Do residents have any role to play in the development of a mass revolutionary movement? As socialists we aim to establish workers control of the means of production. This must be carried out by a mass movement of the working class if it is to be achieved. That requires a mass movement based in our workplaces and communities, so it is worthwhile addressing the question – do residents associations have any role to play in the development of such a movement? If they do what then should be our involvement in these bodies and at what points do these bodies intersect with class struggles, and based on their history what potentialities do they present to us as socialist militants, and what factors are shaping the future direction of residents associations today?

As a child born in Linwood, and having three generations of my family grow up in Linwood I have saw Linwood turn from a quiet suburb town with strong community spirit into the disjointed and underfunded community it is now. Ten years ago Linwood had many gathering points and community centres which were regularly used and helped form the backbone of the community but are now all gone. Linwood had an excellent on beat police and community officer Alex Steven who knew most of the children and families in the area. Linwood had a diverse shopping arena with strong independent shop holders, grocers, bakers, local bank, post office, dentist's, paper shop which all served the local communities needs. 

The strike action at Grangemouth has prompted lots of stories about "fuel panic" and shortages. A look at the company who own the refinery makes it clear that they know what they are doing. The economics of Grangemouth are sound: they want to break the union.

http://euskalherria.indymedia.org/eu/2008/04/48055.shtml

There is a strong anti-war sentiment in Edinburgh, and we have all been marching in the street over the years, and doing what we can to try and stop these wars. What many of us might not realise is that some of the essential parts of weapons being used in these wars are being made right here in Edinburgh. One of the companies involved in producing and trading such weaponry is SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems.

"The latest media furor was over videotaped remarks from Obama’s former minister, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright Jr. The bloodhounds were soon barking and snipping at Obama’s heels demanding a renunciation of the pastor’s words."

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had much of the Australian population in tears with the long heralded “Sorry Day” commemoration. Of course, successive Australian governments have so much to apologise for, suggestions are now coming forth to make “Sorry Day” an annual event.