Unrest in France - blog launched

This is amazing news, particulalry the diversity and plurality of the marchers, etc,but it is also brings into focus, the weakness of the UK social movements( in all their permutations) and its obsessive focus on certain issues leading to the exclusion of basically working class issues such as poverty in the uk, welfare, housing, employment law, etc. We have the most deregulated economy in Europe, have had some of the most punitive welfare cuts, including the imminent incapacity benefits cuts(disability benefits) and some of the employment laws that those on the continent are fighting against, we have endured for many years. But, where is our opposition to these attacks? where are the marches, the direct actions, the lobbying? It should not be an either or or issue, but the emphasis we have put on international issues, etc, (to the exclusion of other concerns) smacks of denial of what is happening in the UK. On Wednesday the Govt will put through a bill that consolidates the rise of the business governed/orientated school, (see earlier indymedia article), Get ready for McDonalds High) Opposition to these dangerous reforms, has come not from the new s/movements, but Old Labour and even some Blairites!


Oh, by the way, someone hinted that my earlier post on schools was racist, because I was arging for a re-orientaion to other issues, well to me that was just plain ridiculous: if you dont challenge what is happening to domestic policy here, then there are other forces, (not just the usual ones) who will take them up who certainly are racist. I think it also showed ignorance of what working class solidarity can and should means

that is excellent - the best most up to date english language site on the occupations/riots/strikes anyway. Hats off to libcom!

best coverage, very impressive. Those of us in the other hemisphere (or is it the same hemisphere? It doesn't matter, really) don't get much news of any action (except if it involves Arabs, immigrants, and poor people rioting all over France). To think this has been going on since January!