Monday, January 31, 2011
Solidarity with the Egyptian and Tunisian workers and youth
Egyptian workers form new unionThe TUC has received a press release from the independent trade union organisation CTUWS, whose website has been blocked by the Egyptian government as part of the repression of dissent in Egypt, annopuncing the formation of a new, independent trade union movement.http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-19067-f0.cfm
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Egypt Cries Freedom
It has long been axiomatic that revolutions occur when the ruling class cannot continue to rule in the old way and the masses refuse to live in the old way. Events currently taking place throughout the Arab world bear this out. At time of writing Hosni Mubarak’s regime is teetering on the brink, but no one should make the mistake of believing that this has come out of the blue.
On the contrary, what we are witnessing in Egypt is a process which began when Sadat first turned his back on the Arab masses and sold himself and Egypt to US imperialism back in 1977. This ushered in an era of autocracy and autocracy, as history tells us, is the sine qua non of US imperialism, its favoured method of government when it comes to its many satellite states. Indeed it is the only way in which those states are able to maintain themselves in power at the expense of their own people, creating contradictions which eventually and inevitably reach the point of combustion.
What we are seeing taking place in Egypt, what we have already seen take place in Tunisia, and what threatens to consume the entire Arab world, is exactly that. In other words, a part of the world whose destiny has for too long been controlled by Washington is experiencing the birth pangs of a new era.
The alacrity with which the US administration has sought to distance itself publicly from Mubarak is an insult to those who’ve so far lost their lives and those who continue to risk their lives daily in an attempt to dislodge him from power. A pro-US stooge, who over a thirty-year reign has ruled in the interests of his US paymasters, Mubarak’s long reign is testament to the bankruptcy of US rhetoric about championing freedom and democracy around the world. In fact, presently unfolding in the streets of Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, all over Egypt, is democracy – the type which the Arab masses have lacked for so long. To the political and business elites in the West who equate democracy with stability, the kind of stability which allows for the theft and exploitation of human and natural resources in the name of profit, the scenes unfolding across Egypt won’t be pretty; in fact they will be downright terrifying. Suddenly the US and its satellite regimes throughout the Arab world are no longer in control. The people are and it is a beautiful sight to behold for all who understand the United States and the domination it wields over the region utilising war, sanctions, subversion of human rights and the funding of state terrorism, as the major stumbling block to progress and freedom.
The picture emerging from Egypt is still very much a confused one. This is entirely understandable, as revolutionary processes are never straightforward, certainly not in their initial stages. Speculation abounds as to where and in which direction these events are headed. Will Mubarak manage to hold out long enough to remain in power? Will he be able to assuage the masses with piecemeal political and economic reforms, following the advice, or should that be instructions, from Washington? Will the army remain loyal or will it force him to step down? And if so who or what will take his place? Will it be a Nasser ready to break with US imperialism? Will it be another pro-US autocrat such as recently installed vice president Omar Suleiman? Or will there be democratic elections? And if so what form will they take? Will they be restricted to the participation of those parties committed to the status quo in different garb? What are the political forces involved on the streets? Is any coherent leadership beginning to emerge? And what about the Muslim Brotherhood, who’ve long constituted the largest and most organised opposition to Mubarak’s rule? What is their role?
As with any such process, the subjective factor assumes increasing importance as things move forward. And move forward they must, otherwise the momentum is lost and the initial upsurge of energy, confidence and belief which supplants the fear of failure is lost with it.
On another level it would be a mistake when analysing what is taking place in Tunisia, Egypt and throughout the region to reduce it to a phenomenon exclusive to the Arab world. Yes, there are unique contradictions and geopolitical fault lines that exist in the region that don’t exist elsewhere, due to its strategic importance as the world’s filling station. But the context in which this revolt has erupted now is the current crisis in global capitalism. The economic foundations of US satraps in the Middle East, reliant as they are on US largesse, which in the time honoured fashion is squandered on securing their own power base with a bloated security and military apparatus, are inherently weak. Unable to compete in a shrinking global export market as global aggregate demand plunges, already weak economies such as Egypt’s are vulnerable to social convulsion regardless of the geopolitical issues involved. In a country of 80 million, where 20 percent of the population are officially mired in poverty, in which inflation currently hovers close to 13 percent, and which imported almost twice what it exported in 2010 - $46.52 billion compared to $25.34 billion – the writing is on the wall.
Egypt carries greater strategic importance to the US and the West than any other Arab country in the region. Its size and with it potential power renders a pro-US regime indispensable in quelling the aspirations of a people whose intelligentsia retains strong emotional ties to the precepts of Arab nationalism. Egypt’s stewardship of the Suez Canal, so vital to the West, is also crucial, as is its role as a buffer protecting Israel’s ongoing project of ethnic cleansing and expropriation of Palestinian land.
