En Passant

In Independent Australia I discuss freedom of speech amid calls from right-wing politicians and the Murdoch media for the Turnbull Government to repeal Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. I float a few other ideas as well, including the possibility that the new ‘anti-Semitism’ for the ruling class is Islamophobia.

A mass movement can force the racist scum back under their rocks for now.

Nicole Colson in Socialist Worker US reports on the outpouring of solidarity for the victims of the horrific Orlando mass shooting – and the need to challenge the tide of racist scapegoating of Muslims. She says, among other things, that ‘at the heart of the Orlando massacre is an uncomfortable reality that most media and political figures won’t examine: The way that toxic bigotry can metastasize into violence, especially in a society with easy access to the most deadly of weapons.’

No to all forms of oppression. No to all right-wing forces that thrive on hate. No to islamophobia and homophobia. Solidarity.

Australia’s mainstream media is a bit like Australia’s politics. It gives the impression of difference but in reality the two major newspaper outlets – News and Fairfax – disagree only on the detail. They agree on the overriding message and practice of neoliberalism and austerity. They agree too on creating a distraction from austerity. For Fairfax disguised and now not so disguised Islamophobia and liberal racism are good ways to do that.

Elizabeth Schulte in Socialist Worker US examines the basis of Donald Trump’s ongoing political popularity. “If I win the election for president, we are going to Make America Great Again.” Trump does want to “Make America” something. But I think the word he was looking for rhymes with “great.” Try “hate”.

Writing in this month’s Solidarity magazine Amy Thomas says among other things:

‘Large demonstrations are key to building confidence and showing the Muslim community that they have wider support. This means winning the support of groups like trade unions and refugee supporters to explicitly oppose Islamophobia.

‘The fascination of Socialist Alternative and some others with faux militancy—small numbers aiming to physically confront Reclaim—will not work. The police mobilise in their hundreds to protect the Reclaim rallies. Outnumbering the racists is the key to demoralising them, showing their views are isolated, and that they will be actively opposed.’

To read the whole article click here. Broader movement needed to defeat Reclaim’s Islamophobia.

The campaign against the Grand Mufti and the National Imams Council following their statement on the Paris terror attacks has shown that some politicians and the Murdoch press are determined to continue to stir up racism against the Muslim community. To read the whole statement click here.

‘We write to express our disappointment in the way the demonstration [in Sydney] against Reclaim Australia concluded on Sunday… The rally today had a number of strengths that can be built on to take this movement forward. But the unnecessary and undemocratic confrontation with police was a step back and must not be repeated. We will need a more democratic, honest approach to organising to make any future events successful.’

This is the link to my article in Independent Australia on why the Grand Mufti is right about the West’s role in creating the conditions for terrorism. To read the whole article click The Grand Mufti was Right.