The Plough #50
30 July 2004
E-mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1. Editorial
2. Hands Off Aberfan Memorial!
3. Death of Bobbie (Robert) Heatley, Belfast
4. Nurse Murdered in Bucarmanga/Colombia Solidarity Campaign
5. What's On
*******
EDITORIAL
Visitors to Belfast very quickly learn how to distinguish areas where
the population is from the loyalist/British/Protestant tradition.
Areas are marked out with bunting, colours, flags and slogans. The
colours red, white and blue predominate. Although there are tasteful
murals in some places there are also crudely offensive murals and
slogans that encourage hatred not only of Catholics but also any
outsiders who are different. So currently gays in Derry fear not only
being beaten up on the streets by reactionary homophobic nationalists
but also fear being burned out of their homes by right wing loyalist
paramilitary gangs. In Belfast many non-white residents suffer abuse
in the Donegall Road/Sandy Row/Village areas from right wing racist
loyalists who support Combat 18, a neo–Nazi British organisation.
We know that many of the ordinary Protestant working class residents
abhor this racism but feel helpless in the face of loyalist
paramilitaries. The failure of the police to seriously deal with
racist attacks mirrors their failure to deal adequately with
anti-Catholic attacks. This a partially a reflection of the inbuilt
right wing culture that predominates in military type state
organisations but it also reflects the institutionalised racism and
anti-Catholic culture of the RUC/PSNI.
The IRSP maintain that sectarianism is inherent in the very existence
of the six-county state and it has permeated through the body politic
so much that even reasonable rational people accept it and see nothing
wrong with it. The British government, the Irish government, and all
the main political parties here negotiated or accepted the basis upon
which the Good Friday Agreement was based, i.e. that there are two
distinct communities here in the North of Ireland.
Let us be clear and unambiguous -- the IRSP reject that concept in its
entirety. It leads to communities determining who lives in their areas
-- it introduces concepts of group rights which are balanced against
the rights of the other group thereby intensifying competition and
jealousies between the two groups. It forces people to define
themselves by religious faith, it allows for segregation, apartheid
and ensures that ordinary working class folk will never have the
opportunity to reach out in class unity with one another.
So long as the premise upon which the Good Friday Agreement was based
is maintained then so long will the bitter division exist between
Northern people. It is no coincidence that sectarian attacks have
rocketed since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. We now have
more "peace" walls than we had during the armed conflict. These
"peace" walls have gone up because unscrupulous and sectarian
politicians have whipped up sectarian fears about the advantages that
the other community has got, thus provoking sectarian clashes between
two groups of poor working class communities. As the walls have risen
people on both sides of those walls have taken to talking about "my
community," i.e. Catholic or Protestant. Researchers at the Ulster
University have revealed that instead of playing "Cowboys and Indians"
kids are now playing "prods and taigs."
Areas are now to be claimed the exclusive property of one or other of
the two major religious factions. "Sandy Row is Sandy Row" meaning it
is exclusively for White Anglo-Saxon Protestants. No blacks or
Catholics need apply for houses there!! The clashes that have taken
place over parades, over flags, etc., merely reflect the marking out
of territory by one or other grouping. The allocation of housing, the
awarding of government building contracts, the location of new
businesses, the building of leisure centres and so on have all been
influenced by the necessity to placate one or other of the sectarian
blocks.
As republicans who believe in uniting Catholic, Protestant and
Dissenter under the common name of Irish people, this growing
apartheid is unacceptable.
As socialists we reject the two-community approach. There is one
community and a divided working class. Only by the clear class-based
approach to politics is there any chance of overcoming the bitter
divisions that exist among the Northern people. Those who pander to
the two-community approach or who whip up sectarian fears or engage in
"whataboutery" in relation to resources have nothing in common with
socialism and nothing in common with republicanism!
*******
HANDS OFF ABERFAN MEMORIAL!
Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association want to destroy the Aberfan
Memorial and the Playground paid for by the people of Coventry. At
9.15am on October 21st 1966 144 people died when a coal tip collapsed
onto a primary school in Aberfan, South Wales. 116 of the victims were
children. The pictures from the time were truly horrifying. After the
disaster the people of Coventry paid for a memorial playground to be
built as a lasting memorial to the dead. Now, the disgraceful Merthyr
Housing Association plan to destroy the playground to build houses.
THEY ARE LIKE GRAVE ROBBERS IN THE NIGHT.
An online petition to stop this development has been launched, please
sign at http://www.petitiononline.com/aberfan/petition.html
These plans cannot be allowed to happen. For the sake of the memories
of the children I urge you to sign the petition and inform everyone
that you know to do the same. Please get the petition listed on any
websites you may have access to and lobby all MPs and members of the
Welsh assembly in Cardiff. Also send an email to Merthyr housing
association and tell them of your disgust. Let them know what you
think.
kdusgate@mtha.org.uk
Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association Lobby
by telephone Mon-Friday 9-5pm (please ring often, especially on
Tuesdays)
00 44 1685 352 8000
Information about the Aberfan Disaster
http://www.nuff.ox.ac.uk/politics/aberfan/home.htm
*******
DEATH OF BOBBIE (ROBERT) HEATLEY, BELFAST
Trinity College
Dublin 2
Tuesday 27 July 2004
Dear Friends,
I am writing to tell you the sad news that, as you may already have
heard, our old friend and political colleague, Bobbie Heatley, died
yesterday afternoon in Belfast after being ill for some time.
Bobbie's partner, Hilja, requests that in lieu of flowers, donations
should be sent to the Irish Democrat at 244 Grays Inn Road, London
WC1X 8JR, a political paper that, as Hilja says, "was very close to
his heart."
Any messages of condolence should be sent to Hilja via Bobbie's e-mail
address at robert@heatley.clara.co.uk or to their postal address at 35
Jude's Crescent, Belfast BT7 2GW.
Bobbie Heatley, who was born in East Belfast of Protestant background,
became a left-wing Republican as a young man. He was a prominent
member of the Connolly Association, London, in the 1960s. On his
return to Belfast he was active in the Civil Rights Movement and in
such groups as the Campaign for Democracy that sought to continue the
civil rights tradition in the 1970s and 1980s. A profound and
insightful political thinker, he wrote regularly on Northern political
affairs over the years, particularly in the Irish Democrat, to which
he contributed some acute analysis of the current Northern situation
in recent issues. He spoke regularly at the annual Desmond Greaves
Summer Schools in Dublin. He worked for many years as a College
lecturer in economics in County Down.
His many political friends and associates in Belfast, Dublin and
London will be very sorry at this bad news and will extend their
sympathies to Hilja and Bobbie's children.
Yours faithfully.
Anthony Coughlan
(Committee Member, Desmond Greaves Summer School)
*******
NURSE MURDERED IN BUCARAMANGA
The wave of terror and extermination against the union movement does
not stop, receiving new victims.
We record with indignation the murder of compañera CARMEN ELISA
NOVA HERNANDEZ. She was an officer of the Clinics and Hospitals
Workers Union of Santander SINTRACLINICAS. The assassination happened
last night in a street of the district Provenza, Bucaramanga,
Santander, by two hired assassins that were on a motorcycle DT125.
They were of dark colour, and apparently had been waiting for their
victim from the 7:00 p.m., in a zone bordering to residential zone
COOMULTRASAN.
The compañera leaves orphan to a girl of five years. The CUT
expresses our deep condolences to the family of compañera CARMEN
ELISA, and calls on the national and international union organizations
to express their solidarity and maintain the fight in defence of the
life and the right of association.
We energetically reject this execrable crime and we demand that the
government makes a quick investigation, and that it equips the leaders
of SINTRACLINICAS with the pertinent safety measures, since they are
already being harassed and now face being murdered.
The CUT will continue in the defence of the interests of the workers
and of a real State of Social Right. For this reason we call on our
leaders to participate in the SOS OF WORLD TRADE UNIONISM AGAINST THE
ANNIHILATION COLOMBIAN TRADE UNIONISM SINDICALISMO, that we hold in
Bogotá, between the 15th and 18th of September 2004, and also to
enthusiastically prepare for a NATIONAL STOPPAGE against government
measures, in the last week of October.
Bogotá, D.C., 16th July 2004
CARLOS RODRIGUEZ DIAZ
President, CUT
Colombia Solidarity Campaign adds:
Dear friends,
This latest news is particularly sad since members of our Campaign met
Carmen on their recent visit to Bucaramanga as part of the
International Caravan.
If you would like to help in this case, and others like it, we hope to
be able to send delegates 15-18 September in response to the CUT's
call. You can either send a delegate, or contribute finances to
sending a delegate on your behalf.
If you prefer, send a welfare donation, which we will pass on to
SINTRACLINICAS, marking your cheque "CARMEN ELISA."
Send all responses to Colombia Solidarity Campaign, PO Box 8446,
London N17 6NZ.
*******
What's On
*
Saturday 31 July
As part of the discussions and debates at the West Belfast Festival
there will be a event about Racism, featuring prominent speakers.
Date: Saturday 31 July
Venue: St Mary's University College
Time: 2.00pm 3.45pm
"Anti-Irish Racism and the Experience of Belfast's Ethnic Minorities
Today: Making the Connection"
Chair: Fr. Des Wilson
Speakers:
Dr. Robbie McVeigh, The Experience of Anti-Irish Racism
Claire Hackett, Falls Community Council's Dúchas Oral History
Archive
Video presentation on the Belfast historical experience of
sectarianism and discrimination.
The Experience of Ethnic Minorities Today
Armie Cerezo, Filipino Nurse
Jamal Iweida, Belfast Islamic community Anti-Racist activist
Bernadette McAliskey, Civil Rights, Ireland and the USA: Making
the Connection
*
Sunday 1st August
Cumann Ceoil an Chaisleáin/Castle Folk Club
John Hewitt Bar. 9-00pm. Sunday 1st August.
Continuing with a theme set during our very successful Singer Song
writers' festival the Castle Folk Club is delighted to welcome back
Jane Cassidy and Maurice Leyden for an evening of music and song on
Sunday 1st August. Jane and Maurice have made a unique contribution to
the folk music scene in Belfast and further a field over a long period
but have not been performing as often as we would like lately so it is
a pleasure and delight that they have agreed to be with us this time.
Come early.
Tá meas forleathan ag Maurice agus Jane measc ceoltóirí in
Éireann agus thar lear ach ní minic go leor go cloistear iad
anseo i mBéal Feirste. Bígí linn.
*
August 2-7-2004
1) Resistance and Hope Assisi, August 2-7
Call for the Anti-imperialist Camp, Assisi, Italy, August 2-7
Mankind is travelling in fear on a train towards the abyss. This
abyss is the mercilessly waged global war. The train is steered by
the United States of America, to be precise, by a group of
adventurers dreaming of a dead and mute world with one single God,
the dollar; with one single banner, that of stars and stripes; with
one single language, that of American oppression.
These adventurers are driven by a vision which neither admits
compromises nor half ways: the clash of civilisations not only with
Islam but also with anybody who believes in the co-operation between
the peoples and who consider peace as the holiest of all values. They
have given a name to their doctrine: "permanent and pre-emptive war"
which not only displays the warmongering character of the North
American regime but also the idea that the US were a superior nation
with a special mission namely to exercise the global predominance at
any cost. The alibi, which this doctrine builds on, is the terrorist
threat. Those who employ indiscriminate force against defenceless and
innocent civilians, those who consider a person guilty if it does not
believe in their God, might believe to be on a straight way to
paradise but surely contribute to the transformation of this world
into an inferno without hope. The only remaining hope of the world is
the Resistance, the struggle of the peoples for freedom and self-
determination.
The American aim is not only to subjugate the poor and oppressed
nations but also those who still enjoy some liberty. The Patriot Act
and the anti-terrorist Black Lists show that the most elementary
democratic rights are at stake also in the West and particularly in
the United States. Virulent racist and chauvinist crusades attempt to
criminalise the anti-imperialist and revolutionary forces as well as
the organisations of immigrants. They even want to silence the peace
movement.
The anti-imperialist Resistance has indestructible roots and dates
back to the very beginning of the imperial North American ambitions.
Where there is oppression there will always be revolt as well, where
there is dictatorship there will always be the struggle for
democracy, where there is injustice there never will be peace.
Today the Iraqi people is testifying for the Resistance keeping up
their heads against the American war criminals and their paranoid
designs to Guantánamise the world. The Iraqi resistance has taken
the way paved by the Palestinian Intifada. By building a united front
of all the fighting forces it will gain further strength transforming
itself into a national liberation war. This front, the embryo of a
future government of a liberated Iraq, will be able once the
invaders are driven out to call upon the Iraqis to elect a
democratic constituent assembly exercising the full and undivided
sovereignty of the Iraqi people.
The future of humanity depends on the outcome of the battle raging in
Iraq. The heroic town of Falluja, having chased away mercenaries
armed with the most sophisticated weaponry, shows that the Iraqi
people are able to win as the Vietnamese people won. The decisive
factor in war even more than in peace is not technological
superiority but what motivates the people to fight.
We have to unite with the Resistance of the Iraqi people to help
mankind to liberate itself from the North American menace.
The future of the world depends on the victory of Iraq!
2) Iraqi presences and programme of Assisi
This year's Anti-imperialist Camp will have its focus on the Iraqi
resistance. The Iraqi Patriotic Alliance (IPA) will present its
efforts to build a common political front of all forces struggling
against occupation. For the Iraqi Democratic Communist Current, which
is a component of the IPA, Ahmed Karim will be present and for the
Iraqi Communist Party (cadre) Nori al-Moradi.
A global meeting of all the forces and committees in open support of
the Iraqi resistance is scheduled. The preparation of the
international day of action for the resistance scheduled for
September 25 will be one of the topics on the agenda.
The preliminary programme:
http://www.antiimperialista.com/en/view.shtml?category=48&id=1083700704&keyword=+.
*
Tuesday 3 August
"Palestine -- What Future?"
Speaker: Diana Buttu (legal advisor to the PLO)
Introduced by Martin McGuinness, Head of Sinn Fein Negotiating Team
7.30pm-9.30pm St Mary's University College, Belfast
[Biog: Diana Buttu is a Canadian/Palestinian lawyer and peace activist
who has worked as a legal advisor to the Palestinian Authority's
negotiating team. The child of Palestinian refugees, she holds a
doctorate from Stanford University on refugee issues and is a
recognised authority in this field and in the field of international
law. She has participated in many speaking tours in Canada, the United
States, Europe and the Middle East.]
Wednesday 4 August
PALESTINE DAY
St Mary's University College, Belfast
11.00am - 1.00pm
The Media and the Middle East
Film: "Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land," (including Noam
Chomsky, Robert Fisk and other prominent media experts, on the Middle
East).
This will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Prof. Bill
Rolston, involving prominent media personalities. (We are trying to
get the Glasgow Media Group who recently published research on the
media's coverage of Israel.)
1.30pm-3.00pm
Discussion: "Children of Palestine: No Past, No Present, What Future?"
Chair: Paddy Kelly, Children's Law Centre
Speakers: Oisin Coghlan, Christian Aid;
Brian Dooley, Amnesty International;
Naomi Wayne, Jews for Justice for Palestine.
Followed by the official West Belfast launch of new charity
'Palestine's Child'.
Hosted by Tim McGarry of BBC TV fame, and a member of the infamous
Hole in the Wall Gang.
3.30pm-4.30pm
Belfast premiere of the film: "Arna's Children".
This highly emotional and dramatic documentary film released last year
follows the lives of children in Jenin, Palestine, over a number of
years, from their involvement in a youth drama theatre to resistance
and death on the streets of Jenin.
*
Thursday 5th August from 11am to 3p.m. -- Belfast
Intercomm and Greater New Lodge Festival are organising a
Multi-Cultural Sports Day on Thursday 5th August from 11am to 3p.m.
Sports Day will be held in Waterworks Sports Complex at junction of
Antrim Road and Cavehill Road. Activities will consist of street games
as well as traditional sports such as soccer, Gaelic football and
basketball.
Parents are asked to bring along their children for a day of fun craic
and diversity. Everyone is welcome but especially those from ethnic
minority communities who are aged from 8 to 14.
Contact details: dominic@intercommbelfast.com or ring Dominic at 90
74-0741
*
Thursday 5th August
The Empire Music Hall in Belfast will host an anti-racism gig on the
night of Thursday 5th August. The gig is being promoted under the
umbrella of Love Music Hate Racism, the organisation that grew out of
Rock Against Racism and the Anti-Nazi League of the 1970s. Also
involved is the Anti-Racism Network (ARN), which coordinates the
activities of local community and anti-racist groups.
This will be the first of a series of gigs promoting a culture of
anti-racism and anti-sectarianism and will lead, hopefully, to a major
outdoor event in 2005.
Music is one of the many tools that have been used in the past to
raise awareness of social issues and this is one further aspect of how
music and musicians can aim to bring communities together.
*
Saturday 7th August
5pm at Conway Mill, Conway Street, West Belfast
Organised by the World People's Resistance Movement in co-cooperation
with Feile An Phobail/The People's Festival (West Belfast Festival).
"5in Réabhlóid i Neipeál Muileann Mhic Con Midhe. Le
haoichainteoir ó Neipeál. Socraithe tri Ghluaiseacht
Fhrithbheartaiochta Mhuintir an Domhain."
-Speech
-Discussion
-Video of Mass Rally in Katmandu
-Literature tables
Since 1996 the masses of Nepal have carried out an anti-monarchy
anti-imperialist revolution under the leadership of the Communist
Party of Nepal (Maoist). This revolution has advanced with an amazing
speed. During recent months the party has successfully led several
countrywide strikes involving millions achieving total shutdown! Most
of the countryside is under the people's power-red base areas. The
People's Liberation Army advances and the masses of people exercise
new political power, engage in a new economy in the interests of the
masses and enjoy a new rich culture. People's power is growing, the
old state and its imperialist backers are shivering and hopefully soon
people of the world will have their first red base country to advance
their world revolution.
Come to this Meeting to hear and to discuss the Revolution in Nepal
and to watch a video of a Mass Rally in the Capital of Katmandu!
How to get to Conway Mill
Go to Castle St Black Taxi rank in underground car park next to
Iceland supermarket. Take Black Taxi up Falls Rd. Past Divis Tower on
left. Carry on up to Garden of Remembrance -- you'll see the tricolour
flag + monument -- Conway St. is exactly opposite. Large red brick
building on right behind dole office. Go to rear entrance through
gates + car park).
*******
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*
Support the IRSP
Standing Order Form
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Please pay First Trust Bank Andersonstown Branch, Belfast, and credit
to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
93-84-75
The sum of:
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Friday 30 July 2004
Sunday 25 July 2004
The Plough Vol 01 No 49
The Plough #49
25 July 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1. Commission Highlights High Number of British Troops in NI
2. Eyewitness to Ardoyne Siege
3. Racism Stretches from Cork to Belfast
4. Derry "No Pasaran!" Project
5. What's On
*******
Commission Highlights High Number of British Troops in NI
The Independent Monitoring Commission has highlighted the ongoing high
number of British soldiers stationed in the North.
In a report on British demilitarisation, the commission said troop
levels in the North were at just under 15,000. This is larger than the
number of British troops in Iraq
This number was supposed to be reduced to 5,000 as part of Britain's
commitments under the Good Friday Agreement.
The IMC also said today that the British military had demolished 10 of
its 19 watchtowers in the North, while the number of British bases and
installations had fallen from 32 to 24 and the use of military
helicopters had fallen by 33% in five years.
It also said that, by September of this year, British soldiers would
be guarding just 12 police stations, compared to 20 in 1999.
The figures show the continuing occupation of the North by the British
military. The theft of security documents by RIR soldiers from
Castlereagh and the subsequent handing over of them to the UDA shows
the continuing close contact between armed loyalism and the British
military.
Six years after the GFA in terms of troop levels and collaboration
nothing has really changed. Surely it is time for republicans,
socialists, radicals and anyone else who cares to come together and
say loud and clear- the Good Friday Agreement does not work and
Northern Ireland as a political entity does not work.
*******
Eyewitness to Ardoyne Siege
The 12th July parade passing through Ardoyne was always going to be
contentious -- in fact it is the most contentious of all the marches
in Belfast at present. Massive security operations, open-air prisons,
police/army brutality against the community are all part and parcel of
the day's events for the residents of Ardoyne.
Shopkeepers are refused the freedom to trade, and the public are
refused entry and exit from their area. A pretty dire concoction of
circumstances where frustration and anger are rife.
As a republican socialist comrade from this area I know only too well
the ramifications that accompany these situations and the aftermath
that the district suffers every year. It is dreaded.
