CONTENTS in This Editorial Issue in the News 4-5 EU: Exit Left 6-7 Women’S Liberation 8

CONTENTS in this editorial issue In the News 4-5 EU: Exit Left 6-7 Women’s liberation 8

Ukraine Ukraine’s crisis 9-10 p9-10 Referendum revisited 11-12 Back2Basics 13 Toxic Tories 14 Venezuela TUC Young p18-19 Members 15-16 Sma’ Shot Day 17 Venezuela fights back 18-19 Bob Crow Bob Crow 20 p20 Tony Benn 21 Revolutionary Sounds 22-23

May 2014 Volume 21, Issue 34 Layout & design: Ben Stevenson & James Rodie What We Stand For Print: Communist Party Published by: YCL, Ruskin House, 23 Coombe 24 Rd, CR0 1BD Front pic: Tom Page (CC) 3 IN THE NEWS in the news Youth mark 65 years of invasion and war

he world’s anti-imperialist youth have marked pic: Jos van Zetten T65 years of Nato’s “wars, dictatorship, assassinations, invasions and occupations” Liverpool with a fresh call to destroy the imperialist bloc. stands up The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was founded in April 1949 as the military arm for services of Western imperialism, led by nperturbed by the recent the United States. loss of two of its giants, “Nato has been the greatest Uthe labour movement in military tool of imperialism Liverpool turned out last month in the past 65 years, directly to show its support for the pub- and indirectly connected with lic sector which has been cut by the biggest crimes against nearly 30 per cent in Merseyside the peoples of the world that An anti-Nato demonstration in Strasbourg compared to 2 per cent in the took place in all those years,” Tory heartlands in the south. said the World Federation of “Nato’s history is directly tion to strengthen the national The demonstration snaked Democratic Youth. connected with wars, inter- and international struggle to its way through the streets. Global youth organisation ventions, occupations, coups put an end to Nato and the From the Pierhead the proces- WFDY was founded in London d’etat, dictatorships, advancing other imperialist organisations.” sion started, filling the streets 1945 to counter imperialism weaponry and nuclear growth. “For 65 years WFDY has with the sound of drums and after the horrors of World War “Over the past 20 years incorporated in its goals the the International, towards the II. The YCL is its British affiliate. its role has been upgraded struggle against Nato. The road town centre stopping the traf- “Nato’s existence has lead in directly demonstrating of peace and friendship of the fic for several minutes. to military growth internation- its military strength, most peoples of the world will only A minute’s silence to hon- ally and it expands its military importantly with the bombing open if we demolish the tools our the memory of strident presence everywhere,” said of Yugoslavia 15 years ago, and of imperialism. socialists Bob Crow and Tony WFDY. the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq “Our struggle is long and Benn preceded speeches, “After the overthrowing and Libya.” difficult, but against the inter- from prominent members of of the Soviet Union, which Budapest-based WFDY said national murderous alliances Unison and Unite addressed was being used as the pretext it was the “duty” of the anti- of imperialism we put forward the crowd from the steps, talk- for Nato’s existence, its role imperialist youth movement to the internationalist solidarity ing of the need to defend our continued to grow in policing strengthen the struggle against of the peoples! society from the cuts of the the world for the interests of Nato. “Nato will dissolve, imperial- Tory government. mopoly capitalism. “It is the duty of our genera- ism will be overthrown.” 4 IN THE NEWS

European A night communists wake up to of Class threat of EU

ore parties of the Music United Left/Nordic CGreen bloc in the European Parliament have slammed the EU as “in its essence neoliberal and militarist” and therefore “unreformable.” The statement ahead of this year’s European elections marks a significant shift of position for some of the communist and workers’ parties who signed up — in oung Scottish com- ous generations. in opposition to the com- particular the Spanish, Italian munists launched their “That’s something that’s re- mercialised, often sexist and and French ones — which Ylong-awaited new social ally lacking nowadays with most individualist outlook youth are have previously argued that it and fund-raising initiative last pop music being more bland fed presently.” was possible to work within month with their first-ever gig and commercialised than ever.” All the acts received loud the EU to provide some posi- at the Roxy bar in Glasgow. Mr Hunter said they envis- applause and there was an tives for the working class. The Class Music night saw aged broader objectives over excellent atmosphere through- But the change — regard- singer-songwriter Calum and above fund-raising. out. ing the EU as “an imperial- Baird (pictured above), spoken “It’s definitely something Particularly well received ist political-military bloc word act and former YCL EC we’ll be doing on a regular was Marc Livingstone’s poem subordinated to Nato and member Marc Livingstone and basis in future. Thatcher’s Eulogy. therefore the United States” local bard Declan Welsh take “I think it’s very impor- The night closed with a — moves them much closer to the stage. tant the YCL has vibrant and rendition of the International, to the Communist Party of YCL Scottish organiser John- integral social aspect as well with all three acts back on Britain and YCL’s position, as nie Hunter said the inspiration as our political work. It’s a stage to finish. well as that as major parties for the night came from the good way of drawing in people The YCL Scottish organiser in Europe such as the Greek “rich musical tradition we have in who might not want not said it had been “a good effort and Portuguese. on the left.” necessarily sit through a two to put the social back into CPB international secre- He said: “Obviously there’s hour public meeting in the first socialism.” tary John Foster explains that the folk traditions but there instance. Videos of all the acts can the change has been brought also used to be lots of very “I think as young commu- be found on youngcommu- about by the “sheer depth of prominent politically left-ori- nists it’s very important to nistleaguescotland.wordpress. the economic and political entated pop music for previ- foster a different social scene com. crisis of the eurozone.” “There is now a recogni- tion that it is the EU treaty rules themselves that are driving the remorseless at- Labour hacks at union link tack on the democratic and abour has again frantically Would-be party leaders will social rights won over the hacked at its remaining need to gain the support of 15 past generation.” Llinks to Britain’s working per cent of Labour MPs rather But the “more urgent” class, with the mad slash- than the current 12.5 per cent. reason is the rise of the far ing threatening to break the Further, the blind rush towards right across many European bonds entirely. US-style “democracy” continues, countries. A special conference in with closed primaries introduced A prime duty of the left, March overwhelmingly passed to choose the London mayoral says the statement, is to halt the Collins report, weakening Peters Bob pic: candidate, with a view to extend- “the resurgence of extreme the trade unions’ role in La- ing that to other selections. right-wing and fascist forces bour Party democracy through The changes are likely to deal that were defeated by the abolishing the electoral college. a massive blow to party finances struggle of the peoples in Of the affiliated union, only ism, as union members will be as few levy-paying trade union- the 20th century.” the bakers (BFAWU) voted expected to sign up individu- ists are expected to sign up. That can’t be done within against. ally as supporters to continue Unite has already slashed the framework of the EU, The changes represent an having a say over the supposed its membership subs from £3 explains Mr Foster. ideological attack on collectiv- workers’ party policy. million to £1.5m. 5 MAY DAY pics: Maya Llamazes

