A number of Bristol based groups/collectives will be participating in the independently organised events running parallel to the main ESF in London later this week, starting on Wednesday 13 October and finishing on Sunday 17.
Local legends Babyhead will be playing at the Schnews 10th Birthday Party bash on 16 October – see www.schnews.org.uk. Extremely angry east Bristol anarcho band Spanner will be performing in the evening at the Beyond ESF centre. And Bristle magazine will be running a workshop on Saturday 16, from 1.30-3pm, in room A157 at Middlesex Uni, looking at the experiences of running a self-funded alternative mag for over 7 years, and at the ongoing need for alternative print media (see excellent article on this issue in issue 17 of Bristle, in shops now - see 
http://www.bristle.org.uk/). Anyone know of any other Bristol participants?
The full programme for Beyond ESF, at Middlesex Univeristy in North London, can be found here http://www.wombles.org.uk/news/article_2004_10_8_5355.php
Beyond ESF is just one of many autonomous spaces and events happening outside of the hierarchical, left-party dominated main ESF, that are either free or donation entry. For a full listing of all these political, cultural and social events, from a womens day to life after capitalism, go to http://www.altspaces.net/
A vote every five years? Our dreams will never fit in their ballot boxes!
http://www.bristle.org.uk/). Anyone know of any other Bristol participants? The full programme for Beyond ESF, at Middlesex Univeristy in North London, can be found here
http://www.wombles.org.uk/news/article_2004_10_8_5355.php Beyond ESF is just one of many autonomous spaces and events happening outside of the hierarchical, left-party dominated main ESF, that are either free or donation entry. For a full listing of all these political, cultural and social events, from a womens day to life after capitalism, go to
http://www.altspaces.net/ A vote every five years? Our dreams will never fit in their ballot boxes!
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Critique of a Critique
13.10.2004 09:50
As ever, the old "reform vs revolution" debate arises. There may never be a conclusive answer - sorry SWPers but I think I'm denying the historical inevitability of the proletariat revolution. Whether there will be a revolution or not, there are people suffering throughout the world NOW who need our help.
What are Amnesty supposed to say to the many prisoners of conscience whose release they have helped secure? "Sorry, we're too busy working on the revolution."
What should we say to the many thousands of sweatshop workers?
"Sorry, we could boycott Nike, we could fight for your rights, but don't worry, the revolution's on its way"
What about the billions of people in the developing world?
"Sorry, we thought about fighting for fairer trade rules but actually, that would make capitalism look better than it actually is, we'd rather let it get worse a little longer so we can start a revolution."
Fight for the revolution, by all means, but are you fighting for it for global justice or just for revolution's sake? can you not fight for it while working with the many NGOs who also seek the same end result, a fair and just world, free from environmental destruction? Who knows, maybe in the process Amnesty will see the merits of your case, or maybe even you will see the merits of theirs.
There are far worse people to spend your time slagging off. If you have genuine criticisms of them, surely ESF is the place to air them, not some secluded squat where you'll be preaching to the converted.
Good luck with the autonomous spaces, I might criticise its underlying reasons, but it's a good project
ryan