barney_pig
Po-cha-na-quar-hip
The new socialist worker reports on conference
Issue: 2335 dated: 12 January 2013 News
(Snip)
Women and oppression
Socialist Worker editor Judith Orr introduced a session on the fight for women’s liberation today.
Judith pointed to the death of Savita Halappanavar last year. Savita died in Ireland after being refused a life-saving abortion, and Judith argued, “That is what women’s oppression looks like today.”
Mary from London spoke movingly about her experience of the fate of women in Britain before abortion was legalised.
Judith added that that the SWP could be proud of taking a firm line against sexism over Julian Assange and Respect MP George Galloway.
Many delegates picked up her point that it is important to “argue revolutionary politics” with activists attracted by feminist ideas.
Sue from north London said that because oppression divided workers it is important that women and men are involved in the fight against it.
Julia from Sheffield pointed to the establishment cover-up of the Jimmy Savile case saying it showed that “the ruling class protect their own”. She contrasted it to the racism that has gone along with discussion of the grooming and abuse of young women.
Judith ended the session by stressing that attacks on women’s rights were sparking resistance—and that SWP members must be central to it.
(Snip)
Factions at conference
The conference was marked by a high level of participation. Hundreds of contributions on the conference floor were matched by debates in and around the venue.
In the discussion period that leads up to conference the SWP constitution allows the formation of temporary factions by members who want to change party policy.
This year two such factions were created. They held a number of meetings around the conference venue outside of the main sessions, as did supporters of the Central Committee.
The Democratic Opposition faction formed to oppose the expulsion of four members for organising secretly outside the structures of the organisation. Conference voted to endorse the expulsions.
The Democratic Centralism faction formed to argue for an ongoing examination of the party structures. After a wide-ranging discussion conference passed a commission endorsing the existing party structures.
In part it read, “The fundamental of the democratic centralist way of organising is for there to be a maximum level of debate about the impact the party is having in the working class and how revolutionaries can best shape the class struggle.
“This debate is made by a majority vote. Once that vote has been taken all members fight to implement the decisions in a united way.”
This was passed 239 to 91. An alternative commission from the Democratic Centralism faction was defeated. At the end of conference both factions disbanded.
Leadership elections
There were two alternative slates put forward for central committee (CC), the leading body of the SWP that runs the party on a day-to-day basis.
The following people were elected to the central committee: Weyman Bennett, Mark Bergfeld, Michael Bradley, Alex Callinicos, Joseph Choonara, Charlie Kimber, Amy Leather, Judith Orr, Julie Sherry and Mark L Thomas.
Two trade union activists, whose names have been withheld to protect them from their employers, were also elected to the CC. Delegates also elected a 50-strong national committee."
© Socialist Worker (unless otherwise stated). Lying wankers
Issue: 2335 dated: 12 January 2013 News
(Snip)
Women and oppression
Socialist Worker editor Judith Orr introduced a session on the fight for women’s liberation today.
Judith pointed to the death of Savita Halappanavar last year. Savita died in Ireland after being refused a life-saving abortion, and Judith argued, “That is what women’s oppression looks like today.”
Mary from London spoke movingly about her experience of the fate of women in Britain before abortion was legalised.
Judith added that that the SWP could be proud of taking a firm line against sexism over Julian Assange and Respect MP George Galloway.
Many delegates picked up her point that it is important to “argue revolutionary politics” with activists attracted by feminist ideas.
Sue from north London said that because oppression divided workers it is important that women and men are involved in the fight against it.
Julia from Sheffield pointed to the establishment cover-up of the Jimmy Savile case saying it showed that “the ruling class protect their own”. She contrasted it to the racism that has gone along with discussion of the grooming and abuse of young women.
Judith ended the session by stressing that attacks on women’s rights were sparking resistance—and that SWP members must be central to it.
(Snip)
Factions at conference
The conference was marked by a high level of participation. Hundreds of contributions on the conference floor were matched by debates in and around the venue.
In the discussion period that leads up to conference the SWP constitution allows the formation of temporary factions by members who want to change party policy.
This year two such factions were created. They held a number of meetings around the conference venue outside of the main sessions, as did supporters of the Central Committee.
The Democratic Opposition faction formed to oppose the expulsion of four members for organising secretly outside the structures of the organisation. Conference voted to endorse the expulsions.
The Democratic Centralism faction formed to argue for an ongoing examination of the party structures. After a wide-ranging discussion conference passed a commission endorsing the existing party structures.
In part it read, “The fundamental of the democratic centralist way of organising is for there to be a maximum level of debate about the impact the party is having in the working class and how revolutionaries can best shape the class struggle.
“This debate is made by a majority vote. Once that vote has been taken all members fight to implement the decisions in a united way.”
This was passed 239 to 91. An alternative commission from the Democratic Centralism faction was defeated. At the end of conference both factions disbanded.
Leadership elections
There were two alternative slates put forward for central committee (CC), the leading body of the SWP that runs the party on a day-to-day basis.
The following people were elected to the central committee: Weyman Bennett, Mark Bergfeld, Michael Bradley, Alex Callinicos, Joseph Choonara, Charlie Kimber, Amy Leather, Judith Orr, Julie Sherry and Mark L Thomas.
Two trade union activists, whose names have been withheld to protect them from their employers, were also elected to the CC. Delegates also elected a 50-strong national committee."
© Socialist Worker (unless otherwise stated). Lying wankers
