The Plough
Volume 3, Number 9
27 November 2005
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1) Editorial
2) Hunger Striker's Son Demands Human Rights Intervention
3) Republican Socialist Youth Movement Statement
4) IRSP Press Statement 15th November 2005
5) Urgent Solidarity: Spanish Communists Begin Hunger Strike
6) O'Hara Family Solidarity Statement
7) No to the Farce Trials Against the Spanish Communists!
8) From the Newspapers
9) Letters
10) Marxism and the Venezuelan Revolution: A Book Review
11) What's On
*******
EDITORIAL
This edition of The Plough deals in the main with affairs outside of
Ireland. This is not because there are not enough issues of concern in
Ireland. On the contrary there are many issues of concern to working
class activists not least the current situation concerning Irish
Ferries and their attempt to import cheap labour onto the ferries and
smash Irish trade unionism. However Irish republicans are also
internationalist in outlook and do see the fellow worker in other
countries as our comrades. In this edition the son of Michael Devine,
one of three INLA hunger strikers, adds his voice of solidarity with
political activists facing trial in France. There is also a statement
from the RSYM condemning the murder of a Russian anti-fascist.
These statements by our younger comrades contrasts favourably with the
actions of Ogra Sinn Fein, who in a blatant piece of political
opportunism have produced a recruiting poster for their organisation
featuring the 10 dead hunger strikers from 1981 with the slogan "10
good reasons to join Ogra Sinn Fein". Needless to say neither the
Republican Socialist Movement nor the families of the three dead INLA
hunger strikers were consulted on the issue of their image for party
recruiting purposes. We call on Ogra Sinn Fein to withdraw the posters
immediately.
Other issues covered concern chemical weapons including mustard gas
dumped around the shores of the USA with unknown consequences for
future generations. We also carry a damming indictment of ASDA–WalMart
whose sharp practices now come to West Belfast. We also carry a
critical but sympathetic review of Alan Woods' book on the Venezuelan
revolution.
*******
HUNGER STRIKER'S SON DEMANDS HUMAN RIGHTS INTERVENTION
The son of a Derry INLA hunger striker, Micky Og Devine, has added his
voice for the release of the nine political activists who have been on
hunger strike for the last three weeks whilst awaiting trial in
France. On November 16th the trial commenced in a Paris court room
against activists of PCE (r) [Communist Party of Spain reconstituted]
an underground political party and GRAPO [First of October
Anti-Fascist Revolutionary Group] and SRI [International Red Aid].
The French state aided and commanded by the Franco's Spanish Civil
Guard is collaborating in a so-called 'anti-terrorist campaign'.
In a statement released on behalf of the Devine Family, Micky Og
Devine, has called on human rights organisations to "bear witness" the
unfolding events, requesting them to "step into the arena before
deaths occur due to high levels of brutality and systematic torture"
by French & Spanish State authorities. In the statement he also called
for an "immediate cessation of the continuing 'Show Trials' against
the political activists".
"I and countless others around the world have been following this
latest round of injustice which has been simmering over the past
number of years in both French and Spanish goals. In the last few
years the Spanish state has illegalized dozens of social-political and
cultural organisations of the left which all are non-armed, under the
anti-terrorist laws. Basically it's erasing out of the equation all
those politically opposed to the establishment.
"The Spanish authorities have been attempting to link PCE (r) and
GRAPO as one sole organisation for the last 25 years without success.
Now they are seeking assistance from neighboring France for it to
arrange new laws that will permit, or to achieve their agenda.
"Isolation, torture and abuse have been relentless ever since their
capture and imprisonment. They will try anything to break them down.
I would call on those who monitor human rights violations to bear
witness to what has been developing both in France and in the Spanish
state, step into the issues involved here before deaths occur due to
high levels of brutality and systematic torture. Greater solidarity is
needed at this time for those incarcerated.
"We are now in the era of mass pacification, where anyone who attempts
to stand up against injustice and oppression, protests or struggles
politically against the establishments rule, are likely to be silenced
and that is clearly a matter of fact.
"We don't need new laws or further regulations to justify internment
by state forces without trial, torture and even murder. The state is
already carrying these activities out without hesitation or hindrance.
And this is not an isolated occurrence against political activists in
France, in the Spanish State, or in the hellholes of Turkey as it is
an unwritten policy alive and well in the occupied six counties.
"I am reminded of the miscarriage of justice victim, Tyrone man John
Brady, a republican activist who has been held in goal since his
detention back in June 2004 with not a single charge against him. That
was until trumped up charges appeared in September 2005 concerning the
murder of a British soldier in 2002, the case itself is remarkably
similar to that of Derry republican Seamus Doherty, now freed
following widespread protests by his family, friends and neighbours
against a host of false charges.
"In order to fulfill their pursuit the imperialist states are going to
do anything they can to silence any voices of resistance by locking
them up in isolation, torturing them, denying them basic rights, such
as communication with one another as political prisoners or defence of
themselves. That's why the nine communist, anti-fascist and prisoner
solidarity activists that the state wanted to put away in order to
diminish any political opposition in the region (France or Spain), had
to carry out a hunger strike.
"A scene, only too familiar to that of my own family and that of other
families of former political prisoners as we draw near to the 25
anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike.
"This may be seen by some as an isolated issue however you can be sure
that other states are watching very closely at these unfolding
developments just as many did whilst my father and his comrades and
our class fought back against British imperialism during 1981 hunger
strike. It is now policy of the imperialist states to hunt political
activists that can be seen as a threat for any involvement in the
building of a successful working class resistance movement.
"On behalf of myself and the Devine family, I would like to offer our
heartfelt support and solidarity in your struggle, and the strength to
stand against continuing oppression and unremitting brutality. You are
not alone in at this time, the whole world is watching!"
Stop The Show Trials!
Stop The Torture!
Micky Og Devine
*******
REPUBLICAN SOCIALIST YOUTH MOVEMENT STATEMENT ON MURDER OF RUSSIAN
ANTI-FASCIST
The Republican Socialist Youth Movement condemns unreservedly the
savage murder of twenty year old Russian anti-fascist Timur Kacharava
by Russian Nazis on the evening of November 13. Timur and a friend
were standing in the street when they were set upon by a Nazi gang,
Timur died after being stabbed multiple times in the neck. His friend
survived the attack but is still in hospital, despite being stabbed
five times.
Timur was active in the Russian punk community, playing lead guitarist
for the band 'Sandinista!', he was active in the anarchist circles and
was involved in active confrontation with Nazis on the streets as well
as the Food Not Bombs project.
We call upon all anti-fascists and leftists both at home and abroad to
maintain vigilance and to unite and organise in opposition to fascism
which ultimately must be smashed through a broad campaign headed by
the working class.
http://www.rsym.org/
*******
IRSP PRESS STATEMENT 15TH NOVEMBER 2005
The IRSP in Belfast condemn death threats that have been issued
The IRSP in Belfast condemn death threats that have been issued
through the PSNI/RUC to a number of our party activists in East Belfast.
Party spokesperson Paul Little said, "The issue of state sponsored
murder and British security force collusion has long been recognised
as a core part of British security policy in Ireland. It has been used
with some effect against republicans of all strands, the IRSP view
with concern that Britain still is employing these tactics in the new
millennium, transferring a few British troops out of Castlereagh
hardly constitutes justice where you have members of the British Army
conspiring with others to murder Irish republicans post-Good Friday
Agreement."
The IRSP are cautioning anyone who received death threats that they
have little choice only to take them seriously given the past history
of collusion between sections of Ulster loyalism and British forces.
*******
URGENT SOLIDARITY: SPANISH COMMUNISTS BEGIN HUNGER STRIKE
What follows is the translated text announcing the beginning of an
indefinite hunger strike by Spanish Communists on October 28th 2005,
all of whom are currently imprisoned and awaiting political 'show
trials' in Paris France.
Solidarity protests are already underway in France and others are now
being planned in a number of other countries.
Please forward this information text as a gesture of international
solidarity and where possible create similar solidarity information
pickets or protests.
It is vital at this time, in this current climate of fear and
increased oppression that political prisoners in France, Spain, Turkey
and Ireland are not left isolated in the face of injustice, further
isolation, torture and the risk of certain death.
Stop The Brutality!
Political Status Now!
Freedom For All Political Prisoners!
Eighteen days of indefinite hunger strike & Political Show Trials
On October 28th the political prisoners of SRI (International Red Aid)
and GRAPO (First of October Anti-Fascist Revolutionary Group) and the
PCE(r) (Spanish Communist Party reconstituted) currently jailed in
France began an indefinite hunger strike for the respect and for the
right to have a judicial defence who are now facing a political show
trial that starts on November 16th. The trial will last for nine days
until mid December and the prisoners won't stop the strike until it is
recognised the international right to a fair judicial defence.
They are denied any form of information or vital documents regarding
what they are being put on trial for. The information received to
date is only in French. Their communication is restricted from the
outside and with their lawyers and their most recent visitors have
been refused admittance. This is clearly a political show trial.
Therefore their only weapon left open to them has been to embark on a
hunger strike.
Today is the eighteen day (November 18th 2005) of the hunger strike.
We must remind ourselves that they are political prisoners who already
lack vitalities after having been imprisoned for over twenty years and
having suffered torture and isolation as well as other hunger strikes.
By what little news we receive from the inside, we know that Josefina
García Aranburu has had to end her part in the hunger strike as she is
suffering serious health problems. As a supplement measure, she
refuses prison food and she has decided not to leave her cell. We are
also aware of the physical complications that Maria Angeles Ruiz Villa
is suffering. Another three prisoners Fernando Hierro Chomón (24 years
in jail), Xaquin Garrido (23 years in jail) and Marcos Martín Ponce,
have already felt serious health problems. 430 hours of hunger on the
bodies that have already been ill-treated are already affecting them.
And the protest continues.
On Wednesday 16th they will be moved to the 'Palace of Justice' with
already three weeks of hunger strike on their backs. In previous
trials, (the Paris 7 in 2003) several of these communist militants
were assaulted and beaten in transport, so the treat is more than
real. Let's not allow the silence. Solidarity is not just a weapon
to condemn but also of tenderness and of human and political dignity.
There is a solidarity picket on Wednesday 16th of November in Paris
outside the court room. At the moment it has been confirmed the
presence of the Barcelona, Galiza, Madrid and Rome SRI, as well as the
SRI in France. In France itself they count with the support of DHKC
and TAYAD. They have also received the unconditional support of the
IRSP and of the republican socialist prisoners in Ireland.
*******
O'HARA FAMILY SOLIDARITY STATEMENT
The family of 1981 INLA Hunger Striker Patsy O'Hara have expressed
their concern at the ongoing hunger strike taken in protest by several
political activists in the Fresnes Prison, France by issuing a direct
statement to those involved.
"We the family of Irish Republican Socialist Hunger Strike Martyr
Patsy O'Hara who died in Long Kesh on 21st May 1981 send heartfelt
solidarity wishes to the POW's on Hunger Strike in Fresnes Prison and
their families. We are deeply saddened that once again Political
Prisoners are forced to Fast to the death in an attempt to achieve
justice and humanitarian treatment from the French Government that has
incarcerated them in the first place. We wonder if this will be the
benchmark of a new form of Internment to be adopted by all the EU
countries, especially France, Spain, Germany and England who have an
atrocious record of human rights abuse, especially when it comes to
Prisoners. We call for an end to the Solitary Confinements, End to the
Torture and degradation, End to the show Trial and a return to Justice."
Tony O'Hara
*******
NO TO THE FARCE TRIALS AGAINST THE SPANISH COMMUNISTS!
International Red Aid
November 14th 2005
On November 16th in Paris started a new trial against militants of the
PCE(r) (Spanish Communist Party reconstituted) and GRAPO (First of
October Anti-Fascist Revolutionary Group).
Almost simultaneously there will also be another trial in the National
Audience in Madrid against more members of the PCE(r) and GRAPO as
well as members of the SRI (International Red Aid).
There also continues the criminalisation of anyone who will oppose
resistance against the exploitation, oppression and militarism of the
monopolists and the imperialists.
Such repression has had a special impact on our party for its relevant
role at the vanguard of the Anti-Fascist Resistance Movement within
the Spanish state and as a reference for all those that are struggling
for socialism.
These trials have been preceded for more than three years of
in-communication and no possibility of defence for these political
prisoners. There has been a permanent harassment against the moral and
political integrity of these communist and anti-fascists, constant
humiliations and beatings. There should be no surprise when looking at
such cruelty, as both the French and Spanish state defend the
interests of the oppressive ruling class when there is the slightest
hint of struggle, especially when facing a party, the PCE(r), that has
spent more than 30 years defending the present and future interests of
the workers, orienting the working class in its struggle against the
rotten capitalist system and for socialism. It has always condemned
the permanence of fascism in this state in spite of the "Reform",
walking at the front of workers demonstrations against it, at the same
that it defends and supports the legitimacy of armed struggle means
used by the Anti-Fascist Resistance Movement.
Within these three decades, our militants have been harassed,
arrested, tortured, imprisoned and murdered. This has been, as it
couldn't be otherwise, when talking about class enemies, the treatment
that the fascist Spanish regime has dispensed upon our party as it is
doing now their French accomplices.
These governments will try to disguise their state terrorism when
talking about "dialogue and negation", however the facts will clash
with their words as we see in every performance of the state when
dealing with the fair demands of industrial workers, miners,
immigrants, fishermen, and other workers and as we can confirm with
the permanence of the anti-terrorist laws and the political repression
dictated by Aznar's party with the active support of the PSOE leading
to farce trials as the ones which have now taken place.
Our trust, as always, can only be put on our class, the working class,
and on all those democrats and anti-fascist, in their resistance
against oppression, and in the strength of their organised struggle to
achieving their fair economical and political demands that today we
need. Therefore we make a call to all those, especially the workers,
to show their active support for these communists and anti-fascists
who are to be tried in France and Spain and to organise support
pickets against the long sentences which they are going to be received.
Amnesty For All Political Prisoners!
For Full Political Status!
Join The Resistance!
PCE(r) November 7th 2005
*******
FROM THE NEWSPAPERS
*
US Weapons of Mass Destruction
The US Army now admits in reports never before released that it
secretly dumped 64 million pounds of nerve and mustard gas agent into
the sea, along with 400,000 chemical-filled bombs, land mines and
rockets and more than 500 tons of radioactive waste either tossed
overboard or packed into the holds of scuttled vessels.
These weapons of mass destruction virtually ring the USA, concealed
off the coasts of at least 11 states: six on the East Coast,
including New Jersey and Maryland, two on the Gulf Coast, and in
California, Hawaii and Alaska. Few, if any, state officials have been
informed of their existence.
