Oct 26, 2010
Videos from Oct. 22nd Demo in Cleveland
Go over to Cleveland FIST and check out the videos that they have posted from Friday's day of action in C-Town.
Oct 24, 2010
Oct. 22nd in Cleveland, Ohio
By Chris
Friday (10-22) was the 15th Annual National Day Against Police Brutality, it was marked with marches and rallies all over the US. And here in Cleveland, Ohio we made our voices heard as well. The rally was held down in Public Square and was well attended by a variety of activists, survivors of police brutality and family members of police murder victims.
The square was set up with pictures of police murder victims and make no mistakes they are murder victims. These were not bad men who the police, fearing for their own lives and the safety of the public shot to protect society. They were were fathers and sons and mothers and daughters, people with family and friends, with names and lives. People who smiled and laughed just as you or I, people with the same fears, hopes and dreams. It's so easy even for awakened people to know the names of victims but until you sit and speak to a mother who's seventeen year old son was taken from her do you truly understand this on a personal level. When you see in their eyes and hear in their voices the agony that never goes away, the agony for the loss of a child at the hands of cop, who still has a job, who still has his family and thinks no more of murdering your child then wiping dirt from his shoe, do you fully understand police brutality. I help set up the photos and as I was doing so I was struck by the sheer amount. The fact that every time I placed another picture on the steps it represented so much more than just a picture. It was a life, as I looked at each of the faces I couldn't help but think what their last day of life was like. What did they say when they left house, did they say good bye to their families never knowing that hours later they were to be murdered by cops? Killed by the people we are told are there to "Serve & Protect".
The rally kicked off with speakers from The Oppressed Peoples Nation, an amazing group on the ground in East Cleveland, The New Black Panther Party, Cleveland FIST & The Revolutionary Communist Party. The most heart-wrenching stories came from the victims themselves. Hearing from the family members of the departed was so powerful words alone are not enough. If you could sit there and listen and tell me you were not moved by them then you are not human. When Tina Bronaugh the Mother of the two high school aged daughters who were savagely attacked by cops during a protest against the plan to close schools in Cleveland and sack teachers. Thankfully for everyone on that day members of Cleveland FIST (Fight Imperialism-Stand Together) had shown up in solidarity and were able to film the assault. The attention brought to the case because of the video and the publicity that it garnered made sure that the cops and the courts were unable to railroad the Bronaugh girls. Sadly this is one of the very few times right won the day, all over America every day Black & poor people are attacked by cops, set up by courts and sent into prison.
When the speaking concluded we formed up to carry our message through the streets of Cleveland and to the very steps of the (In)Justice Center. As we worked our way through the streets we were greeted with approving waves, raised fists and the honking of horns. All the while shadowed by cops. When the march reached the steps of the Justice Center a moment of silence was held for the victims. Which the police in their cars across the street broke up by turning on their sirens. A displace of arrogance from the defenders of the state. After rallying on the steps we stated our march back to Public Square, as we reached the corner of the building we were greeted with waves from the prisoners being held inside. It was a great feeling!
The march went up W. 6th street home to all the trendy bars and carried the message to people who given there status would normally never think about police brutality.
It was a very good show of resistance to police terror and let them know that their victims are not forgotten. That as long as they murder, assault and harass we will be there. We truly were "Fired Up, can't no more, police brutality has got to go"!
Side note, my highlight of the day was meeting a youth who was there with his mother. We made a friendship and played in the square. We played paper airplanes and ran around climbing walls and fences. I thought of Emma Goldman when she said "If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution". I was there yesterday so that young guy will not be the next victim of state sponsored terrorism.
Ya Basta - Saoirse go Deo
Friday (10-22) was the 15th Annual National Day Against Police Brutality, it was marked with marches and rallies all over the US. And here in Cleveland, Ohio we made our voices heard as well. The rally was held down in Public Square and was well attended by a variety of activists, survivors of police brutality and family members of police murder victims.