The racists can’t divide workers This May Day, push to exit left from the EU, writes ZOE HENNESSY May Day is a celebration of the capitalist class at their expense While Ukip leader Nigel this threat as the media does history, culture and successes – democratic ownership of the Farage is fast becoming a dar- (while simultaneously giving of the labour and trade union means of production by the ling of the media, communists the message as much free air movement in our own country working class naturally became recognise the threat his racist time as possible). and internationally. As we pre- an attractive idea to many. message brings to our commu- The Communist Party, in pare to attend various events As workers across Britain nities and workplaces. alliance with the RMT union in Britain, so too will workers face a ruling-class offensive We know that his anti and Socialist Party, will be out and their families across the which seeks to strip us of all “Big Three” politics strikes a canvassing for our No2EU –Yes world. the gains our movement has chord with workers who feel to Workers’ Rights platform. International Workers Day won, and return us to the dark betrayed by the politicians Along with many other trade originated in the United States times of the interwar years, they have elected, and par- unions, communist and socialist in the late 1880s, during the in- when unemployment, poverty ticularly with a Labour Party parties across Europe, we will dustrial struggle for the eight- and despair crippled our move- which stubbornly refuses to be making the case that the EU hour working day. At this time ment, it is clear that May Day is represent the working class cannot be reformed to serve it was common for workers as relevant now as it was then. and instead advocates Tory-lite the interests of workers and to work up to 16 hours a day We must remember com- cuts and policies. their families, and that the only in dangerous conditions, and rades that we have lost, build History has taught us the option is a left exit from the EU. industrial accidents and deaths on their legacy and the hope threat that divisive, racist During this global capitalist were common. they gave us, and take stock of politics brings to communities crisis the EU has revealed to us Workers were beginning to the struggle ahead. This year, where there is high unemploy- its utter hostility to trade union understand that capitalist ex- May Day will also coincide ment, poverty, and a lack of and worker’s rights, social wel- ploitation had nothing to offer with build up for the European decent housing and health- fare, and its contempt even for them, and merely enriched the elections on the 22nd of May. care. We must not dismiss bourgeois democracy let alone 6 MAY DAY the kind of democracy that communists would like to see. At our last congress, the Young Communist League noted that “the attacks on democracy, and the decima- tion of democratic rights taking place across Europe, further underlines the anti-democratic character of the European Un- ion and in addition to attacks on democratic rights, most especially employment and legal rights at home, places us on the trajectory towards the open dictatorship of finance capitalism, and therefore the resurgence of fascism in Europe.” The EU has established rigid ity agenda is not working. While munism” and seeks to equate economic targets to which all it is putting pressure on EU communism, the real opponent member states are required to member states through bailout of capitalism, with the crimes adhere. agreements to make huge cuts of fascism, which we know to These targets demand that to their public spending budg- be a creature of the system public borrowing deficits must ets, unemployment, particularly and the servant of capital. not exceed 3 per cent of GDP, with regard to young people, We must make this situa- and that government debt continues to rise, and access to tion clear to the trade union must not exceed 60 per cent an increasingly poorly funded movement and to workers. of GDP, or at least must be education system is becoming It is our duty to understand declining at a satisfactory pace. The attacks on unaffordable. the reactionary role the To put this in perspective, democratic Recently, unemployment in capitalist class of Europe is almost all countries including rights across Greece and Spain rose to 26.8 playing through the troika of Germany currently exceed per cent and 26.9 per cent international lenders – the that target, while Greece’s gov- Europe place respectively, while youth un- International Monetary Fund, ernment debt currently stands us on the path employment in both of these European Central Bank and at 156.9 per cent of GDP and to the open countries stands at nearly 60 European Commission – in Italy’s is at 127 per cent. per cent. British politics today. That’s a huge level of cuts dictatorship Youth unemployment across It informs the debate about that need to be implemented of finance the 27 member states is ap- Scottish independence, about in order for the Greek govern- proaching 24 per cent, while defeating the Tories and about ment to conform to these EU capital the youth unemployment rate the problems we will face in requirements. in Britain is 20.5 per cent. trying to get a progressive gov- The unelected and unac- Obviously these figures don’t ernment to carry out progres- countable European Central include all those who are sive reforms in the future. Bank also decides economic underemployed or stuck in We cannot allow the growing policy for the entire eurozone, unsecure work. working-class opposition to the and any perceived political It is also worth bearing European Union to be hijacked interference from member in mind the EU’s stance on by the far-right for parties like states will be met with fines. communism at a time when, Ukip to capitalise upon. Pressure to reduce GDP what- perhaps not so much in Britain, As the late RMT general ever the cost has lead to se- but in other European coun- secretary Bob Crow wrote: vere cuts to welfare, the public tries the youth are rejecting “The neoliberal Tory-boys sector, and the privatisation of EU and its austerity measures, of Ukip should not have a public utilities and transport in and will be looking for an monopoly for opposing a a bid to raise cash quickly to alternative economic system corporate-dominated, anti- meet the terms of the treaty. which has the interests of the democratic EU whose policies This treaty actively pre- people at its heart. they largely support. vents EU member states from The Prague Declaration “Our movement created investing money to create jobs signed in 2008 is an attempt the basis for democracy in in order to offset the crisis of to blacken and discredit the the 19th century with the capitalism. In the current climate historic contribution that the Chartists and the demand for with talk of an independent and Soviet Union made in defeat- universal suffrage which is now progressive Scotland, we have ing fascism in Europe, and at being taken from us in the 21st to be clear that the EU would the same time undermining the century by the EU. actively block any attempt to roles that European communist “The only rational course is renationalise industries, improve parties are playing in revealing to leave the EU and rebuild a worker’s terms and conditions, the true nature of the EU. Britain with socialist policies.” and invest in the public sector It calls for a “Europe-wide The first step to do this is to and welfare state. condemnation of, and educa- vote No2EU – Yes to Workers’ As expected, the EU’s auster- tion about, the crimes of com- Rights on the 22nd of May. 7 WOMEN

Pic: Sam Saunders (CC)

State of women’s liberation in 2014 “Everyone who knows anything The current government’s TUC last year, the No More are nothing more than commod- of history also knows that agenda seems made to drive Page 3 campaign continues to ities to be used, bought and sold, great social revolutions are im- us back into the home – and go from strength to strength. with or without our consent. possible without the feminine with reckless cuts to women’s Public opinion on the abuse This is of particular concern ferment. Social progress may refuges, they care little how of women is starting to change to us as young people — since be measured precisely by the safe that home is. at last after several high-profile the 1990s, there has been a social position of the fair sex Women in work are also in rape and sexual assault cases backlash against feminism in (plain ones included).” crisis. around the world and in Op- the form of “lad culture” and Women make up 65 per eration Yewtree in Britain, it is readily available porn. So wrote Karl Marx in a letter cent of the public sector, becoming clear that the public Boys learn to equate masculin- of 1868. How, then, would he where workers have endured is finally starting to believe ity with violence and mistreating judge our society almost 150 a real-terms pay cut for the victims and taking an interest women and girls. years later? past four years. in prosecuting attackers. Most schools do not teach With austerity the order And 43 per cent of women Globally, more than one billion pupils about respect in relation- of the day in most of Europe, are in part-time work (com- women – one in three – will be ships, despite 16-19 year old women are suffering dispro- pared to 13 per cent of men) the victim of sexual violence at girls being the group most at portionately under the cuts. and hence have far fewer some point in their lives. risk of domestic violence. We With a flimsy official economic employment rights. Access Here in Britain it is one in are now in danger of losing justification, the Westminster to legal aid and employment five, but only 6 per cent of many of the rights that previ- government has cut public tribunals has been restricted, rapes end in a conviction. ous generations won for us. services, including SureStart and allowing discrimination and Capitalism, through the tra- As communists, we must fight childcare places, and liberalised harassment to go unchecked. ditional model of marriage and inequality wherever we see it healthcare provision to the point We have seen some the nuclear family, the sex trade and whatever form it takes. We that extremist “pro-life” groups progress recently. Frances and trafficking, the advertising must remember the freedoms may provide abortion counselling O’Grady became the first industry and the right-wing news we have to protect, and how and lie to their vulnerable patients. female general secretary of the media, tells us that our bodies much we have yet to fight for. 8 UKRAINE CRISIS Imperialism plays a dangerous game The EU, US and Nato are all busy trying to turn Ukraine away from Russia, giving fascist groups a free hand in the process

