THEATRE, FARCE, ELECTION,---IT'S ALL THE SAME.

     

      It is that time again, yes, your wish is my command. Well not my command, those strange creatures we see every four or five years, they normally go under the heading of politicians. Though we don't see much of them between times, we do hear a lot about them, there is their phony expenses, their dodgy business dealing and their suspect relations with people in high places. Then there is their waffling and babble and those endless photo opportunities. Now it is the theatrical season, the phony actors are taking to the stage. Yes, it's election time.

VOTE!! WHIT HIV THEY EVER DONE FUR US?

      As the election nears I feel I'm in the promised land, well the promises are there, but that's about as near as I'll get. Each of the parties offer what they think you'll want to hear. More jobs, safeguarding essential services, a curb on excessive bonuses, more control of the banks, improvements in the NHS, better education opportunities for our kids, you name it, they'll offer it. Each one through that chiselled in smile or a face of gravitas go through their little spiel, their prepared pathetic little act, doing their damnedest to look honest and sincere. Sadly these are features that are completely unfamiliar to them, so they fail miserably.

     After the election there is the game of musical chairs, a wee reshuffle in the Westminster House of Hypocrisy and Corruption, then the new actors (the politicians) settle in to the gravy train, keeping their snouts very close to the pig trough and become invisible in there constituencies. You and I, on the other hand, go back to our daily grin of struggling against cuts in our standard of living, unemployment, cuts in pensions, attacks on the National Health Service and a decimated education system, while trying to bring up our kids and taking care of our elderly parents.

 

     The only change in our lives after the election is the crop of new smiling faces plastered across the papers and TV screen. Vote? Why? On election day throw a party for your friends and family, take the kids away for the day, visit old friends, paint the house, read a book, just don't vote. Leave election day for the parasites to vote for themselves, after all that's what the election is all about, them.

 

 

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ESCALATION!!!

    

    Since posting the previous article "A DAY'S KILLING AT THE OFFICE" I have learnt that the US has made Predator armed drones available in support of NATO for use in Libya. The precedent has now been set, armed drones will now become the preferred weapon of choice. We all know that the UK police, and other police forces no doubt, have been using smaller drones  for surveillance purposes, which no doubt could be armed with smaller weapons. The state now has the perfect Orwellian tools, CCTV cameras everywhere, small drones patrolling the skies above our cities, perhaps armed, and the armed Predator drone to sort out any trouble. All this from one central control room in an inconspicuous building sitting somewhere in a leafy suburb. Welcome to 1984.

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A DAY'S KILLING AT THE OFFICE!!

     

      The day is fast approaching when states will be able to wage war against other states without their military having to leave their own country. War with two distinct portions, the perpetrators sitting comfortably in what could pass for an electronic games room with keyboards, hand sets and monitors and those on the receiving end being blasted into oblivion by guided missiles, drones and other new hi-tec weaponry. You don't even need to be fit, you just sit comfortably in your seat at an office not far from your home, handset suitably placed, gaze at your monitor and at the right moment move your finger and BOOM, mission accomplished. After your 8 hour shift you can go home to your family. Warriors of the future. It is not as if this is far fetched, at the moment the US is creating havoc in the region of the Afghanistan/Pakistan border with a just such a scenario. The drones that are killing thousands in the Afghanistan/Pakistan border region are controlled from somewhere in America.

        The drone attacks were relatively few back in 2004 as a matter of fact the total number of drone attacks for 2004/2007 was just 9 strikes with estimated deaths ranging from 89 to 112. In 2008 the numbers increased quite dramatically with 34 drone strikes that year alone and deaths between 273 and 313. When the man of peace, Obama took office in 2009, the number of drone strikes increased again with the estimated deaths rising to between 368 and 724. 2010 saw the deaths from drone strikes almost double to somewhere between 607 and 993.

       The New America Foundation states that since 2004 the total killed in drone strikes in that region number somewhere between 1,435 and 2,283, that's is a lot of death and misery without leaving your office. Of course their will be those who say they were all Taliban or Al Qaeda but again The New America Foundation state that about 32% of those deaths were civilian. Killed dispassionately from the comfort of an office chair, it is really quite frightening.

       As long as we continue with the state system and its bed companion, corporate capitalism, we will have wars and those wars will become more and more hi-tec with the military being more and more like office staff who never get their hands dirty and never see the blood they shed, making it easier and easier for the state to recruit killers for their cause of power and profit above all.

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MISSILES FOR LUNCH!!!

"THERE GOES THE KIDS' LUNCHES."

