“Those interested in presenting papers should submit their abstracts prior to the 20th of March 2008.”

–It all comes back to class in the end. Michael Yates explains to us why.

An excellent piece outlining the mechanisms and consequences of “neo-liberal education reforms” within the public post-secondary education system.

–Recession is part of the cyclical movement of the capitalist system. It is also one of the reasons that we should throw it out and replace it with a different system. This article examines the limits of the liberal economic “analysis” of just describing what is going on and pretending that this leads to understanding. We, of-course, know better. Have a read.

–Always a good read. There is something to be said about the analysis of the so-called `free-market’ and the realities of today’s capitalist system.

–Chavez talks about Lebowitz and Harnecker’s theoretical contribution to the revolution in Venezuela. There are certainly many people that are contributing at the theoretical level but I would say that these two are contributing to the implementation of theory into practice at the ground level. Have a read of what Chavez is saying here.

–There is little need to `remake’ unions. Workers must demand that their interests be defended by democratically elected committees of workers from their own ranks. It is the only way that unions can be effective in fighting for the interests of the workers. This is a tried and true model and there is no reason to change it just because Buzz is worried about his salary. Workers must stand together to fight for their rights, not give the struggle over to undemocratically appointed management hacks. The CAW/Magna deal is not the direction organized labour should be going. It is good to see that the heads of the Labour Movement in Canada is against this backwards project. The CAW has basically re-named itself CLAC through passing this resolution.

–For those that think that Marxists just talk about industrialization at the expense of the environment. JBF is on the forefront of explaining socialist environmental theory. Have a read.

–A rather interesting article about the centre and the Left in Venezuela. As the government continues to do what the majority want and deepen the democratic nature of the government in Venezuela, those that purport to be `moderates’ continue to push for militaristic `solutions’. Notice how the US style democracy always comes at the end of a gun but the peoples’ democracy comes through the ballot box in Venezuela.

–You better believe it. Support the workers.

–Dual power in Venezuela… this is an extremely important concept to understand if one is to understand transition theory. Without transition theory there is no way to navigate a change from this system to one that is more equitable and controlled by the people.

–Talks with a revolutionary.

–A good listserv for those that are interested in keeping up with some left-wing news. Have a read of the latests article from Fidel Castro.

–This is an interesting article everyone interested in neo-liberalism should read.

–I certainly didn’t. Have a read.

–A deep look at the history of the indigenous movement and its connections with the Left in South America.

–A must read for anyone interested in the current process of 21st Century Socialism in Venezuela and the rest of South America.

–Bolivia, like Venezuela, is engaging in some democratic reforms that are helping the people of that country find some independence from US imperialism. Have a read of how they are doing it.

Monday, August 20
7pm, Renaissance College, 811 Charlotte St.
Fredericton, NB

A panel discussion with:

* Roland Chrisjohn, professor, Department of Native Studies, St. Thomas
University, on First Nations and the SPP.

* Judy Loo, Breaking the Silence Network, on how SPP threatens immigrants,
refugees, and non-status individuals.

* Charles Fournier, Fredericton Peace Coalition, on how SPP commits Canada
to increased militarization.

* Graham Cox, Canadian Federation of Students, on how SPP accelerates
privatization of public services such as education and health care, and how
SPP threatens workers.

* Tracy Glynn, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, on how SPP is pushing
for deregulation in areas of environmental protection, pesticides use, food
safety and water exports.

* Kelly Comer, NDP federal candidate in Fredericton, on the NDP’s concerns
and actions taken in parliament over the lack of transparency and
democratic oversight around SPP.

* Marylou Babineau, Green Party federal candidate in Fredericton, on the
Green Party’s concerns with SPP.

* Alex Corey, UNB student on the multiple ways to get involved in the
resistance.
Read the rest of this entry »

–An examination of the ALBA trade deals. Here is a rundown of its recent history as well. It is well worth a read to see how trade can be put together so that it does not harm the workers and the populations.

–An extremely important piece of writing from Lebowitz on theory and practice. The development of a society that is based on equality, human development, and democracy from the local level must come about through struggle. He constantly relates back to Venezuela’s constitution which should be of interest to all that have an interest in Venezuela. Have a read, it is well worth it.

–Some interesting reading about some changes in the way the US goes about its imperialism.