The Plough Vol 02 No 34

The Plough
Vol. 2- No 34

E-mail newsletter of the
Irish Republican Socialist Party
Thursday 28th April 2005

1)May Day
2)Letter from Venezuela
3)China and Wal-Mart
4)
5)Letters
6)From the Media

7)What’s On









May Day Message from the IRSP

The leadership of the Irish Republican Socialist Party sends May Day greetings to its friends and supporters worldwide. May Day itself is an opportunity for the working class to celebrate its strengths and the victories achieved by the working class. May day is also an opportunity every year for the world to be reminded that there is a continuous class struggle taking place worldwide.

Here in Ireland we have daily class battles taking place. There is the struggle for union recognition in Ryanair. There is the battle for fair wages for Turkish migrant workers. There are the campaigns against the education cuts in the North and against the privatisation of water and the imposition of water charges. Private interests own half the water supplies of the North’s population. Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in Europe is owned by a British aristocrat.

Every day there are small class battles taking place in our country. These battles are waged in many cases by small groups of people isolated from the mainstream of trade unionism. The isolation and marginalisation of the workers is in the interests of the employers who exploit division within the class in order to keep wage costs down and profits up. The unity of the workers is hampered by racism, sexism and sectarianism. So long as there are divisions within the working class movement so long will exploitation continue.

But we can learn from the experiences of the working class worldwide. The success of the Cuban revolution and the Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela give hope to the workers. The struggles of the poor in the Philippines, in Nepal, in Iraq and all around the world show that Imperialism is not getting its own way. The IRSP sends greeting to all those progressive forces in struggle against Imperialism.

But while we identify with international struggles we do not forget our own struggle against Imperialism. While involved in the day-to-day struggles of the class the IRSP recognise that the major contradiction in Ireland is the unresolved National question. That is at the heart of the problems facing our class in Ireland. In solving the national question we create the conditions for the withering away of sectarian divisions.

Neither the current round of elections nor the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement will resolve the fundamental contradiction at the heart of Irish society. Only a socialist Ireland can begin to do that. Socialists need to take the leadership of both the class and national questions for neither gas and water socialism- as James Connolly described neither reformism- nor sterile nationalism can bring about a united country or a united working class.

Workers of the world unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains!!


Letter from Venezuela

My arrival in Caracas came off the back of a hectic week travelling around the Basque Country and Catalonia so the intense heat here compounded the burden of my heavy backpack. Walking through the airport, I notice a sign that translates as, "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, now for all". I came here to Venezuela intrigued by the reports I had been reading of the "Revolutionary Process" that the left in Ireland and Britain had been debating about.

Some argue that Chavez’s radical programmes aimed at alleviating the poverty suffered in this oil rich country fall far short of Revolution given the huge wealth gap that still exists since his coming to power. Others argue that one must look to what came before Chavez to appreciate the radical nature of his policies.

Since coming to power in 1998, Chavez began to slowly deconstruct the corrupt political system that served the selfish purposes of the mega rich minority. He instigated a nationwide consultation with the poor population of Venezuela that gave birth to a new Constitution that enshrined the right of poor in the country to a more dignified existence.

He sacked the corrupt executives of the National Oil Company that oversaw the annual "disappearing" of $40 Billion per year of oil revenue.

Having recaptured this huge amount of national revenue began spending it on a number of "missiones" or programs aimed at alleviating the deprivation suffered by the majority of the countries population. Most notable amongst these programmes are the free medical programmes in which oil is exchanged with Cuba for medical practitioners who operate out of specially built clinics in the countries poorest districts. Free Education programmes at all levels have seen schools in the poorest area open to almost eradicate once widespread illiteracy in only a few years.

New land reform legislation that allows the Government to seize land that has not been productive for a long time (80% of the countries land is owned by app. 15% of the wealthy elite) accompanied with further legislation making it easier for small farmers and cooperatives to access grants and credits to develop the agricultural production of the country. It is incredible to think that this fertile land with vast plains imported 80% of its food before Chavez's reforms. This is now changing. National food production is on the up and is helped along by a new chain of nationalized supermarkets that offer staples grown in Venezuela at cheap rates to the countries poor.

These along with countless other initiatives have paved the way for the true revolutionary aspect of Venezuelans recent history, the revolutionary change in the consciousness of the countries poor.

All of Chavez’s programmes have awakened a sense of pride and dignity in the Venezuelan people that had been suppressed by the oppressive Neoliberal puppets of the USA that had come before. People are taking a more active role in their affairs. Poor inner city areas are heaving with community organisation similar to that witnessed in the past in the Bogside of Derry and Ballymurphy in Belfast. Fierce communal pride reinforced with a deep suspicion of parliamentary politicians is pushing the people to create a dignified and promising future for themselves and their children. Aided with assistance in the form of educational and medical resources supplied by the national government the Venezuelan people are at the baby steps stage to a truly Democratic and grassroots Socialist society.

The picture is not entirely rosy. There remains a huge reactionary presence in the countries civil service and government structures. Despite the Chavez government sincere commitment to radical social change, there are those who wish to destroy the process totally, as well as those claiming to be for the process but frightened by the mass organisation and self sufficiency being shown by the people in the poor "Barrios". This has lead to tensions and conflict between the people and the conservatives within the revolutionary government, the revolution within the revolution as it has been called.

The Juan Batista Alberdi School in a poor Barrio in western Caracas lay in near dereliction due to a lack of investment from the anti Chavez mayoralty and was run by anti Chavez teachers who joined in the walk out "strike" organised by the rich elite aimed at ousting Chavez. The people of the community responded with a counter strike and ousted the teachers. The local community then organised and embarked on a renovation of the school so that it could serve to educate all in the area, children and adults alike. A democratically elected and administrative staff, caretaking staff teachers for the school was put in place and the school have expanded its alumni and curriculum since. It was a huge achievement; all of the labour and academic help was totally unfunded for the initial few years and is a credit to the community.

The children are responding well to the community approach to their education. There is a somewhat relaxed atmosphere in the school with no real atmosphere of austerity and discipline. The children love their teachers and openly display affection to them. Gabby, a voluntary teacher at the school was greeted with hugs and kisses by laughing and smiling children when she guided me through school to show me where I will be working.

The Alberdi School is where I have volunteered to, in a small way, participate in the revolutionary process here in Venezuela, which, despite the dogmatic ramblings of those who profess the contrary, is taking place directly where Revolutions do. On the very streets of the poorest areas of Venezuela. I have committed myself to Basic English lessons for the primary school age classes and hope in return that the kids can improve my awful Spanish. After I finish my classes, will then volunteer the rest of my day to help out the volunteer caretaker staff with the many logistical tasks required in running a school.

The work is the least I can do for the people in the Mannicomio area where the school is situated. I have been received here like a local and been afforded lunches, dinners and endless hospitality in many houses. I stress however the term, "like a local". There has been no exception made for me. This sense of community and sharing is the norm here and whilst my efforts are welcomed, I am just another helper in their efforts to improve their existence and I in turn, am grateful for that.

On my first full day here in Caracas I was invited to Oscars house for a tasty breakfast of Arepas (a bread dumpling made from corn flour) cheese and coffee. After breakfast, a friend and "good comrade" Luis called and the three of us sat and drank coffee. I struggled to understand as Oscar and Luis sat and discussed the local community issues vigorously. Two men armed with the knowledge that they were affecting the affairs and changing things for the better for themselves and their community. It reminded me of the times I sat listening to my father and his friends discussing community and political issues in my home in the mid eighties. I was a child then and didn’t quite grasp the nuances of the politics they discussed but I sensed the feeling of community and popular struggle. Sitting with Oscar and Luis I sensed the same powerful feelings and longed for them to return to Belfast.














CHINA AND WALMART

A Republican Socialist recently made this objection against defending the gains of the Chinese revolution:

"China, with Japan, is the largest holder of the USA's public debt. China recently purchased the PC division of IBM Corporation. China is known the world over for its garment working sweatshops. ...Wal-Mart, when confronted with workers in the US seeking to organise a union were told by the reactionary administration of Wal-Mart Corp. that they should join the union of its workers in China, because union-hating Wal-Mart loves its Chinese union, because unions in China don't defend workers, they mobilise them for the needs of production. . It is not an example of the success of socialism; it is an example of the hideous crimes that can be perpetrated against the working class by a party that calls itself "communist." It is absolute proof that "communist" parties are the enemies of working class people and that the struggle for socialism must be waged by the working class itself and not a party claiming to function in its name."

In 1996, Wal-Mart began its operations in China. Today it has over 40 plants employing 23 000 people. Wal-Mart does business with more than 4800 Chinese companies employing 130 000 people. Wal-Mart then exports to the US what had been produced in China. (1)

Wal-Mart tried to introduce in China its US work practices: extended hours, etc. It also forbids trade unions. However, Cheng Siwei, vice president of the Chinese Parliament threatened Wal-Mart last year: "If you do not respect our social laws, you will pay the consequences."(2)

In November 2004, Wal-Mart was forced to give written guarantees that it will respect social legislation and trade union rights. Zhang Hingzun, a Chinese trade union leader declared: "If we can successfully organise trade union activity in Wal-Mart, it will greatly encourage labour activists in the US."(3)

Factories used by Wal-Mart were investigated by the CP and the Union. The He Yi and Qing Shu factories in the Guangdong province were particularly bad: painted on the wall was the slogan "If you don't work hard today you will have to work hard to find a job tomorrow."(4)

Under the action of the workers, union and party, that had to change. Work will be based upon collective conventions, will be limited to 8 hours per day and 5 days a week, that wages will have to be above the minimum wage etc (5).

The Chinese workers, government and union want to use this victory against
Wall Mart as an example to force all companies to respect social legislation. It is now attacking Dell, KFC, Kodak and others.

For our critic "It is absolute proof that "communist" parties are the enemies of working class people." The reality is that it is those who fail to defend the gains of the Chinese revolutions that are the enemies of working class people, and 'council communists’; by their sectarian attitude towards the world communist movement is the absolute proof of it.
(1) Wal-Mart drifted into trade unions dispute in China, Xinhua, and 17 October
2003 ·
(2) China tells MNCs to set up trade unions, Legal Daily, 25 octobre 2004 ·
(3) Wadi'h Halabi, Wal-Mart workers of the world unite, Political Affairs,
juin 2004 ·
(4) The dark side of Wal-Mart's low prices, China Newsweek, 22 mars 2004 ·
(5) Following the He Yi factory incident, Chinese Social Security Magazine,
5 juillet 2004.