A few months ago Teach Na Failte in North Belfast concluded that it
needed a contingency plan to help counter the interface violence
brought on by sectarian marches through the area. The management
committee made approaches to various different groupings set up within
the communities as well as being invited into some other cross-party
negotiations to tackle the problems of interface violence. These had
for some years been deemed to be controlled by one section of the
republican tradition.
Teach Na Failte was welcomed onto the Parades Dialogue Group in
Ardoyne and listened intently to the position and policies of the
group. It was agreed after some intense in-house debate that Teach Na
Failte could have a positive input into the response of the community
to the contentious sectarian march that loomed over the area.
Teach Na Failte had great influence and were able to bring some
element of change and present the republican socialist perspective to
the group. Teach Na Failte were involved in every aspect of the
determination of the group and influenced the final decisions made.
It was agreed by all that there would need to be a protest in response
to the parade and after a few weeks debating the form of protest was
established. Teach Na Failte agreed completely and also helped
finalise the formation of the protest. It was also debated strenuously
that as there was a protest, that protest needed to be stewarded in
order to keep the protest peaceful and keep the focus and onus on the
real cause of the problem -- the Loyal Orders and their coat-trailing
hangers on. Teach Na Failte recognised their responsibility to steward
the protest as they had helped formulate and supported the protest
from the inception.
It was made clear from the very beginning that Teach Na Failte would
steward the protest but refused to police their community. It was also
stated that in previous years there had been a heavy-handed approach
to stewarding from individuals from other republican traditions and
that Teach Na Failte would not tolerate or be part of any such
dealings. If in any instance this occurred, then Teach Na Failte
stewards would remove themselves from the protest and their
involvement would cease. Further it was stressed that if the Parades
Commission or the PSNI reversed the decision then Teach Na Failte
would render the agreement void and would withdraw from the protest.
This was accepted and the group were left in no illusion as to Teach
Na Failte's position.
Teach Na Failte provided a number of stewards for the day and kept in
close contact with all through a radio network operated by T Na F. The
morning's parade passed peacefully and dispersed within 15 minutes or
so.
During the course of the afternoon, Teach Na Failte were made aware
from members of the community of a sinister presence of British Army
land rovers around the Duncrue Industrial Estate -- around 240 to 260
in total each bearing the presence of at least four soldiers on board.
This was further backed up by an estimated total of 150 PSNI/British
Army land rovers along the length of the Shankill Road. Teach Na
Failte believed that these were to be deployed to Ardoyne and that the
PSNI were planning to force the parade and their hangers on up through
the area. This was a very worrying development and quickly provided
the potential for serious violence.
The area was sealed off at approximately 4pm and a massive presence of
British Army and PSNI were put into place. Possibly the biggest
presence in some years. It became apparent to all the intentions of
the PSNI and everyone prepared for what was to happen next. The parade
was pushed quickly through, followed in quick succession by a
cavalcade of buses carrying bandsmen. Around 15 minutes later the
residents of Ardoyne were met with a thunderous applause and cheering
from what proved to be around 400 UDA/UFF volunteers being escorted
through the area by the PSNI. These UDA/UFF henchmen were notoriously
known to the residents of Ardoyne as they had instilled fear into the
hearts of the people for years, some of the residents losing loved
ones at the hands of these evil murder squads.
All hell broke loose: loyalists began throwing bottles into the crowd
and was reciprocated from the angry and betrayed youths from the
Ardoyne area. It was at this point that the Teach Na Failte stewards
removed themselves from any such protest as agreed.
What followed next was a severe heavy-handed approach from the British
Army and PSNI towards the community resulting in serious head injuries
and various other bruisings. The local priest Fr. Gary Donegan
(present throughout the Holy Cross blockades) was beaten to the ground
by paratroopers deployed to the area. At this point the community
reached its breaking point and responded with a venom that no one was
expecting. Men, women and youths began to fight back against the
vicious beatings they were receiving from the PSNI and Brits, leaving
utter chaos for a further hour and a half.
Brits had trapped a section of the community and forced them towards
loyalist Glenbyrn, refusing them entry back into the community were
they proceeded to baton at will against the defenceless and desperate
crowd trying to reunite with their friends and family. This brought
things to a crescendo and what transpired were the scenes witnessed by
all of Brits running in retreat. The people of the community had had
enough and vented their full wrath upon the Brits and PSNI -- causing
us to witness some of the worst street violence and hand to hand
fighting in 20 years.
Teach Na Failte commend the bravery and courage shown by all that day,
in their resistance of attack from the state forces. Attempts were
made to calm the situation by republicans from another tradition, some
proving unprepared for what happened and resorting to other not so
amicable means of negotiation with the community. Albeit their
attempts were futile amidst the anger and hurt being manifested from
the community.
Brave as it was though, Teach Na Failte along with others realised the
reality of the situation -- retreating and beaten Brits were ordered
to load their weapons, volatile and isolated, crying like children and
in control of lethal force. Thankfully the chaos subsided after a time
and there was no excuse for the Brits to do what they were placed
there to do -- use live ammunition upon the residents of this
community. That was a very harsh reality.
The other sad fact is that men, women and youths from this area are
now facing lengthy prison sentences for their actions provoked by the
heavy-handedness of the state forces. People from this community are
going to continue to suffer, wives without husbands, mothers without
sons and children without fathers. The sad harrowing reality of the
situation is the Loyal Orders need to march through working class
republican areas and their green light of approval to do so by the
British state forces.
Two further marches are due on August 14th and 28th and this community
waits in dread for that time.
I hope this has proved to give an insight into what exactly happened
in Ardoyne on the 12th July 2004.
[Teach Na Failte is the organisation of republican socialist
ex-political prisoners and is a part of the Republican Socialist
Movement]
*******
Racism Stretches from Cork to Belfast
Members of TASS (Traveller and Settled Solidarity) picketed a hearing
at Cork District Courthouse on Friday 16 July in support of a
traveller woman Mrs. Harty who was summonsed by the Gardai under the
Trespass Act for failing to obey their instruction to vacate an empty
site at Brocklesby Courton Seminary Road on Cork's Northside. The
woman's solicitor explained that she and four of her children were on
the corporations waiting list and had occupied the site after
returning from Wales as they had nowhere else to go. Photos were shown
in Court to demonstrate that the area was well kept and had not been
abused. Mrs. Harty had vacated the site on receiving the summons.
The judge applied the Probation Act because it was the woman's first
time before the court and she was pleading guilty. The case
demonstrates the nonsense of the Trespass Act as here was a family
seeking accommodation in Cork which has over 4,000 applicants on its
waiting list the act simply persecutes those in desperate
circumstances and keeps them jumping from one site to another trying
to keep ahead of the law whilst pursuing accommodation. In the first
six months of 2004 78 housing applicants were accommodated by Cork
Corporation.
Also in Court that day was a Liberian asylum seeker being prosecuted
for failing to carry his ID card. He was stopped by two detectives and
arrested by them when he had not got his card. Despite pleading to be
taken home so he could show his ID they took him to Mayfield Garda
barracks and held him over night for the court sitting, again the
Probation Act was applied provide he produce his ID to the court. The
Garda had already discovered he was legitimate on their computer
system but still brought him to court. His solicitor told TASS
activists afterwards that this was his fourth case of this nature in
the last two months. Clearly a policy by Gardai to harass and
prosecute asylum seekers in Cork City.
From James McBarron
Ireland's 'Traditional' Racism Remains
An interview with Mrs. Ellen Mongan, a Traveller with seven children.
It's 2004 and close to 1,000 Traveller families are still living on
the roadside without access to basic facilities-water, sanitation or
electricity.
Travellers Fighting Back: The History of Irish Travellers' Struggle
for Civil Rights and Ethnic Recognition
Their struggles have much in common with those of indigenous people
worldwide and with the struggles of Native Americans and Australian
Aboriginals and also with the struggles of Gypsies, Travellers and
nomads against racism and oppression.
http://struggle.ws/wsm/racism.html
Two racist attacks in loyalist areas in the past two days in Belfast
show that there is a strong connection in the North between racism and
sectarianism. We call on all to support the anti racist campaign and
stand with the marginalised and demonised.
*******
Derry "No Pasaran!" Project
No Pasaran!
North West Spanish Civil War 1936-193
No Pasaran is an historical and educational group dedicated to the
memories of those men from the Derry, Donegal and Tyrone who with
thousands of others from all over Ireland and around the world.
Volunteers who came together in a foreign land, sacrificing their
lives for an ideal in defence of the Spanish Republic from 1936 to
1938.
Historically on the world stage this was to be one of the largest
impassioned showdowns between democracies and evil, it was known as
the Spanish Civil War, their call was "No Pasaran!" (They Shall Not
Pass!).
How you can help?
Our project would like to hear from anyone from the North West who had
a family member, a brother, an uncle or a grandfather etc who took
part in the international resistance to share their stories and
information to pay tribute and to honour their memories.
We also welcome anyone who would like to assist us by creating further
information for the project to please get in touch. Please do not
hesitate to contact the project (via email) if you would like to
assist corrections, give additional information or material from
stories, photographs or newspaper clippings etc.
From the North West there were names such as, Thomas Traynor (via
Toronto), John Murphy (via London), Eamon McGrotty, George Gorman,
Jack Flynn, James Donald, James Campbell, Hugh O'Donnell (a stoker),
Paddy O'Daire, Paddy Roe McLaughlin, Paddy Glacken, Phil Boyle, and
Hugh Bonar.
Contact address: xvbrigade@yahoo.ie.
*******
What's On
*
Friday, July 30th
BALKANS SEMINAR
Democratic Dialogue is organising a seminar, in conjunction with the
Institute of Governance at Queen's University Belfast and the de
Borda Institute, on 'The Difficulties of Democracy Building, Identity
Formation and Ethnic Nationalism in the Balkans'. The seminar is to
be led by Rory Conces, an assistant professor of philosophy and
member of the International Studies faculty at the University of
Nebraska at Omaha, who is also editor of the International Third
World Studies Journal and Review. The event will take place on
Friday, July 30th, at 11.00am in room 101 Lanyon North (first floor,
Lanyon Building), at Queen's (directions from the porter's lodge at
main entrance). Prof Conces has lectured in China, Croatia, and
Kosovo; as well as having been a Fulbright Scholar in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Approaching issues of ethnic identity from a political-
philosophical standpoint, his talk will be of considerable resonance
to Northern Ireland.
Further information from robin@democraticdialogue.org.
*
Saturday 31 July
As part of the discussions and debates at the West Belfast Festival
there will be a event about Racism, featuring prominent speakers.
Date: Saturday 31 July
Venue: St Mary's University College
Time: 2.00pm 3.45pm
"Anti-Irish Racism and the Experience of Belfast's Ethnic Minorities
Today: Making the Connection"
Chair: Fr. Des Wilson
Speakers:
Dr. Robbie McVeigh, The Experience of Anti-Irish Racism
Claire Hackett, Falls Community Council's Dúchas Oral History
Archive
Video presentation on the Belfast historical experience of
sectarianism and discrimination.
The Experience of Ethnic Minorities Today
Armie Cerezo, Filipino Nurse
Jamal Iweida, Belfast Islamic community Anti-Racist activist
Bernadette McAliskey, Civil Rights, Ireland and the USA: Making
the Connection
*
Sunday 1st August
Cumann Ceoil an Chaisleáin/Castle Folk Club
John Hewitt Bar. 9-00pm. Sunday 1st August.
Continuing with a theme set during our very successful Singer Song
writers' festival the Castle Folk Club is delighted to welcome back
Jane Cassidy and Maurice Leyden for an evening of music and song on
Sunday 1st August. Jane and Maurice have made a unique contribution to
the folk music scene in Belfast and further a field over a long period
but have not been performing as often as we would like lately so it is
a pleasure and delight that they have agreed to be with us this time.
Come early.
Tá meas forleathan ag Maurice agus Jane measc ceoltóirí in
Éireann agus thar lear ach ní minic go leor go cloistear iad
anseo i mBéal Feirste. Bígí linn.
*
August 2-7-2004
1) Resistance and Hope Assisi, August 2-7
Call for the Anti-imperialist Camp, Assisi, Italy, August 2-7
Mankind is travelling in fear on a train towards the abyss. This
abyss is the mercilessly waged global war. The train is steered by
the United States of America, to be precise, by a group of
adventurers dreaming of a dead and mute world with one single God,
the dollar; with one single banner, that of stars and stripes; with
one single language, that of American oppression.
These adventurers are driven by a vision which neither admits
compromises nor half ways: the clash of civilisations not only with
Islam but also with anybody who believes in the co-operation between
the peoples and who consider peace as the holiest of all values. They
have given a name to their doctrine: "permanent and pre-emptive war"
which not only displays the warmongering character of the North
American regime but also the idea that the US were a superior nation
with a special mission namely to exercise the global predominance at
any cost. The alibi, which this doctrine builds on, is the terrorist
threat. Those who employ indiscriminate force against defenceless and
innocent civilians, those who consider a person guilty if it does not
believe in their God, might believe to be on a straight way to
paradise but surely contribute to the transformation of this world
into an inferno without hope. The only remaining hope of the world is
the Resistance, the struggle of the peoples for freedom and self-
determination.
The American aim is not only to subjugate the poor and oppressed
nations but also those who still enjoy some liberty. The Patriot Act
and the anti-terrorist Black Lists show that the most elementary
democratic rights are at stake also in the West and particularly in
the United States. Virulent racist and chauvinist crusades attempt to
criminalise the anti-imperialist and revolutionary forces as well as
the organisations of immigrants. They even want to silence the peace
movement.
The anti-imperialist Resistance has indestructible roots and dates
back to the very beginning of the imperial North American ambitions.
Where there is oppression there will always be revolt as well, where
there is dictatorship there will always be the struggle for
democracy, where there is injustice there never will be peace.
Today the Iraqi people is testifying for the Resistance keeping up
their heads against the American war criminals and their paranoid
designs to Guantánamise the world. The Iraqi resistance has taken
the way paved by the Palestinian Intifada. By building a united front
of all the fighting forces it will gain further strength transforming
itself into a national liberation war. This front, the embryo of a
future government of a liberated Iraq, will be able once the
invaders are driven out to call upon the Iraqis to elect a
democratic constituent assembly exercising the full and undivided
sovereignty of the Iraqi people.
The future of humanity depends on the outcome of the battle raging in
Iraq. The heroic town of Falluja, having chased away mercenaries
armed with the most sophisticated weaponry, shows that the Iraqi
people are able to win as the Vietnamese people won. The decisive
factor in war even more than in peace is not technological
superiority but what motivates the people to fight.
We have to unite with the Resistance of the Iraqi people to help
mankind to liberate itself from the North American menace.
The future of the world depends on the victory of Iraq!
2) Iraqi presences and programme of Assisi
This year's Anti-imperialist Camp will have its focus on the Iraqi
resistance. The Iraqi Patriotic Alliance (IPA) will present its
efforts to build a common political front of all forces struggling
against occupation. For the Iraqi Democratic Communist Current, which
is a component of the IPA, Ahmed Karim will be present and for the
Iraqi Communist Party (cadre) Nori al-Moradi.
A global meeting of all the forces and committees in open support of
the Iraqi resistance is scheduled. The preparation of the
international day of action for the resistance scheduled for
September 25 will be one of the topics on the agenda.
The preliminary programme:
http://www.antiimperialista.com/en/view.shtml?category=48&id=1083700704&keyword=+.
*
Tuesday 3 August
"Palestine -- What Future?"
Speaker: Diana Buttu (legal advisor to the PLO)
Introduced by Martin McGuinness, Head of Sinn Fein Negotiating Team
7.30pm-9.30pm St Mary's University College, Belfast
[Biog: Diana Buttu is a Canadian/Palestinian lawyer and peace activist
who has worked as a legal advisor to the Palestinian Authority's
negotiating team. The child of Palestinian refugees, she holds a
doctorate from Stanford University on refugee issues and is a
recognised authority in this field and in the field of international
law. She has participated in many speaking tours in Canada, the United
States, Europe and the Middle East.]
Wednesday 4 August
PALESTINE DAY
St Mary's University College, Belfast
11.00am - 1.00pm
The Media and the Middle East
Film: "Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land," (including Noam
Chomsky, Robert Fisk and other prominent media experts, on the Middle
East).
This will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Prof. Bill
Rolston, involving prominent media personalities. (We are trying to
get the Glasgow Media Group who recently published research on the
media's coverage of Israel.)
1.30pm-3.00pm
Discussion: "Children of Palestine: No Past, No Present, What Future?"
Chair: Paddy Kelly, Children's Law Centre
Speakers: Oisin Coghlan, Christian Aid;
Brian Dooley, Amnesty International;
Naomi Wayne, Jews for Justice for Palestine.
Followed by the official West Belfast launch of new charity
'Palestine's Child'.
Hosted by Tim McGarry of BBC TV fame, and a member of the infamous
Hole in the Wall Gang.
3.30pm-4.30pm
Belfast premiere of the film: "Arna's Children".
This highly emotional and dramatic documentary film released last year
follows the lives of children in Jenin, Palestine, over a number of
years, from their involvement in a youth drama theatre to resistance
and death on the streets of Jenin.
*
Thursday 5th August from 11am to 3p.m. -- Belfast
Intercomm and Greater New Lodge Festival are organising a
Multi-Cultural Sports Day on Thursday 5th August from 11am to 3p.m.
Sports Day will be held in Waterworks Sports Complex at junction of
Antrim Road and Cavehill Road. Activities will consist of street games
as well as traditional sports such as soccer, Gaelic football and
basketball.
Parents are asked to bring along their children for a day of fun craic
and diversity. Everyone is welcome but especially those from ethnic
minority communities who are aged from 8 to 14.
Contact details: dominic@intercommbelfast.com or ring Dominic at 90
74-0741
*
Saturday 7th August
5pm at Conway Mill, Conway Street, West Belfast
Organised by the World People's Resistance Movement in co-cooperation
with Feile An Phobail/The People's Festival (West Belfast Festival).
"5in Réabhlóid i Neipeál Muileann Mhic Con Midhe. Le
haoichainteoir ó Neipeál. Socraithe tri Ghluaiseacht
Fhrithbheartaiochta Mhuintir an Domhain."
-Speech
-Discussion
-Video of Mass Rally in Katmandu
-Literature tables
Since 1996 the masses of Nepal have carried out an anti-monarchy
anti-imperialist revolution under the leadership of the Communist
Party of Nepal (Maoist). This revolution has advanced with an amazing
speed. During recent months the party has successfully led several
countrywide strikes involving millions achieving total shutdown! Most
of the countryside is under the people's power-red base areas. The
People's Liberation Army advances and the masses of people exercise
new political power, engage in a new economy in the interests of the
masses and enjoy a new rich culture. People's power is growing, the
old state and its imperialist backers are shivering and hopefully soon
people of the world will have their first red base country to advance
their world revolution.
Come to this Meeting to hear and to discuss the Revolution in Nepal
and to watch a video of a Mass Rally in the Capital of Katmandu!
How to get to Conway Mill
Go to Castle St Black Taxi rank in underground car park next to
Iceland supermarket. Take Black Taxi up Falls Rd. Past Divis Tower on
left. Carry on up to Garden of Remembrance -- you'll see the tricolour
flag + monument -- Conway St. is exactly opposite. Large red brick
building on right behind dole office. Go to rear entrance through
gates + car park).
*******
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this past year throughout the six counties with full colour
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http://www.cafeshops.com/rsmshop.8844526
*
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to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
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25 July 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1. Commission Highlights High Number of British Troops in NI
2. Eyewitness to Ardoyne Siege
3. Racism Stretches from Cork to Belfast
4. Derry "No Pasaran!" Project
5. What's On
*******
Commission Highlights High Number of British Troops in NI
The Independent Monitoring Commission has highlighted the ongoing high
number of British soldiers stationed in the North.
In a report on British demilitarisation, the commission said troop
levels in the North were at just under 15,000. This is larger than the
number of British troops in Iraq
This number was supposed to be reduced to 5,000 as part of Britain's
commitments under the Good Friday Agreement.
The IMC also said today that the British military had demolished 10 of
its 19 watchtowers in the North, while the number of British bases and
installations had fallen from 32 to 24 and the use of military
helicopters had fallen by 33% in five years.
It also said that, by September of this year, British soldiers would
be guarding just 12 police stations, compared to 20 in 1999.
The figures show the continuing occupation of the North by the British
military. The theft of security documents by RIR soldiers from
Castlereagh and the subsequent handing over of them to the UDA shows
the continuing close contact between armed loyalism and the British
military.
Six years after the GFA in terms of troop levels and collaboration
nothing has really changed. Surely it is time for republicans,
socialists, radicals and anyone else who cares to come together and
say loud and clear- the Good Friday Agreement does not work and
Northern Ireland as a political entity does not work.
