Socialist Party Head Office
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Email received at Head Office:
Quote:Fellow World Socialists,
There are several good reasons why World Socialists should welcome the election of Jeremy Corbyn to the role of Labour Party Leader or Her Majesty’s Opposition Leader in the UK, if in indeed me makes it beyond any dirty tricks from his opponents in the party. Corbyn win or lose, his success now marks the end of the long ‘politically repressive’ Thatcher period.Bill Martin’s little piece on Corbyn (August SS) rather missed the points, unfortunately! Sure, Corbyn’s socialism is not our Socialism and that’s not the point either.In the USA Obama was called a socialist (laughingly!) and now there is a candidate Bernie Sanders, A self-described ‘democratic socialist’ on a Corbyn-like ticket doing well so far in the US Presidential Election Party Primaries. If he doesn’t win the Democratic nomination he’ll force Hillary Clinton leftwards to beat him, mush as Corbyn here has done with both Burnham and Copper. Most would agree that for a person in the USA (of all places) to be doing well in a national poll and openly calling himself a ‘socialist’, of any kind, is pretty good progress for politics there. Not since Upton Sinclair in the 1930’s.What has that got to do with Corbyn?Well ‘Socialist Standard’ regulars (World Socialists) know that Corbyn’s socialism is not ours, but his popularity and success and should he win here will definitely (no doubts about it) legitimize and popularize the word ‘socialism’ again in the UK politics. This word since Thatcher has all but been banned and junked by the media (TV, radio and newspapers) and these outlets are where most of the public/voters still get their politics. Also junked by Labour Leaders.Therefore, the same effect as with Sanders in the USA will likely happen here in the UK. But more again will happen here as it will likely happen in the USA. What? The word ‘socialism’ being currency again (sorry for the association) will lead some to research socialism and they’ll come up with the SPGB & WSPUSA (World Socialist Party of the United States) in their results page!There is another reason in that World Socialists welcome working people getting a better share of the wealth in the meantime and Corbyn as British Prime Minister will achieve this for workers.A third reason will prove that the left cannot solve the problem of the disintegrating capitalist society—a society to which the term ‘impossibilism’ is better now applied to than to World Socialism. Thus Corbyn is merely a prelude to much more meaningful discussions about capitalism and socialism.Finally, Mr Bill Martin, a more positive outlook is required from you sir, and not to stick to ‘political elitism’ which is exactly the outlook of British Labour Party leaders now in their tirade against Corbyn!Regards. William Dunn, GLASGOWThe Scottish Parliament is made up of 129 members. 73 are elected using the first-past-the-post system in individual geographical constituencies.
A further 56 are elected from eight electoral regions with 7 from each region. These additional MSPs are chosen from party lists.
Voters therefore have two votes. This also means that the Party can contest either a particular constituency and/or present a list in one of the electoral regions.
The deposit is £500 to stand in a constituency and £500 to present a list in an electoral region. So if we contested the Glasgow Region the deposit would be £500.
To stand only one signature is required (which in a constituency can be that of the candidate; for an election region it will be that of the Party's Nominating Officer).
Afraid there is no free postal distribution of an election communication.