However, though the fall of Mubarak would undoubtedly make Egypt’s role in maintaining the siege of Gaza less secure, and though Tel Aviv will be watching and waiting nervously hoping that Mubarak survives, it would be a mistake to conflate events taking place on the streets of Cairo and elsewhere in Egypt with an overt pro-Palestinian agenda. The overwhelming majority involved thus far, at least according to credible reports, are focused on issues such as rising prices, falling wages, unemployment, and other economic and social factors. This is fuelled by the understanding that Mubarak and his regime, with its inability to resolve the economic chaos that has crippled the country, must go.
At this juncture the objective of the people on the streets is to win over the army. Crucially, since being deployed the troops on the ground have refrained from taking repressive measures to quell the revolt or enforce the nightly curfew. Is this the result of orders received or is it a spontaneous decision on the part of the troops themselves? It is hard to know at this point. There is little doubt that high ranking officers will be considering their options though. It also wouldn’t be stretch to assume there are back channel talks taking place between some of those officers and representatives of the US administration over how to proceed by way of installing an alternative to Mubarak if and when the time comes.
As of now the deciding factor in how the army responds remains the people and how events in the streets develop over the coming days. Think about that for a moment. When it comes to the Arab world how long has it been since anyone has been able to write that “the deciding factor remains the people?”
Whatever happens now the Arab world will never be the same.
Hollingdean's against the cuts!
Nearly 50 people gathered at Hollingdean Community Centre on Thursday night at the invitation of Brighton Stop the Cuts Coalition. It was an excellent turnout on a cold, wet night.
What was striking was the number of stories from ordinary people about how the cuts are already affecting people. We heard from people being messed about the benefits system, being messed about by employers, how cuts in young peoples' services are making life increasingly difficult for teachers.
There were good speeches from Phil Clarke of the Stop the Cuts Coalition, Dave Russell GMB shop steward at the depot, and Tony Greenstein of Brighton Unemployed Centre.
There will regular meetings to build a local anti-cuts campaign.
What was striking was the number of stories from ordinary people about how the cuts are already affecting people. We heard from people being messed about the benefits system, being messed about by employers, how cuts in young peoples' services are making life increasingly difficult for teachers.
There were good speeches from Phil Clarke of the Stop the Cuts Coalition, Dave Russell GMB shop steward at the depot, and Tony Greenstein of Brighton Unemployed Centre.
There will regular meetings to build a local anti-cuts campaign.
Sussex Socialist Resistance: Fourth International in Britain.: Sarah Tether MP also fails to get the point. Her ...
Sussex Socialist Resistance: Fourth International in Britain.: Sarah Tether MP also fails to get the point. Her ...: " Brent Fightback mobilises and unites many local unions, community groups and user groups to defend local services.  ..."
Sarah Tether MP also fails to get the point. Her government and her cuts!
Brent Fightback mobilises and unites many local unions, community groups and user groups to defend local services.
Brent Fightback local demonstration and lobby of Sarah Tether
The meeting with Sarah Teather by a deputation was hardly a meeting of minds. Many of the issues brought up at the rally were raised, her reply was essentially to either say we are wrong or to tell us that it would be much worse if she wasn’t in government! Oh, and to blame the Council when it is the government which has cut the Council’s funding.
Here is a link to a Channel 4 programme showing Sarah Teather advising users of Kensal Rise Library to take a leaf from the book of the people in Stoney Stratford and take all the books off the shelves:
The Guardian had an article on Thursday about the nature of the Coalition and how it is pulling some of the Lib Dems, especially Sarah Teather to the right you can read it at:
Sarah may have won the seat in a bye-election but hopefully will lose it in the next election. The students also learnt to their cost that you can never trust a Lib Dem.
Friday, January 28, 2011
People power in Egypt-what next for the region
Tunisian youth and workers in a few days, following years of repression and poverty, overthrew a dictator sponsored by European and the US Governments. This has sparked a movement across the region. The events unfolding in Egypt have been compared to the rise of Nasser and the fall of the Romanian dictator.
What ever may happen over the next few hours, clearly the Egyptian workers and youth are in the process of writing their own history. Whether the army steps in and imposes repression or whether it acknowledges change on the side of the people we await. What ever happens, the Mubarak regime is finished.
Government buildings and police stations across the main centres in Cairo are in flames. The media may be down but the people are not. This movement can not and will not be put down. Inspite of rubber bullets the demonstrations continue. The army may step in but will it be able to control the destiny of 82 million people.
