After years in which its wars have become more and more unpopular, the U.S. political and military establishment finally has a “success” to celebrate. 3 May 2011 The following article first appeared in Socialist Worker (US) THE ASSASSINATION of Osama bin Laden is being celebrated as rough justice by U.S. politicians across the spectrum and…
An examination of the results of the ‘no’ victory
So, the ‘No’ campaign against the Alternative Vote (AV) managed to win decisively in every nation and region of the UK. Even in Scotland, where on paper a ‘Yes’ vote was supported by a confident SNP, sections of the Labour Party, and the Lib-Dems and Greens, the ‘No’ vote won handsomely everywhere, apart from Edinburgh…
The case for Abstention in the AV referendum
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the AV referendum on May 4th will very much play second fiddle to the elections to Holyrood, Cardiff Bay and Stormont. Ironically though, it is precisely in these three areas that the outcome of the referendum could be determined. People going to vote in the devolved assembly elections will…
International Resistance To Public Sector Cuts
4 items Resisting public spending cuts, the movement we need, the movement we don’t – Emancipation & Liberation no. 20 editorial Holyrood Cuts – Allan Armstrong Resisting the cuts in Wisconsin – Eric Chester, Susan Dorazio, Jack Gerson, Socialist Party of the USA The 1% Network – John O’Neill, Irish Socialist Network Resisting public spending…
Opposing the imperialist suppression of the revolution in North Africa and the Middle East
Here are 4 items relating to the current situation in Bahrain and Libya SSP Conference motion, 3 April 2011 Article by Moshe Machover – The long road of the Arab revolution Article by John McAnulty (Socialist Democracy – Ireland) the test of Libya Article by Pepe Escobar – Exposed the US-Saudi Libya deal Motion proposed…
RCN Bulletins on the addressing the crisis and disunity of the Left in Scotland
1. RCN Bulletin SSP AGM In Dunfermline, April 2011 Facing Up To The Crisis In The SSP The motions for this year’s Conference highlight the toll taken on the SSP over the last six years. Is the Scottish Socialist Party still a party, or we have we just become a loose alliance, looser even than…
Trade Unions In The Twenty First Century
Below are two articles. The first is a report of the Third Global Commune event entitled ‘Trade Unions – Are They Fit For Purpose?’. The second is Allan Armstrong’s talk given to the Independent Workers Union conference in Dublin on 4.4.09. on behalf of the SSP’s International Committee. 1. THE THIRD GLOBAL COMMUNE EVENT, 29.1.11…
Trade Unions – Are They Fit For Purpose? – Global Commune Event
3rd Global Commune Event Trade Unions – Are They Fit For Purpose? Saturday, January 29th, 2011 Registration 10. 30 for 11. 00 – 16.30 Out of the Blue Centre, Dalmeny Street, Leith Edinburgh In both the UK and Ireland today, the overwhelming majority of trade union leaders have signed up to social partnerships. These effectively…
The Sheridan Perjury Trial
The split on the Scottish Left between celebrity populist and genuine socialist politics On May 1st, 2003 six Scottish Socialist Party members were elected to Holyrood. From December 23rd, 2010, by far the best-known (former) member of the SSP, Tommy Sheridan, faces a jail sentence for committing perjury, following in the footsteps of Lord Jeffrey…
RCN Statement on the decision of George Galloway to stand in next year’s Holyrood elections
George Galloway has decided, with the backing of Respect in England and Wales, to stand as an MSP in Glasgow in next year’s Holyrood elections. This decision would apparently have been taken with or without Respect’s support. It amounts to little more than an attempt at carpet-bagging, following his removal from the celebrity spotlight, when…