The chemical agents could pose a hazard for generations. The Army has
examined only a few of its 26 dump zones, and none in 30 years.
The Army can't say exactly where all the weapons were dumped from
World War II to 1970. Army records are sketchy, missing or were
destroyed.
More dump sites probably exist. The Army hasn't reviewed records from
the World War I era, when ocean dumping of chemical weapons was common.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/dp-02761sy0oct30,0,3545637.story
*
InterPress Service
November 10, 2005
Viet Cong Advice for Iraqi Resistance
by Aaron Glantz
HANOI, Nov 10 - Is Iraq another Vietnam? Tran Dac Loi should know. The
Secretary-General of the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation grew
up in Hanoi dodging bombs dropped by the United States Air Force,
while his father fought in the successful guerilla war in the
country's central highlands. Three decades later, Tran, now an
important figure in the ideological wing of Vietnam's communist
government, has some basic advice for the Iraqi resistance.
"Our struggle was well organised. We had an address and official
contacts, but with Iraq you never know who the resistance is and what
their objectives are," Tran said in an IPS interview.
"Sure, the fighters all want the Americans out, but there's no
unifying political programme," Tran said, pointing to what he sees as
a serious flaw with the Iraqi resistance.
In Iraq, the insurgency's appeal flows primarily from the pain of the
occupation. Much of its support comes from regular Iraqis who have
relatives who have been killed or imprisoned by U.S. forces and they
want to get even. "This kind of resistance leads nowhere," he said.
"Resistance has to have a clear objective. Ours was independence and
socialism; not reaction but revolution."
Some of the occupation's opponents in Iraq do have developed
organisations, complete with spokespersons and ideological programmes.
But, Tran says, because all of them are built on ethnic or religious
lines, they'll never succeed in their objectives. The movement of
Muqtada Sadr, for example, appeals primarily to poor people in the
country's numerous Shi'ite slums. It provides services in poor Shi'ite
neighbourhoods, while advocating an Islamic state. Such a plan of
action has helped Sadr amass millions of supporters, but has also
caused him to be unable to attract a following outside his core base.
According to Tran, the same can be said of Sunni fundamentalists. The
hardline Association of Muslim Scholars may have spokespersons who
appear regularly on the Arab satellite channels, but their appeal is
limited even within the country. Tran thinks that the lack of a
pan-ethnic political programme can cause minority groups to ally with
the occupier in order to ensure that their cultural rights are
protected. In Iraq, this has caused the Kurds, and their more than
100,000 'peshmerga' guerillas, to side with the U.S. "The absence of a
clear political programme is in the interest of the U.S.," Tran said.
"Then, they can go above you and pretend like they're solving the
problems between you, when really they're lording over you."
While the occupying forces took care to ban the secularist Ba'ath
Party--which continues to function through independent cells within
Iraq and through exiles in Syria and Jordan--it has not been able to
earn the trust of minority groups. It is a classic case of divide and
rule. Indeed, from the start of the occupation, the U.S. government
actively encouraged the Iraqi people to organise themselves along
sectarian lines. The U.S. administration even hired a company,
Research Triangle Institute (RTI), and charged it with selecting local
governments, based solely on the ethnic make-up in each of Iraq's
regions. In March 2003, RTI was awarded a contract worth 466 million
US dollars to create 180 local and provincial governments in Iraq and
obtain wide public participation in a new political process but
irregularities were pointed out by government auditors.
As a communist, Tran suggests a programme in Iraq similar to Vietnam's
revolution which was based on a single political party, aimed at
throwing out the aggressor, defending the unity of the country and the
country's economic and political sovereignty. The particular ideology,
he said, is not the key. More important is something everyone can
believe in, regardless of religion or ethnic background, said Tran,
who, among other things, coordinates the country's delegations to the
annual World Social Forum, usually held at Porto Alegre in Brazil.
Iraq, he said, needs a unifying political figure like Ho Chi Minh.
"You need a political figure who can introduce a long-term objective
that's in the basic interest of the majority of the people." Tran
doesn't think any of Iraq's current crop of political leaders fits
this mould. Moreover, he says the fighters' regular killings of
innocent civilians are sickening and counterproductive. "They behave
more like random rebelling groups," he says. "When we fought, we only
fought against the ones who fought us. Civilians were never our targets."
Given the Iraqi resistance's bloody tactics and lack of a unified
political programme, Tran doubts it will be successful in forcing the
Americans out--at least in the short term. He compares the Iraqi
resistance to the many aborted attempts to end French colonisation of
Vietnam before World War II that were led by small groups of the
educated elite. "They were all patriots but they were all suppressed
because they could not appeal to the masses."
[IPS reporter Aaron Glantz is author of the book, "How America Lost
Iraq" (Tarcher/Penguin). Ngoc Nguyen also contributed to this report.]
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=30952
*******
LETTERS
We received the following article from a reader.
(Dear Editor,
I thought this attached article might be of interest given the
opening of ASDA at the West-Link centre in Belfast. Jim)
Asda Wal-Mart: Cutting Costs at any Cost
by Joe Zacune
Wal-Mart is the world's largest retail company and is more familiar in
the UK as the supermarket chain Asda. Wal-Mart has built a global
empire of supermarket stores on an image of 'always low prices'. This
obsession with prices has led to poverty wages, ever-worsening
sweatshop conditions and the destruction of local businesses and
communities. These policies are well known but now new evidence has
emerged on how Asda senior management are planning to deliberately
"chip away" at workers' rights and working conditions in the UK.
War on Want has seen a leaked document titled "Warehouse Chip Away
Strategy 2005" that outlines how Asda senior management are planning
to drastically undermine labour standards. Asda management plan to
breach these rights despite openly acknowledging the risks of trade
union opposition and health and safety violations.
Work breaks are to be cut, grievance mechanisms removed and health and
safety conditions weakened. The document also proposes removing the
right to take individual grievances to external arbitrators. Asda
management plans to include "single man loading" despite the fact that
their own "risk assessment says 2 men (are) required for loading".
Line managers are advised to "lead by example, not taking all the
breaks that hourly paid colleagues get" in order to "take credence
away from breaks".
Of the ten richest people in the world, four are members of the Walton
family, heirs to the Wal-Mart fortune. Wal-Mart documents released in
April 2005 reveal that the company's CEO Lee Scott was paid over $17.5
million in total during 2004.
Not content to pay its employees wages that are on average 20% lower
than the industry standard, Wal-Mart seeks to cut costs through the
routine violation of workers' rights. Wal-Mart requires that labour
costs be kept to less than 8% of each store's sales. In addition,
managers must reduce the labour costs at their stores by 0.2% each
year. This drives managers to stretch their workforce to cover chronic
staff shortages, and to break the law by employing children and
undocumented migrant workers.
One internal audit of 25,000 employees in 128 Wal-Mart stores in the
USA found 1,371 violations of child labour laws, including minors
working too late, too many hours a day and during school hours. It
also found 60,000 instances where workers were forced to work through
breaks, and 16,000 where they worked through meal times. Wal-Mart's
model is fast becoming the industry standard, as other firms slash
employee wages and benefits in an attempt to compete with the retail
giant.
Wal-Mart is vehemently anti-union. Its anti-union policy is a central
part of its obsession with minimising costs. Wal-Mart provides
managers with its infamous 'Manager's Toolbox to Remaining Union Free'
that states: "Staying union free is a full time commitment. Unless
union prevention is a goal equal to other goals and objectives in the
organization, management will not devote the necessary day in, day out
attention and effort." If there is any evidence of moves towards
unionisation, managers are ordered to phone the Wal-Mart Union Hotline
immediately.
In the UK too, workers at Asda have come up against Wal-Mart's
anti-union culture. Following Wal-Mart's 1999 take-over of Asda, the
company has sought to restrict the role of general union GMB. After
four years of negotiations, a new agreement between Asda and the GMB
came into effect in 2004, which does not provide for collective
bargaining. In the words of GMB senior manager Harry Donaldson, "We
believe that, since the take-over, Wal-Mart has tried to stifle union
activity at Asda." Managers at a unionised Asda distribution depot
offered workers a new terms and conditions package which included a
10% pay increase and the requirement that workers give up collective
bargaining representation by the GMB. When workers rejected the
proposal, Asda withdrew the 10% pay increase.
Wal-Mart's ability to slash prices at its retail stores is based on
its power to drive down wages and working conditions at the factories
which produce its products. As the largest retail corporation in the
world, Wal-Mart has immense power over suppliers and uses this to
dictate everything from prices to precise delivery schedules.
Wal-Mart is leading the race to the bottom by relentlessly squeezing
cost efficiencies out of the supply chain. Wal-Mart frequently
requires its suppliers to open their books for Wal-Mart inspection and
tells them exactly where to cut costs. When national labour or
environmental standards create a barrier to cost cutting, suppliers
are encouraged to relocate to a labour market that will enable them to
produce at the low price Wal-Mart requires.
Even where wages are rock-bottom, Wal-Mart insists that its suppliers
drive prices ever lower. Qin, a factory worker in China, explains: "In
four years they haven't increased the salary." Isabel Reyes, a
garment worker in Honduras, tells the same story: "There is always an
acceleration... the goals are always increasing, but the pay stays the
same."
In August 2002, Asda sparked a banana retail price war with lasting
effects on the banana industry and banana workers worldwide. Asda
specifically targeted key items such as milk and bananas as part of
its strategy to brand itself as Britain's low-price supermarket. In
the end, consumer prices were lowered by 25%. Asda's exclusive deal
with Del Monte, contracted at what industry experts describe as a
"ridiculously low price", means that it is supplied with bananas grown
and harvested under the worst labour and environmental conditions in
the world.
Independent growers in countries with adequate worker and
environmental protection, such as Costa Rica, can no longer sell to
Asda and other British supermarkets without making a loss.
War on Want is encouraging Asda employees in the UK to contact GMB if
they wish to find out about their rights or start a union. More
generally we are calling on the UK government to support a binding
framework of corporate accountability to regulate the activities of
corporations such as Wal-Mart.
In the global economy huge multinationals are only accountable to
their shareholders. If we are concerned about workers' rights
throughout the world, corporations like Wal-mart need to be reined in
and unions need to be strengthened.
For more information and to join War on Want's campaign to rein in
global corporations go to: http://www.waronwant.org/asda or email
jzacune@waronwant.org
*******
MARXISM AND THE VENEZUELAN REVOLUTION: A BOOK REVIEW
SOCIALIST VOICE: Marxist Perspectives for the Workers' Movement #56
November 11, 2005
Alan Woods. The Venezuela Revolution: A Marxist Perspective London:
Wellred Books (http://wellred.marxist.com/), 2005.
Reviewed by John Riddell
TORONTO, CANADA - Can a small Marxist current hope to influence the
course of events in times of a revolutionary uprising, or are they
condemned to an existence of sideline critics, never to influence the
broader working class movement?
A new book by British Marxist Alan Woods puts that question to the
test in a most challenging way -- in the midst of the unfolding
Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela. The Venezuelan Revolution: A
Marxist Perspective consists of 14 articles written by Woods between
the failed pro-imperialist coup of April 2002 and the Bolivarians'
turn to socialism in early 2005. Published earlier this year, the book
has much to teach us about the role of Marxists in a revolutionary
upsurge.
Many revolutionary-minded groups or parties in the world have been
skeptical and standoffish toward Venezuela's Bolivarian revolution. It
confounds their self-conceived truths: much of the Bolivarian
leadership came unexpectedly from the officer corps; the Bolivarian
program was not openly socialist in its beginning stages; its course
of action corresponded to no one's blueprint. President Hugo Chávez
was pegged by most of them as a radical bourgeois figure.
By contrast, the current led by Alan Woods, the International Marxist
Tendency (IMT) (www.marxist.com), grasped the importance of the
Venezuelan uprising soon after the election of Hugo Chávez in 1998. It
has devoted considerable resources to building an international
solidarity campaign, Hands Off Venezuela (www.handsoffvenezuela.org).
The IMT understood early that Marxists in Venezuela should support the
Bolivarian movement and be part of it, rather than stand back and
criticize it from the sidelines. They have worked with energy and some
success to influence the Bolivarians, gaining favorable mentions from
Chávez himself.
Expropriate capitalist property
Alan Woods' main point, reflected in each of his articles, is that the
Venezuelan revolution cannot stop half way, leaving the U.S.- backed
right-wing oligarchy in control of decisive sectors of the economy and
state apparatus. "The counterrevolutionary forces are not reconciled
to defeat," Woods states. "They are increasingly desperate ...
determined and violent."
Venezuelan working people must expropriate capitalist property and lay
the basis for socialism, he argues. "Either the greatest of victories
or the most terrible of defeats." (Pages 110, 133)
This basic premise of Marxism, confirmed at each stage of the
Venezuelan struggle, has won an increasing hearing among the
Bolivarians. Chávez now ridicules the notion that Venezuela can find
liberation within capitalism.
Learning from Chávez
Another key lesson is not stated explicitly, and may be unintended.
Woods articles show how Marxists can learn from a living revolution.
In the opening chapters, written from London and Buenos Aires just
after the 2002 coup attempt, Woods is close to dismissive of
Bolivarian leader Hugo Chávez. At that time, Woods wrote that Chávez
is "inclined to be inconsistent" and has "often displayed indecision."
He "temporized and attempted to conciliate the counter-
revolutionaries" which was "a fatal mistake." (Pages 16, 20, 43)
The book then breaks off: there is a gap of 16 months before the next
article.
Then, in April 2004, Woods attended an international conference in
Caracas in which Chávez, displaying his characteristic cordial
generosity, set out to forge a link with Woods, one of the most
prominent international solidarity activists. Woods learned that
Chávez was not only keenly interested in Marxism but was familiar with
the British Marxist's own writings. "He told me he was not a Marxist
because he had not read enough Marxist books," Woods commented. "But
he is reading them now." (Page 62)
The next part of the book is a treasure: two slashing polemics against
sectarian attitudes toward the Venezuelan movement.
"For the sectarian mentality, a revolution must conform to a pre-
established scheme," Woods writes. The sectarian "establishes an ideal
norm and rejects anything ... that does not conform."
Woods ridicules those who would build the revolutionary party by
proclamation. "Three men and ... a drunken parrot gather in a café in
Caracas and proclaim the Revolutionary Party." And if the masses do
not join, the sectarian says, "Well, that's their problem." (Pages 65,
83) These ideas are not new, but coming to us from the battlefields of
a living revolution, they ring with great authority.
In the pages that follow, Woods writes with warm respect of Chávez,
"the man who inspired this magnificent movement and provided it with a
leadership and a banner." (Page 162)
Crucial omissions
Nevertheless, the Marxism advanced in Alan Woods' book remains
incomplete.