From Alexandria to Suez, the people are on the march. The riot squads (CFS) use US purchased and produced rubber bullets and cs gas to attempt to reverse the movement. Hilary Clinton in the mean time calls for non violence. Yet the violence comes from those attempting to defend the last vestiges of a dying regime.
Jordan, Syria and other parts of the Middle East may be next, in which order who knows, but the struggle will spread. Then what will the Zionists and their supporters do?
Mubarak's army tanks will not reverse the gains of the Egyptian people. The international struggle must also mean strengthening the fight for Palestinian self determination and liberation.
What ever may happen over the next few hours, clearly the Egyptian workers and youth are in the process of writing their own history. Whether the army steps in and imposes repression or whether it acknowledges change on the side of the people we await. What ever happens, the Mubarak regime is finished.
Government buildings and police stations across the main centres in Cairo are in flames. The media may be down but the people are not. This movement can not and will not be put down. Inspite of rubber bullets the demonstrations continue. The army may step in but will it be able to control the destiny of 82 million people.
From Alexandria to Suez, the people are on the march. The riot squads (CFS) use US purchased and produced rubber bullets and cs gas to attempt to reverse the movement. Hilary Clinton in the mean time calls for non violence. Yet the violence comes from those attempting to defend the last vestiges of a dying regime.
Jordan, Syria and other parts of the Middle East may be next, in which order who knows, but the struggle will spread. Then what will the Zionists and their supporters do?
Mubarak's army tanks will not reverse the gains of the Egyptian people. The international struggle must also mean strengthening the fight for Palestinian self determination and liberation.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Algiers, Cairo, London, Manchester
Read and download the latest Socialist Resistance student leaflet
West Sussex County Council plans to cut jobs and services - whilst the bankers get their bonuses.
Cutting to the bone - local cuts round up.
So whilst bankers continue to get their bonuses, £37 million cuts and hundreds of job losses are being considered by West Sussex County Council.
Efficiency savings, voluntary redundancies and cutting bureaucracy may sound ok to Council leader Louise Goldsmith, but to working people it means the decimating of front line essential services, making those who depend on the services face the real effects of ConDem austerity measures. Additionally it means more stress and heavier workloads for public sector workers trying to deliver the services.
In the meantime, Worthing and Adur Council have issued a warning that "frontline services may not be protected in future". 37 posts, £963,000 savings and increased workloads are being considered.
Yet did not the ConDems say front line services will be safe with them!
We say councils and councillors should refuse to implement any cuts in public services and support local workers and the local community in defending jobs and services.
The local anti-cuts campaigns in Worthing, Brighton and elsewhere will be demanding councillors make a stand against cuts.
So whilst bankers continue to get their bonuses, £37 million cuts and hundreds of job losses are being considered by West Sussex County Council.
Efficiency savings, voluntary redundancies and cutting bureaucracy may sound ok to Council leader Louise Goldsmith, but to working people it means the decimating of front line essential services, making those who depend on the services face the real effects of ConDem austerity measures. Additionally it means more stress and heavier workloads for public sector workers trying to deliver the services.
In the meantime, Worthing and Adur Council have issued a warning that "frontline services may not be protected in future". 37 posts, £963,000 savings and increased workloads are being considered.
Yet did not the ConDems say front line services will be safe with them!
We say councils and councillors should refuse to implement any cuts in public services and support local workers and the local community in defending jobs and services.
The local anti-cuts campaigns in Worthing, Brighton and elsewhere will be demanding councillors make a stand against cuts.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
So Sir Peter Bottomely M.P.-where do you stand on the NHS? Bankers or Health Care? No to NHS cuts.
Thursday 27th January 2011
http://www.keepournhspublic.com/index.php
The second reading the Health and Social Care Bill is on Monday 31st January. Now is the time to write to your MP and ask them to KILL THE BILL. You can ask them to vote against the Bill, or abstain at the very least. This is especially important if your MP is a member of the coalition government. If you have the time please send us a copy of any replies from MPs.
The second reading the Health and Social Care Bill is on Monday 31st January. Now is the time to write to your MP and ask them to KILL THE BILL. You can ask them to vote against the Bill, or abstain at the very least. This is especially important if your MP is a member of the coalition government. If you have the time please send us a copy of any replies from MPs.
The NHS White Paper
The White paper on Health Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS published on 12 July 2010 poses a major threat to the NHS. If these radical proposals - which did not appear in either of the coalition manifestos - are enacted when the bill is debated in the autumn, it will be the end of the NHS as we know and love it._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Worthing Solidarity Network says:
" NO TO HEALTH CUTS- NO TO PUBLIC SPENDING CUTS- DEFEND ALL PUBLIC SERVICES".