*******
Eyewitness to Ardoyne Siege
The 12th July parade passing through Ardoyne was always going to be
contentious -- in fact it is the most contentious of all the marches
in Belfast at present. Massive security operations, open-air prisons,
police/army brutality against the community are all part and parcel of
the day's events for the residents of Ardoyne.
Shopkeepers are refused the freedom to trade, and the public are
refused entry and exit from their area. A pretty dire concoction of
circumstances where frustration and anger are rife.
As a republican socialist comrade from this area I know only too well
the ramifications that accompany these situations and the aftermath
that the district suffers every year. It is dreaded.
A few months ago Teach Na Failte in North Belfast concluded that it
needed a contingency plan to help counter the interface violence
brought on by sectarian marches through the area. The management
committee made approaches to various different groupings set up within
the communities as well as being invited into some other cross-party
negotiations to tackle the problems of interface violence. These had
for some years been deemed to be controlled by one section of the
republican tradition.
Teach Na Failte was welcomed onto the Parades Dialogue Group in
Ardoyne and listened intently to the position and policies of the
group. It was agreed after some intense in-house debate that Teach Na
Failte could have a positive input into the response of the community
to the contentious sectarian march that loomed over the area.
Teach Na Failte had great influence and were able to bring some
element of change and present the republican socialist perspective to
the group. Teach Na Failte were involved in every aspect of the
determination of the group and influenced the final decisions made.
It was agreed by all that there would need to be a protest in response
to the parade and after a few weeks debating the form of protest was
established. Teach Na Failte agreed completely and also helped
finalise the formation of the protest. It was also debated strenuously
that as there was a protest, that protest needed to be stewarded in
order to keep the protest peaceful and keep the focus and onus on the
real cause of the problem -- the Loyal Orders and their coat-trailing
hangers on. Teach Na Failte recognised their responsibility to steward
the protest as they had helped formulate and supported the protest
from the inception.
It was made clear from the very beginning that Teach Na Failte would
steward the protest but refused to police their community. It was also
stated that in previous years there had been a heavy-handed approach
to stewarding from individuals from other republican traditions and
that Teach Na Failte would not tolerate or be part of any such
dealings. If in any instance this occurred, then Teach Na Failte
stewards would remove themselves from the protest and their
involvement would cease. Further it was stressed that if the Parades
Commission or the PSNI reversed the decision then Teach Na Failte
would render the agreement void and would withdraw from the protest.
This was accepted and the group were left in no illusion as to Teach
Na Failte's position.
Teach Na Failte provided a number of stewards for the day and kept in
close contact with all through a radio network operated by T Na F. The
morning's parade passed peacefully and dispersed within 15 minutes or
so.
During the course of the afternoon, Teach Na Failte were made aware
from members of the community of a sinister presence of British Army
land rovers around the Duncrue Industrial Estate -- around 240 to 260
in total each bearing the presence of at least four soldiers on board.
This was further backed up by an estimated total of 150 PSNI/British
Army land rovers along the length of the Shankill Road. Teach Na
Failte believed that these were to be deployed to Ardoyne and that the
PSNI were planning to force the parade and their hangers on up through
the area. This was a very worrying development and quickly provided
the potential for serious violence.
The area was sealed off at approximately 4pm and a massive presence of
British Army and PSNI were put into place. Possibly the biggest
presence in some years. It became apparent to all the intentions of
the PSNI and everyone prepared for what was to happen next. The parade
was pushed quickly through, followed in quick succession by a
cavalcade of buses carrying bandsmen. Around 15 minutes later the
residents of Ardoyne were met with a thunderous applause and cheering
from what proved to be around 400 UDA/UFF volunteers being escorted
through the area by the PSNI. These UDA/UFF henchmen were notoriously
known to the residents of Ardoyne as they had instilled fear into the
hearts of the people for years, some of the residents losing loved
ones at the hands of these evil murder squads.
All hell broke loose: loyalists began throwing bottles into the crowd
and was reciprocated from the angry and betrayed youths from the
Ardoyne area. It was at this point that the Teach Na Failte stewards
removed themselves from any such protest as agreed.
What followed next was a severe heavy-handed approach from the British
Army and PSNI towards the community resulting in serious head injuries
and various other bruisings. The local priest Fr. Gary Donegan
(present throughout the Holy Cross blockades) was beaten to the ground
by paratroopers deployed to the area. At this point the community
reached its breaking point and responded with a venom that no one was
expecting. Men, women and youths began to fight back against the
vicious beatings they were receiving from the PSNI and Brits, leaving
utter chaos for a further hour and a half.
Brits had trapped a section of the community and forced them towards
loyalist Glenbyrn, refusing them entry back into the community were
they proceeded to baton at will against the defenceless and desperate
crowd trying to reunite with their friends and family. This brought
things to a crescendo and what transpired were the scenes witnessed by
all of Brits running in retreat. The people of the community had had
enough and vented their full wrath upon the Brits and PSNI -- causing
us to witness some of the worst street violence and hand to hand
fighting in 20 years.
Teach Na Failte commend the bravery and courage shown by all that day,
in their resistance of attack from the state forces. Attempts were
made to calm the situation by republicans from another tradition, some
proving unprepared for what happened and resorting to other not so
amicable means of negotiation with the community. Albeit their
attempts were futile amidst the anger and hurt being manifested from
the community.
Brave as it was though, Teach Na Failte along with others realised the
reality of the situation -- retreating and beaten Brits were ordered
to load their weapons, volatile and isolated, crying like children and
in control of lethal force. Thankfully the chaos subsided after a time
and there was no excuse for the Brits to do what they were placed
there to do -- use live ammunition upon the residents of this
community. That was a very harsh reality.
The other sad fact is that men, women and youths from this area are
now facing lengthy prison sentences for their actions provoked by the
heavy-handedness of the state forces. People from this community are
going to continue to suffer, wives without husbands, mothers without
sons and children without fathers. The sad harrowing reality of the
situation is the Loyal Orders need to march through working class
republican areas and their green light of approval to do so by the
British state forces.
Two further marches are due on August 14th and 28th and this community
waits in dread for that time.
I hope this has proved to give an insight into what exactly happened
in Ardoyne on the 12th July 2004.
[Teach Na Failte is the organisation of republican socialist
ex-political prisoners and is a part of the Republican Socialist
Movement]
*******
Racism Stretches from Cork to Belfast
Members of TASS (Traveller and Settled Solidarity) picketed a hearing
at Cork District Courthouse on Friday 16 July in support of a
traveller woman Mrs. Harty who was summonsed by the Gardai under the
Trespass Act for failing to obey their instruction to vacate an empty
site at Brocklesby Courton Seminary Road on Cork's Northside. The
woman's solicitor explained that she and four of her children were on
the corporations waiting list and had occupied the site after
returning from Wales as they had nowhere else to go. Photos were shown
in Court to demonstrate that the area was well kept and had not been
abused. Mrs. Harty had vacated the site on receiving the summons.
The judge applied the Probation Act because it was the woman's first
time before the court and she was pleading guilty. The case
demonstrates the nonsense of the Trespass Act as here was a family
seeking accommodation in Cork which has over 4,000 applicants on its
waiting list the act simply persecutes those in desperate
circumstances and keeps them jumping from one site to another trying
to keep ahead of the law whilst pursuing accommodation. In the first
six months of 2004 78 housing applicants were accommodated by Cork
Corporation.
Also in Court that day was a Liberian asylum seeker being prosecuted
for failing to carry his ID card. He was stopped by two detectives and
arrested by them when he had not got his card. Despite pleading to be
taken home so he could show his ID they took him to Mayfield Garda
barracks and held him over night for the court sitting, again the
Probation Act was applied provide he produce his ID to the court. The
Garda had already discovered he was legitimate on their computer
system but still brought him to court. His solicitor told TASS
activists afterwards that this was his fourth case of this nature in
the last two months. Clearly a policy by Gardai to harass and
prosecute asylum seekers in Cork City.
From James McBarron
Ireland's 'Traditional' Racism Remains
An interview with Mrs. Ellen Mongan, a Traveller with seven children.
It's 2004 and close to 1,000 Traveller families are still living on
the roadside without access to basic facilities-water, sanitation or
electricity.
Travellers Fighting Back: The History of Irish Travellers' Struggle
for Civil Rights and Ethnic Recognition
Their struggles have much in common with those of indigenous people
worldwide and with the struggles of Native Americans and Australian
Aboriginals and also with the struggles of Gypsies, Travellers and
nomads against racism and oppression.
http://struggle.ws/wsm/racism.html
Two racist attacks in loyalist areas in the past two days in Belfast
show that there is a strong connection in the North between racism and
sectarianism. We call on all to support the anti racist campaign and
stand with the marginalised and demonised.
*******
Derry "No Pasaran!" Project
No Pasaran!
North West Spanish Civil War 1936-193
No Pasaran is an historical and educational group dedicated to the
memories of those men from the Derry, Donegal and Tyrone who with
thousands of others from all over Ireland and around the world.
Volunteers who came together in a foreign land, sacrificing their
lives for an ideal in defence of the Spanish Republic from 1936 to
1938.
Historically on the world stage this was to be one of the largest
impassioned showdowns between democracies and evil, it was known as
the Spanish Civil War, their call was "No Pasaran!" (They Shall Not
Pass!).
How you can help?
Our project would like to hear from anyone from the North West who had
a family member, a brother, an uncle or a grandfather etc who took
part in the international resistance to share their stories and
information to pay tribute and to honour their memories.
We also welcome anyone who would like to assist us by creating further
information for the project to please get in touch. Please do not
hesitate to contact the project (via email) if you would like to
assist corrections, give additional information or material from
stories, photographs or newspaper clippings etc.
From the North West there were names such as, Thomas Traynor (via
Toronto), John Murphy (via London), Eamon McGrotty, George Gorman,
Jack Flynn, James Donald, James Campbell, Hugh O'Donnell (a stoker),
Paddy O'Daire, Paddy Roe McLaughlin, Paddy Glacken, Phil Boyle, and
Hugh Bonar.
Contact address: xvbrigade@yahoo.ie.
*******
What's On
*
Friday, July 30th
BALKANS SEMINAR
Democratic Dialogue is organising a seminar, in conjunction with the
Institute of Governance at Queen's University Belfast and the de
Borda Institute, on 'The Difficulties of Democracy Building, Identity
Formation and Ethnic Nationalism in the Balkans'. The seminar is to
be led by Rory Conces, an assistant professor of philosophy and
member of the International Studies faculty at the University of
Nebraska at Omaha, who is also editor of the International Third
World Studies Journal and Review. The event will take place on
Friday, July 30th, at 11.00am in room 101 Lanyon North (first floor,
Lanyon Building), at Queen's (directions from the porter's lodge at
main entrance). Prof Conces has lectured in China, Croatia, and
Kosovo; as well as having been a Fulbright Scholar in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Approaching issues of ethnic identity from a political-
philosophical standpoint, his talk will be of considerable resonance
to Northern Ireland.
Further information from robin@democraticdialogue.org.
*
Saturday 31 July
As part of the discussions and debates at the West Belfast Festival
there will be a event about Racism, featuring prominent speakers.
Date: Saturday 31 July
Venue: St Mary's University College
Time: 2.00pm 3.45pm
"Anti-Irish Racism and the Experience of Belfast's Ethnic Minorities
Today: Making the Connection"
Chair: Fr. Des Wilson
Speakers:
Dr. Robbie McVeigh, The Experience of Anti-Irish Racism
Claire Hackett, Falls Community Council's Dúchas Oral History
Archive
Video presentation on the Belfast historical experience of
sectarianism and discrimination.
The Experience of Ethnic Minorities Today
Armie Cerezo, Filipino Nurse
Jamal Iweida, Belfast Islamic community Anti-Racist activist
Bernadette McAliskey, Civil Rights, Ireland and the USA: Making
the Connection
*
Sunday 1st August
Cumann Ceoil an Chaisleáin/Castle Folk Club
John Hewitt Bar. 9-00pm. Sunday 1st August.
Continuing with a theme set during our very successful Singer Song
writers' festival the Castle Folk Club is delighted to welcome back
Jane Cassidy and Maurice Leyden for an evening of music and song on
Sunday 1st August. Jane and Maurice have made a unique contribution to
the folk music scene in Belfast and further a field over a long period
but have not been performing as often as we would like lately so it is
a pleasure and delight that they have agreed to be with us this time.
Come early.
Tá meas forleathan ag Maurice agus Jane measc ceoltóirí in
Éireann agus thar lear ach ní minic go leor go cloistear iad
anseo i mBéal Feirste. Bígí linn.
*
August 2-7-2004
1) Resistance and Hope Assisi, August 2-7
Call for the Anti-imperialist Camp, Assisi, Italy, August 2-7
Mankind is travelling in fear on a train towards the abyss. This
abyss is the mercilessly waged global war. The train is steered by
the United States of America, to be precise, by a group of
adventurers dreaming of a dead and mute world with one single God,
the dollar; with one single banner, that of stars and stripes; with
one single language, that of American oppression.
These adventurers are driven by a vision which neither admits
compromises nor half ways: the clash of civilisations not only with
Islam but also with anybody who believes in the co-operation between
the peoples and who consider peace as the holiest of all values. They
have given a name to their doctrine: "permanent and pre-emptive war"
which not only displays the warmongering character of the North
American regime but also the idea that the US were a superior nation
with a special mission namely to exercise the global predominance at
any cost. The alibi, which this doctrine builds on, is the terrorist
threat. Those who employ indiscriminate force against defenceless and
innocent civilians, those who consider a person guilty if it does not
believe in their God, might believe to be on a straight way to
paradise but surely contribute to the transformation of this world
into an inferno without hope. The only remaining hope of the world is
the Resistance, the struggle of the peoples for freedom and self-
determination.
The American aim is not only to subjugate the poor and oppressed
nations but also those who still enjoy some liberty. The Patriot Act
and the anti-terrorist Black Lists show that the most elementary
democratic rights are at stake also in the West and particularly in
the United States. Virulent racist and chauvinist crusades attempt to
criminalise the anti-imperialist and revolutionary forces as well as
the organisations of immigrants. They even want to silence the peace
movement.
The anti-imperialist Resistance has indestructible roots and dates
back to the very beginning of the imperial North American ambitions.
Where there is oppression there will always be revolt as well, where
there is dictatorship there will always be the struggle for
democracy, where there is injustice there never will be peace.
Today the Iraqi people is testifying for the Resistance keeping up
their heads against the American war criminals and their paranoid
designs to Guantánamise the world. The Iraqi resistance has taken
the way paved by the Palestinian Intifada. By building a united front
of all the fighting forces it will gain further strength transforming
itself into a national liberation war. This front, the embryo of a
future government of a liberated Iraq, will be able once the
invaders are driven out to call upon the Iraqis to elect a
democratic constituent assembly exercising the full and undivided
sovereignty of the Iraqi people.
The future of humanity depends on the outcome of the battle raging in
Iraq. The heroic town of Falluja, having chased away mercenaries
armed with the most sophisticated weaponry, shows that the Iraqi
people are able to win as the Vietnamese people won. The decisive
factor in war even more than in peace is not technological
superiority but what motivates the people to fight.
We have to unite with the Resistance of the Iraqi people to help
mankind to liberate itself from the North American menace.
The future of the world depends on the victory of Iraq!
2) Iraqi presences and programme of Assisi
This year's Anti-imperialist Camp will have its focus on the Iraqi
resistance. The Iraqi Patriotic Alliance (IPA) will present its
efforts to build a common political front of all forces struggling
against occupation. For the Iraqi Democratic Communist Current, which
is a component of the IPA, Ahmed Karim will be present and for the
Iraqi Communist Party (cadre) Nori al-Moradi.
A global meeting of all the forces and committees in open support of
the Iraqi resistance is scheduled. The preparation of the
international day of action for the resistance scheduled for
September 25 will be one of the topics on the agenda.
The preliminary programme:
http://www.antiimperialista.com/en/view.shtml?category=48&id=1083700704&keyword=+.
*
Tuesday 3 August
"Palestine -- What Future?"
Speaker: Diana Buttu (legal advisor to the PLO)
Introduced by Martin McGuinness, Head of Sinn Fein Negotiating Team
7.30pm-9.30pm St Mary's University College, Belfast
[Biog: Diana Buttu is a Canadian/Palestinian lawyer and peace activist
who has worked as a legal advisor to the Palestinian Authority's
negotiating team. The child of Palestinian refugees, she holds a
doctorate from Stanford University on refugee issues and is a
recognised authority in this field and in the field of international
law. She has participated in many speaking tours in Canada, the United
States, Europe and the Middle East.]
Wednesday 4 August
PALESTINE DAY
St Mary's University College, Belfast
11.00am - 1.00pm
The Media and the Middle East
Film: "Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land," (including Noam
Chomsky, Robert Fisk and other prominent media experts, on the Middle
East).
This will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Prof. Bill
Rolston, involving prominent media personalities. (We are trying to
get the Glasgow Media Group who recently published research on the
media's coverage of Israel.)
1.30pm-3.00pm
Discussion: "Children of Palestine: No Past, No Present, What Future?"
Chair: Paddy Kelly, Children's Law Centre
Speakers: Oisin Coghlan, Christian Aid;
Brian Dooley, Amnesty International;
Naomi Wayne, Jews for Justice for Palestine.
Followed by the official West Belfast launch of new charity
'Palestine's Child'.
Hosted by Tim McGarry of BBC TV fame, and a member of the infamous
Hole in the Wall Gang.
3.30pm-4.30pm
Belfast premiere of the film: "Arna's Children".
This highly emotional and dramatic documentary film released last year
follows the lives of children in Jenin, Palestine, over a number of
years, from their involvement in a youth drama theatre to resistance
and death on the streets of Jenin.
*
Thursday 5th August from 11am to 3p.m. -- Belfast
Intercomm and Greater New Lodge Festival are organising a
Multi-Cultural Sports Day on Thursday 5th August from 11am to 3p.m.
Sports Day will be held in Waterworks Sports Complex at junction of
Antrim Road and Cavehill Road. Activities will consist of street games
as well as traditional sports such as soccer, Gaelic football and
basketball.
Parents are asked to bring along their children for a day of fun craic
and diversity. Everyone is welcome but especially those from ethnic
minority communities who are aged from 8 to 14.
Contact details: dominic@intercommbelfast.com or ring Dominic at 90
74-0741
*
Saturday 7th August
5pm at Conway Mill, Conway Street, West Belfast
Organised by the World People's Resistance Movement in co-cooperation
with Feile An Phobail/The People's Festival (West Belfast Festival).
"5in Réabhlóid i Neipeál Muileann Mhic Con Midhe. Le
haoichainteoir ó Neipeál. Socraithe tri Ghluaiseacht
Fhrithbheartaiochta Mhuintir an Domhain."
-Speech
-Discussion
-Video of Mass Rally in Katmandu
-Literature tables
Since 1996 the masses of Nepal have carried out an anti-monarchy
anti-imperialist revolution under the leadership of the Communist
Party of Nepal (Maoist). This revolution has advanced with an amazing
speed. During recent months the party has successfully led several
countrywide strikes involving millions achieving total shutdown! Most
of the countryside is under the people's power-red base areas. The
People's Liberation Army advances and the masses of people exercise
new political power, engage in a new economy in the interests of the
masses and enjoy a new rich culture. People's power is growing, the
old state and its imperialist backers are shivering and hopefully soon
people of the world will have their first red base country to advance
their world revolution.
Come to this Meeting to hear and to discuss the Revolution in Nepal
and to watch a video of a Mass Rally in the Capital of Katmandu!
How to get to Conway Mill
Go to Castle St Black Taxi rank in underground car park next to
Iceland supermarket. Take Black Taxi up Falls Rd. Past Divis Tower on
left. Carry on up to Garden of Remembrance -- you'll see the tricolour
flag + monument -- Conway St. is exactly opposite. Large red brick
building on right behind dole office. Go to rear entrance through
gates + car park).
*******
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http://www.angelfire.com/folk/irishshop/
Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees - A new 2004 full colour glossy
calendar is available now on the RSM online shop. It celebrates the
brilliant work undertaken by the Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees
this past year throughout the six counties with full colour
photographs on each page. This calendar can be viewed online by
clicking the link below.
http://www.cafeshops.com/rsmshop.8844526
*
Support the IRSP
Standing Order Form
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Please pay First Trust Bank Andersonstown Branch, Belfast, and credit
to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
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Monday 19 July 2004
The Plough Vol 01 No 48
The Plough #48
19 July 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1. IRSP Slam PSNI/British Army "Heavy-Handedness" in Ardoyne
2. Community to Blame?
3. Teach Na Failte Opens New Office in North Belfast
4. What's On
*******
IRSP Slam PSNI/British Army "Heavy-Handedness" in Ardoyne
The IRSP in North Belfast have slammed the tactics used by the PSNI
and British Army in Ardoyne during the contentious 12th July Orange
parade.