The square was set up with pictures of police murder victims and make no mistakes they are murder victims. These were not bad men who the police, fearing for their own lives and the safety of the public shot to protect society. They were were fathers and sons and mothers and daughters, people with family and friends, with names and lives. People who smiled and laughed just as you or I, people with the same fears, hopes and dreams. It's so easy even for awakened people to know the names of victims but until you sit and speak to a mother who's seventeen year old son was taken from her do you truly understand this on a personal level. When you see in their eyes and hear in their voices the agony that never goes away, the agony for the loss of a child at the hands of cop, who still has a job, who still has his family and thinks no more of murdering your child then wiping dirt from his shoe, do you fully understand police brutality. I help set up the photos and as I was doing so I was struck by the sheer amount. The fact that every time I placed another picture on the steps it represented so much more than just a picture. It was a life, as I looked at each of the faces I couldn't help but think what their last day of life was like. What did they say when they left house, did they say good bye to their families never knowing that hours later they were to be murdered by cops? Killed by the people we are told are there to "Serve & Protect".
The rally kicked off with speakers from The Oppressed Peoples Nation, an amazing group on the ground in East Cleveland, The New Black Panther Party, Cleveland FIST & The Revolutionary Communist Party. The most heart-wrenching stories came from the victims themselves. Hearing from the family members of the departed was so powerful words alone are not enough. If you could sit there and listen and tell me you were not moved by them then you are not human. When Tina Bronaugh the Mother of the two high school aged daughters who were savagely attacked by cops during a protest against the plan to close schools in Cleveland and sack teachers. Thankfully for everyone on that day members of Cleveland FIST (Fight Imperialism-Stand Together) had shown up in solidarity and were able to film the assault. The attention brought to the case because of the video and the publicity that it garnered made sure that the cops and the courts were unable to railroad the Bronaugh girls. Sadly this is one of the very few times right won the day, all over America every day Black & poor people are attacked by cops, set up by courts and sent into prison.
When the speaking concluded we formed up to carry our message through the streets of Cleveland and to the very steps of the (In)Justice Center. As we worked our way through the streets we were greeted with approving waves, raised fists and the honking of horns. All the while shadowed by cops. When the march reached the steps of the Justice Center a moment of silence was held for the victims. Which the police in their cars across the street broke up by turning on their sirens. A displace of arrogance from the defenders of the state. After rallying on the steps we stated our march back to Public Square, as we reached the corner of the building we were greeted with waves from the prisoners being held inside. It was a great feeling!
The march went up W. 6th street home to all the trendy bars and carried the message to people who given there status would normally never think about police brutality.
It was a very good show of resistance to police terror and let them know that their victims are not forgotten. That as long as they murder, assault and harass we will be there. We truly were "Fired Up, can't no more, police brutality has got to go"!
Side note, my highlight of the day was meeting a youth who was there with his mother. We made a friendship and played in the square. We played paper airplanes and ran around climbing walls and fences. I thought of Emma Goldman when she said "If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution". I was there yesterday so that young guy will not be the next victim of state sponsored terrorism.
Ya Basta - Saoirse go Deo
Oct 19, 2010
IRISH REPUBLICAN SOCIALIST PARTY RELEASE TWO MAJOR NEW DOCUMENTS
Press Release
19 October 2010
The Irish Republican Socialist Party have launched two major policy documents at a ceremony in Derry on Monday. The party presented the publications to group of party members, supporters and assembled media. The publications were produced in order to present to the Irish working class a radical and viable political alternative to the current failed political set-up in Ireland.
The documents entitled “Perspectives on the future of Republican Socialism in Ireland” and “Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland” were produced by the party in order to give a wider understanding of where the IRSP stands on some very important issues that affect the Irish nation.
Perspectives on the future of Republican Socialism in Ireland
A comprehensive 96 page guide to where the IRSP stands on a large range of issues.
Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland
A 12 page summary document that gives an accessible overview of the larger Perspectives document.
Speaking at the event was Dr Terry Robson, one of the founder members of the IRSP. He gave a keynote address in which he spoke of the need, now more than ever, for the IRSP as a party to become a real force in Irish politics. Speaking to the packed hall Dr Robson described the documents as a watershed moment for the IRSP.
