - yet he was still the finest politician of the age.

Foot was not perfect, but he fought against fascism and right-wing bigotry. He supported the trade union movement with the red flag in his hand and fire in his belly. He was a beacon for all of us campaigning for peace and disarmament, and exposing the truth about capitalism.

I was at the Labour conference referred to by Mr Hall. Yes, Foot was hoodwinked by Neil Kinnock - a turncoat of the worst sort who begged Michael to stand against Healey and, indirectly, against Tony Benn.

Foot made the huge mistake of trusting Kinnock. Yet I remember a few years ago, when in the winter of his life, Foot climbed up to Dowlais to the Nye Bevan stones overlooking Ebbw Vale to unveil a monument to the Welsh International Brigaders in order to keep alive their memory and their ideals.

Michael and Nye are still my working-class heroes. But it is not those heroes who change the world. It's ordinary working people standing together, like the Chartists and Suffragettes.

Ray Davies
Caerphilly