What about democracy?
After 150 years of British colonial rule, Hong Kong will return to China on July 1. What should be a day of celebration is spoiled by the fact that sovereignty will not be exercised by the people, but by the Beijing bureaucracy. Since China's economic reforms started, Hong Kong has become the stepping stone across which international capital moves into China, and Chinese capital moves out of the mainland. Beneath the superficial glamour of standards of the majority of residents, the Hong Kong government's revenues have increased in each of the last few years. By the end of June 1997, the total reserve funds will be HK$330 billion (US$42.5 bn.). This is more than 10 times the amount the British government had promised to hand over to China. The projected surplus for the year to March 1998 is HK$31.7 bn. (US$4 bn.).
Meanwhile, social welfare expenditure has been raised by only half as much as in 1996. Spending on public assistance this year will be even lower than in 1996. This budget was drawn up after 19 rounds of negotiations
Hong Kong * demonstration, rally and association: to serve as an intermediary link, sharing the experiences of struggle between the outside world and the mainland, and fighting attempts of repression or isolation; and to develop theories and concepts of revolutionary socialism: for democratic socialism with the people as true masters. The revival of the democratic movement in China will be the strongest defence of the struggles of the people of Hong Kong. Source: October Review Vol.24 Issue 2 1997. As GPO Box 10144, Hong Kong. e-mail <or@iohk.com> prosperity, ordinary of Lily Wong people in Hong Kong have suffered from high land prices, high rent, a high cost of living, and a decrease in real wages.
3S LARRY FEIGN
$ 1997
Unemployment and HELLO, DEARIE. GOODIES, YOU SAY? LKE under-employment is a WHAT'S YOUR FRESHLY-BAKED CAKES
NAME? AND BISCUITS AND growing problem, partly LOAVES OF BREAD? due to the move of the manufacturing sector out of Hong Kong and onto the mainland.
Beijing bureaucrats have announced their policies for the new Hong Kong. Their attempts to impose dictatorial control and repress political rights violate the basic principle that Hong Kong should be democratically ruled by the Hong Kong people.
Deng Xiaoping's guideline was for Hong Kong and China to be "one country - two systems'. The possibility for Hong Kong people to choose their own social-political system was never considered. The setting up of the various committees to draw up the Basic Law and to form the 400-member "electorate', and the process of selecting the Chief Executive of the Special Administrative Region and the members of the provisional legislature, have been conducted in an extremely autocratic manner. Power is being shared between pro-Beijing sectors and influential capitalists. Independents and Democratic parties are excluded. Political rights and freedoms
The to-be legislators have proposed reverting to the more repressive laws and ordinances on civic rights (such as the right of gathering and rally, right of political association) which existed until the 1980s. Under strong resistance and opposition from the Hong Kong people, there have been concessions on certain issues, and some changes have been deferred, to be taken up later by the provisional legislature.
Despite the deterioration in the living
LITTLE RED I'M ON MY WAY TO GRANDMA'S RIDING HOOD. HOUSE TO BRING HER THIS
BASKET OF GOODIES. between the Hong Kong and Chinese government. Opposition to spending on social welfare has come publicly and strongly from the Chinese government.
While being mean on spending on social welfare, no expenses will be spared as far as festivities to celebrate the transfer are concerned. The Hong Kong government has allocated HK$200 million (US$25.8 m.). Many events will also be sponsored by other bodies. The "walkathon" held in the name of "celebrating the Return and giving to charity' raised HK$17 million. Only HK$3 million goes to charity, and HK$14 million to celebration festivities.
Hong Kong people will resist Beijing's control. The return to China. though under "two systems', will be an impetus to the linking of the struggles for democracy and better livelihood between the people of Hong Kong and the mainland. Both now confront the same oppressing forces of bureaucracy and capitalism. They will now be able to share their experiences in struggles.
The tasks of revolutionary Marxists in Hong Kong are to fight, together with the people, for political freedoms and better livelihood, guarding against bureaucratic repression of the rights of speech, publication,
GOT HER A FAKE VERSACE TSK. I'M HANDBAG, CONTRABAND FROM HONG RHINO HORN POWDER KONG, BUDDY. AND A PIRATED COPY OF WINDOWS 95!