LETTERS






WHAT’S ON


1. RPAG PUBLIC MEETING IN DERRY:

IN A statement on April 25 Richard Walsh, PRO, Republican Prisoners Action Group said that the RPAG will hold a second public meeting to discuss the current conditions facing Republican POWs in Maghaberry jail on Saturday, April 30 in the Munster Suite of the Calgach Centre, Butcher Street, Derry City (opposite the Tower Hotel), starting at 2p.m. The statement called on everyone concerned about the plight of Republican prisoners to attend.



On 30th April 2005, the IPSC is organising a meeting of diverse groups and individuals to discuss plans for demonstrations on 4th June to coincide with the Ireland/Israel football match at Lansdowne Road. Suggestions include a number of street theatre events in the course of the day representing Israeli checkpoints or the demolition of the Apartheid Wall, a concert after the match, face painting in the Palestinian colours, etc. etc. Please come along and make your own suggestions, and/or volunteer to participate in this attempt to show the world's television cameras that Israeli Apartheid is unacceptable in Ireland. Remember that Israeli soldiers recently murdered three Palestinian teenage boys who were playing football in Gaza. Remember that the Palestinian football team is forced by the illegal Israeli occupation to practise under the most adverse conditions, with individual players often prevented from showing up. Remember that the Arab members of the Israeli team are elite members of a community of second- or third-class citizens within the Israeli state, and are regularly subjected to racist abuse by Israeli football fans. The meeting will take place at 11.30am on Saturday 30th April in the Teachers' Club, Parnell Square, Dublin. All are welcome!

The IPSC will be marching along with Belfast Trades
Council in the May Day March on Sat 30th April

Assemble at the Art College at 12 pm.
There will be speeches and stalls.

The rally departs at 12.30pm and arrives at St.George's Market at 1pm. Family Festival in St George's from 1-5pm with the usual stalls, food, drink etc. The IPSC will have a stall at St Georges Market, 1.00pm - 5.00pm Volunteers needed to carry banner in March and to organise the stall. Please let me know which you will be able to help with.


May Day Demonstration - Solidarity with Migrant Workers
This year’s Dublin May Day trade union demonstration will take place on Saturday April 30th meeting at 2.30 at the Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square. The demo will march to Liberty Hall and is on the theme of solidarity with migrant workers. The march has been called by the Dublin Council of Trade
Unions.

The Plough Vol 02 No 33

The Plough
Volume 2, Number 33
20 April 2005

E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party

1) Editorial: On Criminalisation
2) The History of the ISRP
3) Migrant Workers in Ireland
4) Health Patients Dying to Know the Answer
5) Direct Action is Needed, Not Lip Service
6) Letters
7) A Stick to Beat Cuba
8) Colombia 'Will Not Try US Troops'
9) What's On

*******

EDITORIAL: ON CRIMINALISATION

Throughout our proud republican history we republicans have never
accepted the designation 'criminal' for taking part in the political
struggle for self-determination for the Irish people. From the time of
Wolfe Tone to the time of Bobby Sands and Patsy O'Hara, republicans
have proudly resisted all attempts to criminalise their struggle.

Is there any person with historical knowledge who now asserts that
Wolfe Tone, John Mitchell, Fintan Lalor, O'Donovan Rossa, James
Connolly, Liam Mellows, Peadar O'Donnell, Cathal Goulding, Seamus
Costello, and many others, were common criminals? No one can make
criminals of them. Their political credentials are assured.

So it was with surprise we noticed posters and slogans appearing in
Belfast linking the 10 hunger strikers of the 1980s with a so-called
campaign to criminalise republicans. Nobody, neither Brit nor Free
Stater, can make a criminal of neither Kevin Lynch nor Micky Devine.
Their place as political prisoners is historically assured.

But those who signed up to the Good Friday Agreement also signed up to
the proposition that after that date there were to be no more
political prisoners in Ireland once all those convicted before that
date were freed under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Indeed
one leading member of the Provisional Movement is on record as saying
there were no political prisoners in Ireland. Those who signed up to
the GFA indeed by their actions have tried to criminalise those
republicans who used the same methods that lead the Provisional
Republican Movement to the talks process in the first place.

Like them or loathe them, those in jail for offences committed as
members of the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA are political
prisoners. Dessie O'Hare and other members of the INLA still
imprisoned are political prisoners. Nothing anyone outside jail,
whether as members or non-members of the 5 IRAs or the INLA can do,
will make criminals of them.

So why all the campaigning about criminalisation? Is it to divert the
republican grass roots base from thinking about the implications of
the Bart Fisher conviction or the slashing to death of Robert
McCartney? Is it to rally support for candidates from Provisional Sinn
Fein? We don't know.

But this we do know, that amidst the moving testimonies from
ex-republican prisoners who suffered dreadfully for their part in the
anti-imperialist struggle at a rally in the Europa Belfast called by
Coiste, a support group for ex-Provisional IRA volunteers, against the
so-called criminalisation policy, a jarring note was voiced by Bik
McFarlane. Prior to his outburst there were ex-political prisoners on
the stage speaking intensely on how the Brits tried to suppress and
silence republicans over the years, a tactic that they agree is still
being employed today.

Then McFarland called on republicans to "slap down," "stomp on," and
"meet it face on" those who from within "our own communities" dared
breathe the word criminal. Now this was not in relation to the Brits,
Free Staters, unionists, or the media, but to be used against people
from "our own community". "We well not take this from within our own
areas."

Our own areas? Where are those areas? The Catholic areas of the North
where Sinn Fein get votes? Protestant areas of the North where Sinn
Fein get votes? Is that statement an open acknowledgment that the
Provisionals control areas or is an open acknowledgement and
acceptance of the division of the North in sectarian and controlled
ghettos? So that is what republicanism - provisional style - was and
is about?

It's not what republican socialism is about.

*******

THE HISTORY OF THE ISRP

Radical Politics in Modern Ireland - The History of the Irish
Socialist Republican Party 1896-1904

David Lynch

To Be Published March 2005 | 192 Pages Irish Academic Press 0716533561

The Irish Socialist Republican Party (ISRP) was a party of seminal
importance in the history of radical politics in modern Ireland. The
party was the forerunner and ideological springhead for a political
tradition that has had a significant impact on radical Irish politics
ever since. The ISRP was the first experiment with that powerful,
dynamic, yet sometimes very confused cocktail of traditional
republican politics and socialist principles.

The party produced the first regular socialist paper in Ireland the
Workers' Republic, ran candidates in local elections, represented
Ireland at the Second International, agitated over issues such as the
Boer War and the 1798 commemorations. Politically the ISRP was before
its time, putting the call for an independent "Republic" at the centre
of its propaganda before Sinn Fein or others had done so. This is the
first full length study of this important organisation. Using the
primary sources available this study delves into the internal politics
and personalities that brought life to the organisation. The political
significance of the organisation led by James Connolly is also viewed
in both the international and national sphere.

The legacy of the ISRP was to have an impact on the left wing and
republican movements in Ireland for many decades following its demise
in 1904.

[David Lynch is a journalist who lives in Dublin. He has done work for
such publications as Magill, Leinster Leader and The Irish Times.]

*******

MIGRANT WORKERS IN IRELAND

For far too long now migrant workers in Ireland have been used as
forms of cheap labour. This has, on occasions, created tensions within
the workforce, which has, again on occasions, led to divisions in the
ranks of the proletariat, which should in theory remain strong in the
face of capitalist opposition. These splits and divisions among the
workers only benefit the bosses, whose sole role in industrial
relations is to divide and rule, thus creating divisions within the
ranks of the organised working class.

Migrant workers have been, and indeed still are used, to undermine the
pay and conditions of the indigenous workforce, thus creating straw
men to blame while ignoring the real enemy, the bourgeoisie
(capitalist class). Migrant workers are often blamed for working under
price thus suppressing wages of the indigenous workforce. This is of
course absolute nonsense and it is the job of the native workforce to
ensure that the bosses cannot get away with this exploitation and then
scapegoat migrant workers as the cause of low wages. While migrant
workers are being blamed for the pay and conditions at places of work
those directly responsible, the domestic and trans-national
bourgeoisie are laughing all the way to the bank and continue to
relentlessly amass huge profits while the workers are fighting among
themselves. The message of socialists is simple: Irish workers must
stand by and support their migrant brethren.

At the time of writing the embryo of such support and solidarity is
already in evidence on the streets of Dublin. Turkish employees of
Gama Construction are taking action in their legitimate pursuit of
wages owed to them by the employer. On April 11, 2005, Turkish workers
employed by Gama Construction protested outside the four courts in
Dublin. Inside the court were the employers, representing Gama
Construction, who were attempting to suppress a report regarding the
employees' wages and conditions from being published. In this report
it is strongly suggested would be the question of where the missing
wages of the Turkish workers are. Their wages, it has been reported,
have been lodged in Dutch bank accounts by the employer. These reports
have not as of yet being denied by the employer.

The company now claims that some of the 800 Turkish staff has been
given access to the Dutch bank accounts, which are holding their
wages. The company has so far declined to say how many employees have
been given access. Earlier this month the Gama Construction were
granted a temporary injunction preventing the publication of the
report. No doubt they will be using the fact that some of the workers
now have access to these Dutch bank accounts as justification for
another injunction, temporary or otherwise.

On April 12, 2005, the time of writing, Turkish employees of Gama
Construction demonstrated outside Leinster House in Dublin demanding
that the Free State government take action to ensure that the workers
have access to their wages presently held in these Dutch bank
accounts. However the government may claim that under laissez faire
economics they cannot intervene. To this the answer, if it arises, is
nonsense. Of course they can intervene, they are the legislators, the
custodians of human rights, one of which must surely be the right to
access ones wages.

Irish workers were also present in the ranks of demonstrators outside
the Dail, which is an encouraging sign. SIPTU and ATGWU banners were
present as these are the two biggest unions involved. The workers are
also demanding, rightly so, job security and better terms and
conditions, though it is hard to imagine worse than when workers don't
get paid, bad as the wages are. Remember this is the capitalist system
we are talking about, a system based on maximising exploitation of the
working class.

