Ruben Saar – Fundamental statement for the fight for liberal values.
Olivia Sacristán
Stan Sadava – Wonderfully clear-headed, principled thinking. Here in Canada, the cognitively-imprisoned left, chaaracterized in part by the New Democratic party and the unions, is often simplistic, fatuous (e.g. boycotting Israel), apologists for repressive regimes as long as they are also anti-American. I am also weary of self-flagellation in response to terrorism: it must be our fault if our innocent civilians are slaughtered, we did something to “make” them hate us. While we have our share of racists, the sourge of racism is rampant all over the world, in every culture (including Muslim!) . The Durban conference on racism was a notorious example of racism in the disguise of anti-racism. I welcome this, and am pleased to join.
David Sadeghi – I signed in order to help combat the terrorist-sympathising left that have been successful in converting so many simpletons with their selective victimisation efforts and apathy towards the historical and current hatred of Jews. The genocide in Rwanda in 1994 proved that nothing is impossible and that the ‘never again’ motto doesn’t seem to stick at The UN.
Hamesha Safrang – “Today’s political scene is not a friendly place for people who don’t see the world in stark black-and-white categories.” Somebody needed to say this. And also, to speak of a “victim-centered foreign policy.” Those are the two most compelling reasons I signed up.
Daniel Sage – To oppose the hypocrisy of many on the Left, who condemn the BNP yet refuse to speak out against the evil of Jihadist Islam, and thus to join an alliance that is committed to the true pillars of any group of Lefists or liberals: democracy, equality and freedom.
Ravi Sahota
Ben Sakker Kelly
Bob Sale
Aaron Salituro
Michael Salston
Jason Saltiel
Tony Samphier
Damien Samways – Our silence and complacency has gone on for far too long. We haven’t lost the battle of ideas to those on our Right so much as we have allowed our ideas to be hijacked and twisted by extremists to our left. By allowing ourselves on the left to be redefined according to our comrades out in the wings, we provide suitable ammunition for our opponents on the right to assail us with endless argumenta ad hominem based on little but guilt by association. As it is, terms such as ‘progressive’, ‘liberal’ and ‘leftist’ are fast becoming inseparably associated with anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, anti-westernism, extreme moral relativism, and a fair few other unsavoury ‘-isms’ besides. Indeed, the term ‘liberal’ is now considered so derogatory in large parts of the USA that even the Democrats prefer to avoid using the word. We need to take back our vocabulary, and with it our agenda. The Euston Manifesto is as good a start as any.
Alex Sanchez
Isabel Sanchez
Rafael Sanchez – Frustration with much of the mainstream left for its devotion to criticizing but its unwillingness to produce any suggestions and its lack of enthusiasm for the democratic process. Criticism and scrutiny of government are important and no one should ever try to shut down the debate or stop attempts to call bush and blair to account. but it is as, if not more, important to look to the future and practically support democracy in iraq and the rest of the world. originally cautious i was also enormously impressed by the manifesto launch.
Richard Sandbrook – www.chass.utoronto.ca/~sandbroo/
Chris Sanders – I like fresh air, but ‘the left’ of which I have always felt a part, has been a filthy, unkempt and smelly place for way too long. It needs a good clear out and a total refit. The electrics are dangerous (half the lights won’t switch on); the ceiling is almost falling in, and you can’t see out most of the windows because the anarchists have broken them and they are just boarded up. The decor is incredibly old fashioned and the furniture is so worn out you wonder if it is safe to sit on, and there is blood on the carpets. I went in the toilets – what a state! There’s more blood all over the walls and the most stupid graffiti. And then, when I suggested doing a bit of cleaning up, half the people there at the time (which was not many) said I have gone ‘right wing’ – how dare they! That really annoyed me.
Eric Sanders – Practically every word in the Manifesto represents my own views, viewa I have held most of my life, views which were my reasons for joining the Labour Party in around 1945 but did not find fully and always represented in it. Incidentally, I have no idea waht ‘bloggers’ means and why they have such quaint names. Pen names?
Margaret Sanders – I agree fully with the views expressed by the manifesto
Chris Sanderson
John Sanderson
Richard Sanderson – erm- because I agree with it! I’m constantly meeting others that agree with points in the manifesto, even though outside of a few columnists and a lot of blogs you’d think nobody shared these views.
Ruth Sanderson
Citizen Sane – Separating the wheat from the chaff. Good to belong to a broadly leftist group that isn’t defined by terrorist appeasement, anachronistic hardline socialist ideology, anti-Semitism and relentless anti-Americanism.
Frederic Sarter – After having grown disgusted and frightened by the atmosphere inside parts of the French Left to which I belong, I welcome such positive steps to reassert liberal values.
Jakob Saternus
Toby Saul
Daniel Saunders – I am concerned that many ‘progressive’ thinkers feel able to use the real, but comparatively minor, flaws of genuine democracies to draw a moral equivalence with brutal dictatorships. Some only protest against these democratic countries, ignoring human rights abuses and violations of international law, often on a far greater scale, when carried out by other regimes. I am disgusted that these thinkers feel able to justify the deliberate targeting of civilians by terrorists, usually by crude comparison with the tragic, but unintentional, deaths of civilians caught in crossfire, omitting the crucial distinction of intent to murder. Not only is this absurd and morally obscene, but it increases support for the view that terrorism is a ‘legitimate’ means of expression, reducing the possibility of peaceful, negotiated resolutions to the many conflicts in the world and insulting those who have used non-violent methods to oppose oppression. I am also concerned by the rhetoric of these ‘progressive’ thinkers, which unjustifiably portrays their opponents as imperialists, racists and Islamophobes and which displays an anti-Americanism that borders on racism and an anti-Zionism that frequently descends into anti-Semitism.
Rod Saunders – As a liberal and former member of the Liberal Democrats (I left because of their position on Iraq), I find your Statements of Principles, almost wholly, reflect my own liberal beliefs; especially the emphasis on the universetality of human rights and the condemnation of cultural relativism where barbaric practices reinforce and maintain undemocratic (always male) power elites .
Rik Saunderson – This is, by far, the most sensible political document that I have read in a long time. I take gross exception to the perception that simply because I support the existence of the State of Israel and right of Jews to self-determination, I have become some form of Fascist pariah. I also take great issues with those on the Left who say nothing of actual left wing politics or economics, and simply label themselves as left wing because they like to shout a lot.