Electronic
Viewpoint
Some of the articles for the next issue of International Viewpoint are already viewable at our web site. We are slowly adding a downloadable archive of articles published in previous issues www.internationalen.se/sp/ivp.html The International Viewpoint list server enables you to receive all our articles, as soon as they are translated into English. Several weeks earlier than they are available in paper form! As well as announcements and updates from our sister organisations around the world. We also have lists in French and Spanish. Subscription is free. To add your name, send a message to: <100666.1443@compuserve.com>. International Viewpoint is at <100666.1443@compuserve.com>
June 1997 #289 29
----- pull-quotes on this page -----
World of
The EU and Nuclear Energy
15.30-17.00, Vakbondsmuseum, Henri Polaklaan 9.
The EU is promoting its weak Nuclear Industry by granting subventions and liberalisation of the electricitymarket. A workshop that deals with different campaigns against Nuclear energy in West-and Eastern Europe.
Organised by: A SEED Europe and others
Public Transport Policies in EU-cities
15.30-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95.
This workshop will compare developments in Public Transport Policies in various European cities. Ecology Tax Reforms and the EU
Europe naar
Amsterdam,
13-17 June
1997
15.30-17.00, Stop de Wapenwedloop, Nieuwe Keizersgracht 61 Huis. When will there be a European Ecotax?
What ca environmental movements do to pressure the governments and the European Commission?
How sustainable are High Speed Trains? 15.30-17.00, Latijns Amerika Centrum, Nieuwe Herengracht 29. The EU promotes, and subsidises, High Speed Trains as an ecological form of transportation for the future. But how ecological are they? Organised by: Asamblea Contra el TAV (Basque Country) and others
Een ander
Friday, June 13
Social-economic consequences of EMU, towards a political-economic alternative 10.00-12.30, H. de Zwaanzaal Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Debate organised by the Dutch Coalition Towards a Different Europe, with the participation of Michel Husson (France, AC! Agir Ensemble Contre le Chomage) on "Social Impacts of EMU in Europe", Magnus Ryner (economist, Sweden) on "the EU and the crisis of the Welfare State, perspectives for change," and Geske Dijkstra (Institute of Social Studies, Netherlands), on "Consequences of EMU for women" How Sustainable is the EU? 10.00 -12.30. Theaterzaal Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. What are the consequences of EUpolicies on the environment? What possibilities and strategies do we have to bring about a sustainable development in Europe? This debate, organised by the Dutch Coalition Towards a Different Europe, starts with the following speakers: Ramon Fernandez Duran (AEDENAT, Spain) on "EU Transport Policies - the Case of Spain", Cics and the EU, and Sabina Voogd (Greenpeace Christina von Weizacker (biologist, Germany) on Netherlands) on "The EU's Waste Policies" Towards a green and feminist Europe 10.00-17.30, Theaterzaal Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Towards a green Europe, by ASEED • Young women's struggle for emancipation, equal rights and opportunities. Transport Actions in Europe 13.30-15.00, Latins Amerika Centrum, Nieuwe Herengracht 29. Everywhere in Europe resistance is growing to the construction of highways, High Speed Trains and other transport infrastructure projects. These projects, in many cases, are co-financed by the EU. Contributions by activist from different countries. Organised by: A SEED. 30 International Viewpoint
Agriculture in the EU 13.30-15.00, Vakbondsmuseum, Henri Polaklaan 29. Every year the EU spends hundreds of millions of ECU on polluting, animal-hostile industrial agriculture. Representatives from environmental- and alternative agriculture-organisations participate in this workshop Organised by: A SEED Europe Air Traffic 13.30-15.00, Stop de Wapenwedloop, Nieuwe Keizersgracht 61 Huis. Everywhere in Europe airports expand in a money-absorbing and polluting race to become a Euroean "Main Port'. What is the EU doing, and what shoul t do to stop the growth of air traffic? Building on a Different Europe 13.30-15.00, Theaterzaal Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. In this workshop different movements who fight for a Different Europe (ecological, in social, democratic) exchange experiences, in order to strengthen European collaboration. With the participation of Thomas Wallgren (Finland) and other representatives of EUcritical movements. Organised by: Alternatives to EU (Finland), Red-Green Alliance (Denmark) and others The EU and Biotechnology: consequences for Central & East Europe 13.30-15.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Speakers: Iza Kruzsewska (Poland) and Vera Mora (Hungary) Organised by: Working group Ecologica Europe. Dutch Coalition Towards a Different Europe Sustainability: environment & economy 13.00-15.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Speakers: Maartje van Putten (MEP PvdA, Netherlands) and Paul Metz (MKB) Organised by: Nationale Jongerenraad voor Milieu en Ontwikkeling (NJMO), NL EMU 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95.
