Scottish Revolutionary John MacLean

From Workers Web John MacLean commemorative collection

Biography: John MacLean (1879-1923) was a Scottish schoolteacher and Marxist educator. His Marxist evening-classes produced many of the activists who became instrumental in the Clyde revolts during and after WWI. MacLean was appointed both an Honorary President of the first Congress of Soviets and Soviet Consul to Scotland in recognition of his consistent socialist position on the imperialist war and his tireless work in support of the Bolshevik revolution.

MacLean was at odds with much of the British left and dismissive of the newly-formed Communist Party of Great Britain. He had already turned his back on economism and the syndicalism favoured by the Clyde Workers' Committee, had recognised the nature of British imperialism and come to the conclusion that revolution could only come about through the destruction of the British Empire.

He died on 30th November, 1923.

SRSM Annual John Maclean Rally 2008

Scottish Republican Socialist Movement Annual John Maclean Rally 2008

Sunday, 1pm for 1:30pm, November 30th, 2008

Eastwood Cemetery to the John Maclean Cairn, Pollockshaws Shopping Centre

Speakers: Bill Kidd, SNP, MSP, ***Tommy Sheridan, Solidarity***, Brian Quail, SRSM/SCND. more TBA

Bus leaving North Frederick St, off George Square. 12.30 am £5 one way only.


Everyone can make their own way back as and when they are ready.


1:30 pm Boydstone Rd, facing Eastwood Cemetery Map: Eastwood Cemetery:


March to John MacLean Cairn, Shawbridge Arcade, Pollokshaws Shopping Centre Map: Shawbridge Arcade :

Shindig at Cairey's Lounge, Shawbridge St Map: Carey's Bar .

featuring....

Entertainment: Albannach, Sweaty Socks & David R Ross Weapons Display.

Free Admission.

Forum for Scottish Democracy

Click here for Forum for Scottish Democracy

This group supports the establishment of an independent Scottish republic that is socialist and egalitarian. Members are welcome who wish to debate about constitutional change for Scotland and the future of the nation. Also there should be support for an independence referendum.

The group recognises that debate on constitutional change for Scotland is not merely the preserve of the SNP in the independence movement. A wider debate is more healthy concerning constitutional change.

Supporters of Scottish nationalism, republicanism or Scottish socialism welcome

Note this is a broad based and non-sectarian forum.

Moderators
Forum for Scottish Democracy

For a Scottish Workers Republic!

The Scottish Socialist Freedom Group (SSFG) is the genuine and true Republican Socialist Movement in Scotland. Unlike others we have not sold out to the politics of reformism and have not given support to the SNP. We believe that only a manifesto for a Socialist Republic combined with support for independence is the true road to freedom.

Unlike others we are not part-time republicans who ceremoniously partake in poorly attended events. But rather we believe in the building of a Socialist Movement in Scotland that goes hand in hand with the struggle for a socialist republic and ideals of republican socialism.

Significantly we believe in the national liberation struggle for a Scottish Socialist Republic and reject the failed road of romanticised republicans and their dubious ties with constitutional nationalism and ultimate support to the politics of the Scottish establishment.

ssfg.weebly.com
SSFG on bebo

New website launched for Noel Maguire

A new website 'Cairde Noel Maguire' has been launched:

Click here for Cairde Noel Maguire

Case For Repatriation of Irish Political Prisoner

click here for friendsofnoelmaguire's Podcast

Please anyone who wishes to help can join the e-mail list at
friendsofnoelmaguire@live.com

Join the Scottish Socialist Freedom Group

Click here for website

SSFG - What We Stand For?

* An Independent Scottish Socialist Republic

* A Referendum for Scottish Independence

* A Celtic Confederation

Scottish Socialist Freedom Group Founding Principles

The Scottish Socialist Freedom Group (SSFG) is not a platform or group within Solidarity but rather set up to be a republican socialist group that have ideas, values and aims that are consistent with our pro-Solidarity position.

