Edition 3: Co-op Note
Intro to Issue 3 – Is The Bristol Cable political?
We were stood on Prince Street Bridge on a chilly February evening, handing out issue 2 of The Bristol Cable, when a man looked suspiciously at the paper and asked:
“Is it political?”
It’s a good question, especially since this edition tackles the general election.
In response, we explained that the Cable is independent of any political party or organisation. However, we do investigate who has power over what and in whose interests that power is exercised. As well as exploring subjects other publications shy away from, we try to reflect a variety of voices and look behind the daily news. All of which is inevitably political.
We examine the track record of current Bristol MPs, break down campaign spending and take a critical look at various campaign claims we also hear from the smaller parties standing and interview parliamentary candidate Darren Hall, a Green Party hopeful in the constituency of Bristol West.
With all the focus on candidates, we aim to hear from other people too. In this edition we also hear from traditional Labour voters in Avonmouth who have been let down by the party, the Somali community and their political voice, young people who don’t think any party represents them, Bristolian Greeks reflecting on Syriza’s election victory, and local religious figures on their politics.
Every day we are faced with challenges and choices defined by the political system we live in. This is why The Cable continues to probe into issues that affect us and the political dynamics behind them: child poverty and educational attainment, drug use and its policing, the need for affordable housing (and who is getting in the way), a Bristolian Muslim’s answer to anti-terror laws, what the repeal of the Human Rights Act would mean and, crucially, a look at how and where politics and democracy happens between the five-yearly box ticking.
So, are we political? With their varying opinions, Bristol Cable contributors are! But then, when politics impacts the daily lives and experiences of all of us, who isn’t?
Like what you read? Get involved, support, or join the Cable co-op – because free media isn’t free!
Fancy getting involved in film, website, podcasts, finances, membership, advertising and much more?
Come down to our office on the corner of Hillgrove St. and Jamaica St. on the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm to find out how.
The Cable is happy, and relieved, to announce that we we’re successful in a small grant application for £5,000, no strings attached, from the Moondance Foundation. This money will be used to further the work of making a sustainable future for the Cable.
In recognition of the work that needs doing, to this end and for the first time, the organising collective has decided that 3 long serving members will start receiving a £70 stipend per 30-40 hour week. Although this is mostly a tokenistic payment, paid time will be dedicated to administrative tasks and crucially, the work needed to generate other longer term sources of revenue, in order to pursue a key Cable principle that all who contribute will get financial payment.
