Lots of people challenging the 'ideological climate'

There was me feeling fed up that the worst of the 'look after the rich, austerity for the poor and economic growth above all else' parties did so well in the local elections when along came the Southend Radical Fair to lift my spirits.
Here I met up with groups of people living lives based on community instead of individualism, who choose co-operation over competititon and who generally reject the idea that a successful life depends on excessive material consumption.   Groups full of enthusiasm and energy who are challenging so many of our taken-for-granted assumptions.  Do we really live in a democracy?  Is it really that difficult to grow your own organic food?  Should we all look after 'No 1' and not bother about our neighbours? 

I recently read that Susan George, American-French political and social scientist and activist, said that grassroots movements 'will collapse if the ideological climate is hostile to their goals' .  It seems to me that the groups at Southend's Radical fair are challenging the ideological climate big time and are relishing the challenge.  I don't reckon they are ready to fail any time soon!
So,  thank you to the organisers of the Southend Radical Fair.  It was a great day!