What is happening to the Turkish workers at Gama Construction
epitomises the legalised robbery which takes place on a daily basis by
the employing class against the working class. Normally this robbery
is masked into the hourly rate or monthly salary under the guise of
the going rate for the job. Surplus value or profits are masked as
being part of the wages. For example ten people make ten motorcars,
each vehicle costing 1,000 euro so there is 10,000 euro. Each worker
gets paid 100 euro thus amounting to 1,000 euro. Where then does the
other 900 euro go? A very crude and simple example and perhaps an
exaggeration as far as the discrepancies go but the principle of
exploitation is plain to see. Workers are daily robbed of the full
fruits of their labour power as a class, and what is happening at Gama
is a blatant public expression of this robbery.

The Turkish workers are absolutely correct to strike, as many of them
have not received a cent in wages for months. One reason for this is
because their wages are lodged in Dutch bank accounts amassing
interest for the employers. Perhaps this incident will at last raise
the trade union leadership out of their slumber and prepare to fight,
prepare to fight in the same way as the Turkish workers are doing.
However I would not hold your breath. Surely the ICTU (Irish Congress
of Trade Unions) cannot rule out the possibility of a general strike
if these workers do not receive their wages. Remember it is Turkish
workers today, it could be you tomorrow. AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN
INJURY TO ALL.

Kevin Morley

*******

HEALTH PATIENTS DYING TO KNOW THE ANSWER

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Dublin

The Irish Republican Socialist Party fully supports and welcomes the
Irish Nurses Organisation's decision to organise a number of protests
to highlight the disgraceful overcrowding in our hospitals' Accident
and Emergency Departments.

Dublin IRSP spokesperson John Murtagh stated, "The anger felt by
nursing staff at the unacceptable levels of overcrowding on hospital
wards and corridors, plus excessive workloads, has clearly lead to
this direct action being made. How long will this be allowed to
continue as such a working environment not only affects nursing staff
within A&E units but ultimately patient care, which will continue to
suffer as a result of these shortfalls in patient care.

"The Irish Republican Socialist Party calls on the Minister for
Health, Mary Harney, to fully deliver at the earliest opportunity her
administration's own health strategy which includes the provision of
more acute beds in hospitals, the recruitment of nurses and the
creation of extra care facilities. Health patients, particularly the
seriously ill, are dying to know when will they deliver on their
pre-election promises?"

Mr. Murtagh concluded by saying that "the IRSP applaud the support and
goodwill of individuals and business men who have been so sickened by
the state of our health service that they have pledged to provide, fit
out, and service pre-fabricated cabins at a number of city hospitals."

###

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Dublin
PO Box 10081, Dublin 1, Ireland
Telephone: 0876 320 323
Email: dublinirsp@hotmail.com
http://www.dublinirsp.150m.com/
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html

*******

DIRECT ACTION IS NEEDED, NOT LIP SERVICE

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Dublin

The Irish Republican Socialist Party is demanding that the Irish
government formally recognise the indigenous Irish sign language by
incorporating it into the Constitution as its third official language.

Today Irish Deaf Society member and IRSP activist Seamus McLaughlin
stated: "Today marks the beginning of Irish sign language awareness
week, which intends to highlight the language and culture of the deaf
community. There are 40,000 people, including deaf people, their
families, and friends, who use sign language every day.

"The European Parliament, of which Ireland is a member, have twice
passed resolutions (1988, 1998) calling on all member states to
recognise their respective national sign languages, unfortunately this
appeal has not been acted upon by the Irish government. The official
recognition of the Irish sign language will bring full access and
participation of deaf people into mainstream society where it would be
a progressive step in eliminating discrimination in areas such as
employment and education."

Mr. McLaughlin concluded by saying, "the right to one's language is an
important human rights issue. Like all linguistic minorities, members
of the deaf community have varied degrees of access to the majority
language of the wider community. Deaf people should be able to enjoy
the same linguistic rights afforded to the hearing community. I call
on the Irish government to stop playing lip service to the concerns of
deaf people and formally recognise the Irish sign language."

###

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Dublin
PO Box 10081, Dublin 1, Ireland
Telephone: 0876 320 323
Email: dublinirsp@hotmail.com
http://www.dublinirsp.150m.com/
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html

*******

LETTERS

*

From Cuba Support Network Derry Branch
Spokesperson Marion Baur
Tel 02877742655
E–Mail: flaxmill@gmx.net

April 16th 2005-04-16

Dear Member of Parliament,

I wish to draw your attention to a film launch, which I am involved
in.

The Cuba Support Network is hosting the Irish Premiere of the new
documentary film 'Mission Against Terror'.

The two directors (and writers of the script) Bernie Dwyer and Roberto
Ruiz Rebo will be coming over from Cuba to attend the showings and
answer questions by the audience.

As you have probably seen in the press the two showings in Northern
Ireland are Belfast on Friday, April 22nd at 7pm in the Unemployed
Resource Centre, Donegall St., Derry City, April 23rd at 7pm in the
Gas Yard Café, Lecky St.

This film contains pictures and interviews which have been unreleased
to date and give evidence of a war of terror against Cuba which has
killed more than 3000 innocent people – as many as the trouble in
Northern Ireland. One of the godfathers of this war of terror, Luis
Posada Carriles, is at present walking the streets of Miami and has
applied for asylum there.

He escaped from jail in Venezuela after being convicted of bombing a
Cuban airline, which resulted in the death of 73 innocent people.
At the same time 5 young Cubans who went to Miami to try and stop the
campaign of terror (and informed the US authorities about it) are
serving long prison sentences, their convictions being based on
'evidence' given by terrorists.

My questions to you are:

-Are you going to use your influence as an elected representative to
bring this unbearable situation to the attention of the US government?

-Are you going to talk to the film makers who have done outstanding
and very brave research on the war of terror against Cuba, which is in
many ways connected to terrorism elsewhere?

-Are you supporting our claim to free the Miami Five?

I have attached a letter by the Irish Campaign to free the Miami Five
to the Republic's foreign minister Dermot Ahern. So far there has
been no answer.

-Do you think politicians in the North can do better?

I am looking forward to your answer and I can assure you I will do my
best to publish it as widely as possible.

Yours sincerely,
Marion Baur

*******

A STICK TO BEAT CUBA

London Guardian
15 April 2005

A Stick to Beat Cuba
By Ian Gibson

Kofi Annan last week told the UN Human Rights Commission it needed
reform. Its loss of credibility, he warned, was harming the UN. Human
rights groups such as Amnesty International have argued that the
manipulation of the commission by member states for political purposes
is damaging its ability to serve the millions who suffer appalling
abuses. There is no more striking example of this than the way in
which the US annually uses the commission as a platform to attack Cuba
- and then uses its condemnation to justify the continuing blockade of
the country. This year more than 4,500 intellectuals, including
Mikhail Gorbachev and five Nobel prize winners, have signed a letter
calling on member states to reject Washington's resolution on Cuba
when voting takes place in the next few days.

This is not to suggest that Cuba is a paragon of virtue. There are
significant human rights problems in Cuba and it would be ridiculous
to pretend otherwise. The question is whether concerns about Cuban
human rights merit the treatment they receive at the commission - and
whether the US has any moral authority to impose its will.

Cuba is the only country in the world subjected annually to a
resolution condemning its human rights record. Despite the fact that
Cuba's record is exemplary compared with, say, US allies such as
Colombia or Saudi Arabia, these countries are not subject to
US-sponsored condemnation. So biased is the tactic that in order to
get the resolution passed, the US ritually resorts to economic
blackmail. By threatening to withdraw aid, by offering loans, or by
bullying, the US bends countries to its will. Even so, last year the
resolution only squeaked through by one vote. To its shame, Britain
has been one of only five other countries that has always co-sponsored
the US resolution and is accused by Cuba of using blackmail to help
its ally. In 2001, there was evidence that Britain had threatened to
withdraw support for an anti-AIDS project in Kenya if it failed to
abstain on the vote.

Such tactics turn the commission into a stick with which rich
countries beat developing nations while avoiding being held to account
for their own abuses. This year, the issue has become even more
serious in the wake of revelations about the US treatment of prisoners
in Abu Ghraib, Bagram and Guantánamo, and by Britain in Belmarsh.
While the EU is expected to support the US condemnation of Cuba, there
is widespread cynicism about the chances of a similar resolution on
the US treatment of prisoners in Guantánamo. Last year, after it
became obvious that the US had browbeaten enough countries, the Cuban
government withdrew its resolution on Guantánamo. The same thing is
expected to happen this year. So while the commission will most likely
condemn Cuba - where there has been no verified case of torture since
1959 - it will not even debate the situation in the US prison on the
same island, where torture has been extensively documented, or Abu
Ghraib, where it has been photographed.

The disproportionate and vindictive treatment of Cuba must be stopped.
And the way in which the rich countries manipulate the commission
needs to be addressed. The Bush administration will use another
ill-gotten resolution to defend its continuing blockade, itself
condemned by the UN as illegal. It is this greater crime that is being
obscured.

[Dr. Ian Gibson was chair of the Cuba group and Labour MP for Norwich
North in the last parliament.]

*******

COLOMBIA 'WILL NOT TRY US TROOPS'

BBC
7 April 2005

A group of US soldiers arrested for alleged cocaine smuggling cannot
be allowed to stand trial in Colombia, Washington's envoy to Bogota
has said. Colombian senators have been calling for the men, who were
based in the country, to be extradited from the US.

But US ambassador William Wood said the soldiers are immune from
prosecution.

More than 200 Colombian citizens have been extradited to the US to
face trial for drug trafficking, under a bilateral deal between the
two countries.

Colombian politicians have asked the government to push for the US to
hand over the men, arguing that the extradition agreement works both
ways.

"In practical terms, these military personnel committed the alleged
crime in Colombia, and according to the extradition treaty, which is
bilateral, they should be tried here," legislator Gustavo Petro said.

President Alvaro Uribe, who is visiting China, has said he will review
the issue "very carefully".

The US ambassador in Colombia has said the men cannot be extradited
because of an agreement between the two countries signed in 1974.

He also argued that the men were working for US embassy staff in
Colombia and therefore qualify for diplomatic immunity.