This comes after recent disturbances resulting from the overturning of
the Parades Commission by the PSNI to allow the 400 UDA/UFF
coat-trailing bigots to return from their march via the Crumlin Road
at Ardoyne shop fronts. This decision had sparked fury from residents
and quickly turned to violence as we saw heavy-handed tactics being
employed by the PSNI.
An IRSP spokesperson, Charlie Clarke, who was at the scene stated,
"Once again we have watched the district of Ardoyne become a prison,
surrounded by a ring of steel and guarded vehemently by heavy-handed
PSNI/British Army riot squads.
"People of this community have been hemmed in from early morning and
are denied the freedom to move freely and conduct their business with
normality. This is because every year we face the backlash of
sectarian marches walking through this working-class republican area.
It is no longer acceptable and the people of this community have
understandably resisted.
"The PSNI overturned a decision laid down by the Parades Commission
and allowed the supporters to return through this area. About 400 well
known UDA/UFF volunteers representing K Coy. were flaunted under the
noses of the residents of Ardoyne and were heavily guarded by the
PSNI. Also with the crowd was a mob of drunken louts who began hurling
bottles and various other missiles into the protestors on the other
side of the barricade. It is only natural that with tensions running
as high as they were, fueled by the PSNI betrayal, that the community
responded in the way they did.
"When people realised that this was happening, they were met with the
cold truth of 'policing,' beaten down by police batons and manhandled
to the point of GBH. This certainly brings into dispute the
eligibility of the Parades Commission. The IRSP call for the immediate
resignation of those within the PC and the disbandment of this
ineffective organisation. Organisations who continuously make
decisions only to be overturned by the PSNI are not needed. We also
call for nationalist politicians to stand down from the Policing
Board. Once again we see the cold reality that the PSNI are not
acceptable in these communities and will continue to be so until the
full implementation of the Patton Report is in place."
The events that followed were described by Charlie Clarke to be "the
worst street violence that this community has witnessed in the course
of twenty years." He went on to add, "the fact that the paratroopers
were placed into position along Ardoyne Road at the top of Cranbrook
Court shows quite clearly that the PSNI were intent on causing
violence at this time. There was no need for the British Army to be
situated here in the very heart of demonstrators, and their presence
and the force that they adopted heightened tensions within the
community.
"I believe that this was a cleverly orchestrated tactic used by the
PSNI to move the focus from the Orange parades and place it upon this
community. I take this opportunity to commend the bravery and courage
of all the men, women and youths of this area who valiantly resisted
attacks from the PSNI/British Army. However, I remind those involved
that there remained a very real threat to the safety of civilians from
the retreating British Army, who undoubtedly would have reverted to
their first instinct to implement the use of live ammunition."
The area has been reported quiet but tense over the last few days with
a restrained calm being firmly in place. The spokesperson further
added, "two further parades are due to pass through the area within
the next few weeks and the IRSP will be monitoring very closely
developments within the area. The IRSP would also take this
opportunity to refute any such allegations that were made by the
gutter press journalism of the Sunday World that the INLA were
responsible for orchestrating the violence that occurred as a result
of the heavy-handedness of PSNI officers against this community whilst
forcing loyalists through their area. No such allegations could be
further from the truth."
Meetings with the community have been held and further meetings are
being organised in order to avoid another occurrence of last week's
violence.
*******
Community to Blame?
Much has been talked about the issue of contentious Parades and flags
being a community problem. In recent days statements from a wide range
of bodies including statements from two PSNI-RUC spokesmen claimed
that the communities could only resolve the issues. The implication of
this is that the "two communities" can sit down and resolve the
problem while the state bodies act in a mediating role. This is just
so much bullshit!
There are no two communities -- instead we have a divided working
class who clash in deprived areas.
Blame is allocated equally by the great and the good. The reality is
that sectarian elements in unionism want to lord it over nationalists.
It is a case of "croppy lie down." They are aided and abetted in this
by a range of state bodies including the NIO, the police force, the
prison service and the intelligence agencies. Many employees of state
bodies acquiesce in sectarian attitudes and actions.
Six years on from the so-called historic Good Friday Agreement we do
not have justice, democracy or freedom. We have a biased police force,
a bigoted prison service, and an arrogant bevy of British overlords
making decisions for us, no democratic assembly and naked sectarian
hatred given free range every July. Unionism simply does not recognise
the right of people in the North to be either republicans or
nationalists. Like the Bourbon kings of France they have learnt
nothing!! July 2004 confirms that the state of Northern Ireland is in
essence still a cold house for nationalists.
Was it for this that men and women sacrificed the best years of their
lives in struggle in prison in exile and for many in death? Surely
there must be some within the Provisional Sinn Fein movement who
question the leadership driven peace process that has given them
electoral strength, but no influence?
At the end of the day the only class republicans can rely on is not
that class that sucks you in and then sells you out but the Irish
working class, the incorruptible inheritors of the fight for freedom
*******
Teach Na Failte Opens New Office in North Belfast
Teach na Failte has recently under gone expansion throughout the
country with its newly developed office opening in Ardoyne, North
Belfast.
Work was carried out by ex-prisoners and other voluntary workers from
the area with no receipt of financial help or assistance from funding
agencies. An amazingly high standard of workmanship was provided
throughout, a real credit to all those who undertook this project.
The office is manned from Monday to Thursday each week from 11am to
4pm with a team of dedicated voluntary workers aiming to tackle the
issues that pose problems to the ex-prisoner community and their
families.
Although this is a republican socialist project with the interests of
our ex-prisoners and their families in mind, Teach na Failte will help
anyone regardless of any political or religious background.
Teach na Failte also hopes to play a constructive role in defusing
sectarian tensions and interface problems in the North Belfast area
and are actively involved with other bodies and agencies in order to
maximise that influence.
Our offices can also be used by community groups who find themselves
without premises for their meetings and we would also intend to engage
with women's groups from the community and have a constructive role in
contributing to the needs of the youth of the area.
Teach na Failte wish to present to the public a higher profile for our
ex-prisoner population and provide a republican socialist outlook and
response to the problems they incur in their everyday life. Long term
training and education are priorities of Teach na Failte that will
assist the ex-prisoners to further their skills and employment
opportunities so they may reintegrate fully back into society.
We also endeavour to have an impact through the offices of mediation,
conflict resolution, and advice and counselling to the local and wider
community.
For further information please visit our website at
http://www.teachnafailte.org/ or by contacting our offices at 028 9075
1705. Alternatively, call into our offices at Unit 8, Flax Centre,
Ardoyne Avenue, BELFAST BT14 7DA for a friendly chat. All our dealings
are conducted with the utmost confidentiality.
Charlie Clarke
(Treasurer -- North Belfast Management Committee)
*******
What's On
*
Friday, July 30th
BALKANS SEMINAR
Democratic Dialogue is organising a seminar, in conjunction with the
Institute of Governance at Queen's University Belfast and the de
Borda Institute, on 'The Difficulties of Democracy Building, Identity
Formation and Ethnic Nationalism in the Balkans'. The seminar is to
be led by Rory Conces, an assistant professor of philosophy and
member of the International Studies faculty at the University of
Nebraska at Omaha, who is also editor of the International Third
World Studies Journal and Review. The event will take place on
Friday, July 30th, at 11.00am in room 101 Lanyon North (first floor,
Lanyon Building), at Queen's (directions from the porter's lodge at
main entrance). Prof Conces has lectured in China, Croatia, and
Kosovo; as well as having been a Fulbright Scholar in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Approaching issues of ethnic identity from a political-
philosophical standpoint, his talk will be of considerable resonance
to Northern Ireland.
Further information from robin@democraticdialogue.org.
*
Saturday 31 July
As part of the discussions and debates at the West Belfast Festival
there will be a event about Racism, featuring prominent speakers.
Date: Saturday 31 July
Venue: St Mary's University College
Time: 2.00pm 3.45pm
"Anti-Irish Racism and the Experience of Belfast's Ethnic Minorities
Today: Making the Connection"
Chair: Fr. Des Wilson
Speakers:
Dr. Robbie McVeigh, The Experience of Anti-Irish Racism
Claire Hackett, Falls Community Council's Dúchas Oral History
Archive
Video presentation on the Belfast historical experience of
sectarianism and discrimination.
The Experience of Ethnic Minorities Today
Armie Cerezo - Filipino Nurse
Jamal Iweida - Belfast Islamic community Anti-Racist activist
Bernadette McAliskey Civil Rights, Ireland and the USA: Making
the Connection
*
August 2-7-2004
1) Resistance and Hope Assisi, August 2-7
Call for the Anti-imperialist Camp, Assisi, Italy, August 2-7
Mankind is travelling in fear on a train towards the abyss. This
abyss is the mercilessly waged global war. The train is steered by
the United States of America, to be precise, by a group of
adventurers dreaming of a dead and mute world with one single God,
the dollar; with one single banner, that of stars and stripes; with
one single language, that of American oppression.
These adventurers are driven by a vision which neither admits
compromises nor half ways: the clash of civilisations not only with
Islam but also with anybody who believes in the co-operation between
the peoples and who consider peace as the holiest of all values. They
have given a name to their doctrine: "permanent and pre-emptive war"
which not only displays the warmongering character of the North
American regime but also the idea that the US were a superior nation
with a special mission namely to exercise the global predominance at
any cost. The alibi, which this doctrine builds on, is the terrorist
threat. Those who employ indiscriminate force against defenceless and
innocent civilians, those who consider a person guilty if it does not
believe in their God, might believe to be on a straight way to
paradise but surely contribute to the transformation of this world
into an inferno without hope. The only remaining hope of the world is
the Resistance, the struggle of the peoples for freedom and self-
determination.
The American aim is not only to subjugate the poor and oppressed
nations but also those who still enjoy some liberty. The Patriot Act
and the anti-terrorist Black Lists show that the most elementary
democratic rights are at stake also in the West and particularly in
the United States. Virulent racist and chauvinist crusades attempt to
criminalise the anti-imperialist and revolutionary forces as well as
the organisations of immigrants. They even want to silence the peace
movement.
The anti-imperialist Resistance has indestructible roots and dates
back to the very beginning of the imperial North American ambitions.
Where there is oppression there will always be revolt as well, where
there is dictatorship there will always be the struggle for
democracy, where there is injustice there never will be peace.
Today the Iraqi people is testifying for the Resistance keeping up
their heads against the American war criminals and their paranoid
designs to Guantánamise the world. The Iraqi resistance has taken
the way paved by the Palestinian Intifada. By building a united front
of all the fighting forces it will gain further strength transforming
itself into a national liberation war. This front, the embryo of a
future government of a liberated Iraq, will be able once the
invaders are driven out to call upon the Iraqis to elect a
democratic constituent assembly exercising the full and undivided
sovereignty of the Iraqi people.
The future of humanity depends on the outcome of the battle raging in
Iraq. The heroic town of Falluja, having chased away mercenaries
armed with the most sophisticated weaponry, shows that the Iraqi
people are able to win as the Vietnamese people won. The decisive
factor in war even more than in peace is not technological
superiority but what motivates the people to fight.
We have to unite with the Resistance of the Iraqi people to help
mankind to liberate itself from the North American menace.
The future of the world depends on the victory of Iraq!
2) Iraqi presences and programme of Assisi
This year's Anti-imperialist Camp will have its focus on the Iraqi
resistance. The Iraqi Patriotic Alliance (IPA) will present its
efforts to build a common political front of all forces struggling
against occupation. For the Iraqi Democratic Communist Current, which
is a component of the IPA, Ahmed Karim will be present and for the
Iraqi Communist Party (cadre) Nori al-Moradi.
A global meeting of all the forces and committees in open support of
the Iraqi resistance is scheduled. The preparation of the
international day of action for the resistance scheduled for
September 25 will be one of the topics on the agenda.
The preliminary programme:
http://www.antiimperialista.com/en/view.shtml?category=48&id=1083700704&keyword=+.
*
Tuesday 3 August
"Palestine -- What Future?"
Speaker: Diana Buttu (legal advisor to the PLO)
Introduced by Martin McGuinness, Head of Sinn Fein Negotiating Team
7.30pm-9.30pm St Mary's University College, Belfast
[Biog: Diana Buttu is a Canadian/Palestinian lawyer and peace activist
who has worked as a legal advisor to the Palestinian Authority's
negotiating team. The child of Palestinian refugees, she holds a
doctorate from Stanford University on refugee issues and is a
recognised authority in this field and in the field of international
law. She has participated in many speaking tours in Canada, the United
States, Europe and the Middle East.]
Wednesday 4 August
PALESTINE DAY
St Mary's University College, Belfast
11.00am - 1.00pm
The Media and the Middle East
Film: "Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land," (including Noam
Chomsky, Robert Fisk and other prominent media experts, on the Middle
East).
This will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Prof. Bill
Rolston, involving prominent media personalities. (We are trying to
get the Glasgow Media Group who recently published research on the
media's coverage of Israel.)
1.30pm-3.00pm
Discussion: "Children of Palestine: No Past, No Present, What Future?"
Chair: Paddy Kelly, Children's Law Centre
Speakers: Oisin Coghlan, Christian Aid;
Brian Dooley, Amnesty International;
Naomi Wayne, Jews for Justice for Palestine.
Followed by the official West Belfast launch of new charity
'Palestine's Child'.
Hosted by Tim McGarry of BBC TV fame, and a member of the infamous
Hole in the Wall Gang.
3.30pm-4.30pm
Belfast premiere of the film: "Arna's Children".
This highly emotional and dramatic documentary film released last year
follows the lives of children in Jenin, Palestine, over a number of
years, from their involvement in a youth drama theatre to resistance
and death on the streets of Jenin.
*
Saturday 7th August
5pm at Conway Mill, Conway Street, West Belfast
Organised by the World People's Resistance Movement in co-cooperation
with Feile An Phobail/The People's Festival (West Belfast Festival).
"5in Réabhlóid i Neipeál Muileann Mhic Con Midhe. Le
haoichainteoir ó Neipeál. Socraithe tri Ghluaiseacht
Fhrithbheartaiochta Mhuintir an Domhain."
-Speech
-Discussion
-Video of Mass Rally in Katmandu
-Literature tables
Since 1996 the masses of Nepal have carried out an anti-monarchy
anti-imperialist revolution under the leadership of the Communist
Party of Nepal (Maoist). This revolution has advanced with an amazing
speed. During recent months the party has successfully led several
countrywide strikes involving millions achieving total shutdown! Most
of the countryside is under the people's power-red base areas. The
People's Liberation Army advances and the masses of people exercise
new political power, engage in a new economy in the interests of the
masses and enjoy a new rich culture. People's power is growing, the
old state and its imperialist backers are shivering and hopefully soon
people of the world will have their first red base country to advance
their world revolution.
Come to this Meeting to hear and to discuss the Revolution in Nepal
and to watch a video of a Mass Rally in the Capital of Katmandu!
How to get to Conway Mill
Go to Castle St Black Taxi rank in underground car park next to
Iceland supermarket. Take Black Taxi up Falls Rd. Past Divis Tower on
left. Carry on up to Garden of Remembrance -- you'll see the tricolour
flag + monument -- Conway St. is exactly opposite. Large red brick
building on right behind dole office. Go to rear entrance through
gates + car park).
*******
Please feel free to comment on the contents of The Plough. We welcome
political comments and criticisms.
If you know of anybody who might wish to receive The Plough please
send his or her e-mail address to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
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to johnmartinps@eircom.net stating which numbers you wish.
To unsubscribe to The Plough please send e-mail
entitled "unsubscribe" to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
It is the policy of The Plough to acknowledge information and
articles from other sources.
Subscribe to the bi-monthly
"The Starry Plough/An Camchéachta"
P.O. Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX, Ireland.
THE VOICE OF REPUBLICAN SOCIALISM!
Email: starry_plough@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.irsm.org/irsp/starryplough/
Fighting Fund/Donations
To: The Starry Plough
First Trust Bank, Derry, BT48 6BU
Account No. 14986015 Sort Code No. 93-86-10
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html (Pairtí Poblachtach Sóisialach na
h-Éireann)
http://www.wageslave.org/jcs/ (James Connolly Society)
http://www.marxists.org/archive/connolly/ (James Connolly Archive)
The Republican Socialist Forum from Derry IRSP
http://rsmforum.proboards23.com/
Republican Socialist Online Merchandise - A website that offers a
central place to go on the Internet to find good quality items with a
distinct Republican Socialist theme. Proceeds from sales from this
effort go towards the IRSM and its various projects.
http://www.angelfire.com/folk/irishshop/
Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees - A new 2004 full colour glossy
calendar is available now on the RSM online shop. It celebrates the
brilliant work undertaken by the Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees
this past year throughout the six counties with full colour
photographs on each page. This calendar can be viewed online by
clicking the link below.
http://www.cafeshops.com/rsmshop.8844526
*
Support the IRSP
Standing Order Form
To the Manager First Trust Bank, Andersonstown.
Please pay First Trust Bank Andersonstown Branch, Belfast, and credit
to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
93-84-75
The sum of:
Amount in words:
Commencing date: and thereafter every month till further notice.
And debiting A/C number:
Name (Please print clearly):
Date:
Address:
Signature:
19 July 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1. IRSP Slam PSNI/British Army "Heavy-Handedness" in Ardoyne
2. Community to Blame?
3. Teach Na Failte Opens New Office in North Belfast
4. What's On
*******
IRSP Slam PSNI/British Army "Heavy-Handedness" in Ardoyne
The IRSP in North Belfast have slammed the tactics used by the PSNI
and British Army in Ardoyne during the contentious 12th July Orange
parade.
This comes after recent disturbances resulting from the overturning of
the Parades Commission by the PSNI to allow the 400 UDA/UFF
coat-trailing bigots to return from their march via the Crumlin Road
at Ardoyne shop fronts. This decision had sparked fury from residents
and quickly turned to violence as we saw heavy-handed tactics being
employed by the PSNI.
An IRSP spokesperson, Charlie Clarke, who was at the scene stated,
"Once again we have watched the district of Ardoyne become a prison,
surrounded by a ring of steel and guarded vehemently by heavy-handed
PSNI/British Army riot squads.
"People of this community have been hemmed in from early morning and
are denied the freedom to move freely and conduct their business with
normality. This is because every year we face the backlash of
sectarian marches walking through this working-class republican area.
It is no longer acceptable and the people of this community have
understandably resisted.
"The PSNI overturned a decision laid down by the Parades Commission
and allowed the supporters to return through this area. About 400 well
known UDA/UFF volunteers representing K Coy. were flaunted under the
noses of the residents of Ardoyne and were heavily guarded by the
PSNI. Also with the crowd was a mob of drunken louts who began hurling
bottles and various other missiles into the protestors on the other
side of the barricade. It is only natural that with tensions running
as high as they were, fueled by the PSNI betrayal, that the community
responded in the way they did.
"When people realised that this was happening, they were met with the
cold truth of 'policing,' beaten down by police batons and manhandled
to the point of GBH. This certainly brings into dispute the
eligibility of the Parades Commission. The IRSP call for the immediate
resignation of those within the PC and the disbandment of this
ineffective organisation. Organisations who continuously make
decisions only to be overturned by the PSNI are not needed. We also
call for nationalist politicians to stand down from the Policing
Board. Once again we see the cold reality that the PSNI are not
acceptable in these communities and will continue to be so until the
full implementation of the Patton Report is in place."
The events that followed were described by Charlie Clarke to be "the
worst street violence that this community has witnessed in the course
of twenty years." He went on to add, "the fact that the paratroopers
were placed into position along Ardoyne Road at the top of Cranbrook
Court shows quite clearly that the PSNI were intent on causing
violence at this time. There was no need for the British Army to be
situated here in the very heart of demonstrators, and their presence
and the force that they adopted heightened tensions within the
community.
"I believe that this was a cleverly orchestrated tactic used by the
PSNI to move the focus from the Orange parades and place it upon this
community. I take this opportunity to commend the bravery and courage
of all the men, women and youths of this area who valiantly resisted
attacks from the PSNI/British Army. However, I remind those involved
that there remained a very real threat to the safety of civilians from
the retreating British Army, who undoubtedly would have reverted to
their first instinct to implement the use of live ammunition."
The area has been reported quiet but tense over the last few days with
a restrained calm being firmly in place. The spokesperson further
added, "two further parades are due to pass through the area within
the next few weeks and the IRSP will be monitoring very closely
developments within the area. The IRSP would also take this
opportunity to refute any such allegations that were made by the
gutter press journalism of the Sunday World that the INLA were
responsible for orchestrating the violence that occurred as a result
of the heavy-handedness of PSNI officers against this community whilst
forcing loyalists through their area. No such allegations could be
further from the truth."
