Greek Lessons: Democracy versus Debt-Bondage
It is a truism to say that democracy began with the Greeks – less so to say that it originated in popular rebellion against debt and debt-bondage. Yet, with the …
Follow the Money: Behind the European Debt Crisis Lie More Bank Bailouts
While I was cursing the inane mainstream commentary on the global economy recently, I was reminded of a pivotal scene in the 1976 movie, All the President’s Men. As two …
And They Call This a Recovery?
By David McNally The strut of confidence is gone and the jitters are back. A flurry of dreadful statistics at the end of April made sure of that. On …
Toronto Book Launch for Global Slump
On January 20, 2011 about 200 people gathered in Toronto's Lula Lounge for the launch of Global Slump: the Economics and Politics of Crisis and Resistance. Emcees Liam McNally Faria Kamal (No One Is Illegal, Toronto) and Syed Hussan (No One Is Illegal, Toronto) introduced the event. Jesook Song (Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto and New Socialist Group) and John Clarke (Ontario Coalition Against Poverty) offered appreciations of the book. After brief opening remarks, David McNally did a short reading from the text. Music at the opening and conclusion is "Revolution" by Nina Simone.
Mubarak’s Folly: The Rising of Egypt’s Workers
Rarely do our rulers look more absurd than when faced with a popular upheaval. As fear and apathy are broken, ordinary people – housewives, students, sanitation workers, the unemployed –remake themselves. Having been objects of history, they become its agents. Marching in their millions, reclaiming public space, attending meetings and debating their society’s future, they discover in themselves capacities for organization and action they had never imagined.
Upcoming Events
February Winnipeg book launch for Global Slump
March 5 Plenary presentation to "Varieties of Socialism" conference, Carleton University
March 17 New York book launch for Global Slump at Bluestockings Bookstore
Click here for more information and further events.
Night in Tunisia: Riots, Strikes and a Spreading Insurgency
Popular upheavals always carry a distinct sonic resonance. The cascading chants that reverberate through the streets, the roar of the crowd as it drives back the riot police and seizes the city square – all this and more produces an unmistakable acoustic effect. The rhythm of revolt pulsates through society, freedom music fills the air.
Like we said, it’s a global slump
I have never accepted the postmodernist contention that contemporary capitalism is all about smoke and mirrors. The notion that ideology and illusion make the system go round strikes me as another mode of reductionism – this one based on culture rather than, say, economics. But it must be said that, at first blush, the mainstream business media certainly offers some sustenance for the smoke and mirrors thesis.