He sought to assure Bogota that the soldiers, who are thought to be in
military custody somewhere in the US, would not escape justice.

"We do not tolerate corruption," he said.

The whole affair has been extremely embarrassing for the US, which
supplies Colombia with hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to fight
drug trafficking, says the BBC's Jeremy McDermott.

However, he adds that the Colombian authorities are unlikely to insist
upon the extradition because they depend on the US aid.

Five US soldiers were arrested at a US military base in Texas after
they stepped off a flight from Colombia on 29 March.

They are suspected of attempting to smuggle 16kg (35 lb) of cocaine on
a US military aircraft.

According to the Associated Press news agency, one of the men was
later released.

The agency also reports that three of the five suspects were initially
detained on Colombian soil - a point Colombian senators say supports
their demands for extradition.

The US has more than 1,000 soldiers and civilian contractors working
in Colombia as part of a plan to combat a 40-year-old Marxist
insurgency and one of its major revenue sources - the cocaine trade.

Colombia is the third biggest recipient of US military aid, after
Israel and Egypt.



*******

WHAT'S ON

*

LATIN AMERICAN WEEK: APRIL 19th to APRIL 22nd, 2005

BIENVENIDOS – WELCOME – BEM VINDOS – FÁILTE

Latinoamerica Unida is a cultural and community association in the
north of Ireland. One of our aims is to raise awareness of cultural
diversity while promoting Latin American arts, culture and language.

JOIN US IN THESE EVENTS:

TUESDAY, APRIL 19th @ 7pm
An Chultúrlann (216 Falls Rd, Belfast) FREE
Introduction by Denis O'Hearn. Professor of Social and Economic Change
at Queens University. Discussion to follow films.

PAPER PEACE (England/1997/12 mins)
The film is about the current situation in Guatemala, the failure of
the Peace Accord and the Peace Process.

WHAT IN THE WORLD – GUATEMALA (Ireland/2004/26 mins)
Fairtrade and hope.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21st @ 4.15 pm
Queen's University, (Peter Frogget Centre., Rm. 209) FREE
Speaker: Adriana Pumarejo, antropologist, shares her research on the
revival of the Kankuamo culture (The Kankuamos are an indigenous group
living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern Colombia).

THURSDAY, APRIL 21st @ 7.00 pm
An Chultúrlann (216 Falls Rd, Belfast) FREE
Speaker: Jaime Arias. Kankuamo leader discusses the social struggles
his community is facing. Presented by: Catriona Rouane. Human Rights
Activist. Sinn Féin Councillor

CULTURAL EVENT AND LATIN PARTY
FRIDAY, APRIL 22nd @ 7pm
Crescent Arts Center (University Road and Upper Crescent. Belfast)
Cultural Journey through Latin America using photography, dance, music
and art. COST: £5.00/person includes a glass of wine or
non-alcoholic drink. Children free. Snacks available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Latinoamerica Unida
123-137 York Street – Philip House Belfast BT15 1AB
Phone: 028 9031 9963 Email: info@latinoamericaunida.org.uk

*

Saturday, April 30

Comrades - The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign is inviting all
interested parties to join us for a strategy meeting re the June
Ireland/Israel soccer match on Saturday April 30th, probably in the
Teachers' Club. Time TBC, but probably around 12.30.

In solidarity - Raymond Deane, Chair: IPSC

*

Saturday, April 30

National May Day Demonstration - Solidarity with Migrant Workers

Republican Socialist Contingent

Assemble: Saturday April 30th 2pm, Garden of Remembrance,Parnell
Square, Dublin.

This year's May Day trade union demonstration will take place on
Saturday April 30th meeting at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance in
Parnell Square.

The demo will march to Liberty Hall and is on the theme of solidarity
with migrant workers. The march itself has been called by the Dublin
Council of Trade Unions.

Bring Your Work Mates, Friends, Family, Flags (Starry Plough/Red) and
Solidarity!

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Dublin
PO Box 10081, Dublin 1, Ireland
Telephone: 0876 320 323
Email: dublinirsp@hotmail.com
http://www.dublinirsp.150m.com/
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html

*

Sunday, 1 May

May 1: May Day Rally for Jobs, Not War - Bring the Troops Home Now!
Union Square (New York City), 1pm.

Join us May 1 to say, "Jobs, Not War!" Thousands of working people,
trade unionists, veterans, youth, and antiwar activists will take to
the streets on May Day - International Workers Day - to
demand jobs, housing, and education, not war and occupation.

http://www.TroopsOutNow.org/

On March 19, thousands of activists, students, veterans, and community
organizers joined in a historic march from Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park
to Central Park to demand an end to the illegal occupation of Iraq.

The turnout for this demonstration confirms that the antiwar movement
has entered into a new phase of organizing against the war. It
confirms that the greatest attention must be paid to reaching out to
communities most impacted by the war and by the policies of the Bush
Administration. These communities are the targets of the budget cuts.
They are also targeted by military recruiters, who exploit economic
hardship with false promises of opportunity. As a result, the children
of these communities are dying disproportionately in Iraq, paying the
ultimate price for a policy of greed and empire.

On May 1 the Troops Out Now Coalition and the NYC Million Worker March
are calling for a Jobs, Not War!

Bring the Troops Home Now! rally in Union Square, NYC.

May Day grew out of the struggle of working people in this country
more than 100 years ago for an 8-hour workday with a full day's pay.
All over the world, working and poor people march on May Day to send
the message that workers are united and have the right to a job, a
living wage, health care, housing and education. Workers have a right
to pensions and social security. Immigrant workers and the unemployed
should have the same rights. On May Day 2005, let's bring back that
fighting spirit.

This is an important opportunity to link the struggle against the war
with the struggle for jobs, healthcare, and education here at home.

Now, more than ever, the antiwar movement needs to be in the streets
to oppose the Bush Administration's agenda of endless war. Two years
ago, George W. Bush took the U.S. into war under the pretense that
Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Now, his Administration is
claiming that Iran and North Korea possess weapons of mass
destruction. It is important that we expose any talk of removing the
threat of nuclear weapons as just another justification for a
pre-emptive war against the people of Iran and Korea.

As the Bush Administration gears up for new military adventures,
working people at home are under attack, as budgets for education,
housing, and healthcare are slashed, the cost of living rises, and
jobs are disappearing.

For more than 100 years, May Day has been a day for working people to
be in the streets, united in the struggle for jobs, healthcare, and
housing. Join us in the streets, May 1 in Union Square!

What you can do:

1) Endorse the May 1 Rally:
http://www.troopsoutnow.org/may1endorse.html

2) Help get the word out. Download flyers at:
http://troopsoutnow.org/literature.html

3) Donate: http://www.troopsoutnow.org/donate.html

4) Organize transportation from your area:
http://www.troopsoutnow.org/volunteer.html

http://www.NoDraftNoWay.org/

*******

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political comments and criticisms.

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effort go towards the IRSM and its various projects.
http://www.angelfire.com/folk/irishshop/

*

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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The Plough Vol 02 No 32

The Plough
Volume 2, Number 32
13 April 2005

E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party

1) Moral Hypocrisy
2) Shannon Airport, Uncle Sam, Iraq & the Almighty "Dollar"
3) Migrant Workers Take Stand Against Racist Taunts
4) British Ministers Attempting to Bleed Us Dry
5) Socialist Priest Speaks Out After Death of the Pope
6) Letters
7) The Mythology of People Power
8) What's On

Apologies for the delay in this issue of The Plough. It was due to
circumstances beyond the control of the Editor.

*******

MORAL HYPOCRISY

Andersonstown IRSP spokesperson Tomás Gorman has reacted angrily
to a new British government campaign against benefit fraud that he
slams as "moral hypocrisy."

The new multi-million pound campaign launched by the Department of
Works and Pensions is being spearheaded by a slick media campaign with
T.V. and radio advertisements as well as billboards appearing with
the departments message and hotline number.

The campaigns website spells out its aims as "emphasising that benefit
fraud is serious problem" and "encourage[s] people to report those
committing benefit fraud."

The Department of Works and Pensions claim that they estimate that up
to £2 billion per year is "lost" through those who commit benefit
fraud, money that could be used in other departments such as Health
and Education.

Tomás Gorman however dismisses the campaign as "a cynical attack on
the working class." He went on to say, "This new wave of government
propaganda implies those who commit benefit fraud are responsible for
our social ills, decaying communities, poor health service, bad
transport systems, failing education systems. What this campaign fails
to acknowledge is that many working class people are forced to commit
benefit fraud because of the inadequate minimum wage granted by this
government and in some cases the exploitive 'under the counter' wage
offered by their employers. Some people who need to support their
families simply have to commit benefit fraud in order to survive."

"A report published by the Trade Union Congress in January of this
year spelt out the level of wage exploitation suffered by workers in
the UK and Six Counties. The TUG claims that £23 billion is owed by
employers to workers for unpaid working hours. On average workers are
owed an additional £4,650 for their time at the normal hourly
rate." Juxtaposing this £23 billion taken from workers and the
£2 billion that workers take every year, Tomás claims it is
quite clear who is being ripped off.

Whilst he acknowledged that there were some individuals who screwed
the system for purely selfish reasons, Tomás claimed that this was
small change in comparison to the British government's
misappropriation of public funds. "The working class people, when they
see or hear these advertisements, must remind themselves that our tax
money is being stolen in it Billions to pay for the imperialist
invasion of Iraq. Our National Insurance money is not being devoted
entirely to our welfare system but rather to pay for bullets for
British troops killing innocent people in Iraq."

In financial terms, the enormity of the UK government's commitment to
war in Iraq was made crystal clear by Gordon Brown to parliament in
March 2003, when he stated that Britain would spend "what it takes" to
destroy the Iraqi regime. In his address he stated, "Last year, I set
aside £1.7 billion to be drawn upon by the MOD for security and
military preparation...when action becomes necessary, I have set aside
an additional £1.6 billion, making a total of £3.3 billion."