The main focus of Dr Robson’s address was the need for building a socialist society in Ireland. But he also attacked those in Ireland who were intent on imposing cuts on the most deprived as a result of the economic collapse.
Also addressing the meeting were Paul Little who delivered a presentation to the hall on the background to the launch of the document and a historical analysis of the Irish Republican Socialist Movement and it’s plans for the future and Tomas Gorman who chaired proceedings and also fielded a question and answer session at the end.
This was a major event in terms of rebuilding the Irish Republican Socialist Party and in terms of presenting Republican Socialism as a viable and serious political current that is prepared to look at all the major issues and address them in a serious and concerted way. The Perspectives document is an entirely unique document in that while it identifies problems it also offers real and practical solutions to these problems. We in the IRSP believe that these new papers can have a massive impact in terms of attracting new people to the ideas of Republican Socialism in that they lay out the in attractive terms what Socialism can offer the people of Ireland.
IRSP Interim Central Committee
ENDS
The two new documents can be obtained from the IRSP for £2/€2 to cover postage or collected free from any of our offices. Send your payments to derryirsp@gmail.com via paypal. Don't forget to include your full postal address. http://www.paypal.com/
19 October 2010
The Irish Republican Socialist Party have launched two major policy documents at a ceremony in Derry on Monday. The party presented the publications to group of party members, supporters and assembled media. The publications were produced in order to present to the Irish working class a radical and viable political alternative to the current failed political set-up in Ireland.
The documents entitled “Perspectives on the future of Republican Socialism in Ireland” and “Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland” were produced by the party in order to give a wider understanding of where the IRSP stands on some very important issues that affect the Irish nation.
Perspectives on the future of Republican Socialism in Ireland
A comprehensive 96 page guide to where the IRSP stands on a large range of issues.
Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland
A 12 page summary document that gives an accessible overview of the larger Perspectives document.
Speaking at the event was Dr Terry Robson, one of the founder members of the IRSP. He gave a keynote address in which he spoke of the need, now more than ever, for the IRSP as a party to become a real force in Irish politics. Speaking to the packed hall Dr Robson described the documents as a watershed moment for the IRSP.
The main focus of Dr Robson’s address was the need for building a socialist society in Ireland. But he also attacked those in Ireland who were intent on imposing cuts on the most deprived as a result of the economic collapse.
Also addressing the meeting were Paul Little who delivered a presentation to the hall on the background to the launch of the document and a historical analysis of the Irish Republican Socialist Movement and it’s plans for the future and Tomas Gorman who chaired proceedings and also fielded a question and answer session at the end.
This was a major event in terms of rebuilding the Irish Republican Socialist Party and in terms of presenting Republican Socialism as a viable and serious political current that is prepared to look at all the major issues and address them in a serious and concerted way. The Perspectives document is an entirely unique document in that while it identifies problems it also offers real and practical solutions to these problems. We in the IRSP believe that these new papers can have a massive impact in terms of attracting new people to the ideas of Republican Socialism in that they lay out the in attractive terms what Socialism can offer the people of Ireland.
IRSP Interim Central Committee
ENDS
The two new documents can be obtained from the IRSP for £2/€2 to cover postage or collected free from any of our offices. Send your payments to derryirsp@gmail.com via paypal. Don't forget to include your full postal address. http://www.paypal.com/
Oct 17, 2010
Book Review
By Chris
Book Review of Communism and Jeffersonian Democracy, by Bob Avakian (ISBN: 978-0-89851-004-1)
I need to start by stating I had no preconceived ideas about Bob Avakian and the RCP (Revolutionary Communist Party) before reading this book. Also I am a believer in listening to and learning from a multitude of voices. In this humble bloggers opinion one of the major failings of the Revolutionary Left is this “My ideas, not yours” cult. We are the first to slag the right for their refusal to listen to alternative ideas and then we go and practice the same thing.
A few Saturdays ago I was hanging put with an old friend in Coventry (an eclectic neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland) and stopped in to Revolution Books to have a look around, being the first opportunity I have had to do so since the birth of my son. I was instantly drawn to a book titled Communism & Jeffersonian Democracy. The store volunteer explained to me that it was an excellent book and with the rise of the reactionary right tea party movement the ideas brought up in the book were especially topical. So plunked down my five dollars and bought a copy.