Here is his full programme as emailed to Head Office:
Quote:Sat., June 27, 1-3pm, informal meeting on “Neoliberalism and financialisation–active or reactive features of the crisis of capitalism?” The Lucas Arms (pub), 25A Grays Inn Road, London (near Kings Cross) Sat, June 27, 6:30pm – 9:30pm. “Andrew Kliman debates with Peter Taaffe and/or Lynn Walsh – invited.” Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, Room B36. (https://www.facebook.com/events/617588808344740/628385757265045/) Thurs.-Sat., July 2-4. Southampton Solent University, conference of Association for Heterodox Economics (http://hetecon.net/).1. Thurs., July 2, 1-2:40pm, “The Whiggish Foundations of Marxian and Sraffian Economics,” presentation in panel on “Growth/Ideology”2. Fri., July 3, 9:20-11am, “Is Marx's Theory of Profit Right? Lessons for Pluralism,” presentation (with Nick Potts) in “Marx I” panel3. Sat., July 4, 11:15am-12:30pm, panelist in “Crisis” plenary session. Other panelist is Geoff Tily of the Trades Union Congress. Sun., July 5, 3pm-, “The Failure of Capitalist Production: Political Implications of the Great Recession,” at premises of the Socialist Party of Great Britain, 52 Clapham High Street, London (http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/talk-andrew-kliman-head-office-3pm) Thurs., July 9, 3:35-5pm, “Economic recovery & the prospect of ‘secular stagnation.’” SWP Marxism 2015 festival. Clarke Hall, Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London (http://marxismfestival.org.uk/timetable/thursday) Sat., July 11, 2-5pm, informal meeting on the TSSI and a Marxist-Humanist view of revolutionary organization. In pub near Kings Cross Station. Write to ravibali@btinternet.comto confirm attendance and obtain exact address. (TSSI = temporal single-system interpretation of Marx’s value theory.)Email about Kliman review :In the December 2014 Socialist Standard review of The Failure of Capitalist Production it appears that there might be an inaccuracy in the concept of 'original value' or 'historic cost': ‘Kliman argues for using the original value (‘historic cost’) rather than the current replacement cost used by the others’.The explanation might be in Reclaiming Marx's 'Capital': A Refutation of the Myth of Inconsistency, The Raya Dunayevskaya Series in Marxism and Humanism (New York, Lexington Books, Rowman & Littlefield, 2007). I think that Andrew Kliman is arguing in his earlier book, and most explicitly on pp34-5, for the temporal valuation of fixed capital inputs, and not the simultaneous valuation which you refer to as the ‘current’ replacement cost. That is he argues for the Temporal Single System Interpretation (TSSI) and not the Simultaneous Single System Interpretation (SSSI).The Temporal approach says that fixed capital inputs should be valued when they enter into the production process, which might be quite different from both their historical cost and their replacement cost.Maybe the misunderstanding is mine, and if so my apologies.Ian Abley
Dear Comrades,I have asked a comrade from the Socialist Party's Enquiries Committee to action the request made by the comrades of the WSP (India) after the third paragraph of Matters Arising to send intro literature packets to the addresses listed in the minutes.Yours Fraternally,Oliver BondSocialist Party of Great Britain
Email received from a Socialist Standard reader in Greece:
Quote:I agree with the article written on page 10 of Socialist Standard about Syriza.But Syriza is not simply a coalition of various left and green etc.There are also various splits from the socialist party (like the Labour in England) and more important inside Syriza the most solid ideologically group are the one of the ex- eurocommunist party of Greece that gave also to Syriza the ideological guidelines in a eurocommunist way like the 70s.The thinktank of Syriza is called ''Nikos Poulantzas" (http://marxisttheory.org/poulantzas-eurocommunism/).If somebody is sect-maniac I can send you a list of the groups that consist Syriza!Anyway i think the next thing to be analyzed is why Syriza collaborated with a populist party to rule the country,but this is strictly a Greek peculiarity…At its meeting last Saturday the EC also adopted the Party's manifesto for the election. It chose the following out of the three submitted:
