Anyone watching the coverage of Barak Obama’s US Election victory could not fail to be moved by the genuine outpouring of joy and enthusiasm that accompanied the result. 

Millions of Americans, angry at the state of the economy, angry at the inequality that exists in their nation and angry at American foreign policy have delivered a stinging rebuttal of the politics of George W Bush, John McCain and the Republican Party.

Storm Clouds Over Glenrothes

Solidarity's candidate Louise with her guide dog Heidi

People like Eddie who is now retired after moving to Glenrothes form Pollock in Glasgow. Like thousands of other people Eddie was attracted to the Fife new town by the thought of a bright future and a better tomorrow. Instead, he joins a growing list of people concerned about pensions, low pay, unemployment and rising fuel bills. 

“I hear Gordon Brown’s in the town today,” he said, “I’ve been looking for him all morning to ask him how I am supposed to pay my bills on the pension they give me.” 

Gordon Brown however had long since left Glenrothes. A staged managed appearance at a supporter’s café across town was the extent to his by-election campaigning. Throughout the day scores of angry shopper told us that they were waiting for Brown. 

“He’ll no show face here…he might be daft but he’s no stupid,” said one woman.

To read more of this article go to our by-election blog icon on the right

Over 100 people attended a successful Solidarity public meeting in Dundee on Thursday October 16th.Tommy Sheridan, Co-Convenor of Solidarity joined Dundee trade unionist Jim McFarlane and other local activists in calling for a socialist solution to the crisis in world capitalism. 

Tommy speaking in Dundee

"It is a sad reflection on both society as a whole and the university sector specifically that so much university research now is military related. Every pound invested in researching how to kill and maim other human beings is not only a pound lost to cancer, anti-poverty and renewable energy research, it also represents a waste of publicly-trained scientists, researchers and university laboratory space." Tommy Sheridan

SOCIALISM or EXTINCTION? How Humanity Can Survive Capitalism:
 
A series of seminars on the economic and political conditions for socialism, organised by the Dunfermline Branch of Solidarity.
 
Seminar 1)

Saturday October 18th from 12 to 4 in the Chapel Room at St Stephen's Church Centre, 260 Bath St., Glasgow. Tel0141 332 4293
 
Seminar Title.

Marx's Capital: Its Vindication in the Age of Neo -Liberalism.

Leader Dr Paul Cockshott, author of "Towards A New Socialism".
 
 Themes

a) The law of value and how modern science supports this

b) The exploitation process

c) The falling rate of profit and the future of capitalism

d) The labour theory of value and socialism

e) Transitions steps to socialism (Paul was invited a couple of years back to advise the Venezuelan Government on economic planning)

f) The nature of class
 
 It is envisaged that after a short presentation a general debate would follow.

Solidarity Co-Convenor Tommy Sheridan and Respect MP George Galloway have launched an online petition, with a call to the Prime Minister to put an end to punitive bank charges.  

Solidarity Co-Convenor, Rosemary Byrne has joined the condemnation of West Dunbartonshire Council for launching a disciplinary investigation against 4 teachers who refused to cross a picket line during the recent local Govt strike.

Tuesday 14 Oct, 2pm,

Strathclyde Police Headquarters, 173 Pitt Street, Glasgow G1

PROTEST - STOP THE HARASSMENT OF MUSLIMS AT GLASGOW AIRPORT!

In recent weeks, there have been growing complaints from members of Glasgow/Scotland's muslim community (incl. Scottish-born Pakistanis) about alleged harassment by Special Branch POLICE OFFICERS at Glasgow Airport. Muslim community members have been singled out for questioning for 'no apparent reason' other than being 'muslim' (or those befitting the current racist/stereotypical description).

Protest organised by Scottish Afghan Society and supported by Scotland Against Criminalising Communities www.sacc.org.uk

Crash - Capitalism in Crisis

Markets in turmoil, banks collapsing, recession, pay cuts, increased unemployment, home repossessions, rocketing gas and electricity prices, pensioners and the low paid bearing the brunt of the credit crunch.  

Is there a socialist answer to the market madness the world has experienced recently? 

Come along and hear Solidarity Co-Convenor Tommy Sheridan and UNISON activist Jim McFarlane argue for a vision of a different world, a new type of society…for socialism. 

Thursday 16th October, 7.30pm, Lesser Caird Hall, City Square, Dundee

Solidarity, Scotland’s Socialist Movement today announced their candidate for the forthcoming Glenrothes By-Election.  

Louise McLeary

Louise McLeary from Kirkcaldy, works as a volunteer for an Edinburgh based drugs agency and is on the management committee for the Fife Independent Disability Network. Louise has been a member of Solidarity from its inception and lives in the part of Kirkcaldy which is in the Glenrothes constituency.  She is 30 years old and has been an activist since the age of 19.