Jean-Philippe Sautre-Hertzog – In this century a new progressive manifesto was needed. I’m personnaly tired to be considered as a conservative in the french socialist party, federation of french citizen abroad, so this time i can share my values.
Laurie Savage – I’m terrified that the Enlightenment project is coming to a shuddeering halt and a new medievalism is descending on us. The left and people of liberal, egalitarian values are under assault from all quarters. We must stop being apologetic and start to define the Agenda.
Paul Saxton – Because it’s the sensible thing to do.
Michael Sayre
Caroline Scanlan
Matthew Scanlon
Artur Scantini
Jonas Schade
Michael Schell – As an American leftist whose vision of liberalism is that it must be unalterably opposed to fascism, I support the Euston Manifesto. It is an eloquent pronouncements of the humanist, internationalist principles by which a decent liberal can consider a fight to be just and justifiable. The events of September 11, 2001 made apparent a new kind of threat, not just to our lives and our wealth, but also to the fabric of modern liberal society. It is a threat that lurks undetected until it strikes with sickening force. It is one that cannot be forestalled by the conventional means of deterrence and cooperation to which we became accustomed in the Twentieth Century. Our enemies include religious and/or ideological fanatics, rouge “nations”, and international dealers in the instruments of mass destruction and suffering. We must fight them with steadfastness and courage, while simultaneously working to promote justice, openness and economic opportunity throughout the world so that the evils of fanaticism will be less attractive to those who live in desperation.
Attilio Schemmari
Pietro Schiavoni – I would have the opportunity not to vote for rightwing anymore, as I did just now in Italy, where the leftwing is dominated by not-progressist really-conservative communist parties, so I’m very interested in the raise of a leftwing in which I can find condivisible principles
Ernesto Schiffrin – I do not consider myself a leftist nor this manifesto to be leftist, but agree with most of what is said, and therefore sign it.
Brian Schill
Wolfgang Schindler
Maria Schlatter
Schlomo Roland Schlottow – I sign because most Europeans in my family and their acquaintances are apologetic to arabian tyranny governments, antiAmerican to politics of which they take profit and lack a clear intercession for israel
John Charles Schmerein
Thomas Schmidinger
Andreas Schmidt
Adam Schmitt – After enthusiastically completing my A level on the subject, It dawned on me that the study and observation of politics on a relatively neutral level (since i believe that every idealogy has relevant points for justification) was absolutely essential if those who choose to pursue politics by career (ie our government) can be monitored against the various opinions of the electorate they are representing. As part of an international community, i also believe that this scrutiny should extend to overseas activities beyond our legislative control. After discussing the Group at some length with a closely linked friend, the open-aired and balanced structure of the manifesto compelled me to sign it. well, here i am.
Richard Schmitz – I have always felt my home was with progressives and libertarians. I am a Christian and I see progressive action as the natural political path of my faith. But I have always been troubled by the left’s seeming strong support of murderous regimes and excuse-making. This manifesto comes to me as a breath of fresh air and is very welcome, particularly because it allows me the freedom of thought on matters of faith within the parameters of universal human rights.
Florian Schneider
Jonathan Schneider
Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky
Eve Schnitzer – There are many reasons why I’m signing the manifesto, and essentially I agree with all its principles. But most of all, I fear the dangerous foolishness of the prevailing tendency to extreme cultural relativism in Canadian multicultural society. Rather than stand firm on principle, Canadian supposed ‘liberals’ are generally ready to bend to repressive, regressive, tribalist tendencies. Rather than confront and debate, they prefer to ‘tolerate’ without examining the rationality or ramifications of their actions or, all too often, inaction.
Drue Schofield
Joshua Scholar – This represents the true left. Those who share a wing with Ramsey Clark and George Galloway aren’t fit to lick the shoes of the progressive reformers of the past. One day mankind will have won liberty for the entire world, and that liberty will have been won and protected with blood, not the whining of pacificist babies or of toadies who lick the boots of fascists.
Jean Scholtes
Mark Schuck
Ben Schwartz – Liberalism and liberal society place individual freedom at center stage, but this is as much a weakness as a strength. Every political system demands a peculiar characteristic that must exist in order to sustain itself. The maintance of liberal society requires public virtue, but the individualism of liberal society erodes this civic foundation by focusing citizens toward private desires and away from communal life. Let us hope that such virtue can be rekindled.
Leonardo Scimmi – I am a member of the italian labour party. We are trying to have in Italy a modern left. Our Party is small and took part of the former berlusconi governement. I am a young lawyer and I work and live in Milan.
Alan Scobbie – I am tired of progressive opinion being compromised between the nihilistic cynicism of those who see Western Liberal Democracy as the root of all world evil and those who embrace realpolitik. There has to be a coherent analysis for a middle ground between the two that is both unique and credible. This does not call for easy solutions and slogans but serious thought.
David Scofield
Douglas Scott
Gerry Scott
Jack Scott
Robert Scott – Because the manifesto is the only coherent set of prinicples to which I can honestly and sincerely commit.
Taylor Scott – The Euston Manifesto is a desperately needed response to the intellectual vapidity and absurd glorification of Islamism that has infiltrated the Left during the past five years. When the true proprietors of egalitarian ideals disaffiliate themselves with those “progressives” who believe that every act done by a “brown-skinned” people is glorious (including the traditional oppression and suppression of women) and every international act committed by a “white-skinned” people is imperialistic and worthy of condemnation, a broad substantial discourse may finally resume. Perhaps this will help end the superficial “bumper sticker” level of debate that both the US and the UK have seen post-9/11.
Emmitt Scroggs – Last weekend there was a massive “anti-war” march in Manhattan. The crowd estimate ranged from 30 to 40 thousand — impressive numbers. What was more impressive was a placard that read “Bush is more evil than Bin Laden”. There were dozens more that expressed roughly the same notion. To entertain that twisted idea for more than a minute let alone carry a sign proclaiming such for miles is moral idiocy. Worse than that, it’s criminal collusion with unalloyed evil of a kind that has tormented the poor and powerless for much of the last 100 years. Whether Saddam had no WMDs (and the evidence for and against is much more ambiguous than many believe) is immaterial to the historic, even revolutionary question of Iraqi liberal democracy. Arabs are not born to be the slaves of dictators, and it’s not in their genes or their culture to be ground under the heel of fascist jackboots. I have some reservations about this manifesto; it’s not nearly a strenuous enough rejection of the politics of the Galloway, Moore, et al. But it is a giant step on the road to a sane and moral political philosophy.