Recent events in the Ukraine have once again laid bare the open imperialist plans of the West, through its military force Nato and the political institutions of the European Union and United States. CIA-backed protesters vio- lently wrested power from the democratically elected Yanu- kovic government and into the hands of a more obliging oligarchic faction, more eager to turn away from Moscow’s plans to rebuild a Greater Rus- sia into the welcoming hands of the single market. In unleashing their coup, Western powers gave fascist groups a free hand, even as they openly celebrated Ukraine’s wartime Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera, who enthu- siastically facilitated the Final Solution in Eastern Europe. Western media for months branded these groups lead- A picture of nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera hangs proudly over ing the worst of the violence the ‘headquarters of the revolution’ in Kiev “radical” protesters in a cyni- cal bid to equate them with ted by defections. history of meddling including democratic demands to escape These hooligans have since the so-called Orange Revolu- the grip of Moscow and come been sent to south-eastern tion in 2004-5. over to the human rights- Ukraine where protesters, un- Even if the government’s loving EU. derstandably reluctant to live leaders don’t have the same The most extreme of these under the yoke of fascism, have overt links to Nazi collabora- fascist gangs have been kept demanded greater autonomy tion as some of their junior out of the new coup-installed or secession to Russia, bor- coalition partners, they have government – though violent rowing the Maidan tactics of shown no reluctance in utilis- extreme nationalists Svoboda occupying government building fascist methods to clamp (or Freedom) has a few promi- ings in the process. down on dissent. nent ministries – broadly reflec- While we should take Secret services officers tive of their almost-total lack of Moscow’s insistence that it has have reportedly been told to support in Ukrainian society. no forces in Donetsk and the prepare reports – false ones But rather than disarm these other pro-Russian regions in if necessary – to justify the well-funded and violent groups, the east with sizeable help- banning of the Communist Ukraine’s coup government ings of salt, we should also be Party, the only organisation has chosen to incorporate clear that it’s the US and EU in Ukraine committed to the them within the state struc- that have provoked this crisis country’s territorial integrity ture, creating a new National in the first place – CIA agents and fighting against whichever Guard from the “heroes of were repeatedly found egging oligarchic faction is in power. Maidan,” largely to plug the protesters on in the original Moves have also been made gaps in the armed forces gut- Euromaiden protests, part of a to ban the centre-right Party 9 UKRAINE CRISIS World communist youth on the situation in Uraine

The developments in Ukraine are particularly crucial and dangerous, first of all for the people and the youth of the country, who are being transformed again into victims of the intense antagonisms between the US-EU and Russia, for the control of markets, of natural resources and the transportation networks of the country. The open intervention of the EU-US-Nato, the utilisation of fascist groups and organisations which are the descend- ants of the SS and spread fascist and Nazi venom and anti-communism, the planned persecutions and banning of political parties primarily against the communists, and the racist laws that are being prepared against the Russian- speaking population and other minorities, all demonstrate Lviv Communist Party secretary Rostislav the character of the developments, and uncover the lies Vasilko is grabbed and taken to be tortured about the “triumph of democracy in Ukraine”. The youth — especially in Europe — can now see more and (below) fascists plunder party offices clearly the real face of the EU: It is a union of the capitalists and of the monopolies of Europe and serves their inter- of the Regions of exiled Presi- ests. That is why the EU is reactionary in its nature. It is a dent Viktor Yanukovic. union of military interventions, wars, support for fascist Communists have come groups, of anticommunism which is its official ideology. All under physical attack while those cultivating the illusions that the EU can transform campaigning in the upcoming into a force of peace and stability in favour of the peoples, presidential elections, while have a great responsibility here. fascists have overrun the The Communist Youth Organizations that sign this an- central offices in Kiev – comb- nouncement: ing through records to find n Denounce the intervention of the EU-USA-NATO in future “undesirables” in the the internal affairs of Ukraine, the direct support that they new Ukraine – and attempted are providing to the armed fascist groups, the menaces of a to mount raids on the party’s foreign military intervention. regional offices. Monuments to n Express our solidarity with the Communists of Ukraine. Lenin and the victory against We denounce the persecutions and the attempts to ban fascism in 1945 have also the Communist Party of Ukraine. been frequent targets of these The young people of the working class and of the popu- friends of Europe’s attacks. lar strata must not fall in the trap of nationalist dilemmas, The claim that aspirations of in choosing a side in the antagonisms over who will exploit greater freedom and democ- them. On the contrary, the youth have an interest in organ- racy were at the centre of the ising and struggling along with the working class, to open Maidan protests has also been their own way — the way of the struggle in favour of our proved a sham by the coup modern needs, so that the wealth remains in the hands of government’s quick turn to the those who produce it, so that we rid ourselves from the International Monetary Fund to Kiev’s refusal to implement imperialist unions and their antagonisms. plug the gaps in the economy some of its economic reforms. brought about by the with- The developments in drawal of cheap Russian fuel. Ukraine expose the pernicious Signatories IMF staff have reportedly role of the European Union Communist Youth of Austria KJOe Communist Youth of Greece KNE recommended that the board and show once again the Union of Communist Youth Brazil Left Front Hungary – Baloldali Front approve a £10 billion loan West’s willingness to use the UJC Young Communist Front of Italy FGC to Ukraine, while the details most reactionary of forces to Communist Youth Avancando Connolly Youth Movement Ireland weren’t clear as Challenge get ensure access to markets. Brazil JCA YCL Mexico – LJC Mexico went to press, IMF loans It is vital we send our solidar- YCL Britain Young Communists of Norway – Communist Youth of Bolivia JCB UngKom i Norges always come with neoliberal ity to those battling the forces YCL Canada Paraguayan Communist Youth – strings, “restructuring” the of reaction in Ukraine and Colombian Communist Youth – JUCO JCP economy to privatise public emphasise that tensions in the EDON Cyprus Peruvian Communist Youth – JCP assets and attack workers’ east aren’t simply the result Young Socialists Croatia Portuguese Communist Youth – JCP rights. of Putin throwing his weight Young Communists of Denmark – RCYLb Russia – RKSMb Ungkommunisterne i Danmark YCL Yugoslavia (Serbia) – SKOJ The IMF has long been try- around, but are the product of Communist Youth of Ecuador JCE Collectives of Young Communists, ing to force Ukraine to adopt inter-imperialist rivalries where Movement of Young Communists Spain – CJC its particular brand of capital- Britain, the EU and US have France MJCF Union of Communist Youth of ism, suspending loans to the been stoking the flames. Socialist German Worker Youth – Spain – UJCE SDAJ Communist Youth of Venezuela country twice since 2008 for James Rodie YCL Georgia – JCV 10 SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE pic: Jonathan Mitchell (CC) THE REFERENDUM FIVE MONTHS TO GO

With just a few months to go until the vote, YCL Scottish organiser JOHNNIE HUNTER says the YCL and Communist Party position is the only one based on class struggle

