Blogs

No pain no gain

Track / Image by Monica Kostas

The fifth installment in Recomposition's 'Politics on the Field' series comes to us from Chicago where Kingsley Clarke discusses his love of track and field, a view into youth coaching of the sport, and the class and racial dynamics that exist today.

Review: Can neuroscience change our minds? - Hilary and Steven Rose

rose

A review of the new book by Hilary and Steven Rose which presents both a scientific and political critique of the growth of 'neuro' disciplines.

Matteo Renzi’s gamble with democracy: the Italian constitutional referendum

Matteo Renzi.

On December 4th 2016 the Italian people will be called upon to vote in a referendum on the constitutional reform put forward by Matteo Renzi’s conservative and pro-austerity government. The topic is dominating Italian political life, because of the major impact the reform would have on the political and institutional life of the Italian Republic if approved, and because of the political turmoil that would follow if rejected.

Jacopo Fo’s speech at his father Dario’s funeral

Jacopo Fo.

Dario Fo, actor, Nobel prizewinner, communist and political activist died in Milan on October 13th. He was 90 years of age. His son, Jacopo, gave an emotional speech at his father's funeral.

He’s a Mendocino and I’m from Bogota

Cleats / Image by Monica Kostas

The fourth installment of Recomposition's 'Politics on the Field' series comes from South Florida where Marcos Restrepo brings us to the world of youth sports. With the Super Bowl past us and all the attention the world plays to sports industries and media, it’s important to remember that where sports grows from in the innumerable fields and arenas where children learn and play. Restrepo presents a picture of these games a father and someone critical of what capitalism has done to a game that continues to capture the passion and imagination of millions.

A Portrait of IWW Athletes

In the third installment of our series “Politics on the Field” we bring the story of three IWW athletes. This piece of history is written by IWW Neil Parthun, a sports show host, who offers a glimpse into the lives and trajectories of the IWW members who played sports as a career, and ends with his reflections on labor in professional sports.

Primero Chaca

A Goal / Image by Monica Kostas

The second in our 'Politics on the Field' series featuring pieces about where sports, life, and politics intersect. The second contribution comes to us from Monica Kostas, who also has done the artwork for our series as well many Recomposition works. She describes soccer in the life of her hometown while giving background on the sport’s history and radical roots, and reflections on playing in a militant life.

On Sojourner Truth Organisation: some thoughts

We were asked to write about how we relate to the 1970s American revolutionary group, Sojourner Truth Organisation (STO). Amongst other things, they were involved in workplace organising and developed thinking around race and white skin privilege.

Last remaining housing occupation in Bologna has been evicted

The eviction of the last remaining housing occupation in Bologna - around 100 people, 34 of them children, living in a building in Via Mario De Maria, in the working-class neighborhood of Bolognina - started at dawn on October 11. The police and the carabinieri surrounded the block and raided the building, beating people and even using pepper spray, the residents say.

International trade unionism helps weak Indian unions to integrate precarious workers' struggles

Union flag at factory gate, showing their role.

Analysis of the situation of the working class and their relationship with trade unions in India's new industrial heartland around New Delhi.

Freedom Press: A general pre-bookfair update

Freedom's been up to a fair bit this year, so ahead of the London Anarchist Bookfair on October 29th I thought I'd do an update on how the Press is doing, what we're publishing, and how on Earth we're going to raise £40,000-odd for repairs.

New trial over Stefano Cucchi’s death in custody

Ilaria Cucchi, Stefano’s sister, showing a photo of her brother’s body.

Legal reports claim Stefano Cucchi's death was due to epilepsy; he died covered in bruises with multiple fractures and injuries to internal organs after his arrest.

Alfred Olango and the hatred of solidarity

Sending the police to deal with mental health crises is bad for everyone, so why does it continue to happen?

A general strike starting from refinery workers at the caribbean island of Curacao - awaiting new masters from China

Curacao strike refinery workers 2016

The strike of a week of refinery workers, followed by the general strike on September 15 in Curacao, has aroused much interest in the Caribbean. In particular, the fact that a mysterious third party showed up paying over 1.8 million ANG [Antillean Guilder (ANG). Per 23-9-2016 1 ANG = 0,50 EUR or US$ 0,57] in back wages, has caused astonishment. F.e. Surinam media reported extensively on the workers' actions. One remembers the Curacao strikes and riots of May 30 1969, that were repressed by Dutch marines, and that led to changes in policy.

Struggles and union issues at Honda and Bellsonica in Manesar, India

Translation of four recent articles from Faridabad Majdoor Samachar (Faridabad Worker' News, India), reflecting on the union question regarding two current struggles at Honda motor-cycle factory and Bellsonica car parts supplier.

Syrian and Latin American refugees, “worthy” and “unworthy” victims

children imprisoned at a facility in Dilley Texas

Obama speechifies about the plight of Syrian refugees, but his administration’s treatment of refugees from Latin and South America says more than anything.

Queer kids for full communism: living the dream with the Queer Liberation Front

The latest Living the Dream podcast - an interview with Angus from the Queer Liberation Front. From The Words from Struggle St blog

"I barely survived on Chicago-Lake Liquors wages": an account of a campaign

An account by Juan Conatz of an Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) campaign at a liquor store in Minneapolis during the first half of 2013.

Logistics worker killed while on strike in Piacenza, Italy

Banner reads: "Abdelsalam lives in the struggle for the rights of everyone".

During the night between September 14 and 15, Abdelssalam Eldanf was killed while he was on strike with other workers in front of the GLS logistic plant in Piacenza.

Hat Trick

Hat Trick / Image by Monica Kostas

A piece by John O’Reilly in Minnesota about his experiences working at a liquor store. Sports is often there in the background shaping our interactions, defining relationships, and reflecting the struggles and aspirations of workers. In Hat Trick O’Reilly reminds us of the role of sports setting out the divisions and unity in our lives.