80 pB anarchistnews and views www.freedompress.org.uk 6 OCTOBER 2007
INSIDE ►► ^ | t h s in custody The Burmese uprising The union business Svartfrosk column page 4 page 5 page 8 MAKING WAY FOR THE OIYMPICS unday the 23rd September was a as well as ethnic minorities such as HALL sad day in the history of gardening. Gypsies and Irish travellers. SIt was the day the Manor Gardens The compulsory purchase of the Allotments were closed by the Olympic Olympic Park land has been funded by Delivery Authority. public money, and as such it can be It was also the day former allotment argued that it should stay in public holders and many other people decided ownership, post Olympics. Exactly to march and demonstrate their concern what will happen to the land remains over the way in which development undecided, but both Ken Livingstone I n RIVER and so called regeneration is soaking and Ruth Kelly have publicly stated 100 yrs o f * Z up much needed green space. Martin that they plan to bankroll the Olympic Slavin, an Olympic researcher, was on project by selling off land within the cultivation 8 GRASS- the march and comments that “so park to developers when the Games are wiped out for I called regeneration projects like the over. As the Olympic project runs further iROOTSI Olympics are more about the careers and further into financial difficulty, the ftwks footpath of those involved in the Olympic pressure will be on to claw back as much industry, and the profits of developers money as possible. This will inevitably
jko ilQ J Photograph and construction companies than they mean getting into bed with property are about improving the lives of developers who, along with the £ ST ARM tc> ordinary people”. construction companies, will be the m m
The Manor Gardens Allotments, main beneficiaries of this project. RISKS Wells by were a little piece o f the countryside in An added tragedy to this story is that London, auji yvere given to the gardeners much what will form Olympic Park ot Last London by Mayor Witters, an was previously available for use, on a old fashioned philanthropist. As well non-income dependent basis, as a cycle as the allotments, the Olympic project circuit, allotments, social housing, has swallowed up a huge chunk of land football pitches, and little nooks and been lost to what will more than likely in which the Olympic Park is situated. covered in this discussion was the way in East London, most of it compulsorily crannies where all sorts of marginal be an Olympic legacy of expensive flats With the Olympic Delivery Authority these large projects evolve. First plans purchased under the largest ever land business and artists had found a foot within gated communities; a sterile, awarding planning permission to itself are made, then a s o -c a lled consultation acquisition programme in Britain. The hold. There was also a rave scene at privately owned area similar to the Olympic project can be pushed takes place and then the work begin s. transfer of the Olympic Park land is Hackney Wick, with tired and dazed Docklands. through virtually unchecked. However the meeting agreed that the virtually a mirror image of what Mayor ravers leaving parties on Sunday It would be impossible to sell the Sunday’s march from Hackney Town consultations were generally a public Villiers did all those years ago. mornings whilst the well dressed Olympics to the nation for three weeks Hall to the new security gates of the relations exercise and that they made A thousand people, and businesses j congregations of the many African of sport, so those making their living Olympic construction site was a sign little difference to the outcome of employing 15,000 workers, are already Churches filed by. It was an area that out of this project have marketed it on of the public’s misgivings over this projects, which are usually forced facing eviction and housing prices in had grown organically over more than the supposed benefits of a legacy which deeply flawed project. After the march through despite any public misgivings. the area are escalating. Those affected a century and, though it has some rough remains unplanned. The project has there was a meeting where discussions The Olympics appears to be a case in by the project will be mainly those on edges, it had an authenticity rarely central government backing and New were held relating to development and point. low incomes, residents of social housing, found in 21st century London. This has Labour controls all four of the boroughs regeneration. One interesting point Mike Wells DUBLIN SOCIAL CENTRE MARCH ON MLABA
he Seomra Spraoi collective was a library and a ’zine archive, a free- The project’s openness, accountability cross South Africa, shack dwellers send Ward 25 Councillor Yakoob Baig formed around December 2004, shop, a kitchen and an office. All and democracy is an achievement - are rejecting forced removals and to collect the memorandum. Yakoob with the aim of creating a space in facilities are free and entertainments something the collective strove for Aasserting their right to the city in Baig was buried on 14th September Dublin to emulate the autonomous are generally by ‘suggested donation’. from day one. Derek, who has spent a series of popular mass protests 2005. Thousands of people have social centres of other European cities. After spells in a small room in time in social centres in Britain, unparalleled in post-apartheid South participated in the discussions that Almost three years later, the collective Abbey Street and a bigger room on Germany and Spain, reckons Seomra Africa. There have been thousands of have flowed into the development of have launched a new social centre off Ormond Quay, Seomra Spraoi now Spraoi need no longer look to the protests in the last few years. This our carefully worked out Capel Street in Dublin. It’s being used occupies two floors of a building on continent for inspiration. “I remember week has seen mass action all over the memorandum. We do not intend to for benefit gigs and political meetings, Mary’s Abbey, on the Luas line just off the first Seomra leaflet said the centre country. give it to a ghost. We are finished with arts/crafts workshops, screen-printing, Capel Street. It has a big venue room, would be ‘a model of participatory On Tuesday 25th September 5,000 Baig, just as we are finished with banner-making and bike workshops. two further sizeable rooms and about democracy’, which sounds lofty, but shack dwellers from th^Joe Slovo Bachu and Dimba and all the rest of Entertainment includes a weekly movie five smaller rooms. It’s big, it’s bright compared to centres I’ve been at in settlement in Cape Town went to the the councillors. They have never night, a contemporary storytelling and it’s a bustling mix of political and Europe, Seomra Spraoi has far more High Court to register their intention spoken for us and we took a decision, night, and regular gigs and socials. non-political activity. people actually involved in the running to oppose housing minister Lindiwe two years ago, to speak for ourselves. The centre has three computers and Since taking up residence at Mary’s of the place, and in the decision Sisulu’s planned forced removals. “While Abahlali are marching wireless broadband throughout the Abbey at the start of July, the project making.” Members of Abahlali baseMjondolo through Clare Estate and Sydenham, building, table tennis and pool tables, has moved into an exciting new phase. “I’m also struck here by the involve were there in support. Yesterday in the policy-making elites will be Lots of new faces have appeared; open ment of plenty of non-activist types. Johannesburg people from the Protea meeting with the business elites in weekly meetings of the collective It’s not a cultural ghetto, which places South, Kliptown, Thembelihle, and the ICC for their ‘Housing Summit’. ISSN 0016-0504 consistently boast between 20 and 25 abroad often are. Rather than being Thembisa settlements marched on While they plan how to make money people; six working groups also meet just a hang-out for an activist Sisulu’s offices in Pretoria. Thousands in the name of the housing crisis we regularly to make it all happen. community, it seems to me a place of shack dwellers are due to march on will be marching. On the Esplanade Volunteers work a ‘welcomers’ rota, so that’s creating a new type of Mayor Mlaba in Durban on 29th an urgent application will be heard in that there is someone in the Seomra community.” September. the High Court. It has been brought who can welcome you, show you There is an ongoing discussion Abahlali, the largest organisation of by Abahlali to interdict the notorious around, tell you about the place and about how expressly political Seomra militant shackdwellers in the country gangster landlord Ricky Govender 9 770016050009 point you to the kettle. page 6. column 5 says: “It is rumoured that Mlaba will page 6, column 5 2 Freedom 6th October 2007
