Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
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Nothing tests socialists as does the question of war
The ultimate test in such circumstances is what position do socialists adopt — do they echo the condemnations of the “enemy,” do they “take sides” with this or that imperialist bloc or power or,do they stand firmly against imperialism, asks JOHN McINALLY
A Russian protester against the invasion of Ukraine is arrested in St Petersburg this evening
ANGUS REID explains the significance of Cuba’s egalitarian in letter and spirit Family Code and the pertinent lessons it holds for democracies anywhere in the world
Special report by PEOPLE’S WORLD
NICK WRIGHT considers how the isolation of Israel and a new film on the controversial Italian communist leader are creating new reference points for Italy’s left
CARLOS MARTINEZ says Cuba’s achievements in the face of a criminal blockade are startling, but the island’s future if the United States succeeds in crushing it looks bleak
AMNON BROWNFIELD STEIN reports that far-right MPs who mobbed the event organised by Hadash may have helped raise awareness of the brutality of the Israeli right
NOTHING tests socialists as does the question of war. And the ultimate test in such circumstances is what position do socialists adopt — do they echo the condemnations of the “enemy,” do they “take sides” with this or that imperialist bloc or power or,do they stand firmly against imperialism, warmongering and advocate an independent class position.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine cannot be justified but claims by the Western powers and the Nato military alliance that it is “unprovoked,” a claim repeated by some in the labour movement, must be categorically rejected.
As war hysteria reaches fever pitch we must keep clear heads and firm principles, oppose imperialist aggression wherever the source and expose the role of our own ruling class as should socialists in the “enemy” country.
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