Meetings with the community have been held and further meetings are
being organised in order to avoid another occurrence of last week's
violence.
*******
Community to Blame?
Much has been talked about the issue of contentious Parades and flags
being a community problem. In recent days statements from a wide range
of bodies including statements from two PSNI-RUC spokesmen claimed
that the communities could only resolve the issues. The implication of
this is that the "two communities" can sit down and resolve the
problem while the state bodies act in a mediating role. This is just
so much bullshit!
There are no two communities -- instead we have a divided working
class who clash in deprived areas.
Blame is allocated equally by the great and the good. The reality is
that sectarian elements in unionism want to lord it over nationalists.
It is a case of "croppy lie down." They are aided and abetted in this
by a range of state bodies including the NIO, the police force, the
prison service and the intelligence agencies. Many employees of state
bodies acquiesce in sectarian attitudes and actions.
Six years on from the so-called historic Good Friday Agreement we do
not have justice, democracy or freedom. We have a biased police force,
a bigoted prison service, and an arrogant bevy of British overlords
making decisions for us, no democratic assembly and naked sectarian
hatred given free range every July. Unionism simply does not recognise
the right of people in the North to be either republicans or
nationalists. Like the Bourbon kings of France they have learnt
nothing!! July 2004 confirms that the state of Northern Ireland is in
essence still a cold house for nationalists.
Was it for this that men and women sacrificed the best years of their
lives in struggle in prison in exile and for many in death? Surely
there must be some within the Provisional Sinn Fein movement who
question the leadership driven peace process that has given them
electoral strength, but no influence?
At the end of the day the only class republicans can rely on is not
that class that sucks you in and then sells you out but the Irish
working class, the incorruptible inheritors of the fight for freedom
*******
Teach Na Failte Opens New Office in North Belfast
Teach na Failte has recently under gone expansion throughout the
country with its newly developed office opening in Ardoyne, North
Belfast.
Work was carried out by ex-prisoners and other voluntary workers from
the area with no receipt of financial help or assistance from funding
agencies. An amazingly high standard of workmanship was provided
throughout, a real credit to all those who undertook this project.
The office is manned from Monday to Thursday each week from 11am to
4pm with a team of dedicated voluntary workers aiming to tackle the
issues that pose problems to the ex-prisoner community and their
families.
Although this is a republican socialist project with the interests of
our ex-prisoners and their families in mind, Teach na Failte will help
anyone regardless of any political or religious background.
Teach na Failte also hopes to play a constructive role in defusing
sectarian tensions and interface problems in the North Belfast area
and are actively involved with other bodies and agencies in order to
maximise that influence.
Our offices can also be used by community groups who find themselves
without premises for their meetings and we would also intend to engage
with women's groups from the community and have a constructive role in
contributing to the needs of the youth of the area.
Teach na Failte wish to present to the public a higher profile for our
ex-prisoner population and provide a republican socialist outlook and
response to the problems they incur in their everyday life. Long term
training and education are priorities of Teach na Failte that will
assist the ex-prisoners to further their skills and employment
opportunities so they may reintegrate fully back into society.
We also endeavour to have an impact through the offices of mediation,
conflict resolution, and advice and counselling to the local and wider
community.
For further information please visit our website at
http://www.teachnafailte.org/ or by contacting our offices at 028 9075
1705. Alternatively, call into our offices at Unit 8, Flax Centre,
Ardoyne Avenue, BELFAST BT14 7DA for a friendly chat. All our dealings
are conducted with the utmost confidentiality.
Charlie Clarke
(Treasurer -- North Belfast Management Committee)
*******
What's On
*
Friday, July 30th
BALKANS SEMINAR
Democratic Dialogue is organising a seminar, in conjunction with the
Institute of Governance at Queen's University Belfast and the de
Borda Institute, on 'The Difficulties of Democracy Building, Identity
Formation and Ethnic Nationalism in the Balkans'. The seminar is to
be led by Rory Conces, an assistant professor of philosophy and
member of the International Studies faculty at the University of
Nebraska at Omaha, who is also editor of the International Third
World Studies Journal and Review. The event will take place on
Friday, July 30th, at 11.00am in room 101 Lanyon North (first floor,
Lanyon Building), at Queen's (directions from the porter's lodge at
main entrance). Prof Conces has lectured in China, Croatia, and
Kosovo; as well as having been a Fulbright Scholar in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Approaching issues of ethnic identity from a political-
philosophical standpoint, his talk will be of considerable resonance
to Northern Ireland.
Further information from robin@democraticdialogue.org.
*
Saturday 31 July
As part of the discussions and debates at the West Belfast Festival
there will be a event about Racism, featuring prominent speakers.
Date: Saturday 31 July
Venue: St Mary's University College
Time: 2.00pm 3.45pm
"Anti-Irish Racism and the Experience of Belfast's Ethnic Minorities
Today: Making the Connection"
Chair: Fr. Des Wilson
Speakers:
Dr. Robbie McVeigh, The Experience of Anti-Irish Racism
Claire Hackett, Falls Community Council's Dúchas Oral History
Archive
Video presentation on the Belfast historical experience of
sectarianism and discrimination.
The Experience of Ethnic Minorities Today
Armie Cerezo - Filipino Nurse
Jamal Iweida - Belfast Islamic community Anti-Racist activist
Bernadette McAliskey Civil Rights, Ireland and the USA: Making
the Connection
*
August 2-7-2004
1) Resistance and Hope Assisi, August 2-7
Call for the Anti-imperialist Camp, Assisi, Italy, August 2-7
Mankind is travelling in fear on a train towards the abyss. This
abyss is the mercilessly waged global war. The train is steered by
the United States of America, to be precise, by a group of
adventurers dreaming of a dead and mute world with one single God,
the dollar; with one single banner, that of stars and stripes; with
one single language, that of American oppression.
These adventurers are driven by a vision which neither admits
compromises nor half ways: the clash of civilisations not only with
Islam but also with anybody who believes in the co-operation between
the peoples and who consider peace as the holiest of all values. They
have given a name to their doctrine: "permanent and pre-emptive war"
which not only displays the warmongering character of the North
American regime but also the idea that the US were a superior nation
with a special mission namely to exercise the global predominance at
any cost. The alibi, which this doctrine builds on, is the terrorist
threat. Those who employ indiscriminate force against defenceless and
innocent civilians, those who consider a person guilty if it does not
believe in their God, might believe to be on a straight way to
paradise but surely contribute to the transformation of this world
into an inferno without hope. The only remaining hope of the world is
the Resistance, the struggle of the peoples for freedom and self-
determination.
The American aim is not only to subjugate the poor and oppressed
nations but also those who still enjoy some liberty. The Patriot Act
and the anti-terrorist Black Lists show that the most elementary
democratic rights are at stake also in the West and particularly in
the United States. Virulent racist and chauvinist crusades attempt to
criminalise the anti-imperialist and revolutionary forces as well as
the organisations of immigrants. They even want to silence the peace
movement.
The anti-imperialist Resistance has indestructible roots and dates
back to the very beginning of the imperial North American ambitions.
Where there is oppression there will always be revolt as well, where
there is dictatorship there will always be the struggle for
democracy, where there is injustice there never will be peace.
Today the Iraqi people is testifying for the Resistance keeping up
their heads against the American war criminals and their paranoid
designs to Guantánamise the world. The Iraqi resistance has taken
the way paved by the Palestinian Intifada. By building a united front
of all the fighting forces it will gain further strength transforming
itself into a national liberation war. This front, the embryo of a
future government of a liberated Iraq, will be able once the
invaders are driven out to call upon the Iraqis to elect a
democratic constituent assembly exercising the full and undivided
sovereignty of the Iraqi people.
The future of humanity depends on the outcome of the battle raging in
Iraq. The heroic town of Falluja, having chased away mercenaries
armed with the most sophisticated weaponry, shows that the Iraqi
people are able to win as the Vietnamese people won. The decisive
factor in war even more than in peace is not technological
superiority but what motivates the people to fight.
We have to unite with the Resistance of the Iraqi people to help
mankind to liberate itself from the North American menace.
The future of the world depends on the victory of Iraq!
2) Iraqi presences and programme of Assisi
This year's Anti-imperialist Camp will have its focus on the Iraqi
resistance. The Iraqi Patriotic Alliance (IPA) will present its
efforts to build a common political front of all forces struggling
against occupation. For the Iraqi Democratic Communist Current, which
is a component of the IPA, Ahmed Karim will be present and for the
Iraqi Communist Party (cadre) Nori al-Moradi.
A global meeting of all the forces and committees in open support of
the Iraqi resistance is scheduled. The preparation of the
international day of action for the resistance scheduled for
September 25 will be one of the topics on the agenda.
The preliminary programme:
http://www.antiimperialista.com/en/view.shtml?category=48&id=1083700704&keyword=+.
*
Tuesday 3 August
"Palestine -- What Future?"
Speaker: Diana Buttu (legal advisor to the PLO)
Introduced by Martin McGuinness, Head of Sinn Fein Negotiating Team
7.30pm-9.30pm St Mary's University College, Belfast
[Biog: Diana Buttu is a Canadian/Palestinian lawyer and peace activist
who has worked as a legal advisor to the Palestinian Authority's
negotiating team. The child of Palestinian refugees, she holds a
doctorate from Stanford University on refugee issues and is a
recognised authority in this field and in the field of international
law. She has participated in many speaking tours in Canada, the United
States, Europe and the Middle East.]
Wednesday 4 August
PALESTINE DAY
St Mary's University College, Belfast
11.00am - 1.00pm
The Media and the Middle East
Film: "Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land," (including Noam
Chomsky, Robert Fisk and other prominent media experts, on the Middle
East).
This will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Prof. Bill
Rolston, involving prominent media personalities. (We are trying to
get the Glasgow Media Group who recently published research on the
media's coverage of Israel.)
1.30pm-3.00pm
Discussion: "Children of Palestine: No Past, No Present, What Future?"
Chair: Paddy Kelly, Children's Law Centre
Speakers: Oisin Coghlan, Christian Aid;
Brian Dooley, Amnesty International;
Naomi Wayne, Jews for Justice for Palestine.
Followed by the official West Belfast launch of new charity
'Palestine's Child'.
Hosted by Tim McGarry of BBC TV fame, and a member of the infamous
Hole in the Wall Gang.
3.30pm-4.30pm
Belfast premiere of the film: "Arna's Children".
This highly emotional and dramatic documentary film released last year
follows the lives of children in Jenin, Palestine, over a number of
years, from their involvement in a youth drama theatre to resistance
and death on the streets of Jenin.
*
Saturday 7th August
5pm at Conway Mill, Conway Street, West Belfast
Organised by the World People's Resistance Movement in co-cooperation
with Feile An Phobail/The People's Festival (West Belfast Festival).
"5in Réabhlóid i Neipeál Muileann Mhic Con Midhe. Le
haoichainteoir ó Neipeál. Socraithe tri Ghluaiseacht
Fhrithbheartaiochta Mhuintir an Domhain."
-Speech
-Discussion
-Video of Mass Rally in Katmandu
-Literature tables
Since 1996 the masses of Nepal have carried out an anti-monarchy
anti-imperialist revolution under the leadership of the Communist
Party of Nepal (Maoist). This revolution has advanced with an amazing
speed. During recent months the party has successfully led several
countrywide strikes involving millions achieving total shutdown! Most
of the countryside is under the people's power-red base areas. The
People's Liberation Army advances and the masses of people exercise
new political power, engage in a new economy in the interests of the
masses and enjoy a new rich culture. People's power is growing, the
old state and its imperialist backers are shivering and hopefully soon
people of the world will have their first red base country to advance
their world revolution.
Come to this Meeting to hear and to discuss the Revolution in Nepal
and to watch a video of a Mass Rally in the Capital of Katmandu!
How to get to Conway Mill
Go to Castle St Black Taxi rank in underground car park next to
Iceland supermarket. Take Black Taxi up Falls Rd. Past Divis Tower on
left. Carry on up to Garden of Remembrance -- you'll see the tricolour
flag + monument -- Conway St. is exactly opposite. Large red brick
building on right behind dole office. Go to rear entrance through
gates + car park).
*******
Please feel free to comment on the contents of The Plough. We welcome
political comments and criticisms.
If you know of anybody who might wish to receive The Plough please
send his or her e-mail address to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
If you wish to receive back copies of the The Plough please e-mail
to johnmartinps@eircom.net stating which numbers you wish.
To unsubscribe to The Plough please send e-mail
entitled "unsubscribe" to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
It is the policy of The Plough to acknowledge information and
articles from other sources.
Subscribe to the bi-monthly
"The Starry Plough/An Camchéachta"
P.O. Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX, Ireland.
THE VOICE OF REPUBLICAN SOCIALISM!
Email: starry_plough@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.irsm.org/irsp/starryplough/
Fighting Fund/Donations
To: The Starry Plough
First Trust Bank, Derry, BT48 6BU
Account No. 14986015 Sort Code No. 93-86-10
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html (Pairtí Poblachtach Sóisialach na
h-Éireann)
http://www.wageslave.org/jcs/ (James Connolly Society)
http://www.marxists.org/archive/connolly/ (James Connolly Archive)
The Republican Socialist Forum from Derry IRSP
http://rsmforum.proboards23.com/
Republican Socialist Online Merchandise - A website that offers a
central place to go on the Internet to find good quality items with a
distinct Republican Socialist theme. Proceeds from sales from this
effort go towards the IRSM and its various projects.
http://www.angelfire.com/folk/irishshop/
Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees - A new 2004 full colour glossy
calendar is available now on the RSM online shop. It celebrates the
brilliant work undertaken by the Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees
this past year throughout the six counties with full colour
photographs on each page. This calendar can be viewed online by
clicking the link below.
http://www.cafeshops.com/rsmshop.8844526
*
Support the IRSP
Standing Order Form
To the Manager First Trust Bank, Andersonstown.
Please pay First Trust Bank Andersonstown Branch, Belfast, and credit
to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
93-84-75
The sum of:
Amount in words:
Commencing date: and thereafter every month till further notice.
And debiting A/C number:
Name (Please print clearly):
Date:
Address:
Signature:
Monday 12 July 2004
The Plough Vol 01 No 47
The Plough #47
12 July 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1) Orange Marches -- A Carnival of Reaction
2) What's On
*******
Orange Marches -- A Carnival of Reaction
On this day, July 12, 2004, it is time to remember and reflect what
the Orange marches of this day mean. On the surface it is a
celebration of the victory of a Dutchman over an Englishman fighting
on Irish soil for the kingship of England. In reality it is a
celebration of bigotry and intolerance. Watching the serried ranks of
drummers in their gaudy uniforms one is minded of the Redcoats in the
old movies lording it over the natives. The Orange marches are
militaristic, racist, intimidatory and an affront to decency. The
hangers on with their beer bellies and bottles are like storm troopers
eager and willing to swarm all over the croppies if there are any
about. This is not about cultural identity -- it is about domination.
What sort of culture is it that depends on its validation by walking
through areas where it is not welcome? What sort of culture is it that
needs to express itself by waving the flag of a brutal and now
thankfully declining British imperialism? What sort of culture is it
that prances about huge bonfires on the 11th drinking to excess and
cursing the Pope? What sort of culture whoops and cheers when the drug
dealing thugs of the UDA appear on platforms with guns and taunt their
former hero Adair with calls to "bring it on" while the TV cameras
whirl away and the police do nothing? Sectarian murderers are
lionised, Chinese homes attacked, Catholics burned out, all in the
name of some ill defined cultural identity that can not decide if it
is British or Protestant or both or Ulster Scottish or God knows what.
The Orange Order does not give one damn about the condition of
Protestant working class people so long as those same people see their
main enemy not as the rich unionist middle classes but the poor
Catholic working classes. Orangism is the means of perpetuating
divisions among working class people. And while that division exists
the working classes of all traditions will be slaves to nationalisms
that favour their own exploitation.
The Orange Order is a successful all-class alliance that has roped the
exploited into facilitating their own exploitation. The trouble at
Ardoyne was to be expected. Nationalists, republicans, Catholics will
no longer put up with these displays of bigotry. The way in which both
the DUP and the UUP have rowed in behind the Orange Orders in relation
to the march past Ardoyne should have sent a clear message out to all
republicans. So long as the six county state exists there will be no
movement from unionism and the working classes of all and no
traditions will still be the ones suffering, in the words of James
Connolly "a carnival of reaction."
*******
What's On
*
SATURDAY 17th JULY 3PM: WHITE LINE PICKET AND RALLY
Meeting @ entrance to Falls Park.
Speakers to be announced.
"(We) call on all groups and concerned individuals to attend the
above protest to highlight the ongoing harassment and abuse of
Republican prisoners in Maghaberry Jail.
"Despite achieving the hard won but moderate demand of segregation
from Loyalists and criminals the POW's in Roe House are still under
pressure from the Prison Administration and vindictive screws. This
includes the continuation of forced strip searches, denials of basic
amenities, the intensification and lengthening of lock-up time plus
the humiliation still being endured by visiting family members,
friends and political representatives.
"We urge everyone to stand behind these men and their families by
coming out onto the streets in the coming weeks and making their
voices heard once more."
*
Friday, July 30th
BALKANS SEMINAR
Democratic Dialogue is organising a seminar, in conjunction with the
Institute of Governance at Queen's University Belfast and the de
Borda Institute, on 'The Difficulties of Democracy Building, Identity
Formation and Ethnic Nationalism in the Balkans'. The seminar is to
be led by Rory Conces, an assistant professor of philosophy and
member of the International Studies faculty at the University of
Nebraska at Omaha, who is also editor of the International Third
World Studies Journal and Review. The event will take place on
Friday, July 30th, at 11.00am in room 101 Lanyon North (first floor,
Lanyon Building), at Queen's (directions from the porter's lodge at
main entrance). Prof Conces has lectured in China, Croatia, and
Kosovo; as well as having been a Fulbright Scholar in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Approaching issues of ethnic identity from a political-
philosophical standpoint, his talk will be of considerable resonance
to Northern Ireland.
Further information from robin@democraticdialogue.org.
*
Saturday 31 July
As part of the discussions and debates at the West Belfast Festival
there will be a event about Racism, featuring prominent speakers.
Date: Saturday 31 July
Venue: St Mary's University College
Time: 2.00pm 3.45pm
"Anti-Irish Racism and the Experience of Belfast's Ethnic Minorities
Today: Making the Connection"
Chair: Fr. Des Wilson
Speakers:
Dr. Robbie McVeigh, The Experience of Anti-Irish Racism
Claire Hackett, Falls Community Council's Dúchas Oral History
Archive
Video presentation on the Belfast historical experience of
sectarianism and discrimination.
The Experience of Ethnic Minorities Today
Armie Cerezo - Filipino Nurse
Jamal Iweida - Belfast Islamic community Anti-Racist activist
Bernadette McAliskey Civil Rights, Ireland and the USA: Making
the Connection
*
August 2-7-2004
1) Resistance and Hope Assisi, August 2-7
Call for the Anti-imperialist Camp, Assisi, Italy, August 2-7
Mankind is travelling in fear on a train towards the abyss. This
abyss is the mercilessly waged global war. The train is steered by
the United States of America, to be precise, by a group of
adventurers dreaming of a dead and mute world with one single God,
the dollar; with one single banner, that of stars and stripes; with
one single language, that of American oppression.
These adventurers are driven by a vision which neither admits
compromises nor half ways: the clash of civilisations not only with
Islam but also with anybody who believes in the co-operation between
the peoples and who consider peace as the holiest of all values. They
have given a name to their doctrine: "permanent and pre-emptive war"
which not only displays the warmongering character of the North
American regime but also the idea that the US were a superior nation
with a special mission namely to exercise the global predominance at
any cost. The alibi, which this doctrine builds on, is the terrorist
threat. Those who employ indiscriminate force against defenceless and
innocent civilians, those who consider a person guilty if it does not
believe in their God, might believe to be on a straight way to
paradise but surely contribute to the transformation of this world
into an inferno without hope. The only remaining hope of the world is
the Resistance, the struggle of the peoples for freedom and self-
determination.
The American aim is not only to subjugate the poor and oppressed
nations but also those who still enjoy some liberty. The Patriot Act
and the anti-terrorist Black Lists show that the most elementary
democratic rights are at stake also in the West and particularly in
the United States. Virulent racist and chauvinist crusades attempt to
criminalise the anti-imperialist and revolutionary forces as well as
the organisations of immigrants. They even want to silence the peace
movement.
The anti-imperialist Resistance has indestructible roots and dates
back to the very beginning of the imperial North American ambitions.
Where there is oppression there will always be revolt as well, where
there is dictatorship there will always be the struggle for
democracy, where there is injustice there never will be peace.