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Total protest W: Around 30 activists blockaded a Total petrol station in Yorkshire to protest against the company’s heavy involvement with the military junta in Burma which Around the world is responsible for the deaths of several protesters in just the last few days. DENMARK: In Denmark we are civilians in the town of Haditha, was coating line. The staff currently receive “During the talks to renew IBM’s Total is in a joint venture with the calling in solidarity with the evicted cleared of failing to properly investigate unemployment compensation but hope Italian internal collective agreement, Burmese dictatorship in the Yadana gas Ungdomshuset Social Centre, for a the massacre. for a new concept and a new investor. the works council, supported by the project, which earns the regime hundreds mass squat occupation involving majority of IBM Italy employees, asked of millions of dollars every year. Aung thousands of people. This will take GALWAY, IRELAND: Ten students who GUATAMALA: The ITUC has condemned for a small salary increase. IBM Sun Suu Kyi, the democratically elected place on the on the 6th October - are SIPTU members working in the the brutal murder of Marco Tulio responded by cancelling their ‘productive leader of the Burmese government under being referred to as G-Day - G13 Eye Cinema at Wellpark in Galway Ramirez Portela, Secretary of Culture results benefit’, resulting in a loss of house arrest, says: “Total has become the Ungdomshuset http://aktiongl3.dk/. have been suspended after voting for and Sports of the Guatemalan Banana 1000 euros per year for each employee. main supporter of the military regime”. industrial action. The SIPTU shop Workers Union of Izabal, SITRABI. For a company that wants to lead in A mix of students and locals stood, UNITED STATES: After lengthy negotia steward has been sacked. Marco Tulio Ramirez was also the corporate social responsibility, this is sat or drummed across both entrances tions, 73,000 workers struck at the The students had been attempting to brother of Noe Antonio Ramirez unacceptable.” to the forecourt for an hour and a half. end of September, shutting down 80 address a number of issues in relation Portela, the union’s General Secretary. The union responded by calling the Holding a banner reading ‘Totalitarian General Motors plants in 30 states, the to their working conditions. These He was gunned down outside his protest, organised through Uni (Union Oil-Fuelling Oppression in Burma’, they company’s first national strike in 30 issues include: a failure by the cinema home by masked men carrying high Network International), a global union leafleted and spoke to passers-by and years. GM (General Motors) refused to to pay the staff any increments for calibre weapons as he was leaving for network claiming 15 million members motorists. A few drivers were not so accept the union’s demand to protect working on Sundays or after midnight, work at 5.45am on Sunday 23rd in 900 unions worldwide including supportive, including one truck driver workers’ jobs and benefits by trans which is an entitlement under law, and September. affiliates in the UK. who carried on driving into the protesters ferring responsibility for retirers’ health also in some cases, a failure to pay The background to this murder is Using email, blog and union networks, in the entrance way even as they banged to an ‘independent trust’, freezing several staff members holiday pay, once particularly disturbing. The ITUC it has invited supporters from around frantically on the windscreen. Even a cost-of-living increases and instituting again an entitlement under law. recently protested about the forced the world to join their picket lines at local cop (who had previously tried to a new level of benefits for new hires. To support the students please email your entry into SITRABI’s premises by five IBM ’s virtual ‘islands’ in Second Life, shove protesters off the road) decided The United Auto Workers union has complaints to Edward Holdings, who own and soldiers from the Guatemalan army at which it uses to promote the company to tell the driver to back off. However, nearly $900 million in its strike fund, run the cinema: [email protected] the end of July. They demanded the and build new links with customers. most drivers were supportive and chose enough to cover a two-month walkout. names of the union’s leaders, the size Real-life protest pickets outside IBM not to try and cross the blockade. Although at press time, it appeared as GERMANY: An occupied German of its membership and the nature of its offices in Italy will accompany the Although many people were aware of though the strike has been setded, the bicycle factory is to resume production. activities. SITRABI complained about virtual picket with workers handing the situation on Burma, they had not grievances are long running and deep The Bike Systems GmbH factory in the this incident to the authorities and out information on the dispute. heard of Total’s involvement. and the accord may be temporary. Thuringian Nordhausen, south of the only last week had a meeting at the Harz mountains, has been occupied by Ministry of Defence who promised Nl classroom assistants on strike UNITED STATES: In the middle of its 135 workers since 10th July 2007. there would be an ‘internal investiga Pickets are being held outside special September, one of the Bush junta’s top Earlier this month they decided to tion’. Just five days later, Marc Tulio schools and some other schools in inspectors was accused of repeatedly resume the production of bicycles under Ramirez was murdered, in what was Northern Ireland as a strike by classroom frustrating inquiries into fraud by self-management. In order to do this, clearly a targeted attack. assistants gets under way. The dispute contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan. 1,800 binding orders on bicycles must involves up to 7,000 classroom assist Aside from the scrambling to protect be'received before 2nd October. The ITALY: The virtual strike in-Second Life I ants and has been dragging on for over Blackwater (on which F reed om has collegues are working together with the against IBM, which operates business ten years. It centres on salaries and pay previously reported), inspector general anarcho-syndicalist union FAU (Freie centres staffed by real sales executives grades. Most special schools are Howard Krongard is thought to have Arbeiterinnen- und Arbeiter-Union - Free inside Second Life, now faces a protest expected to be closed by the strike and censored reports and closed investiga Workers-Union). They have formed a organised by the RSU union representing many other schools are likely to have tions by refusing to send investigators campaign (see http://www.strike- 9,000 workers in Italy. to send pupils home at lunchtime. to Iraq and Afghanistan to look into bike.de). However, what is believed to be the John Corey, General Secretary of $US3 billion contracts. It also appears For more than two months the staff first virtual strike is more than workers’ NIPSA, the main union involved, said he personally intervened to clear labour working in three shifts have kept the avatars picketing, wearing strike T-shirts the dispute would show the anger of abuse charges against the lead contractor factory occupied. They want to prevent and carrying signs. The RSU and Union the assistants, who are all women, at building the US Embassy in Baghdad. the definite dismantling and sale of the Network International have lined up the shameful way they had been treated In a similar vein, Marine Officer factory. The file for bankruptcy from support from other international and that they were determined to win Captain Lucas McConnell, one of eight 10th August is against long odds. The unions, and IBM workers in eighteen fair pay. He said the employers had Marines facing charges in connection factory is exploited and run down, and countries are expected to take part in known for months about the possibility with the November 2005 killings of 24 the hall was emptied except for the today’s action. of a strike and then they had come in with too little, too late. Talks were held at Stormont between representatives of four unions and the five education boards who are the employers. These ended with both sides appearing opti mistic about a possible settlement that Prison news would avert a planned follow-on strike. The Stormont Education Minister, Anti-fascists jailed • Gubski Maxim, VK-2-21, Batowa the judges didn’t listen to their past, prisons of Rheinbach and Aachen in Caitriona Ruane, said yesterday she was Maksim and Vladislav are anti-fascists str. 4 Bobruisk, 213800 Belarus they only used it as an argument Germany, and any support for the pair convinced the dispute could be resolved from Minsk, who are doing three • Vladislav Vladimirovich, against them. They were convicted will be welcomed. through dialogue. years sentences in Belarussian camps Plyashkevich, IK-10 otryad 4, because they are anarchists and we • Jos6 Fernandez Delgado, JVA This will be one of the first tests on for their activities. They support Novopoltsk-5 Vitebskaya oblast, can’t forget that. Rheinbach, Aachenerstrasse 47, D - the industrial front for the new football club MTZ-RIPO, which is 211440 Belarus In the meantime they’re under a regime 53359 Rheinbach, Germany Northern Executive. famous for its uncompromisingly anti of permanent control. Jose already • Gabriel Pombo Da Silva, JVA fascist fans. International day of solidarity went through four prisons and often Aachen, Krefelderstrasse 251, D - New social centre in Liverpool Maksim turned 18 years old in late It’s now almost two years ago since has to undergo restrictive measures. 