:: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 ::

N30 Strike, Edinburgh Demo


N30 Strike, Edinburgh Demo, originally uploaded by alister.

Perspective not dead? Not quite despite the lure of social media. Pics from the N30 strike. http://flic.kr/s/aHsjx4HJLR


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:: Sunday, June 05, 2011 ::

#spanishrevolution hits Edinburgh

Real Democracy Now Scotland

Spain and Greece already have mass youth unemployment and now they face austerity cuts. The same cuts we face here in Scotland. Spanish and Greek youth have taken to the streets of Edinburgh in solidarity with the mass protests in their countries. Scots take note.

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:: Thursday, May 26, 2011 ::

First morning of SNP majority government in Edinburgh

I have a feeling we may have a bit more to say about this in the years and months to come.


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:: Sunday, March 27, 2011 ::

London


RIP, originally uploaded by alister.

I joined the 450, 000 who marched in the streets of London to defend public services and oppose the ConDem cuts. A good humoured family day out for ordinary workers. It was the biggest demo in London for 10 years.

Police subsequently attacked the non-violent sit ins by UK Uncut and those partying in Trafalgar Square. Black Bloc types had a ruck, which made them feel good about themselves I guess.

But the real story was the march, and what comes after.

Good analysis by Laurie Penny in the New Statesman and Paul Mason of Newsnight.


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:: Monday, March 07, 2011 ::

Same Shit, Different W

As British workers prepare for what promises to be a gargantuan rally in London on March 26th, inspiration is coming from some surprising areas. Sure, Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Greece. But the USA? You bet, the USA. Workers in Madison, Wisconsin are engaged in an epic struggle with their anti-union Governor.

Here are a couple of great youtube clips. First up Michael Moore, then a nice toon.





The Title comes from a Madison placard btw.

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:: Monday, February 14, 2011 ::

A is for Alienation

Nice blog from the Socialist Cephalopod on the Hetherington occupation.


"Something that in my opinion is absolutely crucial to the success of what we’ve done so far is the non-commercial nature of the operation. When you come in the door of the Free Hetherington you realise straight away that this is different from the other student unions and surrounding West End pubs. When you come here, no one is making a profit out of you. One of the clearest illustrations I’ve ever seen of the alienating effects of introducing money into human relationships is what happens when you remove it. Being a non commercial space fosters relationships based on respect and solidarity; people wash up their own plates, ask how they can contribute and offer to organise events. People don’t come here as consumers, but as participants."


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:: Monday, February 07, 2011 ::

Collate, Collaborate, Struggle

Welcome to the Free Hetherington

The revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia are, I would argue, revitalising the struggle in this country against cuts. From council workers opposing redundancies to families speaking out against the closure of vital services (I include libraries in this category of course) the Tories are in for a year of resistance. There is a great article on the Newsnight blog from Paul Mason analysing the situation. He pinpoints a new breed of activist who have don't necessarily owe allegiance to traditional parties or movements. Anonymous is part of this with their libertarian cyber war in defence of Wikileaks and against scientology. Another part is the movement of poor urban youth on the streets of London, Paris and Cairo.

Glasgow University currently has an ongoing occupation of the Hetherington buildings, an unused former Postgraduate club, part of a wave of similar occupations around the country. The occupation is well organised, with cleaning, cooking and security. If you fancy a free meal, then they raid the supermarkets skips every night and turn it into delicious fare. Drop by and meet the new generation of struggle.



Study, Discuss, Share, Collate, Collaborate

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