Health care at the point of need is a right and we intend to keep it that way. The same goes for education, public housing, public transport and other public services.
So where will the money come from some ask? Well, we say cut Trident, stop illegal wars and tax the rich. Bankers bonuses and the failure of large companies to pay tax in the UK will more than cover this. The budget deficit is not the issue. The inequalities in income and wealth is. But then the bankers and their friends always put their class first and others last.
Worthing Solidarity Network is committed to campaigning with the local community, users groups, local health workers and unions to defend and keep open all NHS facilities in the area.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Cold, icey and windy times for Osborne.
So -0.5% GDP figures, reflecting a further slow down in the UK economy as a result of ConDem austerity measures is not, according to the hapless Chancellor, due to cuts but is down to the weather! Well yes people don't like shopping in the snow and ice, especially with inadequate, expensive and underfunded public transport. But who is he kidding!!
Any A.S. /A2 Economics student can point out the effect of a contractionary fiscal policy, resulting in a negative multiplier effect on the real world of jobs, living standards and the Economy. Yet didn't Osborne study it at Eton? Not sure if he did but clearly he has much to learn. Unless ofcourse as we all know, he is only interested in the interests of his class at the expense of working people.
In the meantime the prospects are worsening, with rising inflation and the likely increase in interest rates, subject to the Monetary Policy Committee's next meeting. Even the CBI shows anxiety over present policy.
Ed Balls, Labour's new shadow chancellor entered the ring today calling for a plan B. It is all very well calling for a "jobs and growth budget" but what would this actually mean? Under Ed, what would be the size of cuts. would the bankers face higher taxes and to what extent would a Green agenda be implemented? More importantly, will Ed and Ed both support students and workers on the streets opposing the cuts? Will they stand by Labour and other councillors refusing to implement the cuts? We have our own suspicions but happy to be proved wrong.
No George, the slowdown is due to your Government and its policies. We are not fooled by you and your cons.
Any A.S. /A2 Economics student can point out the effect of a contractionary fiscal policy, resulting in a negative multiplier effect on the real world of jobs, living standards and the Economy. Yet didn't Osborne study it at Eton? Not sure if he did but clearly he has much to learn. Unless ofcourse as we all know, he is only interested in the interests of his class at the expense of working people.
In the meantime the prospects are worsening, with rising inflation and the likely increase in interest rates, subject to the Monetary Policy Committee's next meeting. Even the CBI shows anxiety over present policy.
Ed Balls, Labour's new shadow chancellor entered the ring today calling for a plan B. It is all very well calling for a "jobs and growth budget" but what would this actually mean? Under Ed, what would be the size of cuts. would the bankers face higher taxes and to what extent would a Green agenda be implemented? More importantly, will Ed and Ed both support students and workers on the streets opposing the cuts? Will they stand by Labour and other councillors refusing to implement the cuts? We have our own suspicions but happy to be proved wrong.
No George, the slowdown is due to your Government and its policies. We are not fooled by you and your cons.
Self-determination for the Palestininans- A two state solution means no state except that of a Bantustan.
Whilst the illegal occupation of Palestinian land continues, along with the blockade of Gaza
Clearly there are those who have compromised themselves so much that they are no longer considered worthy by their own people. Such is the tragedy of the PLO leadership.
In the meantime, Palestinians continue the struggle for their liberation from Zionist oppressors. The Two state solution was never an option. The struggle in the region from The PLO's Total Capitulation - Tariq Ali
This is from the LRB blog.
The ‘Palestine Papers’ being published this week by al-Jazeera confirm in every detail what many Palestinians have suspected for a long time: their leaders have been collaborating in the most shameful fashion with
Now we know that the capitulation was total, but still the Israeli overlords of the PLO refused to sign a deal and their friends in the press blamed the Palestinians for being too difficult. They wanted
The two-state solution is now dead and buried by
Monday, January 24, 2011
education, cuts and the student fightback
ALL OUT FOR SATURDAY JANUARY 29 DEMONSTRATIONS
The protests, walkouts and occupations of last term were just the first chapter in a much longer struggle for the right to education and against Con Dem austerity. In 2011 as university managements gear up to implement massive fees increases and students and staff are faced with vicious attacks on courses, jobs and our education we will need to go further. The first National Assembly for Education is open to students, staff and all supporters of our movement: let’s get together and discuss the future of education and how we fight for it.
The assembly will include: planning and co-ordinating future actions. Break out sessions for university students * school and college students * education workers. Opening plenary with activist Jody McIntyre, Mohamed Bani eye witness to Tunisian revolution and occupiers from round the country.