52070 Aachen, Germany At 7pm on Saturday 15th September, July. He has been in the anti-fascist the sentences of Jose Delgado and After a series of conflicts with the the door was unlocked at Next To movement for three years, and was Gabriel Da Silva (14 and 13 years prison authorities, for four months, he For more information on prisoner struggle in Nowhere in Bold Street, and Liverpool’s one of the organisers of Food Not respectively), were declared. Long can only get visits behind glass. the UK, go to: new social centre was ‘officially’ Bombs in Minsk, which made actions sentences for an escape from yet more This was originally supposed to be • ABC Brighton, PO Box 74, Brighton, BN1 opened, although there weren’t any in Gorki park, Victory square and imprisonment by briefly taking for three months, after they found him 4ZQ, email: [email protected] mayors or anything like that. However other places in the city. hostages during a confrontation with with cannabis after a visit. Recently • ABC Bristol c/o Kebele, 14 Robertson there was a whole week of great events, In December of 2006 they had an the police. though, this turned into a permanent Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6JY, UK starting with a party and ending with encounter with nazis, who ended up Both had escaped a couple of ‘security measure’. Jose refuses to website: www.geocities.com/bristoLabc a film night. being defeated. One of the nazis months before after an imprisonment accept visits behind glass. Judicial email: [email protected] Next to Nowhere is a radical social figured out that Maksim was of 20 years in the gulag of the Spanish steps were taken against this measure • ABC Leeds P0 Box 53, Leeds, LS8 4WP, centre built and run by activists from participating in the event, and he went state. Both wanted to be free and but these can drag on for a while. UK, email: [email protected] the Merseyside area. Located on Bold for the cops. Eventually Maksim and finally continue the struggle outside Gabriel's situation is similar. He website: www.myspace.com/leedsabc Street beneath News From Nowhere Vladislav were sentenced to three that they have been fighting inside. describes his regime as “similar to • ABC Manchester P0 Box 326Sale, bookshop, there is a vegan cafe, a free years for “aggravated hooliganism”, Both stayed true to the anarchist FIES (and in some perspectives even Manchester, M33 4YQ to use computer suite and gig and that is statue 339 part two of the struggle and its principles in spite of worse)”. [email protected] meeting spaces. Eventually, they will Belarussian criminal codex. years of being locked up in the An international mobilisation in website:www.manchesterabc.org.uk be open to the general public, but at Friends are asking for letters of infamous FIES isolation regime and solidarity with Jos6 and Gabriel and • ABC Norwich c/o Norwich Anarchists via the moment are only open for specific support to be written to Maksim and for that they have to pay with more with all prisoners in struggle was [email protected] or P0 Box 1 meetings and events. Vladislav. Their addresses are: prison, now in Germany. Of course called on the 29th September at the 487, Norwich, NR5 8WE Freedom 6th October 2007 3
Deaths in custody Following a demonstration at HMP Send, Pauline Campbell writes on the disturbing increase in deaths in custody
igures from the Forum for relatives of Ms Lisa Doe, who laid Preventing Deaths in Custody flowers in memory of their loved one. FI show almost 600 people die At 2pm, Mr Andy Peacock, Head of annually in prisons, police cells and Reducing Reoffending (Duty Governor other units. Two-thirds of the deaths for the day) emerged from the jail, and S H I SEND PRISON C O O f t T s q are natural causes, the figures reveal, spoke to protesters, but said he was SHAME ■ the rest being self-inflicted, accidents, unable to comment on Ms Doe’s ] overdoses or killings. death. A Serco prison van was stopped ^■1 SURREY The forum’s chairman said the as it attempted to enter the jail. The | ON THE ■ s t o p mm number of deaths in custody was too driver was informed that protesters home high. The figures show that in the year considered the jail to be unsafe, in WOMEN TO to April 2007 there were 523 deaths in view of the recent death, and he was OFFICE H H LISP DOE, 25| J custody, the vast majority of them asked to take the women to a place of being natural causes in mental health safety. Surrey Police were summoned B their d e a t h s | hospitals. to the prison. The Sergeant indicated ^ H l DIED 11 SEPT 2007 The total figure covers deaths in that Section 14, Public Order Act prisons, police cells, secure hospitals 1986, would be invoked if the prisoner and juvenile units and it is the first transport van was not allowed to time the figures from across the proceed into the jail. The Serco vehicle criminal justice system have been was eventually allowed to enter the brought together. The figures also prison, and no arrests were made. A include 73 self-inflicted deaths in number of visitors to the jail spoke to prisons and a further 41 in secure protesters, and expressed concern hospitals. about the physical and mental Pauline Campbell writes: The wellbeing of their loved ones held in protest on 20th September 2007 was HM P Send. the 26th demonstration to be held The Conservative MP for Mole since protests began in April 2004. It Valley, Sir Paul Beresford, was invited seeks to demonstrate against the tragic to attend the demonstration, but did by Guy Small by Guy death of the young mother Lisa Doe, not respond to the invitation. The aged 25 who died on 11th September protest was attended by Sky Television; 2007 while in the care of HMP Send, local reporters and photographers, and Surrey. Lisa Doe is the seventh woman was also covered by local radio. At the to die in prison so far this year. Thirty- end of the afternoon, protesters left nine women prisoners (including Lisa bouquets of flowers and a memorial Doe) have died since Sarah Campbell’s placard at the prison entrance, in their lives at Send Prison this year: stop sending women, many with tremendous pain and anger resulting death in 2003, and lessons are not memory of M s Doe. Emma Kelly on 19th April 2007, and psychiatric and drug-dependency from the death of their loved ones. being learned. Another woman has died, and Lisa Doe on 11th September 2007. It problems, to the punitive regime of a A small group of protesters held a another family is left to grieve. This is particularly worrying that both prison, when they are in need of Pauline Campbell is the bereaved mother of peaceful three-hour demonstration latest death at HMP Send brings into women were on ‘suicide watch’ when treatment and care. Unless and until Sarah Elizabeth Campbell, 18, who died while outside HMP Send and, for part of the sharp focus the prison’s custodial care they died. this inhuman practice stops, more on ‘suicide watch' in the care of Styal Prison, afternoon, were joined by two record. Two young mothers have lost Courts must act responsibly and families will have to deal with the 2003. Latest nuclear ‘consultation’ Battle of Lewisham
n 8th September, I attended an consultation’ in the invitation, saying radiation causes genetic damage; I aturday 15 th September saw a before the march, John had been event in Liverpool organised by a that “You will be given all the defective births and sterile plant life. I commemorative event for the 30th involved in mobilising support for the O major public relations firm for information you need to take part in However we were given the impression S counter-demo, and was arrested on the The Department for Business, this discussion” (but only things that that nuclear waste can be safely stored __ ! anniversary of The Battle of day for throwing a smoke flare at the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform the nuclear industry will permit, they for ever. It was not mentioned that this Lewisham. Around 60 people gathered NF as they lined-up to march from New (DBERR) formerly The Department of should have added). It was obvious is a technology which can only be at Clifton Rise to begin a walk along Cross. As John Bowden was unable to Trade and Industry, headed by John how ‘loaded’ this event was going to tried and tested in the long term. the route the fascists planned to take. attend the event himself, a supporter Hutton, Cabinet Minister member for be. The media reported that Friends of Among the half-truths, given as On the 13th of August 1977 the (also a veteran of the battle) spoke about Barrow-in-Furness (of Trident fame). the Earth and Green Peace had refused information, we were told that some fascist National Front attempted to John’s role, and ‘Free John Bowden’ M r Hutton was opening and closing to contribute, which was the right Trades Union support nuclear power, march from New Cross in London to stickers lined the enitre route. speaker. It was one of nine such thing to do. with no mention of those which are Lewisham. The march through an At 3pm with sun shining the walk meetings being held around Britain Most of the day was spent in telling opposed to it. immigrant area was deliberately began with a few speakers giving the that day entitled Talking Energy: The us about how global warming is Brief opportunity was given for us to provocative, and protected by a huge assembled group a taste of the action Future of Nuclear Power. Its purpose caused by carbon emissions polluting study material for discussion, followed police presence. Both the NF and the of that day, 13th August 1977, and was to “help Government take a the atmosphere. Their answer: nuclear by questions “to test opinions”. But the cops however bit off more than they what to look out for along the route. decision ... on building new nuclear power, which only causes some carbon answers were assumed in the ways in could chew that day as thousands of There were about six stops along the power stations”. But it seems that emissions. Carefully, avoided were the which questions were put to us and antifascists and local people mobilised way with speakers giving a description decisions had already been taken, and facts about the problems caused by feedback from the small-group dis to confront the march. For the first of their experiences that day. The this exercise was designed to engineer that option, and how the costs of it far cussions showed much misinformation