July 2007

The achievements of science and technology during the past century are
unparalleled in history. They provide the potential for the solution to
all the problems faced by the planet, and equally for its total
destruction. Allegedly scientific theories are being used to "prove"
that criminality is caused, not by social conditions, but by a
"criminal gene". Black people are alleged to be disadvantaged, not
because of discrimination, but because of their genetic make-up. Of
course, such "science" is highly convenient to right-wing politicians
intent on ruthlessly cutting welfare.

The times of the post-War boom were fat years for most
working class people. Living standards went up year after year and there was
virtually full employment. As a result the labour movement had built up
enormous strength.
The following episode is taken from Rob Sewell’s book ‘In
the cause of labour ‘, on the 35th anniversary of the historic events of that year.

Jorge Martin talks at a Socialist Appeal meeting at the end of June on the recent Nationalisations that have been taking place in Venezuela since the begining of the year. Also talked about is the general acceleration of the revolutionary process since the elections in December of last year, which saw Hugo Chavez returned to government with 63% of the vote. As Chavez said the vote was not for Chavez or the government, but for Socialism.

This recording was made at the Socialist Appeal day school
in June, where comrades gathered to discuss the Marxist theory of the
State and the Revolutionary Tactics of the Bolshevik Party in 1917.  In
this session Rob Lyon explains the origins of the state as a means of expropriating the surplus wealth produced by a particular class, and the development of the different forms of the state and class society throughout history.