We should recognise the valuable role of Solidarity Scotland's Socialist Movement to build the largest socialist movement for the Scottish Left. The aims of the SSFG remain consistent and compatible with the manifesto and socialist beliefs of Solidarity in the struggle for a Soclialist Republic in Scotland.

While the SSFG at present has confined activity to the Internet due to limited support we encourage socialist activity in the community especially through having membership of Solidarity.

With some International support through the Internet we act as a vehicle for education or debate and a think-tank to offer solidarity to our brothers and sisters elsewhere in the UK, U.S. or any of the Celtic countries or to include any part of the world.

We believe in the theoretical re-arming of the left and for building of a broad socialist party that Scotland needs and deserves.

What politics we stand for?

We believe in the right to self-determination of the Scottish people best achieved with the setting up of a democratic Scottish Republic.

Argue and campaign for an independent socialist Scotland based on democratic social ownership of key sectors of the economy and the values expressed in the founding statement of Solidarity.

Adhere to the philosophical teachings of Marx, Connolly and MacLean consistent with our republican socialist beliefs.

Recognise the validity and value of a socialist alternative to the capitalist system as outlined in the Solidarity manifesto. The SSFG manifesto shall remain on the website as a set of ideas for change put forward on behalf of the group rather than a blueprint to be followed by the letter.

Promote Internationalism for a world of equality, socialism and end to greed and a world that cares for the environment.

Support policies which are for non-discrimation and anti-racism and sexual equality including gay and lesbian rights.

And an end to imperialist wars and to strive for a world that is anti-poverty with social, economic and environmental justice and socialism for all.

*SSFG July 2008

Socialism and independence

The Scottish Socialism Freedom Group support the right of Scotland to self-determination and independence however believe the interests of the nation are best served by a Scottish democratic socialist society in the form of a republic. We reject both the politics of the unionists and constitutinal nationalists as the former offer more of the same in a failed British capitalist system while the latter seek to make capitalism work in Scotland. Constitutional parliamentary means will never deliver socialism to deal with the far reaching problems of ineqauliity in Scotland. We remain faithfull to ideas and beliefs or writings of Marx, Connolly and MacLean. However we are not against voting in Scottish and local elections to attempt to secure more democracy however urge voting for a pro-independence party while only seeing this as not a means to an end but merely progress. A means to an end is to remain faithful only to the idea of socialist revolution in action and the Scottish Socialist Republic in a New Scotland.

To join email: redlarry1962@googlemail.com

Scottish Socialist Freedom Group joint Statement on Ireland (by Scottish and American Chapter)

Scottish Socialist Freedom Group joint Statement on Ireland (by Scottish and American Chapter)

Dear comrades, brothers and sisters.

The SSFG call for the unconditional end to the occupation of Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan by British forces in these countries.

That the British government must allow immediately for a referendum in the 32 Counties of Ireland for the Irish people on the island of Ireland to decide as a unit on their future.

An end to British military activity, policing and agencies of covert operations; MI5, MI6, and all the other corollary instruments of oppression and intelligence gathering in the Irish Free State and the North of Ireland.

An end to harrassment of Republicans on the island of Ireland.

Non recognition of the quasi British parliament Stormont in occupied Ireland.

The release of all Irish political prisoners and during this process the immediate repatriation of political prisoner Noel Maguire to be near his family as is his right as an Irish citizen and under the terms of his European rights as a citizen as well.

That the SSFG call for the maximum solidarity with Irish POWs this Christmas and recognise their full entitlement to political status.

We support the march to Scottish, Irish, Welsh and Breton freedom and our express belief in the building of Socialist Republics in the Celtic countries and around the world.

ENDS

SSFG Alba Comunn
SSFG US Chapter

Noel Maguire Irish Political Prisoner (video)

Please pass the video link on as we are trying to get as many concerned people involved in writting and lobbying those that are refusing Noel Maguire his right as an Irish citizen. He needs all our help.