Mark Seaborne
Stephen Sears – I am frustrated by the lack of honesty and intellectual rigour in the liberal left concensus – a frustration clearly shared by many others. The manifesto offers an opportunity to reassert the principles of freedom, equality and internationalism that have been so severely compromised by many people who claim a commitment to progressive politics. We know we are not alone – we must make our voice heard.
Jean Seaton
Thom Seaton – As a resident of Berkeley, California I must say that the Euston Manifesto cogently speaks to the views of many in my community. My experience on a City commission has convinced me that the left has abandoned its dedication to human rights, replacing it with the neo-isolationist view that the “West” has no business lecturing those in the third world about human rights. Complaining about the “fascist” American government, they look with a compassionate, understanding eye on conduct committed by those abroad — conduct which they would abhor were it done to them by their own government or political opponents. The Euston Manifesto is a clarion call to those liberals now on the sidelines who believe that due process, free speech, trial by jury or an unbiased tribunal, freedom from intimidation, freedom from torture, freedom from wanton murder and related rights are indeed universal and worthy of protection from those who would deny them, regardless of the perpetrators’ political stripes. Let us not, moreover, abdicate the hallowed battleground of human rights to those on the right who in their own zeal may, from time to time, exalt government power over the protection of human rights. Congratulations, well done and carry on. Thom Seaton
Susan Secher
Ousman Secka – i support the ideas express in the manifesto.
Francis Sedgemore
Geoff Segar – I have long grown exasperated by my left leaning colleagues seeing all evils resident only in Washington and London. Russia’s actions in Chechnya and China’s in Tibet are equally worthy of condemnation as that of the the US in Iraq, but this is swatted away by the left. We need to oppose all tyranny, support democratic movements and oppose the cosying up the left to anti-democratic forces. We should be proud to be on the Left but we must guard against alliances with anti-democratic forces that may happen to be anti-American or anti-Western
Jeff Self
Ralph Seliger – With the exception of remaining a loyal Democratic party voter (too loyal, perhaps), I disaffiliated with the general left about 25 years ago; I grew weary of explaining what I was as a progressive Zionist and defending why I support Israel’s rights to security and peace as a Jewish state. At that time, I embraced the socialist-Zionist Americans for Progressive Israel/Hashomer Hatzair. In the 1990s, our comrades in Mapam merged with Ratz and others to form the Meretz-Democratic Israel party and we formed Meretz USA. We stand for an equitable two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians and a negotiated peace. We draw fire from both right and left, Zionists and anti-Zionists. Too much of the left is still apologetic for authoritarian movements and mindless anti-Americanism (not to mention, anti-Israelism); most of the right is still wrong. Hopefully I fit here.
Theresa Semler
James Semple
Damien Serra – Seeking for a better world, its a very good start.
Rafael Serra – I do endorse the Euston Manifesto because its core is now and has been before the main reason of our Civilization.
Albertina Seta – I’have been in italian now so called left since my birth. Therefore I think to be very progressive and I paid very much for that, so I complain that after sept 11 2001 I couldn’t try a corrispondence between my way of thinking and the most of italian left politicians about terrorism, anti- americanism etc. I was vary happy in reading Euston Manifesto and I sign it now to confirm that its ideas are not a sort of revisionism, but a very new way of thinking, far from old prejudices, coherent with a progressive mentality.
Tony Setchell
Randy Sewell – I signed because I agree with the majority of the tenants of this manifesto. The Left needs a foundation of relevance and sanity in today’s world. A foundation which the Left has seemed to willingly leave behind in the last few decades. The left can put forth a refreshing idealist’ viewpoint, but that viewpoint is inexorably hijacked(without objection, and often with wide support) and used for whatever purpose some nutcase comes up with. Having said that, I am probably best described as a practical middle-right Republican(by American standards). The left in general has disgusted me in the past 6+ years. It isn’t necesarily the ideas that come from the Left, but the people that represent the Left and how they put forth those ideas. Also how the left has dealt with the opposing viewpoints. The Left needs to learn to stand up for issues it actually agrees with and not merely the taking the opposite side of whatever issue their rival party is championing. The Left needs to relearn the meaning of the words comprimise, core values, and practicality. Lets throw civility in there too. I can’t tell you how many times I turn on the news(CNN, FOX, NBC, etc) and see some red faced liberal trying to sell his ideas, while the calm conservative sits there and lays forth a rational viewpoint. I sign this because I really want to see an alternative to the current liberal environment. I want an establishment with answers, instead of promises. Good luck with this project, I hope it is successful.
Tim Sewell – I find so little here to argue with and so much with which to agree that I will sign and offer what help I can. I have been troubled for a long time by the way in which those of us on the progressive left, should we disagree with our supposedly social democratic government, have had nowhere else to turn within the mainstream of UK politics. Hopefully this new alliance will provide a hothouse of ideas which can reach out to affect not just those to whom their truths are self-evident, but also create an intellectual background to inform the ongoing struggle to bring progressive democracy to all nations and cultures, including our own.
Richard Seymour
Esther Shabot – I am a mexican journalist and I am delighted to sign the manifesto and join this group of people whose ideas I share with no doubt.
William Shaffir
Milton Shain – Deeply concerned about double standards; appreciate the manifesto.
Uri Shalit – At long last, a clear and concise decalaration of everything the Left should be, and too often forgets to be.
Ali Shamsavari
Chris Shannon
Ealga Shannon
Zarrin Shannon
Daniel Shapiro
David Shapiro
Rose Shapiro
Bevan Sharma
Mohit Sharma – I am a young Indian, against irrationality, bigotry, superstition, oppression and the other sins. This manifesto neatly lists most of the things in the world that I care for. Rock on!
