Independent Socialist Group

Italy 1920: When workers seized the factories

This article was originally written for socialistworld.net, the website of the Committee for a Workers’ International. September marks the 90th anniversary of a mass movement of factory occupations in Italy which put the continuation of capitalism in question. Yet the September movement failed to overthrow the capitalists’ rule and its demise paved the way forContinue reading “Italy 1920: When workers seized the factories”

Theory: Is “human nature” a barrier to socialism?

This article was originally written for socialistworld.net, the website of the Committee for a Workers’ International. Aren’t people motivated by money? Wouldn’t socialism stifle hard work and innovation? The world is a mess. War, poverty, and oppression are now part of the daily lives of billions round the globe. Even during the last boom 80%Continue reading “Theory: Is “human nature” a barrier to socialism?”

“Charity”: Let them eat cake, not the crumbs off the table …

This article was originally written for socialistworld.net, the website of the Committee for a Workers’ International. Business and media circles are agog at “the most significant development in philanthropy” for many decades. Forty US based billionaires have pledged to give half of their wealth to “charity” while living or on their death. The “Giving Pledge”Continue reading ““Charity”: Let them eat cake, not the crumbs off the table …”