The book it self is based on a series of talks by Bob Avakian with some edits made for clarity and flow. The book makes the argument that the heart of American Bourgeois democracy is it’s foundation of racial slavery. A theme that has shaped and continues to guide the exploitative system we all live in to this day. Since the book is based on Avakian’s talks the style of writing is straight forward and easily understood. Sometimes people and I count myself as one can be lost in more advanced political writings.
One of the themes in the book that I was impressed with was in the latter part of the book when Avakian described the process of transition, revolution from a Bourgeois (Capitalist/Imperialist) Democracy to a true Socialist society.
This now, whether or not you think Avakian is right or wrong here, I found important. I’ve read many, many political writings in my day. Not many of them mention the messy work of revolution. I give Avakian credit here for not avoiding the subject.
All in all, during this election season and with the rise of the Tea Partiers this book is a particularly useful tool. A tool to understanding and countering them from a Revolutionary Communist prospective.
The book is available from RCP Publications and here locally at Revolution Books.
RCP Productions
PO Box 3486
Merchandise Mart
Chicago, IL 60654-0486
http://Revcom.us
Revolution Books Cleveland
2804 Mayfield Road (at Coventry Rd)
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
216-932-2543
revbookscle@hotmail.com
Book Review of Communism and Jeffersonian Democracy, by Bob Avakian (ISBN: 978-0-89851-004-1)
I need to start by stating I had no preconceived ideas about Bob Avakian and the RCP (Revolutionary Communist Party) before reading this book. Also I am a believer in listening to and learning from a multitude of voices. In this humble bloggers opinion one of the major failings of the Revolutionary Left is this “My ideas, not yours” cult. We are the first to slag the right for their refusal to listen to alternative ideas and then we go and practice the same thing.
A few Saturdays ago I was hanging put with an old friend in Coventry (an eclectic neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland) and stopped in to Revolution Books to have a look around, being the first opportunity I have had to do so since the birth of my son. I was instantly drawn to a book titled Communism & Jeffersonian Democracy. The store volunteer explained to me that it was an excellent book and with the rise of the reactionary right tea party movement the ideas brought up in the book were especially topical. So plunked down my five dollars and bought a copy.
The book it self is based on a series of talks by Bob Avakian with some edits made for clarity and flow. The book makes the argument that the heart of American Bourgeois democracy is it’s foundation of racial slavery. A theme that has shaped and continues to guide the exploitative system we all live in to this day. Since the book is based on Avakian’s talks the style of writing is straight forward and easily understood. Sometimes people and I count myself as one can be lost in more advanced political writings.
One of the themes in the book that I was impressed with was in the latter part of the book when Avakian described the process of transition, revolution from a Bourgeois (Capitalist/Imperialist) Democracy to a true Socialist society.
This now, whether or not you think Avakian is right or wrong here, I found important. I’ve read many, many political writings in my day. Not many of them mention the messy work of revolution. I give Avakian credit here for not avoiding the subject.
All in all, during this election season and with the rise of the Tea Partiers this book is a particularly useful tool. A tool to understanding and countering them from a Revolutionary Communist prospective.
The book is available from RCP Publications and here locally at Revolution Books.
RCP Productions
PO Box 3486
Merchandise Mart
Chicago, IL 60654-0486
http://Revcom.us
Revolution Books Cleveland
2804 Mayfield Road (at Coventry Rd)
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
216-932-2543
revbookscle@hotmail.com
Oct 11, 2010
A special UTLR post! 1312
By Chris
This post is dedicated to the young woman being intimidated by the police on the W.117th Rapid platform this morning.
Ya Basta - Saoirse go Deo
This post is dedicated to the young woman being intimidated by the police on the W.117th Rapid platform this morning.
Ya Basta - Saoirse go Deo
Oct 10, 2010
IRSCNA Costello Commemoration Statement
A Chairde,
The Irish Republican Socialist Committees of North America send
revolutionary greetings to our comrades in Ireland on the occasion
of the annual commemoration of the life of Seamus Costello.