Caroline Sharman
Mehran Sharmini – Though initially anti-‘war’ and having been part of that infamous ‘Saturday’ (my default position at the time being knee-jerk anti-Americanism) I have come to despise everything this movement stands for. It is a distasteful fusion of Stalinism and Islamism, with anti-semitism thrown in for good measure. I loathe its false posturing with its cigar-chomping, fascist-loving charlatans who act as its mouthpiece. I am utterly contemputuous of anyone who tries to ‘understand’ and excuse away the venality of the hand-chopping, Koran-bashing thugs and murderers, while enjoying all the freedoms of a Western democratic society. Enough is enough. Time to give these vermin the two-finger salute!
Barry Shaverin
Ben Shaw
Freddy Shaw – The current Middle-East crisis and the biased way (i.e. agressively anti-Israel) the liberal/left press and all the terrestial TV news channels have reported the war, has finally convinced me that the Euston Group must become the major voice of anti-fascism in the UK.The anti-Americanism and pro-Islamofascism of the traditional left demonstrates how they serve as ‘useful idiots’for anti-democratic forces.
Howard Shaw
John Shaw – I drifted away from a socialist viewpoint over the past few decades because of socialism’s reflexive anti-Americanism
Peter G. Shea – I signed because of believe in the vision of progressive democratic action proposed by the authors of this manifesto.
Lloyd Shepherd
Tony Shields
Colin Shindler – I was outside the Chilean Embassy on the night that Salvador Allende was killed. I participated in the demonstration of the Left when the Soviet Union destroyed Dubcek’s ‘Socialism with a Human Face’ in Czechoslovakia in 1968. I wondered why the British Left – often reflected in the Guardian’s op-ed – is deafeningly silent when it comes to political abuses in China, Burma and Zimbabwe. Why were Saddam’s crimes passed over in relative silence? Blair’s New Labour frowned upon ideology and neutered the Left. A reactionary orientalist anti-imperialism has filled this void. Its line-managers are unapologetic Stalinists and mindless automatons who bend Trotsky to their agenda. Anyone who has an independent thought in his/her head and believes that socialism has a moral meaning would feel uncomfortable in their midst. Like others, I do not totally agree with the Manifesto, but it is a breath of fresh air and well worth supporting.
Haruo Shiraishi – Although my views on the Iraq war are fairly convulted, I can’t stomach the fact that the Left has teamed up with Islamist organizations, Stalinists, and far-right isolationists to oppose something. They no longer represent the Left I knew, and I hope this Manifesto restores the honor to it.
Danny Shisler
Ofer Shor
Rob Shorrock – As a socialist and a progressive I believe we need to be setting an agenda that develops intelligent solutions to a complex world. Key to this is in the statement on freedom of ideas and by implication the notion of rational discussion. An understanding that those from different parts of the political spectrum can play a part in developing understanding is an important recognition of a tolerant future based on pluralism and democracy.
Patrick Shorter – I signed because I feel that my dissillusionment with the activities of the current day mainstream left is threatening to undermine my faith in the principles that gave them birth and I believe it is high time for a revitalization and refocus of many groups that portray themselves as in support of human rights and democracy but in reality shill for sectarianism and hypocrisy.
Naomi Shragai – Very relieved to hear a collective voice of sanity. Prior to hearing about your group, I believed these views were only allowed behind locked doors. For some time, a felt there was no room in England for a honest and open debate. Hurrah!!!
Martyn Shrewsbury – I am the former Leader of the Wales Green party.I have stood regularly for Parliament and Welsh Assembly I am concerned about the growth of religion in politics. I fundamentally distrust the Respect project. I am also interested in how an ecological, left perpectibve can break of the traditional ghetto of the left . I consider myself to be a humanisy with a deep spirituality
Yoanna Shubich
David Shugarman
Jan Shute
Daniel Shutt
Fred Siegel – Jihadism is more than 1300 years old and its proponents operate with a political time horizon unimaginable to Western liberals. If Jihadism is to be contained, or even, in the long run defeated, success will depend on a broad coalition stretching from the center-left to the center-right that understand that this will be a protracted conflict that requires patience as well as power. If the understandable hostility to George Bush is allowed to define the political playing field, the left will either beome irrelevant or worse yet the functional allies of liberty. At the same time the right – in the US at least – will be free to dismiss critics of American policies as feckless or worse. I’m signng this Manifesto because it represent the only plausible path forward for Western liberalism in all its incarnations.
Germán Sierra – I believe it is very important to articulate a new political framework where liberal, rational, progresive ideas could be discussed and practiced away from tradiotional left and right-wing dogmas.
Clancy Sigal
Eugenio Sigismondi
A. Lisa Signorile – I totally agree
Imtiaz Sikandar
Brandon Silberstein
Carlos Silva
Dan Silver
Catherine Silver B.
Håvard Simensen – I support the manifesto as part of a transition to the new West to the west of the West (to borrow the words of the Brazilian musician and writer, Caetano Veloso): “It was important that we regard modernity as a universal value and that we boldly take its side. The fact that it emerged in the West hardly implies their ownership by white European peoples, or even that those peoples are better prepared to put them into practice or development” (Tropical Truth.) Let’s challenge populist nationalism and uncover core principles of democracy and equality that are globally applicable.
Douglas Simmonds
Judy Simmons – It’s something approaching sanity. I can endorse many of the provisions and live with the ones with which I disagree. It’s a step out of the world of duality–where no one can ever “win” into the recognition of unity: we’re all in this together and we all endure that which we create. This is a move toward creating equity and decency, which many, though not all, of us practice to the best of our understanding and awareness.
Howard Simms
Rebecca Simon
Peter Simonson
Clive Simpson
Brian Sinclair – Finally, a Left I can support. For years I have been caught in a political limbo. I could not support the Right’s politics of economic selfishness, but at the same time I could not bring myself to associate with a Left that made excuses for murderous dictatorships, and indulged in moral levelling between the Western democracies and their opponents; that attacked, by legalistic means, the freedom of speech of its critics; that tried to politicise secondary education and (ab)use children as activist cannon-fodder; and which believed that a street-mob obstructing the legal gatherings of others was a “peaceful” expression of true democracy. This new movement has my support. We need to restore the Left’s moral compass, and remove its tendencies towards totalitarianism.