The most shocking aspect of this figure is not that is so high, but
rather that it wasn't enough. Tony Blair's decision to send extra
troops to Iraq last year added a further £65 million pounds per
year to the war budget to add to the existing £1.5 billion per
year. So far the invasion of Iraq has cost the British and Irish tax
payers £6.5 billion and the cost is still rapidly rising. Tomás
Gorman claims that these figures quite simply show that the British
government's benefit fraud claims are "moral hypocrisy in its extreme.
Look at the British government's pledge to the Tsunami Relief Fund,
£50 million. This equals one and a half days military spending in
Iraq. This shows the motives of the British government and its
billionaire backers, profits before people. All of this money that has
been stolen from us to be used in Iraq will not come back to benefit
us in any way. This invasion was all about opening new markets and
opportunities for super rich businessmen. This £6.5 billion that
has been spent so far is gone for on war rather than the development
of our social structures is gone forever."

The benefit fraud website gives the details of the 'Hotline' which the
public are urged to call, in strict confidence, to give information on
those they believe are ripping them off and explains the kind of
information the Department of Works and Pensions wish to receive about
fraudsters, i.e. name, address, when the leave home, do they wear work
clothes, uniform, etc.

Tomás Gorman felt that he had information on a fraudster and
decided to 'do his bit' and call the Benefit Hotline with his
information. "I dialed the number and listened to a recorded message
telling me that my call will be dealt with in complete confidence and
treated with respect. Shortly an American lady came on and thanked me
for calling and asked me what she could do to help me. I informed her
that I knew someone whom I felt was defrauding me of my tax money. She
asked me his name and I replied that he was called Tony Blair and that
he was spending £1.6 billion per year on a war that I and millions
of others didn't want. I informed her that he lived at 10 Downing
Street, London, SW2 and that he usually turned up for work wearing a
dark suit, shirt, and tie. The confused receptionist then put me on
hold for around five minutes at which point I lost patience and hung
up."

The claim that benefit fraud is a major cause of social deprivation
doesn't wash with the IRSP spokesperson. "How dare they try and blame
the working class for their failure to organise our society. In the TV
ads, we see emotive images of a mother in a run down neighbourhood, a
wheelchair bound man stranded because of a poor transport system, and
a schoolboy in a classroom all symbolically ripping up their needs in
society. Those images and the message they portray are valid but
rather than be directed at the working class communities, they should
be directed at Gordon Brown and Tony Blair for their misuse of public
money. Campaigns like this only deal with the symptoms of the biggest
social ill, capitalism. I urge all working class people to see this
campaign for what it is, smoke and mirrors for the capitalist system
and an attempt to create scapegoats for the failings of the British
government. More dangerously it is an effort to turn those in the
working class community against each other. This is clearly not the
way to a better society. The only way that we can improve the society
we live in is to agitate and organise at a grass roots level to create
a radically socialist alternative."

*******

SHANNON AIRPORT, UNCLE SAM, IRAQ & THE ALMIGHTY "DOLLAR"
By Charlie Clarke

It is an extremely worrying fact that more and more US troops are
passing through Shannon Airport on their way to Iraq.

As the situation in Iraq deteriorated during the year of 2004, an
increase of 30% was witnessed in US troop movements than that of 2003.
Over 158,000 US troops have passed through Shannon on chartered
commercial aircraft in 2004, in comparison to the 120,000 in 2003.

An amazing 18 million Euros has been generated in Shannon Airport in
charges last year, and a total of 43 million Euros since 2002, all a
result of this US military business.

All of these troops are armed and are carrying their weapons of war
with them. According to military analyst Tom Clonan, M16 rifles are
standard issue for the troops and these are likely to be carried in
the holds of the commercial aircraft. The M16 is personally adjusted
for each soldier and therefore it is highly unlikely that they would
be transported separately to the troops.

Possibly as many as half of the 150,000 troops who are currently
situated in Iraq, some of whom have been there almost a year, have
travelled through the Shannon route.

The increase from 2003 is due to heavy troop rotations in Iraq in
March and September last year. As troops were being rotated, the
numbers passing through Shannon soared, to nearly 17,000 in March and
over 22,000 in September. This is in comparison to the usual 12,000 in
any of the other months.

Another factor for the large increase is that the reservists are being
called into the war, which evidently comes direct from the US and not
from bases in Germany.

As Shannon is the nearest refuelling point to the US, it has been a
vital resource to the US military in getting their troops in "theatre"
in Iraq as quickly as possible and has enabled them to maximise their
fuel to weight ratio, allowing them to carry less fuel in exchange for
more soldiers and equipment, requiring less flights. This is only the
amount of troops that are being transported in civilian commercial
aircraft. A further 753 military aircraft has landed in Shannon in
2004 according to the statistics that were released by the Department
of Foreign Affairs, although they would not disclose the number of
troops that were carried on these flights.

Commercial airlines are also providing charter services to the US
military to carry munitions and equipment. As with charter aircraft
carrying troops, these are the responsibility of the Department of
Transport. There were 816 landings of "foreign aircraft carrying
munitions or weapons of war" in 2004, according to the Department of
Transport.

According to the Irish Aviation Authority, 75% of ALL air traffic from
America to Europe has the permission to use Irish air space. Under a
new agreement instituted in mid January, Ireland has taken over a new
portion of air space to the north west of the country, as a result of
which it is estimated that 90% of all traffic from the USA will now
pass through Irish air space. As well as the 43 million Euro that the
airport has generated in un waived charges for commercial aircraft,
the Irish Aviation Authority has also cashed in on the deal with
millions that they have charged for overflights and landing
facilities. The total sum of which has been undisclosed to the public.

The Irish government need to re-address this issue and to stop the
facilitation of the US military through our airports and ports. The
Irish were loved throughout the world, now we face becoming the bete
noire race of Europe.

AHERN - KEEP UNCLE SAM OUT OF IRELAND!

*******

MIGRANT WORKERS TAKE STAND AGAINST RACIST TAUNTS

8 April 2005
Irish Republican Socialist Party, Derry

Migrant Workers Take Stand Against Racist Taunts

The Irish Republican Socialist Party has welcomed steps taken by
migrant workers at a Derry meat processing plant against barrage of
racist taunts. Over twenty workers downed tools on Friday following an
incident at Foyle Meats during a day which many witnessed the burial
of Polish born Pope John Paul II.

A spokesperson the IRSP in Derry said: "Our party fully supports and
endorses steps taken by a number of Polish workers at Foyle Meats. No
one, whether they are an Irish worker or a Polish worker, should be
subjected to any form of racist or sectarian remarks within their
place of work. To subject anyone to abuse or harassment on the grounds
of their religious beliefs of ethnic origin is totally wrong and we
must all oppose it wherever it raises its ugly head.

"The IRSP fully supports and endorses the direct action taken, such a
walkout itself by migrant workers was the correct line of defence to
take in such sorry circumstances. In their action they have drawn a
line to show that this can not and must not be tolerated within any
workplace.

"It was unfortunate that such an incident occurred but what we as
republican socialists take comfort in is the fact that other migrant
workers who are watching this latest development unfold will indeed be
finding confidence and strength from it. They will also find courage
in the actions of the workers involved and may even take similar
actions where they themselves work."

The spokesperson concluded by stating: "Our class must make a stand
against bosses who are cheating them out of a decent living wage, just
because they think that they can do such a thing to migrant workers.
Likewise we must also make a stand against all racist or sectarian
people who happen to work along side us and against similar insults or
attacks in the communities in which we live. None of it should be
tolerated."

###

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Derry
PO Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX
Tel.: 02871 262999
http://www.angelfire.com/space/derryirsp/
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html

*******

BRITISH MINISTERS ATTEMPTING TO BLEED US DRY

6 April 2005
Irish Republican Socialist Party, Derry

British Ministers Attempting to Bleed Us Dry

The Irish Republican Socialist Party rejected claims made by NIO
Minister Ian Pearson as a 'joke' for attempting to bleed working class
people dry regarding the proposed introduction of Water Charges.

An IRSP spokesperson for the Derry Cumann said: "What this un-elected
British Minister is attempting to do is bleed the working class
people dry. Ian Pearson, like the rest of his cohorts in Westminster
and Stormont, seems to believe that our class can somehow endlessly
withdraw money from some mysterious crock of gold. It is simply a joke
at which no one on poverty wages or on social welfare payments is
laughing.

"This comes during a week when people who are already living on or
below the bread line were expected to be grateful for being given a
weekly increase in their benefits of fifty-five pence. Ian Pearson's
latest comments will be viewed as insulting and obscene by the vast
majority of our class and quite rightly so."

The spokesperson concluded by stating: "Paying twice for our water may
have little effect on his wallet or that of the wallets of his puppet
Stormont MLAs. One thing is for sure it will have a detrimental impact
in the homes of ordinary working class men, women, and children who
have little or nothing to exist on already."

###

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Derry
PO Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX
Tel.: 02871 262999
http://www.angelfire.com/space/derryirsp/
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html

*******

SOCIALIST PRIEST SPEAKS OUT AFTER DEATH OF THE POPE

4 April 2005
In Defence of Marxism

Socialist Priest Speaks Out After Death of the Pope
By Erik Demeester

Erik Demeester interviewed Remi Verwimp, who is an activist of a
special kind. He is in fact a priest who belongs to a group called
Christians for Socialism in Belgium inspired by liberation theology
and Marxist ideas. As a lecturer at the Theology and Society Workshop
(Werkgroep Theologie en Maatschappij) he has developed a critical view
on the Catholic Church and especially on the latest pontificate.

Before he started to analyse the 27-year pontificate of John Paul II
Remi wanted to put the last months of suffering of the Pope into a
broader perspective.

"The two month long agony of the Pope and the media hype around it is
a great mise en scène designed to identify his suffering with that
of Jesus Christ. But that is wrong. The suffering of John Paul II and
that of Jesus have nothing in common. The Pope suffered and died from
illness and old age. Jesus suffered as a result of his resistance
against an oppressor, the Roman Empire. Jesus did not just die. He was
arrested, tortured and finally murdered because he rose up against all
forms of exploitation. Jesus was killed for his beliefs and his
actions! What a difference with this man who just passed away. Those
last months of mise en scène are very typical of the theological
policy of the Vatican that is built around the figure of the suffering
Jesus. The political dimension of a Jesus who struggled against
oppression and injustice is put in the shadow. In its stead we have a
mysticism that can be applied to whatever form of physical suffering.
Jesus' example is being depoliticised."

"Yes, the media hype around the death of the Pope surprised me a bit.
But I think they've gone too far. I hear not a few people reacting
against this and becoming more critical."