As the founder of the Irish Republican Socialist Party and the Irish
National Liberation Army in 1974, Costello was a determined and
forward thinking revolutionary. His goal was a 32 County Socialist
Republic, a Republic of and for the working class, a class undivided
by religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
Costello stood in the same tradition as James Connolly, the leader of
the Irish Citizen Army during the Easter Rising of 1916. Like
Connolly, he didn't live to see his vision achieved, but also like
Connolly, he continues to inspire those who carry on the fight to
achieve that vision.
Almost thirty-six years after its founding, the IRSP continues to
uphold Costello's belief that the national liberation struggle and
the class liberation struggle are the same struggle.
The INLA engaged in nearly a quarter century of political armed
struggle before it declared a ceasefire in 1998, and then
decommissioned earlier this year. Setting aside the tactic of armed
struggle based on a sound analysis of current conditions in no way
means that the war for national and class liberation is over. It merely
will take a different form, with the IRSP carrying the struggle forward
through organizing, agitating, and educating.
The Irish Republican Socialist Movement continues to believe that
there is no parliamentary road to socialism, because socialism cannot
be forged by seizing the bourgeois state apparatus; nor is there a
guerrilla road to socialism, because a social revolution requires the
active participation of the masses; and therefore a socialist
republic can only be established through the mass revolutionary
action of the working class in the political, economic, and social
spheres.
After Costello's death, comrades like Bernadette Devlin McAliskey
were moved to say that they felt smaller after his loss. Costello
made an incredible impression on so many activists who were
themselves internationally known partisans for the working class
cause. Thirty-three years after Costello was taken from us by a
counter-revolutionary's bullet, we still feel his loss.
While many things have changed since his death, just as many things
have remained the same. The exploitation and oppression he tried to
overthrow is as pronounced as ever. Capitalism continues to provide
grinding exploitation and misery as its contradictions produce
turmoil for working people.
The form of British rule in Ireland has changed, but not the content.
Britain remains in Ireland to do the bidding of the capitalist class,
suppressing the working class for the rich and privileged. Beneath
the appearance of wealth is the reality of families deprived of homes
and stability. Scarcity is artificially maintained both for profits
and for dividing people along sectarian and ethnic lines.
The Movement that Costello founded as a vehicle for revolutionary
change is his legacy. We are grateful to lend our continued support
as the North American section of the Movement. Let us carry forward
his legacy until we have achieved his dream of a 32 County Socialist
Republic on the island of Ireland.
Is Muidne,
Coordinating Committee
IRSCNA
www.irsnca.org
The Irish Republican Socialist Committees of North America send
revolutionary greetings to our comrades in Ireland on the occasion
of the annual commemoration of the life of Seamus Costello.
As the founder of the Irish Republican Socialist Party and the Irish
National Liberation Army in 1974, Costello was a determined and
forward thinking revolutionary. His goal was a 32 County Socialist
Republic, a Republic of and for the working class, a class undivided
by religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
Costello stood in the same tradition as James Connolly, the leader of
the Irish Citizen Army during the Easter Rising of 1916. Like
Connolly, he didn't live to see his vision achieved, but also like
Connolly, he continues to inspire those who carry on the fight to
achieve that vision.
Almost thirty-six years after its founding, the IRSP continues to
uphold Costello's belief that the national liberation struggle and
the class liberation struggle are the same struggle.
The INLA engaged in nearly a quarter century of political armed
struggle before it declared a ceasefire in 1998, and then
decommissioned earlier this year. Setting aside the tactic of armed
struggle based on a sound analysis of current conditions in no way
means that the war for national and class liberation is over. It merely
will take a different form, with the IRSP carrying the struggle forward
through organizing, agitating, and educating.
The Irish Republican Socialist Movement continues to believe that
there is no parliamentary road to socialism, because socialism cannot
be forged by seizing the bourgeois state apparatus; nor is there a
guerrilla road to socialism, because a social revolution requires the
active participation of the masses; and therefore a socialist
republic can only be established through the mass revolutionary
action of the working class in the political, economic, and social
spheres.