Dirk Singer
Rahul Sinha
Vladimir Sirotin
Sam Skinner
Boris Sklyarenko
Sarah Slade
Luke Slater – The Euston Manifesto represents my feelings exactly. Too many on the left have become apologists for fascists and dictators and will willingly support anybody who opposes the USA, no matter who they are. This must stop, we must reclaim the left wing from these apologists for fascists.
Scott Slater
Andrew Slavin – I agreed with most of the statements of principles. I think it is important for people to engage in the political process and recognise that there is an opportunity for a new approach to motivate people to get involved.
Leigh Slawner – This manifesto accurately describes my feelings about the aforementioned issues. As an artist and free thinker, I am often disappointed by Conservative beliefs and organizations. Yet, I am more horrified by the mis-information and lack of principaled thought that has found its home on the left.
Samuel Sledd – The Euston Manifesto is a longneeded and honest expression of principles that captures the modern progressive spirit.
Vicky Sleeper – signed because would like to see if i actually have any voice or choice these days
Lawi Slemani – I am a Kurd from the city of Sulaimaniyah in Kurdistan, I fled my homeland in the 1980’s in the face of the genocidal “anfal” campaign which was being waged against my people. When news came that the international community was to take measures to remove Saddam Hussein i was relieved that the tyrant would finally be seeing justice, however i was dismayed by the reaction of the British and European “left” who seemed to become apologists for the monster overnight. I had been a socialist in my homeland but a socialist who was in favour of the a democratic society not one whose only hope in life was to see the US hurt. I am extremely happy that progressive democratic politics is being reclaimed in the name of the those who wish to see demoracy and wealth reign throughout the world.
John Slinger – I am a committed internationalist, and am increasingly convinced of the need for the rights enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be upheld. Our collective failure to act to prevent genocide in Bosnia, Rwanda and now in Darfur shames us all. It is not good enough to constantly refer back to ‘the UN’. The UN cannot, sadly, be seen to be the arbiter of international law or morality, when it (as the collective embodiment of the multitude of states) allows such outrages to happen. Was inaction over Rwanda the right, or ‘moral’ thing to do just because the UN did not sanction any intervention? Clearly not. We, from the ‘left’, must engage with the debate about global governance and not retreat into shameful anti-Americanism, or cultural relativism in an effort to absolve ourselves of our responsibility to protect the most vulnberable of the world.
David Sloan – My signing is in part a response to discussions I have had with leftist friends, particularly in Europe. I agree with most of their criticisms of the wisdom of the Iraq war, but feel troubled by their obsessive emotion and lack of nuance on the subject. This contrasts their obvious lack of emotion in response to 9/11, when all they wanted to talk about was US foreign policy history. I cannot accept being asked to understand such hate while seeing my own support for a military response, despite my obvious feelings on 9/11 as a New York resident, being met with unreserved outrage. Of course this critique is not aimed at the majority of critics of the Iraq war, who did show solidarity with us after 9/11, but it is a recognition of the immorality so much self-righteous leftist opinion. It is also to express a hope that the overthrow of Saddam Hussein will eventually bring a better future to the Iraqi people, and a belief that despite my sadness over recent history, that it still might.
Chuck Slothower
Jan Slump
Nick Small
Jurjen Smies – First and foremost, the Euston Manifesto articulates perfectly a number of principles in which I believe wholeheartedly. These relate not only to the opinions I hold, but to the way I hold them. I refuse to characterize others as morally deficient merely because their political opinions differ from mine, and expect the same courtesy in return. I will not fabricate evidence to support my position, and expect the same from others, including those whose views I share. I refuse to cede the terms “the Left” and “left-liberal” to those who make excuses for tyranny and terrorism, both in the face of those who claim such terms as exclusively theirs, as well as those who seek to mischaracterize the Left as consisting solely of such people. I am therefore happy to be given the opportunity to add my name to a concerted effort to restore the reputation of the Left.
Arne Smith
Barnaby Smith
David Smith
Deborah Smith – The Iraq war exposed so many faultlines in our thinking on the left, and has caused the alienation of so many progressive people from our traditional allies . . . The Euston Manifesto is a sorely-needed endorsement of democratic participation, universal human rights, and the need for continuous and challenging dialogue in the struggle for change in the world.
Erin Smith
Graham Smith – The Left only succeeeds when it breaks out of the self-deluding oppositional cycle and articulates what it wants the world to be like and has the confidence to develop the alliances that can make it vision live.
Jesse Smith – because the manifesto stands in the best traditions of the Labour movement.
John Smith – to test the form
Jonathan Smith
Lachlan Smith
Lauren Smith – Simply, it reflects my view. It focuses on support for fundamental human dignity ahead of slavish adherence to dogma so prevalent in today’s political discourse.
Louise Smith
Lyle Smith
Mark Smith
Mark Robert Smith – Because for the first time ever I have found a set of principles with which I can wholeheartedly identify. A group of people who know they can never be wholly right about everything but who are prepared to listen to all.
Michael Smith
Neil Smith – I’m a humble individual who feels as though my life has been greatly enriched by American liberty, globalized markets and communication technology. I want to live in world where these opportunities may continue in peace.
Paul Smith
Robert Smith
Tyler Smith – As a lifelong member of the US Democratic Party, I find my Party’s increasingly isolationist and nationalist stances concerning. While I have yet to meet a totalitarian Democrat (the party, not the ideology), I find some members’ willingness to ally with questionable groups and people (Code Pink, George Galloway) concerning–to say the least.
Julian Snowdon
Eric Snyder
Tim Snyder
Jeffrey Sokolow – Thank you for standing up for traditional liberal and social democratic values: universal human rights, political and historical honesty, and opposition to all forms of racialism, including antisemitism (which Bebel rightly called the “socialism of fools”). The left’s betrayal of these values has done much to contribute to the victories achieved by the right. Here’s to a better and new new left, one uncorrupted by Stalinism, Maoism, terrorism, and Islamofascism.