      

      While the ratbag of NATO and its helpers blast away at Libya with missiles costing anything up to £800,000 each and noting that they have fired well over 100 of these in the few weeks since the No-fly zone started we should try to get this into some sort of proportion. Every year 15 million children die of hunger, for the price of one missile we could feed a school full of children with lunch for 5 years. Throughout the 90's well over 100 million children died from illness and starvation. Those deaths could have been prevented for the price of ten stealth bombers, or the equivalent of what the world spends on its military in two days. According to United Nations Food and Agriculture, one in twelve people in the world are malnourished including 160 million children under the age of 5.

         The assets of the world’s three richest men are more than the combined GNP of all the least developed countries on the planet. According to UNICEF, nearly one in four people, 1.3 billion live on less than $1 per day, while the world’s 358 billionaires have assets exceeding the combined annual incomes of countries with 45 percent of the world’s people. To satisfy the world’s sanitation and food requirements would cost a mere US$13 billion- what the people of the United States and the European Union spend on perfume each year.

      To say that poverty will always be with us is a lie, however to say that death by starvation can't be resolved is a crime against humanity.

       As long as we have a system of exploitation where the wealth produced by the many is syphoned off to a few pampered parasites, as long as we have a state system where states seek power over other states by military power, for whatever reason, we will have massive starvation and the resulting misery and deaths.

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INTRODUCTION TO ANARCHY - PAGE 7.

       Here we go with page 7 of the Teapot Collective Souvenir Introduction to Anarchy. You can find page 6 HERE.

         In the Ukraine an area of 400sq miles was held for over a year as an autonomous region based on communes without government. One of the large uprisings against the dictatorship of the Bolsheviks was in 1921, when (really cool) Petrograd sailors and workers occupied the fortress of Kronstad. They were massacred by the Red Army, after which Trotsky boasted, "At last the Soviet Government, with an iron broom, has rid Russia of anarchism."

       In the German Revolution of 1918, anarchist ideas were put into practise too, various council republics were formed, declaring themselves free from government.

       Probably the largest modern European example of anarchy in action was the Spanish revolution of 1936. Working class resistance to a fascist coup led to wide scale social revolution with millions of people organising their communities and workplaces on anarchist principles (the slowly spreading influence of anarchist ideas during the previous decades having convinced people this was possible)

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WHEN IS A BOOT NOT A BOOT???

       The UN No-fly Zone resolution 1973, specifically ruled out foreign military action on the ground in Libya. The enforcers of the No-fly Zone have always said that in this operation there would be no “boots on the ground”. Of course that doesn't include Special Forces who have been there more or less from the start, probably on a photo shot for some travel agency. Now the UK is sending in high ranking military officers. No doubt to comply with the UN resolution they, like the Special Forces, will go in barefoot. It is the usual creep process. If they can't get what they want with the rules then we can indulge in some euphemisms. First there will be advisers, then training and support, then there is humanitarian help, which will need military protection, and of course then comes the “Peacekeeping Force”.

        Is there anybody out there who believes that we are doing this for the good of the Libyan people? Today the “rebels” stated that there has been 10,000 killed and 50,000 wounded, (the figures can't be independently verified), the city of Tripoli has suffered over 200 strikes by weapons of mass destruction with fancy names like Pathfinder, etc. followed by claims that we killed no civilians. Think of all the money the arms industry will make replacing all those missiles at prices ranging from £500,000 to £800,000 a shot. Very smart missiles these, they don't explode if there are civilians in the area. The country has now been turned into another African nation where civil war rages. Our support has hurtled Libyan against Libyan in a bloody struggle that wont be healed for generations. The country's infrastructure is smashed, now there's an opportunity for Haliburton, what hope now for the Libyan people, with the West calling the shots, one thing for sure, they can say goodbye to their oil.

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SURRENDER YOUR RIGHTS AT YOUR PERIL.

      As more and more people take to the streets in lawful and peaceful protest at the savage cuts to their standard of living, the authorities try to quell the unrest with intimidation. Their tactics include, provocative police actions, arrests on the street at peaceful protests, house visits by plain clothes police after the protests and criminalising our youth. It is at times like this that we can take inspiration from  those who took up the struggle before us, today we would do well to remember the words of   John MacLean , one of Glasgow's many great working class fighters, in court at the start of the first world war.

       "No human being on the face of this earth, no government is going to take away my right to speak, my right to protest against wrong, my right to do everything that is for the benefit of mankind. I am not here, then, as the accused; I am here as the accuser of Capitalism dripping with blood from head to foot."

The people are the country or it is fascism.

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GET IN TOUCH - GET INVOLVED.

Dear All -

     We have organised a Glasgow/ West Coast Grow your own hustings event at the Castlemilk Stables Orchard on the 27th April. See the attached invite. I am working to finalise an Edinburgh / East Coast Hustings - and will circulate info on that later.

     If people can send out to their networks please, and especially to pass on to Holyrood candidates that may be interested.

      I am hoping that folk involved in community food growing, grow your own and my interest, orchards, will be able to meet up with Holyrood parliament candidates and have a discussion about how to do more to get Glasgow, and West Scotland growing.

