UK Newswire Archive
Consumer Culture Brought to Its Knees in Bradford
27-11-2011 04:55
In one sweeping stroke the false consciousness of consumption was served a mortal blow in the streets of Bradford today. As the worldwide ripples of Buy Nothing Day crashed upon the shore of BD1, multinational capital trembled in it's bloodstained boots.
The 26th of November has been known by some as Buy Nothing Day for twenty years. A day to celebrate the madness of our self-consumption and to plead for the soul of our civilisation, Buy Nothing Day is about touching people. Inspiring a thought, a doubt, a scrunched up brow, a gob of spit in the face maybe, but a reaction.
Today the hardy shoppers of drizzley Bradford met friendly faces, offering a smile, a song, a book and a drink. No money accepted.
Shivering souls warmed their long neglected cockles with some fine rebel coffee, lovingly grown by Zapatista cooperatives in Mexico.
Confusion reigned as people wondered, "why is this stuff free?". The answer: "why not?"
We can't buy happiness, even dodgy science has shown that paying for experience rather than things is more satisfying. Our habits of purchasing antidotes to alienation are seemingly furthering our descent into dissappointment, and so we fill our lives with shiny things while we deplete our planet of necessary survival items like air and water, and thus ending potential for japes and jiggery-pokery.
Luckily, a collection of people put an end to this cycle of depravity by having some stalls in the soggy streets. A free shop was erected and people played songs, outside a monument to failed capitalism, an empty shop. (The sweet irony of protesting against consumption in a half-vacated city centre was not lost). A worthy target was found, and Starbucks was picketed by free shoppers and Zapatista supporters, highlighting their bullying tactics towards small farmers and their own workers. Their dubious involvement with greenwash front Conservation International was blown wide open (see this http://londonmexicosolidarity.org/content/chiapas-coffee-starbucks-and-conservation-international or http://www.organicconsumers.org/corp/starbucks.cfm) and people complained that their independent cafes were being suffocated by this silky sham sofa swarming of sterile Starbucks, with one independent observer commenting "I don't know why people go there, their coffee's shit." The Yorkshire Zapatistas were on hand to offer some free coffee, and a taste of autonomy to curious people, and many fruitful discussions were had.
So is this the end of the consumerist model?
Maybe a Buy Nothing Christmas will hammer the final nails into the coffin.
Protest at Israeli export company Mehadrin
26-11-2011 22:55
A group of Palestinians and campaigners for Palestinian rights delivered rotten fruit and empty water bottles to the UK headquarters of Israeli fruit and vegetable export company Mehadrin in Borehamewood, near London, yesterday in protest at the role the company plays in the colonisation of Palestinian land and resources and the exploitation of Palestinian workers.
More photos: http://logicalhallucinations.blogspot.com/
A group of Palestinians and campaigners for Palestinian rights delivered rotten fruit and empty water bottles to the UK headquarters of Israeli fruit and vegetable export company Mehadrin in Borehamewood, near London, yesterday in protest at the role the company plays in the colonisation of Palestinian land and resources and the exploitation of Palestinian workers.
The Israeli export company Mehadrin sources produce from growers in illegal settlements exploits Palestinian workers and is deeply involved in the theft of Palestinian water.
“Mehadrin sells goods from stolen Palestinian lands. The residents of Borehamwood should consider whether Mehadrin fits in with the values of their community,” said Palestinian actvist Maath Musleh, who is currently studying at City University in London.
“Trade with Mehadrin helps sustain Israel’s apartheid system over the Palestinian people and it must be brought to an end. Ordinary people have the power to contribute to a just peace by boycotting Israeli products and contributing to the movement for boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it complies with international law,” added Maha Rezeq, a Palestinian currently studying at the School of African and Oriental Studies.
After delivering rotten fruit and empty water bottles, to symbolise the role the company plays in the theft of Palestinian water, the dozen campaigners held a rally outside the entrance to the office, and chanted “Stolen goods from stolen lands, Mehadrin should be banned!”
Campaigners also held signs showing messages of solidarity witht the Bedouin community of Al Hadidye in the northern Jordan Valley in occupied Palestinian territory, which is denied regular access to water and under immense pressure. Last week, the community was served with nine further demolition orders. In the nearby illegal Israeli settlements of Ro'i and Beqa'ot, agricultural produce is grown with an abundance of water and exported to UK supermarkets such as Tesco by Mehadrin.
