Mike Foster
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Regarding a theoretical journal, there are copies of unofficial ones available through the site shop. The last three Summer School publications on 'New Perspectives On Socialism' (if there are copies left), 'Money Talks' and 'The Environment' contain a mix of articles giving individual views, including from sympathisers. Next year's one is in the (very) early stages of being compiled.Shorter pamphlets are a good idea, and there's nothing to stop people approaching the Publications Committee already. But a co-ordinated approach from the committee would be best.
Marcos wrote:What about obataining feedbacks from the others companion parties of the WSM ?The committee's role has been set out to focus on the SPGB, rather than the other parties. Once our report has been put together, the companion parties will have access to it and would be welcome to comment on it if they wanted to.
J Surman wrote:Still waiting for my email survey, the postal one won't arrive here for at least 10 days, so some measure of impatience, as it wouldn't get back before the stated date for returns.I'll look into making sure an e-mail survey is sent to you.
I'm hopeful that the review of the party's organisation and activities will be an opportunity to make some positive changes, once It's given us a good picture of where the party is at at the moment. The consultation part of the review has all been arranged, and members should be receiving a survey/questionnaire very soon.
Donald Trump Jr wants to use Halloween to teach the world about ‘socialism’… http://www.dailyedge.ie/donald-trump-jr-3673709-Nov2017/
Brexistentialist crisis – a clumsy and ugly phrase used by a couple of journalists to describe feelings of uncertainty with how life will pan out after Britain leaves the EU.
Comrades in Cardiff pointed me towards http://www.quora.com, which I hadn't heard of before and is well worth a look. Users post questions (on any topic), and the replies then get voted up or down by anyone reading them. It's easy to search for topics, and there are plenty of threads on revolutionary politics.
I had a look through The Observer today and it was nice to see our insert in there. Hopefully we'll get lots of enquiries from it.
The content of Corbyn's speech may not be anything new to politics, although of course it sounded new to younger voters who weren't around in the 80s or before. What is new here is the personality cult he has attracted, typified by the 'Oh Jeremy Corbyn' chant (to the tune of a White Stripes song, is it?). There was even a portrait of Corbyn with a tinsel halo being brandished by one of the conference attendees. This adulation is similar to that which you get in America, especially towards Trump (among Republicans, anyway). Both Trump and Corbyn come across to their disciples as mavericks challenging existing methods with 'common sense'. Hero worship leads people to believe that their leader can achieve anything, regardless of the practicalities.
I thought the video was very well put together – it's clear and concise, and the graphics help get our message across. Well done to all concerned!
Thanks to everyone who came along to Birmingham for this weekend's Environment-themed Summer School. Hopefully everyone had a good time, and enjoyed meeting up with friends and comrades. Glenn opened the weekend on Friday evening with an interesting – and sobering – talk about how the profit motive leads to production methods which damage the natural world in order to save or make money. Afterwards in the lounge, there was plenty of time to chat (and get boozed up) while the rain tipped down outside.Saturday started with Janet's talk about how the global (and especially American) military's activities harm the environment, an issue which goes ignored in the mainstream media. Between the talks, we could browse the bookstall run by Dave, take a look at the display of past Socialist Standard articles about the environment, have a walk around the gardens, or head to the pub. In the afternoon, Paddy discussed how socialists could and should respond to the growth of veganism and the unsustainable environmental impact made by the meat and dairy industry. Written versions of the talks were among the articles included in the event's publication, also featuring pieces about fracking and agriculture, along with one of Richard's insightful poems. In the evening, Carla's quiz tested our knowledge of environmental issues, and congratulations go to the winning team. Then it was back to the bar, with the ginger cat occasionally popping in. On Sunday morning, Brian rounded off the weekend with his talk speculating about how production in a socialist society would need to be run to minimise climate change. Then, after lunch, it was sadly time to say cheerio. Thanks again for an enjoyable weekend.
Here's one last reminder about our Environment-themed Summer School, being held in Birmingham Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd July. Residential tickets cost £100 (or £50 concessions), and for this you get accommodation and all meals at Fircroft College, four talks, a quiz, an exclusive publication, an exhibition, a second-hand bookstall and the chance to meet up with fellow comrades! To make a booking, or for more details, go here: http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/summer-school-birmingham-0Bookings will have to close on Saturday 15th, so don't delay if you want to come along.