time, riot shields were used by British ANTIFA banner was unfurled at each our approval. outweigh the benefits (present nuke- about alternatives to nuclear energy police (who had previously only used stop, the only banner on view on the The Guardian (13th August 2007) waste clear-up is £52 billion). Nor was like wind power. them in the north of Ireland) and there day. The walk itself finished up at the reported that our hosts, DBERR, had there any assessment of how such Summing-up found participants who was fierce hand to hand fighting, with clock tower in Lewisham where the secretly briefed the government that material will mix with other bad stuff may have been in favour of nuclear more than a hundred antifascists walk and talk were wound up by the they fell a long way short of agreed-on in the environment. Throughout, was power were still highly suspicious of arrested. But the march was utterly inevitable hijack speech from the SWP. targets for “green energy”, but they the hidden assumption that there is the government’s hopes of passing it smashed, and the NF routed. It was a All in all the walk was a success and could “wriggle-out” of them. such a thing as “safe doses of on to the private sector: “If they made decisive event in British antifascist even though it took the best part of About 80 randomly selected voters radiation”, which is like saying that such a mess of the railways and history, and one from which the NF three hours to complete all in came from around the north-west. The there are ‘safe* doses of poison. No- hospitals, what’s next??” never recovered. attendance seemed to enjoy the day. event was billed as a ‘Government one refutes the claims that exposure to Martin S. Gilbert One of the many antifascists arrested Mark that day was John Bowden. In the weeks Freedom 6th Octooc 4 News
Fresh clashes in Bangladesh As the struggles of the garment workers escalate again in Bangladesh, Ret Marut reports
ew dashes have broken out in tion, the BGMEA, claim 97% adherence Dhaka’s industrial zone. Up to to the agreement, unions say the real figure is that only 20% of 4,000 N25,000 garment workers came ready-made garment factories have out on a wildcat strike and fought implemented the agreement. The both police and the management-hired government has said it will take action thugs with over 50 people, induding against any employer not complying cops, being injured - some seriously. by 30th September; yet they have never The trouble began at the Nasa Group enforced similar threats in the past, factory, who are supposedly one of the having already deferred the deadline more ‘responsible’ employers - Nasa twice. supply Primark in the UK and Wal- Unpaid wages and brutal work condi Mart in the USA amongst others. Nasa tions remain commonplace - strikers workers had been on strike for two were quoted as saying that the owner days demanding payment of wage used to force them to work under arrears, bonuses and extra holiday inhuman conditions. They alleged that allowances. Whilst demonstrating at factory officials would forfeit a the factory gates - in defiance of the significant pan of the salary and over government’s ban on protests - time bill if anyone fads found taking workers learned that management had rest even for a minute during work now decided to indefinitely lode them hours, ©tie of them said, “They beat out of the factory. Reports stated that US: Up even for a, minor mistake” 3,000 workers .responded to the 'September 2007). lockout by marching, to the nearby Even the cops blame the employers for Sepal Group factory to picket workers the unrest. “We asked them to resolve there. Fighting then broke out between the issue to avoid untoward incidents. the workers and thugs hired by factory But they said they were not bound to bosses. The Sepal workers initially have talks with the workers,” said a refused, but later did join the Nasa top police official seeking anonymity. strikers 4jas did many other factories, The renewed Unrest fa d setback for With sales abroad earning more than World Bank/IMF-directed privatisa enough to largely continue to refuse to bringing up to 25,000 workers on the the caretaker government. Its western nine billion dollars last year; or three- tions). But now evidence has begun to conform to last June’s agreement on streets. As the hired thugs joined backers will be unimpressed with its quarters of the country’s total export appear that the present regime is wages and conditions. Workers and forces with hundreds of cops and army inability to contain the class struggle, earningS. taking its ofan advantages from its their families suffer rampant inflation personnel against the workers, a large which has in recent weeks found a On risking. power in January the ruling position. of basic goods and a decline in real area became a battlefield. Twenty new burst of energy in the ready-made caretaker government presented itself The continuing high level of militancy wages — wages that are already less factories were damaged, buses were garment sector. Nor faill western as determined to clean up the rampant among ready-made garment workers than adequate to guarantee survival. burned and roads blocked. buyers be impressed by more labour corruption throughout the political appears to have made government and As conditions for the Bangladeshi poor The background to the present unrest unrest; some Were already put off by and commercial life of the country. employers so far reluctant to push for continue to deteriorate, circumstances is the still unresolved enforcement of last year’s major troubles in the The army has pursued relentless anti any decisive confrontation with the lead one to think that - sooner or later the minimum wage and conditions garment factories. Garments are corruption purges against leading predominantly female (90%) work - something has got to give. agreement of June 2006. Though the Bangladesh’s biggest export earners politicians and businessmen (alongside force... Yet they have felt confident Original article and updates at libcom.org ready-made garment employers federa Burmese uprising Egyptian protest
he and-junta demonstrations Nearly twenty years after the 1988 and minerals and China hopes in the housands of workers have taken to a standstill. Groups of employees across Burma recently mark the uprising which was violently quashed, future, energy in the form of gas. The H control of one of Egypt’s biggest beat drums and chanted slogans T largest peaceful protests against the regions political and economic political situation in Burma and the fstate-owned textile factories in a demanding the dismissal of the the military regime in the country situation fa significantly different. uprising against the junta has lose continuing protest over pay and work chairman of the board, Mohib Salah since 198$.. China is now in a difficult position parallels with the kind of situation conditions. The workers also want the al-Din, and criticising the management After the military’s mid-week ‘crack and its international profile is under that most threatens China’s own one- head of the company to be sacked, of the government holding company down’ on the Monks protest, many scrutiny. The shooting of a Japanese party political system. Early this year and are demanding the release of five which owns the factory. thousands of Burmese civilians have journalist covering the demonstrations China and Russia both vetoed the UN representatives who were detained by Workers demand raises and rights. joined the rallies. It fa thought that has led to an explicit threat from the Security Council resolution to release police on Monday 24th September. They also called for the dismissal of there are about 400,000 monks, who EU’s most powerful political grouping political prisoners and improve human The strike at the Misr Helwan Spinning the representatives of the government- are well organised nationally and who that China's 2008 Olympics faces rights in Burma. Although it is and Weaving Company’s factory in approved labour union who visited historically have instigated social boycott unless it intervenes, China's reported that in June of this year Mahalla al-Kubra began on Sunday. A them on Sunday. change in the country. In opposition to support for the Sudanese Government China held a meeting in Bejing strike at the plant last year led to a The protests intensified on Monday the junta the monks are closely linked has already led activists to dub the between US and Burma envoys and wave of labour protests across Egypt. after the public prosecutor ordered the to their communities. Increasingly, as 2008 games as the ‘Genocide contacts in the oppostiton. The industrial action in December detention of five of the workers’ thefaconomic and social situation Olympics’ forceing Bejing to pursuade The demonstrations have come in forced the government to back down representatives on charges of inciting deteriorates, buddhfat temples have the Sudanese government to accept a the same week as the UN General and meet the workers’ demand for the strike, unlawful gathering and become HIV-Aids clinics, orphanages UN peace plan. Assembly has reconvened in New annual bonuses equivalent to 45 days’ destruction of public properties. and schools and provide the only Economic tradeing between China York, with some leaders calling for an wages. But representatives for the There are fears that labour unrest social-welfare in the country. and Burma has increased by almost emergency meeting of the Security workers said the textile company did might spread to other low-paid The Burmese junta has now banned : 40% .this year alone and is estimated Council. Placing pressure on inter not fulfil its promise despite posting industries as it did last year. While it is gatherings of more than five, and sent to stand at around $US1 billion. The national politicians may just provide profits of 217 million Egyptian pounds much easier to crush a handful of thousands of troops to take control of Chinese have been the biggest arms some space for the Burmese people to ($39 million) for the last financial year; political protesters in Cairo, using the streets. There have'heen reports supplier to the Junta since 1988. At take a greater role in the creation of and are now demanding a fair share. police force against thousands of from Mandalay that the military have. the same time Burma supplies China their future,- The protests by ati estimated 27,000 striking workers could prove to be a used live electricity to disperse crowds.. with primary materials such as timber Victoria Harris workers brought the textile company far more difficult task. rroouum uui v/uiuuer zuu/ 5 Feature Hie union business An anarchist who worked for trade unions talks about the lessons he’s learned