Globalisation: a environmental disaster
15.30-17.00, Theaterzaal Vrouwenhuis,
Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Speakers include Tord Bjork (Friends of the
Earth, Sweden), Colin Hines and others. Organised by: International Forum on Globalisation (IFG)
European resistance to biotechnology
15.30-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe
Herengracht 95. Biotechnology plays a key role in the EU's economic policy. This workshop will discuss actions and campaigns against genetically manipulated food.
Towards a Social and Ecological
Europe
20.00-22.00, Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23. Discussion between Nicholas Hildeyard of The Ecologist, Vandana
Shiva (eco-feminist, India) on "Europe and the global environment" and Christophe Aguiton, co-ordinator of the
European Marches against Unemployment, Poverty and
Social Exclusion, on "Strategies towards a Social Éurope"
Saturday June 14
Biggest ever European Demonstration against Unemployment, Poverty and
Social Exclusion
14.00, Dam Square. Women are asked to demonstrate dressed in white, to protest against the invisibility of women in this Europe. The official EuroMarch demo.
Sunday June 15
Fair-trade breakfast
09.30-11.00, Pier 10, behind the Central Station. Breakfast by the water, with Fair Trade products. Exhibition, information on the cacao-measures proposed by the
European Commission, Theatre, Music. After breakfast, stroll accompanied by music to the Vrouwenhuis.
Tribunal against nuclear weapons
11.00-13.00, Latijns Amerika Centrum, Keizersgracht 29.
Arms Trade: weapon industry and weapon export, a European affair
11.00-13.00. Stop de Wapenwedloop, Nieuwe Keizersgracht 61. Organised by: ENAAT, AMOK
Civilian Peace Teams
11.00-13.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95.
----- pull-quotes on this page -----
Towards different europa
----- photo credits and running heads -----
a
Interlocking Institutions 11.00-13.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. The relation between the EU, WEU and NATO. Barbara Lochbihler, secretary-general of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Free trade, protectionism and social Clauses 11.00-13.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95 Introduction by Miriam van der Stichelen (Transnational Institute) about globalisation, policy of the EU in the WTO and effects for the South. Followed by a debate on alternatives, With: A member of the independent South Korean Trade Union • Rosa Virginia Hernandez (El Salvador) on the free-trade-zones in El Salvador and the position of women in the global economy' • Vandana Shiva (India), her alternative: protectionism • Marcus Aruda (Brazil, CUT, PT): supporter of 'international economic co-operation from below' Gay and Lesbian strategy in Europe 12.00-15.00, COC, Rozenstraat 14. Organisation: Gay and Lesbian Association Amsterdam, Roze Links Information: GALA, tel. +31.20.616 19 79 Eutopia Queer 'Gay Rights Now!' Eurodance Party 12.00-24.00, Gay Monument, Westermarkt. Speakers include: Nel van Dijk (Dutch MEP, GroenLinks), Marian Oprel (co-chair egalité, a group of gay and lesbian eurotunctionaries), Hein Verkerk (COC, Netherlands), SADSchorerstichting, IGLYO, SPANNER group Netherlands and othersinformation: GALA, tel. +31.20.616 19 79 Demonstration on Europe 14.00-16.00, Oude Kerk, Oude Kerksplein 23 The Eurobomb 14.00-17.00, H. de Zwaanzaal Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. This seminar will deal with two issues: Politics and Nuclear Bombs: time for a change?' and The Non-Proliferation Treaty and European Nuclear Bombs.' Various MEP's, Dutch, Swedish and German MP's and representatives from ALANA (International Association of Lawyers against Nuclear Arms) have been invited. Organisation: PENN (Project on European Nuclear Non-Proliferation), which includes: BITS (Berlin Information Centre for Transatlantic Security), BASIC (British American Security Information Council), and CESD (Centre for European Security and Disarmament). Africa's bleeding heart 14.30-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. With the participation of Anke Hintjes (CADCOD/Kodewes/ CADTM; specialist on the former Zaire); Doth Kyth (South Africa); Carlos Castel Branco (Mozambique) Organised by: Dutch Stichting Grenzeloos Solidariteit, KODEWES (Belgium), Trans National Institute Trade in Women 14.30-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. The trade in women in the Netherlands and Europe. What policies does the Dutch government adopt towards the trade in women, and what are the problems with it? How can the problem be tackled on a European level? The NGO 'Esperanza' will show a slide show on how women in Latin America are recruited, and how they live in Dutch prostitution. Organised by: STV (NL) and Esperanza Encuentro Intercontinental "1 1/2" 14.30-17.00, Latijns