this post also features in off-guardian The most important book I’ve read in years is John Smith’s Imperialism in the Twenty-First Century: Globalization, Super-Exploitation and Capitalism’s Final Crisis. Here’s an abridged extract from its opening words: The collapse of Rana … Read More »
Last night I went for the second time to the circus. My first visit was in 1961 and all I now recall is a strongman gripping rope in teeth to lift a donkey in a harness. The show must have … Read More »
This film can no longer be viewed for free. The book on which it is based can be bought here and the film can be viewed on Netflix. This ninety minute documentary, linked below, is the most important film I’ve … Read More »
Come you masters of war/You that build all the guns/You that build the death planes/You that build all the bombs. Bob Dylan, 1962 Are you thinking what I’m thinking? That the emerging narrative on Venezuela’s election result is too convenient … Read More »
On July 21, California local news site Berkelyside reported: In the latest Berkeley controversy over what speakers may talk about, the progressive radio station KPFA has canceled an Aug. 9 on-stage appearance by the scientist Richard Dawkins. KPFA had invited … Read More »
My friend Sue Beardon posted this on Facebook yesterday. Very few industries can create their own markets, but one industry that can is the vile arms trade. An example of the cynicism these companies are capable of is the growing … Read More »
Only connect – E. M. Forster, Howards End For his well researched work on the British establishment, you couldn’t slide a cigarette paper between Owen Jones and me. The same goes for George Monbiot’s forensic but neatly penned linking of … Read More »
Most of my friends are liberals who do not share the political outlook I’ve come to, these past few years. Since I don’t choose friends on that basis, and nor in the main do they, this does not usually pose … Read More »
The fact Pastor Niemoller was confessing, rather than merely dispensing homilies of the kind we love to blue-tac above our workdesks, not only humanises his words but gives them added power. I’m no Christian but do believe redemption possible while … Read More »