I s an anarchist who worked They represented civil service engineers I for trade unions from and scientist in government. The big I 1986 until this spring, issue during that time - which I was closely involved in - was a new pay deal which my union had signed but the other civil service unions had opposed. This deal included performance pay. I ‘RPG’ talks to Freedom in Prospect, then called IPCS, had been AI this interview about the given a sweetener by the Tories to I lessons he has learned over break ranks, which was an independent I the past decade. ‘RPG’ is review of pay levels compared to the also a member of both the AF private sector, plus, compared to what (Anarchist Federation) and the IW W other civil servants were getting, an (Industrial Workers of the World). okay pay increase to get onto the deal. This was a classic Tory tactic - divide Freedom: How did you originally getand rule. into union work? Sadly the union fell for it, promising ‘RPG’: My family firmly believed that their members a big catch-up. Trouble the labour movement was the only was the ‘jam tomorrow’ never came. hope for working class people like us - After nearly a year negotiating with my dad still does. My first job, after a the Treasury we got very little out of brief spell at a paper mill in north the review. In the meantime the other Kent, was working for the Labour unions had also accepted performance Party in the House of Commons. The pay because their members were MP I worked for lost her seat in 1986 worried they would lose out. In fact so I lost my job. Luckily there was a they also got very little and the Tories vacancy as a researcher at Apex, were able to bring performance pay which 1 applied for and got. into the civil service. At that stage my motivation was The unions were also weakened very much about wanting to do which helped speed up privatisation. something for my class but my year When I worked for IPCS there were with the Labour Party meant I started five or six unions representing civil to realise how out of touch people at servants. Too often we were competing the top of the movement were with with each other rather than working even though it included what our but too often that’s not what it’s are the most militant - RMT, FBU and the working classes. Although the MP together for the common good of members and theirs opposed - local about. Look at the recent NHS pay the postal workers get the best results that I worked for represented the members. One union makes a lot of bargaining. ‘dispute’. Unions rattled their sabres for their members. We need to get the people of Thurrock in Essex which sense to me. That’s one reason I’m an Although we got a side deal on the when the government staged this year’s message over to workers. included poor working class towns IW W member. back of this, understandably CSP offer in England, some, including the Reformist unions are too distant like Grays and Tilbury she actually members felt that we had let them RCN even threatening industrial but from member’s workplaces and lived in Richmond and had a doctorate Next was the Chartered Society of down. By that stage I had reached the did any of them actually ballot? No. everyday concerns. Workers are more in theology! Physiotherapy (CSP), were there any conclusion that the people at the top In the end they are likely to settle for a than able to organise and defend major disputes there while you were of unions are more interested in status few scraps. No wonder that members themselves. We need though to link How long were you at Apex for, were involved? and power than their members’ are disillusioned. things. It was great when Earth First! you part o f their merger with the A couple of years after I joined the concerns. Personally I tried not to compromise and Reclaim The Streets joined up GMB? CSP there was nearly a national NHS and tell things like they are but there with the Liverpool Dockers, mixing I worked for Apex for just a year. The dispute when the Tories tried to muck Did you see people compromising were times, particularly earlier in my industrial and environmental action merger was actually the reason I left. around with the independent Pay during your time in the union career when I was told to ‘sell’ pay and throwing in an international It came out of weakness. Apex was Review Body. structure? deals to members. perspective on top. Local groups are losing members as its traditional base Members were furious - particularly Most people who chose to work for important here too. The work - clerical workers in the car^ steel and as pay levels were being cut back and trade unions do so for the right What conclusions would you draw Leicester IWW, for example, has been coal industries - was eroded as Thatcher the Tories were trying to introduce reasons - at least at first. There is towards the TUC unions from your doing trying to stop the closure of a destroyed Britain’s manufacturing performance pay and local bargaining plenty of evidence that most union experiences? local post office or the Sol Fed industry. into the NHS. We, along with other officers are politically to the left of I have always thought it vital that Northampton with their local hospital. Rather than look to recruit more unions undertook an ‘indicative’ ballot their membership. At my first meeting anarchists don’t ignore trade unions. That is something I hope we can do in workers (like clerical staff in the city - basically testing whether members with CSP stewards I was shocked That’s why a few of us set up the the East Kent AF. of London where employment was would be willing to take industrial that the majority of them were Anarchist Trade Union Network a few growing) it took the easy option and action over national bargaining jj and reading the Express and Mail\ I know years back. Millions of workers belong What other lessons from your time merged with a bigger union. got a big yes vote back. There was a lot of really sound people who to them so we should make sure our there would you want to pass on? The GMB at the time, led by John then a big march and rally in London. work in unions although a number voice is heard. I started working for trade unions Edmunds, was seen as the great hope In response the government called have left in recent years out of The work-based initiatives that AF, over twenty years ago because I for the future of unions by the Labour talks. disillusionment. Sol Fed and IWW are taking like the thought that they were part of the right as it promoted so-called ‘credit On the morning of them having a The problem I think lies higher up Education Workers Network and solution. They are not. They are part card’ unionism. Rather than recruit coffee with colleagues from other and with the whole structure. I spent Radical Healdi Workers Association of the problem. That’s why I left. workers on the basis of class interest allied health profession unions I read nearly four years negotiating Agenda are really important. As an individual Although I was always upfront about and solidarity, Edmonds thought that in the Guardian that there would be for Change - the new NHS pay system worker belonging to a union makes my anarchist politics I realised that offering cheap loans, AA membership no dispute! We knew nothing about it and spent longer with government sense. Unionised workplaces are better I couldn’t square my beliefs with and credit cards would bring the but basically the big unions had officials and union national officers places to work in but from a collective being a full time official. I still punters in. It didn’t. Despite further already done a deal which allowed than members. There is no question point of view reformist unions will advocate that anarchists need to mergers the GMB has declined in limited local bargaining. Rather than that unions spin things - highlight the never deal with the root cause of the engage with unions at the workplace membership and is trying to merge negotiating with the government we good bits of deals, twist stats, bury problems working people face - they level but that we need to point out itself. You can still get a GM B credit spent most of the day arguing with the bad news and compromise. are not about class struggle. However the problems with them and help card - although I notice its charging likes of Unison and MSF (now Unite) Sometimes compromise might be the industrial relations academic John build autonomous rank and file 13.9% interest! I couldn’t stomach the who wanted us to sign up to the deal necessary to get something through Kelly has shown that those unions that initiatives. GMB’s politics so I quit.
