Left Focus

Socialism and the ‘Rebuilding of Capitalism’ – A response to Nigel Farndale

Published on 2012-01-27 19:28:00

Above: Swedish Political Economist Rudolf Meidner was partly-responsible (along with Gosta Rehn) for the "Rehn-Meidner" model of the Swedish economy, and the radical attempt to institute democratic wage earner funds.In the following article Tristan Ewins argues that capitalism must hybridise and adopt socialist aspects if it is to survive.  In criticising the position taken by writer, Nigel Farndale, he argues there is a different socialism than the Stalinism which imploded in the late

Labor‘s Socialist Objective in the 21st century - principles for economic democracy and equity ?

Published on 2012-01-05 03:42:00

From the author, Geoff Drechsler:  The following is an open letter to Australian Fabian News. I posted it here in the hope it will generate some discussion on some of the issues raised in the book 'Looking for the Light on the Hill: Modern Labor‘s Challenges.' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------by Geoff Drechsler One of the 'more' curious aspects of the current debate around modernising Australian Labor is the recurring proposal to abando

Important Book Review: Reviving the Strike

Published on 2011-12-03 17:36:00

Over recent decades the right to strike  in Australia and elsewhere has been steadily eroded.   The consequence:  a lack of bargaining power for workers under pressure from aggressive employers and Conservative/neo-liberal governments.  In this latest 'Left Focus' article, life-long labour movement activist, Chris White reviews Joe Burns ‘Reviving the Strike: How Working People Can Regain Power and Transform America’ (2011 IG Publishing)  The implications of thi

ALP National Conference 2011 needs to Clear the Way for Genuine Reform

Published on 2011-11-19 18:33:00

above:  The 2011 ALP National Conference is swiftly approaching.  Below are a series of motions/proposals that could be crucial in reviving Labor's heart and soul: reaching out to voters, and giving Labor a chance in 2013.By Tristan EwinsDear friends;The following below are a series of motions that I am trying to have adopted in substance at the 2011 Australian Labor Party (ALP) National Conference this December.  While not exhaustively addressing the issues I am concerned with, t

Chris White on Qantas, employer lockouts, and the Fair Work Act

Published on 2011-11-05 20:49:00

Above:  Alan Joyce is not very popular these days amongst the Australian trade union movement...In this article Chris White gives his opinion on the recent Qantas lockout in Australia, and the changes he thinks are necessary to the Fair Work Act to prevent lockouts, and protect the right of workers to take industrial action.Chris White is the former Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the United Trades and Labor Council of South Australia and remains active in the Australian labour movemen

After the Melbourne ‘crackdown’; Rebuilding the ‘We are the 99 per cent’ movement

Published on 2011-10-22 01:13:00

above:  Victoria Police's idea of 'Minimum Force'In this article Tristan Ewins refutes criticisms of the "We are the 99 per cent" movement and considers tactical questions facing that movement.  He also considers the implications of violent tactics on the part of police for the liberal rights of all Australians.nb also: If you find this article interesting PLS join our Facebook group - to link up with other readers, and to receive regular updates on new material. see: http://www.f

How to improve social wages with tax reform: Labor’s mission

Published on 2011-10-14 20:07:00

above: Labor activists need to mobilise for this year's National Conference to ensure the ALP Platform is altered to allow a modest increase in overall taxation to provide real improvement to social services for the Aged, for the Disabled, and Cost-of-Living Assistance for ordinary families.Readers are also welcome to join our Facebook Group at this URL: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/58243419565/Tristan Ewins15/10/11Former NSW Labor Premier Kristina Keneally has argued recently th

Media Diversification and the Question of ‘Neo-Racism’

Published on 2011-09-20 18:36:00

above:  The meaning of the Hijab is largely a matter of personal perspectiveIn this latest article, Tristan Ewins examines further the arguments around media diversity and the Media Inquiry in Australia. But what is more, he engages with recent arguments made at ‘The Drum’ to the effect that there is a ‘new form of racism’: ‘neo-racism’.   Ewins disagrees with the Greens’ position on media reform – but we would definitely welcome sincere and respectful debate on al

Media Bias Systemic and Rife

Published on 2011-09-04 02:16:00

above: Rupert Murdoch- Absolute Power?In this new article Tristan Ewins holds that Australia's monopoly media is widely encouraging fear and resentment of refugees to create a 'wedge' against Labor.  Change is needed to genuinely promote the principles of inclusive and democratic pluralism in the Australian public sphere.  A media-democratisation fund - equally empowering all Australian citizens - could be part of this picture...   nb also: If you find this article

Rethinking Marx, the market and Hayek

Published on 2011-08-23 01:25:00

Above: David McKnight In this article David McKnight takes another look at Eric Aarons's analysis of the work and belief systems of Karl Marx and Friedrich Hayek;  McKnight was a long-time member of the Communist Party of Australia; but more recently has promoted an agenda which - in is own words - attempts to venture 'Beyond Right and Left'.   This article will also be published at a dedicated website on 'Hayek versus Marx'; and an earlier review - written by the blog publisher T