Category: Current events

Introduction Who does Victor Navalny represent? Certainly he has admirable courage and is determined to challenge the oligarchy of Putin and its power. But a clear view of his links to Western capitalism show that he is no hero of the working classes of Russia. In reality the current battle pits the Putin class of ‘Siloviki’ (the so-called ‘strong-men’) newly minted oligarchs against Navalny, who is a flag bearer of Western capitalism. Sad to say, there are no simple heroes here. However Navalny has roused a large portion of people to see through Putinism. That movement should be supported by…

What’s the difference between an ‘insurrection and a choreographed test run? Hari Kumar, January 2021 Goethe: “Die ich rief, die Geister / Werd’ ich nun nicht los.” [“Those I called – the ghosts / I won’t get rid of them now.”] [1] Having called up Trump, both many capitalists and sections of the Republican Party wish to be rid of him, but his ‘spirit’ or ‘ghost’ will remain. We dissect the events of January 6th on the steps of the Capitol – the nerve center enacting the ruling class edicts in the USA. Not merely a ‘riot’ – yet I doubt…

From Politico 10 November 2020, at https://www.politico.com/2020-election/results/ In the first part, I will recap USA elections events briefly – for those eyes were shut for the last week. In the remaining two parts I assess likely short-term events, and the division within the left – from the perspective of the progressive and socialist movement in the USA. What just happened? Obviously, the USA elections results are still being contested. However, a Democratic victory for the Presidential race cannot be denied. It should be noted that still, only 60% of the electorate actually voted. For the left-wing, a real concern should…

It is obvious that both the crisis of COVID-19 and the united American people’s resistance to racial oppression have exacerbated the underlying economic crisis of the ruling class. The significance of an escalating division within the ruling class of the USA is less appreciated. We review a few recent events on these inter-capitalist divisions. The objective problem facing all USA capitalists regardless of sector Current ruling class divisions reflects contradictions between big finance capitalists and new technology industries – and big oil, and old manufacturing. [1] This is not an absolute contradiction since capitalist interests inter-penetrate, and have done since…

The working class of America faces a triple crisis at this moment. The first is the police murderous violence that continues against the African-American people. The second is the on-going uncontained epidemic of the COVID-19 in the USA, which affects hardest the same vulnerable members. Finally is the on-going economic crisis where the economy of the USA has faltered at least since the 2008 financial crisis. It is difficult to disentangle each strand. This article focuses upon the most immediate crisis: that of the intense and life-threatening crisis for African-Americans in the United States today. The long aftermath of slavery…

A defeat for progressives: Unquestionably things will be harder for the working class.  Lose any illusions in the Labour Party! Introduction There is little doubt, that in the short and immediate term, the lives of working people in the UK will get enormously worse. We first discussed the current Brexit crisis engulfing the United Kingdom (UK), when the Referendum of 2016 was being held. Then we advised that the best course for the working class of Britain was to vote ‘leave’. We had taken this position, as in recent history the USA had used its lackey the British ruling class,…