I HAVE tried through the sovereignty, economic democ- proaching the final few months should be respected. articles we have published in racy and, most fundamentally, of campaigning the statement Our commitment to the Challenge to keep comrades in revolutionary strategy. succinctly outlines the YCL po- right to self-determination is the rest of Britain up to date Unfortunately many com- sition and why it is so justified one of principle. with the progress of the ref- rades on the left in both Scot- and correct - especially after At the same time, the Com- erendum debate and the work land and the rest of Britain the publication of the SNP’s munist Party maintains its the YCL has been engaged in seem to have got the wrong draft constitution. other principle of judging the Scotland to try to put class idea about the referendum The CP Scottish Com- exercise of that right in terms politics at the very centre of debate, what is on offer and mittee defends the right of of the class interests of the the argument. what is likely to happen post nations to self-determination Scottish people and of those At the same time I have Yes or No vote. and condemns the coalition of working people in Britain tried to outline the line of So in this edition I have cho- government for its threats of and internationally. the YCL and the party on the sen to reproduce the excellent non-cooperation. If a majority On this basis Communists national question in Scotland Scottish Communist Party of the Scottish people vote for do not believe independence and frame the question in the Statement on Scottish Inde- independence in the 2014 ref- on the terms proposed is proper context of national pendence. In what is fast ap- erendum, then their decision in the interests of working 11 SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE people today any more than it was in the 1970s. At that time Communists and the left in the trade union led the way in the fight for a Scottish parliament with powers to intervene in the economy, to develop public ownership and increase labour’s power over capital – powers that would in turn strengthen the bargaining power of working people across Britain. It is our conviction that independence as proposed in the white paper would weaken such bargaining power and strengthen that of big business and of its state machine at both British and Scottish level. Membership of the sterling area would subordinate Scotland to current neoliberal policies without any power to change them – at the same time as seriously eroding the opportunity for united working-class action across the nations of Britain to do so. Worse still, membership of the EU would oblige Scotland to incorporate in any written Scottish YCLers are advocating class politics not opportunist seperation constitution the terms of the 2012 Treaty on Stability, Coor- dination and Governance. anything like mass support class terms against the state This Treaty requires even in Scotland today. Election power of big business. tougher controls on gov- results show this Currently that power is ernment spending than the Our The inevitably rancorous ne- concentrated at British level Stability and Growth Pact, with gotiations over the division of and represents above all the the same objective - using commitment to resources will harden national- interests of the City of Lon- unemployment as the market the right to self- ist attitudes. don. Under a “white paper” regulator to curb the trade determination Yet these years, 2015-2017, constitution big business will union movement. will be precisely when the continue to exercise this While it is conceivable that is one of terms of the new written power through its dispropor- some of the most reactionary principle. At the Scottish constitution will be de- tionate ownership of the Scot- aspects of the white paper, same time that termined and the SNP’s white tish economy and the binding such as Nato membership paper demonstrates a clear in- requirements of its instru- and reducing corporation tax, right should be tent to do so on the terms set ments, the Bank of England and might be reversed as a result exercised in by big business and Scotland’s the EU treaties. of subsequent political mobi- own finance capital sector. A No vote in the refer- lisation by the left, we judge it terms of class This is why Communists endum has to be made the to be extremely unlikely that interests oppose this White Paper on springboard for remobilising there would be a reversal of Independence. Instead we the working class movement positions on Sterling and EU continue to call for radical at British level to demand real membership. federalism as the best way constitutional change. The transition to independ- of developing class cohesion The fight for radical federal- ence will take place at a time across the nations of Britain. ism, as outlined in the Red of diminishing oil revenues This means national parlia- Paper, must begin now. At and unfavourable economic ments with powers of eco- the same time the fight for circumstances – allowing any nomic intervention, ownership the objectives of the People’s Scottish government, and the and control and a federal Charter and the People’s As- big business-controlled media, parliament with overall pow- sembly, backed by the united to call for fiscal ‘stability’ in ers over economic policy and trade union movement in face of adverse market reac- a constitutional obligation to England, Scotland and Wales, tions. redistribute in terms of social must be stepped up. Left-wing supporters of need. Radical federalism will only independence need to think We believe that this pro- be won on the basis of class through the consequences. The vides the best framework for mobilisation across the nations socialist left does not possess uniting working people on of Britain. 12 BACK2BASICS Back 2 Basics Part four: Production Surplus Value

In the last back to basics, we discussed the value of a commodity and found that this came in two forms, use-value and exchange-value, and that they were derived from the labour required to produce the commodity, use-value from spe- cific labour and exchange-value from abstract social labour. But under the capitalist system, labour itself (or more accurately labour-power, the capacity to labour) is sold as a commodity. So what is the value of labour? The first important distinc- tion to be made when answer- ing this question is between labour and labour-power. When a worker enters into an economic relationship with a capitalist, it is not his labour pic: Alan Cirker which is sold directly. If this were the case, the value of a Thus, the capitalist pays for labour more than the amount worker is effectively working days labour would be equiva- a day’s labour-power and, for required to survive. Under for his own sustenance and lent to a days labour and we that day, the worker (at least in capitalism, this surplus is ex- produces £30 worth of com- have proved nothing. terms of his labour) becomes propriated by the capitalist and modities. Moreover the capitalist, in the property of the capitalist provides the source of profit. He has now produced the paying the price of a day’s la- who can decide how much For example, suppose a equivalent of his wages and bour for a day’s labour, makes work is carried out and under worker produces (in one we may well think that he no profit. what conditions. six-hour day) £60 worth of has honoured his part of the It was argued, therefore, So what is the value of a commodities and consumes, bargain. that the capitalist must pay the day’s labour-power? Along on average, £30 worth of com- “But wait!” says the capital- worker less than the value of with other commodities, the modities. This £30, required ist, “I have paid you for a day’s labour their labour. But, by the value of labour-power can to sustain and reproduce the labour and that day is not yet laws of supply and demand, be reduced to the amount of worker, is advanced by the finished.” So the worker is this would only be possible if labour required to produce capitalist in the form of wages. required to work for another there were constantly more it, or in this case to produce In return for the value of three hours, during which he workers than jobs, which is (and reproduce) the labourer’s one day’s labour-power, the produces another £30 worth not always the case. food, shelter, clothing, etc. capitalist receives the product of commodities. In reality, what is sold by the There came a time in human of one day’s labour. This labour is referred to as worker to the capitalist is not history when due to the use But this product is £60 surplus-labour and the value labour but labour-power the of tools, etc a person could worth of commodities. So, it creates as surplus-value. worker’s capacity to labour. produce through their own for the first three hours the It is this surplus-value which provides profit for the capitalist, rent for the landlord and Further Reading interest for the banks. It is through the appropria- Value, Price and Profit — Karl Marx A Short Course of Political Economy — tion of this surplus-value that Capital — Karl Marx L Leontyec the capitalist class lives off the Wage-Labour and Capital — Karl Marx Political Economy — John Eaton work of the mass of exploited Capital — Karl Marx (Chapter 4) people like some vast, over-fed parasite. 13 WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY CON-DEMS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Not content with cutting ble for workers’ safety? more with existing picked by the government to funding to health and safety The government regulation. Need- review the HSE, declared that enforcement, the Tory-led gov- wants to cut “red less to say, cutting the body was “fit for purpose,” ernment have signalled future tape” and regula- regulation will but that the reduction in plans to privatise the Health & tions that are not help protect HSE funding has reduced the Safety Executive (HSE). supposedly a those working amount of pro-active work They have already chopped barrier to for small busi- being undertaken meaning the and changed the way the business. nesses. organisation has been forced HSE operates and are blindly They are Hav- to take a reactive approach, repeating the claim that health target- ing lost only tackling issues after ac- and safety at work is mere ing this patience cidents have happened. “red tape” and “bureaucracy” The government flew into a that just gets in the way. rage at Temple’s recommenda- The government will actually tions asking him to change the be assessing “whether there results of his report, some- is a continuing need for the thing he was not willing to do. HSE’s functions” on top of a As a result they have dismissed decision to “examine commer- him to be replaced for someone cial models.” “who will share their zeal for The Tories’ push to de- greater commercialisation.” regulate health and safety at In other words, someone work has been condemned who will help hamstring by the TUC as “stupid the HSE and endanger the and dangerous” and will lives of working people. no-doubt have a huge If you ever needed affect on conditions more evidence to at work. prove that the Con- Last year two servatives were business pals of not, as they like David Cameron to claim, “for were para- hardworking chuted into people” then the HSE you need from BP look no - the pri- further. vatised The company YCL says best- don’t remem- let the bered for the catastrophic oil particularly at small businesses with all their previous means Tories threaten your welfare spill in the Gulf of Mexico. who they say are struggling of undermining conditions for at work. Unionise and join in Even if you didn’t think this under burdensome H&S working people, the ruling class the struggle for workers rights reeked of nepotism in and of regulations when in fact small via their spokesperson Cam- which starts now. The 28th of itself, ask yourself how are two companies are more likely eron have announced that they April is International Workers’ people previously employed to flout regulations and less will be carrying out the scrap- Memorial Day where we com- to wring as much productivity likely to have decent levels of ping of 800 safety regulations, memorate those who never from the workers by cutting union organisation – the most bringing us much nearer to came home from work and corners in health and safety effective way to improve safety their ultimate aim of carrying fight for the rights of those – as proved by the shoddy at work. us back to Dickensian condi- still at work. standards exposed at the Workers in small businesses tions in the name of profit. Commemorate the Deepwater Horizon rig in the are already vulnerable and it This is after Martin Temple, dead, fight like hell for Gulf of Mexico – supposed to is evident that these sort of chair of the Engineering Em- the living! run an organisation responsi- companies need to comply ployers Federation and hand- Owain Holland 14 TUC YOUNG MEMBERS REPORT CONVINCING CAREERISTS

pic: Dominc Alves (CC)

