LL:URL: Freemasons, Trade Unions and the Tragedy of History
Dr Bob James has researched and written a major new study: CRAFT, TRADE OR MYSTERY: Part One - Britain from Gothic Cathedrals to the Tolpuddle Conspirators available at: http://www.takver.com/history/benefit/ctormys.htm From the Preface: Freemasons, Trade Unions and the Tragedy of History The tragedy is at least five-fold: First - students of history have been denied an adequate account of the 'lodge movement' and its social context, with the result that it is invisible to the general populace and researchers in many fields have been denied the challenge of seeing Freemasons, 'trade unions' and 'friendly societies' as fruit of the same tree; Second - the idea of mutual aid, the impact of its once wide-spread existence, its origins and its demise have all been rendered invisible to the detriment of our understanding of ourselves. The clearest example of historico-cultural consequences of this process is the tradition of the 'true believer', the worker who allegedly chose to be disciplined by the collectivity, the 'trade union', at the precise moment she/he became aware of his/her individual freedom; Third - social commentators have advocated and governments have legislated flawed, indeed destructive 'solutions' to social needs, eg, the State-regulated health and welfare system; and Fourth - we have all been denied an adequate understanding of ourselves and of our potentialities, because the history we have been taught lacks depth, complexity, ambiguity and resonance. Fifth - mis-understanding the failure of the particular model of 'mutual aid' dominant since industrialisation has prevented practitioners (lodge members) and their observers (historians) from redressing it in the direction of systems theory, ie replacing linear with integrated perspectives. Thus, social theory has pendulumed between goal-oriented models, 'free trade' and 'protectionism'. Other articles of interest are available at the Freemasons, Friendly Societies and Trade Unions Index: http://www.takver.com/history/benefit/index.htm -- with solidarity Takver Takver's Initiatives - http://www.takver.com Radical Tradition, an Australasian History Page Visit Anarres Books -http://www.anarres.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: Socialist Feminism vs Rightwing Backlash
Melbourne Radical Women Meeting. Everyone is welcome! FEMINISTS RISE UP AGAINST THE GLOBAL BACKLASH Around the world, rightwing regimes are being met by grassroots resistance. Come along to hear about international and national struggles against the likes of John Howard, George Bush and Saddam Hussein. A panel of dynamic speakers will feature Surma Hamid, organiser for the Committee in Defence of Iraqi Women's Rights; Maria Mardones, Chilean feminist and community activist; and Alison Thorne, Radical Women member and a leader in Socialist Alliance. We'll explore what drives the Right, why it has become a global force and how a multi-issue feminist movement can defeat it. A tasty dinner, with vegetarian option, is served at 6.30 pm for a $6.00 donation. Place: Solidarity Salon, 580 Sydney Road, Brunswick For more information, contact Radical Women at (03) 9386 3230 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: M1 in Melbourne's west
In the lead up to M1 the Democratic Socialist Party (Melb West Branch) and Resistance are organising several events including FOOTSCRAY FILM NIGHT - CAMPAIGN MEETING Monday April 2 6:30pm The Resistance Centre 48 Leeds st suite 6 Footscray screening this is what democracy looks like which gives an insight into the three days of S11 to S13 that shook Melbourne, then discussion and brainstorming on future western events and actions in thelead up to M1 WERRIBEE GLOBAL JUSTICE FILM NIGHT Tuesday April 24 7pm Western Region Environment Centre 6 Synott St Werribee Film followed by discussion including Harry van Moorst from the Western Environment Centre For more information or to help publicise these events please contact the DSP (melb west) in our new WESTERN RESISTANCE CENTRE BOOKSHOP 48 Leeds St suite 6 Footscray ph 9687 0789 or 9639 8622 www.dsp.org.au www.resistance.org.au the DSP (melb west) runs introduction meetings every monday at 6pm at the Resistance Centre. Phone for info -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:REM: change of venue for debate about M1 blockade
Please note that the debate between Dave Kerin (long time union and community activist) and Jerome Small (leading organiser of Jabiluka blockade and Socialist Alternative member) on what kind of blockade is needed for M1 has a new venue. Due to the comedy festival we've moved from Trades Hall to the John Curtin Hotel (on Lygon Street, opposite Trades Hall). There's been a lot of interest in the event, and it should be an important forum for discussing issues relating to the M1 demonstration. All welcome! 7.30 pm Thursday 29th March John Curtin Hotel, 29 Lygon St Carlton Organised by Socialist Alternative ph 9421 4439 -- Jeff Sparrow Co-ordinator New International Bookshop Trades Hall 54 Victoria St Carlton Sth tel 03 9662 3744 fax 03 9662 4755 -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:REM: Global Action Conference this Saturday