In fact, an Internet poll published yesterday by the Flemish Catholic
paper De Standaard, indicated that almost half of the respondents
thought that John Paul II was not a good Pope.

Asked to explain how we should interpret the mass gatherings of
Catholic worshippers in front of the Vatican, Remi notes:

"Many people have been alienated by the Church as an institution and
by its practices. On the other hand those massive gatherings and
mourning all over the world cannot simply be explained with the media
hype. Today there is a deep quest for spirituality and religion in the
world. People are looking for shelter and a meaning to life. We live
in a society where people feel isolated and abandoned. The searching
man or woman does not find an answer. They are looking for strong
figures and personalities. John Paul II seemed to give an answer to
those people. In that sense religion is the opium of the people. This
poses the question on how to deal with religion. We know that religion
is used - and that is what the Pope has been doing - to wrap
a nice, beautiful but protective veil around the edifice of power,
dictatorship and injustice. It is used to cover up structural
injustice."

Remi does not doubt for one minute that the Pope's activities were
very political and right wing, if not reactionary:

"During his pontificate the Pope had established under his direct
initiative some 123 different religious organisations that are all
right-wing, conservative and reactionary. Some are linked to Opus Dei
but others have their own dynamic like the Egidius community, the
Tiberiades and so many others. They are based on small communities and
preach a fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible. Their aim, which
is also the Pope's aim, is to replace the old territorial structures
- parishes for instance - of the Church that are now
experiencing a general emptying out. The fact that John Paul II
refused access to the clergy for women also strengthens this tendency.
In Belgium for instance 2000 jobs aimed at helping community based
Christian groups have not been filled as a result. Meanwhile the 123
new right-wing religious groups receive all the necessary aid. Those
are the groups who also organise those world events of young people
called World Days of the Youth around the figure of the Pope. We
should nevertheless not be impressed by those gatherings. The media
presents them as the proof that the Pope is loved by young people. It
is not difficult to obtain this result of massive turnouts if those
123 organisations from all over the world come together at one place.
Of course even amongst those circles of young and mostly right-wing
people there is a desire for spirituality in a world full of
insecurity and uncertainty."

"Those reactionary objectives of the Pope are more sharply revealed in
his early alliance with the American President Ronald Reagan. When he
became president he published the so-called Santa Fe document. This
was in 1980. It was a policy report on National Security based on the
situation in Latin America. Part of the measures elaborated in this
document to combat 'Evil Communism' in Latin America was to oppose the
Christian rank and file groups who preached liberation theology. The
Pope and Ronald Reagan were in complete accord on the objectives. John
Paul II succeeded to marginalize during his pontificate the numerous
supporters of liberation theology through a policy of appointments of
right-wing clergymen and repression against people like Ernesto
Cardenal, the priest who was a minister in the first revolutionary
Sandinista government in Nicaragua in 1979. This situation made it
very difficult for groups like Christians for Socialism to develop
their work. It had a very negative effect."

"It is true that the Pope also condemned the foreign debt of the
poorest countries and that he favoured the cancellation of those
debts. He also criticised the war in Iraq, but this was probably a
tactic to protect the small Christian community in that country. Yes,
he has even criticised capitalism but only its outer forms, the
symptoms, and the consequences. He never really condemned the
capitalist system as such. He took a very different attitude in
relation to the regimes in Poland and the Soviet Union. If you
believed the media, you would think that the Pope pulled down the
Berlin wall single-handedly! John Paul II considered communism as the
worst sort of atheism, which had to be combated fervently. That
determined his support for the leadership of Solidarnosc, the Polish
trade union that fought the Polish regime. This Pope was a very
right-wing political leader of the Catholic Church."

What about the new Pope?

"I expect nothing from a new Pope, except that he will continue and
strengthen the right wing and conservative legacy of John Paul II.
There can be no doubt about it. We on our side as critical Christians
need to go and rediscover the Bible. Our Bible has been expropriated
of its content as an instrument of the poor and the dispossessed in
the struggle against injustice. Of course we nourish our inspiration
from other currents such as the socialist ones. Nevertheless we have
to reclaim Jesus as someone who struggled against the institutions and
the structures of oppression."

*******

LETTERS

Next month Peter Cassells is visiting NZ and the top union bureaucrats
in the CTU here (Congress of Trade Unions) are inviting unionists to
attend a special presentation in Wellington by him on partnership in
Ireland.

Down here, there's not a great deal of interest in government circles
in partnership. Since 1984, when the Labour government launched the
biggest attack on workers since the Depression, the trend has been to
just attack the working class and dump the old pre-1984 forms of
collaboration and not really replace them with new forms.

The employers and government basically rely on the fact that a lot of
workers are demoralised, that union membership has massively declined
and that the top union brass are totally supine. So they're not under
any pressure to come up with new forms of collaboration which might
have the veneer of even union participation let alone partnership.

Partnership is, however, the current buzz word of the aging
Armani-suited yuppies atop the union movement here (the head of the
CTU and the head of the largest union, the Engineers, are both yuppie
lawyers).

Anyway, do any of you guys have any stuff you could get to me by email
about partnership in Ireland and its results. We’d like to do a
leaflet for this meeting.

I think I had a couple of copies of 'Red Banner' with stuff on
partnership, but I'm not sure if I still have them.

Hope all is well with all of you,

Phil

[Philip Ferguson, philip.ferguson@canterbury.ac.nz]

*******

THE MYTHOLOGY OF PEOPLE POWER

London Guardian
1 April 2005

The Mythology of People Power: The Glamour of Street Protests Should
Not Blind Us to the Reality of US-Backed Coups in the Former USSR
by John Laughland

Before his denunciation yesterday of the "prevailing influence" of the
US in the "anti-constitutional coup" which overthrew him last week,
President Askar Akayev of Kyrgyzstan had used an interesting phrase to
attack those who were stirring up trouble in the drug-ridden Ferghana
Valley. A criminal "third force", linked to the drug mafia, was
struggling to gain power Originally used as a label for covert
operatives shoring up apartheid in South Africa, before being adopted
by the US-backed "pro-democracy" movement in Iran in November 2001,
the third force i s also the title of a book published by the Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace, which details how western-backed
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can promote regime and policy
change all over the world. The formulaic repetition of a third "people
power" revolution in the former Soviet Union in just over one year -
after the similar events in Georgia in November 2003 and in Ukraine
last Christmas - means that the post-Soviet space now resembles
Central America in the 1970s and 1980s, when a series of US-backed
coups consolidated that country's control over the western hemisphere.
Many of the same US government operatives in Latin America have plied
their trade in eastern Europe under George Bush, most notably Michael
Kozak, former US ambassador to Belarus, who boasted in these pages in
2001 that he was doing in Belarus exactly what he had been doing in
Nicaragua: "supporting democracy".

But for some reason, many on the left seem not to have noticed this
continuity. Perhaps this is because these events are being
energetically presented as radical and leftwing even by commentators
and political activists on the right, for whom revolutionary violence
is now cool. As protesters ransacked the presidential palace in
Bishkek last week (unimpeded by the police who were under strict
instructions not to use violence), a Times correspondent enthused
about how the scenes reminded him of Bolshevik propaganda films about
the 1917 revolution. The Daily Telegraph extolled "power to the
people", while the Financial Times welcomed Kyrgyzstan's "long march"
to freedom. This myth of the masses spontaneously rising up against an
authoritarian regime now exerts such a grip over the collective
imagination that it persists despite being obviously false: try to
imagine the American police allowing demonstrators to ransack the
White House, and you will immediately und erstand that these
"dictatorships" in the former USSR are in reality among the most
fragile, indulgent and weak regimes in the world.

The US ambassador in Bishkek, Stephen Young, has spent recent months
strenuously denying government claims that the US was interfering in
Kyrgyzstan's internal affairs. But with anti-Akayev demonstrators
telling western journalists that they want Kyrgyzstan to become "the
51st state", this official line is wearing a little thin.

Even Young admits that Kyrgyzstan is the largest recipient of US aid
in central Asia: the US has spent $746m there since 1992, in a country
with fewer than 5 million inhabitants, and $31m was pumped in in 2004
alone under the terms of the Freedom Support Act. As a result, the
place is crawling with what the ambassador rightly calls
"American-sponsored NGOs".

The case of Freedom House is particularly arresting. Chaired by the
former CIA director James Woolsey, Freedom Ho se was a major sponsor
of the orange revolution in Ukraine. It set up a printing press in
Bishkek in November 2003, which prints 60 opposition journals.
Although it is described as an "independent" press, the body that
officially owns it is chaired by the bellicose Republican senator John
McCain, while the former national security adviser Anthony Lake sits
on the board. The US also supports opposition radio and TV.

Many of the recipients of this aid are open about their political
aims: the head of the US-funded Coalition for Democracy and Civil
Society, Edil Baisalov, told the New York Times that the overthrow of
Akayev would have been "absolutely impossible" without American help.
In Kyrgyzstan as in Ukraine, a key element in regime change was played
by the elements in the local secret services, whose loyalty is easily
bought.

Perhaps the most intriguing question is why? Bill Clinton's assistant
secretary of state called Akayev "a Jeffersonian democrat" in 1994,
and the Kyrgyz ex-president won kudos for welcoming US-backed NGOs and
the American military. But the ditching of old friends has become
something of a habit: both Edward Shevardnadze of Georgia and Leonid
Kuchma of Ukraine were portrayed as great reformers for most of their
time in office.

To be sure, the US has well-known strategic interests in central Asia,
especially in Kyrgyzstan. Freedom House's friendliness to the Islamist
fundamentalist movement Hizb ut-Tahrir will certainly unsettle a
Beijing concerned about Muslim unrest in its western provinces. But
perhaps the clearest message sent by Akayev's overthrow is this: in
the new world order the sudden replacement of party cadres hangs as a
permanent threat - or incentive - over even the most compliant
apparatchik.