Luca Soldi – i agree, via
Martin Solomon
Armando Felipe SOLTANOVICH GOLDMAN
Armando Felipe Soltanovich Goldman
Giacomo Sonnino
Tiziana Sonnino
Heinz R Sonntag – I learned about the Manifesto by an article of a Venezuelan essayist in my daily newspaper EL NACIONAL, edition of July 24, 2006. It is the first time that I read something that is very near to my own thinking about the left: democratic; against any kind of dictatorship, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism, specially in the Third World (I happen to live in a country, which is on the trip to totalitarianism under the guidance of Hugo Chavez Frias: Venezuela); committed to the human rights, the heritage of the Enlightenment and the advances of modernity in the XIX century; in favour of political honesty and the acceptance of the history “as it really happened” (v. Ranke); and critical openess to any new set of ideas and dreams. My signature is expression of my engagement in the fight against an inhuman world, dominated not by human racionality (or substantial racionality, as Max Weber would have said) but by techno-economic racionality.
Marion Sossen
Jeanne Spahn
Rob Spence – Because the Left needs to reassert its values in the face of the current attack from all sides on what we believe.
Col Spencer
Elliot Sperling – I have signed in support of the principled liberalism articulated in the manifesto that is unfortunately in short supply in current political discourse.
Daniel Spichtinger – I don’t agree with everything that is in this manifesto but then, as the manifesto says, there is no single unquestionable truth. I do agree with 90% of the content, though, and for me, as a liberal and a believer in the enlightenment tradition, this is sufficient for a signature. I wish this initiative well and will continue to watch its’ development with interest.
Beny Spira – I read about the Euston manifesto for the first time a couple of days ago. Since 9/11 and especially after Israel war with the Hezbollah, I came basically to the same conclusions as provided by the manifesto. I found increasingly hard to understand why the so called “traditional left” made this strange alliance with one of the most reactionary cultures still alive, namely the radical Islam. This reminds me of the german communists who following Stalin`s orders choose to attack the social democrats, instead of going against the real enemy. Thanks to them, the Nazis came to power. We must not allow this to happen again!
Peter Spiros – After reading this well thought out, well presented, and very decent document, I am hard pressed to imagine a person, from either the left or the right, who would not sign it. I will do what I can to spread the word.
Sharon Spiteri – I signed because the manifesto read like I could have written it myself… because I did not write it myself, because I wished I had and because I now want to make up for lost time.
Margherita Sprio
Kumar Sriramasamy – I Consider this as a way out of the “stale mate” the world is in now. I do sincerely hope that this would get the “buy-in” from the world at large. I wish to play my small part to do this.
Ghila SROKA
Chris Stacy – I have signed my name to the Euston Manifesto, not because I identify myself as a Progressive. I do not. In fact, I strongly disagree with most policies and principles that Progressives call their own — many of which are reflected in the Manifesto. Nonetheless, I applaud the moral clearsightedness that the authors of the Euston Manifesto have shown in standing up to defend the enlightenment values that are common to Progressivism and Classical Liberalism. In its firm stand against tyranny, fascism, fundamentalism and terrorism, The Euston Manifesto pledges a solidarity to shared principles of Western Civilization that deserves a welcoming response.
Donald Stadler
George Stadler – I strongly agree with the Manifesto. If we do not defend our freedoms, we will lose them. Respect for other cultures and religions must never be allowed to blind us to the threat that some of these might pose to basic rights and freedoms.
CRAIG STANBRO
Adrian Stanley – The moral collapse of the western left is the greatest political disaster of our time. I hope that this manifesto, and any movement that arises from it, can help the left rediscover its moral compass.
Christine Stansell – I am an excellent and eloquent writer, so anything that needs to be written, I can do. CS. I signed because the manifesto gives voice to much of what I find wrong in the views of left-liberals, and provides an assertive rather than a defensive stance. CS
David Stanway – To stand up against the cynical double-speak that stands for debate in left-wing circles today, and to express support for progressive and democratic vallues.
Clifford Staples
Douglas Ricardo Starkey – Even though I consider myself a socialist, and think that the threat of fascism is real, I signed the manifesto because the need for unity on the left is very great. The manifesto doesn’t call for the dismantling of the capitalist system, nor does it refer to the fascist threat posed by those who allowed the events of 9/11 to occur. Nevertheless, those of us who believe in secular humanism must stand up in solidarity against those forces that seek to exploit other human beings mercilessly, including through the use of warfare and terrorism. One race: Human One war: Class
Stephen P. Starr
Johnathan Stavsky – Because I believe the struggle to make this world a better place to live in can only be based on Enlightenment principles. The anti-Enlightenment heritage of the radical left is self-defeating in that it actually prevents oppressed groups from participating in Humanity. Whereas the Euston Manifesto’s commitment to the Enlightenment has produced a set of logically-consistent views to which I wholeheartedly subscribe (with perhaps one or two reservations), the Rousseauist-Marxist-Nietzschean amalgam currently dominating the intellectual scene has substituted relativism for tolerance, affirmative action for social improvement, utopianism for gradual reform, identity politics for cultural diversity, ideologically-motivated criticism for free inquiry, and the foreign policy of the former USSR for global justice. At long last, a true leftist alternative to what now goes under the heading of “The Left”!
Rob Steadman – Because I am an anti-fascist and an anti-totalitarian who subscribes to the slogan “no more genocide” rather than “no more war”.
Paul Stecker
Einar Kristian Steffenak (Norway)
David Steinberg
Deborah Lynn Steinberg – I support the substance of the manifesto and the desire behind it to forge an alternative understanding of what constitutes Left politics, ethics, sensibilites. I do have some discomfort with the language of conflict – the dialectical mode of debate/repudiation/condemnation – although I share the feelings they refer to in relation to the many issues raised in the manifesto (apologia for terrorism, anti-democratic political formations, zealotry and so on). Perhaps it might be useful for the left to consider a way of forging a reparative political sensibility, that is, in addition to the critical perspective suggested here, to also forge ‘feeling structures’ toward the dialogic/conversational standpoint that is also indicated in the manifesto.
Anita Steiner
Hillel Steiner
Paul Steiner – We need a hard-headed center-left movement for human rights and social justice that confronts the thuggery and folly of the far left as unapologetically as it does that of the far right.
Alan Steinweis
Jon Stephenson – I signed because I agree with it. Nearly every word. Clearly defines the shape of a progressive left that needs to be voiced and heard.