CUBA: The Venezuelan Revolution condemns U.S. attacks on Cuba, but not
a word can be found in this book of Cuba's role in the Venezuelan
revolution. Yet Cuba's revolutionary leaders have had a much stronger
influence on Venezuela's Bolivarians than all the smaller Marxist
currents put together.
The political alliance of Hugo Chávez with the Cuban Marxists began a
few months after Chávez was released from prison in 1994, when he went
to Cuba for discussions with Fidel Castro. Since Chávez' first
election to president in 1998, Cuba has contributed tens of thousands
of volunteers to deliver health, educational, and recreational
services to Venezuelan working people. The two governments have a
close diplomatic, economic, and political alliance. The book's silence
on this important alliance creates a highly misleading picture of the
Bolvarian revolutionary process. It raises a crucial question: does
the author view Cuba's role in Venezuela as positive or negative?
ANTI-MPERIALIST ALLIANCE: And what about ALBA? The Bolivarian
Agreement for the Americas (ALBA) is the Venezuelan government's
proposal for non-exploitative economic cooperation among Latin
American countries. It was advanced in 2003 as an alternative to
imperialist-directed "Free Trade of the Americas" fraud. Cuba endorsed
ALBA in its December 2004 treaty with Venezuela.
ALBA's appeal and relevance was made astonishingly clear at the recent
summit meeting in Argentina of political leaders of the Americas. The
imperialist "free trade" proposition was proclaimed dead on arrival by
the masses who rallied there and, not coincidentally, gave Chávez a
hero's welcome.
Woods does not mention ALBA. Does he perhaps have it in mind when he
warns Venezuela against relying on "friendly relations" with
Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba. (Page 119) The international, anti-
imperialist dimension of the Venezuelan revolution is simply
disregarded throughout the book
DEMOCRATIC TASKS: Woods does not take up the ongoing democratic tasks
of the Venezuelan process. Such struggles as that of Venezuela's
people of color for equality; that of women pressing into political
life and demanding their rights; that of workers in the "informal
sector" striving for a secure livelihood; that of the oppressed
indigenous peoples to which the Bolivarians have given such close
attention -- all are neglected. Nor does Woods acknowledge Chávez's
role as a defender of the world's ecology against capitalist
devastation.
Woods also fails to give clear support to the struggles of peasants
who wish to divide up the great estates, arguing instead that the
estates should operate as collective farms. (Page 172)
All these questions are crucial to forging the revolutionary alliance
necessary to overturning capitalism in Venezuela. By omitting them,
the book displays a limited understanding of the complex dynamics of
the Venezuelan revolution.
NATIONALIZING CAPITALIST PROPERTY: Woods presents the need to
nationalize capitalist property in a purely administrative way. "For
the immediate expropriation of the property of the imperialists and
the Venezuelan bourgeoisie.... An emergency decree to this effect must
be put to the National Assembly," Woods wrote soon after the failed
coup in 2002. (Page 17)
But working-class nationalization -- as opposed to a capitalist
transfer of formal ownership -- can only be carried out by a mass
movement of working people who have become convinced through
experience that there is no alternative and who are ready to assume
management responsibility. Provided the workers are not forced into
premature action, they must prepare for the challenge of managing
production. Otherwise, for example, their expropriation of foreign-
owned companies may lead to their immediate shutdown for lack of raw
materials, technical inputs, and customers.
There is a sameness in The Venezuelan Revolution: the articles span
three years but advocate an identical course of action -- immediate
expropriation -- at every turn. The book displays no sense of tactics,
no sense of when to advance, when to pause, when to sound out the
enemy's willingness to compromise, when to form alliances.
On all these points, The Venezuelan Revolution fails to convey key
lessons of the Bolshevik-led revolution in Russia, lessons that are
well understood by Cuba's revolutionary leadership.
Woods sees in Venezuela a dichotomy between two currents: on the one
hand, petty-bourgeois revolutionary democracy, led by Chávez; and on
the other, Marxism, represented in his view above all by the IMT's own
Revolutionary Marxist Current. (Page 93)
But on the key challenges facing the Venezuela revolution, the record
of the Chávez leadership is stronger than the course proposed by The
Venezuelan Revolution. The Bolivarians' course has led not to defeat,
as Woods warned, but to victory after victory.
Toward a revolutionary party
Judging by this book alone, the political line of Alan Woods and the
International Marxist Tendency is inflexible, one-sided, and veers off
course. Yet the IMT, as Chávez himself has acknowledged, has made an
undeniable contribution to the broader Bolviarian movement of which it
is part.
Surely there is a lesson here for all of us in the splintered and
fragmented international socialist movement.
The revolutionary party for which we strive will be built through
living processes like those we see in Venezuela today or in Cuba
before it. Under the impact of an upsurge of struggles, new leadership
forces will converge with the best forces in existing currents to form
a unified movement. All existing currents will be challenged to
subordinate their prized separateness to a broader purpose.
It is to the credit of Alan Woods that he and his current have been
able to travel at least a part of that road together with Venezuela's
revolutionary Bolivarians.
*******
WHAT'S ON
*
Saturday, 17 December
The Dublin IRSP annual fundraiser for current POWs' dependents which
will take place on the 17th December at 8.30 in Saints and Sinners
Public House Dublin. Guest speaker Eddie McGarrigle of Teach Na Failte.
*
Saturday, 3 December - Tuesday, 6 December
Belfast Shell to Sea
Upcoming events - Please support the Belfast Shell to Sea Activities
Saturday 3rd December, 11.30pm
White Line picket at the junction of the bottom of the Whiterock Road
and the Falls Road. We'll try to raise money to support the campaign
and again raise awareness of the case.
Tuesday 6th December, 7pm
Micheál Ó Seighin will be launching an art exhbition in the Cultúrlann
on the Falls Road, featuring the work of Tadhg McGrath - a member of
the Shell to Sea campaign in Dublin. This will be an informal
gathering but it will be an opportunity for people to meet Micheál and
his wife Caitlín and to find out more about what's been going on. This
event is open to all.
Information on the exhibition is available on Indymedia..
*
US delays response to wife's seventh visa request
Olga Salanueva is married to René González, one of the Miami Five. She
and her daughter, Ivette, have been denied access to the United States
to visit René for the past five years.
Olga and Ivette will be in Ireland in early December for a series of
meetings with Irish politicians and human rights activists, at which
Olga will give an account of the recent developments in the case and
seek support for her five-year campaign to be allowed to visit her
husband. It is hoped to combine this event with the showing of a film
on the Miami Five.
(from SOCIALIST VOICE, a monthly publication of the Communist Party of
Ireland)
*******
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Sunday 27 November 2005
Monday 14 November 2005
The Plough Vol 03 No 08
The Plough
Volume 3, Number 8
14 November 2005
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1) Editorial
2) IRSP Commemoration March in Strabane
3) Political Policing
4) What's On
*******
EDITORIAL
This edition of The Plough is solely devoted to the speeches delivered
at an IRSP commemoration in Strabane for dead INLA volunteers from the
Strabane area. The main speech was delivered by former POW Paul Little
and deals with the lack of honesty from today's batch of politicians
in Ireland. It totally refutes allegation about RSM involvement in the
internal affairs of Republican Sinn Fein. It calls for unity among the
republican left and clearly spells out the republican socialist
position on the politics of the day.
The second speech is by veteran republican socialist Willie Gallagher
and is his definitive account of the machinations of British
intelligence to turn republican against republican. As Willie makes
clear, the relationship that republican socialists want with other
republicans despite our differences is the relationships, respect and
solidarity shown by IRA/INLA hunger strikers during that heroic period
in prison history.
*******
IRSP COMMEMORATION MARCH IN STRABANE
Sunday, 13 November
Comrades, on occasions like this it is customary to pay respect to our
dead comrades, and we do for no one can gain say their heroism,
determination and steadfastness to the republican ideal.
However, speeches also on occasions like this need to be more than
just respect for the dead. Nor do we need to issue a few platitudes
about perfidious Albion, treacherous England and the fake tan of Peter
Hain. No, comrades and friends, if we are to learn from our past if we
are to give meaning to the sacrifices of our comrades then we need to
speak frankly openly and honestly and learn from our history.
Now there is a word that stands lonely and sorrowful in today's
politics. Honesty! Lets look at the practice of today's politicians.
Take Peter Hain, and, oh, we so wish someone would take him out of
Ireland. This once radical street politician has not only sold out on
his youthful beliefs, he has also sold out on any principles that the
British Labour Party ever had. To hear this patronising Brit lecture
us on how to behave is just nauseating. Not only is his tan fake but
so also are his words for his leader, Blair, the master of spin
doctoring has elevated the art of lying to a new level and called it
SPIN.
No wonder more and more people are sickened with what passes for
politics today. Does anyone here today believe a word that comes out
of the mouths of the leaders of the four main political parties?
Paisley? No! Adams? No! Empey? No! Durkan? No!
Paisley has built a career on the big lie! Playing on the fears of the
Protestant masses, he has incited violence, sectarian hatred and gets
his reward with three seats in the British House of Lords! He has
played a blinder for British imperialism. Sectarianism and British
imperialist policy walk hand in hand.
Adams has managed to sell a major defeat for Irish republicanism as a
victory to his followers. He tries to sell us the idea that
capitulation in the form of total decommissioning is an act of
statesmanship. Smell the coffee, Gerry! Raids on republican homes by a
reborn and revitalised RUC! Restrictions on visits to the USA for fund
raising! No power sharing in the North! Unionism united under Paisley!
Direct rule from Britain continues and loyalism has been rewarded for
its years of sectarian slaughter on behalf of its masters! Politics
based on a sectarian headcount! Some statesmanship!!
And as for Empey and Durkan, they both vie to outdo their main rivals
in the two sectarian tribes by flag waving and appeals to their own
form of nationalism. Reg believes Orange marches are the big issue and
Mark, like a frightened rabbit caught in the glare of headlights,
doesn't know which way to jump, into Fianna Fail or merge with the
Irish Labour Party. As for the Alliance Party and the Women's
Coalition, membership of these seems to be but a stepping-stone to a
big cushy job in a quango. Principles go out the window when the offer
of that big job comes along.
And as for honesty, lets now talk about the IMC reports. Facts. Nah!
Hold on! Don't let facts get in the way of a good big report. One has
only to look at the mad staring eyes of our own wee Lord Alderdice
presenting his fairy tale reports to know that the lunatics have taken
over the asylum (with apologies to those genuinely suffering mental
illness). The IMC reports are a excuse for every embittered Special
Branch man and gossip gathering and lying journalists to spin their
stories and see them end up in print to damage genuine republican
organisations.
Hence the recent assaults and raids on our comrades in the republican
socialist ex-prisoners organisation, Teach na Failte. Of course TnF
are not involved in money laundering. The RUC know that, the Branch
know that, but the truth you see does not matter. The spin counts.
Associate TnF with money laundering and criminality and you can then
discredit the efforts that TnF have made to genuinely engage with all
others within and across the sectarian divide.
And here is now an important piece of honesty. British imperialism
does not fear guns as much as it fears people. Yes, people! For when
people begin to think for themselves and then to act on the thoughts,
then and only then does imperialism begin to tremble. Who turned Greek
against Turk in Cyprus? The British ruling class. Result: partition of
Cyprus. Who turned Jew against Arab? The British ruling class. Result:
partition of Palestine and apartheid. Who turned Muslim against Hindu?
The British ruling class. Result: partition of the Indian
sub-continent, wars and perpetual poverty. Who turned tribe against
tribe in Africa? Imperialism, including British imperialism. Result:
massive partitions, hunger starvation and genocide. Who turned
Catholic against Protestant in Ireland? The British ruling class.
Result: partition of Ireland and sectarian violence.
The British ruling class along with USA imperialism are currently
occupying Iraq and dividing up the spoils of war. They are assiduously
turning Shia against Sunni against Kurd. They fear the power of united
Iraqi people.
The tools of imperialism include lies, deception, division,
repression, bribery, flattery, the arming of murder gangs and the
attempted criminalisation of political opponents. But the first item
on their agenda at all times is to set brother against brother, sister
against sister, comrade against comrade and Catholic against Protestant.
Comrades, don't fall for their machinations, lies and deceptions. Only
in the last few days a so-called nationalist paper ran a story that
implicated the Republican Socialist Movement in a plot to remove the
president of Republican Sinn Fein from the leadership of his party. It
also implied that the INLA was on the brink of decommissioning. The
journalist who wrote this fairy tale was not in contact with the IRSP.
His so-called sources have no connection with this movement. For the
record the IRSP have the highest respect for Ruari O'Bradaigh and have
not nor will not attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of any
other republican or socialist organisations. We lay our position out
openly and clearly before the people. If you want to know what we
think, ask us, for we tell it like it is. No lies, no spin doctoring,
no bullshit.
This movement is by no means perfect. Far from it. We have openly and
publicly acknowledged errors, mistakes and wrongs committed in our
name. And internally we will continue to develop as an organisation
worthy of claiming the support of the working class. We are not so
arrogant to think that we have the way the truth and light. We are not
the true, the real or the only republicans. All that we claim is that
we are republican socialists doing our best to live up to the ideals
of James Connolly.
We are not interested in the spin doctoring around personalities, we
are only interested in the political consequences of the politics
pursued by the personalities who dominate their own political
organisations.
So we say to everyone here today look at the consequences of the
failed politics pursued by the other so-called mainstream parties with
mandates. Sectarianism has never been as prevalent or malevolent as it
is today. Huge areas of working class estates north and south,
unionist or nationalist, are under the sway of drug gangs or low life
thugs. 250,000 children live in poverty in the so-called Celtic Tiger.
Hospitals north and south are overcrowded, underfunded and dirty.
Wealth north and south in made from a low wage economy. That means,
friends, you work for low wages while fat cats cream off the top.
Migrant workers are exploited ruthlessly while government policies
north and south actually encourage racist attacks on our new citizens.
And while all this and much worse goes on we are all encouraged to
turn a blind eye, retire to private life, and leave the public arena
to our betters in the great and the good.
Well, friends, that is not for us. Republican socialists put the
public good before private profit. We can not and will not be silent
when we see injustice, exploitation and discrimination. Nor will we
distort history and pretend that the republican struggle has
succeeded. It has not. Britain still rules us and we are in for a
prolonged period of direct rule, which will see massive charges
imposed on ordinary working class people. In the South, Meanwhile, a
craven subservient government has bargained away every last vestige of
sovereignty by allowing USA secret agents permission to question Irish
citizens, and by throwing away Irish neutrality.
And Bertie Ahern now has the gall to reinstate celebrations of the
1916 revolution. Of course, not out of conviction but only to head off
electoral losses to Sinn Fein. How those gallant men and women of 1916
must be spinning in their graves. Was it for this accursed partition
island, subservient to Yankee imperialism and licking the boots of the
British overlords, that they fought and fell for?