[John Laughland is a trustee of http://www.oscewatch.org/and an
associate of http://www.sandersresearch.com/.]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,1449869,00.html

*******

WHAT'S ON

*

Saturday, 16 April

Bring Them Back! March for the return of Athlone Mothers - Saturday
16th Apri 12:00 - From Burgess Park (near Golden Island) To St.
Peter's Square

Iyabo Nwanzi and Elizabeth Odunsi

Having fled the danger and turmoil of Nigeria, Elizabeth and Iyabo
settled in Athlone in the summer of 2001. Both women have become an
important part of the town's life. They sought to build a safer,
better future for themselves and their children by studying English,
Mathematics, and Computer Applications in a Vocational Training
Opportunities Scheme. They looked forward to the day that they they
would be allowed to work and support themselves in their adopted
country.

Now, more than ever, this country needs people of moral integrity, a
sense of justice and a respect for those around them. Elizabeth and
Iwabo are such people. They have embraced the life and culture of
Athlone. They have become good friends and neighbours. Their children
have spent the last four years at school with our children; they are
classmates, school friends and teammates; they have grown up
together.

To see the families of Elizabetha and Iyabo torn apart and separated
from their friends, to see their dream of a future free of abuse and
fear crushed and to see their children hiding in fear is beyond
comprehension. Our immigration and asylum system has failed them, our
state has failed them and anyone who remains silent on their plight is
failing them.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Michael
McDowell has said that if the children of Elizabeth and Iyabo are
presented to him he will return them to Nigeria. To give these mothers
a choice between bringing their children into danger or being
separated from them indefinitely is inhumane.

We ask you to add your voice to ours in calling for the return of
Elizabeth and Iwabo. Help us to speak for those who are not being
heard. Help us to reunite these Athlone mothers with their children.
Elizabeth and Iyabo and their two youngest children must come back to
Ireland.

They must come home to Athlone, now!

*

Saturday, April 30

Comrades - The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign is inviting all
interested parties to join us for a strategy meeting re the June
Ireland/Israel soccer match on Saturday April 30th, probably in the
Teachers' Club. Time TBC, but probably around 12.30.

In solidarity - Raymond Deane, Chair: IPSC

*

Saturday, April 30

National May Day Demonstration - Solidarity with Migrant Workers

Republican Socialist Contingent

Assemble: Saturday April 30th 2pm, Garden of Remembrance,Parnell
Square, Dublin.

This year's May Day trade union demonstration will take place on
Saturday April 30th meeting at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance in
Parnell Square.

The demo will march to Liberty Hall and is on the theme of solidarity
with migrant workers. The march itself has been called by the Dublin
Council of Trade Unions.

Bring Your Work Mates, Friends, Family, Flags (Starry Plough/Red) and
Solidarity!

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Dublin
PO Box 10081, Dublin 1, Ireland
Telephone: 0876 320 323
Email: dublinirsp@hotmail.com
http://www.dublinirsp.150m.com/
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html

*

Sunday, 1 May

May 1: May Day Rally for Jobs, Not War - Bring the Troops Home Now!
Union Square (New York City), 1pm.

Join us May 1 to say, "Jobs, Not War!" Thousands of working people,
trade unionists, veterans, youth, and antiwar activists will take to
the streets on May Day - International Workers Day - to
demand jobs, housing, and education, not war and occupation.

http://www.TroopsOutNow.org/

On March 19, thousands of activists, students, veterans, and community
organizers joined in a historic march from Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park
to Central Park to demand an end to the illegal occupation of Iraq.

The turnout for this demonstration confirms that the antiwar movement
has entered into a new phase of organizing against the war. It
confirms that the greatest attention must be paid to reaching out to
communities most impacted by the war and by the policies of the Bush
Administration. These communities are the targets of the budget cuts.
They are also targeted by military recruiters, who exploit economic
hardship with false promises of opportunity. As a result, the children
of these communities are dying disproportionately in Iraq, paying the
ultimate price for a policy of greed and empire.

On May 1 the Troops Out Now Coalition and the NYC Million Worker March
are calling for a Jobs, Not War!

Bring the Troops Home Now! rally in Union Square, NYC.

May Day grew out of the struggle of working people in this country
more than 100 years ago for an 8-hour workday with a full day's pay.
All over the world, working and poor people march on May Day to send
the message that workers are united and have the right to a job, a
living wage, health care, housing and education. Workers have a right
to pensions and social security. Immigrant workers and the unemployed
should have the same rights. On May Day 2005, let's bring back that
fighting spirit.

This is an important opportunity to link the struggle against the war
with the struggle for jobs, healthcare, and education here at home.

Now, more than ever, the antiwar movement needs to be in the streets
to oppose the Bush Administration's agenda of endless war. Two years
ago, George W. Bush took the U.S. into war under the pretense that
Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Now, his Administration is
claiming that Iran and North Korea possess weapons of mass
destruction. It is important that we expose any talk of removing the
threat of nuclear weapons as just another justification for a
pre-emptive war against the people of Iran and Korea.

As the Bush Administration gears up for new military adventures,
working people at home are under attack, as budgets for education,
housing, and healthcare are slashed, the cost of living rises, and
jobs are disappearing.

For more than 100 years, May Day has been a day for working people to
be in the streets, united in the struggle for jobs, healthcare, and
housing. Join us in the streets, May 1 in Union Square!

What you can do:

1) Endorse the May 1 Rally:
http://www.troopsoutnow.org/may1endorse.html

2) Help get the word out. Download flyers at:
http://troopsoutnow.org/literature.html

3) Donate: http://www.troopsoutnow.org/donate.html

4) Organize transportation from your area:
http://www.troopsoutnow.org/volunteer.html

http://www.NoDraftNoWay.org/

*******

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*

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The Plough Vol 02 No 31

The Plough
Volume 2, Number 31
5 April 2005

E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party

1) The Pope and Cuba
2) Outcome Will Give Food for Thought to Bosses
3) Attack on Hospital Was an Attack Against All Our Class
4) Shock at Untimely Death of INLA Hunger Striker's Sister
5) Concern at Attack on 32CSM Member in Britain
6) What's On

*******

THE POPE AND CUBA

After Pope John Paul II has finally crossed over the line from life to
death, Fidel Castro's speech at the welcoming ceremony for this Pope's
visit to Cuba in January 1998 might serve as an obituary:

Castro Confidently Welcomes Pope To Cuba
By Fidel Castro

[Below we reprint the speech given by Cuban president Fidel Castro at
the welcoming ceremony for Pope John Paul II, January 21 at the
José Martí International Airport in Havana. The translation is
by the Militant, from the transcript released by the Cuban Council of
State. Footnotes are by the Militant.]

Your Holiness:

The island whose soil you have just kissed is honoured by your
presence. You will not find here those peaceful and good-natured
native inhabitants who populated it when the first Europeans reached
this island. The men were almost all exterminated by exploitation and
slave labor that they were unable to withstand; the women were
converted into objects of pleasure or domestic slaves. There were also
those who died under the blade of homicidal swords, or as victims of
unknown diseases imported by the conquistadors. Some priests left
heartrending testimonies of their protests against such crimes.

Throughout the centuries, more than 1 million Africans, cruelly
uprooted from their distant lands, took the place of the indigenous
slaves who had been wiped out. They made a considerable contribution
to the ethnic composition and origin of the current population of our
country, in which the culture, beliefs, and the blood of all those who
participated in this dramatic history is mixed.

It is estimated that the conquest and colonization of the entire
hemisphere cost the lives of 70 million indigenous people and led to
the enslavement of 12 million Africans. Much blood was spilled and
many injustices were committed, many of which - after centuries of
sacrifice and struggle - still persist under other forms of domination
and exploitation.

Cuba achieved its nationhood under extremely difficult conditions. It
battled alone with unsurpassable heroism for its independence. For
that reason, exactly 100 years ago it suffered a genuine holocaust in
concentration camps, where a considerable part of its population
perished, primarily women, the elderly, and children. This was a crime
committed by the colonialists that, although it has been forgotten in
the conscience of humanity, has not ceased being a monstrous crime.
You, a son of Poland and a witness of Oswiecim, can comprehend it
better than anyone. [1]

Your Holiness, another genocide is being attempted today, so as to
bring to its knees through hunger, disease, and total economic
asphyxiation a people who refuse to submit to the dictates and sway of
the most powerful economic, political, and military power in history,
far more powerful than that of Ancient Rome, which for centuries threw
to the lions those who refused to renounce their faith. Like those
Christians atrociously slandered in order to justify the crimes, we,
who are similarly slandered, would prefer death a thousand times
before renouncing our convictions. Just like the Church, the
revolution too has many martyrs.

Your Holiness, we think like you on many important issues of today's
world, and that is a source of great satisfaction to us. On other
matters, our opinions differ, but we pay respectful homage to the deep
conviction with which you defend your ideas.

In your long pilgrimage throughout the world, you have seen with your
own eyes much injustice, inequality, poverty; fields without crops and
peasants without food and without land; unemployment, hunger, disease,
lives that could have been saved by a few pennies but are lost;
illiteracy, child prostitution, children working from the age of six
or begging in order to live; shanty-towns where hundreds of millions
of people live in inhuman conditions; discrimination for reasons of
race or sex, entire ethnic groups ousted from their lands and
abandoned to chance; xenophobia, contempt for other peoples, cultures
destroyed or being destroyed; underdevelopment, usurious loans,
uncollectible and unpayable debts, unequal terms of trade, monstrous
and unproductive financial speculation; an environment mercilessly
destroyed, at times beyond repair; unscrupulous arms trading for
repugnant commercial ends, wars, violence, massacres; generalized
corruption, drugs, vices, and an alienating consumerism imposed as an
idyllic model on all peoples.

Humanity has grown almost fourfold in this century alone. Billions of
people are suffering hunger and a thirst for justice; the list of the
peoples' economic and social disasters is interminable. I am aware
that many of them are a constant and growing concern of Your Holiness.

I have had personal experiences that have allowed me to appreciate
other aspects of your thinking. I was a student at Catholic schools up
until I went to university. I was taught then that to be a Protestant,
a Jew, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Buddhist, an Animist, or a participant in
other religious beliefs constituted a horrible sin, worthy of severe
and implacable punishment. More than once, in some of those schools
for the wealthy and privileged, among whom I found myself, it occurred
to me to ask why there were no Black children there. I have never been
able to forget the totally unpersuasive responses I received.