Today the Iraqi people is testifying for the Resistance keeping up
their heads against the American war criminals and their paranoid
designs to Guantánamise the world. The Iraqi resistance has taken
the way paved by the Palestinian Intifada. By building a united front
of all the fighting forces it will gain further strength transforming
itself into a national liberation war. This front, the embryo of a
future government of a liberated Iraq, will be able once the
invaders are driven out to call upon the Iraqis to elect a
democratic constituent assembly exercising the full and undivided
sovereignty of the Iraqi people.
The future of humanity depends on the outcome of the battle raging in
Iraq. The heroic town of Falluja, having chased away mercenaries
armed with the most sophisticated weaponry, shows that the Iraqi
people are able to win as the Vietnamese people won. The decisive
factor in war even more than in peace is not technological
superiority but what motivates the people to fight.
We have to unite with the Resistance of the Iraqi people to help
mankind to liberate itself from the North American menace.
The future of the world depends on the victory of Iraq!
2) Iraqi presences and programme of Assisi
This year's Anti-imperialist Camp will have its focus on the Iraqi
resistance. The Iraqi Patriotic Alliance (IPA) will present its
efforts to build a common political front of all forces struggling
against occupation. For the Iraqi Democratic Communist Current, which
is a component of the IPA, Ahmed Karim will be present and for the
Iraqi Communist Party (cadre) Nori al-Moradi.
A global meeting of all the forces and committees in open support of
the Iraqi resistance is scheduled. The preparation of the
international day of action for the resistance scheduled for
September 25 will be one of the topics on the agenda.
The preliminary programme:
http://www.antiimperialista.com/en/view.shtml?category=48&id=1083700704&keyword=+.
*******
Please feel free to comment on the contents of The Plough. We welcome
political comments and criticisms.
If you know of anybody who might wish to receive The Plough please
send his or her e-mail address to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
If you wish to receive back copies of the The Plough please e-mail
to johnmartinps@eircom.net stating which numbers you wish.
To unsubscribe to The Plough please send e-mail
entitled "unsubscribe" to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
It is the policy of The Plough to acknowledge information and
articles from other sources.
Subscribe to the bi-monthly
"The Starry Plough/An Camchéachta"
P.O. Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX, Ireland.
THE VOICE OF REPUBLICAN SOCIALISM!
Email: starry_plough@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.irsm.org/irsp/starryplough/
Fighting Fund/Donations
To: The Starry Plough
First Trust Bank, Derry, BT48 6BU
Account No. 14986015 Sort Code No. 93-86-10
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html (Pairtí Poblachtach Sóisialach na
h-Éireann)
http://www.wageslave.org/jcs/ (James Connolly Society)
http://www.marxists.org/archive/connolly/ (James Connolly Archive)
The Republican Socialist Forum from Derry IRSP
http://rsmforum.proboards23.com/
Republican Socialist Online Merchandise - A website that offers a
central place to go on the Internet to find good quality items with a
distinct Republican Socialist theme. Proceeds from sales from this
effort go towards the IRSM and its various projects.
http://www.angelfire.com/folk/irishshop/
Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees - A new 2004 full colour glossy
calendar is available now on the RSM online shop. It celebrates the
brilliant work undertaken by the Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees
this past year throughout the six counties with full colour
photographs on each page. This calendar can be viewed online by
clicking the link below.
http://www.cafeshops.com/rsmshop.8844526
*
Support the IRSP
Standing Order Form
To the Manager First Trust Bank, Andersonstown.
Please pay First Trust Bank Andersonstown Branch, Belfast, and credit
to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
93-84-75
The sum of:
Amount in words:
Commencing date: and thereafter every month till further notice.
And debiting A/C number:
Name (Please print clearly):
Date:
Address:
Signature:
12 July 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1) Orange Marches -- A Carnival of Reaction
2) What's On
*******
Orange Marches -- A Carnival of Reaction
On this day, July 12, 2004, it is time to remember and reflect what
the Orange marches of this day mean. On the surface it is a
celebration of the victory of a Dutchman over an Englishman fighting
on Irish soil for the kingship of England. In reality it is a
celebration of bigotry and intolerance. Watching the serried ranks of
drummers in their gaudy uniforms one is minded of the Redcoats in the
old movies lording it over the natives. The Orange marches are
militaristic, racist, intimidatory and an affront to decency. The
hangers on with their beer bellies and bottles are like storm troopers
eager and willing to swarm all over the croppies if there are any
about. This is not about cultural identity -- it is about domination.
What sort of culture is it that depends on its validation by walking
through areas where it is not welcome? What sort of culture is it that
needs to express itself by waving the flag of a brutal and now
thankfully declining British imperialism? What sort of culture is it
that prances about huge bonfires on the 11th drinking to excess and
cursing the Pope? What sort of culture whoops and cheers when the drug
dealing thugs of the UDA appear on platforms with guns and taunt their
former hero Adair with calls to "bring it on" while the TV cameras
whirl away and the police do nothing? Sectarian murderers are
lionised, Chinese homes attacked, Catholics burned out, all in the
name of some ill defined cultural identity that can not decide if it
is British or Protestant or both or Ulster Scottish or God knows what.
The Orange Order does not give one damn about the condition of
Protestant working class people so long as those same people see their
main enemy not as the rich unionist middle classes but the poor
Catholic working classes. Orangism is the means of perpetuating
divisions among working class people. And while that division exists
the working classes of all traditions will be slaves to nationalisms
that favour their own exploitation.
The Orange Order is a successful all-class alliance that has roped the
exploited into facilitating their own exploitation. The trouble at
Ardoyne was to be expected. Nationalists, republicans, Catholics will
no longer put up with these displays of bigotry. The way in which both
the DUP and the UUP have rowed in behind the Orange Orders in relation
to the march past Ardoyne should have sent a clear message out to all
republicans. So long as the six county state exists there will be no
movement from unionism and the working classes of all and no
traditions will still be the ones suffering, in the words of James
Connolly "a carnival of reaction."
*******
What's On
*
SATURDAY 17th JULY 3PM: WHITE LINE PICKET AND RALLY
Meeting @ entrance to Falls Park.
Speakers to be announced.
"(We) call on all groups and concerned individuals to attend the
above protest to highlight the ongoing harassment and abuse of
Republican prisoners in Maghaberry Jail.
"Despite achieving the hard won but moderate demand of segregation
from Loyalists and criminals the POW's in Roe House are still under
pressure from the Prison Administration and vindictive screws. This
includes the continuation of forced strip searches, denials of basic
amenities, the intensification and lengthening of lock-up time plus
the humiliation still being endured by visiting family members,
friends and political representatives.
"We urge everyone to stand behind these men and their families by
coming out onto the streets in the coming weeks and making their
voices heard once more."
*
Friday, July 30th
BALKANS SEMINAR
Democratic Dialogue is organising a seminar, in conjunction with the
Institute of Governance at Queen's University Belfast and the de
Borda Institute, on 'The Difficulties of Democracy Building, Identity
Formation and Ethnic Nationalism in the Balkans'. The seminar is to
be led by Rory Conces, an assistant professor of philosophy and
member of the International Studies faculty at the University of
Nebraska at Omaha, who is also editor of the International Third
World Studies Journal and Review. The event will take place on
Friday, July 30th, at 11.00am in room 101 Lanyon North (first floor,
Lanyon Building), at Queen's (directions from the porter's lodge at
main entrance). Prof Conces has lectured in China, Croatia, and
Kosovo; as well as having been a Fulbright Scholar in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Approaching issues of ethnic identity from a political-
philosophical standpoint, his talk will be of considerable resonance
to Northern Ireland.
Further information from robin@democraticdialogue.org.
*
Saturday 31 July
As part of the discussions and debates at the West Belfast Festival
there will be a event about Racism, featuring prominent speakers.
Date: Saturday 31 July
Venue: St Mary's University College
Time: 2.00pm 3.45pm
"Anti-Irish Racism and the Experience of Belfast's Ethnic Minorities
Today: Making the Connection"
Chair: Fr. Des Wilson
Speakers:
Dr. Robbie McVeigh, The Experience of Anti-Irish Racism
Claire Hackett, Falls Community Council's Dúchas Oral History
Archive
Video presentation on the Belfast historical experience of
sectarianism and discrimination.
The Experience of Ethnic Minorities Today
Armie Cerezo - Filipino Nurse
Jamal Iweida - Belfast Islamic community Anti-Racist activist
Bernadette McAliskey Civil Rights, Ireland and the USA: Making
the Connection
*
August 2-7-2004
1) Resistance and Hope Assisi, August 2-7
Call for the Anti-imperialist Camp, Assisi, Italy, August 2-7
Mankind is travelling in fear on a train towards the abyss. This
abyss is the mercilessly waged global war. The train is steered by
the United States of America, to be precise, by a group of
adventurers dreaming of a dead and mute world with one single God,
the dollar; with one single banner, that of stars and stripes; with
one single language, that of American oppression.
These adventurers are driven by a vision which neither admits
compromises nor half ways: the clash of civilisations not only with
Islam but also with anybody who believes in the co-operation between
the peoples and who consider peace as the holiest of all values. They
have given a name to their doctrine: "permanent and pre-emptive war"
which not only displays the warmongering character of the North
American regime but also the idea that the US were a superior nation
with a special mission namely to exercise the global predominance at
any cost. The alibi, which this doctrine builds on, is the terrorist
threat. Those who employ indiscriminate force against defenceless and
innocent civilians, those who consider a person guilty if it does not
believe in their God, might believe to be on a straight way to
paradise but surely contribute to the transformation of this world
into an inferno without hope. The only remaining hope of the world is
the Resistance, the struggle of the peoples for freedom and self-
determination.
The American aim is not only to subjugate the poor and oppressed
nations but also those who still enjoy some liberty. The Patriot Act
and the anti-terrorist Black Lists show that the most elementary
democratic rights are at stake also in the West and particularly in
the United States. Virulent racist and chauvinist crusades attempt to
criminalise the anti-imperialist and revolutionary forces as well as
the organisations of immigrants. They even want to silence the peace
movement.
The anti-imperialist Resistance has indestructible roots and dates
back to the very beginning of the imperial North American ambitions.
Where there is oppression there will always be revolt as well, where
there is dictatorship there will always be the struggle for
democracy, where there is injustice there never will be peace.
Today the Iraqi people is testifying for the Resistance keeping up
their heads against the American war criminals and their paranoid
designs to Guantánamise the world. The Iraqi resistance has taken
the way paved by the Palestinian Intifada. By building a united front
of all the fighting forces it will gain further strength transforming
itself into a national liberation war. This front, the embryo of a
future government of a liberated Iraq, will be able once the
invaders are driven out to call upon the Iraqis to elect a
democratic constituent assembly exercising the full and undivided
sovereignty of the Iraqi people.
The future of humanity depends on the outcome of the battle raging in
Iraq. The heroic town of Falluja, having chased away mercenaries
armed with the most sophisticated weaponry, shows that the Iraqi
people are able to win as the Vietnamese people won. The decisive
factor in war even more than in peace is not technological
superiority but what motivates the people to fight.
We have to unite with the Resistance of the Iraqi people to help
mankind to liberate itself from the North American menace.
The future of the world depends on the victory of Iraq!
2) Iraqi presences and programme of Assisi
This year's Anti-imperialist Camp will have its focus on the Iraqi
resistance. The Iraqi Patriotic Alliance (IPA) will present its
efforts to build a common political front of all forces struggling
against occupation. For the Iraqi Democratic Communist Current, which
is a component of the IPA, Ahmed Karim will be present and for the
Iraqi Communist Party (cadre) Nori al-Moradi.
A global meeting of all the forces and committees in open support of
the Iraqi resistance is scheduled. The preparation of the
international day of action for the resistance scheduled for
September 25 will be one of the topics on the agenda.
The preliminary programme:
http://www.antiimperialista.com/en/view.shtml?category=48&id=1083700704&keyword=+.
*******
Please feel free to comment on the contents of The Plough. We welcome
political comments and criticisms.
If you know of anybody who might wish to receive The Plough please
send his or her e-mail address to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
If you wish to receive back copies of the The Plough please e-mail
to johnmartinps@eircom.net stating which numbers you wish.
To unsubscribe to The Plough please send e-mail
entitled "unsubscribe" to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
It is the policy of The Plough to acknowledge information and
articles from other sources.
Subscribe to the bi-monthly
"The Starry Plough/An Camchéachta"
P.O. Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX, Ireland.
THE VOICE OF REPUBLICAN SOCIALISM!
Email: starry_plough@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.irsm.org/irsp/starryplough/
Fighting Fund/Donations
To: The Starry Plough
First Trust Bank, Derry, BT48 6BU
Account No. 14986015 Sort Code No. 93-86-10
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html (Pairtí Poblachtach Sóisialach na
h-Éireann)
http://www.wageslave.org/jcs/ (James Connolly Society)
http://www.marxists.org/archive/connolly/ (James Connolly Archive)
The Republican Socialist Forum from Derry IRSP
http://rsmforum.proboards23.com/
Republican Socialist Online Merchandise - A website that offers a
central place to go on the Internet to find good quality items with a
distinct Republican Socialist theme. Proceeds from sales from this
effort go towards the IRSM and its various projects.
http://www.angelfire.com/folk/irishshop/
Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees - A new 2004 full colour glossy
calendar is available now on the RSM online shop. It celebrates the
brilliant work undertaken by the Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees
this past year throughout the six counties with full colour
photographs on each page. This calendar can be viewed online by
clicking the link below.
http://www.cafeshops.com/rsmshop.8844526
*
Support the IRSP
Standing Order Form
To the Manager First Trust Bank, Andersonstown.
Please pay First Trust Bank Andersonstown Branch, Belfast, and credit
to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
93-84-75
The sum of:
Amount in words:
Commencing date: and thereafter every month till further notice.
And debiting A/C number:
Name (Please print clearly):
Date:
Address:
Signature:
Friday 2 July 2004
The Plough Vol 01 No 46
The Plough #46
2 July 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1) James Connolly and the Reconquest of Ireland
2) What's On?
*******
EDITOR'S NOTE
This edition has only one article first published in 'The Blanket: A
Journal of Protest and Dissent'
written by IRSP member Liam O'Ruairc. We believe the issues discussed
are of relevance today.
On a personal note the editor is taking a short holiday. Be back in
circulation in time for the 12th of July Celebrations!!!!!!
*******
JAMES CONNOLLY AND THE RECONQUEST OF IRELAND
Book Review: Metscher, Priscilla, "James Connolly and the Reconquest
of Ireland," Marxist Educational Press [ISBN: 0-930656-74-1].
James Connolly (1868-1916) is one of Ireland's most important and
controversial historical figures. The founder of Irish Marxism, his
legacy has been claimed by Republicans and Socialists alike, and not
just in Ireland: he is still a major influence on some sections of the
Scottish left, and even in England Scargill's Socialist Labour Party
claims Connolly as its founder! Surprisingly, over the last ten years,
his ideas have not been much discussed by the Left. This is why
Priscilla Metscher's sympathetic study of Connolly's life and thought
has to be welcomed.
The book gives an orthodox outline of Connolly's major theoretical
contribution. Connolly's principal achievement is to have understood
the relation between nationalism and socialism in Ireland, between the
national question and the class struggle. A lot of socialists saw (and
still see) the national struggle as a diversion from class struggle
and as being incompatible with socialism. Connolly's fundamental
teaching is that the struggle for national liberation is not opposed
to the struggle for socialism, but an integral and necessary part of
it. This is why "The cause of labour is the cause of Ireland, the
cause of Ireland is the cause of labour. They cannot be dissevered."
Connolly rejected bourgeois nationalism, and rejects any subordination
of the working class to bourgeois nationalism. "As a socialist I am
prepared to do all one man can do to achieve our motherland her
rightful heritage independence; but if you ask me to abate one
jot or title of the claims of social justice in order to conciliate
the privileged classes, then I must decline."
Connolly's teaching is not simply that socialists should participate
and take a stance on the national question, but should actively seek
to give it political leadership. This is the classical strategy of the
national democratic revolution under the hegemony of the working
class. On the basis of a concrete analysis of social forces in
Ireland, Connolly concluded, "only the Irish working class remain as
the incorruptible inheritors of the fight for freedom in Ireland." The
working class is the only class who will be able to lead the national
liberation struggle to a successful conclusion. All the other social
classes will capitulate and sell out at some stage because they are
not prepared to risk their wealth and power.
The genuine motor of the national liberation struggle is the working
class. "Ireland cannot rise to freedom except upon the shoulders of
the working class knowing its rights and daring to take them."
However, it is also true that Connolly argued for a strategic alliance
with other classes. A successful revolution could in the specific
conditions of Ireland only come about through an alliance of all anti
imperialist forces: "We are prepared to co-operate with all...even
should the aim they set for such organisation be far less ambitious
than our own. We invite the co-operation of all who will work with is
toward that end."
But while Connolly recognised that national liberation required the
support of different social forces, he insisted that the working class
had to organise itself independently to ensure that the struggle would
not be degraded by the narrow concerns of the Irish capitalist class.
So it is incorrect to argue that in 1916 Connolly had capitulated to
bourgeois nationalism. On the evening of 16 April 1916, Connolly
informed members of the Irish Citizens Army: "In the event of victory,
hold onto your rifles, as those with whom we are fighting may stop
before our goal is reached. We are for economic as well as political
liberty." The working class cannot wait until after independence to
fight for its own separate interests. Labour cannot wait.
The separation of the movement for independence from the struggle for
socialism is always resolved against the interests of the masses.
Although the fight for national freedom takes a logical priority in
that it represents an attack on the most immediate and most tangible
manifestation of domination, it cannot be chronologically separated
from the struggle for social liberation. To postpone the objective of
socialism to a distinct "stage" in the future invites a form of
independence, which is necessarily on the terms favouring vested
interests.
Metscher offers a substantial analysis of Connolly's interpretation of
sectarianism and of the divisions within the working class -- a
subject very relevant today. For Connolly, Protestant workers "are
slaves in spirit because they have been reared up among a people whose
conditions of servitude were more slavish than their own". By
contrast, Catholic workers "are rebels in spirit and democratic in
feeling because for hundred of years they have found no class as lowly
paid or as hardly treated as themselves". Sloganising abstractly
around "working class unity" in the six counties is not progressive
because it fails to confront the reactionary nature of Loyalism, and
practically condemns the most oppressed sections of the working class
to subordinate their democratic revolt and interests to the
backwardness of the Loyalist labour aristocracy.
Connolly's position has been heavily criticised, and Metscher
brilliantly outlines the nature of the polemic. "Connolly
underestimated the difficulties involved in convincing the Protestant
workers of their objective interests. The phenomenon of Orangeism was,
and is, very complex, and Connolly examined it on the ideological
level only, understanding it as religious sectarianism" [p113].
Historians like Henry Patterson and Peter Gibbon have attacked
Connolly for pointing out that the Orange ideology is a creation of
the ruling class. For them, it cannot be explained as simply a product
of Unionist ideological hegemony, it is a relatively autonomous
expression of Protestant working class interest within the formation
of Ulster society in the 18th and 19th century. However, they neglect
"to consider the historical fact that Orangeism, which undoubtedly
arose from certain traditions within the Protestant section of the
working class, was also the outcome of a deliberate policy of divide
and conquer." It was, for example, openly used as a weapon to suppress
the United Irishmen in the 18th century. As an alternative to the
undialectical arguments of Patterson and Gibbon, she points that
Orangeism is simultaneously part of Protestant working class culture
and a weapon directed against the objective interests of the
Protestant workers by dividing the working class, "and Connolly was
keenly aware of this danger" [p117].
She concludes "even had Connolly been able to fathom the full
complexities of Orangeism, it is questionable whether he could have
achieved more than he did in the Belfast of his times" [ibid].
Connolly also clearly understood the dangers of partition and had
warned that partition "would mean a carnival of reaction both North
and South and would set back the wheels of progress". Subsequent
history proved him absolutely right on that point, but Metscher
unfortunately does not discuss this matter further.
One of Connolly's major theoretical contributions was his discussion
of the relations between socialism and religion. Connolly's views on
that matter are fairly original and atypical. The reason why Connolly
engaged with the subject is that a great proportion of the Irish
working class was influenced by the Roman Catholic religion. The
Catholic hierarchy was trying to keep workers away from socialism by
saying that socialism and the Christian religion were incompatible and
antagonistic. The priests pointed out that socialism, especially in
its Marxist form, was intrinsically bound with materialism and
atheism; so it is impossible for workers to be socialist and Christian
at the same time. Connolly struggled ideologically against this
position, and tried to demonstrate to the workers that they could be
socialists and good Catholics at the same time. Connolly's position
was a version of the old adage "render to Caesar what is Caesar's and
to God what is God's".
