En Passant

Is there an alternative to Labor’s guided Schumpeterianism and the Liberals’ overt ‘let the market forces rip’ destruction of jobs and capital?

The Transport Workers Union has given a hint of an alternative. It has threatened strikes against QANTAS and its attempts to sack 5000 staff.

My weekly 30 minute interview with Sharon Firebrace on Razor Sharp, this one on Tuesday 25 February. http://sharonfirebrace.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/25-2-14-john-passant-aust-national-woollongong-universty-neo-liberal-capitalism-attempts-to-take-stranglehold-of-govt-public-funds-to-favour-big-business-but-crush-democratic-s.mp3

The Dick Smith Auckland Nines was one of the best rugby league or indeed sporting tournaments I have ever attended. This was such a great few days of fast football and Auckland was so warm and welcoming that I will be going back next year, whenever it is held. I’d suggest you try to book early because it will become very expensive closer to the day next year and harder and harder to get seats.

The Dick Smith Auckland Nines definitely is hobbit forming.

‘Operational matters’ is an Orwellian phrase to stop us learning the truth of what our political masters like Scott Morrison and those riding shotgun with them like Angus Campbell are doing to asylum seekers.

A public health disaster is unfolding in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley. The brown coal mine connected to Hazelwood power station has been burning since 9 February, and fire authorities are at a loss as to how to put it out. 200,000 people’s health is being sacrificed to keep the power – and the profits – flowing.

The purpose of this background note is to present information (in a simplified format) that may help address some of the popular misconceptions that surround asylum issues. It includes information on asylum claims, unauthorised arrivals and irregular migration in Australia and Europe.

Caracas is seeing an uprising of the middle classes and the rich. The working class neighbourhoods remain loyal to the government, but also deeply cynical about the extraordinary corruption of the heirs of Chavez. Mike Gonzalez analyses this contradictory situation in revolutionary socialism in the 21 st century

There will be candlit vigils across Australia for murdered asylum seeker Reza Berati on Sunday from 8 pm. The one in Canberra is on Saturday night from 7.30 pm in Garema Place. This GetUp! link has details for most cities.

Politicians say “we” must change our ways to save the planet—but Sadie Robinson in Socialist Worker UK argues waste is built into capitalism

Me interviewed by Sharon Firebrace on Razor Sharp on Tuesday 18 February. http://sharonfirebrace.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/18-2-14-john-passant-aust-national-university-g20-meeting-age-of-enttilement-engineers-attack-of-austerity-hardship-on-civilians.mp3