The action took place as part of Take Apartheid off the Menu, a Europe wide wave of boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) action against Israeli agricultural produce export companies to highlight their vital role in the maintenance of Israel’s apartheid system over the Palestinian people. Actions took place in more than 30 cities across 8 countries. Last week, French campaigners held a similar action outside local Mehadrin premises.
ENDS
More information:
http://www.bdsmovement.net/bdsintro
http://www.bdsmovement.net/activecamps/take-apartheid-off-the-menu
http://corporateoccupation.wordpress.com/2010/05/18/mehadrins-business-in-beqaot-settlement-and-tescos-complicity/
Solidarity With Nottingham’s ‘Atos Two’
26-11-2011 20:55
On Friday 25th November, the ‘Atos Two’ appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court. Despite some confusion over times, the hearing itself was uneventful with both pleading not guilty and the trial being set for February 27th. Outside, around 40 supporters gathered for a demo to show their support and urge the CPS to drop the case, before making another visit to Atos’ offices where the defendants were originally arrested.
On the newswire: ‘Atos Two’ Trial – Press Release | Atos Two Supporters Demo: Trial date now set | Atos Two trial in February | Atos Two solidarity demo | Statement of Support for the ‘Atos Two’ | Nottingham Defence Campaign Indymedia group
Previous features: Nottingham’s ‘Atos Two’ Charged | Nottingham protest rattles Atos
Nottingham Defence Campagin, who have been coordinating support for the defendants, published a brief statement after the trial:
Following the solidarity demonstration for the Atos Two, the court hearing was rather brief and without surprises.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. The trial will be held on Monday 27th February 2012 from 9.30 at the Magistrates Court to be continued (if necessary) on Tuesday the 28th.
Noticeable was the magistrates’ remark that the prosecution might struggle to prove the allegation that Atos staff had been intimidated as he admitted that there had been no sign of any intimidation.
It was annoying that the defendants were messed around a bit regarding the time proceedings were due to start/did actually start, but such things are to be expected.
The Atos Two have asked to thank all those who supported them these last few weeks. The solidarity they experienced has been amazing and is very much appreciated."
We are not outraged...
26-11-2011 20:55
But we are not resigned...
We are at class war...!
We are not outraged...
The explosion of rage we see all over the world doesn't start from joyfully indignant citizens, respectful of the constitutional State, who can afford the luxury of non-violence... but from us, exploited proletarians, in struggle against the every time worse conditions of survival imposed on us.
We are not outraged, shocked, indignant...
Among the horrors of the capitalist system, there's nothing new imposed on us nowadays. It's the same old recipes, even worse, which are used for strengthening the power of the bourgeoisie at the expense of our class, the proletariat. Then, why to be indignant about the "excesses" of capitalism and not struggling against capitalism itself? How to be indignant about enrichment of the banks and not questioning the very existence of banks? How is it possible to be indignant about the fact it's always more difficult for our social class to survive, without questioning the very reality of the existence of social classes?
But we are not resigned...
Generally and globally the balance of power is obviously always in favour of the bourgeoisie. It holds the means to continue exploiting the proletariat, repressing, slaughtering and eliminating proletarians in struggle. Yet, in the face of the blatant inability of this mode of production to curb the effects of the catastrophe it causes, we feel that the wind is beginning to turn, that the proletarian revolts become widespread. It's in the bourgeoisie's interest to reduce them to a citizen movement, developing pacifism, legalism, and apolitical attitude... to contain them in a "socially correct" model, in democracy. Our interest is on the contrary to transcend all the containments in which the movement is got caught.
We are deeply convinced...
That the future of the humanity doesn't depend on multiform indignations, humanitarian causes everywhere, individual commitments... but depends on the conjunction of forces allowing putting an end to this deadly system. Proletarians will be forced to radically destroy capitalism if they don't want capitalism to destroy the world.
In fact, "the outraged" as platforms, manifestos, contents... are only the straitjacket that capitalism, democracy, wants to impose for getting rid of the current movement of the proletariat.
We are at class war...!
Let's reaffirm the struggle to abolish the capitalist social system!
Internationalist Proletarians - internationalistes@gmail.com
A Real Victorian Christmas Party and Picnic at Triton Square
26-11-2011 19:48
Triton Square, London NW1
Join us at the home of poverty pimps Atos ‘Healthcare’ for a Christmas Party to celebrate the continuing struggle against disability deniers Atos.
Protest Against Atos Outside the Paralympic Test Event!