Th' apples ur gynormous.

    

      The Children's Orchard at the Stables is just coming into blossom, and we hold that this will be a constructive and enjoyable evening (There is an indoor wet weather option) There is public transport very close to the stables - and I am getting details of that, which I'll be able to supply.

Otherwise lift sharing may be an option.

     I'd be pleased if representatives of different Glasgow Growing projects would be able to say a bit about their growing projects, and also be able to brief candidates about what Holyrood can usefully do to help. I'd like to keep the proceedings friendly and informal and focused on how to make progress. We'll have a marketplace table for leaflets and information.

    I'd be very happy to have help in organising this - and I'd be grateful if you could circulate to your networks

How di a get in touch?

John Hancox;   Tel 0778 606 3918 
Invite.

       An invitation to candidates to the Scottish Parliament and to people interested in community food projects, orchards and grow your own food to discuss how to get Glasgow Growing.

Where - Castlemilk Stables, 59 Machrie Rd, Glasgow, G45 0AZ

When 6pm - 7.30pm, 27th April 2011

RSVP to John Hancox:

John.d.hancox@btinternet.com

The aim of the event is to bring together MSP candidates and those with an interest in different aspects of local and community food initiatives to explore how these deliver valuable health, community, and social benefits as well as producing great and affordable food. Please bring

information and materials to display.

Helping Scotland Grow!  

The Fruitful Hustings

Booking essential by end 25th April (limited places)

If you’d be able to help organise the event - please offer.

John Hancox Chair Scottish Orchards

tel 0778 606 3918

john.d.hancox@btinternet.com

http://www.scottishorchards.com/
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IT'S ALL FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!!!!

STOP THE BOMBING OF LIBYA NOW: PROTEST 19 APRIL

        Britain France and the US have now come clean. The article signed by Cameron, Sarkozy and Obama, and published today in Washington, Paris and London, makes clear the war on Libya is not about protecting civilians but about regime change. Having ignored peace moves from the African Union, NATO is now set on escalating the bombing.

The humanitarian spin they are putting on the operation is exposed by the fact that the Western governments continue to support brutal regimes in Yemen, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, where severe repression against democracy activists continues virtually uncriticised.

        Meanwhile as predicted the bombing is claiming many civilian casualties and helping to deepen the division in the country. In response to the continued bombing and this open and illegal statement of intent, Stop the War has called a protest at Downing Street next Tuesday 19 April at 5pm.

IT'S FOR YOUR OWN GOOD.

Please attend if you can and spread the word as widely as possible. http://stopwar.org.uk/



PROTEST: STOP THE BOMBING OF LIBYA NOW
TUESDAY 19 APRIL, 5PM
DOWNING STREET, LONDON

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BENT COPPERS!!!

        Most people that go on demonstrations, protests, rallies etc. know that the police provoke and can lie and when it comes to court, in most cases the police version is accepted. There are times of course when their lying is exposed, but nothing ever seems to happen to them. We all remember Jean Charles de Menezes, shot dead on a London tube. The first stories to emerge from the police were that he was wearing a bulky jacket, refused to stop when asked, and ran away, vaulting over the barrier. The truth being he was lightly dressed, had never been asked to stop, and could be seen on CCTV walking to the tube, stopping to pick up a paper and then continuing. The most recent case of Ian Tomlinson killed at the G20. The first accounts coming from the police were that he was involved in violent and dangerous confrontation, lost his balance, fell and hit his head. Then as the police tried to help him they were bombarded with missiles being thrown by the protesters. We now know the truth was that he was attacked by a police officer while walking slowly with his hands in his pockets, hit with a baton and then pushed to the ground. The first aid he received was from the protesters while the police stood by for a spell and did nothing. There is a catalogue of police lying that never sees the perpetrators brought to justice, so why should be trust the police?

There is an excellent article by George Monbiot in the Guardian which deals in more detail on this subject, it is certainly worth a read.

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“ALL I CAN DO IS REALLY BEG YOU NOT TO GO THIS ROUTE”

Filmaker Michael Moore has given his backing to UNISON’s campaign against the Tory Health and Social Care Bill, warning that the changes are ‘absolutely the last thing you would want to do.”

      In a passionate six minute tribute, the award-winning film-maker sounds warning bells over allowing private companies to dominate healthcare, as they are legally bound to generate the biggest possible profit for their shareholders. They only way then can do this is to provide less care, and what care they do provide, to do it as cheaply as possible.

 

 
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WORKERS KNOW YOUR HISTORY, 12 APRIL 1848.

     

    Then as now, it seems that the state's minders always try to out number the peaceful protester, An interesting point to as I read this, could we collect 5,106,847 signatures today? Also this was 1848 when the population of the country was much smaller than at present, and no Internet.

