Socialist Party Day School
Fear & Loathing in Capitalism
When: Saturday May 12, 2007 at 1:00pm
Where: Community Central Halls 304 Maryhill Road, Glasgow, G207YE
Day School organised by Glasgow and Edinburgh branches of the SPGB
Asbos, terrorists and immigrants.
1pm - 2.15pm Asbos, Chavs and Hoodies: crime under capitalism.
The newspapers and television constantly set out to frighten us with tales of hooliganism, anti-social behaviour and crime in general. In this session we attempt to evaluate the various claims and counter claims about the cause and cure of crime in modern society. Brian Gardner (Glasgow branch) puts forward the unique socialist analysis and contrast it with the "hang 'em, flog 'em" school of thought.
2.15- 3.30pm Seeking Asylum: should we be concerned about immigration?
In France Le Pen puts forward a repressive "solution", in this country Cameron and Brown have voiced their views, but capitalism needs immigration and Paul Bennett (Manchester branch) looks at the problem from a socialist viewpoint. Inside a socialist society there would be no "them and us" attitude. The whole world would be owned by the whole world population, in such a society concepts such as "asylum" would be impossible.
3.45 - 5pm Panic on the streets of London: how real is the terrorist threat?
The explosions on the London Underground were real enough, as were some recent failed attempts at bombing there, but has recent government reaction been justified? Gwynn Thomas (South London) look at current attitudes to this problem and contrast the socialist view with those of our political opponents. Capitalism is a society based on threats and counter-threats. Only world-wide socialism can solve the problem.
Each session will have a 30 minute talk, the rest of the time will be taken up with your questions and points of view. Admission is free and tea, coffee and light refreshments will be made available free of charge throughout the afternoon.
Community Central Halls, 304 Maryhill Road, Glasgow.
For more information about the Socialist Party Branches organizing this Day School, please visit their websites:
Glasgow Branch
Edinburgh Branch