MARY DAVIS says the centrality of the Jewish community and the Communist Party to anti-fascism in the 1930s is too often overlooked on the left
And they call this democracy?
Why doesn't the average citizen's desire for Scandinavian-style social democracy find its expression in elections? Because what little popular sovereignty the US had has been savagely undermined year upon year since the civil rights era, explains ZOLTAN ZIGEDY
Polls show that most people want the US government to play an active role in ameliorating social problems but have lost almost all hope in their political representatives — the result is a grotesque charade at election time devoid of substance
A 1936 confrontation with Mosley’s BUF became part of a wider international struggle, with local activists later joining the fight against fascism in the Spanish civil war. TONY FOX tells the story ahead of a 90th anniversary commemoration event
GEORGE WHITE explains why Unite’s Lancashire area activists committee believes co-ordinated recruitment in an area defined by particular kinds of employment and linked by a major transport artery could provide a model for organising the unorganised
Voters have delivered a stay of execution for Labour and exposed limits to Reform’s advance. But will Burnham offer a political alternative rather than just a different face at the top, asks ANDREW MURRAY
Calls for a Universal Basic Income are a red herring, argues the Full Marx editorial team — socialists should fight for Universal Basic Services
SEVIM DAGDELEN warns that Germany’s military resurgence and revival of old hostilities towards Russia have dangerous implications for Europe and beyond
THE idea of the US as a citadel of democracy is based on an enduring myth. The frequent references, even on the left, to “saving our democracy” or “protecting our democracy” from Trump, the Russians, the Chinese, Islam, or any other forces lurking in the cabinet of popular demonology, is sheer nonsense. There is little to save or protect and the threat resides elsewhere.
The idea of invading, occupying, or undermining the governments of other countries to promote “our” democracy is, therefore, equally nonsense.
Certainly there are many ready to vigorously contest these claims. How can a country that has the longest unbroken history of regular elections not be democratic? What could be more democratic?
Similar stories
ANSELM ELDERGILL examines the difficulties surrounding freedom of expression
Deep disillusionment with the Westminster cross-party consensus means rupture with the status quo is on the cards – bringing not only opportunities but also dangers, says NICK WRIGHT
RICHARD BURGON MP points to the recent relative success of widespread opposition to the Labour leadership’s regressive policies as the blueprint for exacting the changes required to build a fairer society
The prospect of the Democratic Socialists of America member’s victory in the mayoral race has terrified billionaires and outraged the centrist liberal Establishment by showing that listening to voters about class issues works, writes ZOLTAN ZIGEDY