Of course not. The republic that James Connolly, the outstanding
figure of the revolution, fought for was a socialist republic. To make
that a living reality requires people who think for themselves and act
on those thoughts. And we include in our concept of people all the
people on this island regardless of how they view their own
nationality. Yes, we still adhere to the old republican concept that
is still relevant today, a unity of Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter.
It is our task, comrades and friends, indeed it is your task too, to
persuade in these changed times others of the wisdom, nobility and
relevance of our ideals of a socialist republic. Yes, note the
importance of the word relevance. Slogans and abstract dreams do not
in today's world have relevance for the majority of people. Most of us
are too busy trying to survive in today's cutthroat world to have time
for idly dreaming. Make republican socialism relevant to the everyday
lives of people in their workplaces, homes, communities and then and
only then will we have realistic possibilities of building a society
that all of us can be proud of.
To that end we repeat our call for all who claim to be socialists
and/or republicans to climb off your high horses and come down and
talk to other republicans and socialists to plot a way forward for the
Irish working class to take what is rightly fully theirs, their own
country back. Building a broad front of the republican left would be a
start in a fightback from the position we all are now in. But if
others want to sit in splendid isolation pure and unsullied by not
talking to the Irps well all we can say to them is history will pass
you by and judge you harshly. We will continue to grow, build and
educate ourselves in class politics and revolutionary struggle. For
when we view what is happening all around the world then we are only
confirmed in our view that capitalism cannot be reformed from within.
It must be smashed.
Ask yourself this question what have I done lately to help build a
just society? What part have I played or will play in making the
Republic a reality? Answer these questions positively and then we will
begin to be in a position to make the sacrifices of our dead
volunteers relevant. And then we can proudly walk away from this
commemoration knowing that while the road ahead may be rocky and there
will be setbacks and defeats, our actions, beliefs and words will in
the future build a world that we all can be proud of.
*******
POLITICAL POLICING
By Ex-INLA POW Willie Gallagher
On Thursday 27th October 2005 a series of raids directed at Teach na
Failte, an ex-INLA prisoners group, began at 11.00am. A total of 40
PSNI land rovers, 25 armored PSNI cars, 8 4x4 jeeps and 12 vans were
used in the operation. A total of 23 homes, 2 business premises and
the TnF office were raided in Strabane. The TnF office in Belfast was
also raided. One third of the homes had their doors sledged in and
several houses were in effect trashed. Most of the homes but not all
belonged to members and workers from TnF, past and present. Most of
the warrants were similar in nature...money laundering, financial
documents and computer equipment. Computers and files relating to
hundreds of participants who partook in courses to enhance their
employment prospects were seized. Confidential details of articipants,
which had absolutely no bearing to the stated reason on the search
warrants, were also seized. Telephones, fax machines, CVs,
certificates of achievement, job applications and funding applications
were also taken. Some of the people who haven't worked for TnF for up
to 3 years and who through the assistance of TnF gained long term
employment also had to endure the painful experience of having their
homes broken into. The PSNI stated that money and cigarettes were
seized during the raid giving the impression that these items were
taken during the house raids. None of these stated items were found in
any of the homes, offices or business premises that were searched but
were in fact seized from a person who drove his van into a cul-de-sac
where one of the raids was taking place.
My home was one of those raided by the PSNI who stated that they were
looking for evidence of money laundering, firearms, munitions and
scanners. The CID officer in charge told me that they knew they would
find nothing and apologised for the raid. Despite moving my computer,
which they told me they were seizing, from one side of the room to the
other they forgot to take it with them. The raid had only begun when
Channel 9 news phoned me asking why I was getting raided. Twenty
minutes later a press photographer was taking photographs of my home.
He quickly left the area after being confronted about his actions. The
PSNI took a credit union book, which they seized last year after my
arrest for the Ulster Bank robbery, as well as all photographs
and post cards I had from a trip to Cuba and other documents relating
to Cuba and Teach na Failte. The PSNI personnel involved in raiding my
home were unusually polite and apologetic unlike during the vast
majority of the raids elsewhere where they were aggressive, abusive
and in one case assaulted a man knocking him to the ground from his
wheelchair. They left just after two hours from their invasion. The
whole PSNI operation lasted for just over 12 hours and was directed
against TnF.
I have no doubt that this State operation was a part of a strategy
outlined last year in the Belfast Telegraph by 'security
correspondents' who stated that there was going to be "an
unprecedented attack on those believed to be involved in the Ulster
Bank robbery and this attack was going to manifest itself in various
manners". I also have no doubt that it was a propaganda exercise, just
like the Spotlight programme titled Border Bandits, in order to
further demonise, criminalise, isolate and marginalize anti-GFA
republicans. Six weeks before the raids TnF went through a government
audit, which, like previous audits, went to their satisfaction. If the
PSNI were really interested in TnF and its activities, it¹s all on
record with the NIO except for actual participants and their
confidential files which has led some to believe that the PSNI
operation was an intelligence gathering exercise though I believe it
was much more than that. I further believe that those behind this
assault on TnF are pissing in the wind and will fail in their objectives.
The PSNI and their political masters have in effect closed TnF down
with 6 full time workers and 8 part time workers now being forced onto
the dole queue or find employment elsewhere. One would be forgiven for
thinking these job losses did not happen as elected representatives
have uttered not one word of condemnation. Had 14 workers attached to
an English or American multi-national company been made redundant in
such a manner I am sure the same politicians would have had a lot to
say. Perhaps the MPs and MLAs were too busy counting their huge
expenses and salaries they receive for sitting on their fat arses
doing nothing whatsoever for the people. Maybe some of them were too
busy talking to their dogs in the street. Whatever their reasons the
message TnF has been receiving from hundred of past participants
is very clear: "business as usual and we just aren¹t going to go away
you know".
Many commentators have stated that this PSNI operation was the largest
in the history of the North West and one of the most aggressive, yet
Sinn Fein, the so-called champions of an Ireland of all equals, had
nothing to say. Personally this comes as no surprise as equality and
human rights is not on SFs agenda for anti-GFA republicans. It also
comes as no surprise due to the fact that the leadership of the
Provisional Republican Movement know that a number of individuals
connected with them in the Strabane area have been involved in a
demonisation campaign for years against Strabane IRSP members in
particular. For over a decade now since my release from Long Kesh
after serving a total of 18 years I and other IRSP members have been
on the receiving end of a black propaganda campaign in order to
demonise, criminalise, isolate and marginalise us. This campaign was
waged by individuals connected to the Provisional Republican Movement,
some of whom I believe are also working for agencies of the state.
This began after I rejected several requests from them to join their
movement just after my release. This campaign at times had sinister
elements to it: i.e. physical attacks on other local IRSP members
which usually resulted in the assailants coming of worse, planting
false and malicious stories in the media, attacks on property and
conspiring to kill individual members of the IRSP. Down throughout the
years I have received several written death threats delivered by
gloating PSNI officers stating that there was going to be "an imminent
gun attack on me by PIRA for unspecified reasons" as well as some
coming from loyalist paramilitaries. Did these people behind this
campaign expect me to run and hide or was their purpose to create a
bloody feud in which the only winners would be the state? Regardless
of what their intentions were I was never going to allow myself to be
intimidated from my political position or from my outspoken views
against injustice within the community or from my unapologetic support
for the INLA. Let me state quite clearly I believe it is wrong and
immoral for any republican to turn their guns on fellow republicans.
Likewise it is equally wrong and immoral to conduct campaigns of
character assassination against fellow republicans.
Of late some of these individuals I have already talked about have
been pumping out into the community, knowing that it will be picked up
by the PSNI, rumors that IRSP members in Strabane "own multiple
houses, pubs, taxi depots and blocks of flats" which they claim has
been funded by robberies, drug dealing, extortion, etc., etc. All of
us here know that Britain has been involved in dirty tricks and black
propaganda over the centuries and have used their agents within our
communities to do their dirty work. How many more Beano Caseys do we
have living in Strabane? So all of this demonisation from the state
comes as no surprise, after all, our movement has been constantly
attacked since its inception with many of our leaders being
assassinated by the state. Now the order of the day is character
assassination, spin and black propaganda against those who are
regarded as subversives. Well I am certainly not ashamed to be labeled
as a subversive as I will never accept this corrupt state. I am not
surprised at the silence of all the main constitutional parties as
individual members belonging to them are partially culpable for the
raids. However I do acknowledge and welcome the apology in relation to
the latest attempts by some of these individuals to smear and demonise
the IRSP in Strabane.
I have often been accused of being anti-SF/IRA, though I was never
sure exactly what this meant so I would like to put on record, a fact
many would acknowledge, that despite this vicious nasty and sinister
campaign, I have maintained many deep and long-lasting friendships
with many IRA ex-prisoners, both locally and nationally, to the
present day. All of whom I have a deep respect for and admiration for
their own personal struggle. It is somewhat ironic that on the day the
latest smears were being delivered to the leadership of the IRSP I was
involved in combating a threat against Provisional Republican Movement
members in County Derry by criminal elements who believed they were
untouchable and who used a firearm in an attack on a republican,
missing him. It is also ironic that despite the fact that I was
deeply involved in assisting others in bringing about an INLA
ceasefire, in which I had the honor of declaring, and of currently
engaging with other anti-GFA republicans in relation to them also
calling a ceasefire that I and other comrades are coming under attack
by the pro-GFA forces. The relationship I would like to see among all
republicans, despite political differences, is the relationships,
respect and solidarity shown by IRA/INLA hungerstrikers.
Ironically a week later after the Strabane raids SF had plenty to say
about a handful of raids in Dungannon and Killcoo in which they
rightly condemned as political policing. But when is political
policing not political policing in Sinn Fein speak? Obviously when it
is directed against anti-GFA republicans.
TRUTH, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY
Willie Gallagher
[A first draft version of this speech, circulated among party
comrades, was inadvertedly posted on the Internet. The above version
is the final and definite version and is the speech delivered by
Willie Gallagher.]
*******
WHAT'S ON
*
A date for your diary, Thursday 10th November 2-4pm, Policing Debate
in Conway Mill, Belfast. Panel will include Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
*
Invitation - Sex, Love and Homophobia: the exhibition
You are cordially invited to the Millennium Forum to attend the launch
reception for Amnesty International's new exhibition, Sex, Love and
Homophobia.
We believe the exhibition is powerful, prejudice-challenging and
timely. Based on the book of the same name, which Archbishop Desmond
Tutu called "a bright light on the path to justice", the exhibition
features a wealth of images and information about the human rights
abuses faced by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) community around the world. The exhibition is part of Northern
Ireland anti-homophobia week.
As you will be aware, homophobic prejudice and violence is a
significant and growing problem. This exhibition aims to raise
awareness of these abuses and show support for those who have been
victimised because of their sexual orientation.
The launch reception will commence at 3.30pm on Friday 18th November
at the Millennium Forum. Speaking at the event will be Mayor
Councillor Lynn Fleming, John Harkin of Amnesty International Foyle
Group and a representative from the Rainbow Project.
We would like to ask you to join with us at this event to demonstrate
your support for human rights for all and to stand in solidarity with
the local LGBT community.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Patrick Corrigan
Programme Director, NI
Head of Nations & Regions, UK
Amnesty International
397 Ormeau Road
Belfast BT7 3GP
t: 028 9064 3000
f: 028 9069 0989
e: patrick.corrigan@amnesty.org.uk
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/ni
*******
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*
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Volume 3, Number 8
14 November 2005
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1) Editorial
2) IRSP Commemoration March in Strabane
3) Political Policing
4) What's On
*******
EDITORIAL
This edition of The Plough is solely devoted to the speeches delivered
at an IRSP commemoration in Strabane for dead INLA volunteers from the
Strabane area. The main speech was delivered by former POW Paul Little
and deals with the lack of honesty from today's batch of politicians
in Ireland. It totally refutes allegation about RSM involvement in the
internal affairs of Republican Sinn Fein. It calls for unity among the
republican left and clearly spells out the republican socialist
position on the politics of the day.
The second speech is by veteran republican socialist Willie Gallagher
and is his definitive account of the machinations of British
intelligence to turn republican against republican. As Willie makes
clear, the relationship that republican socialists want with other
republicans despite our differences is the relationships, respect and
solidarity shown by IRA/INLA hunger strikers during that heroic period
in prison history.
*******
IRSP COMMEMORATION MARCH IN STRABANE
Sunday, 13 November
Comrades, on occasions like this it is customary to pay respect to our
dead comrades, and we do for no one can gain say their heroism,
determination and steadfastness to the republican ideal.
However, speeches also on occasions like this need to be more than
just respect for the dead. Nor do we need to issue a few platitudes
about perfidious Albion, treacherous England and the fake tan of Peter
Hain. No, comrades and friends, if we are to learn from our past if we
are to give meaning to the sacrifices of our comrades then we need to
speak frankly openly and honestly and learn from our history.
Now there is a word that stands lonely and sorrowful in today's
politics. Honesty! Lets look at the practice of today's politicians.
Take Peter Hain, and, oh, we so wish someone would take him out of
Ireland. This once radical street politician has not only sold out on
his youthful beliefs, he has also sold out on any principles that the
British Labour Party ever had. To hear this patronising Brit lecture
us on how to behave is just nauseating. Not only is his tan fake but
so also are his words for his leader, Blair, the master of spin
doctoring has elevated the art of lying to a new level and called it
SPIN.
No wonder more and more people are sickened with what passes for
politics today. Does anyone here today believe a word that comes out
of the mouths of the leaders of the four main political parties?
Paisley? No! Adams? No! Empey? No! Durkan? No!
Paisley has built a career on the big lie! Playing on the fears of the
Protestant masses, he has incited violence, sectarian hatred and gets
his reward with three seats in the British House of Lords! He has
played a blinder for British imperialism. Sectarianism and British
imperialist policy walk hand in hand.
Adams has managed to sell a major defeat for Irish republicanism as a
victory to his followers. He tries to sell us the idea that
capitulation in the form of total decommissioning is an act of
statesmanship. Smell the coffee, Gerry! Raids on republican homes by a
reborn and revitalised RUC! Restrictions on visits to the USA for fund
raising! No power sharing in the North! Unionism united under Paisley!
Direct rule from Britain continues and loyalism has been rewarded for
its years of sectarian slaughter on behalf of its masters! Politics
based on a sectarian headcount! Some statesmanship!!
And as for Empey and Durkan, they both vie to outdo their main rivals
in the two sectarian tribes by flag waving and appeals to their own
form of nationalism. Reg believes Orange marches are the big issue and
Mark, like a frightened rabbit caught in the glare of headlights,
doesn't know which way to jump, into Fianna Fail or merge with the
Irish Labour Party. As for the Alliance Party and the Women's
Coalition, membership of these seems to be but a stepping-stone to a
big cushy job in a quango. Principles go out the window when the offer
of that big job comes along.