You moved on to Prospect, what did you take from that? 6 Ffeeuuiif v/t» i Commentary
would probably have carried on anarchism (and other beliefs). There may be the reason for the prevalence. The libcom wrecking lives regardless. is, however,, no choice here and Griffin has perhaps argued that psycho However the argument that high- therefore no society. An explanation paths are a product of society. If he is FREEDOM debate ranking whistleblowers and turncoats might be that choice is simply right then there is an obvious solution. Volume 68 Number 19 I refer to the correspondence between may develop benign motives is well determined by self interest and is Peter Gibson Mark Barnsley and Rob Ray in the takenHplus, sure, yer average therefore not choice. 8th September issue of Freedom (I footsoldiers doubtless have qualms Griffin’s arguments are, for me, Anarchism haven’t seen a later edition). too. Still, there is no record of Stasi incomplete. Freud, according to Anarchists work towards a society of Whilst I haven’t followed this officers actively sabotaging Griffin, thought it an instinct whereas mutual aid and voluntary co-operation. debate in detail (and had I done so, I investigations (complaining more or Griffin claims it is due to “trusting REEDO We reject government, and all forms ^suspect I might well have been less publicly years later is another obedience”. Okay, but where does JpC H IST BOOKSHC of exploitation and domination. sympathetic to Mark’s position), I am matter; and anyway, the records can’t this obedience come from? Freud p 4 b Whitechapel High St Freedom Press is-an independent concerned that Rob’s defence of necessarily be trusted!). At least with would, I gueiss, say that the two are p b n d o n E l 7QX | anarchist publisher, founded in 1886. Freedom 's editorial stance should also Schindler’s List there was a the same. I am not concerned whether Besides this newspaper, which comes be extended to the 'libcom’ website, documented historical Schindler. But they are. The point is ‘trusting tel/fax 020 7247 9 2 ^ out every two weeks, we produce books given Mark’s insulting reference to the main point, surely, is that the film obedience’ is hardly an explanation on all aspects of anarchist theory and that site. not only invites identification with the for war (or anything else). It is simply OPENING HOUR^ practice - see our website for a full list. I have,.it seems, also been the subject powerful, but further implies that a description of how people behave. Monday to Saturda^ In our building in East London we run oRsome-pcmdnal malicious rumour change hinges entirely on their An explanation for anger; say,-is not from 12 noon to 6pm Britain's biggest anarchist bookshop spread on a particular discussion vicissitudes - a staple propaganda frustration although an angry person and host the Autonomy Club meeting thread on that site, though ip is: clearly .trope of Hollywood and its pale may be frustrated. It is a description S&enlhg hours are subjectfo c h a i^ i| | room and the 'Freedom; Hacklab. open- not in potentially the same category h imitations (whereas organised grass- and not an explanation. „ so It’s a good Idea to call first to access. IT Space..- * as.sOmething-similar affecting a jfOb.tS collective dissidence or struggle Freud was primarily concerned with pjSjjieck we’ re opei^ | Our aim is to explain anarchism ; prisoner Of the- state. scarcely registers® and when it does, Freud. Psychology is a good money You can also use our maltorit^f;sen(l.ce'^ more widely and to show that people Some occasionally irresponsible or individual heroes usually pull the making ruse. Any argument or advice or order books online Via can Work together and>use dir«Dt insulting discussion threads will ‘^tf^gs there too). Therefore, in that is paid for is not to be trusted. ir.freedompress.org; action to? practically imprOye our lives inevitably pcCur But .that; ijiskls 'worth ;■ ;|sfefieral, my reviews seek neither to be Psychology describes the human and build a'better world. taking for the overall benefit of the authoritative nor objective (and could condition. Griffin appears to wants an 4- ] dre^ddwVeditors wish etto present a more widespread and serious ,• never be ‘systematic' in covering all .explanation, a mechanism, for our broad range of.airarchist thought, and discussion and organising which the the, angles) - preferring to expose the behaviour. He sees the explanation in Dublin social as. such diea^w. ejqprbsmd in the paper 'avalanche of bourgeois mystification terms of psychology - how people are those of the individual cohtributors ? ’Whilst libcom and its organisers are otherwise plaguing the media public behave. The reason for the problems centre and nbt.necessarilv^hose of the pot mfe^criricaSm, I take Sphere', , of society is according to Griffin k*- page 7 editorialscb^&yea, thattphis.si.te.dk on balance, a valuable vww.tomjennings.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk psychotic behaviour. Even if he is Spraoi is or should be. But the mere nd&^6nk^^ Aussie film Jindabyne impressed Tom Jennings, capturing a community’s complexities in a manner cinema seldom manages aymond Carver’s 1977 anger concerning her own. Her honest minimalist morality tale, desperation to find a way forward So Much 'Water So Close inspires the others to confront their To H om e, was previously various demons and support each others adapted in Robert Altman’s starting at Susan’s funeral. portmanteau S h ort Cuts We know from the menacing prelude (1993). Screenwriter that the murderer is psychotic loner Beatrix Christian’s visual novel now Gregory (Chris Haywood). But the expands its context in Jin d a b y n, e anticipated crime procedural, with showing the wider effects of grievous comforting resolution of arrest and injuries and insults in the titular restoration of law and order (as in tourist town in the Snowy Mountains, director Ray Lawrence’s previous film, New South Wales. The cinematography 2 0 0 l ’s L an tan a), is replaced by a showcases the dramatic landscape’s forensic mapping of the heinous act’s implacable material presence, regularly implications for the surrounding social lingering on evidence of its taming, ensemble. Details of the histories of shaping and corralling - hypnotising personality, space and place consistently viewers with jaw-dropping vistas while intersect and overlay each other - with subtly influencing our attentiveness to Gregory himself a general building characters whose relationships with contractor responsible for maintaining the surrounding geography reflect, the local infrastructure, implying that affect and work as metaphors for their the pathologies threatening civilisation emotional, family and community are intrinsic to the processes sustaining lives. The resulting rich texture it. Similarly, the hum of gigantic simultaneously grounds, teases apart pylons marking the comprehensive and weaves together the different inter colonisation of the land is confused by acting dimensions of human existence the visitors with the mystique of — unconscious dreams and fantasies, wilderness - the boys’ own adventure actions and reactions, past and present communing with nature already being circumstances - as crises wax and thoroughly suffused with the conflicts of background, identification and contemporary outrages perpetrated imaginations to conjure supernatural wane within and among Jindabyneys and constraints of everyday routine. tradition, whose struggles confound against native Australians counters revelations in the dangerously inhabitants. The repercussions of their gruesome liberal multiculturalism’s sedimentation detached truth and reconciliation with tempting drowned world of the lake - Car mechanic Stewart (Gabriel discovery then demonstrate that of difference into patronising exoticisa- empassioned humility. Emphasising which also functions as the focus of Byrne) and his three employees plan a conventional discourses of escape to tions of authenticity. Spiritual and shared mundane human frailty also the tourist economy. Here, too, traces male-bonding fishing weekend in a greener pastures cannot wish away political integrity instead requires undercuts ritual denunciations of of the past concretely haunt the hidden valley as respite from problems obscene reality. pragmatic strategies to deal with tragedy masculinity, pointing