Posted by alangdundee on 23rd April 2009
Pete the Radical Poet has found some photos of the Paris Commune
These fascinating photos are all the more remarkable given they were taken in 1871.
For a brief overview of this landmark in working class history see the Wikipedia article on the Paris Commune.
Posted in France, History | No Comments »
Posted by alangdundee on 22nd April 2009
Jack Jones died today. Dundonians may most recently remember him from his attendance at the International Brigade Memorial Trust events in the city late last year.
Posted in History, International, Spain | No Comments »
Posted by alangdundee on 19th April 2009
The recent long awaited showing of Comrades on Film4 comes at an anniversary of the movement.
It is 175 years since the protest march demanded their pardon and freedom.
A blog has been set up detailing events surrounding the anniversary of this extremely important movement.
Got to tolpuddlekx.wordpress.com/ for more information.
Posted in Campaign, Civil Liberties, Demo, History, Trade Unions | No Comments »
Posted by alangdundee on 21st March 2009
One of the the things we have been rarely writing on is the history of the working class.
The first historical group we will post about is the Diggers.
A 17th Century radical group they were agrarian communists who fought against the parasitic ruling class.
They are probably most well known today due to the song The World Turned Upside Down. This was based on an earlier song The Diggers’ Song
Original Version by Leon Rosselson
Version by Billy Bragg which will be most well known
Version by Dick Gaughan
See this site for lyrics to both the original and modern version..
We work, we eat together
We need no swords
We will not bow to masters
Or pay rent to the lords
We are free men
Though we are poor
You Diggers all stand up for gloryStand up now
From the men of property
The orders came
They sent the hired men and troopers
To wipe out the Diggers’ claim
Tear down their cottages
Destroy their corn
They were dispersed -
Only the vision lingers on
Posted in History | No Comments »