Thanks

Irish Political Prisoner Noel Maguire needs our help

A cairde

We are friends of Noel Maguire presently being held in HMP Whitemoor; He has informed us that his latest attempt to be repatriated has been denied.

Noel was one of 6 men convicted of three bomb attacks in the U.K on 8th April 2003. All his co accused have been repatriated back to Ireland.

Noel has been refused repatriation on a number of occasions. The Irish authorities claim wrongly that Noel has closer ties to the United Kingdom than to an

Irish jurisdiction despite Noels, having a wife, and a son and daughter, living in County Carlow. This is Noels immediate kith and kin. Although Noel and his

wife are separated she has put in writing she is willing to visit Noel should he be repatriated with the children.

This is Noels response to the refusal;

Dear Mr Ahern

Thank you for your letter dated October 23 in reply to my application for repatriation.

I am aware the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners

does not confer an automatic right to be transferred - nor an obligation on any state to

comply with a transfer request.

However what concerns me is the reason you have given to refuse my application.

You state that on balance you believe I have closer ties to the United Kingdom than

to an Irish jurisdiction. I would dispute this. How can that be?

I have a wife, and a son and daughter, living in County Carlow in the Irish republic.

They are my immediate kith and kin. Although my wife and I are separated she has

put in writing she is willing to visit me should I be repatriated to Portlaoise Prison. A

copy of her letter is in your possession as I write this. If it has been mislaid I can forward a copy.

I have not seen my son and daughter for over nine years. My wife - rightly - isn't happy to bring

them over to this country and put them through the ordeal of visiting me in prison - not to mention

the cost involved traveling and staying overnight in another country.

I have no family in Britain and my sole visitor is a non-relative.

Can you please explain why my wife, son and daughter are not considered to be my next of kin?

Also can you explain how you reached the conclusion I have closer ties to the United Kingdom than to

an Irish jurisdiction - bearing in mind I have no relatives living in the UK whatsoever - and am the

bearer of an Irish republic passport which is still valid.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely

NOEL MAGUIRE

11.10.2008

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

We are approaching every we believe can help Noel in the hope that we can get a concerted writing and lobbying campaign going to bring this man home. Noel lived in Co Fermanagh and holds a valid Irish Passport which expires in 2010 it is without doubt a case where he is being denied recognition as an Irish Citizen and any rights he had have been stripped of him, the words that scream out at you from Noels Letter are I have not seen my son and daughter for over nine years This is so wrong as are the reasons for his being refused repatriation

We are asking for your help on Noels behalf.

We feel that if enough people write to or lobby Dermot Aherns office using the information provided in Noels letter and we can get at least a hundred letters then they will realize that Noel is not going away and in fact has become a focal point in which all Republicans are uniting in a common fight against the authorities and their corrupt system then they may be tempted to allow him home.

We do not represent any group but are a few friends who are in direct contact with Noel weekly and would like every right minded Republican to take Noels case and act immediately asking members and friends of organisations we belong to and the leadership to fight for the rights of one of our own,

The authorities believe we cannot come together for anything and will continue to do their best to ensure that this never happens.

Please take the information within Noels letter which makes our point that Noel should be eligible for Repatriation closer to his immediate family.

Thank You

Friends of Noel Maguire

Contact Information for Dermot Ahern

Constituency Office
Dermot Ahern TD
28 Francis Street
Dundalk
Co. Louth
042 9329023



Dáil Office
Dermot Ahern TD
Dáil Éireann
Leinster House
Kildare Street
Dublin 2
01 618 3000

Alternately you can email me at dermot@dermotahern.ie


Some fact on Noel;

Noel Maguire

Another Miscarriage of Justice by Corrupt British System

At Noels Trial the Evidence against him

The prosecution declared today that there was no direct evidence that any of the three defendants had planted a bomb

Cell site information showed Maguires phone had been in the area of a yard in north London where the taxi used in the BBC bomb was bought.