to the basis of true present. The village was moved lock, o f work, families and women - the and pain which refuse to externalise solidarity in empathetic engagement stock and barrel to higher ground latter having their own issues and A sorrowful social fabric frustrated desire into the separate rather than moralisation - having when the valley was dammed - the jealous of the men’s self-indulgence but Neither can it be tolerated at home. So suffering of others. thoroughly implicated the dynamics of whole enterprise to meet metropolitan at least temporarily freed from their the community’s righteous condemna Nevertheless, the choice to close relations between men and women water needs, setting up contemporary demands. However, having reached tion serves to displace momentary with the Aboriginal smoking ceremony and different generations and sections socio-economics and displacing natives their idyll and casting his line, Stewart uneasy awareness of endemic racism (which required lengthy negotiations of the population in reproducing and settlers alike with the intransigent spots the body of young Aboriginal and misogyny, via projection (mirroring for permission to film) flirts with division and domination. force of institutional authority. The woman Susan (Tatea Reilly) floating in the film’s neglect of the police investiga sentimental redemption. However, If the treatment of mutual uncompre echoes of submerged histories thus the river - whereupon he tethers her tion), onto convenient scapegoats. Claire’s insistence that the group pay hending need in marriages straining to exert material, political, biographical, and persuades the others to continue Symbolically outcasting the men and their respects encourages them beyond survive their contradictions transcends psychoanalytic, cultural and mythic their relaxation. Only belatedly raising their families permits normal respectable the disavowal of prior contempt, having the formulaic thanks to superior influence, and this remarkable film the alarm, their callousness is pilloried white indifference to soon return, with already placed her in various social scripting and powerful naturalistic convincingly and compassionately in the town, the local native youth potential disturbance to business as and physical perils (including a near- improvisation (with Lawrence, citing evokes such a density of allusion - threaten to run riot, and relationships usual minimised. And, despite the miss with Gregory). The women elders Ken Loach, favouring single takes in offering no easy answers; yet among the men and their partners geographical specificity, similar patterns eventually sanction their attendance - ambient light), Jin d ab y n*s e structure of optimistic that ordinary folk can unravel. Stewart’s wife Claire (Laura resonate in any society characterised interpreting Claire’s motivation as surface levels and murky depths negotiate the morass towards a more Linney) unblocks her longstanding by migration and stratification. These genuine, arising out of weakness rather exploits ghost story conventions most constructive future outside the depressive ambivalence, repudiating him lower-class Australians are Irish, Anglo- than arrogance. Then, Stewart’s poignantly in depicting the children. ruination of hierarchical power. in active (but unwelcome) compassion Saxon, American, Italian, mixed-race faltering apology is met with disgust Striving to overcome overwhelming www.tomjennings.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk for Susan’s family while working and native in various archaic and by the girl’s father, whereby the film’s anxiety originating in unaccountable through hitherto suppressed guilt and modern permutations and inflections acknowledgement of historic and parental misdeeds leads their febrile Jindabyne is out now on DVD. FILM Taking Liberties embrace of imprisonment without all very well for patronising children framework within which governments political issue then he might turn back written and directed by Chris trial, unaccountable extradition and with, but the routine reality of discipline their subjects, let alone how the authoritarian tide to try and win Atkins torture. Emphasising the personal peremptory injustice in recent decades they achieve apparent consent for it. votes” (S ocialist R eview); and “If experiences of a wide swathe of victims has shaped the patterns of close Instead we’re asked to sympathise several thousand people go to mass A summary of recent attacks on free - from peace protesters to those monitoring and control now being with rich bankers the Yanks suspect of lone demos the Metropolitan police citizenship in Britain, this documentary persecuted in the War on Terror - the ratcheted up - from Northern Ireland corporate fraud - after all, ‘we’re all in will beg Gordon Brown to repeal the was made for cinema because such a background to a convincing picture of policy and racist policing to the this together’; a supposedly ‘freedom- Serious Organised Crime and Police ‘one-sided’ (i.e. honest) appraisal of escalating totalitarianism is then internment of immigrants, and from loving’ people ... Act” (eyeforfilm.co.uk). In other words, the Blair regime’s record would not sketched via animated vignettes of the Tory anti-union and criminal justice The potential of mocking the powerful Taking Liberties may be better than survive the requirements of ‘balance’ history of legal ‘checks and balances’ legislation to the intensifying harassment is further undermined by a tone veering nothing for removing blinkers among (i.e. censorship) on television. Supported on state power over the centuries, set of ‘antisocial’ behaviour. After the fall from flippant to hysterical, with over viewers somehow previously unaware by the producers of Michael Moore’s against a jaunty Britpop backdrop. out from colonialism, kowtowing to statements of incipient Nazi-ness among of what time it is. But the fatal lack of Fahrenheit 9/11, the film apes his global capitalism necessitates that living political leaders corresponding to analysis or insight leaves it wallowing populist combo of comic buffoonery Doing the rights thing standards and welfare suffer, while astonishing naivete about influencing in middle-class moral superiority and and acid commentary in romping Unfortunately, the film’s broad-brush lower-class community, collectivity and them. To Chris Atkins: “Our only outrage, and self-righteous symbolic through New Labour’s neurotic erosion knee-jerk jingoism cripples any political autonomy is hammered to shortcircuit hope is that Brown is desperate to protest - which ultimately comprise of rights to privacy, protest and freedom understanding of either past or present. resistance - but Taking Liberties is claw back some of the popularity that more a recipe for apathy than revolt. of speech, and the more-or-less tacit Ancient constitutional precedents are oblivious to the structural and economic Blair has lost, so if it becomes a big www.tomjennlngs.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk A Sideways Look Imagine if... There are some things in life that can Walking into the hall for the Labour only be resolved by individuals. If your Party conference for the first time in love life lacks a certain something, you his life, Socialist Stan was hit by an can only work it out with your appalling smell. He turned to an usher. lover(s). If your neighbour’s fence is “W hat is that?” too high, you can only talk to them. The man, who was looking a little Other people might get involved, but it queasy, pointed to an oily looking is fundamentally a transaction between group sat at the podium. “It’s the individuals. There are of course other Tories, they’re all sitting underneath jC issues we face that require a different the Brown banner - shit sticks to that approach. thing you know?” Historically, once people had been Stan glanced over at the group, forced off the land and artisan crafts which looked a little uncomfortable, undermined by mass production, they though they had been invited by the were at the mercy of employers in the most powerful people in the building new economy. The only weapon they and were now officially part of the top had as individuals was to band together brass of the labour movement. and make demands collectively. These There was indeed a powerful stench demands were not just economic; for coming from the podium, Stan was better pay and conditions - but also amazed that more people couldn’t political, such as the demands for the smell it, but many were simply franchise as raised by the Chartists walking around as though nothing and other working class movements. was going on. Over time, collective bargaining One of them raised a hand hopefully days when Thatcher was in charge. became the norm. Ralph Chaplin’s and brayed “Neh wah but the clarse Some of us would do anything to stop Listings wobbly anthem, Solidarity Forever, wah eh? Except Iraq of course.” that happening again.” 