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Returning to the US, the civilizing impact of the activism of the ’60s naturally elicited efforts to restore order and discipline. One component has been the state-corporate economic programs, which, particularly since the Reagan years, have broken the link between economic growth and social and economic health. Under these programs of financialization of the economy, real wages for the majority have stagnated while the limited benefits system declined, and inequality has soared to unprecedented heights

The feeling that a potentially powerful global movement is being hijacked by some very slick PR is keeping me away from Denmark. The talk around and within the conference seems to be an exercise in appearing to make a difference without actually changing a damn thing

In a world where 26 million tonnes of cotton is produced, its little wonder why cotton is called “white gold”. Worldwide organic cotton production increased by 152% in 2008 to just under 150k metric tonnes according to an Organic Cotton Farm and Fibre Report released by the Organic Exchange. The question of how best to dye cotton is one that stings organic campaigners in the tail. The use of dyes and their disposal, especially the ones used to make black, is still an issue that needs to be resolved

It would be just as mistaken to deny weaknesses within the student movement as to claim this is the central problem. Student
activists have a choice: slide towards advocacy, or fuel up a militant Canada-wide campaign, with allies like labour, people’s forces, and parents – for ultimately our demand is raising living standards of the people as a whole

Administrators and colleagues should recognize and support those activists who speak out to defend academia in the public sphere. Our citizens and their leaders desperately need input from academics. We cannot assume that everyone will e.g. just magically “know” why physics education and physics research is so critical to our society. Public support for education just cannot be taken for granted anymore. It is our duty to explain our relevance

The recent student protests at New York University were greeted with ridicule and abuse from much of the media. The backlash to the backlash has now taken off, but the fake-righteousness of the cynics shows their warped world-view.

Jack Weir reports on last weekends London protest against the Israeli assault on Gaza.

Over the past week people all over Spain have been out protesting the Israeli assault on Gaza. Nick MacWilliam reports from Seville, which staged a big demonstration this weekend.

Activists supporting the Israeli assault on Gaza can never again legitimately demonstrate against similar massacres like Beslan or Darfur.

Will Sherman reports from the London protests against the Israeli assault on Gaza and wonders whether if its about advancing an agenda or a form of catharsis through solidarity.

I’ve been verbally and physically abused in Israel for defending the Palestinian people, but if that’s the price for standing up for the helpless and powerless then so be it.

Johan Boyden evaluates the response from the Canadian activist groups and the political parties there.