26-11-2011 19:44
Govt Building Squatted in Cardiff
26-11-2011 19:14
Activists have squatted a derelict Inland Revenue Building in Cardiff city centre, the anti-cuts activists were joined by Food not Bombs handing out free soup and other supporters.Council Votes To Keep Environmental Services in the Public Sector
26-11-2011 18:55
Following a tense meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council today, councillors voted to keep Environmental Services provision in house. This means that waste and recycling, street cleansing, and parks maintenance services will continue to be provided by staff who are directly employed by the Council, rather than the private contractor Enterprise Managed Services.
Today is Buy Nothing Day!
26-11-2011 18:55
No purchase necessary!Saturday November 26th is Buy Nothing Day (UK). It's a day where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from shopping and anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!
Everything we buy has an impact on the environment, Buy Nothing Day highlights the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism. The developed countries - only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage, and an unfair distribution of wealth.
People around the UK will make a pact with themselves to take a break from consumption as a personal experiment or public statement and the best thing is - IT'S FREE!!!
For a quick start to Buy Nothing Day read the FAQ page. If you want to take part in more actively, which is far more fun, then you may want to organise an event - take a look at the TOOLKIT for info and ideas and check the EVENTS page. If there are no events near you - organise one! Get social and follow Buy Nothing Day UK on TWITTER and FACEBOOK
Of course, Buy Nothing Day isn't about changing your lifestyle for just one day - we want it to be a lasting relationship with you consumer conscience - maybe a life changing experience? We want people to make a commitment to consuming less, recycling more and challenging companies to clean up and be fair. The supermarket or shopping mall might offer great choice, but this shouldn't be at the cost of the environment or developing countries.
Around the world: Adbusters.org | Argentina | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Croatia | Denmark | Finland | France
Hong Kong | Intl. BND | Japan | Netherlands | New Zealand | Romania | Sweden | Uruguay
'Atos Two' Trial - Press Release
26-11-2011 16:55
Trial of Nottingham 'Atos Two' from February 27th 2012
Two Nottingham residents, a retired paediatric nurse and a wheelchair user, dubbed the ‘Atos Two' have on Friday December 25th both pleaded ‘not guilty' to the charge of aggravated trespass at Nottingham Magistrates Court. Their trial will be held from Monday 27th February 2012.
This follows their arrests at a peaceful protest on September 30th at the offices of Atos ‘Healthcare' on Stoney Street in the Lace Market.
Jamie Kennedy commented on the prosecution of the ‘Atos Two': ‘This trial is an attempt to intimidate protesters and deter people from going to peaceful demonstrations. It is disgusting and a ridiculous waste of resources.'
Atos has been the subject of national protests for its role in the government's attack on disabled benefits claimants.
A well-attended protest in solidarity with the defendants was held outside the Magistrates Court before the hearing.
Contacts
Nottingham Defence Campaign
Email: nottsdefence@riseup.net
Tel: 07758867343
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NottsDefence
Notes for editors
1. Coverage of the protest, the arrests and the prosecution of the Atos Two:
nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2168
A Statement of Support for the Atos Two has been signed by more than a hundred persons and organisations, including Welfare Rights Groups, Councillors and John McDonnell MP:
nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2195
For a report on the solidarity demonstration please see:
nottingham.indymedia.org.uk/articles/2202
2. Atos Healthcare was selected by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to administer the Work Capability Assessments (WCA).
Campaigners claim that WCA are part of a deliberate policy by the coalition government designed to force as many people as possible off disability benefits regardless of their physical and/or psychological abilities.
Critics of Atos Healthcare point to the high number of successful appeals against decisions by the company. A report by BBC Inside Out East found that more than one third of appeals were successful. (http://bbc.in/ulXxMG)
Furthermore the expertise and conduct of the so called ‘healthcare professionals' undertaking the assessments has been severely questioned by campaigners. In August it emerged that twelve doctors employed by the company were being investigated by the General Medical Council over allegations of improper conduct. (http://gu.com/p/3x7jd)
Interesting documentary films about anarchism in Chile & Greece
26-11-2011 16:40
Lets see interesting films about anarchist movements in Chile & GreecePay Council Tax Hove MP tells Occupy...
26-11-2011 14:53
Hove & Portslade (East Sussex) MP. Mike Weatherley suggests Occupy 'tents' in London/ Brighton etc should pay council tax...Workfare to be challenged in the courts.
26-11-2011 13:49
Shut down the City!