7th October Stop Bombing with No Choice, KilnAboy and Gunrack commemorates this simple truth with Around him, the others clapped “Oh Quiet fell across the auditorium Afghanistan walk to mark the sixth at 8pm, Le Pub, Caxton Place, Newport, the line “Yet what force on earth is jolly good Tarquin, I don’t like those as Gordon Brown stepped to the anniversary of the 2001 invasion, meet £3, email [email protected] or weaker than the feeble strength of one”. poor people either, but we should do podium. He cleared his throat. “Like 10am at St Ethelburga’s Centre for see gaggedanarchist.tk However; those groups o f workers in our best for them what? By the way Margaret Thatcher, I am a conviction Reconciliation and Peace, 78 8th November Action on Climate Britain still in collective agreements, such old fruit, shouldn’t your fist be closed politician ...” Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AG, for Change: The Time Is Now, public as in the public sector or railways, are when you do that?” info contact 0845 458 2564 or visit meeting with George M onbiot at the now the exception. Stan was thunderstruck, even as he voicesuk.org Friends Meeting House, Euston Road, Many companies prefer to bargain looked around he could see people Th e quiz 7th October South Place Ethical London, contact 020 7833 9311 or see with individuals. They know that this who held more in common with 1. Six years ago, males accounted for Society talk on Shelley and campaigncc.org way they can get away with paying Tarquin than with the socialist left. just 1 % of the blue moon butterfly Freethought by James Herrick at 9th November Books for Amnesty, all less, overall. Some workers will have They all whiffed a bit. population on two islands in the 11am, Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, books £ l at Conway Hall, Red Lion the strength and ability to hold out for Some though, like the usher, were South Pacific, because of bacteria Holborn, London WC1, see ethicalsoc. Square, Holborn, London WC1, more and win it. This has always been wandering around looking a little that killed male embryos. What org.uk, or contact 020 7242 8034 or contact [email protected] or call the case, except under the collective dazed, holding their noses while they happened next? [email protected] for full 07771888825 approach ail our strengths are pooled tried to find their seats or stood 2. Which Saudi billionaire has programme 13th November Gagged! benefit gig to level things up. The system that chatting in corners. succeeded in having numerous 13th October Keep Space for Peace with Give Up All Hope, AntiMaster, many employers now prefer is one “They’re faithful labourites” explained books pulped in London court protest at Menwith Hill, near Jesus Bruiser and Threat Manifesto at where things are levelled down. The the steward. “They were old labour, judgements with no mention in the Harrogate, North Yorkshire from 12 8pm, Le Pub, Caxton Place, Newport, costs of running a pay and rewards and they think the party can be theirs national press? noon until around 4pm, see £ 3 , [email protected] or system using individual appraisal are again as long as they stick with it. 3. Where were journalists recently caab.org.uk or call 01423 884076 see gaggedanarchist.tk high, but the companies concerned Besides, where else is there to go?” sentenced to prison for criticising a 24th October Film showing of N o 16th November Gagged! benefit gig clearly see benefits. Increased “But this place stinks of shit and former chief justice? Sweat: Harvard Living Wage(how with Rejected, Plinth, Gunrack and specialisation has meant that there are death!” 4. Where in England has a council students a t Harvard took on university Drop Dead Darling at 8pin, Le Pub, many different roles that have to be The usher looked uncomfortable “Well wasted money on uniforms for managers to help campus cleaners and Caxton Place, Newport, £3, email catered for - this atomises the yes, but you weren’t around in the days library workers? caretakers win a living wage) followed [email protected] or see workforce. Many workers are micro- when labour were out of power. Dark Answers on page 6 by discussion of future actions by anti gaggedanarchist.tk managed by ‘managers’ on scarcely sweatshop campaign group No Sweat, 30th November Critical Mass where higher pay, whose chief role is to hold at 7pm, Cowley Club, London Road, cyclists re-take the roads, see critical- them to targets, often set so high as to Brighton, for info contact 07811 mass.info/international.html#europe justify negative appraisals, which in Anarchist Bookfair 723131, [email protected] or see 8th December International Day of turn affect pay rises. It’s also little 2007 nosweat.org.uk Climate Protest, to demand that world surprise that the workers most likely 26th October Critical Mass where leaders take the urgent action we need to lose out are women and those Saturday 37 October 10-7 cyclists re-take the roads, see critical- to prevent the catastrophic destabilisa without the confidence that a middle Queen Mary & Westfield College mass.info/international.html#europe tion of our global climate: C lim ate class education brings. Mile End Road. London Ei 27th October Anarchist Bookfair 2007 Change Bike Ride assembles at south In some places they have adopted a at Queen Mary & Westfield College, side of Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, at ‘teamwork’ approach, getting workers Mile End Road, London E l, from 10am to arrive in Parliament Square at Books, speakers, meetings, workshops, to identify with the goals and targets 10am to 7pm, with books, speakers, lpm to join the National Climate films, exhibitions, food, creche set by the management and compete to workshops, meetings, films, creche, M arch (assemble at Millbank, 12 noon and much more.... hit the targets, win the pay rise. It’s exhibitions, food, and so much more, to arrive Parliament Square lpm) for time to rediscover a different kind of see anarchistbookfair.org the main march to a 2.30pm rally at teamwork - collective action; where 3rd November ‘Bash the Rich!’ march the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, workers fight together for an across on David Cameron’s house in Notting see campaigncc.org the board pay rise. Instead of levelling Hill, London, see londonclasswar.org down, time to level up! for details. And adopting a collective approach 3rd November First Annual Working Contacts is likely to be useful for future Class Bookfair from 10am to 5pm at East Kent Anarchists is now up and challenges, as there are no individual St Nicholas Church, Market Place, running with members from solutions to climate change, for Durham City, sponsored by North Canterbury, Swale and Thanet. If you example, East NUM live in Kent and want to get involved Svartfrosk 3rd November Gagged! benefit gig contact [email protected] r SUBSCRIPTION FORM OTOERFORM SUBSCRIPTION RATES Send to Freedom Press, 84b Whitechapel High Street, London E l 7QX Please return to Freedom, 84b Whitechapel High Street, London E l 7QX Inland Europe outside outside Europe Europe (surface) (airmail) □ ’lease start a NEW subscription to Freedom fo r...... issues To the manager (your bank) Freedom (24 Issues) half price for 12 Issues Bank name...... ; D Please RENEW my subscription to Freedom fo r...... issues Claimants 16.00 - - - Bank address...... Regular 20.00 29.00 29.00 41.00 i Q I enclose a donation : Institutions 28.00 36.00 36.00 46.00 ...... Postcode...... 1 Supporter 48.00 60.00 60.00 72.00 i □ 'd like to pay by Standing Order and have completed the form (see right) Get In touch with us for details of bundle rates. £...... each month/quarter/year (delete as appropriate) starting on (date)...... 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