His thumbprints were subsequently discovered on one of the bank notes handed over for the cab.

Result

Noel Maguire was sentenced to 22 years on the flimsiest of evidence

A knife attack on Noel in 2006 by 2 inmates who have since been charged with attempted murder is an indication of the seriousness of the situation

Noel Maguire is the last remaining Irish political prisoner still incarcerated in an English jail. All his co accused have been repatriated as was their

rights as Irish Citizens

Repatriation

The right to be repatriated to the country of your citizenship to serve a prison sentence on humanitarian grounds as lay down by the European Directive.

A report by British Irish Rights Watch Committee on the Administration of Justice Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas concluded:

Prisoners denied a transfer is deprived of contact with their families and their home communities, lessening their chances of successful reintegration on

their release. However, the people who suffer most from the failure to transfer prisoners are their families, who are prevented by the long distances involved,

the cost of the journey,

And in some cases poor health, from visiting their relatives. Families visiting republican prisoners in England have sometimes arrived to find that their relative

has been moved to another prison many miles away without their having been informed, a practice known as ghosting. Relatives have also been subjected to

strip searches and been held

under emergency laws when visiting their loved ones. The UK government has consistently put its own political agenda before any

humanitarian consideration or any notion of respect for fundamental human rights where the transfer of prisoners is concerned but it is the Irish Government who are

refusing Noel Repatriation on grounds which do not hold any validity whatsoever.

Reasons Noel should be repatriated:

He is an Irish citizen and holds a current Irish passport, issued in Dublin

He easily qualifies for repatriation under the European directive,
which allows prisoners to be moved back to their own country to
serve their sentence closer to their family for purely humanitarian
reasons. He has not seen his children in 6 Years.

There was an attempt to murder Noel in 2006 in which he received
serious knife wounds. If left alone and isolated his life would be
constantly under threat!

His physical and mental well being is in jeopardy if the Irish
Government refuses him the right to be brought home to serve his
sentence in an Irish Jail

He has not seen his children in 9 Years

Barack Obama elected US President

History has been made with the first African-American to become US president while John Biden can be recorded in history as the first Catholic Vice-President.

Barack Obama has given an inspirational speech of hope and change. But he has also indicated that change on the domestic and foreign front would take time or more than a first term in office.

He certainly has an immense task but this great orator and communicator has abilities as well. Surrounded by many neo-liberals or neo-cons in the White House won't be easy for him but he is sincere and determined to change the image of America on the world stage.

An interesting comment on radio from George Galloway Respect MP was that it "wont be perfect" for Obama but he thinks Obama will "surprise a few folk."

The US Party of Socialism and Liberation have recognised the historic significance of the election of Obama and already have provided their analysis, recognise the inevitable struggle ahead and put forward their own list of demands to start with.

What I hope for is better foreign policy coming from the US to include the necessity to look again at the unacceptable economic blockade against Cuba, the lifting of travel restrictions for Americans to visit Cuba, a thaw in relations with Moscow and closer bilateral ties with Russia, and the ability of Washington to keep check on any crazy ideas that Israel may have to attack Iran.

Meanwhile Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has invited Obama to Scotland.

While Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen has invited Obama to Ireland and his ancestral home

Although Barack Obama will have many statesman duties to fulfil abroad he will also need to tackle issues at home such as the poor US economy and unemployment.

if any new US President is fit to make a start with the required change then Barack Obama is the man to undertake that task.
Larry

Opposing Imperialist Celebration

Opposing Imperialist Celebration

For A Socialist Republic in Ireland

400 Irish republicans today gathered in west Belfast in defiance of the British government, the British army, the PSNI and the Six County Parades Commission. Activists from all over Ireland saw through the lies and black propaganda mustered up by the Royal Irish Regiment’s cheerleaders and stood face to face with heavily armed PSNI personnel in a powerful statement of opposition to British rule