And as for honesty, lets now talk about the IMC reports. Facts. Nah!
Hold on! Don't let facts get in the way of a good big report. One has
only to look at the mad staring eyes of our own wee Lord Alderdice
presenting his fairy tale reports to know that the lunatics have taken
over the asylum (with apologies to those genuinely suffering mental
illness). The IMC reports are a excuse for every embittered Special
Branch man and gossip gathering and lying journalists to spin their
stories and see them end up in print to damage genuine republican
organisations.
Hence the recent assaults and raids on our comrades in the republican
socialist ex-prisoners organisation, Teach na Failte. Of course TnF
are not involved in money laundering. The RUC know that, the Branch
know that, but the truth you see does not matter. The spin counts.
Associate TnF with money laundering and criminality and you can then
discredit the efforts that TnF have made to genuinely engage with all
others within and across the sectarian divide.
And here is now an important piece of honesty. British imperialism
does not fear guns as much as it fears people. Yes, people! For when
people begin to think for themselves and then to act on the thoughts,
then and only then does imperialism begin to tremble. Who turned Greek
against Turk in Cyprus? The British ruling class. Result: partition of
Cyprus. Who turned Jew against Arab? The British ruling class. Result:
partition of Palestine and apartheid. Who turned Muslim against Hindu?
The British ruling class. Result: partition of the Indian
sub-continent, wars and perpetual poverty. Who turned tribe against
tribe in Africa? Imperialism, including British imperialism. Result:
massive partitions, hunger starvation and genocide. Who turned
Catholic against Protestant in Ireland? The British ruling class.
Result: partition of Ireland and sectarian violence.
The British ruling class along with USA imperialism are currently
occupying Iraq and dividing up the spoils of war. They are assiduously
turning Shia against Sunni against Kurd. They fear the power of united
Iraqi people.
The tools of imperialism include lies, deception, division,
repression, bribery, flattery, the arming of murder gangs and the
attempted criminalisation of political opponents. But the first item
on their agenda at all times is to set brother against brother, sister
against sister, comrade against comrade and Catholic against Protestant.
Comrades, don't fall for their machinations, lies and deceptions. Only
in the last few days a so-called nationalist paper ran a story that
implicated the Republican Socialist Movement in a plot to remove the
president of Republican Sinn Fein from the leadership of his party. It
also implied that the INLA was on the brink of decommissioning. The
journalist who wrote this fairy tale was not in contact with the IRSP.
His so-called sources have no connection with this movement. For the
record the IRSP have the highest respect for Ruari O'Bradaigh and have
not nor will not attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of any
other republican or socialist organisations. We lay our position out
openly and clearly before the people. If you want to know what we
think, ask us, for we tell it like it is. No lies, no spin doctoring,
no bullshit.
This movement is by no means perfect. Far from it. We have openly and
publicly acknowledged errors, mistakes and wrongs committed in our
name. And internally we will continue to develop as an organisation
worthy of claiming the support of the working class. We are not so
arrogant to think that we have the way the truth and light. We are not
the true, the real or the only republicans. All that we claim is that
we are republican socialists doing our best to live up to the ideals
of James Connolly.
We are not interested in the spin doctoring around personalities, we
are only interested in the political consequences of the politics
pursued by the personalities who dominate their own political
organisations.
So we say to everyone here today look at the consequences of the
failed politics pursued by the other so-called mainstream parties with
mandates. Sectarianism has never been as prevalent or malevolent as it
is today. Huge areas of working class estates north and south,
unionist or nationalist, are under the sway of drug gangs or low life
thugs. 250,000 children live in poverty in the so-called Celtic Tiger.
Hospitals north and south are overcrowded, underfunded and dirty.
Wealth north and south in made from a low wage economy. That means,
friends, you work for low wages while fat cats cream off the top.
Migrant workers are exploited ruthlessly while government policies
north and south actually encourage racist attacks on our new citizens.
And while all this and much worse goes on we are all encouraged to
turn a blind eye, retire to private life, and leave the public arena
to our betters in the great and the good.
Well, friends, that is not for us. Republican socialists put the
public good before private profit. We can not and will not be silent
when we see injustice, exploitation and discrimination. Nor will we
distort history and pretend that the republican struggle has
succeeded. It has not. Britain still rules us and we are in for a
prolonged period of direct rule, which will see massive charges
imposed on ordinary working class people. In the South, Meanwhile, a
craven subservient government has bargained away every last vestige of
sovereignty by allowing USA secret agents permission to question Irish
citizens, and by throwing away Irish neutrality.
And Bertie Ahern now has the gall to reinstate celebrations of the
1916 revolution. Of course, not out of conviction but only to head off
electoral losses to Sinn Fein. How those gallant men and women of 1916
must be spinning in their graves. Was it for this accursed partition
island, subservient to Yankee imperialism and licking the boots of the
British overlords, that they fought and fell for?
Of course not. The republic that James Connolly, the outstanding
figure of the revolution, fought for was a socialist republic. To make
that a living reality requires people who think for themselves and act
on those thoughts. And we include in our concept of people all the
people on this island regardless of how they view their own
nationality. Yes, we still adhere to the old republican concept that
is still relevant today, a unity of Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter.
It is our task, comrades and friends, indeed it is your task too, to
persuade in these changed times others of the wisdom, nobility and
relevance of our ideals of a socialist republic. Yes, note the
importance of the word relevance. Slogans and abstract dreams do not
in today's world have relevance for the majority of people. Most of us
are too busy trying to survive in today's cutthroat world to have time
for idly dreaming. Make republican socialism relevant to the everyday
lives of people in their workplaces, homes, communities and then and
only then will we have realistic possibilities of building a society
that all of us can be proud of.
To that end we repeat our call for all who claim to be socialists
and/or republicans to climb off your high horses and come down and
talk to other republicans and socialists to plot a way forward for the
Irish working class to take what is rightly fully theirs, their own
country back. Building a broad front of the republican left would be a
start in a fightback from the position we all are now in. But if
others want to sit in splendid isolation pure and unsullied by not
talking to the Irps well all we can say to them is history will pass
you by and judge you harshly. We will continue to grow, build and
educate ourselves in class politics and revolutionary struggle. For
when we view what is happening all around the world then we are only
confirmed in our view that capitalism cannot be reformed from within.
It must be smashed.
Ask yourself this question what have I done lately to help build a
just society? What part have I played or will play in making the
Republic a reality? Answer these questions positively and then we will
begin to be in a position to make the sacrifices of our dead
volunteers relevant. And then we can proudly walk away from this
commemoration knowing that while the road ahead may be rocky and there
will be setbacks and defeats, our actions, beliefs and words will in
the future build a world that we all can be proud of.
*******
POLITICAL POLICING
By Ex-INLA POW Willie Gallagher
On Thursday 27th October 2005 a series of raids directed at Teach na
Failte, an ex-INLA prisoners group, began at 11.00am. A total of 40
PSNI land rovers, 25 armored PSNI cars, 8 4x4 jeeps and 12 vans were
used in the operation. A total of 23 homes, 2 business premises and
the TnF office were raided in Strabane. The TnF office in Belfast was
also raided. One third of the homes had their doors sledged in and
several houses were in effect trashed. Most of the homes but not all
belonged to members and workers from TnF, past and present. Most of
the warrants were similar in nature...money laundering, financial
documents and computer equipment. Computers and files relating to
hundreds of participants who partook in courses to enhance their
employment prospects were seized. Confidential details of articipants,
which had absolutely no bearing to the stated reason on the search
warrants, were also seized. Telephones, fax machines, CVs,
certificates of achievement, job applications and funding applications
were also taken. Some of the people who haven't worked for TnF for up
to 3 years and who through the assistance of TnF gained long term
employment also had to endure the painful experience of having their
homes broken into. The PSNI stated that money and cigarettes were
seized during the raid giving the impression that these items were
taken during the house raids. None of these stated items were found in
any of the homes, offices or business premises that were searched but
were in fact seized from a person who drove his van into a cul-de-sac
where one of the raids was taking place.
My home was one of those raided by the PSNI who stated that they were
looking for evidence of money laundering, firearms, munitions and
scanners. The CID officer in charge told me that they knew they would
find nothing and apologised for the raid. Despite moving my computer,
which they told me they were seizing, from one side of the room to the
other they forgot to take it with them. The raid had only begun when
Channel 9 news phoned me asking why I was getting raided. Twenty
minutes later a press photographer was taking photographs of my home.
He quickly left the area after being confronted about his actions. The
PSNI took a credit union book, which they seized last year after my
arrest for the Ulster Bank robbery, as well as all photographs
and post cards I had from a trip to Cuba and other documents relating
to Cuba and Teach na Failte. The PSNI personnel involved in raiding my
home were unusually polite and apologetic unlike during the vast
majority of the raids elsewhere where they were aggressive, abusive
and in one case assaulted a man knocking him to the ground from his
wheelchair. They left just after two hours from their invasion. The
whole PSNI operation lasted for just over 12 hours and was directed
against TnF.
I have no doubt that this State operation was a part of a strategy
outlined last year in the Belfast Telegraph by 'security
correspondents' who stated that there was going to be "an
unprecedented attack on those believed to be involved in the Ulster
Bank robbery and this attack was going to manifest itself in various
manners". I also have no doubt that it was a propaganda exercise, just
like the Spotlight programme titled Border Bandits, in order to
further demonise, criminalise, isolate and marginalize anti-GFA
republicans. Six weeks before the raids TnF went through a government
audit, which, like previous audits, went to their satisfaction. If the
PSNI were really interested in TnF and its activities, it¹s all on
record with the NIO except for actual participants and their
confidential files which has led some to believe that the PSNI
operation was an intelligence gathering exercise though I believe it
was much more than that. I further believe that those behind this
assault on TnF are pissing in the wind and will fail in their objectives.
The PSNI and their political masters have in effect closed TnF down
with 6 full time workers and 8 part time workers now being forced onto
the dole queue or find employment elsewhere. One would be forgiven for
thinking these job losses did not happen as elected representatives
have uttered not one word of condemnation. Had 14 workers attached to
an English or American multi-national company been made redundant in
such a manner I am sure the same politicians would have had a lot to
say. Perhaps the MPs and MLAs were too busy counting their huge
expenses and salaries they receive for sitting on their fat arses
doing nothing whatsoever for the people. Maybe some of them were too
busy talking to their dogs in the street. Whatever their reasons the
message TnF has been receiving from hundred of past participants
is very clear: "business as usual and we just aren¹t going to go away
you know".
Many commentators have stated that this PSNI operation was the largest
in the history of the North West and one of the most aggressive, yet
Sinn Fein, the so-called champions of an Ireland of all equals, had
nothing to say. Personally this comes as no surprise as equality and
human rights is not on SFs agenda for anti-GFA republicans. It also
comes as no surprise due to the fact that the leadership of the
Provisional Republican Movement know that a number of individuals
connected with them in the Strabane area have been involved in a
demonisation campaign for years against Strabane IRSP members in
particular. For over a decade now since my release from Long Kesh
after serving a total of 18 years I and other IRSP members have been
on the receiving end of a black propaganda campaign in order to
demonise, criminalise, isolate and marginalise us. This campaign was
waged by individuals connected to the Provisional Republican Movement,
some of whom I believe are also working for agencies of the state.
This began after I rejected several requests from them to join their
movement just after my release. This campaign at times had sinister
elements to it: i.e. physical attacks on other local IRSP members
which usually resulted in the assailants coming of worse, planting
false and malicious stories in the media, attacks on property and
conspiring to kill individual members of the IRSP. Down throughout the
years I have received several written death threats delivered by
gloating PSNI officers stating that there was going to be "an imminent
gun attack on me by PIRA for unspecified reasons" as well as some
coming from loyalist paramilitaries. Did these people behind this
campaign expect me to run and hide or was their purpose to create a
bloody feud in which the only winners would be the state? Regardless
of what their intentions were I was never going to allow myself to be
intimidated from my political position or from my outspoken views
against injustice within the community or from my unapologetic support
for the INLA. Let me state quite clearly I believe it is wrong and
immoral for any republican to turn their guns on fellow republicans.
Likewise it is equally wrong and immoral to conduct campaigns of
character assassination against fellow republicans.
Of late some of these individuals I have already talked about have
been pumping out into the community, knowing that it will be picked up
by the PSNI, rumors that IRSP members in Strabane "own multiple
houses, pubs, taxi depots and blocks of flats" which they claim has
been funded by robberies, drug dealing, extortion, etc., etc. All of
us here know that Britain has been involved in dirty tricks and black
propaganda over the centuries and have used their agents within our
communities to do their dirty work. How many more Beano Caseys do we
have living in Strabane? So all of this demonisation from the state
comes as no surprise, after all, our movement has been constantly
attacked since its inception with many of our leaders being
assassinated by the state. Now the order of the day is character
assassination, spin and black propaganda against those who are
regarded as subversives. Well I am certainly not ashamed to be labeled
as a subversive as I will never accept this corrupt state. I am not
surprised at the silence of all the main constitutional parties as
individual members belonging to them are partially culpable for the
raids. However I do acknowledge and welcome the apology in relation to
the latest attempts by some of these individuals to smear and demonise
the IRSP in Strabane.
I have often been accused of being anti-SF/IRA, though I was never
sure exactly what this meant so I would like to put on record, a fact
many would acknowledge, that despite this vicious nasty and sinister
campaign, I have maintained many deep and long-lasting friendships
with many IRA ex-prisoners, both locally and nationally, to the
present day. All of whom I have a deep respect for and admiration for
their own personal struggle. It is somewhat ironic that on the day the
latest smears were being delivered to the leadership of the IRSP I was
involved in combating a threat against Provisional Republican Movement
members in County Derry by criminal elements who believed they were
untouchable and who used a firearm in an attack on a republican,
missing him. It is also ironic that despite the fact that I was
deeply involved in assisting others in bringing about an INLA
ceasefire, in which I had the honor of declaring, and of currently
engaging with other anti-GFA republicans in relation to them also
calling a ceasefire that I and other comrades are coming under attack
by the pro-GFA forces. The relationship I would like to see among all
republicans, despite political differences, is the relationships,
respect and solidarity shown by IRA/INLA hungerstrikers.
Ironically a week later after the Strabane raids SF had plenty to say
about a handful of raids in Dungannon and Killcoo in which they
rightly condemned as political policing. But when is political
policing not political policing in Sinn Fein speak? Obviously when it
is directed against anti-GFA republicans.