Called by university occupations including Kings College London, LSE, Sheffield, Manchester, UWE and UEL.Supported by Education Activist Network, National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, London Student Assembly.
http://educationassembly.wordpress.com/ nationalassemblyforeducation@gmail.com
_ ___________________________________________________________________________
These are 2 articles written by Dave Hill, a member of SR in Brighton.
STUDENTS ARE REVOLTING: EDUCATION CUTS AND RESISTANCE
LONDON – March for Education, Fight Every Cut
Assemble 12noon ULU, Malet St. March to Parliament
PUBLICITY:http://educationactivistnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/unite-for-education-29-jan1.pdf
MANCHESTER – March for A future that Works
Assemble 10:30am Manchester Museum. March to Platt Fields Park:
PUBLICITY:http://www.ucu.org.uk/media/pdf/2/f/futurethatworks_29jan_poster.pdf http://educationactivistnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/unite-for-education-29-jan1.pdf
WHY THE 29th
Just months into office the Coalition government’s vicious attack on education and young people has faced mass opposition on the streets. Hundreds of thousands of students have protested, walked-out of their schools and colleges, or occupied their universities.
The vote to treble tuition fees and scrap EMA might have passed through parliament, but as the movement in France has shown “what parliament votes for the streets can undo” Our movement has generated mass support up and down the country and has shown it is possible to resist the coalitions vicious attacks. This week’s protests to save EMA saw the return of the student movement onto the streets with hundreds of London students chanting outside parliament: ‘wipe off David Cameron’s smile, let’s all go Tunisian style’.
Now we are gearing up for two very important demonstrations on 29th January in London and Manchester. The “Unite for Education” London demonstration has been supported by UCU, PCS, GMB, UNISON HE Committee and CWU Gen Sec Billy Hayes. The “Future for All” Manchester demonstration has been called by NUS, UCU and the TUC and is supported by PCS, GMB, UNITE, NUT, FBU and PCS.
The attacks on education and young people are part of a wider assault on workers and the public sector. A record one million under 25s are now unemployed and hundreds of thousands of public sector jobs, as well as pensions and benefits, are under threat.
These demonstrations present a real opportunity to bring trade unionists, parents, the unemployed, pensioners and all those under attack in behind the student movement to build a movement that can stop fees, win back EMA and defeat the government.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR EDUCATION
30th JANUARY, 11AM-5PM, LSE
The Quad, Houghton Street, WC2A 2AEThe protests, walkouts and occupations of last term were just the first chapter in a much longer struggle for the right to education and against Con Dem austerity. In 2011 as university managements gear up to implement massive fees increases and students and staff are faced with vicious attacks on courses, jobs and our education we will need to go further. The first National Assembly for Education is open to students, staff and all supporters of our movement: let’s get together and discuss the future of education and how we fight for it.
The assembly will include: planning and co-ordinating future actions. Break out sessions for university students * school and college students * education workers. Opening plenary with activist Jody McIntyre, Mohamed Bani eye witness to Tunisian revolution and occupiers from round the country.
Called by university occupations including Kings College London, LSE, Sheffield, Manchester, UWE and UEL.Supported by Education Activist Network, National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, London Student Assembly.
http://educationassembly.wordpress.com/ nationalassemblyforeducation@gmail.com
_ ___________________________________________________________________________
These are 2 articles written by Dave Hill, a member of SR in Brighton.
STUDENTS ARE REVOLTING: EDUCATION CUTS AND RESISTANCE
DON'T LET THE RACISTS AND FASCISTS DIVIDE WORKING PEOPLE
STOP THE EDL IN LUTON -NO TO THE RACIST THUGS
Assemble: 12 noon, St George’s Square,
The UAF will also be supporting local people who will be gathering in the
UAF national officer Martin Smith said:
It’s time now to make a stand. We cannot allow racists to rampage through our towns, threatening and attacking Muslims or anyone else. We urge all antiracists and antifascists to come to
Where antiracists and antifascists have turned out in numbers to show their opposition to the EDL and to support our diverse, multicultural communities, the EDL has been unable to run rampage as it did in
We need to build the widest possible opposition to the EDL and their anti-Muslim racism and violence. We need to stand up for unity in our community.
UAF is calling on antiracists and antifascists across the country to mobilise against the English Defence League in
The EDL, a violent racist organisation with links to the British National Party and other fascist groups, has called a ‘protest’ on that day – they describe it as going ‘back where it all began’.
It is clear what they mean: the EDL was formed after masked racist thugs went on the rampage through
That is the reason they are targeting
They are refusing to cooperate with police and EDL divisions are planning to split up and roam around the town in groups to threaten and intimidate local residents, especially Muslims. Their aim is to go on the rampage again.