Originally published in the Manchester Guardian on 12 April 1848

      Kennington Common was the appointed place of meeting and was the great centre of attraction to all who felt an interest in the proceedings. At an early hour on Monday morning, a few straggling groups had assembled there; but, until ten o'clock, the numbers present did not amount to more than a few hundreds. The arrivals during the hour or two that followed were far more numerous, and before the approach of the delegates, the crowd consisted of several thousands. They all belonged, almost without exception, to the poorer classes, although few of them wore the distinctive dresses of labourers or mechanics. There were not among them 100 women. At half past eleven, the great procession, which included the delegates to the national convention, came in sight, and a general rush to meet it took place. This was the great spectacle of the day. First came the Chartists of Whitechapel, headed by a small banner. Then came those of the Brick Lane district; and then those of Finsbury. One of the most numerous was the "Emmet brigade," which consisted of members of the Irish confederation. They were headed by a green banner with orange edges, the Irish harp being in the centre.

      The procession was wound up by two large ornamental vans, each drawn by four horses. In the first of these vans were seated Mr F O'Connor, Mr McGrath, and other members of the national convention. The appearance of these gentlemen was hailed with loud and continued cheers. The second van contained the national petition, to which the writing on a piece of parchment indicated that 5,106,847 signatures had been affixed. Above those figures were placed the words "The people's will." In this van was a large coloured banner, having inscribed on it each of the six points of the charter, as well as six smaller ones.

SOLIDARITY.

       The police force was stationed as follows:- An advanced post of 500 men was placed at Ball's Livery Stables, Kennington, concealed from view, but ready to act at a moment's notice, if required. The main strength of the force was concentrated at the bridges. The number of police of all ranks in position was 3,970.

       To support the police, the Chelsea Pensioners, the military and artillery forces, and the special constabulary were arranged:- There were 400 of the pensioners at Battersea Bridge, 500 at Vauxhall, 200 or 300 at the Pantechnicon, and a detachment at Blackfriars. All the public buildings were barricaded and occupied by soldiery, and the officials and clerks were armed, not only with staves, as special constables, but with fire-arms.

 

FREEDOM.

Some of Glasgow's working class history HERE. 

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INTRODUCTION TO ANARCHY, PAGE 6.

  Here is the next page in the wee Teapot Collective's Introduction to Anarchy, page 6. Page 5 can be found HERE. It's a wee book, so it only has wee pages, but a great wee book.

      The Mexican revolution at the turn of the 19/20th century was the result of traditional communally worked land around the villages being seized by large landowners in a military dictatorship. With Emiliano Zapata as its most prominent figure a revolutionary peasants' army was formed under the rally, "Land and liberty!" reclaiming the land. Zapata was offered the presidency but declined, preferring to live and fight with the people.

      In the Russian revolution of 1917, there was hope in the often spontaneous formation of soviets (workers councils), many of which practised direct democracy until the Bolsheviks installed their centralised state apparatus and crushed any free federation.

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DO YOU LIVE IN AN ELECTRONIC POLICE STATE?

  

  Is your state a leader in surveillance, is it an Electronic Police State? Don't you think you should find out before it's too late. The following short extract was taken from http://secure.cryptohippie.com/pubs/EPS-2010.pdf  where you can read the full report. I strongly suggest you do!!!

DEFINITIONS

      For those who are new to the Electronic Police State Report, we will re-state our definitions:

An electronic police state is characterized by this:

      State use of electronic technologies to record, organize, search and distribute forensic evidence against its citizens.

     The two crucial facts about the information gathered under an electronic police state are these:

1. It is criminal evidence, ready for use in a trial.

2. It is gathered universally (“preventively”) and only later organized for use in prosecutions.

     In an Electronic Police State, every surveillance camera recording, every email sent, every Internet site surfed, every post made, every check written, every credit card swipe, every cell phone ping… are all criminal evidence, and all are held in searchable databases. The individual can be prosecuted whenever the government wishes.

      Long-term, the Electronic Police State destroys free speech, the right to petition the government for redress of grievances, and other liberties. Worse, it does so in a way that is difficult to identify.

METHODOLOGY

      We moved to a more elaborate ranking system this year. The categories remained the same, but we have now weighted each one according to its importance. (The weighting factors are shown in parenthesis for each category itemized below.) Within each category we used a comparative method of assigning value.

      We have not taken into account how many people, or what percentage of people, are affected by each characteristic. So, even though very few people in North Korea have Internet access, those who do are subjected to very serious surveillance. The low number of users has no effect on the national ranking.

      In addition, it is significant to note that we are not measuring government censorship of Internet traffic or police abuses, as legitimate as these issues may be. Nor are we including government corruption.

      Note also that none of our categories apply to evidence-gathering by traditional, honest police work. (Searches only with warrants issued by an independent judge, after sufficient examination of evidence.)

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