Ecosocialism

Should we fight the system or be the change?

Mark Engler and Paul Engler, Truthout, June 6, 2014

It is an old question in social movements: Should we fight the system or “be the change we wish to see”? Should we push for transformation within existing institutions, or should we model in our own lives a different set of political relationships that might someday form the basis of a new society? Over the past 50 years — and arguably going back much further — social movements in the United States have incorporated elements of each approach, sometimes in harmonious ways and other times with significant tension between different groups of activists.

People Power Gave Seattle Workers a Raise

Kshama Sawant, Common Dreams, June 4, 2014

The following remarks were made by Seattle City Councilor Kshama Sawant on Monday, June 2, as the council voted unaminously to pass a $15 minimum wage, the highest in the nation:

Today, workers in Seattle have made history.

A call for unions in BC to defend the province’s and the world’s ecosystem

Vancouver Ecosocialist Group, VESG, May 29, 2014

Statement of the Vancouver Ecosocialist Group, May 28, 2014

Last month, four leaders of the main construction unions in British Columbia issued a statement in support of the Northern Gateway tar sands pipeline. The statement is signed by the Teamsters, Plumbers, Operating Engineers and Labourers’ unions. The text is enclosed below.

Denmark: Fresh openings for Red-Green Alliance as it marks 25 years

Liam Flenady, GreenLeft.org, May 25, 2014

The Danish Red-Green Alliance (RGA) marked 25 years since its founding at a national conference on May 16 to 18.

A radical left unity project marking 25 years in existence is itself a cause for celebration, but this conference was able to celebrate much more. After about 20 years as a fringe party in Danish politics, the RGA has recently emerged as a significant force.

Vandana Shiva on 'Why we march against Monsanto'

Vandana Shiva , May 25, 2014

The third annual "March Against Monsanto" took place in over 400 cities worldwide Saturday. Ahead of the marches, renowned food justice activist Vandana Shiva issued the following statement of solidarity with with those participating in the global day of action against the agro-chemical giant.

Socialist climate scientist latest candidate to take on two party politics

Jess Spear , Socialist Alternative, May 23, 2014

Following last Novembers election of Socialist Alternative candidate Kshama Sawant to Seattle City Council, Jess Spear is the latest socialist seeking to shake up the political establishment. Spear, a climate scientist and organizer with the 15 Now minimum wage campaign, announced her candidacy for the Washington State House earlier this month.

Why I'm running

How 'anti-extractivism’ risks destroying forests to save trees

Federico Fuentes, May 22, 2014

A recent spate of high-profile campaigns against projects based on extracting raw materials has opened up an important new dynamic within the broad processes of change sweeping South America. Understanding their nature and significance is crucial to grasping the complexities involved in bringing about social change and how best to build solidarity with peoples' struggles.

Building a post Occupy alternative to the two party system

Editorial , Socialist Worker, May 21, 2014

Since the end of the most active, public phase of the Occupy movement, a number of activists have looked for ways to carry on the fight against the "1 Percent." This ongoing struggle has taken many forms--among them are recent attempts to build an independent political alternative to the two dominant capitalist parties.

On confronting injustice

Ian Angus, Climate & Capitalism, May 20, 2014

Too many supposedly radical books are written by academics for academics, apparently competing to see who can produce the most incomprehensible prose. My list of ‘books to be reviewed’ contains literally dozens of overstuffed and overpriced volumes that only a handful of specialists will ever read, books with little or no relevance to the non-university world.

Thomas Piketty’s unwitting case for revolution

Alex Callinicos, Socialist Worker, May 18, 2014

Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the 21st Century was number two in the US Amazon bestseller list last week. It nestled between a tear-jerker about living with cancer and a Disney movie spin-off coloring book for kids.

In Britain the impact has been less dramatic, but it has still featured heavily in print, radio and television.

This is quite an achievement for a nearly 700-page book by a hitherto unknown French economist packed full of statistical tables and retailing at £29.95. Yet in the past few weeks it has enjoyed an astonishing success.

Ecosocialism

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