UAF conference 2011: Saturday 26 February -Register for this -contact UAF
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The TUC national anti-cuts march is on Saturday 26th March 2011 in central London.
It's vital that everyone opposed to the ConDem's cuts travel to London.
Coaches have already been organised to go from Worthing - leaving 8am from the Dome Cinema, £5 waged / £2 unwaged.
A meeting worth attending unless ofcourse you are the local police spy then please leave a donation at the door and wear the tee shirt so we do not have to drink with you.
Worthing Alliance special discussion – do we live in a democracy?
Worthing Alliance special discussion – do we live in a democracy?
8pm, Thursday January 27, Beechwood Hall hotel, Wykeham Road, Worthing.
Every week it seems we have more and more proof that democracy in this country is a sham. Politicians make solemn pledges and then break them.
Young people are chided for being apathetic encouraged to take more of an interest in politics, but when they do take to the streets in their thousands they find their views are still ignored and they are all treated like criminals by the police.
Meanwhile, we have also seen evidence of the way the authorities infiltrate protest groups not just to check up what they are doing but also to disrupt their activities and throw them into disarray.
There will be an introductory talk at the meeting, followed by a discussion of the issues. Campaigners from various local groups will also report on their current activities. All welcome.
Keep our land open-Titnore latest
This report has just been sent in regarding the latest on Titnore .The developers’ proposals for development at West Durrington have now been revealed and can be seen online at http://www.westdurringtonconsortium.co.uk
We share with others our total opposition to the privatising of all our natural woods and forests. These were kept in public ownership over decades for all to enjoy. The Con Dems now plan to sell off our natural heritage and probably turn a blind eye to the property developers and land speculaters, who will restrict access, charge for the right to roam, building where they shouldn't.
On the positive side, the plan confirms that the historic campaign to save the trees has succeeded – there is no access off Titnore Lane through the woods and the housing estate is confined to the agricultural land.
On the negative side, we are still talking about 700 homes (with a second phase yet to come) on a greenfield site prone to flooding. There are sure to be plenty of objections from residents when the plans are submitted to Worthing Borough Council.
We share with others our total opposition to the privatising of all our natural woods and forests. These were kept in public ownership over decades for all to enjoy. The Con Dems now plan to sell off our natural heritage and probably turn a blind eye to the property developers and land speculaters, who will restrict access, charge for the right to roam, building where they shouldn't.
Keep our heritage free from such destruction and restrictions.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sussex Socialist Resistance: Keep Portslade Academy Free -Defend Education
Sussex Socialist Resistance: Keep Portslade Academy Free -Defend Education: "They talk peace but come to cut! The Con Dems claim they talk of offering choice, accountability, transparency, efficiency and raising of st..."
Sussex Socialist Resistance: The Turning Point
Sussex Socialist Resistance: The Turning Point: " Transition Town Worthing ( TTW) will be screening Worthing's first ever showing of The Turning Point in 13 days time . . . ..."
Sussex Socialist Resistance: STOP THE WAR COALITION - NEW BLAIR LIES
Sussex Socialist Resistance: STOP THE WAR COALITION - NEW BLAIR LIES: "How many more have to die for a lie and an illegal war? Whilst the NHS, education and other public services face cuts and closures, with ris..."
Sussex Socialist Resistance: Welcome to all
Sussex Socialist Resistance: Welcome to all: " This is a new blog by supporters and members of Socialist Resistance in the Sussex area. We hope that whether you agree with all or ju..."
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Keep Portslade Academy Free -Defend Education
They talk peace but come to cut!
The Con Dems claim they talk of offering choice, accountability, transparency, efficiency and raising of standards.In fact, what they really mean are cuts to education and taking away local control of local services by local people.
In recent reports, many of the so-called academy schools that have been established have in fact not raised standards above that of the previous schools they replaced. Nor have they delivered accountability, as the school is taken over by a private company in most cases who then attempt to run it as a private business. Local democracy, local accountability and local control then goes out of the window.
It was the flagship of New Labour, thanks to Mandelson and Lord Adonis, under Gordon Brown's Private Public Partnership initiatives, that lead to taxpayers money funding so-called philanphropists to take over our schools. Ofcourse the money they saved in lower corporation tax and various tax dodges enabled them to afford this "generosity in the first place.
In pushing the "Big Society" agenda the consultation meeting concerning Portslade Community College has just been announced.
Sham of consultation
for immediate release Tuesday 18 January 2011
Proposed Portslade Academy – public consultation meeting
The Con Dems claim they talk of offering choice, accountability, transparency, efficiency and raising of standards.In fact, what they really mean are cuts to education and taking away local control of local services by local people.