TRUTH, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY
Willie Gallagher
[A first draft version of this speech, circulated among party
comrades, was inadvertedly posted on the Internet. The above version
is the final and definite version and is the speech delivered by
Willie Gallagher.]
*******
WHAT'S ON
*
A date for your diary, Thursday 10th November 2-4pm, Policing Debate
in Conway Mill, Belfast. Panel will include Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
*
Invitation - Sex, Love and Homophobia: the exhibition
You are cordially invited to the Millennium Forum to attend the launch
reception for Amnesty International's new exhibition, Sex, Love and
Homophobia.
We believe the exhibition is powerful, prejudice-challenging and
timely. Based on the book of the same name, which Archbishop Desmond
Tutu called "a bright light on the path to justice", the exhibition
features a wealth of images and information about the human rights
abuses faced by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) community around the world. The exhibition is part of Northern
Ireland anti-homophobia week.
As you will be aware, homophobic prejudice and violence is a
significant and growing problem. This exhibition aims to raise
awareness of these abuses and show support for those who have been
victimised because of their sexual orientation.
The launch reception will commence at 3.30pm on Friday 18th November
at the Millennium Forum. Speaking at the event will be Mayor
Councillor Lynn Fleming, John Harkin of Amnesty International Foyle
Group and a representative from the Rainbow Project.
We would like to ask you to join with us at this event to demonstrate
your support for human rights for all and to stand in solidarity with
the local LGBT community.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Patrick Corrigan
Programme Director, NI
Head of Nations & Regions, UK
Amnesty International
397 Ormeau Road
Belfast BT7 3GP
t: 028 9064 3000
f: 028 9069 0989
e: patrick.corrigan@amnesty.org.uk
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/ni
*******
Back copies of The Plough can be accessed at:
http://www.irsm.org/irsp/plough/
Please feel free to comment on the contents of The Plough. We welcome
political comments and criticisms.
If you would prefer to receive The Plough as an attachment please
e-mail with heading "add attachment".
If you know of anybody who might wish to receive The Plough please
send his or her e-mail address to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
If you wish to receive back copies of the The Plough please e-mail
to johnmartinps@eircom.net stating which numbers you wish.
To unsubscribe to The Plough please send e-mail
entitled "unsubscribe" to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
It is the policy of The Plough to acknowledge information and
articles from other sources.
Subscribe to the bi-monthly
"The Starry Plough/An Camchéachta"
P.O. Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX, Ireland.
THE VOICE OF REPUBLICAN SOCIALISM!
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Tuesday 8 November 2005
The Plough Vol 03 No 07
The Plough
Volume 3, Number 7
8 November 2005
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1) Editorial: IMC and Teach na Failte
2) Belfast IRSP Press Statement
3) Oil Peak
4) Why Dessie O'Hare Should Be Freed
5) Letters
6) What's On
*******
EDITORIAL
For the benefit of our readers, we reprint below extracts from the
IMC's 7th report.
[THE SEVENTH IMC REPORT
Irish National Liberation Army (INLA)
In our Fifth Report we said that INLA members had been extensively
involved in organised crime, though the organisation had been less
violent than previously, and that there remained a threat of its more
active engagement.
This position remains essentially unchanged. In our Fifth Report we
said that INLA had not been responsible for shooting or assaulting
people in the six months from 1 September 2004 to 28 February 2005.
One of the shootings in February which we then could not attribute to
a particular group was, we now believe in the light of further
information, the responsibility of INLA. In the period under review in
this report we believe that INLA was responsible for one shooting, in
April, and 4 assaults, 3 in June and one in August. It was responsible
for throwing blast and petrol bombs at the security forces in Belfast
on 12 July. We believe that it has considered whether to attack
off-duty members of the security forces. The organisation is
recruiting and training new members. In addition, members of INLA
remain active in organised crime, for example robberies, drugs and
smuggling. The police seized substantial funds which we believe were
raised by INLA from cigarette smuggling.
INLA has also made efforts to ensure that it maintains its position in
certain local communities. Overall, therefore, there has been some
increase in INLA's use of violence but the level of activity is not
high. We believe that the threat of the organisation’s more active
involvement remains.]
If one carefully examines this section of the report one will look
hard for factual evidence. Instead, the report uses the term "we now
believe" or "we believe".
Belief based on what evidence? Hearsay from the discredited Special
Branch and CID of the RUC/PSNI? In addition, what does "more active
engagement" mean? This gobbledygook coming from so-called experts is
just laughable. What the IMC report does not say is that the INLA is
opposed to drug dealing, is not involved in organized crime and that
its ceasefire from 1998 is the only ceasefire of all the armed groups
that has not been broken. No member of the Republican Socialist
Movement is in gaol for criminal activity. Furthermore, the policy of
the Republican Socialist Movement is not to control communities but to
encourage local communities to empower themselves. All comrades
associated with our movement are encouraged to become actively
involved in politics and an extensive programme of politicisation has
been underway in the organisation for a period.
The recent raids by the RUC/PSNI on Teach na Failte offices in Belfast
and Strabane and the sledgehammers of doors of TnF activists was an
attempt to link ex-prisoner work with money laundering and put TnF out
of business. TnF is involved in conflict mediation, counselling, peace
building and developing alternative ways to deal with social and
economic problems within communities. They have forged excellent
relationships with not only other ex-prisoner organization from the
republican traditions but also with progressive loyalists and
ex-loyalists particularly on socio-economic issues without
compromising core republican values.
If that poses a threat to the sectarian setup in the North then so be
it! Neither TnF nor this movement will be intimidated by the actions
of the British security forces. Both the IMC report and the raids on
TnF are connected. Imperialism has now gone on the offensive against
republicanism. As republican socialists, we are neither surprised nor
startled. We oppose the status quo. We expect repression. We can deal
with it. Neither violence, pacification nor bribery will stop this
movement from pursuing our political ideals.
*******
BELFAST IRSP PRESS STATEMENT
26 October 2005
The IRSP condemn without reservation the totally unwarranted searches
of Teach na Failte and Republican Socialist offices and homes of our
workers in Belfast and Strabane.
These searches are little more than a politically motivated fishing
exercise and an attempt by the PSNI/RUC to blacken the good name of
Teach na Failte, a well respected former prisoners association whose
work is mostly welfare based plus a conflict transformation and
resolution project for ex-prisoners and their families.
IRSP spokesperson Paul Little said: "The nature of these searches by
the PSNI was aggressive, with doors being smashed down and disabled
TnF project officer Eddie McGarrigle from Strabane, who is
confined to a wheelchair, was thrown out of it by the PSNI and left
lying on the floor.
"There is absolutely no justification for these raids or their violent
nature. The PSNI have demonstrated once again that they are not a new
beginning to policing but rather a new politically motivated
paramilitarist force that excels in all the bad traits of the RUC.
"New uniform, same old story."
*******
OIL PEAK
By Liam O'Ruairc
According to many forecasts, this winter is likely to be the coldest
in decades. The price of gas in the North has already gone up by 30%
and the cost of petrol is going up. Many people will be badly affected
by this, but the IRSP warns that things are very likely to become
worse, and that sooner or later the world will be heading towards more
crises, catastrophes and wars.
The price of petrol is going to increase further due to oil depletion.
(1) This means that the world's oil resources are quickly running out.
In resource terminology, oil either will or already has "peaked".
According to Chris Skrebowski, who worked in the industry for almost
20 years and who now edits Petroleum Review, more than 50 countries --
including 10 large producers, such as Britain, Mexico, China, the US,
Norway, Indonesia and Oman -- are now seeing their oil production
levels decline. At a rough estimate, 90% of all the world's known
reserves are now being exploited. The little good news, he said, comes
from the Sudan, equatorial Africa, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, where
production is greatly increasing.
"Gas is a risk, too," he says. "It is also declining. The UK is now a
net importer of gas and is likely to import 80% of its needs by 2020,
mainly from unstable countries."
"Quite simply, we are consuming oil far faster than we can find it,"
Skrebowski says. This trend is reinforced by the fact that demand from
countries such as China and India is exploding at more than 10% a year
and straining existing refinery capacity. "For the next three years, I
believe we will scrape by. After that, it gets progressively more
difficult." The exact timing of a global peak, and the speed at which
supplies then decline, is fiercely debated. Some analysts give it 10
years or more, others suggest that we may have reached that point
already. Skrebowski, who sees oil companies struggling to hold
production levels now, and knows how hard it is for the oil industry
to move, estimates 2008. (2)
The combination of demand growth and supply declines will have
disastrous consequences. Michael Meacher, the former UK environment
minister, warns that the scale of the change required in the world
economy is "nothing short of apocalyptical. Our whole civilisation is
overwhelmingly dependent on oil. Oil will start to run out, but not
abruptly. The price, however, will rise rapidly. It is bound to go
over $100 (£57) [a barrel], rising much further. The majority of
countries do not have oil and will be forced into a tailspin of
decline. It is likely that there will be violent disruptions, and mass
refugee movements on a scale we have never seen."
The rise of petrol prices is going to lead to a general increase in
all prices. According to Richard Douthwaite, a former UK government
economist now working on a study of oil depletion for the Irish
government: "The cost of business will inevitably rise. All prices in
the economy will have to change because everything is dependent on
oil. Every price in the world will have to change to reflect the
carbon content of goods, and the new cost of energy."
For Tim Lang, professor of food policy at City University, any oil
shortage would effectively cause the collapse of the whole British
supermarket system. The slick operation, which depends on air freight,
tens of thousands of lorries, giant distribution points, intensive
farming and out of season production, around the world, depends from
start to finish on oil. Were prices to rise dramatically, the system
would, he says, show its fragility.
What is badly needed to avert a future collapse, he says, is a plan B.
"Food today travels further to our shores and further on our roads to
reach supermarkets further from our homes than ever before. The result
is a finely-honed system that is woefully vulnerable to oil prices.
"The entire system is incredibly fragile. Four companies sell 70% of
all the food in Britain and 1,500 shops provide food for half of the
country. If you remove oil, frankly, everyone is kebabbed."
As John Vidal and Ian Sample conclude: "Unless this is handled well,
(the oil peak) is bound to put the brake on economic growth and lead
to chaos and potentially large-scale depression. So far, there is
little evidence that governments are preparing for the level of oil
shocks being contemplated." (3)
Prices will rise, so people will be less likely to buy. At the same
time operational costs will rise for businesses. This means that
capitalists will be less likely to invest their money. The result will
be to accelerate capitalism's tendency towards crisis. It will be
interesting to see what the impact of this will be on the housing
market. Much of the current economic growth in the Western world is
based on the overheated housing market (see for example in the 26
counties and increasingly so in the North). Sooner or later the
speculative bubble will burst. If this is concomitant with the oil
peak crisis, we could be facing a crisis worse than that of 1929.
The decline of oil supplies is also going to sharpen inter-imperialist
rivalries and increase the risk of wars. The situation in Iraq and
Venezuela today are examples of this. Iran could be next, and
instability in Saudi Arabia are a major source of concerns. Places
like the Caucasus are likely to become sources of major international
conflicts.
Crises, catastrophes and wars are what capitalism has in store for us.
SOURCES
(1) For more information about oil depletion, visit the oil depletion
analysis center: http://www.odac-info.org/welcome/welcome.htm
See also the special section of the Energy Bulletin:
http://www.energybulletin.net/primer.php
(2) http://www.energybulletin.net/9978.html
Subsequent quotes from Meagher, Douthwaite and Lang come from this
article.
(3) Ibid, and The Guardian 19 October 2005
*******
The Republican Socialist Movement deeply regrets the death of former
CIRA POW John O'Halloran in Portlaoise Gaol. An INLA prisoner found
his body and we extend our condolences and sympathy to the family,
friends and comrades of Vol. John O'Halloran.
*******
WHY DESSIE O'HARE SHOULD BE FREED
(The following article was written in response to the Derry Journal
by the Derry IRSP.)
The Chronicle & Comment column in the Derry Journal of Tuesday 25
October contained within it some very graphic details of the episode
that led to the imprisonment of Dessie O'Hare. There is no doubt that
this will make for some disturbing reading and was written to provoke
some kind of reaction but then that was what the tirade by Onlooker
was supposed to do.
Can you imagine if Onlooker's logic was applied fairly across the
board and each and every case of the last thirty five years received
the same scrutiny as he/she has applied to the O'Hare case then there
is little doubt that some very bizarre and very disturbing stories
would appear.
No doubt we would hear of pregnant women being shot in the stomach and
killed, we would hear of van loads of workers being blown to bits, we
would hear how workers were lined up and asked for their religion
before being killed, we would hear how young people were nailed to
fences. This does not excuse anything that anyone carried out in the
name of Ireland or of Ulster but Onlooker needs to get a bit of
perspective on the case. We accept that a man was injured and his
family was left traumatized during the kidnapping and we in no way
would want to diminish the suffering that they have gone through but
in the cold light of day it has to be acknowledged that Dessie O'Hare
didn’t kill any one. That's right, Dessie O'Hare has not been
convicted of the killing of anyone. When put in comparison to the
3,800 deaths of the conflict.
Dessie O'Hare found himself in a situation of political upheaval just
like the thousands of others of his generation who went on to join the
IRA and INLA. He became involved in a war that was sometimes brutal
and harrowing, no-one will doubt that, but to pick out Dessie's case
in total isolation from the thousands of others is unfair and
vindictive. The 26 County administration have treated Dessie much more
harshly from each and every political prisoner who qualifies for
release under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Good Friday Agreement, to which the 26 County administration is
signed up to, allows for the release of all those prisoners whose
organizations are on ceasefire and whose "crimes" occurred before
1998. Dessie O'Hare fits the criteria and the administration in Dublin
has already acknowledged that Dessie O'Hare is a qualifying prisoner.
In fact Dessie O'Hare has endorsed the INLA ceasefire
I have no doubt that Onlooker is supportive of the Good Friday
Agreement and the peace process. If Onlooker's logic was applied to
all prisoners would he even have a peace process to support? Because
at the end of the day without the support of the prisoners Loyalist
and Republican ceasefires just would not have come about.
*******
LETTERS
*
Easter 1916: Free State Administration Hypocrites
For many years now Republicans and Republican Socialists have kept the
memory of the heroic events which occurred at Easter week 1916 alive.
Not since the fiftieth anniversary of the Easter Rising have the
twenty six county administration shown the slightest incline to
remember, publicly the dead heroes of 1916. On the contrary they have
done their best to suppress the various commemorations which take
place around the country, just as the RUC/PSNI do their best to
antagonise the Republican Socialist parade in Belfast, which is
increasing in size every year. The antagonising derives by their very
unnecessary presence at the commemorative parade where there is no
need for it. It is hoped that in years to come the IRSP will have
commemorative parades in other towns and cities across Ireland.