THIS year’s TUC Young Work- help strengthen the campaign Asia are tricked into the the pair to the sound of the ers Conference once again against low pay, precarious country on promises of decent famous US communist Paul laid bare the massive tasks work and for free education. work but are not allowed to Robeson’s Joe Hill - about a facing communists in pushing Former Fulham defender leave once they leave Qatar union activist executed for a forward progressive, militant Abdeslam Ouddou then spoke because of the kafala system. crime he did not commit. The policies within our unions. about the international trade Most have their passports ille- RMT delegation accepted a The first day saw TUC presi- union movement’s Re-Run gally confiscated and are forced book of condolences from the dent Mohammed Taj speak the Vote campaign against the to work in conditions that ef- General, Municipal and Boiler- about racism and his previous 2022 Qatar World Cup. He fectively amount to slavery. makers union (GMB) delega- job driving buses while NUS outlined his experiences in the But conference began with a tion. Conference honoured the vice-president Dom Anderson country ruled by an absolute tribute to Bob Crow and Tony contribution of Bob and Tony went on to praise the renewed monarchy and an extremist Benn, two giants of the labour and pledged in the spirit of the agreement signed between the version of Islam. movement. phrase coined in the days after TUC and NUS, saying it will Migrant workers from South A video featuring photos of Joe Hill was murdered: “Don’t 15 TUC YOUNG MEMBERS REPORT mourn, organise!” No one our age had a say on trial action and building for a Workshops included themes the EU and since 1975 there general strike. of global solidarity, voter have been significant devel- Unite’s motion focused on registration and rights for ap- opments towards a federal organising the unorganised. prentices. superstate. The mover spoke passionate- Sadly, the global solidarity People who would vote to ly about the experience of their session was in fact a propa- remain members of the Euro- brother, told not to bother ganda exercise on behalf of the pean Union MPs such as Keith coming back to work the next ITUC – the union international Vaz or Jon Cruddas also sup- day after taking a sick day. founded as a breakaway from port a referendum. Cameron’s Recognising that young the militant World Federation pledge to hold a referendum if people often work on short- of Trade Unions – and the Eu- he wins the next election has term contracts in insecure, ropean Trade Union Confeder- won him real support. precarious work in un-union- ation – funded by the Europe- Labour’s refusal to let Britain ised workplaces, the motion an Commission (that friend of decide is unnecessary and self- proposed a young workers or- the working class, devoted to defeating. ganising strategy. Just what we privatising European industry I pointed out that delegates need if we are to build a new and services) and functions were crying crocodile tears for generation of trade unionists. entirely to secure support Tony Benn and Bob Crow just I met many great rank and for the EU austerity project to drag their politics through filers such as those from among trade unionists. the mud, guaranteeing them Unite, PCS, NUT, Aslef and The Brussels-based full-tim- that if they looked up at the the bakers. Another positive er made much of the “German night sky that evening they occurred after conference model” allowing workers to would see two twinkling stars ended, delegates from the sit on company boards while and that would be Tony and North West agreed to reform wages stagnate and German Bob shining down on them for the TUC North West Young imperialism destroys the voting in favour of this motion. Members committee to pro- economies of its neighbours I outlined the neoliberal, It’s no good vide speakers for schools and for short-term profit (that’s undemocratic, anti-socialist crying colleges and to help support not a verbatim quote). nature of the EU, exemplified each other’s campaigns. They responded to a ques- in enforcing austerity on Spain, crocodile But I had serious con- tion about the World Federa- Greece, Portugal, Italy and tears for Bob cerns about the conference’s tion of Trade Unions — the Ireland. Crow and democratic processes, feeling class-oriented global union The aim of building a single the event was highly stage- centre — with anti-red hyste- European market and pro- Tony Benn managed. ria about WFTU being “pawns” privatisation constitution pose just to drag Many of the larger delega- of the Cuban “dictatorship.” serious dangers to our remain- their politics tions consisted of apolitical, The election for the TUC ing public services, including inexperienced delegated Young Workers Forum vice- the NHS, I said. through the (some of whom admitted to chair saw Femi Igbekele put There was a good debate mud me they had never even been up from the Communica- with a little scaremongering to a branch meeting) being tion Workers Union as the and perpetuation of the social looked after by a older full right-wing candidate against Europe myth — where exactly timer minder-who presumably Anthony Curley from Unite. is this magical place? told them how to think and Anthony is a dedicated trade The delegations from big how to vote. unionist with an impressive unions were clearly under The problems with the TUC record (when he was elected pressure from above to op- coluld clearly be seen in the shop steward his site had 5 pose the motion in line with #askFrances twitter campaign members, it now has 280!). An- their national policy, although held on the 26th March. This thony won by a huge majority. a number of people said they was promoted at conference The only motion involving supported a referendum. heavily. When RMT and Unite any real political debate was There were a number of asked when the TUC would moved by the RMT calling for other positive motions passed implement motion 75 from an in/out referendum on the on issues such as pensions, TUC13 – we were brushed off. European Union. It was also the living wage, freedom from The motion was introduced the only motion to fall. workplace abuse, equal pay by Bob Crow and asked for I had the honour of intro- and young carers. support for trades councils ducing the motion, beginning The National Union of (who founded the TUC in the with a quote from Tony Benn: Teachers put forward a first place) and the right for “Dare to be a Daniel,” and fantastic motion about the them to send delegates to given the amount of support de-skilling of the profession, congress. This was passed, but for the EU at the TUC I cer- unachievable targets, stress like much that happens at the tainly felt like I was in among and long hours. TUC, democracy hasn’t got the lions. Civil servants’ union PCS that much to do with it! The motion was about de- union spoke passionately in mocracy, solidarity and taking favour of their motion on George Waterhouse was back a victory handed to Tory fighting austerity proposing a delegate for the RMT. PM David Cameron without a campaign on youth issues, He is writing in a personal a fight. supporting coordinated indus- capacity. 16 SMA’ SHOT DAY The Charleston drum beats again DOUGIE KIER celebrates Scottish weavers’ heroic struggle

During the Industrial Revolu- tion, Paisley was turned from a small market town into a large weaving-based manufacturing centre, seeing its population more than double during the late 18th century. The weavers, working to commission, had time to read and debate and formed a repu- tation for radicalism. In times of strife the weavers were called out onto the streets of Paisley by the beating of the Charleston Drum, named after the town that most of the textile workers lived. During the 19th century the cause of the strife was the manufacturers, locally known as “Corks”, refusal to pay for the Sma’ Shot (small shot). An effigy of the bosses is burned and a man beats the drum This is the Cot- ton thread used colourful weft The workers were forced to the largest weaving company, to bind the threads into pick up the tab or go without moved its mills to Brazil and the warps of any money for their work. Af- India. A tactic that shows the the famous “Pais- ter a hard fought battle, involv- unchanging imperative of to ley Pattern” shawls. ing many protest marches over seek out cheap and unorgan- The shot wasn’t vis- many months, the weavers ised work-forces rather than ible in the finished item, demands were won and the face organised workers. This but without it the whole manufacturers paid the weav- decline in weaving led to a piece would fall apart. ers for the Sma’ shot. pause in the celebration of The first Saturday in July, Sma’ Shot Day between 1975- already a traditional holiday for 86 but renewed interest since the Weavers, was named Sma’ then has insured the Char- Shot Day in honour of the leston Drum can be heard victory. once again as a procession, led by an effigy of one of the The Charleston Drum was defeated manufacturers, makes used to summon the Weav- its way through Paisley from ers for their annual trip, most Brodie Park to Abbey Close, often, “doon the water” to where the effigy is burned, on Ayr. Although this battle was the first Saturday of July. The won, political power remained Communist Party of Britain in the hands of the manufac- and Young Communist League, turers, leaving the workers hoping to build on recent vulnerable. activity in Paisley, shall be The weaving industry on holding a stall on the day and a large scale was destroyed joining the march. The people in Paisley when J&P Coats, of Paisley have fought and won pic: Paisley Scotland, before. Now is the time to join above Scot Manson the fight against austerity. 17 VENEZUELA United States is up to its old tricks in The US is trying to oust President Caracas Maduro, writes BRENDAN LEE

