Tord Björk on September 1, 2010 0 Comments
We need solidarity with Russian environmentalists and anti-fascists
Politics
The Radical Intellectual
Noam Chomsky — August 24, 2010 0 Comments
The world is too complex for history to repeat, but there are nevertheless lessons to keep in mind. There is no shortage of tasks for those who choose the vocation of critical intellectuals, whatever their station in life. They can seek to sweep away the mists of carefully contrived illusion and reveal the stark reality. They can become directly engaged in popular struggles, helping to organize the countless Joe Stacks who are destroying themselves, and maybe the world, and to join them in leading the way the way to a better future
Resistance
Massive Attack on influences, war and the cult of fame
Matt Kennard — June 20, 2010 0 Comments
I think a lot of it is damaging and I feel there has to be at some point a change in the way we deal with different peoples situations and development. I hate double standards more than anything – I hate the current row over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and whether they should be allowed to have nuclear technology or even nuclear energy. It seems to me that our history is littered with hypocrisy and I find that quite hard to live with being a British citizen
Culture
“Hopes And Prospects”: Chomsky’s Amnesty International Lecture
Noam Chomsky — February 14, 2010 0 Comments
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
Editor's Pick, Politics
I’m not conned by Copenhagen
Leah Borromeo — December 11, 2009 2 Comments
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
Science
Deadly White Gold
Leah Borromeo — September 2, 2009 4 Comments
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
Editor's Pick, Politics
The Canadian student movement needs to get militant
Johan Boyden — June 3, 2009 4 Comments
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
Politics
We need to resurrect the concept of the “public intellectual”
Michael Pravica — May 5, 2009 1 Comment
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
Editor's Pick, Politics
“The false comfort of cynicism”: Why the media attacked the New York University student protesters
Jesse Soursourian — March 5, 2009 8 Comments
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.
Editor's Pick, Politics
500 pigs, 20 horses, 16 dogs, 2 Starbucks: London protest march against assault on Gaza is banned
Jack Weir — January 21, 2009 2 Comments
Jack Weir reports on last weekends London protest against the Israeli assault on Gaza.
Politics
The Spanish come out to protest the Israeli assault on Gaza
Nick MacWilliam — January 18, 2009 2 Comments
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.
Politics
Pro-Israel activists should be shunned as moral degenerates
Richard Seymour — January 11, 2009 8 Comments
Activists supporting the Israeli assault on Gaza can never again legitimately demonstrate against similar massacres like Beslan or Darfur.