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Mick Brooks looks at the question of the movement of labour (emigration and
immigration) and how the bosses have always managed to have a flexible approach
on this question depending on the needs of their system at any given moment. In
the end whether they are campaigning for it or against it, it is always used to
enhance their profits as they attempt to divide the workers on this issue.
Mick Brooks answers some of the myths and distortions about asylum seekers
and "illegal immigrants" by simply stating what the facts are.
The debate over whether Britain should join the Euro is heating up. On both
sides of the debate we find a capitalist logic being applied. One side stands
for so-called British "sovereignty", the other praises the merits of
the wider market. Neither side is defending the real interests of the workers.
As Mick Brooks points out, "The answer is surely for us to control the
movement of capital by taking over the means of production, not relying on the
goodwill of our enemy, the capitalist class."
Marxists are often accused of having a class bias, of having an irrational prejudice against the capitalist class. We must admit, that yes we don’t particularly appreciate the fact that while millions go hungry in the underdeveloped countries a handful of super-rich billionaires actually decide on the fate of the world. While workers in the advanced countries are struggling to make ends meet, to pay the rent or the mortgage, to pay the bills, to feed their children, the super rich squander huge amounts on totally unnecessary luxuries. But don’t these rich company directors also play a useful role in […]
The resignation yesterday of Clare Short, the former international development
secretary, is a shattering blow to the Blair government. It could spell the
beginning of the end for Blair, as things begin to unravel with increasing
speed.
With most of the results in from the local council, Welsh Assembly and Scottish
parliament elections the message to Blair is clear – his imperialist adventure
in Iraq was deeply unpopular, and at least as unpopular are the government's
proposed attacks on public services, the introduction of foundation hospitals,
the further privatisation of the NHS, and the introduction of top-up fees for
students.
The killing of two Spanish reporters during the war in Iraq stirred public
opinion in Spain and it increased the anger that the working class and youth
feel towards the present right-wing Aznar government.The Spanish Marxist journal, El
Militante, interviewed Jeremy Dear on the war and other developments.
As we go to press the TV is broadcasting scenes of US 'victory'. Yet if we
have learned one fact in recent weeks it is that the first casualty of war is
the truth. This war is not finished yet no matter what the headlines say.
Now the battle for Baghdad is under way, capitalist commentators are going
euphoric. The war against Saddam could possibly be over in days. The stock
market is already rocketing up on the prospect.
Capitalism is renewed, such is the current mantra.
With the latest issue the Socialist Appeal journal in Britain
has gone fortnightly. It will be published twice a month for the duration of the
war and its immediate aftermath. This is an important step forward for the
forces of Marxism in Britain. It is a clear indication that Marxist ideas are
getting a wider echo in the British Labour movement. To mark this occasion, we
are publishing the Editorial of the first fortnightly edition.