On January 22 the far-right Falsely attributed images which they lost. politician Leopoldo Lopez showing state repression in As a result the far-right along with a number of other Greece, Egypt, Chile and opposition groups including opposition leaders called for Singapore have been used to Lopez, who received just 6 per The US has “la salida,” or “the ousting,” of create a narrative of a violent cent in the December mu- accused the government. repressive state. nicipal elections, have sought He called for a complete However the protests have to seize power outside of the the Maduro change of those in power included the firebombing of ballot box. government of by “getting people into the state buildings and the setting ‘unleashing a streets” which unleashed a up of deadly barricades. Nylon US involvement in wave of violent protests which thread has been drawn across Venezuela campaign of have left government buildings major roads by these protest- terror against its destroyed, roads in a handful ers which decapitated one The United States, since own people’ of area’s blockaded and at least person on a scooter (a mode the outbreak of la salida has 41 people dead. of transport primarily used by accused the Maduro govern- In order to portray the the working class) and killed ment of “a campaign of terror ousting as a justified popular another. against its own people” and uprising the right-wing private of failing to respect “human media stations in Venezuela — The lead up to the ousting rights.” and the international media — But the US’s involvement is have tried to show two things. Hugo Chavez’s health deterio- not limited to comments such Firstly that large sections rated after his 2012 elec- as these from John Kerry and of the population from across toral victory against Henrique Joe Biden, which simply throw the country are involved in Caprilesand and he was rushed a veneer over what has been the protests and secondly that to Cuba for medical treatment. a long-term protracted effort their use of violence is justified Within days Capriles and to overthrow the socialist Even during the height of the other opposition leaders Venezuelan government. disruptions most of the vio- were declaring Chavez unfit Eva Golinger, a US-born lence was isolated to just 18 for office and called for fresh lawyer based in Venezuela has of the 335 municipalities in the elections. estimated that in the period country and was perpetrated, Nicolas Maduro was sworn between 2000 and 2012 the according to Interior Minister in as the interim president. The US has given Venezuelan oppo- Miguel Rodriguez, by fewer tragic death of Hugo Chavez sition groups about $120m. than 2,000 individuals. on March 5 2013, led to the The United States was also Of these 18 municipalities, opposition heightening their complicit in the failed coup in almost all are wealthier re- offensive against the govern- 2002 which sought to over- gions in which the opposition ment and it immediately began throw Hugo Chavez with the has had electoral success. campaigning for fresh elections. aid of the military and install As a result the uprising is far Since the death of Chavez, an unelected government. from nationwide and popular, The right-wing opposition’s The Harvard-educated but instead is reliant on a small electoral coalition MUD has Lopez, was a key player in that dedicated demographic iso- lost both regional and mayoral original coup attempt. lated in economically affluent elections. President Maduro’s Although Venezuela has one regions of the country. coalition won 55 per cent of of the largest crude oil re- Since the outbreak of the vote in December, a 10 serves in the world, the United violence 41 people have been per cent lead of 1.2 million States’ desire isn’t limited to killed and hundreds injured. votes. its oil. The international media has Confident in winning, The inspirational gains portrayed many of these Capriles held up these elec- achieved by the Bolivarian deaths as being the work of tions as a referendum against revolution in housing, health- state security forces. the PSUV, a referendum to care and education have led 18 VENEZUELA to a renewed shift to the left in south America not seen since the 70’s and the ALBA group, a latin American trade organisation, is providing a real alternative to US imperialism. Nicaragua for example in 2006 re-elected a Sandinista government that has been drastically improving the qual- ity of life for its citizens thanks to beneficial trade agreements. Oil sent to Nicaragua is charged at half price, with the other half a long term loan to be spent on social projects. Rather then pay in currency, however, the Sandinista government exchanges the oil for various goods in short supply in Venezuela, this enables both countries to save precious foreign currency reserves. By destroying the Bolivarian revolution, the US would both destroy the new poster-child of socialism around the world but also a major financier of social projects for progressive governments who otherwise would be reliant on high interest loans from the IMF and World Bank which put limits on social spending and policy.

Parallels with Pinochet

In the run-up to the Chilian coup that overthrow the government of Salvador Allende, a process of economic warfare took place, although much of this was lead on an international scale by the United States. Massive pricing increases happened within the country Violent Venezuelan right-wingers set up barricades on many basic resources due to stockpiling and hoarding by have been kicked out of the ing and tortured thousands suppliers. country having been caught more, we need to be as vigilant This was to done to apply trying to bribe officials and as ever. economic pressure on those hold meetings with senior The progress and gains who traditionally would sup- figures in the security forces. made by the Bolivarian revolu- port the government and Much of the money has been tion are an inspiration to the create discontent. tied to previous protests and working class around the Similarly since la salida, violence that has taken place world showing that another prices of certain goods have in the country as well direct world is possible — but with- sky-rocketed, with basics such funding for opposition candi- out vigilance these gains could as milk, flour and toilet paper dates. easily be lost. in short supply. The parallel can once again The fates of working people This is a direct result of the be drawn with Chile where the around the world are intri- economic warfare that has CIA paid around $6.8–$8m to cately tied and with the help of been running in tandem with right-wing opposition groups the new alternative that is be- the violent blockades on the to “create pressures, exploit ing built in the Latin America. streets. weaknesses, magnify obstacles” Together, we can forge a so- Again the US continues to and hasten Allende’s ousting. cialist alternative. pump huge quantities of capital Barely 40 years on from Brendan Lee is an execu- into opposition groups in the ’73 coup that installed the tive committe member of Venezuela. Pinochet military junta, which the Venezuela Solidarity US agents based in Venezuela left thousands dead and miss- Campaign 19 OBITUARY

