Regulate the markets

My good friend ( and not that old mate) Jon of the Rogers is correct to state that 'Working people need an alternative to this failing capitalist system and our trade unions are the only tools in our hands.' He is right in that the trade union movement appears to be the only place right now where democracy prevails (apart from a few minor problems) and where those in membership exercise true control. I am saying this because the current political system we have has shown us that those we elect exercise little authority over decisions that allow us to control our destiny's and politicians are subservient to market forces that control them and the rest of us.

I am of course simplifying the issue here and I know as much as everyone else that we all have to operate within a market and this could be ok if the markets had some responsibility towards democracy and its institutions. Deregulating the markets has meant that the boyz in grey suits are allowed to go in to their expensive offices every day and make big money by speculating on the future of countries and smaller states. The example of what happened to Spain and Italy in the last 3 months shows us how volatile the markets are. Spain was forced to borrow at 6.3% when it has huge debts to repay. Just think what this means when the average mortgage rate here in Britain is currently 2% (if not less) and if you see Spain as a family of many trying to survive and pay back huge loans you can imagine the devastation this interest rate rise creates.

What infuriates me with this situation is the fact that countries allow this to continue and that people simply move on and try to deal with the havoc the markets are causing because they think there is nothing that can be done. Well this is not right and if governments all over the world stood firm and agreed to regulate the bloody markets ( the markets consist of Tom Dicks and Charlotte's and are not bloody invisible ) then things will improve. Right now the only non corrupt institutions are the trade unions but they need to link up on an international basis and deal with this problem otherwise we will end up with another global catastrophe like we had in the last century.


http://jonrogers1963.blogspot.com/2011/12/can-we-buck-market.html

Who is in control?

We have been used to the idea that every 5 years we go to the polls, sometimes earlier to vote in a government of our preference. This is indeed how democracy works. But I have major doubts now as to whether those in key government positions are in control and it is looking more than likely that a few individuals who manage the global markets together with credit scoring agencies exercise far more power than they should be allowed to have.

The markets that everyone in the media is talking about is not some abstract notion floating on the planet zanussi they consist of and are a collective of individuals that exert more authority than anyone else and this is not right!

Where do we go to next?

There is some debate taking place throughout Unison and other unions as to where we go to following the big day of action on the 30 November. This is a good sign but we all need to prepare for further action as the government is unlikely to make major concessions just because we took one day out. More needs to be done and a comprehensive strategy worked out so that the achievements on the 30 don't become an isolated incident... London Unison is holding its regional Council tomorrow so I am hoping there will be some strong motions proposing what to do next.

Euro crisis uncovers the truth behind policies

It is obvious now from the measures being demanded by Berlin within the Euro zone crisis area (PIGS, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Spain and Italy) that the priority is to pacify the markets and to save the bankers.

This of course means that those driving the austerity project (the invisible power behind the politicians) want the general population to pay more to ensure the banks survive, so there is very little concern about what happens to the pensioner in Greece or Italy who will be seeing their pension drop from 700 euros a month to 400!! This is the cruel reality of what is happening right now!!

TUC on day of action

Two million public sector workers, the majority of them women, took part in the National Day of Action for Pensions Justice on November 30.

The unprecedented mobilisation, which dominated the news bulletins, aimed to put pressure on ministers to enter meaningful negotiations to secure a fair and just settlement to the dispute on public sector pensions.

Thousands of events and rallies were held across Britain, with TUC general secretary Brendan Barber addressing one of the biggest rallies in Birmingham and deputy general secretary Frances O'Grady taking part in a march and rally in London. The day was dominated by the workers themselves who told of the impact that the cuts would have on their living standards now and in old age.

As well as rebutting myths about public sector pensions being gold-plated, unaffordable and unfair, the day demonstrated the immense unity and strength of feeling among public servants, as well as the high level of support from private sector workers and the general public.

More on the Day of Action @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/industrial/tuc-20361-f0.cfm


http://www.tuc.org.uk/union/tuc-20343-f0.cfm

Greece. The 6th general strike

The 6th general strike took place in Greece yesterday with all services coming to a complete stand still. There are those wondering as to why the country is still in this situation even after the 6th bail out was agreed. The reason is because the new unelected government in Greece imposed on the people by Berlin is not at all popular and people in general do not see an end to a very deep and messy tunnel.

People on the streets of Athens and other major cities yesterday know very well that the austerity measures imposed on them are not because the EU wants to save them but because they want to ensure that the bankers don't go down so it is looking increasingly difficult to imagine Greece staying in the Euro zone if it means that the average worker loses 400 euros a month from their pay and the standard pension is cut by 30%.

The Greek withdrawl from the euroland project will also mean that Italy and maybe other countries in the south will follow, this exodus is obvious to me and inevitable?

What I would say is that having seen and witnessed the reaction on the streets the day after the British strike, the Greeks and the unions will not put up with what is imposed on them by Berlin...

World Aids day 2012

HIV facts
HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body's immune system — the body's defence against diseases.

HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.

There are now more people than ever living with HIV in the UK — more than 90,000 — with around a quarter of those unaware they have the virus.

Here are a few more facts about HIV in the UK:

Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact
You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample
HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV
You can get the results of an HIV test in just 15-20 minutes
There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV
Have any of these facts come as a surprise? There is still loads more you can learn about HIV in the UK by visiting HIVaware — our fun, interactive new website which provides all the information everyone should know about HIV. HIVaware gives you facts and stats on HIV, busts common myths and answers your frequently asked questions.

Take your first step to Acting Aware by visiting HIVaware today.