Quote:Everyone in the driving seatEver felt voting was a waste of time?Usually, this is true, because the big parties support the current system. They change a few laws, shift money around; but in the end profits always come first and those on top stay on top.Is this the only way? We can put space probes onto comets, restore sight to the blind and perform triple heart bypass operations: we have the brains to sort out a better system, one where we will be producing to satisfy people’s needs not for profit, where no one has to live in poverty while an elite are wealthy beyond imagining.The Socialist Party believes in a society of cooperation, in helping each other, not exploiting our neighbours. We believe that power should be shared, not in the hands of a greedy few.Who controls how much you are paid, where you work, when you work or even if you work? Who decides how much it costs you to live where you are? You probably have almost no say in any of these issues which have a big effect on you. But what can you do about it?Those who benefit from the present system would have you believe there is no alternative. It helps them if you believe it – although it does nothing for you.You don’t have to believe you are powerless. If you choose not to support this any more and vote socialist you will be one of an increasing number questioning the system. You will be signalling your consent to a world cooperative society where wealth is produced and owned in common and freely shared according to need. A truly democratic society where decisions are made for the common good rather than for the gain of vested business interests. Where you have as much say as the next person regardless of position in life or occupation.Voting socialist means rejecting this market system entirely and that you want everybody to sit in the driving seat.Swansea Branch report re press statement:
Quote:We had an immediate impact with this – short article in Friday's South Wales Evening Post (doesn't seem to be available online).Email received at Head Office yesterday on subject "We need to change things leaflet":
Quote:Hello,Please respect the 'no junk mail' sticker on my letterbox and don't post your flyers through. RegardsWillHere's a report on this.On 7 January, a short walk was made by Socialists around Soho and Fitzrovia. Despite the midday, mid-week timing, necessary to coincide with the visit of Albin and Swantje, from Sweden, there was a good turnout (a dozen). We viewed the old Red Lion pub, where the iconic Communist Manifesto was presented to the Communist Workers’ Education Society, Marx’s house in Dean Street, scene of the dire poverty which killed off three of his children, and the home of the First International in Greek Street, which, as our comrade Danny Lambert reminded us, was the venue for the first reading of the Socialist classic Value, Price and Profit. We then proceeded across Soho Square and Oxford Street to the vicinity of Fitzroy Square, for nigh forty years around the turn of the last century, stomping ground of the Communist Club. The latter, the guide explained, was the successor to the Communist Worker’s Education Society, habituated by friends of Marx, as well as other late nineteenth century notables, such as William Morris. The club was also the first headquarters of our own Party, thus forming a neat link between past and present.
Contribution from an SP member not on this forum:The newspaper and TV reporters covering the atrocity – carried out apparently to avenge a long dead ‘prophet’ who has become prone to the gags of mickey-takers and critics due to the absurdities of his followers – all emphasise the point that the right to free speech is not negotiable, and is the very essence of democracy.And they are right of course. Ridiculous people and ridiculous ideas inevitably attract ridicule. And the most absurd idea still being bandied about in the 21st century as an answer to modern day capitalism and its problems is religion. Despite the claims from its various apologists of their moral superiority, and the insistence that they should be accepted, unchallenged and unquestioned, as examples of how we are to live our lives, they are, in fact, the socially useless remnants of a long-gone world, a world of ancient social conditions and ideas, mass ignorance and superstition. And far from providing answers to today’s problems they have nothing say, other than to tell us to put our faith in the imaginary gods and their magical powers, of an ancient era.The fact that believers in such gods obviously consider their deities to be so weak and helpless, however, as to need their critics to be silenced by Kalashnikovs says as much about the god’s impotence as does any Charlie Hebdo cartoon.And, while it seems clear that the intention of the attackers was to silence the critics, this has backfired. Already gatherings of outraged people protesting at the barbarity are taking place all over Europe. More moderate Muslims too, this time more than ever before, are expressing their outrage. ‘Everyone should be offended three times a week’ someone once said, ‘and twice on Sundays’. And that seems about right. There’s nothing like a bit straight talking, and a bit of offence to remind us that not everyone shares the same views. And while believers in ancient myths have every right to feel offended that their ideas are sometimes ridiculed, the rest of us reserve the right to be equally offended at religious stupidity and barbarity.