For Connolly, Socialism is concerned solely with political, social and
economic issues, all other matters are beyond its scope: "Socialists
are bound as socialists only to the acceptance of one great principle
-- the ownership and control of wealth-producing power by the
state, and that therefore, totally antagonistic interpretations of the
Bible, or of prophecy and revelation, theories of marriage and of
history may be held by socialists without in the slightest degree
interfering with their activities as such or with their proper
classification as supporters of the socialist doctrine." Socialism
deals with facts explainable by reason; religion has to do with
theological matters and faith. Religion is totally outside the realm
of socialist discussion, it is a private affair: "Socialism, as a
party, bases itself upon its knowledge of facts, of economic truths,
and leaves the building up of religious ideals or faiths to the
outside public, or to its individual members if they so will. It is
neither Freethinker, nor Christian, Turk nor Jew, Buddhist nor
Idolater, Mohammedan nor Parsee -- it is only human."
There is an absolute separation between socialist and religious
issues, so there should be no necessary conflict between socialism and
religion. Metscher is surprisingly weak and succinct in her discussion
of Connolly's position on religion. She notes that his writings on
religion "not only illustrate how keenly aware Connolly was of the
significant role that Catholicism could play in the Irish road to
socialism, they also show Connolly's extreme sensitivity to the
religious feelings of the Catholic worker" [p128]. Some socialists
have criticised Connolly for making too many concessions to religion,
but Metscher does not discuss those objections. She could also have
contrasted Connolly's attitude to the Catholic Church with that of
Rosa Luxemburg in Poland.
The book is far better in discussing Connolly's position on sexual
questions. Sexual relations, according to Connolly, are -- like
religion -- beyond the bounds of socialism:
"I personally reject every attempt, no matter by whom made, to
identify socialism with any theory of marriage or sexual relations."
Metscher is right to criticise him: "It is unfortunate that he should
have relegated gender relationships to the private sphere. He was
doubtless right in asserting that the abolition of the capitalist
system would solve the economic side of the woman question only, but
to him 'the question of marriage, of divorce, of paternity, of the
equality of woman with man are physical and sexual questions.'"
Connolly did not see that gender relationships are basically social
relationships, which in turn, are tied up with traditional patriarchal
concepts of the family and women's role within the family. Thus, he
failed to understand divorce as a fundamental democratic right. He saw
the emancipation of women basically as economic and political
emancipation. "Connolly's statements on marriage and divorce were
certainly a step behind the ideas of democratisation of gender
relationships advocated by the early Irish socialist William Thompson
for example" [p157-158].
The author outlines the different phases of Connolly's career as an
activist as well as their historical context. Connolly was the first
to see the necessity of organising a genuinely Irish Socialist Party
that recognised the needs of the Irish people as distinct from
Britain. In 1896, he formed the Irish Socialist Republican Party
(ISRP). He was able to secure independent Irish representation at the
international conference of Socialist parties in Paris in 1900.
Metscher shows that the ISRP programme may perhaps have lacked the
political sharpness of the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party for
example, but on one point was more advanced than any other party in
the British Isles: whereas other parties pursued a "colonial socialist
policy" of Home Rule for British colonies and dependencies, the ISRP
clearly stood out against British imperialism and for national
self-determination. The party was very weak, mainly based in Dublin,
with no real influence among industrial workers and just a few dozen
members. It nevertheless played a role in 1798 celebrations, protest
against the Queen Victoria Jubilee and the Boer War.
When Connolly emigrated to the USA in 1903, his experience had shown
that a political party had little value as an organisational mode of
mass mobilisation. Being on the left of the Second International, he
also understood that trying to create socialism gradually through
parliamentary measures led to an impasse. In the USA, Connolly was
very impressed by syndicalism through the theory and practice of the
American socialist Daniel De Leon. Syndicalism is a socialist current
that seeks to overthrow capitalism and the state by primarily if not
purely industrial organisation and struggle. If political parties and
action lead to reformism, to destroy capitalism the working class must
concentrate on the industrial battlefield. Syndicalism seeks to
mobilise all grades of workers in a single revolutionary trade union
organisation, the "One Big Union." Although Connolly still advocated
the use of political action and organisation, he relegated them to a
secondary position. Thus in his "Socialism Made Easy," Connolly
downgrades the political struggle: "The fight for the conquest of the
political state is not the battle, it is only the echo of the battle.
The real battle is the battle being fought every day for the power to
control industry." Political action is important, but only as an
accompaniment to action in the workshop.
Metscher notes, "despite his ardent advocacy of industrial unionism,
Connolly never rejected political action. It was to occupy his
attention more and more after his return to Ireland." Unfortunately,
Connolly never placed the party (be it the ISRP or its successor, the
Socialist Party of Ireland founded in 1909) at the centre of his
attention. His main energies went into the trade union (the Irish
Transport and General Workers Union, founded 1908), not the party.
Connolly formed political parties, but failed to attach central
importance to them. His failure to establish a vanguard party resulted
in a situation where there were no trained and experienced
revolutionary leaders to take his place. Political class-consciousness
does not spontaneously grow from trade union consciousness, and
industrially organised workers will not spontaneously also mean
politically organised workers.
History proved that the mass strike would not spontaneously transform
itself into a political insurrection. The mass strike happened in 1913
(Dublin 1913), but did not lead to a mass political insurrection. The
insurrection happened in Easter 1916, but without broad mass
involvement. The merging of the two could only be organically mediated
by a party. 1913 showed the irruption of the Irish working class on
the Irish scene, but simultaneously showed the weakness of the
political organisation of that class. Ireland at that time possessed
the objective conditions for revolution, but the subjective conditions
lagged far behind. The point is that the organisational theories of
Connolly meant that once he was killed, the full revolutionary
potential of the labour movement began to degenerate without anything
to prevent doing so. The working class in Ireland, famed for its
militancy became prey to the leadership of opportunists. The fact that
the Socialist Party of Ireland was a loose centrist organisation and
the very all-embracing nature of the ITGWU meant that the workers'
movement had no ideologically trained vanguard to resist the
replacement of Connolly and Larkin by opportunists like William
O'Brien.
The Citizen Army, under the new leadership of James O'Neill, became an
uninfluential group, which eventually ceased to exist for all
practical purposes. All this was not unconnected to the influence
syndicalism exerted on Connolly, indeed syndicalism provided fertile
ground for opportunism to flourish. Connolly had the right political
analysis, but was unable to draw the correct organisational
conclusions from it. However, Connolly nevertheless was the most
far-sighted socialist in the British Isles in regards to the military
organisation of the working class. The Irish Citizen Army was founded
in 1913 to give protection to the workers during the Dublin lockout.
Hailed as the first Red Army in Europe, it was a very significant
phenomenon. "An armed organisation of the Irish working class is a
phenomenon in Ireland. Hitherto the workers of Ireland have fought as
part of their armies led by their masters, never as members of an army
officered, trained and inspired by men of their own class. Now with
arms in their hands, their propose to steer their own course, to carve
their own future."
Connolly understood the importance of arming the masses and creating
workers' militia. The Citizen Army was always a stalwart of the ITGWU
and was able to use its Liberty Hall as a base. Connolly conceived it
as the armed wing of the trade union, in the same way the Socialist
Party was its political wing. That limited its political potential.
But the Citizens Army managed to play a decisive role once the First
World War started. Connolly hoped that the working class in the
different European countries would revolt against the war: "Should the
working class of Europe, rather than slaughter each other for the
benefit of kings and financiers, proceed tomorrow to erect barricades
all over Europe, to break up bridges and destroy the transport service
that war might be abolished, we should be perfectly justified in
following such a glorious example and contributing our aid to the
final dethronement of the vulture classes that rule and rob the
world."
Unfortunately, this did not happen. But this did not discourage James
Connolly to prepare for the insurrection against those "vulture
classes" in Ireland, hoping that this might inspire and help a similar
process in other countries: "Starting this, Ireland may yet set a
torch to a European conflagration that will not burn out until the
last throne and the last capitalist bond and debenture will be
shrivelled on the funeral pyre of the last warlord." When the war
started, this "should have been taken as the tocsin for social
revolution". In this process, the Citizens Army had a leading role to
play. "Holding such views we have at all times combated the idea of
war; held that we have no foreign enemies outside of our own ruling
class; held that if we are compelled to go to war we had much rather
fight that ruling class than any other, and taught in season and out
of season that it is the duty of the working class in self-protection
to organise its own force to resist the force of the master class."
While Connolly was calling for the transformation of the imperialist
war into a civil war, Metscher explains that he never developed
Lenin's position of revolutionary defeatism. Connolly thought that a
victory of Germany over Britain would be the lesser of two evils, and
wrote a number of pro-German articles. "Undoubtedly, much of what
Connolly wrote during this period was directly propagandistic, aimed
at combating British jingoism and anti-German fever hence his
insistence that Britain was the main enemy of the Irish people -- but
his arguments concerning the imperialist nature of the war lack the
perspicacity and directness which are evident in Lenin's articles of
the same period" [p184].
Priscilla Metscher's book is overall quite good. She clearly shows the
originality and strengths of Connolly, without failing to be
uncritical. However, it is disappointing that she does not discuss the
contemporary relevance (or irrelevance) of Connolly's thought for the
21st century. In the absence of such discussion, it gives the
impression that Connolly is simply a figure of historical interest.
Connolly deserves more than that.
(Liam O'Ruairc -- 30 June 2004 -- FIRST Printed in The Blanket)
*******
WHAT'S ON?
*
PROTEST JULY 3RD: WHITE LINE PICKET IN CASTLEWELLAN, SOUTH DOWN.
THERE WILL BE A WHITE LINE PICKET IN CASTLEWELLAN, SOUTH DOWN ON
SATURDAY 3RD JULY AT 3.00PM. THIS PICKET WILL BE IN SUPPORT OF THE
REPUBLICAN POWS IN MAGHABERRY GAOL AND A PROTEST AT THE CONTINUED
HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES THEY ARE CURRENTLY BEING FORCED TO ENDURE. ALL
ARE WELCOME.
ASSEMBLE UPPER SQUARE.
*
Wednesday 7th July, 2004
Professor Arend Lijphart
The de Borda Institute has invited Professor Arend Lijphart, a well
recognised protagonist of consociationalism and a patron to The de
Borda Institute, to conduct a seminar on voting procedures in The
Linenhall Library at 10.30 - 12.00 on Wednesday 7th July, 2004.
All welcome on a first-come-first-served basis, but places are
limited. Further details from The de Borda Institute:
pemerson@deborda.org.
*
Friday 9 July
Honouring anti-fascist fighters
A monument to the eleven Waterford men who fought in defence of the
Spanish Republic, 1936-38, will be unveiled at the Mall, Waterford.
The work of the acclaimed artist Michael Warren from Gorey, it will
be unveiled by the International Brigade veterans Michael O'Riordan
and Jack Jones.
Aoine 9 Iúil
In onóir trodaithe frithfhaisisteacha
Nochtfar leacht i gcuimhne ar an aon fhear Port Láirgeach déag
a throid i gcosaint Phoblacht na Spáinne, 1936-38, sa Mheal, Port
Láirge. Saothar de chuid an ealaíontóra mholta Michael
Warren as Guaire is ea é, agus is iad Michael O'Riordan agus Jack
Jones, seansaighdiúirí de chuid na Briogáide
Idirnáisiúnta, a nochtfaidh é.
[from CPI website]
*
SATURDAY 17th JULY 3PM: WHITE LINE PICKET AND RALLY
Meeting @ entrance to Falls Park.
Speakers to be announced.
"(We) call on all groups and concerned individuals to attend the
above protest to highlight the ongoing harassment and abuse of
Republican prisoners in Maghaberry Jail.
"Despite achieving the hard won but moderate demand of segregation
from Loyalists and criminals the POW's in Roe House are still under
pressure from the Prison Administration and vindictive screws. This
includes the continuation of forced strip searches, denials of basic
amenities, the intensification and lengthening of lock-up time plus
the humiliation still being endured by visiting family members,
friends and political representatives.
"We urge everyone to stand behind these men and their families by
coming out onto the streets in the coming weeks and making their
voices heard once more."
*
Friday, July 30th
BALKANS SEMINAR
Democratic Dialogue is organising a seminar, in conjunction with the
Institute of Governance at Queen's University Belfast and the de
Borda Institute, on 'The Difficulties of Democracy Building, Identity
Formation and Ethnic Nationalism in the Balkans'. The seminar is to
be led by Rory Conces, an assistant professor of philosophy and
member of the International Studies faculty at the University of
Nebraska at Omaha, who is also editor of the International Third
World Studies Journal and Review. The event will take place on
Friday, July 30th, at 11.00am in room 101 Lanyon North (first floor,
Lanyon Building), at Queen's (directions from the porter's lodge at
main entrance). Prof Conces has lectured in China, Croatia, and
Kosovo; as well as having been a Fulbright Scholar in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Approaching issues of ethnic identity from a political-
philosophical standpoint, his talk will be of considerable resonance
to Northern Ireland.
Further information from robin@democraticdialogue.org.
*
Saturday 31 July
As part of the discussions and debates at the West Belfast Festival
there will be a event about Racism, featuring prominent speakers.
Date: Saturday 31 July
Venue: St Mary's University College
Time: 2.00pm 3.45pm
"Anti-Irish Racism and the Experience of Belfast's Ethnic Minorities
Today: Making the Connection"
Chair: Fr. Des Wilson
Speakers:
Dr. Robbie McVeigh, The Experience of Anti-Irish Racism
Claire Hackett, Falls Community Council's Dúchas Oral History
Archive
Video presentation on the Belfast historical experience of
sectarianism and discrimination.
The Experience of Ethnic Minorities Today
Armie Cerezo - Filipino Nurse
Jamal Iweida - Belfast Islamic community Anti-Racist activist
Bernadette McAliskey Civil Rights, Ireland and the USA: Making
the Connection
*
August 2-7-2004
1) Resistance and Hope Assisi, August 2-7
Call for the Anti-imperialist Camp, Assisi, Italy, August 2-7
Mankind is travelling in fear on a train towards the abyss. This
abyss is the mercilessly waged global war. The train is steered by
the United States of America, to be precise, by a group of
adventurers dreaming of a dead and mute world with one single God,
the dollar; with one single banner, that of stars and stripes; with
one single language, that of American oppression.
These adventurers are driven by a vision which neither admits
compromises nor half ways: the clash of civilisations not only with
Islam but also with anybody who believes in the co-operation between
the peoples and who consider peace as the holiest of all values. They
have given a name to their doctrine: "permanent and pre-emptive war"
which not only displays the warmongering character of the North
American regime but also the idea that the US were a superior nation
with a special mission namely to exercise the global predominance at
any cost. The alibi, which this doctrine builds on, is the terrorist
threat. Those who employ indiscriminate force against defenceless and
innocent civilians, those who consider a person guilty if it does not
believe in their God, might believe to be on a straight way to
paradise but surely contribute to the transformation of this world
into an inferno without hope. The only remaining hope of the world is
the Resistance, the struggle of the peoples for freedom and self-
determination.
The American aim is not only to subjugate the poor and oppressed
nations but also those who still enjoy some liberty. The Patriot Act
and the anti-terrorist Black Lists show that the most elementary
democratic rights are at stake also in the West and particularly in
the United States. Virulent racist and chauvinist crusades attempt to
criminalise the anti-imperialist and revolutionary forces as well as
the organisations of immigrants. They even want to silence the peace
movement.
The anti-imperialist Resistance has indestructible roots and dates
back to the very beginning of the imperial North American ambitions.
Where there is oppression there will always be revolt as well, where
there is dictatorship there will always be the struggle for
democracy, where there is injustice there never will be peace.
Today the Iraqi people is testifying for the Resistance keeping up
their heads against the American war criminals and their paranoid
designs to Guantánamise the world. The Iraqi resistance has taken
the way paved by the Palestinian Intifada. By building a united front
of all the fighting forces it will gain further strength transforming
itself into a national liberation war. This front, the embryo of a
future government of a liberated Iraq, will be able once the
invaders are driven out to call upon the Iraqis to elect a
democratic constituent assembly exercising the full and undivided
sovereignty of the Iraqi people.
The future of humanity depends on the outcome of the battle raging in
Iraq. The heroic town of Falluja, having chased away mercenaries
armed with the most sophisticated weaponry, shows that the Iraqi
people are able to win as the Vietnamese people won. The decisive
factor in war even more than in peace is not technological
superiority but what motivates the people to fight.
We have to unite with the Resistance of the Iraqi people to help
mankind to liberate itself from the North American menace.
The future of the world depends on the victory of Iraq!
2) Iraqi presences and programme of Assisi
This year's Anti-imperialist Camp will have its focus on the Iraqi
resistance. The Iraqi Patriotic Alliance (IPA) will present its
efforts to build a common political front of all forces struggling
against occupation. For the Iraqi Democratic Communist Current, which
is a component of the IPA, Ahmed Karim will be present and for the
Iraqi Communist Party (cadre) Nori al-Moradi.
A global meeting of all the forces and committees in open support of
the Iraqi resistance is scheduled. The preparation of the
international day of action for the resistance scheduled for
September 25 will be one of the topics on the agenda.
The preliminary programme:
http://www.antiimperialista.com/en/view.shtml?category=48&id=1083700704&keyword=+.
*******
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*
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2 July 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1) James Connolly and the Reconquest of Ireland
2) What's On?
*******
EDITOR'S NOTE
This edition has only one article first published in 'The Blanket: A
Journal of Protest and Dissent'
written by IRSP member Liam O'Ruairc. We believe the issues discussed
are of relevance today.
On a personal note the editor is taking a short holiday. Be back in
circulation in time for the 12th of July Celebrations!!!!!!
*******
JAMES CONNOLLY AND THE RECONQUEST OF IRELAND
Book Review: Metscher, Priscilla, "James Connolly and the Reconquest
of Ireland," Marxist Educational Press [ISBN: 0-930656-74-1].
James Connolly (1868-1916) is one of Ireland's most important and
controversial historical figures. The founder of Irish Marxism, his
legacy has been claimed by Republicans and Socialists alike, and not
just in Ireland: he is still a major influence on some sections of the
Scottish left, and even in England Scargill's Socialist Labour Party
claims Connolly as its founder! Surprisingly, over the last ten years,
his ideas have not been much discussed by the Left. This is why
Priscilla Metscher's sympathetic study of Connolly's life and thought
has to be welcomed.
The book gives an orthodox outline of Connolly's major theoretical
contribution. Connolly's principal achievement is to have understood
the relation between nationalism and socialism in Ireland, between the
national question and the class struggle. A lot of socialists saw (and
still see) the national struggle as a diversion from class struggle
and as being incompatible with socialism. Connolly's fundamental
teaching is that the struggle for national liberation is not opposed
to the struggle for socialism, but an integral and necessary part of
it. This is why "The cause of labour is the cause of Ireland, the
cause of Ireland is the cause of labour. They cannot be dissevered."
Connolly rejected bourgeois nationalism, and rejects any subordination
of the working class to bourgeois nationalism. "As a socialist I am
prepared to do all one man can do to achieve our motherland her
rightful heritage independence; but if you ask me to abate one
jot or title of the claims of social justice in order to conciliate
the privileged classes, then I must decline."
Connolly's teaching is not simply that socialists should participate
and take a stance on the national question, but should actively seek
to give it political leadership. This is the classical strategy of the
national democratic revolution under the hegemony of the working
class. On the basis of a concrete analysis of social forces in
Ireland, Connolly concluded, "only the Irish working class remain as
the incorruptible inheritors of the fight for freedom in Ireland." The
working class is the only class who will be able to lead the national
liberation struggle to a successful conclusion. All the other social
classes will capitulate and sell out at some stage because they are
not prepared to risk their wealth and power.
The genuine motor of the national liberation struggle is the working
class. "Ireland cannot rise to freedom except upon the shoulders of
the working class knowing its rights and daring to take them."
However, it is also true that Connolly argued for a strategic alliance
with other classes. A successful revolution could in the specific
conditions of Ireland only come about through an alliance of all anti
imperialist forces: "We are prepared to co-operate with all...even
should the aim they set for such organisation be far less ambitious
than our own. We invite the co-operation of all who will work with is
toward that end."
But while Connolly recognised that national liberation required the
support of different social forces, he insisted that the working class
had to organise itself independently to ensure that the struggle would
not be degraded by the narrow concerns of the Irish capitalist class.
So it is incorrect to argue that in 1916 Connolly had capitulated to
bourgeois nationalism. On the evening of 16 April 1916, Connolly
informed members of the Irish Citizens Army: "In the event of victory,
hold onto your rifles, as those with whom we are fighting may stop
before our goal is reached. We are for economic as well as political
liberty." The working class cannot wait until after independence to
fight for its own separate interests. Labour cannot wait.
