Socialist Youth supports John McDonnell Campaign
Up to 100 delegates made their way to the University of London Union on the 13th of January to debate the character of the new Socialist Youth Network (SYN).
News and analysis
The latest news and analysis from The Communist, alongside reports of our activity. For Marxist theory and history, click here.
How Capitalism Failed African Americans
The Second American Revolution [The U.S.
Civil War] was a tremendous step forward, but it never realized its
promise to Black Americans. The real winners in the Civil War were the
Northern capitalists who opened up new markets and obtained a huge new
supply of dirt-cheap labor. Nearly a century and a half after the
abolition of slavery in the U.S.A., we are very far from achieving
genuine equality for all, regardless of race, color or sex. Despite a
number of advances achieved through the struggles of black people in
the 1960s, the position of black Americans remains one of clear
disadvantage. Originally published in the book Marxism and the USA, published by and available from Wellred.
The findings of the Stern Report on climate change
The Stern Report highlights the problem of global warming linked to the high emissions of carbon. Stern tries to find a solution within capitalism, without understanding that capitalism is actually the problem. The unplanned, chaotic nature of the system, where all is based on immediate profit means no real solution can be found within it. The answer lies in planning and that can only be achieved under socialism.
British bosses wail about taxes
The annual conference of the bosses' organisation the CBI is usually marked by a series of complaints about wages (too high), regulation (too much) and taxes (too unavoidable) – just like a trade union conference but in reverse. This year's conference is no exception.
Capitalism Steals Christmas
The capitalist system that flourished in the time of Dickens is still upon us, as are all of its ills and evils. Reminiscent of the popular festive tale A Christmas Carol, in 2006, over 150 years after Charles Dickens wrote the story reflecting the callousness of a society divided by class, we still find that ordinary working peoples everyday lives are subject to the whims of a minority of parasitic individuals. This has found expression most recently in the Farepak fiasco.
Masses bring Correa to power in landslide victory
With a resounding victory over its rival, Rafael Correa was elected president of the Republic of Ecuador in the elections on November 26. This represented a political earthquake.
Mexican revolution takes another step forward
Despite the bitter cold, hundreds of thousands once again filled the massive Zocalo Square in the Mexican capital on November 20th. They were there to participate in the ceremony of the swearing in of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), of the left wing PRD, as the legitimate president of Mexico, in a clear act of rejection of the electoral fraud which robbed him of his victory in the July 2nd presidential elections.
The Minimum Wage went up 30p…End the scandal of low pay
The minimum wage went up by 30p an hour on the 1st October. It now stands at £5.35 for anyone 22 and over. But it's as little as £3.30 if you are 16 or 17 and only rises to £4.45 when you hit 18, unless you are an apprentice of course (which means you can paid as little as £80 per week!). The TUC was holding out for £6 an hour. £6 is a bit better, but it goes nowhere near far enough to solve the problems of low paid workers.
Workers march for the expropriation of Sanitarios under workers control
"Trabajadores arrechos, exigen sus derechos!" (Angry workers demand their rights!). "We cannot choose between winning or dying, we must win!" and "Sanitarios Maracay under workers' control and cogestión NOW!" These were some of the slogans written on the banners of the workers of Sanitarios Maracay who took to the streets of Maracay, the capital of the industrial region Aragua.
More messages after the sad death of comrade Phil Mitchinson
We have received more messages from all over the world. Phil was a
highly respected comrade and the messages reveal the warmth that many
comrades felt towards him.
Venezuelan Presidential Elections: A Crucial Turning Point for the Revolution
The campaign for Venezuela's presidential election on December 3rd is
already well under way. But this is far from a normal election. On
December 3rd what is really at stake is the future of the Bolivarian
Revolution. In November's Socialist Appeal Jorge
Martin analyses the current situation in Venezuela and explains why the
elections represent a vital turning point for the revolution
Catch 22: Permanent Revolution – CD album review
The band Catch 22 have produced an album based on the life struggles and ideas of Leon Trotsky. Here Matt Wells gives a brief outline of what the album is about.