alanjjohnstone
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For those who have never heard of him, much less read him (like myself) here is a Jacobin article about his ideas
https://www.jacobinmag.com/2019/04/this-life-review-martin-hagglund-socialism
“The role of socialists is to challenge the power of the elite, wherever it is manifested – as it is in their current version of ‘science’.”
Our role is to surpass the scientific community and expose its limitations. We don’t challenge the science of climate change, the coronavirus, of technological change. We say the scientists are being too modest and conservative in their analysis. Our goal is to go beyond the conclusions of scientists, stuck within the restrictive mind-set of capitalist constraints.
We take what science expresses in its findings and demonstrate its liberating potential when freed from the restraints of a capitalist ideology as often reflected by scientists.
This is where i do share LBird’s concerns. Scientists are as equally blinkered by their belief in capitalism as any other group in society that they fail to reach the full relevance of their research. It is for us workers – at least those of us who are materialists who understand that it is not merely ideas that change the world but action to change it – to take control of science and direct it towards the building of socialism.
Having a Shetlander as a mother and Norwegian relations through an aunt
i came across these two articles recently
Sir David Garrard, a large donor to the Labour Party, is rejoining now that he perceives it is dealing with anti-semitism within the organisation.
But one thing that struck me was this comment of his
“…It gave me further comfort to learn that the ending of the disproportionate obsession with Israel…”
Without any sign of irony he then continues by stating:
“Surely if the historic events of this week with two Arab nations signing peace treaties with Israel, it is time for the party to at least be seen to start to forge a positive and constructive approach…”
Thus he himself is happy to “obsess” over the foreign policies of Israel and associate it with the topic of anti-semitism
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/sep/19/sir-david-garrard-quit-labour-antisemitism-rejoin
There talk of the K shaped recovery – share-owners upward – working people downward.
Can the increased government spending and the reduction in government revenue be sustainable without the re-introduction of draconian austerity cuts?
Intelligence failure or agent provocateur
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/19/police-antifa-arson-wildfire-conspiracy-theories
Experts say that the conspiracy theories being voiced on the ground largely reflect those cooked up earlier in the intelligence arms of federal agencies.
Thomas, just to reiterate and emphasise, this forum is a discussion list that hosts members, ex-members and non-members of the World Socialist Movement. On some issues there is overwhelming consensus, On others there may be disagreement of varying degrees.
The WSM is not a monolithic entity which demands that all its members follow the exact same canon.
We do have disputes among ourselves of some things that the WSM has not agreed an accepted analysis towards and that has been endorsed by a formal decision by a conference. Even then we are liberty to challenge those and endeavour to change the outcome.
Of all our critics since our foundation, and there has been many, rarely have any questioned our democratic structure and our openness to debate and engaging in a fair and frank discourse.
I hope you stay active within this forum and enjoy the exchange of views and opinions. It is the interaction of ideas that results in a better understanding our world.
In all the dog intelligence tests the border collie in the top three. The other two are the Standard Poodle and the German Shepherd.
Most border collies i have come across have been rather nervous jittery animals.
Given my heritage, i’m more a mongrel person. The cocker spaniel was unwanted that i gave a home to.
The ultimate Pig Factory Farm
China says it is conducting live-fire military exercises near the Taiwan Strait to “protect its sovereignty” as a top US official visits Taiwan.
Somewhere on this extremely long thread you will find me suggesting that pet ownership is animal abuse, much like circus and zoo animals. I also said it was ecologically unsustainable, wastefully using up resources.
Needless to say this report on pet dog prices indicates that capitalism will still be promoting puppy farms
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-54115646
The price of puppies has more than doubled during lockdown with dogs costing almost £1,900 on average. Popular breeds have seen even sharper price increases, and puppies are often selling for £3,000 or more. Cocker spaniels saw the highest year-on-year inflation (184%) followed by Jack Russells (180%), cockapoos (168%) and border collies (163%).
Having been the owner of a cocker spaniel, it is on my top list of the most stupidest dog-breeds…or should that read one of the most stubborn.
Playing the national security card
President Alexander Lukashenko has announced he is putting troops on high alert and closing the country’s borders with Poland and Lithuania.
As we expected, the USA blames Hezbollah
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/17/us-accuses-hezbollah-weapons-ammonium-nitrate-iran
Nor are we surprised that the accusation was made at Zionist lobby group conference
China has defended its controversial policies in the Xinjiang region, saying millions of workers have benefited from “education and vocational training”, increasing job opportunities and combating poverty.
“Xinjiang has built a large knowledge-based, skilled and innovative workforce that meets the requirements of the new era,” the report reads.It says the training provided includes written and spoken Mandarin, labour skills and “knowledge of urban life”. The report says people from rural areas have started their own businesses or got jobs in factories after receiving state support.
The US government announced import restrictions on products coming out of the area. Kenneth Cuccinelli, the Department of Homeland Security’s acting secretary told reporters at the time. “This is modern-day slavery.”
Swedish clothing giant H&M said it was severing ties with a Chinese yarn producer amid accusations that the company was using “slave labour” from Xinjiang.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-54195325