Thomas Oliver Stern
Ian Sternberg – I signed because I want to be part of a Socialist Movement which consistantly stands up for Democracy & Liberty . I believe in a Two-State Solution to the Middle East conflict which will have a viable Palestinian State alongside a safe & secure Jewish State . I am totally opposed to the Anti-Semitism which masquerades as Anti-Zionism amongst the ” Totalitarian Left ” . I am against the kneejerk Anti-Americanism which borders on a form of Racism & infects much of the “Totalitarian Left ” . We should be encouraging & working in partnership with American Trade Unionists & Socialists . The Euston Manifesto has the potential to revitalise the Labour Movement as a radical & dynamic force in political life – It should support the building of a Powerful , Fighting Trade Union Movement which is able to aggressively defend the rights of working people throughout the world . The point of Socialism is to change the world – We should be crystal clear that the type of world that We want to fight for will be based on Justice for all the earths inhabitants & will have love for all people as it’s spirit . I believe that the Euston Manifesto can play an important part in realising these values .
Andrew Stevens
James Stevens
Rob Stevens – I think it is time for a document, and a grouping, such as this- for both general and specific reasons. In a general sense the Left (and this word still matters even if its meaning has had to change and adapt over the last 150 years) needs to have a post-Blair, and second decade of the 21st Century, discussion. This manifesto makes a good start at that process. In a specific sense, now is time to stop having the same tired debate about the (undoubted) illegality of the war and ‘deal’ with the here and now and the future. The manifesto is correct in identifying that reactionary forces- anti western values Islamic groupings and their allies in the anti democratic and Hamas apologist left- have dined out on Blair’s illegal war for far too long now. It is time to challenge their ‘world view’ passionately and eloquently. Additionally the calls for Internationalism and for Equality are calls which need to be heard, debated and enshrined in Public Policy post Blair.
ANDREW STEVENSON
Alan Stewart
Brian Stewart – I was motivated to lend my support to the Euston Manifesto out of solidarity with those fighting to keep liberalism high and unsullied in the United Kingdom. “Tyranny, like hell,” Thomas Paine wrote in The Crisis, “is not easily conquered. Yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph.” Those who feed off of anti-Americanism are playing a very slippery game while we are engaged in an exceedingly difficult war. Victory in the War on Terror – what has also justly been called the War for the Free World – is hardly assured. Which is why the spirit of Paine is as necessary today as it was in 1776. Overcoming the forces of tyranny and terror will be an uphill struggle. But it has been done before – and, with the right supply of political courage, it can be done again. Those of us who cast our vote for President Bush may differ with some domestic and economic preferences outlined in the Manifesto. But as an American Paine-ite, I am heartened by liberal anti-totalitarianism overseas, which I fondly wish was shared more widely in what we once mutually (if quaintly) referred to as “the West.”
Graeme Stewart – I believe the progressive movement needs a new way forward, one that trancends factionalism, obsolete notions of ‘right’ and ‘left’, and a crippling obsession with identity politics. If democracy, freedom and equality are our goals, then we need a ‘muscular’ movement, able to clearly articulate its positions and beliefs without descending into moral ambiguity. The Euston Manifesto provides a blueprint for just such a movement.
Miles Stewart – I am tired of the usual wet individuals popping up time and time again to apologise for terror, tyranny and religious fundamentalism. We need a group that will represent the ethos of true liberalism.
Peter George Stewart – I am glad to find a sort of political home. I was a socialist through my youth and early middle age, then moved over to Libertarian as I began to really come to grips with economics, but while I still consider Libertarianism to correct in many areas, it’s incomplete (especially in its Randian derivatives) and somewhat lightweight intellectually: there is room for solidarity and fellow-feeling in politics, not as much as I used to believe, but more than pure Libertarianism will allow. Now I find myself going back a bit towards the Left again. But not the Left as it exists and stinks now, the kind of Left as proposed in this manifesto. I see myself as a pink-tinged classical liberal of the anarchist tendency.
Ferdinando Stile – promotion and spread of the universal right,democracy, education, human rights protection systems and independent judiciaries are the best means to assist conflict resolution, promote peace and ensure viable security in the global system
Daniel Stiles
Victor Stiles
Larry Stillman – I’d important to stop the right being able to bash progressives over the Israel-Palestine issue because of ultra-leftism and what is masked as ‘anti-Zionism’. In particular, regrettably, the Zionist right then uses this as a discrediting tool against the left. Israel is an occupier. I have no doubts about that and it needs vigorous condemnation and exposure. But occupation can’t be explained or politically fought on the left through veiled anti-semitism.
Michael Stone
Rebecca Stone
Anne Stott – I signed because of a feeling of disenfranchisement. I consider myself to be a left of centre person but I find that my anxieties about the current threats to democratic values and insitutions are not fairly represented in most of the mainstream media.
Philip Stott – As someone who has always been fundamentally on the liberal left politically, I have recently found myself largely disenfranchised by much of the bien pensant media. The ‘Euston Manifesto’ appears to encapsulate my own position with remarkable precision (thank you). I find I can agree with some 98% of the content (and that is surely as good as it gets).
Richard Stowell
Ethan Straffin
Josh Strawn – Having once been a self-proclaimed progressive who made apologies for extremism and totalitarianism, I am proud to say that signing this Manifesto is a renunciation of those past mistakes. It marks my commitment to a vision of the left that must overcome the current zealous and ahistorical one that predominates. In a time when nearly every faction in politics seems to thrive on an overly emotional critique, this new voice appears to be the only one willing to take a stand on the side of a correct principle, regardless the party affiliation of he or she who espouses that principle. In spite of the vast assault leveled on Enlightenment values by leftist academics, the principles of critical inquiry and dialectical conversation (to name only a few) do appear to furnish the strongest cornerstones of liberal society and of leftist politics. The Euston Manifesto and its signatories embrace the need to renew and defend these values, as do I.
Michael Strawn
John Strawson
Nils Strindberg – I signed because I believe in the rights of the individual, progressive democracies and opposition to any totalitarian regime. I believe a fundamental problem of Western Democracies today is an inablility to reconize the difference of a free society and fear society. I believe people don’t have the moral clarity to reconize these differences, thus taking for granted their freedom and legitimizing foreign dictatorships. I believe people don’t recongnize the danger dictatorships pose to Democracies, by legitimizing their rule by creating an external or internal enemy. I am glad to see a group where people on both sides of the Atlantic can join together to voice our opinions on the most important issues of the day. Henry “Scoop” Jackson would be proud.