26-11-2011 10:44
Assemble 7.00 am at Liverpool St. Station. We're going to shut down the City! If you can't make it quite that early, come as soon as you can.... twitter.com/occupylsx
"The clash of civilizations": Divide, conquer and rule the "New Middle East"
26-11-2011 09:39
At the same time, racist ideologies were put forth. The people whose lands were colonized were portrayed as "sub-human," inferior, or soulless. Finally, the "White Man's burden" of taking on a mission of civilizing the so-called "uncivilized peoples of the world" was used. This cohesive ideological framework was used to portray colonialism as a "just cause." The latter in turn was used to provide legitimacy to the waging of "just wars" as a means to conquering and "civilizing" foreign lands.
Today, the imperialist designs of the United States, Britain, France, and Germany have not changed. What has changed is the pretext and justification for waging their neo-colonial wars of conquest. During the colonial period, the narratives and justifications for waging war were accepted by public opinion in the colonizing countries, such as Britain and France. Today's "just wars" and "just causes" are now being conducted under the banners of women's rights, human rights, humanitarianism, and democracy.
Palestinian Film wins Awards at IDFA
26-11-2011 09:26
The winners of the various IDFA (International Doc Festival Amsterdam) competition programs were announced Friday, November 25 in Escape, during the awards ceremony of the 24th IDFA.The Special Jury Award went to 5 Broken Cameras (Palestine/Israel) by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi, who also won the Publieke Omroep IDFA Audience Award.
See trailer here:
http://vimeo.com/21967570
New book ‘The Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade‘ with Andrew Feinstein
26-11-2011 01:39
At five: discussing the big stories in Bristol, Britain and around the world
After six: straight talking and investigative reports with Martin Summers and Marina Morris
Atos Two Supporters Demo: Trial date now set
26-11-2011 00:55
Friday 25 November 2011
The "Atos Two" were due in Nottingham Magistrates Court. Bailed for 9.45am a solidarity demo had been called outside at 9.30am.
Unfortunately, on arrival, the Atos Two discovered that their case was not actually listed until 11.30am, leaving them with more than 2.5 hours to kill.
Perhaps 35-40 demonstrators turned up to show their support, a mix of disbility rights campaigners, anti-cuts activists, occupiers, anarchists and even a Labour councillor. For a weekday morning, organised at less than a fortnight's notice, this was (as the defendants noted) an astonishing turnout.
There was an array of media outside the court, print and TV. It turned out, however, that they were not there in relation to the Atos Two, but rather for something far more important - some drunken footballer.
After a brief photo opportunity with the assembled masses, the defendants took the opportunity to thank people for coming before going into court to answer bail. At this juncture, many of the supporters marched off to visit Atos as a rejoinder to the state's attempt to intimidate protesters.
quote: http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2199
+
Nottingham Defence Campagin said:
"Trial against the Atos Two to be held from Monday February 27 2012.
Following the solidarity demonstration for the Atos Two, the court hearing was rather brief and without surprises.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. The trial will be held on Monday 27th February 2012 from 9.30 at the Magistrates Court to be continued (if necessary) on Tuesday the 28th.
Noticeable was the magistrates' remark that the prosecution might struggle to prove the allegation that Atos staff had been intimidated as he admitted that there had been no sign of any intimidation.
It was annoying that the defendants were messed around a bit regarding the time proceedings were due to start/did actually start, but such things are to be expected.
The Atos Two have asked to thank all those who supported them these last few weeks. The solidarity they experienced has been amazing and is very much appreciated."
Nottingham Defence Campaign invite you to add your support by emailing them at nottsdefence@riseup.net
Statement of Support for the 'Atos Two'
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2195
Background:
ATOS National Day of Action: Notts contribution
1 http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2051
2 http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2052
Nottingham protest rattles Atos [Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org.uk/articles/2053
Notttingham's 'Atos Two' Charged [Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2168
National Day of Action Against Atos 30-09 [UK Feature]
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2011/10/485679.html
Atos Two solidarity demo
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2199
Atos Two trial in February
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2201
Benefits Claimants Fight Back
http://benefitclaimantsfightback.wordpress.com
Disabled People Against Cuts
http://www.dpac.uk.net
See also NottsDefence on Twitter http://twitter.com/NottsDefence
____________________________________________
ALAN LODGE
Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham. UK
Email: tash@indymedia.org
Web: http://digitaljournalist.eu
Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ]
____________________________________________
"It is not enough to curse the darkness.
It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"
___________________________________________
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