tantly — its successes. Bob made trade unionism relevant to young people in the union, rousing confidence and encouraging everyone to get active. Bob Crow It was particularly effective with low-paid agency workers, delivering lessons in politics and organising strategy to them in a way they understood. On programmes such as Question Time he projected a consistent class-based message 1961-2014 preaching the strength of col- Bob Crow was a giant. At a He told Bob to read both the elected as the youngest-ever as- lective action — best summed time when most people would Financial Times and the Morning sistant general secretary in 1994. up in his insistence: “Spit on struggle to name a national Star but to trust only the latter. He was elected as general your own and you can’t do any- trade union leader his name Bob joined the Communist secretary in 2002 — and then thing, but if you all spit together will live on forever. Party of Great Britain and, again unopposed in 2007 and you can drown the bastards” His death led to an unprec- when it was liquidated by 2012 — under the banner I remember a man of great edented national outpouring revisionists, the re-founded “Campaign for a fighting humour and strong personality. of grief. Communist Party of Britain. democratic union.” At the last AGM in Brighton I Bob always had the time and He joined the Socialist Labour Under Bob The RMT grew had the pleasure of playing in patience for everyone, he was Party in 1995 but left a few by more than 20,000. defence with Bob and Millwall a fiery speaker and his passion years later. The democratic procedures legend Terry Hurlock. energised countless meetings, Bob was a track worker he introduced see regional Behind his tough exterior conferences and demonstra- and became a member of the organisers and the national Bob Crow was a caring, sensi- tions. He is greatly missed in the National Union of Railwaymen executive elected, he initiated tive man and people often National Union of Rail, Maritime (NUR) in 1979 just as Thatcher three-year term limits for mem- didn’t realise this. and Transport workers (RMT) was elected. Living through bers of the executive, who then One day Bob was confront- and across the entire movement. decades of defeat for the la- go back to work — keeping ed by a journalist outside his Bob Crow was born in east bour movement, he would later them in touch with members. house on his way to work. London but moved to Hain- become a symbol of its revival. RMT is a relatively small The journalist blocked his ault, Essex, when he was young. He held a string of lay posi- union but arguably the best way and shouted that since he His father George, docker, tions before he was elected known because of its demo- was stopping Londoners getting trade-unionist and communist. to the executive in 1992 and cratic vitality and most impor- to work, this “hero” was stop- 20 OBITUARY ping him from getting to work — part of the general bourgeois media’s attack on one of the most effective working- class leaders of our time. The pressure and stress this Tony Benn must have caused Bob is unim- aginable. The gutter-press that followed him on holiday, went through his bins and invented smears against him must hang their heads in shame. They must accept some blame for Bob’s early death 1925-2014 and have blood on their hands. Shortly before being elected In March the labour movement general secretary Bob was lost a man who had been one pic: Regents physically attacked by two men of it's few, and increasingly rare, University armed with iron bars who parliamentary champions who (CC) were either fascists or thugs had always sought to remain on hired by the bosses. the side of working people. The right-wing media often Tony Benn died aged 88 on described Bob as “hated by com- the 14th of March 2014, having muters” despite never learning lived a long and colourful life, at to drive and using public trans- home surrounded by his family. port to get to work every day. Benn was born in London Bob was at his heart a man in 1925. His father had also of peace. He played a large been a Labour MP, a defector role in the Stop the War cam- from the Liberals. Although paign against Iraq and in Trade Benn was privately educated Union CND. at Westminster School, he Never taken in by the La- turned his back on his privi- bour Party privateers, Bob de- leged upbringing as an MP. manded the renationalisation He joined the home guard of the railways — something during WWII at 16 remarking he knew the vast majority of in later life: “I could use a bayo- n “The Civil Service can frus- supporter of the Morning Star. the population supported. net, a rifle, a revolver, and if I'd trate the policies and decisions Long may he be remembered.” Nor was duped by the seen a German officer having a of popularly elected govern- He was a great supporter of poison of social partnership meal I’d have tossed a grenade ments.” the people’s daily paper, rec- that infected the trade union through the window. Would I n Lack of democracy and cen- ognising the role it could play movement, causing the TUC to have been a freedom fighter or tralisation in the Labour Party in combating the power of the support the EU. a terrorist?” Benn later joined allowed the leader to run “the private media to distort public He played a big role in the RAF in 1943. Party almost as if it were his perception. establishing No2EU a socialist Benn was first elected to Par- personal kingdom. Alongside the late great Bob electoral alternative, calling for liament in 1950 the beginning of n “The power of industrialists Crow championed and was a left exit. Bob was an interna- a parliamentary career spanning and bankers to get their way fundamental in supporting the tionalist and strong supporter 47 years between 1950 and his by use of the crudest form No2EU Yes to Democracy of Cuba and Venezuela. retirement in 2001. of economic pressure, even campaign. RMT’s opposition to the EU As Post-Master General in Ha- blackmail, against a Labour He was president of the was in line with trade unionists rold Wilson's government Benn Governmen Stop the War Coalition right from across the world — these clashed with the Queen person- n And “the ability of the pri- up until his death, speaking at bonds of solidarity helped Bob ally over attempts to remove the vately owned media “like the the largest demonstration in forge links between workers Sovereign’s head from stamps. power of the medieval Church, British history in 2003. around the planet culminating In 1972 Benn helped cam- ensures that events of the day He was also a great sup- in the RMT affiliating to the paign in support of a referen- are always presented from the porter of the fledgling People’s class-conscious World Federa- dum on European Economic point of the view of those who Assembly Against Austerity — tion of Trade Unions (WFTU) Community (now EU) member- enjoy economic privilege.” Benn’s legacy for us will be this For Bob to die aged only 52 is ship within the Labour Party. As Our generation will remem- tireless fight to reverse the a tragedy, but he put several life- Secretary of State for Industry, ber Tony Benn for the essential ruling-class offensive. times of work into our move- Tony Benn introduced nation- role he played after his retire- Our most fitting tribute to ment. His legacy is the revival of alised industry pay and implement in 2001. him will be to fight to ensure a militant trade-unionism. mented improved conditions for YCL General Secretary Zoe they do so. Your best tribute to him workers through the Health and Hennessy paying tribute said: Tony Benn was undoubtedly would be to get everyone you Safety at Work Act 1974. “Tony Benn was a an inspi- one of the greatest parliamen- know and work with signed up Benn always acknowledged rational figure to my parents tarians in British history. He to the union, to get more in- the reality, limitations and role generation as well as to my never stopped fighting, driven volved and more active in your of the parliamentary struggle. own. right till the end by a burning union. In the words of Joe Hill: He noted four crucial points in “He was a stalwart, a great send of justice, integrity and “Don’t mourn, organise!” particular: socialist fighter and friend and belief in socialism. 21 MUSIC A revolution in

Beethoven’s Symphony 3 shows the sound potential for upheaval innate in music

Discussion involving YCL music and the ideas behind it. tion to Napoleon Bonaparte. members may often turn to And such a marriage of ideas At the time of composi- the sort of music we may or was on evidence at a good tion in late 1803 Beethoven man not consider revolution- performance by the London saw the French leader as the ary. Philarmonic Orchestra of embodiment of the ideals of Whether it’s Paul Robeson Beethoven’s Third Symphony, a the French bourgeois revolu- or Public Enemy, we search for monumental piece marking the tion which championed the lib- the most progressive artforms, start of the maturing com- erty of the then revolutionary whether in the lyrics or the poser’s middle period. bourgeoisie and the political ideology of the individuals Musically speaking, the pe- and social upheaval it sought. involved. riod was distinguished by sev- After Napoleon declared What we sometimes forget, eral features such as lengthy himself Emperor of the French however, is that music itself symphonies and a shifting in 1804, Beethoven changed has the potential to be revo- away from the classicism the preface explicitly dedicating lutionary, a relationship which of the previous genera- Napoleon to the more vague may partly be separate from tion by (aggressively) “composta per festeggiare il the character of the artist. collating and using all sovvenire di un grand Uomo,” Stravinsky, in particu- of the tools at a late- or “composed to honour the lar, comes to mind as an classical composer’s memory of a great man.” example of a composer disposal. The composer recognised who despite his fanatical The symphony’s that in doing so, a figure who right-wing views and flirta- first movement had previously been considered tions with Italian fascist alone is of compa- revolutionary had now become dictator Mussolini wrote rable length to the a tyrant, abandoning any ideals what might be called entirety of most previously held. That said, he innovative and modern- previous symphonies was astute and mature enough ist music, the likes of and, although this may in his decision to not react in which were previously not seem particularly a knee-jerk fashion by dismiss- unheard of. insightful, its length ing anything that Napoleon had Nevertheless, the was part of what gave once stood for, and recognised greatest works are this piece its colos- that he had once been great. those in which we see a sal, groundbreaking and Played with characteristic at- revolutionary artist at sometimes incomprehensi- tention to detail, the LPO con- the peak of his revolu- ble feel at the time. ducted by Vladimir Jurowski, tionary output, both Of course hour-long sym- (grandson of soviet film score in terms of the phonies have for about 200 composer and prominent years been the norm, but member of the Jewish Anti- what is revolutionary by Fascist Committee, Vladimir our standards does not Michailovich Jurowski), does always coincide with its best on the other hand not what was revolutionary to lose sight of the triumphant at the start of the 19th whole vision of the symphony. century. The vivacious nature of the It is in this vein that first movement allegro con we can also analyse the brio is done justice throughout, purpose for which this and despite its energy there is piece was written an atmosphere of slight tension. — the French At this point we are introduced Revolution of to the memorable and singable 1789, and melody, a theme which we will more pre- later recognise in the fourth cisely in movement. dedica- The brilliance of the 22 MUSIC performance, and what we romantic repertoire. which really gives us an indica- recognise to be the most The performance is slow tion of a revolutionary piece, revolutionary aspect of the and achingly drawn out in or- which despite its initial tension symphony is at show in the der to maximise the emotion comes through shrouded in next three movements. present on the score. courage and triumph — that is The marcia funebre, or The pain of the funeral to say the real expression of a funeral march, second move- march is countered by a near real revolution. ment has been described as a forced optimism in the per- movement full of despair and formance of the already light gloom, and holds its own as scherzo, before the final return one of the most emo- of the themes present in the The once-revolutionary tive moments of the first movement. Napoleon appointed late-classical and It is this fourth movement himself emperor in 1804 Poetry Corner Declan Welsh