Amerika Centrum, Keizersgracht 29. In 1996 thousands of people came to Chiapas for the First Intercontinental Meeting for Humanity and against Neo-liberalism. This workshop will give information on the results of this international network against Neoliberalism, and a preview of the Second Intercontinental Meeting in Spain, in July. Asia-Europe 14.30-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. With e participation of Waldon Bello (Thailand, author ark Victory'), Achin Vanaik (Journalist trom india a specialist on WTO, SAP's and communalism in india) and others. Organisation: Trans National Institute, Stichting Grenzeloze Solidariteit Biotechnology, patenting 18.00-19.30, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. With the participation of Ana Rosa Martinez (GRAIN) Health care & drugs in the Third World 18.00-19.30, Latijns Amerika Centrum, Keizersgracht 29.
The effects of EMU & Euro on the South 18.00-19.30, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Organised by: Both Ends Towards a Peaceful Europe in Solidarity with the Third World 20.30-23.00, Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23. This debate deals with the shift in European policies concerning development aid. Has development aid become a tool to open up new markets? Are emergency help and peace operations something more than merely a sedative Participants include Susan George (author of 'The Debt Boomerang'), Javier Eloriaga (Frente Zapatista de Liberacion National, Mexico) and Barbara Lochbihler (secretary-general of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom WILPF)
Monday June 16
Towards a Feminist Europe 10.00-12.30, H. de Zwaanzaal, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Gisela Dütting, member of the Work group Feminist Europe, will speak about a feminist perspective on Europe. Afterwards, two other women will speak. The unification of Europe will have specific consequences black, migrant and refugee women. One of them will speak about women and the Fortress Europe'. Also: the demolition of social security and poverty among women as a result of European policies. Towards a social Europe 10.00-12.30, Theaterzaal Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Criticism of the concept of globalisation of the curopean Union. The debate will touch protectionism, the feminist criticism of the EU's free trade policies, green alternatives to globalisation and strategies against globalisation from a feminist perspective. With: Friedrich Otto Wolf (European Greens in the European Parliament), Mariama Williams (Women in Development Europe), Jo Brew (WIDE/European Forum of Left Feminists), Colin Hines (International Forum on Globalisation) Reproductive rights in Europe 14.00-17.00, Theaterzaal Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Strategies in the struggle for abortion, on population politics and on the right of self-determination in the EU. The workshop will attempt to place these developments in an international perspective and the context of technological and scientific changes, population politics and the increased role of multinational companies. Feminist politics in elections and new democracy. 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Organisation: De Vrouwenpartij The Exclusion of lesbian women 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. The Women's Movement and other social movements 14.00-17.00, H. de Zwaanzaal, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Women exchange experiences of organising women in trade unions and other social organisations. Organisation: Women Across, Norway Links between East and W.European women and women from the South 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Visions, experiences and expectations in regard to the EU for Eastern European women, followed by a brainstorming session. Young Women's Space 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. A meeting point where young women can meet and exchange experiences. Beijing and the EU-Summit 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95 The organisation of unemployed people: in or outside the trade unions? 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Dismantling Corporate Rule 15.30-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. The economical and political influence of multinational companies is becoming an increasing problem. Speakers: Ulrich Duchrow (KAIROS), Eric Wesselius (Corporate Europe Observatory) and others. Towards a Social and Feminist Europe 20.00-22.00, Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23. Debate, including Jane Pillinger (Forum of European Left Feminists), on "Strategies towards a social and feminist Europe" and Gail Pheterson on "Fortress Europe, migration and prostitution: the control over the female body"
Tuesday June 17