From an email received yesterday at Head Office:
Quote:By drawing on the teachings of Marx, Gramsi, and other revolutionary scholars
I will propose how Brand, despite of all his criticisms from the left,
would've actually been supported by the godfathers of the left.The main focus of my argument would be how the reach of Brand’s influence
has bypassed revolutionary campaigners like Noam Chomsky who've worked
tirelessly towards promoting positive change.Unfortunately their work is exclusively confined to those actively interested
in the subject of political thinking and fails to reach the disengaged and
uninformed masses. However Brand is on hand to turn the volume up, not just
literally with his intrusive cockney twang, but with his established channels
of influence acting as extra antennas to disperse the frequencies of
revolution far and wide, directly to those who need to hear it most.The successful way in which Brand has embedded himself within the mainstream
communicative channels of influence in society (YouTube, Television, Standup
Comedy) to advocate revolution is relatively unprecedented in the modern day
social media generation. He has been the first revolutionary to harness the
21st century tools of mass communication in such an effective way and with
this he holds great potential to spread the message of change far and wide.This is why I believe he shouldn't be ridiculed by the left, for it is
disunity which is the main down fall of the wing from pursuing positive
change.Email message received at Head Office (for those who want to change the world rather than merely interpret it):
Quote:There's still time to order your copy of the2015 LONDON REBEL HISTORY CALENDAR
But hurry – stocks are limited and selling fast…!
Already December… the nights are fair drawing in…
Pre-Xmas gloom already settling? Trapped between the UCKG and the Disney
Shop?Brighten up the mood with the best subversive Xmas Present money can buy:
The 2015 LONDON REBEL HISTORY CALENDAR
Past Tense’s second annual London Rebel History Calendar, commemorating
some of London’s radical, riotous and rebellious (and even some
repressive) anniversaries. An interesting and subversive anniversary for
every day of next year! A must for all enemies within, disaffected lefties
and all those who just won't lie down and give in.As a contribution to the past 100 years' resistance to war, there’s a fair
few World War One dates scattered herein… together with hundreds of
other inspiring, arousing and downright emotional dates to remember. We
plumb obscure backwaters of the capital's radical and disorderly underside
you just never knew existedLovingly printed on fine quality paper, but with a rowdy style and
provocative attitude,
in four funky colours, "pithie and profitable for all readers"; how can
you afford not to…?A few sample pages from the Calendar are attached to whet your appetite.
Only £5.00
Postage & Packing: £2.00AND HOW CAN YOU GET HOLD OF THEM?
The 2015 London Rebel History Calendar is available from the publications
page at our website:where you can pay by paypal.
Alternatively by post, from:
Past tense
c/o 56a Infoshop
56 Crampton Street
London
SE17 3AEenclosing a cheque payable to Past Tense Publications
Email received at Head Office about a meeting on this subject:
Quote:Hi folks,Some people might say its not 'history' – it's OUR history. An interesting
public meeting coming up this week at London Metropolitan University:Campaign Against Police Surveillance Public Meeting
The Truth About Britain's Secret Police
Wednesday 12th November
6-8 pm.
Harry Thomas Lecture Theatre, London Metropolitan University Tower,
Holloway Road, N7 8DBPolice officers lying in court, having children with women they spy on,
infiltrating grieving families like the Lawrences… and much more.Three of those spied on speak at London Metropolitan University (an
institution currently employing a former undercover police infiltrator,
Bob Lambert).• Helen Steel: One of eight women suing the police for being deceived into
relationships with undercover cops.• Dave Smith: Trade Unionist on illegal blacklist maintained with the help
of police• Merrick Badger: Environmentalist who exposed police spy Mark Kennedy.
More info contact:
campaignopposingpolicesurveillance.com
@copscampaign
Email received at Head Office from a sympathiser in the US:
Quote:Oh what a world!! I have been wondering if you guys have approached Mr. Brand…he and the spgb are a perfect match! He's so nearly on the same page (if not there already)…and has a huge following.PLEASE get him on board, so he has an organisation he can believe in, and vote for, and bring attention to your ideology…the right kind of socialism!