In recent reports, many of the so-called academy schools that have been established have in fact not raised standards above that of the previous schools they replaced. Nor have they delivered accountability, as the school is taken over by a private company in most cases who then attempt to run it as a private business. Local democracy, local accountability and local control then goes out of the window.
It was the flagship of New Labour, thanks to Mandelson and Lord Adonis, under Gordon Brown's Private Public Partnership initiatives, that lead to taxpayers money funding so-called philanphropists to take over our schools. Ofcourse the money they saved in lower corporation tax and various tax dodges enabled them to afford this "generosity in the first place.
In pushing the "Big Society" agenda the consultation meeting concerning Portslade Community College has just been announced.
Sham of consultation
for immediate release Tuesday 18 January 2011
Proposed Portslade Academy – public consultation meeting
Plans to create a Portslade Community Academy to replace Portslade Community College will be the subject of a public meeting at the community college’s Oasis Centre on Tuesday 25 January at 7.30pm.
The Academy proposal has now been given the green light by the government, which has promised a £12m investment in the proposed Academy to create a new sixth form centre at the Chalky Road site and refurbish current buildings.
Brighton & Hove is one of only four local authorities in the country to have been selected by central government as a pilot scheme to develop a faster and more efficient form of procurement process for construction projects.
The new procurement process would be used to deliver the proposed new sixth form centre, and would contribute to a relaunched secondary school building programme across the country.
The public meeting forms part of a final round of public consultation on the Academy proposal. The consultation period finishes on January 31, and Brighton & Hove City Council’s cabinet will consider the feedback from the consultation before making a decision on the Academy proposal at a meeting on February 17.
Senior officials from the council and from the Aldridge Foundation – who are the lead sponsor of the Academy proposal – will be on hand at the public meeting to answer questions and explain how they feel the local community would benefit from the proposed Academy.
The council’s cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Vanessa Brown, said: “The money promised towards the proposed Academy is down to our successful track record in delivering projects in partnership, on time and to budget. I’m very pleased that we are one of the very few areas to have been recognised by the government in this way.”
The Aldridge Foundation has made it clear that they want the college’s current headteacher, Stuart McLaughlin, to be the principal of the proposed new academy.
The council put forward an expression of interest in a Portslade Community Academy to the government because it was seen as the best way to improve standards and increase the amount of government money available.
Community challenge and oppose.
The local community of parents, teachers, trade unionists, community and users groups and many others in the local area are not fooled by these false promises and have been campaigning against the academy proposal.
The local community have been clearly saying since day 1, " KEEP PORTSLADE ACADEMY-FREE" and they intend to.
The Turning Point
Transition Town Worthing ( TTW) will be screening Worthing's first ever showing of The Turning Point in 13 days time . . .
What other people have said about the film:
"This is the most positive and uplifting of all the films I have seen about climate change. Great to see that there is another way and that a whole community is already living it. Beautifully shot and clipped. The balance is perfect - interchanging gracefully between the experts and the community examples." Gordon McAlpine, Findhorn, Scotland
"It was so amazing to see it on the big screen, and that people responded so well to it. Standing ovation, wow! I really think you have something very special here, very special indeed. This is a film that made me feel hopeful; that gave me a clear idea of how I can move forward in my life in respect of these issues; and that I was so inspired I finally made a commitment to having an allotment, hurray!" Jane Duncan Rogers, Forres, Scotland
"It was so amazing to see it on the big screen, and that people responded so well to it. Standing ovation, wow! I really think you have something very special here, very special indeed. This is a film that made me feel hopeful; that gave me a clear idea of how I can move forward in my life in respect of these issues; and that I was so inspired I finally made a commitment to having an allotment, hurray!" Jane Duncan Rogers, Forres, Scotland
This very positive and inspirational film is being screened at the Quaker Meeting House, rear of 34 Mill Road, Worthing. It is an excellent way to start 2011! Doors open at 7pm, film screening at 7.30pm. We'll also be discussing what Transition Town Worthing is currently involved in and what projects you can join in the local community. All welcome. Suggested donation £3.
'Our core purpose is to engage the local community in responding creatively and positively to the twin challenges of climate change and the end of cheap oil.'
STOP THE WAR COALITION - NEW BLAIR LIES
How many more have to die for a lie and an illegal war? Whilst the NHS, education and other public services face cuts and closures, with rising unemployment, billions of taxpayers money is wasted because of a lie leading to an illegal war.
We say bring the troops home, end the war, stop spending on Trident and bring to justice those responsible for this carnage. The longer the occupation continues, the worse it gets.