Greening the Future 10.00-13.00, Theaterzaal Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Speakers: Tony Long (WWF) and Louise Gale (Greenpeace Europe) Building a different Europe 10.00-13.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. In this workshop movements that engage themselves for a different Europe (ecological, with solidarity, democratic) exchange experiences. Hopefully we will be able to enforce the co-operation! With representatives of several EU-critical movements.Organisation: Alternatives to EU (Finland), Red-Green Alliance (Denmark) and others The other side of the Dutch model 10.00-13.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Internal security/Europol 10.00-13.00, H. de Zwaanzaal, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. With the participation of: Claudia Roth (MEP Greens), and Tony Bunyan (Statewatch) Why work? 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Peter Merry (Federation of Young Greens Europe) European Union and the enlargement of NATO 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Discussion on the relationship between the enlargement of NATO and the enlargement of the EU, the aggressive expansionism of western powers in Eastern and Central Europe and the close co-operation between the United States and the Danish government in the Baltic states. Speaker: Ulla Klotzer (Finland). Organisation: Red-Green Alliance, Denmark. Campaigns on NATO 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. Organised by: Spanish Movement Against the Europe of Maastricht Building a different Europe 14.00-17.00, Vrouwenhuis, Nieuwe Herengracht 95. In this workshop movements that engage themselves for a different Europe (ecological, with solidarity, democratic) exchange experiences. Hopefully we will be able to enforce the co-operation! With representatives of several EUcritical movements. Organised by: Alternatives to EU (Finland), Red-Green Alliance (Denmark) and others. Responses to the EU Summit 20.00-22.00, Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23. The Coalition Towards a Different Europe will evaluate the Alternative Summit and gives its reaction to the outcomes of the official Euro summit. Discussion on the perspectives of a Euro-critical movement after Amsterdam and political alternatives to the EU
Entry, food, info...
All daytime activities of the Alternative Summit are free, but it is best is to register beforehand. Up till 15 minutes before an activity only ticket holders are admitted, afterwards the doors are opened. Evening debates cost f5. Evening debate and meal costs f12.50 Pass for all evening debates and all meals costs f40. Pre-booked tickets can be collected from the Vrouwenhuis (Hieuwe Herengracht 95). For more information call: +31.20 422 2712, 421 3942, or 421 3943
June 1997 #289 31
* reviews Psychology and Marxism - strange bedfellows or a necessary combination? Psychology and Society, Radical Theory and Practice, Edited by lan Parker and Russell Spears (Pluto Press, 1996). reviewed by Rod Marshall. Psychology and Marxism do not mix. This is a common view held by many who have come into contact with Psychology in many of its forms. For one thing, it is a science that is historically committed to the study of the individual human being and which eschews collective explanations or solutions (cf. Allport 1954). On many occasions Psychological theory and practice have been trumpeted by the far right (e.g. Eysenck's work on the connection between race and IQ) or have been used as heavy handed instruments of social control (eg. in the use of harmful drugs to contain psychiatric patients). Freud, although seen by some as a liberal in breaking taboos surrounding mental illness or sexuality, also talked of gay people as being "victims of this one fatal perversion" (1920 Lecture). The Institute for Psychoanalysis does not allow gay people to train as psychotherapists even today.
It is against this generally reactionary grain that Psychology & Society cuts with a blade sharpened on many decades work by psychologists on the left. In this one volume, edited by radical psychologists Ian Parker and Russell Spears, are many and varied attempts to show that a radical, emancipatory psychology is possible, that a mix of the unmixables can be useful for both Psychology and Marxism.
What is often ignored or hidden is the fact that radical psychologists have been around for nearly as long as Psychology itself. Like science generally, it is telling the fact that the more popular and respected of theories and approaches are those which are most rewarding to capitalism and which do most to try and secure its future. But as in all walks of life, the seeds of capitalism's downtall are continually sown: Martin Roiser and Carla Willig from Thames Valley University highlight the history of working class psychology from the time of Marx and Engels onwards.