PLEASE CIRCULATE TO ALL RELEVANT LISTS - Global Action Conference - thinking globally, acting locally A day of discussion and debate about the new movement against global capital. Sat 31st March Union House, Melbourne Uni $5 concession/ $10 full, registration at the door Organised by Friends of the Earth, Victorian Greens, Democratic Socialist Party, International Socialist Organisation We can make a difference! Despite widespread opposition to 'free trade', the federal government continues to push for new trade negotiations. The IMF has also called for another wave of neo-liberal "restructuring" in Australia. This will mean stripping awards to further shift industrial relations in favour of employers, another round of aggressive cut backs to welfare and public expenditure, and further cuts to the taxation 'burden' on business! It has even been suggested that Australia may be challenged under the WTO for its provision of free and subsidised health care. All of this is, and will, have dramatic impacts on our communities and the natural environment. Reportedly, meetings between Howard and Costello and IMF officials identified the fact that it will be difficult to push the neo-liberal agenda further because most people in this country value "social cohesion" and won't react to kindly to further attacks on social and environmental values. The success of community opposition to these attacks on natural ecosystems and our living and working conditions will rely on effective alliances and collaboration between divergent sectors of society. It is IMF style policies worldwide which are causing a growing opposition to neo-liberalism internationally, in terms of street-level protest, but also through the development of new ideas for economic and political governance, and the growth new social movements. The Global Action Conference hopes to address some of the challenges facing the emerging radical opposition to global capital. It has ben called in a spirit of hope and collaboration. We welcome your participation. -- Agenda Opening 9.30pm 10am Main Panel: WTO, WEF, IMF & World Bank. Fix or nix? Looking at the role of these international financial institutions and what should be done about them. Speakers confirmed so far: Speaker Jubilee 2000 David Glanz, s11 media spokesperson, Socialist Worker Pat Ranald, AFTNET 11.30 - 12.45 Workshops A: see below 2pm Main panel M1: Can we move beyond summit hopping? With the M1 protests it is the activists taking the initiative and taking the movement forward, but where next for the new anti-corporate Movement? Speakers confirmed so far Cam Walker, Friends of the Earth Max Lane, Chairperson, Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET), Democratic Socialist Party Jen Couch Victoria University academic 3.15 - 4.30 Workshops B see below 4:30pm Final panel Alternatives to globalisation: Remaking society, left & green visions. Looking at the alternatives that we can pose to the neoliberal globalisation currently impacting on today's world. Speakers: Tristy Fairfield, Friends of the Earth Sarah Peart, M1 media spokesperson, Democratic Socialist Party Jess Whyte, Socialist Worker Chris Chaplin, Victorian Greens Workshop A - 11.30-12.45 1. Cancel third world debt This workshop will take up one of the key demands of the anti-corporate movement and explain the impact this debt has on underdeveloped countries. 2. Taking on the corporate parties Views on what alternatives to the Liberal-Labor consensus from the Greens and the newly formed Socialist Alliance in Australia. Also looking at the Nader campaign in the recent US elections. 3. Resistance to the neoliberal agenda in Asia South east Asia has been the scene of some of the strongest resistance to neoliberal globalisation. Speakers will look at the struggles unfolding in Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia. 4. Globalisation; myths and realities What is really behind the myths of globalisation? This workshop will discuss what globalisation really means for people and the environment. 5. No borders - free the refugees While the elite continue to push for capital to be able to flow freely throughout the world, refugees are being denied access to Australia. Speakers will look at the treatment of refugees in Australia and where to take the movement to free the refugees. 6. Combatting the nuclear cycle At the peak of the campaign against the Jabiluka mine, 78% of Australia's population said they were against it. How can we continue to build the movement to oppose nuclear energy. Workshops B 3.15 - 4.30 1. Women fighting against corporate globalisation Looking at the role of women in the new anti-corporate movement and some of the campaigns they are leading. 2. Environment under fire: looking at the resistance against governments and transnational corporations (TNCs). Speakers will also take up some of the ke
LL:DDV: Supporting PALESTINIAN LAND DAY
(Please distribute widely) Friends Of Palestine Public Forum Friday 30 March 7.00 PM Royal Society's Hall 9 Victoria St. Melbourne (entrance 8 Latrobe Street) all welcome Supporting PALESTINIAN LAND DAY On the 30th of March 2001 severe clashes with Israeli Occupation forces are expected with the marking of Palestinian Land Day. On March 30 1976, Israeli military authorities imposed collective punishments on the Indigenous people of Palestine and confiscated Palestinian land. During this 1976 land confiscation, Palestinians stood up collectively and confronted the Israeli army. A curfew was imposed on the Palestinian villages and towns in the region. Six Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops in the towns of Sakhnin and Arabeh. Land Day has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance to occupation throughout the whole of Palestine. It is expected that this year's commemoration in Palestine will result in serious clashes, as Israeli troops will again try to suppress Palestinian demonstrations against occupation. Speakers: Burt Blackburne Divisional Secretary, Technical Division, CEPU Dr. Scott Burchill Lecturer in International Relations, Deakin University Sari Kassis Palestinian Human Rights Activist, Sydney for further information contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Let us know if you'd like to join our egroup for daily updates on Palestine) -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