Rorik Strindberg – I am fundamentally opposed to dictators, and believe that freedom is the preferable state for man. It is upsetting that men like Robert Mugabe, Omar al-Basher and Kim Jong-Il, are still tormenting, repressing and holding back their people. The real question is what to do about them, and I don’t have any good answers.
Alex Stringer
Savino Strippoli – perchè credo che un po’ tutti noi in europa e nel mondo abbiamo bisogno di di serietà. purtroppo, da qualche tempo siamo ottenebrati dalla modernità……….e abbiamo lasciato l’ iniziativa a pionieri del nulla e ai talk show… c’è bisogno di un po’ di serenità, di impegno e voglia di fare…un fare costruttivo e non polemico…che oltre ai no sappia anche proporre…per una politica laica, per la democrazia, per il rispetto dell’ essere umano. per la pace ed il benessere.
Lars Strojny – It nothing to do with left or communistic politics to wish a nation to stay in the middle age. There is no doubt, it is definitely a taks of the left to defend freedom. Defending freedom is the only option to preserve the hope for a freed society. If the enemies of freedom are going to enforce their principles, there is no other chance than to defend the idea of freedom, well knowing that currently there is just the idea. Not more, but also not less.
Martin Stroud – Because it is right……both the right thing to do & the right time to sign not because it is right wing!
Kellie Strøm – Isn’t the core of this a belief in democratic accountability and the rule of law – which is a belief in striving towards improving upon imperfection while never being able to escape it? The danger comes from those who believe in the perfection of their own dogma.
Laura Stuart
Kevin Sturr
David Sturrock
Julian Suarez
OSCAR-LUIS SUAREZ
Mira Sucharov
Ahmet Suerdem – I found the “manifesto” as a genuine opening against the zealot left-liberal double-speak who have hijacked the global democratic agenda. I basically adhere almost all of the values reflected in the manifesto. It is a courageous voice in today’s intellectual and political arena where defending basic human rights is conceived as an apology to “western cultural imperialism”. Respect to cultural diversity should not be understood as an apology to the restriction of freedom of expression. Any dogma (even if they justify themselves in the name of religion) should not be immune to criticism. We have to stop looking for (djihatist or other)Stalins to resist unjustice.
Alexander Suessmair – I am German and support the intent of the manifesto. It is high time for a knew movement in the left. For true socialistic values, freedom, democracy and enlightenment. The disastrous meanders of great parts of the international left must be finished. We need clear positions against hidden antisemitism and anti democratic tendencies of the left. All over the world.
Garry Sugden – The English language peoples need guidelines which will assist citizens to address policy issues without falling into cliché and bigotry. Americanism and Zionism are examples of areas that need to be discussed properly if the discussion is to be beneficial and positive. This manifesto amounts to a credible rule book for the common blogger.
Amy M. Sullivan – “Terrorists do not hate what is worst in the societies they attack, but what is best. They despise individual liberty, critical thought, gender equality, religious tolerance, the rights of minorities and political pluralism.” This is a quote fron Unite Against Terrorisms Blog and it struck me that it described People that are running our Country. One person in particular, George Bush, This is why I signed and why I will promote the Manifesto where ever I go.
Kieran Sullivan – The liberal-leaning public have been mis-lead, by certain sections of the media and politians who have their own personal agendas to push, into believing that individuals who are anything other that right-wing, money-led capitalists (and are proud of it too, God damn it!) would lead the world into another fascist-laden realm. This is down right wrong. The real beliefs of humans are naturally social ones and this message needs to be reinforced to counter the selfish money men inherently present in every country of the Western worlds’ governments.
Malcolm Sullivan
Andrew Sunderland
Silvian Sundrum
Manishta Sunnia
Tony Surr
Santi Suthinithet
Laura Sutton Macken
Emilio Suárez
Mikhail Svoiski
John Swaine – The manifesto represents an eloquent articulation of my own political and ethical beliefs. The disastrous erosion of the Left’s purported respect for and defense of common human liberty is a departure from its uniquely compassionate roots and the very core of its ideals. I sign the manifesto to demonstrate that I have not shall not deviate from a fundamental concern for the welfare of my fellow man.
James Swale – I agree with the manifesto totally it is as simple as that. What I have written bellow is from a recent forum discussion. …I wonder if people have thought about what they are going to get instead of Labour. Are you going to be punching the sky with joy to know that the people who pay the most tax, the rich, will be paying less when the Conservatives get in. And those that are ideologically against the health service will be running it? Labour is becoming unfashionable, but ironically in my view, it is people on the Left who are going all out to make it so. But hey at least we wiped the smirk of Blair’s face. I feel that people are tearing Labor down without thinking about the consequences and what might replace them. Surely there can not be any socialist (like myself) who believes life would be farer, that there would be greater redistribution of wealth and a greener planet
Fleur Swaney
Brad Swank
Rosie Swash
Michael Sweeney
Dante Swift – I signed because I am disgusted with the anti americanism and knee-jerk anti establishmentarianism, not just of some established left wing thinkers, but also of people in every day life who call themselves “left wing”. Today you can lose half of your friends in a single foul sweep just by daring to defend Israel or the Iraq war. The lack of rigour and deisire for real debate is astounding. Nick Cohen’s What’s Left made me realise that I wasn’t alone!
Neil Swire
Brenda Sydor
Roger Syms – Not wishing to sail in under false colours I have to admit immediately to not being “of the left”. I don’t profess to be a neo-con either, more of an “old-con” I’m afraid, having voted for the iron maiden when I lived in the UK and persistently voting to the right for the last 20 years here in Australia. So heavens! What am I doing in this forum? Not only participating but ready to sign? I guess because as a committed supporter of democracy I believe in “debate not death” as a way of persuading others to my point of view. We have our differences, some of them vehement, on both sides of the political fence, but what binds us together is a firm commitment to civilised democratic dialogue. In my view, right and left are not simply bound together but need each other for their very existence. Like bookends the whole pile falls over when one is taken away. Surely, the 20th Century has shown us, all too clearly, how many millions suffer when opponents are forcibly removed by one side or the other. If ever there was a time to stick together it is now.
Yossi Synett
Pablo Sánchez