ATTORNEY GENERAL REVEALS NEW BLAIR LIES
PROTEST THIS FRIDAY, JAN 21ST, 8AM
**********
http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/2217/1/
Tony Blair is back in front of the Chilcot inquiry. The hearing comes against
a background of the statement from his chief legal adviser which effectively
says that Blair ignored his advice over the legality of the Iraq war. Lord
Goldsmith, who was attorney general in the Blair government, has said that he
felt uncomfortable with Blair's public statements in the run up to war.
It is clear that Blair had a strategy of not asking for legal advice from his
legal adviser, trying to avoid it being put in writing, and in general
ensuring that he heard nothing which might hold him back in his determination
to follow George Bush into the war.
Blair deliberately went to war despite knowing that the lawyers thought the
war was not legal. He is now giving evidence for a second time at Chilcot, to
try to explain the discrepancies between his original evidence and that of
Goldsmith.
Stop the War, along with CND and BMI, is calling a demonstration outside the
Chilcot inquiry this Friday, 21st January, at 8 am. We are asking everyone who
can be there to attend. He is scheduled to be in the hearing from 9.30 to 2
pm but there is now talk of him being there all day because of this latest
statement. We would especially encourage people to come from 8 till 10.30, but
there will be people there for the duration of the hearing.
We say bring the troops home, end the war, stop spending on Trident and bring to justice those responsible for this carnage. The longer the occupation continues, the worse it gets.
ATTORNEY GENERAL REVEALS NEW BLAIR LIES
PROTEST THIS FRIDAY, JAN 21ST, 8AM
**********
http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/2217/1/
Tony Blair is back in front of the Chilcot inquiry. The hearing comes against
a background of the statement from his chief legal adviser which effectively
says that Blair ignored his advice over the legality of the Iraq war. Lord
Goldsmith, who was attorney general in the Blair government, has said that he
felt uncomfortable with Blair's public statements in the run up to war.
It is clear that Blair had a strategy of not asking for legal advice from his
legal adviser, trying to avoid it being put in writing, and in general
ensuring that he heard nothing which might hold him back in his determination
to follow George Bush into the war.
Blair deliberately went to war despite knowing that the lawyers thought the
war was not legal. He is now giving evidence for a second time at Chilcot, to
try to explain the discrepancies between his original evidence and that of
Goldsmith.
Stop the War, along with CND and BMI, is calling a demonstration outside the
Chilcot inquiry this Friday, 21st January, at 8 am. We are asking everyone who
can be there to attend. He is scheduled to be in the hearing from 9.30 to 2
pm but there is now talk of him being there all day because of this latest
statement. We would especially encourage people to come from 8 till 10.30, but
there will be people there for the duration of the hearing.
Welcome to all
This is a new blog by supporters and members of Socialist Resistance in the Sussex area. We hope that whether you agree with all or just some of our policies, you share with us the need for discussion and debate on a wide range of issues.
We do not assume to have all the answers to all the present domestic and international issues facing us. The struggles for Eco-Socialism, liberation and the fight against a wide range of oppressive regimes globally, as well as at home, requires the need for us to all be willing to learn from each other and to share our experiences.
What we all have in common is the realisation that the present crises facing us is international and that it requires an international solution. The struggles in Tunisia, Europe, Palestine, Africa, Asia and elsewhere needs the maximum solidarity to show a new world is possible.
Feel free to send in reports on anti-cuts campaigns, anti-racism and anti-fascist activity, international campaigns,struggles for equality and diverisity, climate change,trade union reports and students' events against the cuts.
Whilst there are many campaigns out there in the Sussex region, with new ones coming on the scene, we hope that we can help to support and publicise them, whilst respecting their autonomy.
Be patient as we put on information and articles. Send links to us. The only thing we will not accept is personal abuse and the same goes for racist and sexist comments. They will be deleted.
We do not assume to have all the answers to all the present domestic and international issues facing us. The struggles for Eco-Socialism, liberation and the fight against a wide range of oppressive regimes globally, as well as at home, requires the need for us to all be willing to learn from each other and to share our experiences.
What we all have in common is the realisation that the present crises facing us is international and that it requires an international solution. The struggles in Tunisia, Europe, Palestine, Africa, Asia and elsewhere needs the maximum solidarity to show a new world is possible.
Feel free to send in reports on anti-cuts campaigns, anti-racism and anti-fascist activity, international campaigns,struggles for equality and diverisity, climate change,trade union reports and students' events against the cuts.
Whilst there are many campaigns out there in the Sussex region, with new ones coming on the scene, we hope that we can help to support and publicise them, whilst respecting their autonomy.
Be patient as we put on information and articles. Send links to us. The only thing we will not accept is personal abuse and the same goes for racist and sexist comments. They will be deleted.
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