After Costello's death, comrades like Bernadette Devlin McAliskey
were moved to say that they felt smaller after his loss. Costello
made an incredible impression on so many activists who were
themselves internationally known partisans for the working class
cause. Thirty-three years after Costello was taken from us by a
counter-revolutionary's bullet, we still feel his loss.
While many things have changed since his death, just as many things
have remained the same. The exploitation and oppression he tried to
overthrow is as pronounced as ever. Capitalism continues to provide
grinding exploitation and misery as its contradictions produce
turmoil for working people.
The form of British rule in Ireland has changed, but not the content.
Britain remains in Ireland to do the bidding of the capitalist class,
suppressing the working class for the rich and privileged. Beneath
the appearance of wealth is the reality of families deprived of homes
and stability. Scarcity is artificially maintained both for profits
and for dividing people along sectarian and ethnic lines.
The Movement that Costello founded as a vehicle for revolutionary
change is his legacy. We are grateful to lend our continued support
as the North American section of the Movement. Let us carry forward
his legacy until we have achieved his dream of a 32 County Socialist
Republic on the island of Ireland.
Is Muidne,
Coordinating Committee
IRSCNA
www.irsnca.org
Oct 5, 2010
For Readers In The Cleveland Area
RevolutionBooks Cleveland Wednesday, Oct 6 @ 7 pm Presentation and discussion at Revolution Books
"Revolution Newspaper...and Making Revolution For Real"
Revolution Books 2804 Mayfield Rd. (at Coventry)
Cleveland Heights 216-932-2543
revbookscle@hotmail.com
http://revolutionbookscleveland.intuitwebsites.com/
Oct 3, 2010
Welcome to UTLR
By Chris
Greetings and welcome to my new blog, Until The Last Rebel. This new blog came about due to me boring friends and family with my rantings and the need to bother a greater audience. I in no way claim to have all or any of the answers to the problems our world faces. I just know that I can't stay silent while capitalism/imperialism runs riot over our world destroying people and the planet in it's wake. I have to do something, no matter how small my actions seem at times, for my son. To leave him a more humane and caring society then the one I was born into.
I also wanted to write a new blog that would be more than just battering people with politics. I wanted to have something more cultural, because a revolution is not going to come from politics alone. It's going to take a whole new view on the world, a new philosophy to make our revolution real and complete. What good is changing the political structure, taking away political exploitation if we are still stuck in mental bondage?
If you read my Bio on the right you'll get a feel of where I am coming from in this blog. All of the opinions here are mine alone and do not reflect any single group, person or organization.
I do hope you find something of value here. Some little bit of inspiration to do something, anything to fight for change. Revolution is possible we can make it happen, our children deserve it, the world deserves it. I always go back to the words of Bobby Sands, Hunger Striker "Everyone, Republican or otherwise, has their own particular part to play. No part is too great or too small; no one is too old or too young to do something". Very True.
Ya Basta - Saoirse go Deo
Greetings and welcome to my new blog, Until The Last Rebel. This new blog came about due to me boring friends and family with my rantings and the need to bother a greater audience. I in no way claim to have all or any of the answers to the problems our world faces. I just know that I can't stay silent while capitalism/imperialism runs riot over our world destroying people and the planet in it's wake. I have to do something, no matter how small my actions seem at times, for my son. To leave him a more humane and caring society then the one I was born into.
I also wanted to write a new blog that would be more than just battering people with politics. I wanted to have something more cultural, because a revolution is not going to come from politics alone. It's going to take a whole new view on the world, a new philosophy to make our revolution real and complete. What good is changing the political structure, taking away political exploitation if we are still stuck in mental bondage?
If you read my Bio on the right you'll get a feel of where I am coming from in this blog. All of the opinions here are mine alone and do not reflect any single group, person or organization.
I do hope you find something of value here. Some little bit of inspiration to do something, anything to fight for change. Revolution is possible we can make it happen, our children deserve it, the world deserves it. I always go back to the words of Bobby Sands, Hunger Striker "Everyone, Republican or otherwise, has their own particular part to play. No part is too great or too small; no one is too old or too young to do something". Very True.
Ya Basta - Saoirse go Deo
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