En Passant

If you want a new and democratic society where people come before profit, if you think we need a revolution of the mass of workers to win that, then you should consider joining Socialist Alternative. Unlike Labor and its puppy dog left, we welcome refugees; we don’t demonise them, imprison them indefinitely in concentration camps, or deport them to possible death, torture or imprisonment.

THERE IS little doubt that freakish and unnaturally assembled storms are a taste of what the future holds under an economic system that has “interfered with the tranquility of domestic affections” and galvanized the forces of nature into a fury of clashing dislocations as we pump ever-more heat-trapping gases into our atmosphere and industrial filth into our lungs.

There are only two ways in which the followers of Chávismo can solve the structural difficulties of capitalist society in Venezuela: either pushing the Bolivarian process from the center-right towards the real socialist left, which would entail a tenacious clash with the bourgeoisie; or building a pact that favors the bourgeoisie with benefits, privileges and concessions not in the interest of the working class. This latter option would not solve the underlying problems of the economy and leaves the door open to allowing greater rates of capitalist exploitation over millions of workers.

If public statements are a hint, the leadership of Chávismo is for conciliation and open negotiation with the local and transnational capital.

Van Thanh Rudd: What group in Australia is up to the task? What group out there sees the logic and potential of a revolutionary class in Australia (and the world) – one that sees the working class as the motor for changing a system that glorifies private property, into one that collectivizes property? And what is the group will fight for justice and achieve victories along the way in the ongoing struggle against war, greed, sexism, racism and inequality?

I believe it is Socialist Alternative.

After a year of actively working in the Melbourne left, I have decided to join Socialist Alternative. Now that the Revolutionary Socialist Party are successfully concluding a merger with Socialist Alternative, bringing with them their own distinct interpretation of revolutionary socialist theory, I am confident that I can continue to defend and develop my own ideas. I encourage any inactive and unaffiliated leftists to begin having conversations with Socialist Alternative members and to seriously consider joining me contributing to the best thing going on the Australian left.

Campaigns like Kick It Out have been important in making racism less acceptable in football. But they shouldn’t be used as a cover for the FA’s lack of action. And black players have every right to be angry about that lack of action.

When racism is openly tolerated at matches watched by millions, it has a far-reaching effect. We should strive for unity against racism. But that shouldn’t come at the cost of keeping silent in the face of injustice.

The Gillard government refuses to take on the business lobby, John Passant writes http://www.canberratimes.com.au/opinion/labors-tax-trickery-masks-deeper-moral-conflict-20121029-28dnl.html#ixzz2AcotC87J

I am joining Socialist Alternative because of the role they are playing in Australia. How we see Cuba or the Latin American revolution developing can be discussed over time and patiently. Revolutionary politics is always about learning, discussion and being open to new ideas to work out the best course of action. With this approach we can work towards a more united and clear revolutionary left in Australia.

Marxism, Australia’s largest left wing conference, will be held over the Easter weekend: Thursday 28 – Sunday 31 March 2013. Special guests this year include renowned journalist and documentary maker John Pilger; Billy X Jennings from the Black Panther Party in the US; Aboriginal historian, activist and actor Gary Foley; Palestinian Marxist Toufic Haddad; and [...]

In Australia, if the merger between Socialist Alternative and the Revolutionary Socialist Party comes off, it has the potential to reignite the revolutionary left here and create a real space for it and the ability to get its voice heard among a wider left wing audience and to attract new people.