Disqus - Latest Comments for dmathew

Re: Miranda

damien — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 18:32:14 -0000

Listened to the show on the drive to Toledo. Great songs!

Re: Can Marxian Economics Explain the Crisis?

damien — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:49:52 -0000

Monthly Review has been publishing lots of articles offering Marxian analysis of the crisis, and a book by Foster and Magdoff, "The Great Financial Crisis"

See an example article in the link below ("Seize the Crisis!"
Samir Amin, MR Dec. 2009)

http://www.monthlyreview.or...

"The current crisis is, therefore, neither a financial crisis nor the sum of multiple systemic crises, but the crisis of the imperialist capitalism of oligopolies, whose exclusive and supreme power risks being questioned once more by the struggles of the entire popular classes and the nations in the dominated peripheries, even if they are apparently 'emerging markets.'"

Re: People's Weekly World - Kraft workers� struggle in Argentina goes global

damien — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:50:50 -0000

Where did the CGT "pointedly refuse to back STIA? It sounded like several of their regional chapters showed up for the rally. My Spanish is very weak, but you might take a look at this page:

http://www.csa-csi.org/cont...

Did I read that correctly? CGT supports the dismissed workers?

Re: People's Weekly World - Breaking News: Honduran President Zelaya back in country

damien — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:13:35 -0000

Actually, he was forcibly deposed by the military.

Re: People's Weekly World - Kraft workers� struggle in Argentina goes global

damien — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:51:29 -0000

While it isn't my favorite source, wikipedia states that the UIA is "the leading industrial advocacy group in Argentina, and one of the most influential in the country, in any sector. A precursor to the Argentine Industrial Union was founded on August 29, 1875, by a group of Buenos Aires manufacturers. The Argentine Industrial Club was organized to "establish a society at the disposal of local manufacturers in their efforts to secure the adoption of economic reforms."" It isn't a labor union, it is more of a national chamber of commerce.

There isn't anything that needs to be apologized for in this article, in my opinion. It is a one-sided article, but the Kraft representative in Champaign was given an opportunity to make a statement, and declined.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

Re: People's Weekly World - Kraft workers� struggle in Argentina goes global

damien — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:39:01 -0000

Well, it's interesting to hear the other side. I thought it was a little curious that LabourStart didn't take up the cause. There might be some in-fighting or conflicts between the unions.

I should note that drastic direct actions, like blocking a highway or mass demonstrations have been used as a last resort for some of the most desperate labor struggles in history. Sometimes, workers have no alternative.

In any case, it is interesting to hear another perspective.

Re: People's Weekly World - Kraft workers� struggle in Argentina goes global

damien — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:55:21 -0000

So, from the link I posted:
"The march included a large number of workers from the plant affected by the layoffs, as well as representatives of the Union of Food Industry Workers of Buenos Aires, and of other organizations and several regional chapters of Argentina’s General Labor Confederation (CGT), the Confederation of Food Industry Labor Associations (CASIA), the Argentinean Federation of Carbonated Beverages and Related Industry Workers (FATAGA) and other trade unions and social organizations.

Upon reaching Ministry headquarters, the general secretary of STIA, Rodolfo Daer, addressed the demonstrators, strongly emphasizing that the march was meant “as a repudiation of the attitude of this transnational corporation that thinks it can trample Argentina’s laws, workers and organizations.”"

All those organizations are just a bunch of thugs? Granted, I don't live in Argentina, so I'm sincerely asking. Also, the initial strike was called because the management didn't respond to demands for better sanitation, not for more pay.

Re: People's Weekly World - Kraft workers� struggle in Argentina goes global

damien — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:34:20 -0000

Have a look at this report.
http://www.rel-uita.org/com...

Re: People's Weekly World - Kraft workers� struggle in Argentina goes global

damien — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:02:08 -0000

Could you share your sources, please?

Re: People's Weekly World - Honduran president returns: Crisis comes to a head

damien — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:06:12 -0000

Honduran people are demanding changes to the constitution. The military was needed to suppress the popular unrest, following Zelaya's being deposed from office. Zelaya was calling for a NONBINDING referendum to see what the will of the people was regarding constitutional reforms. A constitution that doesn't allow for amendments from the people is unjust, and should be opposed.