The last time the twenty six county administration held a public
display of support for the ideals of Easter week was 1966, the
fiftieth anniversary of the rising. Since then it has been suppressed
possibly because it kept the flame of national liberation and freedom
alive which would of course upset the British. However now with the
Good Farce (Friday) Agreement on board and with it being nice and safe
to be a republican the twenty six county government have heroically
decided to reclaim Easter. It was reported on the weekend 22-23
October 2005 that the Free State Army would march past the GPO, an
army which has been so noticeable by its absence for forty years.
This highlights political change, not for the better as far as
Republican Socialists are concerned because no doubt the twenty six
county adminisrtation, it would be imagined, sought the consent of the
British who, in turn, would have consulted their masters in Washington
before this decision was taken. If Washington had said no, ‘it could
be seen as supporting terrorism’ then the British would have said no
and the final answer would have been NO. It would be interesting to go
along and listen to twenty six county politicians, who gave up the
right to consider themselves republicans many years ago, to hear what
hypocrisies and contradictions they come out with.
Kevin Morley
*
(We publish the following statement from the IRPWA regarding a recent
incident in Portlaoise Gaol.)
Statement re: Portlaoise 'Drug' Incident
Posted on 25/10/2005 at 16:48:26 by IRPWA <>
As promised previously we in the IRPWA have made inquiries about a
report from Portlaoise Prison accusing a prisoner of trying to smuggle
drugs. The following is an accurate account of events surrounding the
incident.
A few weeks ago a prisoner from the Dublin area was accepted onto E3
landing. He had been in the prison a couple of days when he was
stopped and searched returning from a visit and a condom filled with a
green liquid was discovered in his mouth. The Prison Governor informed
the OC of E3 that the authorities suspected the liquid was heroin but
that they needed to send it to a laboratory for verification. When the
man was questioned about this by the OC, he insisted that the liquid
was a sleeping medication. The OC and his staff made detailed
inquiries and concluded that the liquid was likely to be Methadone, a
heroin substitute used by those coming off that drug, and that the
prisoner was lying. He was ordered to leave the wing. The OC stated
that this prisoner had breached the rules and regulations of the
landing in trying to smuggle any substance into the gaol and had
brought the Republican Movement, which has zero tolerance of drugs,
into disrepute by his actions. The IRPWA fully support the decision of
the OC. While we sympathize with any individual caught up in the drug
culture, such a person has no place in the Republican Movement either
in gaol or outside. We can only hope that the man concerned is given
the help he needs to overcome his problem and in that we wish him well.
*
The Original Nazis
As yet another controversy flares in Northern Ireland about who and
what is a Nazi, perhaps it is timely to reflect on the actual history
and practice of world conquest and the extermination of inferior races.
For example: "(The) final extermination was a large-scale event,
undertaken with the co-operation of the military and the judiciary.
Soldiers of the (Waffen SS) drove the natives between two great rock
formations, shot all the men and dragged the women and children out of
fissures in the rocks to knock their brains out."
Except that this was not the Balkans in the twentieth century, and it
was not a Nazi atrocity. It was actually not the Waffen SS. It was the
Fortieth Regiment of the British Army in 19th century Tasmania, as
described by Wilhelm Ziehr in Hell in Paradise.
In 1900 the British policy of world domination and extermination was
described as follows by Gilbert Murray (Oxford Regius Professor of
Classics, President of the League Of Nations and Chairperson of the
United Nations Association): "...the subject races in the British
Empire...those whom we cannot utilise we exterminate...Tasmanians were
useless, and are all dead...Go, if you dare, into a searching
comparison between the treatment of the Queensland Kanakas, who were
useful beasts of burden, and that of the Queensland aborigines, who
were regarded as vermin, and you will bless the lot of the
half-enslaved Kanaka."
If we were to believe the succession of documentaries, films and other
propaganda to which we are endlessly subjected, Britain finally came
good in 1939 and set out selflessly to free the tormented victims of
the concentration camps. Sadly, the facts tell a very different story.
Having helped bring about the downfall of the democratic German
government in 1933, Britain supported and consolidated the Nazi regime
until Britain suddenly decided in 1939 that there was room for only
one world-dominating power.
Then, having declared war on Germany it failed to prosecute its war
and was driven out of Europe in 1940. The Nazis, whose movement was
inspired and motivated by the British empire, were finally defeated by
their intended victims in Eastern Europe.
And is it all in the past now? I'm afraid not. While Christian
civilisation was once conferred on benighted savages by means of
bayonet, whip and cudgel, Britain and its allies now deliver human
rights and democracy to the world via the tank, the bomb and the bullet.
Pat Muldowney
Magee College, University of Ulster
*
HUNGER STRIKE AT ECOPETROL
On 20 October at 11.30am, members of USO, the Colombian Oil Workers'
Union started a hunger strike in protest at attempts by the government
to sell the state owned oil refinery in Cartagena. Hernando Meneses,
Rodolfo Vecino (both members of USO National Executive) Jorge Ortega
(President of the USO Cartagena branch), Edgar Mojica (USO Commission
for Peace and Human Rights) and Rafael Carbarcas (Union adviser) have
all joined the action.
Last year, workers at the state oil company Ecopetrol carried out a
strike to stop the privatisation of their employer. The government
backed down agreeing not to privatise Ecopetrol and to implement the
"Cartagena Master Plan", to ensure the successful management of the
company as a state asset. Despite this however, the government has
announced plans to sell oil fields to transnationals and to privatise
the Cartagena oil refinery.
USO has clearly demonstrated that the implementation of the "Master
Plan" would benefit the oil refinery at Cartagena, and has developed
different plans to make this a reality. However, both government and
company management are insisting that the sell-off to private capital
is the only solution for the company.
In the face of government intransigence, members of the union have
been forced to take action to defend our national sovereignty. The
hunger strike aims to bring this issue to international attention and
to mobilise the people of Cartagena and Colombia to defend our
national patrimony and to demand that the Colombian government
respects agreements with the union.
We also call on the government to work with USO and the Colombian
people to seek solutions that will strengthen Ecopetrol and turn the
company into a source of social development and the construction of
peace for Colombia.
I would like to express my solidarity with those USO members currently
on hunger strike, as with all workers at USO, who over the years have
been directly responsible for creating Ecopetrol and converting it
into the most profitable national company.
I ask that the appropriate medical organisations are able to give all
necessary medical attention to those on hunger strike, and that
security is guaranteed for those on hunger strike and their
supporters. This action to save Ecopetrol is taking place in the
offices of the People's Defender in the city of Cartagena.
HERNANDO HERNANDEZ P.
CANDIDATE FOR THE SENATE 2006.
Bogota, 21 October 2005
*******
WHAT'S ON
*
A date for your diary, Thursday 10th November 2-4pm, Policing Debate
in Conway Mill, Belfast. Panel will include Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
*
Invitation - Sex, Love and Homophobia: the exhibition
You are cordially invited to the Millennium Forum to attend the launch
reception for Amnesty International's new exhibition, Sex, Love and
Homophobia.
We believe the exhibition is powerful, prejudice-challenging and
timely. Based on the book of the same name, which Archbishop Desmond
Tutu called "a bright light on the path to justice", the exhibition
features a wealth of images and information about the human rights
abuses faced by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) community around the world. The exhibition is part of Northern
Ireland anti-homophobia week.
As you will be aware, homophobic prejudice and violence is a
significant and growing problem. This exhibition aims to raise
awareness of these abuses and show support for those who have been
victimised because of their sexual orientation.
The launch reception will commence at 3.30pm on Friday 18th November
at the Millennium Forum. Speaking at the event will be Mayor
Councillor Lynn Fleming, John Harkin of Amnesty International Foyle
Group and a representative from the Rainbow Project.
We would like to ask you to join with us at this event to demonstrate
your support for human rights for all and to stand in solidarity with
the local LGBT community.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Patrick Corrigan
Programme Director, NI
Head of Nations & Regions, UK
Amnesty International
397 Ormeau Road
Belfast BT7 3GP
t: 028 9064 3000
f: 028 9069 0989
e: patrick.corrigan@amnesty.org.uk
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/ni
*******
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THE VOICE OF REPUBLICAN SOCIALISM!
Email: starry_plough@hotmail.com
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Fighting Fund/Donations
To: The Starry Plough
First Trust Bank, Derry, BT48 6BU
Account No. 14986015 Sort Code No. 93-86-10
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html (Pairtí Poblachtach Sóisialach na
h-Éireann)
http://www.wageslave.org/jcs/ (James Connolly Society)
http://www.marxists.org/archive/connolly/ (James Connolly Archive)
The Republican Socialist Forum from Derry IRSP
http://rsmforum.proboards23.com/
Republican Socialist Online Merchandise - A website that offers a
central place to go on the Internet to find good quality items with a
distinct Republican Socialist theme. Proceeds from sales from this
effort go towards the IRSM and its various projects.
http://www.angelfire.com/folk/irishshop/
*
Support the IRSP
Standing Order Form
To the Manager First Trust Bank, Andersonstown.
Please pay First Trust Bank Andersonstown Branch, Belfast, and credit
to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
93-84-75
The sum of:
Amount in words:
Commencing date: and thereafter every month till further notice.
And debiting A/C number:
Name (Please print clearly):
Date:
Address:
Signature:
Volume 3, Number 7
8 November 2005
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1) Editorial: IMC and Teach na Failte
2) Belfast IRSP Press Statement
3) Oil Peak
4) Why Dessie O'Hare Should Be Freed
5) Letters
6) What's On
*******
EDITORIAL
For the benefit of our readers, we reprint below extracts from the
IMC's 7th report.
[THE SEVENTH IMC REPORT
Irish National Liberation Army (INLA)
In our Fifth Report we said that INLA members had been extensively
involved in organised crime, though the organisation had been less
violent than previously, and that there remained a threat of its more
active engagement.
This position remains essentially unchanged. In our Fifth Report we
said that INLA had not been responsible for shooting or assaulting
people in the six months from 1 September 2004 to 28 February 2005.
One of the shootings in February which we then could not attribute to
a particular group was, we now believe in the light of further
information, the responsibility of INLA. In the period under review in
this report we believe that INLA was responsible for one shooting, in
April, and 4 assaults, 3 in June and one in August. It was responsible
for throwing blast and petrol bombs at the security forces in Belfast
on 12 July. We believe that it has considered whether to attack
off-duty members of the security forces. The organisation is
recruiting and training new members. In addition, members of INLA
remain active in organised crime, for example robberies, drugs and
smuggling. The police seized substantial funds which we believe were
raised by INLA from cigarette smuggling.
INLA has also made efforts to ensure that it maintains its position in
certain local communities. Overall, therefore, there has been some
increase in INLA's use of violence but the level of activity is not
high. We believe that the threat of the organisation’s more active
involvement remains.]
If one carefully examines this section of the report one will look
hard for factual evidence. Instead, the report uses the term "we now
believe" or "we believe".
Belief based on what evidence? Hearsay from the discredited Special
Branch and CID of the RUC/PSNI? In addition, what does "more active
engagement" mean? This gobbledygook coming from so-called experts is
just laughable. What the IMC report does not say is that the INLA is
opposed to drug dealing, is not involved in organized crime and that
its ceasefire from 1998 is the only ceasefire of all the armed groups
that has not been broken. No member of the Republican Socialist
Movement is in gaol for criminal activity. Furthermore, the policy of
the Republican Socialist Movement is not to control communities but to
encourage local communities to empower themselves. All comrades
associated with our movement are encouraged to become actively
involved in politics and an extensive programme of politicisation has
been underway in the organisation for a period.
The recent raids by the RUC/PSNI on Teach na Failte offices in Belfast
and Strabane and the sledgehammers of doors of TnF activists was an
attempt to link ex-prisoner work with money laundering and put TnF out
of business. TnF is involved in conflict mediation, counselling, peace
building and developing alternative ways to deal with social and
economic problems within communities. They have forged excellent
relationships with not only other ex-prisoner organization from the
republican traditions but also with progressive loyalists and
ex-loyalists particularly on socio-economic issues without
compromising core republican values.
If that poses a threat to the sectarian setup in the North then so be
it! Neither TnF nor this movement will be intimidated by the actions
of the British security forces. Both the IMC report and the raids on
TnF are connected. Imperialism has now gone on the offensive against
republicanism. As republican socialists, we are neither surprised nor
startled. We oppose the status quo. We expect repression. We can deal
with it. Neither violence, pacification nor bribery will stop this
movement from pursuing our political ideals.
*******
BELFAST IRSP PRESS STATEMENT
26 October 2005
The IRSP condemn without reservation the totally unwarranted searches
of Teach na Failte and Republican Socialist offices and homes of our
workers in Belfast and Strabane.
These searches are little more than a politically motivated fishing
exercise and an attempt by the PSNI/RUC to blacken the good name of
Teach na Failte, a well respected former prisoners association whose
work is mostly welfare based plus a conflict transformation and
resolution project for ex-prisoners and their families.
IRSP spokesperson Paul Little said: "The nature of these searches by
the PSNI was aggressive, with doors being smashed down and disabled
TnF project officer Eddie McGarrigle from Strabane, who is
confined to a wheelchair, was thrown out of it by the PSNI and left
lying on the floor.
"There is absolutely no justification for these raids or their violent
nature. The PSNI have demonstrated once again that they are not a new
beginning to policing but rather a new politically motivated
paramilitarist force that excels in all the bad traits of the RUC.
"New uniform, same old story."
*******
OIL PEAK
By Liam O'Ruairc
According to many forecasts, this winter is likely to be the coldest
in decades. The price of gas in the North has already gone up by 30%
and the cost of petrol is going up. Many people will be badly affected
by this, but the IRSP warns that things are very likely to become
worse, and that sooner or later the world will be heading towards more
crises, catastrophes and wars.
The price of petrol is going to increase further due to oil depletion.
(1) This means that the world's oil resources are quickly running out.
In resource terminology, oil either will or already has "peaked".
According to Chris Skrebowski, who worked in the industry for almost
20 years and who now edits Petroleum Review, more than 50 countries --
including 10 large producers, such as Britain, Mexico, China, the US,
Norway, Indonesia and Oman -- are now seeing their oil production
levels decline. At a rough estimate, 90% of all the world's known
reserves are now being exploited. The little good news, he said, comes
from the Sudan, equatorial Africa, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, where
production is greatly increasing.
"Gas is a risk, too," he says. "It is also declining. The UK is now a
net importer of gas and is likely to import 80% of its needs by 2020,
mainly from unstable countries."
