Cheering for War and Empire

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…

Book review: Keir Hardie: Labour’s Greatest Hero?

Book Review: Keir Hardie: Labour’s Greatest Hero? Bob Holman (Lion Hudson plc/ 2010 / £10.99) Hardie, class struggle and keeping the faith This review, by Richard Price, was first published in Permanent Revolution The standard Marxist appraisal of Keir Hardie goes something like this. Although due respect must be paid to his pioneering role, Keir…

Book Launch: From Davitt to Connolly: ‘Internationalism from Below’…

From Davitt to Connolly: ‘Internationalism from Below’ and the challenge to the UK state and British Empire from 1897-1895 By Allan Armstrong Published by Intfrobel Publications, £7.99 Allan Armstrong’s new book From Davitt to Connolly: ‘Internationalism from Below’ and the challenge to the UK state and British Empire from 1897-1895 was launched to a warm…

The Sane Society – Erich Fromm

Joe Conroy appraises Erich Fromm’s 1955 work. This article first appeared in Red Banner Issue 39 The United States in 1955 would hardly seem a propitious time or place for condemning capitalist society outright and advocating an entirely different way of living. With millions buying into the consumer society and no end in sight to…