David Cameron’s got a voice in his head Cos when the big man sees ye, he’ll be like “Hawl Dave He thinks it’s God, that’s what he said Mind what I said in like, every fucking page, Tony Blair was at it an aw About being good to the needy” He’ll gee you some slagging Decisions ruled by Canon Law Cos you couldnae even stop the gays fae shagging. They say it’s brave to parade your faith Some like it hot, but you must like it roasting Cos the Christians, naw, they arnae safe To be doing what you’re doing, then publicly boasting Persecuted like the German Jews That you’re not only a Christian, but a martyr too. But it’s worse cos it’s US, and it isnae YOUS But personally, Dave, I don’t think you have a clue. But persecutions a dangerous word I think you’re a plastic Christian, mate. Apt in the case of the reich, the third You speak of love, but deal in hate. But when a world leader of western state An apostle of apathy, of greed and sin Cites oppression, well I can’t relate The coldness that lies behind that grimacing grin. Cos who’s the tyrant who’s stealing your right Makes me pissed off, for Christians everywhere To sleep sound in your king sized bed tonight? And I’m an atheist, I shouldnae care Who’s the dictator, subjecting your kind I parade the right of universal copulation To an infringement on the freedom of body or mind? Between consenting adults of every nation Cos see if that’s happening, Dave, I’m on your side I believe in science, in ration and proof I’ll be marching with banners, to vehemently deride I’ll eat any animal, regardless of hoof Anyone who stops you from quietly praying I’m hungover on Sunday, I always miss mass From saying the stupid fucking things that you’re saying And what women do with their bodies, well I’ve no judgement to pass Cos while the idea, of a man sending troops to be killed Due to the orders of a God, who – by the way – made him But though there’s things I don’t agree with free willed There’s one positive vein Makes me feel hopeless, deranged and upset. There’s one big message that Jesus And the fact that you run a kind of government who’ll let Fae galilee way saying The rich keep getting richer, while the poor waste away, Do unto others, as I do unto you Completely contradicting what the man you claim to worship Treat everyone with respect and would say, compassion The book of Matthew, nineteen, twenty three And if that’s the golden rule, Look it up, Dave, it’s plain to see Dave, Well, that’s the one thing you’re That Jesus was a socialist, heavens door willnae open lacking. To the unrepentantly rich, and I don’t know how your coping As a man of such faith, and yet such gluttonous wealth So don’t dress up laissez faire, You must really not know what to do with your self government cuts As a commandment of the modern age I guess that’s why you don’t try to do any good in this life And as for the bible, you so claim to Apart from taking care of your kids, yourself and your wife believe Your mates and your contacts in tabloid newspapers I don’t think you’ve read a single page. Cos you’re news in this world, but you’re in for it later.

23 YOUNG COMMUNIST LEAGUE What we stand for The Young Communist League is...

...Communist ...The youth wing of the Communist Party We work to abolish capitalism and establish a socialist society based on The YCL aims to build support among young people for the Communist common ownership and democratic control, drawing on the ideas of Marx, Party’s programme, Britain’s Road to Socialism and to increase young Engels, Lenin and others, as well as on the experience of socialist countries people’s involvement in politics. The YCL is autonomous and decides its since 1917. In the context of this struggle we seek to defend and strengthen own activities and priorities. public services, the welfare state and the NHS. We believe that everyone has the right to free and inclusive secular education including access to nursery care, schools, universities, community colleges and adult education centres. ...Democratic The struggle for socialism must go hand in hand with the struggle to protect the environment, which is wilfully damaged by trans-national corporations and Policies are formulated by a Congress which must be held at least once capitalist governments in the drive for short-term profits. every two years, and are carried out by an elected Executive Commit- tee. The YCL also fights to defend and strengthen democratic rights. It rejects unfair discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, sexuality or ...Part of an international movement religious or other belief. It calls for the abolition of the monarchy and the House of Lords and regards the European Union as an undemocrat- The YCL has been a member organisation of the World Federation of ic and reactionary institution which serves the interests of big business Democratic Youth since its foundation in 1945. WFDY represents millions of rather than those of Europe’s working people. progressive anti-imperialist youth in more than 100 countries. We campaign in solidarity with sister Communist Youth organisations around the World and defend existing socialist countries. We fully support the right to self determi- ...Centralised nation and oppose any attempt by imperialist countries & forces such as Brit- ain, the USA and the EU to impose their will on the peoples of the world or Democratically taken decisions are carried out across the organisation, to exploit and control the world’s resources and markets for capitalist profit. although local YCL groups decide how best to implement them in their We call for unilateral, immediate and unconditional nuclear disarmament. own areas. ...Revolutionary

...Part of a mass movement We aim not to mend capitalism, but to end it. This does not mean that the YCL calls for an armed uprising in modern Britain, although we We never put the interests of the YCL above those of the movement as defend the right of the oppressed to take up arms for their libera- a whole & we always strive to build the widest possible coalition behind tion. It means realising that only a fundamental shift in power from the progressive policies. The Morning Star, Britain’s only socialist daily newspa- capitalists to working people can guarantee democratic rights and social per, plays a vital role in strengthening the left and the YCL actively works to; progress. Socialist revolution in Britain can and should be achieved support the paper; provide a daily voice for Britain’s youth; raise its circula- through a combination of mass popular struggle in the labour move- tion. We recognise the importance of trade unions as the broadest mass ment & society as a whole as well as struggle in the electoral field. We organisations of the working class and we fight against all anti- union laws. publicise our activities, theory & revolutionary perspective on the day to day struggle through our magazine Challenge, which also provides a channel for debate within the YCL and the wider movement as a whole.

The Young Communist League was formed in 1921 as the youth If you’re under 29 and want to join the YCL write to the address below or visit our website. If you want to subscribe to Challenge wing of the Communist Party. The then fill in this form & send to. YCL has a long and proud history in the struggle for Socialism YCL, Ruskin House, 23 Coombe Rd, London CR0 1BD amongst young people in Britain

Name: and most of the broad based progressive youth organisations that Address: exist today owe their existence to Postcode: Phone: the initiatives and work of the YCL. The YCL has always and continues E-mail: to play a vital role in the struggles for peace, against racism and fas- Age: Place of Work/Study: cism, for gender equality, and all Challenge subscriptions are £15 for two years (twelve issues), £18 for Eu- other popular struggles that in- rope, £21 for Overseas (please pay by international money order). Cheques volve young people across Britain. & P/O should be made payable to YCL. Order online at www.ycl.org.uk