"Quite simply, we are consuming oil far faster than we can find it,"
Skrebowski says. This trend is reinforced by the fact that demand from
countries such as China and India is exploding at more than 10% a year
and straining existing refinery capacity. "For the next three years, I
believe we will scrape by. After that, it gets progressively more
difficult." The exact timing of a global peak, and the speed at which
supplies then decline, is fiercely debated. Some analysts give it 10
years or more, others suggest that we may have reached that point
already. Skrebowski, who sees oil companies struggling to hold
production levels now, and knows how hard it is for the oil industry
to move, estimates 2008. (2)
The combination of demand growth and supply declines will have
disastrous consequences. Michael Meacher, the former UK environment
minister, warns that the scale of the change required in the world
economy is "nothing short of apocalyptical. Our whole civilisation is
overwhelmingly dependent on oil. Oil will start to run out, but not
abruptly. The price, however, will rise rapidly. It is bound to go
over $100 (£57) [a barrel], rising much further. The majority of
countries do not have oil and will be forced into a tailspin of
decline. It is likely that there will be violent disruptions, and mass
refugee movements on a scale we have never seen."
The rise of petrol prices is going to lead to a general increase in
all prices. According to Richard Douthwaite, a former UK government
economist now working on a study of oil depletion for the Irish
government: "The cost of business will inevitably rise. All prices in
the economy will have to change because everything is dependent on
oil. Every price in the world will have to change to reflect the
carbon content of goods, and the new cost of energy."
For Tim Lang, professor of food policy at City University, any oil
shortage would effectively cause the collapse of the whole British
supermarket system. The slick operation, which depends on air freight,
tens of thousands of lorries, giant distribution points, intensive
farming and out of season production, around the world, depends from
start to finish on oil. Were prices to rise dramatically, the system
would, he says, show its fragility.
What is badly needed to avert a future collapse, he says, is a plan B.
"Food today travels further to our shores and further on our roads to
reach supermarkets further from our homes than ever before. The result
is a finely-honed system that is woefully vulnerable to oil prices.
"The entire system is incredibly fragile. Four companies sell 70% of
all the food in Britain and 1,500 shops provide food for half of the
country. If you remove oil, frankly, everyone is kebabbed."
As John Vidal and Ian Sample conclude: "Unless this is handled well,
(the oil peak) is bound to put the brake on economic growth and lead
to chaos and potentially large-scale depression. So far, there is
little evidence that governments are preparing for the level of oil
shocks being contemplated." (3)
Prices will rise, so people will be less likely to buy. At the same
time operational costs will rise for businesses. This means that
capitalists will be less likely to invest their money. The result will
be to accelerate capitalism's tendency towards crisis. It will be
interesting to see what the impact of this will be on the housing
market. Much of the current economic growth in the Western world is
based on the overheated housing market (see for example in the 26
counties and increasingly so in the North). Sooner or later the
speculative bubble will burst. If this is concomitant with the oil
peak crisis, we could be facing a crisis worse than that of 1929.
The decline of oil supplies is also going to sharpen inter-imperialist
rivalries and increase the risk of wars. The situation in Iraq and
Venezuela today are examples of this. Iran could be next, and
instability in Saudi Arabia are a major source of concerns. Places
like the Caucasus are likely to become sources of major international
conflicts.
Crises, catastrophes and wars are what capitalism has in store for us.
SOURCES
(1) For more information about oil depletion, visit the oil depletion
analysis center: http://www.odac-info.org/welcome/welcome.htm
See also the special section of the Energy Bulletin:
http://www.energybulletin.net/primer.php
(2) http://www.energybulletin.net/9978.html
Subsequent quotes from Meagher, Douthwaite and Lang come from this
article.
(3) Ibid, and The Guardian 19 October 2005
*******
The Republican Socialist Movement deeply regrets the death of former
CIRA POW John O'Halloran in Portlaoise Gaol. An INLA prisoner found
his body and we extend our condolences and sympathy to the family,
friends and comrades of Vol. John O'Halloran.
*******
WHY DESSIE O'HARE SHOULD BE FREED
(The following article was written in response to the Derry Journal
by the Derry IRSP.)
The Chronicle & Comment column in the Derry Journal of Tuesday 25
October contained within it some very graphic details of the episode
that led to the imprisonment of Dessie O'Hare. There is no doubt that
this will make for some disturbing reading and was written to provoke
some kind of reaction but then that was what the tirade by Onlooker
was supposed to do.
Can you imagine if Onlooker's logic was applied fairly across the
board and each and every case of the last thirty five years received
the same scrutiny as he/she has applied to the O'Hare case then there
is little doubt that some very bizarre and very disturbing stories
would appear.
No doubt we would hear of pregnant women being shot in the stomach and
killed, we would hear of van loads of workers being blown to bits, we
would hear how workers were lined up and asked for their religion
before being killed, we would hear how young people were nailed to
fences. This does not excuse anything that anyone carried out in the
name of Ireland or of Ulster but Onlooker needs to get a bit of
perspective on the case. We accept that a man was injured and his
family was left traumatized during the kidnapping and we in no way
would want to diminish the suffering that they have gone through but
in the cold light of day it has to be acknowledged that Dessie O'Hare
didn’t kill any one. That's right, Dessie O'Hare has not been
convicted of the killing of anyone. When put in comparison to the
3,800 deaths of the conflict.
Dessie O'Hare found himself in a situation of political upheaval just
like the thousands of others of his generation who went on to join the
IRA and INLA. He became involved in a war that was sometimes brutal
and harrowing, no-one will doubt that, but to pick out Dessie's case
in total isolation from the thousands of others is unfair and
vindictive. The 26 County administration have treated Dessie much more
harshly from each and every political prisoner who qualifies for
release under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Good Friday Agreement, to which the 26 County administration is
signed up to, allows for the release of all those prisoners whose
organizations are on ceasefire and whose "crimes" occurred before
1998. Dessie O'Hare fits the criteria and the administration in Dublin
has already acknowledged that Dessie O'Hare is a qualifying prisoner.
In fact Dessie O'Hare has endorsed the INLA ceasefire
I have no doubt that Onlooker is supportive of the Good Friday
Agreement and the peace process. If Onlooker's logic was applied to
all prisoners would he even have a peace process to support? Because
at the end of the day without the support of the prisoners Loyalist
and Republican ceasefires just would not have come about.
*******
LETTERS
*
Easter 1916: Free State Administration Hypocrites
For many years now Republicans and Republican Socialists have kept the
memory of the heroic events which occurred at Easter week 1916 alive.
Not since the fiftieth anniversary of the Easter Rising have the
twenty six county administration shown the slightest incline to
remember, publicly the dead heroes of 1916. On the contrary they have
done their best to suppress the various commemorations which take
place around the country, just as the RUC/PSNI do their best to
antagonise the Republican Socialist parade in Belfast, which is
increasing in size every year. The antagonising derives by their very
unnecessary presence at the commemorative parade where there is no
need for it. It is hoped that in years to come the IRSP will have
commemorative parades in other towns and cities across Ireland.
The last time the twenty six county administration held a public
display of support for the ideals of Easter week was 1966, the
fiftieth anniversary of the rising. Since then it has been suppressed
possibly because it kept the flame of national liberation and freedom
alive which would of course upset the British. However now with the
Good Farce (Friday) Agreement on board and with it being nice and safe
to be a republican the twenty six county government have heroically
decided to reclaim Easter. It was reported on the weekend 22-23
October 2005 that the Free State Army would march past the GPO, an
army which has been so noticeable by its absence for forty years.
This highlights political change, not for the better as far as
Republican Socialists are concerned because no doubt the twenty six
county adminisrtation, it would be imagined, sought the consent of the
British who, in turn, would have consulted their masters in Washington
before this decision was taken. If Washington had said no, ‘it could
be seen as supporting terrorism’ then the British would have said no
and the final answer would have been NO. It would be interesting to go
along and listen to twenty six county politicians, who gave up the
right to consider themselves republicans many years ago, to hear what
hypocrisies and contradictions they come out with.
Kevin Morley
*
(We publish the following statement from the IRPWA regarding a recent
incident in Portlaoise Gaol.)
Statement re: Portlaoise 'Drug' Incident
Posted on 25/10/2005 at 16:48:26 by IRPWA <>
As promised previously we in the IRPWA have made inquiries about a
report from Portlaoise Prison accusing a prisoner of trying to smuggle
drugs. The following is an accurate account of events surrounding the
incident.
A few weeks ago a prisoner from the Dublin area was accepted onto E3
landing. He had been in the prison a couple of days when he was
stopped and searched returning from a visit and a condom filled with a
green liquid was discovered in his mouth. The Prison Governor informed
the OC of E3 that the authorities suspected the liquid was heroin but
that they needed to send it to a laboratory for verification. When the
man was questioned about this by the OC, he insisted that the liquid
was a sleeping medication. The OC and his staff made detailed
inquiries and concluded that the liquid was likely to be Methadone, a
heroin substitute used by those coming off that drug, and that the
prisoner was lying. He was ordered to leave the wing. The OC stated
that this prisoner had breached the rules and regulations of the
landing in trying to smuggle any substance into the gaol and had
brought the Republican Movement, which has zero tolerance of drugs,
into disrepute by his actions. The IRPWA fully support the decision of
the OC. While we sympathize with any individual caught up in the drug
culture, such a person has no place in the Republican Movement either
in gaol or outside. We can only hope that the man concerned is given
the help he needs to overcome his problem and in that we wish him well.
*
The Original Nazis
As yet another controversy flares in Northern Ireland about who and
what is a Nazi, perhaps it is timely to reflect on the actual history
and practice of world conquest and the extermination of inferior races.
For example: "(The) final extermination was a large-scale event,
undertaken with the co-operation of the military and the judiciary.
Soldiers of the (Waffen SS) drove the natives between two great rock
formations, shot all the men and dragged the women and children out of
fissures in the rocks to knock their brains out."
Except that this was not the Balkans in the twentieth century, and it
was not a Nazi atrocity. It was actually not the Waffen SS. It was the
Fortieth Regiment of the British Army in 19th century Tasmania, as
described by Wilhelm Ziehr in Hell in Paradise.
In 1900 the British policy of world domination and extermination was
described as follows by Gilbert Murray (Oxford Regius Professor of
Classics, President of the League Of Nations and Chairperson of the
United Nations Association): "...the subject races in the British
Empire...those whom we cannot utilise we exterminate...Tasmanians were
useless, and are all dead...Go, if you dare, into a searching
comparison between the treatment of the Queensland Kanakas, who were
useful beasts of burden, and that of the Queensland aborigines, who
were regarded as vermin, and you will bless the lot of the
half-enslaved Kanaka."
If we were to believe the succession of documentaries, films and other
propaganda to which we are endlessly subjected, Britain finally came
good in 1939 and set out selflessly to free the tormented victims of
the concentration camps. Sadly, the facts tell a very different story.
Having helped bring about the downfall of the democratic German
government in 1933, Britain supported and consolidated the Nazi regime
until Britain suddenly decided in 1939 that there was room for only
one world-dominating power.
Then, having declared war on Germany it failed to prosecute its war
and was driven out of Europe in 1940. The Nazis, whose movement was
inspired and motivated by the British empire, were finally defeated by
their intended victims in Eastern Europe.
And is it all in the past now? I'm afraid not. While Christian
civilisation was once conferred on benighted savages by means of
bayonet, whip and cudgel, Britain and its allies now deliver human
rights and democracy to the world via the tank, the bomb and the bullet.
Pat Muldowney
Magee College, University of Ulster
*
HUNGER STRIKE AT ECOPETROL
On 20 October at 11.30am, members of USO, the Colombian Oil Workers'
Union started a hunger strike in protest at attempts by the government
to sell the state owned oil refinery in Cartagena. Hernando Meneses,
Rodolfo Vecino (both members of USO National Executive) Jorge Ortega
(President of the USO Cartagena branch), Edgar Mojica (USO Commission
for Peace and Human Rights) and Rafael Carbarcas (Union adviser) have
all joined the action.
Last year, workers at the state oil company Ecopetrol carried out a
strike to stop the privatisation of their employer. The government
backed down agreeing not to privatise Ecopetrol and to implement the
"Cartagena Master Plan", to ensure the successful management of the
company as a state asset. Despite this however, the government has
announced plans to sell oil fields to transnationals and to privatise
the Cartagena oil refinery.
USO has clearly demonstrated that the implementation of the "Master
Plan" would benefit the oil refinery at Cartagena, and has developed
different plans to make this a reality. However, both government and
company management are insisting that the sell-off to private capital
is the only solution for the company.
In the face of government intransigence, members of the union have
been forced to take action to defend our national sovereignty. The
hunger strike aims to bring this issue to international attention and
to mobilise the people of Cartagena and Colombia to defend our
national patrimony and to demand that the Colombian government
respects agreements with the union.
We also call on the government to work with USO and the Colombian
people to seek solutions that will strengthen Ecopetrol and turn the
company into a source of social development and the construction of
peace for Colombia.
I would like to express my solidarity with those USO members currently
on hunger strike, as with all workers at USO, who over the years have
been directly responsible for creating Ecopetrol and converting it
into the most profitable national company.
I ask that the appropriate medical organisations are able to give all
necessary medical attention to those on hunger strike, and that
security is guaranteed for those on hunger strike and their
supporters. This action to save Ecopetrol is taking place in the
offices of the People's Defender in the city of Cartagena.
HERNANDO HERNANDEZ P.
CANDIDATE FOR THE SENATE 2006.
Bogota, 21 October 2005
*******
WHAT'S ON
*
A date for your diary, Thursday 10th November 2-4pm, Policing Debate
in Conway Mill, Belfast. Panel will include Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
*
Invitation - Sex, Love and Homophobia: the exhibition
You are cordially invited to the Millennium Forum to attend the launch
reception for Amnesty International's new exhibition, Sex, Love and
Homophobia.
We believe the exhibition is powerful, prejudice-challenging and
timely. Based on the book of the same name, which Archbishop Desmond
Tutu called "a bright light on the path to justice", the exhibition
features a wealth of images and information about the human rights
abuses faced by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) community around the world. The exhibition is part of Northern
Ireland anti-homophobia week.
As you will be aware, homophobic prejudice and violence is a
significant and growing problem. This exhibition aims to raise
awareness of these abuses and show support for those who have been
victimised because of their sexual orientation.
The launch reception will commence at 3.30pm on Friday 18th November
at the Millennium Forum. Speaking at the event will be Mayor
Councillor Lynn Fleming, John Harkin of Amnesty International Foyle
Group and a representative from the Rainbow Project.
We would like to ask you to join with us at this event to demonstrate
your support for human rights for all and to stand in solidarity with
the local LGBT community.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Patrick Corrigan
Programme Director, NI
Head of Nations & Regions, UK
Amnesty International
397 Ormeau Road
Belfast BT7 3GP
t: 028 9064 3000
f: 028 9069 0989
e: patrick.corrigan@amnesty.org.uk
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/ni
*******
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*
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