Years later, Vatican Council II, convened by Pope John XXIII, took up
some of these delicate questions. We are aware of Your Holiness'
efforts to practice and preach respect toward believers of other
important and influential religions that have spread throughout the
world. Respect for believers and non-believers is a basic principle
that we Cuban revolutionaries have inculcated in our compatriots.
Those principles have been defined and are guaranteed by our
Constitution and our laws. If difficulties have arisen at any time,
the fault has never been with the revolution.

We cherish the hope that, one day, no adolescent in any school in any
region of the world will need to ask why there isn't a single Black,
Indian, Asian or white child in it.

Your Holiness:

I sincerely admire your courageous statements on what happened with
Galileo, the well-known errors of the Inquisition, the bloody episodes
of the Crusades, the crimes committed during the conquest of America,
and on certain scientific discoveries that nowadays go unquestioned
but which, in their time, were the object of so many prejudices and
anathemas. That necessitated the immense authority that you have
acquired in your Church.

What can we offer you in Cuba, Your Holiness? A people with fewer
inequalities, fewer unprotected citizens, fewer children without
schools, fewer sick people without hospitals, more teachers and more
doctors per inhabitant than any other country in the world visited by
Your Holiness; an educated people to whom you can speak with all the
liberty you wish, and with the security that this people possesses
talent, a high political culture, deep convictions, absolute
confidence in its ideas, and all the awareness and respect in the
world to listen to you. There is no country better equipped to
understand your felicitous idea, such as we understand it and so
similar to what we preach, that the equitable distribution of wealth
and solidarity among human beings and peoples must be globalized.

Welcome to Cuba.

[1] Hundreds of thousands of Cuban peasants were removed from the
countryside and forced into camps by the Spanish military under the
command of Gen. Valerian Weyler during Cuba's second war for
independence, 1895-98. Oswiecim (also known by the German name of
Auschwitz), Poland, was the site of one of the most infamous Nazi
concentration camps during World War II.

[Taken from "The Militant" Vol. 62/No. 5 February 9, 1998]

*******

OUTCOME WILL GIVE FOOD FOR THOUGHT TO BOSSES

30 March 2005
Irish Republican Socialist Party, Dublin

The Irish Republican Socialist Party in Dublin has welcomed the
outcome of a migrant worker employed by Irish Ferries after it emerged
that she was receiving poverty wages at just over €1 per hour.

A spokesperson for the IRSP in Dublin, John Murtagh, said: "The Irish
Republican Socialist Party fully welcome today's decision to award
Salvacion Orge the level of compensation, a package totalling
€25,000 plus her flight back home. This outcome will at least give
food for thought to the employers involved and to likeminded bosses in
Ireland of which there are many who still aren't prepared to pay a
decent wage for a decent day's work.

"It is also my understanding that co-workers of Ms. Orge deserve
credit for standing by her all the time whilst she battled with her
employers. This is truly the type of solidarity befitting Irish
workers and is renowned the world over, they, too, raised a staggering
€1000 for Ms. Orge who was hired by Temporary Employment Agency to
work as a beautician on the Irish Ferries vessel."

The spokesperson concluded by stating: "It is the view of our party
that similar slave labour agencies continue to operate freely through
out the country who are well and truly knee deep in the procurement of
cheap labour from abroad. It is a known fact that this isn't an
isolated incident. What the IRSP now call for is an in-depth
independent investigation into the world of Temporary Employment
Agencies and their growing use within the Irish labour market."

###

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Dublin
PO Box 10081, Dublin 1, Ireland
Telephone: 0876 320 323
Email: dublinirsp@hotmail.com
http://www.dublinirsp.150m.com/
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html

*******

ATTACK ON HOSPITAL WAS AN ATTACK AGAINST ALL OUR CLASS

30 March 2005
Irish Republican Socialist Party, Derry

The Irish Republican Socialist Party have hit out against what it
classed as anti-working class elements who attacked and burnt what was
to been the regions first renal service unit at Altnagelvin Hospital.

A spokesperson for the IRSP in Derry, Yvonne Dalton, said: "The Irish
Republican Socialist Party condemn those responsible for last night's
arson attack on the site of Altnagelvin Hospital's renal unit. This is
the same type of senseless anti-working class element that attacks
ambulance and fire crews as they enter our communities to assist and
save lives. This attack on our hospital, on such a vital service, was
an attack against all our class.

"It defies belief why anyone would knowingly attack and burn a
hospital unit which would eventually help save the lives of local
patients needing kidney dialysis throughout the north west region. It
is already common knowledge that people here who are in desperate need
of dialysis have been deprived of such a service locally for years and
have to trek across the country to Omagh for treatment."

The spokesperson concluded by stating: "Having spoken to several
people who travel to and from Omagh on a weekly bases this morning to
express our concerns, people are not only clearly angered but are in
shock at the level of stupidity of such an act. It must be made clear
that this type of anti-working class activity cannot and will not be
accepted by our class."

###

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Derry
PO Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX
Telephone: 02871 262999
http://www.angelfire.com/space/derryirsp/
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html

*******

SHOCK AT UNTIMELY DEATH OF INLA HUNGER STRIKER'S SISTER

31 March 2005
Irish Republican Socialist Party, Derry

The Irish Republican Socialist Party in Derry expressed shock and
sadness at the sudden death of Margaret McCauley, the sister of Irish
National Liberation Army hunger striker Micky Devine, at her home in
the Creggan area of the city.

Paying tribute to Mrs. McCauley a spokesperson for the IRSP, Eamon
O'Donnell, said: "The entire republican socialist community today woke
up to news of this terrible loss. On behalf of the Irish Republican
Socialist Movement I would like to offer our condolences to her
immediate family circle and to her nephew and niece, Micky Og and
Louise Devine, and express our shock and sadness at the untimely death
of Margaret.

"As we enter the 24th year of remembrance to the ten brave INLA and
IRA volunteers who died on hunger strike, it will undoubtedly prove to
be a difficult time for the families of those whose sons and brothers
died during that period of our struggle against British imperialism.
Margaret ensured that the honour and great sacrifice of her brother
and that of his comrades were remembered with pride as she attended
each and every commemoration and event with her own personal dignity.
It will of course bring many emotions and memories flooding back to
her family, to the relatives of those like Margaret who lost so much,
and to the people of Derry. Margaret will be sadly missed by everyone
who knew her."

###

Irish Republican Socialist Party, Derry
PO Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX
Telephone: 02871 262999
http://www.angelfire.com/space/derryirsp/
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html

*******

CONCERN AT ATTACK ON 32CSM MEMBER IN BRITAIN

The 32 County Sovereignty Movement is extremely concerned at an
attack, which took place last week in Britain. A member of the 32 CSM
was targeted in an attack that was clearly intended at serious injury
or even death. The member in Britain was travelling in his car with
his two children when he noticed a strong smell of petrol. This smell
began to get stronger and stronger until finally he was forced to pull
his car over and check the engine. It was then that the individual,
who wishes to remain nameless following legal advice, noticed the
remnants of a white plastic container and a substantial amount of
petrol spread about the interior of the engine. The container was
lodged between the engine and side panel of the car on top of the fan
belt pulleys.

It is clear that whoever placed this device did so with the intention
of seriously injuring or causing death to the occupants of the
vehicle, which is what would have happened, had the petrol ignited.
The individual reported the incident to the police in the presence of
his solicitor and was promised that the incident was being "looked
into."

This is the latest in a litany of attacks on this person with many
emanating from Loyalist and right wing factions in Britain but this is
by far the most serious in that it has crossed the boundary of general
intimidation and harassment and moved onto a more serious level.
Following previous attacks the British security services have used
them to assure the person that he would be protected if he played
ball. This attack is the culmination of events in recent weeks whereby
members of the Sovereignty Movement across Britain have been
approached by Security Service personnel and put under pressure to
work for them. All approaches have been reported to legal
representatives and the 32 County Sovereignty Movement. We in the 32
County Sovereignty Movement view this as an attack by the British
secret services in an effort to put pressure on the member to either
desist from his duties in the Sovereignty Movement and to put him in a
situation whereby he may be more inclined to put trust in their agents
in return for the protection of his family. Although the type of
device was crude but viable, the method of entry to the engine was
sophisticated in that the bonnet was fully locked and alarmed and the
engine was entirely sealed from below. When the police investigated
the car they admitted that it had not been broken into. This would
lead us to believe that those who planned the attack wanted the victim
to think the attack was perpetrated by someone who held a grudge;
indeed this was suggested by the detectives investigating the case.
The facts are clear this type of attack is not consistent with a mere
grudge and is quite obviously more sinister. The victim of the attack
expressed the opinion that this has all the hallmarks of a black
operation by the faceless people from the British security services.

The 32 County Sovereignty Movement advise all our members to remain
vigilant and to be wary of any approaches from the authorities under
the guise of providing help or protection in the event of such an
attack.

Press Release
32 County Sovereignty Movement
30/03/2005
Contact: Andy Martin Director of Publicity 07742 439 449 or e-mail
sovereign_nation@hotmail.com

*******

WHAT'S ON

*

Wednesday, 6 April

Public Meeting - The Fight to Make Poverty History

Speakers: Angela McCormick, Anti-poverty activist, G8 Alternatives
Committee, Scotland; Goretti Horgan, Chairperson of the Northern
Ireland Anti Poverty Network

7.30pm Wednesday April 6th, Room 302 Peter Froggatt Centre, Queens
University

Poverty is one of the central issues of the age with nearly half the
world's population surviving on less than $2 per day and over one
third living on less than a dollar per day.

In Northern Ireland, one of the poorest areas in Europe, 170,000 (25%
of the population) exist solely on benefits. Wages here are at least
25% less than they are in Britain and over 30% lower than in the US.
Homelessness is increasing and the availability of public housing is
shrinking. The introduction of Water Charges will impoverish many more
people in Northern Ireland when they are introduced. On that basis the
Make Poverty History mobilisation is of crucial importance.

The Public Meeting is intended to raise awareness of the central
issues, how various groups are fighting to alleviate poverty and most
importantly to raise awareness of the mobilisation in Scotland on July
2nd.

For more information please feel free to call Gordon Hewitt, Campaigns
and Information Officer at the Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty MTG on
07742 531 617 or 0845 120 3771.

*

Saturday, 9 April

Support Irish Republican POW's in Maghaberry and Portlaoise Prisons!

Protest at the GPO, O'Connell Street, Dublin, Saturday 9th April 2005,
12:45pm till 2pm.

*******

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