The separation of the movement for independence from the struggle for
socialism is always resolved against the interests of the masses.
Although the fight for national freedom takes a logical priority in
that it represents an attack on the most immediate and most tangible
manifestation of domination, it cannot be chronologically separated
from the struggle for social liberation. To postpone the objective of
socialism to a distinct "stage" in the future invites a form of
independence, which is necessarily on the terms favouring vested
interests.
Metscher offers a substantial analysis of Connolly's interpretation of
sectarianism and of the divisions within the working class -- a
subject very relevant today. For Connolly, Protestant workers "are
slaves in spirit because they have been reared up among a people whose
conditions of servitude were more slavish than their own". By
contrast, Catholic workers "are rebels in spirit and democratic in
feeling because for hundred of years they have found no class as lowly
paid or as hardly treated as themselves". Sloganising abstractly
around "working class unity" in the six counties is not progressive
because it fails to confront the reactionary nature of Loyalism, and
practically condemns the most oppressed sections of the working class
to subordinate their democratic revolt and interests to the
backwardness of the Loyalist labour aristocracy.
Connolly's position has been heavily criticised, and Metscher
brilliantly outlines the nature of the polemic. "Connolly
underestimated the difficulties involved in convincing the Protestant
workers of their objective interests. The phenomenon of Orangeism was,
and is, very complex, and Connolly examined it on the ideological
level only, understanding it as religious sectarianism" [p113].
Historians like Henry Patterson and Peter Gibbon have attacked
Connolly for pointing out that the Orange ideology is a creation of
the ruling class. For them, it cannot be explained as simply a product
of Unionist ideological hegemony, it is a relatively autonomous
expression of Protestant working class interest within the formation
of Ulster society in the 18th and 19th century. However, they neglect
"to consider the historical fact that Orangeism, which undoubtedly
arose from certain traditions within the Protestant section of the
working class, was also the outcome of a deliberate policy of divide
and conquer." It was, for example, openly used as a weapon to suppress
the United Irishmen in the 18th century. As an alternative to the
undialectical arguments of Patterson and Gibbon, she points that
Orangeism is simultaneously part of Protestant working class culture
and a weapon directed against the objective interests of the
Protestant workers by dividing the working class, "and Connolly was
keenly aware of this danger" [p117].
She concludes "even had Connolly been able to fathom the full
complexities of Orangeism, it is questionable whether he could have
achieved more than he did in the Belfast of his times" [ibid].
Connolly also clearly understood the dangers of partition and had
warned that partition "would mean a carnival of reaction both North
and South and would set back the wheels of progress". Subsequent
history proved him absolutely right on that point, but Metscher
unfortunately does not discuss this matter further.
One of Connolly's major theoretical contributions was his discussion
of the relations between socialism and religion. Connolly's views on
that matter are fairly original and atypical. The reason why Connolly
engaged with the subject is that a great proportion of the Irish
working class was influenced by the Roman Catholic religion. The
Catholic hierarchy was trying to keep workers away from socialism by
saying that socialism and the Christian religion were incompatible and
antagonistic. The priests pointed out that socialism, especially in
its Marxist form, was intrinsically bound with materialism and
atheism; so it is impossible for workers to be socialist and Christian
at the same time. Connolly struggled ideologically against this
position, and tried to demonstrate to the workers that they could be
socialists and good Catholics at the same time. Connolly's position
was a version of the old adage "render to Caesar what is Caesar's and
to God what is God's".
For Connolly, Socialism is concerned solely with political, social and
economic issues, all other matters are beyond its scope: "Socialists
are bound as socialists only to the acceptance of one great principle
-- the ownership and control of wealth-producing power by the
state, and that therefore, totally antagonistic interpretations of the
Bible, or of prophecy and revelation, theories of marriage and of
history may be held by socialists without in the slightest degree
interfering with their activities as such or with their proper
classification as supporters of the socialist doctrine." Socialism
deals with facts explainable by reason; religion has to do with
theological matters and faith. Religion is totally outside the realm
of socialist discussion, it is a private affair: "Socialism, as a
party, bases itself upon its knowledge of facts, of economic truths,
and leaves the building up of religious ideals or faiths to the
outside public, or to its individual members if they so will. It is
neither Freethinker, nor Christian, Turk nor Jew, Buddhist nor
Idolater, Mohammedan nor Parsee -- it is only human."
There is an absolute separation between socialist and religious
issues, so there should be no necessary conflict between socialism and
religion. Metscher is surprisingly weak and succinct in her discussion
of Connolly's position on religion. She notes that his writings on
religion "not only illustrate how keenly aware Connolly was of the
significant role that Catholicism could play in the Irish road to
socialism, they also show Connolly's extreme sensitivity to the
religious feelings of the Catholic worker" [p128]. Some socialists
have criticised Connolly for making too many concessions to religion,
but Metscher does not discuss those objections. She could also have
contrasted Connolly's attitude to the Catholic Church with that of
Rosa Luxemburg in Poland.
The book is far better in discussing Connolly's position on sexual
questions. Sexual relations, according to Connolly, are -- like
religion -- beyond the bounds of socialism:
"I personally reject every attempt, no matter by whom made, to
identify socialism with any theory of marriage or sexual relations."
Metscher is right to criticise him: "It is unfortunate that he should
have relegated gender relationships to the private sphere. He was
doubtless right in asserting that the abolition of the capitalist
system would solve the economic side of the woman question only, but
to him 'the question of marriage, of divorce, of paternity, of the
equality of woman with man are physical and sexual questions.'"
Connolly did not see that gender relationships are basically social
relationships, which in turn, are tied up with traditional patriarchal
concepts of the family and women's role within the family. Thus, he
failed to understand divorce as a fundamental democratic right. He saw
the emancipation of women basically as economic and political
emancipation. "Connolly's statements on marriage and divorce were
certainly a step behind the ideas of democratisation of gender
relationships advocated by the early Irish socialist William Thompson
for example" [p157-158].
The author outlines the different phases of Connolly's career as an
activist as well as their historical context. Connolly was the first
to see the necessity of organising a genuinely Irish Socialist Party
that recognised the needs of the Irish people as distinct from
Britain. In 1896, he formed the Irish Socialist Republican Party
(ISRP). He was able to secure independent Irish representation at the
international conference of Socialist parties in Paris in 1900.
Metscher shows that the ISRP programme may perhaps have lacked the
political sharpness of the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party for
example, but on one point was more advanced than any other party in
the British Isles: whereas other parties pursued a "colonial socialist
policy" of Home Rule for British colonies and dependencies, the ISRP
clearly stood out against British imperialism and for national
self-determination. The party was very weak, mainly based in Dublin,
with no real influence among industrial workers and just a few dozen
members. It nevertheless played a role in 1798 celebrations, protest
against the Queen Victoria Jubilee and the Boer War.
When Connolly emigrated to the USA in 1903, his experience had shown
that a political party had little value as an organisational mode of
mass mobilisation. Being on the left of the Second International, he
also understood that trying to create socialism gradually through
parliamentary measures led to an impasse. In the USA, Connolly was
very impressed by syndicalism through the theory and practice of the
American socialist Daniel De Leon. Syndicalism is a socialist current
that seeks to overthrow capitalism and the state by primarily if not
purely industrial organisation and struggle. If political parties and
action lead to reformism, to destroy capitalism the working class must
concentrate on the industrial battlefield. Syndicalism seeks to
mobilise all grades of workers in a single revolutionary trade union
organisation, the "One Big Union." Although Connolly still advocated
the use of political action and organisation, he relegated them to a
secondary position. Thus in his "Socialism Made Easy," Connolly
downgrades the political struggle: "The fight for the conquest of the
political state is not the battle, it is only the echo of the battle.
The real battle is the battle being fought every day for the power to
control industry." Political action is important, but only as an
accompaniment to action in the workshop.
Metscher notes, "despite his ardent advocacy of industrial unionism,
Connolly never rejected political action. It was to occupy his
attention more and more after his return to Ireland." Unfortunately,
Connolly never placed the party (be it the ISRP or its successor, the
Socialist Party of Ireland founded in 1909) at the centre of his
attention. His main energies went into the trade union (the Irish
Transport and General Workers Union, founded 1908), not the party.
Connolly formed political parties, but failed to attach central
importance to them. His failure to establish a vanguard party resulted
in a situation where there were no trained and experienced
revolutionary leaders to take his place. Political class-consciousness
does not spontaneously grow from trade union consciousness, and
industrially organised workers will not spontaneously also mean
politically organised workers.
History proved that the mass strike would not spontaneously transform
itself into a political insurrection. The mass strike happened in 1913
(Dublin 1913), but did not lead to a mass political insurrection. The
insurrection happened in Easter 1916, but without broad mass
involvement. The merging of the two could only be organically mediated
by a party. 1913 showed the irruption of the Irish working class on
the Irish scene, but simultaneously showed the weakness of the
political organisation of that class. Ireland at that time possessed
the objective conditions for revolution, but the subjective conditions
lagged far behind. The point is that the organisational theories of
Connolly meant that once he was killed, the full revolutionary
potential of the labour movement began to degenerate without anything
to prevent doing so. The working class in Ireland, famed for its
militancy became prey to the leadership of opportunists. The fact that
the Socialist Party of Ireland was a loose centrist organisation and
the very all-embracing nature of the ITGWU meant that the workers'
movement had no ideologically trained vanguard to resist the
replacement of Connolly and Larkin by opportunists like William
O'Brien.
The Citizen Army, under the new leadership of James O'Neill, became an
uninfluential group, which eventually ceased to exist for all
practical purposes. All this was not unconnected to the influence
syndicalism exerted on Connolly, indeed syndicalism provided fertile
ground for opportunism to flourish. Connolly had the right political
analysis, but was unable to draw the correct organisational
conclusions from it. However, Connolly nevertheless was the most
far-sighted socialist in the British Isles in regards to the military
organisation of the working class. The Irish Citizen Army was founded
in 1913 to give protection to the workers during the Dublin lockout.
Hailed as the first Red Army in Europe, it was a very significant
phenomenon. "An armed organisation of the Irish working class is a
phenomenon in Ireland. Hitherto the workers of Ireland have fought as
part of their armies led by their masters, never as members of an army
officered, trained and inspired by men of their own class. Now with
arms in their hands, their propose to steer their own course, to carve
their own future."
Connolly understood the importance of arming the masses and creating
workers' militia. The Citizen Army was always a stalwart of the ITGWU
and was able to use its Liberty Hall as a base. Connolly conceived it
as the armed wing of the trade union, in the same way the Socialist
Party was its political wing. That limited its political potential.
But the Citizens Army managed to play a decisive role once the First
World War started. Connolly hoped that the working class in the
different European countries would revolt against the war: "Should the
working class of Europe, rather than slaughter each other for the
benefit of kings and financiers, proceed tomorrow to erect barricades
all over Europe, to break up bridges and destroy the transport service
that war might be abolished, we should be perfectly justified in
following such a glorious example and contributing our aid to the
final dethronement of the vulture classes that rule and rob the
world."
Unfortunately, this did not happen. But this did not discourage James
Connolly to prepare for the insurrection against those "vulture
classes" in Ireland, hoping that this might inspire and help a similar
process in other countries: "Starting this, Ireland may yet set a
torch to a European conflagration that will not burn out until the
last throne and the last capitalist bond and debenture will be
shrivelled on the funeral pyre of the last warlord." When the war
started, this "should have been taken as the tocsin for social
revolution". In this process, the Citizens Army had a leading role to
play. "Holding such views we have at all times combated the idea of
war; held that we have no foreign enemies outside of our own ruling
class; held that if we are compelled to go to war we had much rather
fight that ruling class than any other, and taught in season and out
of season that it is the duty of the working class in self-protection
to organise its own force to resist the force of the master class."
While Connolly was calling for the transformation of the imperialist
war into a civil war, Metscher explains that he never developed
Lenin's position of revolutionary defeatism. Connolly thought that a
victory of Germany over Britain would be the lesser of two evils, and
wrote a number of pro-German articles. "Undoubtedly, much of what
Connolly wrote during this period was directly propagandistic, aimed
at combating British jingoism and anti-German fever hence his
insistence that Britain was the main enemy of the Irish people -- but
his arguments concerning the imperialist nature of the war lack the
perspicacity and directness which are evident in Lenin's articles of
the same period" [p184].
Priscilla Metscher's book is overall quite good. She clearly shows the
originality and strengths of Connolly, without failing to be
uncritical. However, it is disappointing that she does not discuss the
contemporary relevance (or irrelevance) of Connolly's thought for the
21st century. In the absence of such discussion, it gives the
impression that Connolly is simply a figure of historical interest.
Connolly deserves more than that.
(Liam O'Ruairc -- 30 June 2004 -- FIRST Printed in The Blanket)
*******
WHAT'S ON?
*
PROTEST JULY 3RD: WHITE LINE PICKET IN CASTLEWELLAN, SOUTH DOWN.
THERE WILL BE A WHITE LINE PICKET IN CASTLEWELLAN, SOUTH DOWN ON
SATURDAY 3RD JULY AT 3.00PM. THIS PICKET WILL BE IN SUPPORT OF THE
REPUBLICAN POWS IN MAGHABERRY GAOL AND A PROTEST AT THE CONTINUED
HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES THEY ARE CURRENTLY BEING FORCED TO ENDURE. ALL
ARE WELCOME.
ASSEMBLE UPPER SQUARE.
*
Wednesday 7th July, 2004
Professor Arend Lijphart
The de Borda Institute has invited Professor Arend Lijphart, a well
recognised protagonist of consociationalism and a patron to The de
Borda Institute, to conduct a seminar on voting procedures in The
Linenhall Library at 10.30 - 12.00 on Wednesday 7th July, 2004.
All welcome on a first-come-first-served basis, but places are
limited. Further details from The de Borda Institute:
pemerson@deborda.org.
*
Friday 9 July
Honouring anti-fascist fighters
A monument to the eleven Waterford men who fought in defence of the
Spanish Republic, 1936-38, will be unveiled at the Mall, Waterford.
The work of the acclaimed artist Michael Warren from Gorey, it will
be unveiled by the International Brigade veterans Michael O'Riordan
and Jack Jones.
Aoine 9 Iúil
In onóir trodaithe frithfhaisisteacha
Nochtfar leacht i gcuimhne ar an aon fhear Port Láirgeach déag
a throid i gcosaint Phoblacht na Spáinne, 1936-38, sa Mheal, Port
Láirge. Saothar de chuid an ealaíontóra mholta Michael
Warren as Guaire is ea é, agus is iad Michael O'Riordan agus Jack
Jones, seansaighdiúirí de chuid na Briogáide
Idirnáisiúnta, a nochtfaidh é.
[from CPI website]
*
SATURDAY 17th JULY 3PM: WHITE LINE PICKET AND RALLY
Meeting @ entrance to Falls Park.
Speakers to be announced.
"(We) call on all groups and concerned individuals to attend the
above protest to highlight the ongoing harassment and abuse of
Republican prisoners in Maghaberry Jail.
"Despite achieving the hard won but moderate demand of segregation
from Loyalists and criminals the POW's in Roe House are still under
pressure from the Prison Administration and vindictive screws. This
includes the continuation of forced strip searches, denials of basic
amenities, the intensification and lengthening of lock-up time plus
the humiliation still being endured by visiting family members,
friends and political representatives.
"We urge everyone to stand behind these men and their families by
coming out onto the streets in the coming weeks and making their
voices heard once more."
*
Friday, July 30th
BALKANS SEMINAR
Democratic Dialogue is organising a seminar, in conjunction with the
Institute of Governance at Queen's University Belfast and the de
Borda Institute, on 'The Difficulties of Democracy Building, Identity
Formation and Ethnic Nationalism in the Balkans'. The seminar is to
be led by Rory Conces, an assistant professor of philosophy and
member of the International Studies faculty at the University of
Nebraska at Omaha, who is also editor of the International Third
World Studies Journal and Review. The event will take place on
Friday, July 30th, at 11.00am in room 101 Lanyon North (first floor,
Lanyon Building), at Queen's (directions from the porter's lodge at
main entrance). Prof Conces has lectured in China, Croatia, and
Kosovo; as well as having been a Fulbright Scholar in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Approaching issues of ethnic identity from a political-
philosophical standpoint, his talk will be of considerable resonance
to Northern Ireland.
Further information from robin@democraticdialogue.org.
*
Saturday 31 July
As part of the discussions and debates at the West Belfast Festival
there will be a event about Racism, featuring prominent speakers.
Date: Saturday 31 July
Venue: St Mary's University College
Time: 2.00pm 3.45pm
"Anti-Irish Racism and the Experience of Belfast's Ethnic Minorities
Today: Making the Connection"
Chair: Fr. Des Wilson
Speakers:
Dr. Robbie McVeigh, The Experience of Anti-Irish Racism
Claire Hackett, Falls Community Council's Dúchas Oral History
Archive
Video presentation on the Belfast historical experience of
sectarianism and discrimination.
The Experience of Ethnic Minorities Today
Armie Cerezo - Filipino Nurse
Jamal Iweida - Belfast Islamic community Anti-Racist activist
Bernadette McAliskey Civil Rights, Ireland and the USA: Making
the Connection
*
August 2-7-2004
1) Resistance and Hope Assisi, August 2-7
Call for the Anti-imperialist Camp, Assisi, Italy, August 2-7
Mankind is travelling in fear on a train towards the abyss. This
abyss is the mercilessly waged global war. The train is steered by
the United States of America, to be precise, by a group of
adventurers dreaming of a dead and mute world with one single God,
the dollar; with one single banner, that of stars and stripes; with
one single language, that of American oppression.
These adventurers are driven by a vision which neither admits
compromises nor half ways: the clash of civilisations not only with
Islam but also with anybody who believes in the co-operation between
the peoples and who consider peace as the holiest of all values. They
have given a name to their doctrine: "permanent and pre-emptive war"
which not only displays the warmongering character of the North
American regime but also the idea that the US were a superior nation
with a special mission namely to exercise the global predominance at
any cost. The alibi, which this doctrine builds on, is the terrorist
threat. Those who employ indiscriminate force against defenceless and
innocent civilians, those who consider a person guilty if it does not
believe in their God, might believe to be on a straight way to
paradise but surely contribute to the transformation of this world
into an inferno without hope. The only remaining hope of the world is
the Resistance, the struggle of the peoples for freedom and self-
determination.
The American aim is not only to subjugate the poor and oppressed
nations but also those who still enjoy some liberty. The Patriot Act
and the anti-terrorist Black Lists show that the most elementary
democratic rights are at stake also in the West and particularly in
the United States. Virulent racist and chauvinist crusades attempt to
criminalise the anti-imperialist and revolutionary forces as well as
the organisations of immigrants. They even want to silence the peace
movement.
The anti-imperialist Resistance has indestructible roots and dates
back to the very beginning of the imperial North American ambitions.
Where there is oppression there will always be revolt as well, where
there is dictatorship there will always be the struggle for
democracy, where there is injustice there never will be peace.
Today the Iraqi people is testifying for the Resistance keeping up
their heads against the American war criminals and their paranoid
designs to Guantánamise the world. The Iraqi resistance has taken
the way paved by the Palestinian Intifada. By building a united front
of all the fighting forces it will gain further strength transforming
itself into a national liberation war. This front, the embryo of a
future government of a liberated Iraq, will be able once the
invaders are driven out to call upon the Iraqis to elect a
democratic constituent assembly exercising the full and undivided
sovereignty of the Iraqi people.
The future of humanity depends on the outcome of the battle raging in
Iraq. The heroic town of Falluja, having chased away mercenaries
armed with the most sophisticated weaponry, shows that the Iraqi
people are able to win as the Vietnamese people won. The decisive
factor in war even more than in peace is not technological
superiority but what motivates the people to fight.
We have to unite with the Resistance of the Iraqi people to help
mankind to liberate itself from the North American menace.
The future of the world depends on the victory of Iraq!
2) Iraqi presences and programme of Assisi
This year's Anti-imperialist Camp will have its focus on the Iraqi
resistance. The Iraqi Patriotic Alliance (IPA) will present its
efforts to build a common political front of all forces struggling
against occupation. For the Iraqi Democratic Communist Current, which
is a component of the IPA, Ahmed Karim will be present and for the
Iraqi Communist Party (cadre) Nori al-Moradi.
A global meeting of all the forces and committees in open support of
the Iraqi resistance is scheduled. The preparation of the
international day of action for the resistance scheduled for
September 25 will be one of the topics on the agenda.
The preliminary programme:
http://www.antiimperialista.com/en/view.shtml?category=48&id=1083700704&keyword=+.
*******
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*
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