Articles
Monday, February 11, 2019
A review of two contrasting films about families, Happy End by Micheal Haneke and Shoplifters by Hirokazu Kore-eda, where both economics and values are central to the narrative. In Happy End a wealthy, conventional family is portrayed as a loveless hell motivated only by money. Whereas, Shoplifters draws a picture of a motley family group in which some individuals are related and some not. It is their attempt to survive poverty that binds them together as a more affectionate family.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Review of Adults in the Room by Yanis Varoufakis the Greek Finance Minister in 2015 when the newly elected Syriza Government was trying to find a negotiated outcome with the EU to save Greece from the problems caused by the financial crash. As members of the EU and the Eurozone Greece was unable to to implement its own remedies. However the EU proved an unwilling and untrustworthy partner.
Friday, February 8, 2019
The term "conspiracy theory" is designed to cast doubt on those who raise concerns about the truth of what we are being told. It is often only later that the facts emerge. From the Zinoviev letter, through the Kennedy assasination to alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and the Novichock poisonings history shows that we have reasons to be skeptical.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Concentrating on President Trump's moral defects and excesses draws attention away from a critique of his policies which still promote the interests of US capitalism. The US people need someone not just of a different character but someone with different politics in the White House.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Allegations of anti-Semitism within the Labour Party have now been exposed as a cover for those who wish to defend Israel and promote a right-wing agenda. In response to the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance examples by the Party we should turn the argument round and ask Israel's supporters how can they justify its actions and what language would the use to describe them.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Across Latin America battles continue to be waged between reactionary and progressive forces. The recent past has shown the strength of imperialism and weaknesses on the left. Despite some defeats the fight goes on, especially to defend Venezuela against concerted opposition from within and externally from the USA.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
The corporate image that HSBC likes to portray to the world is very different from its history, ranging from complicity in the Chinese opium trade right up to today in promoting arms sales to Israel. This, of course, is all about maximising profit. Campaigners for boycott, divestment and sanctions are now taking the company on.
Friday, November 9, 2018
An exhibition at the British Library which offered a potted history of relations between Britain and the Caribbean. Very timely in view of recent revelations about the mistreatment of British citizens of Caribbean origin.