The SSP Campsie podcast has a three parter with Richie Venton discussing the struggle in Liverpool.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

SSP Campsie Radio are proud to host Richie Venton who recalls the titanic struggles that took part in the city of Liverpool against the Thatcher Government in the eighties. Richie was part of the Militant Tendency in the Labour Party.

This is a valuable first-hand account of a struggle that can inform today’s battle against an uncaring Tory/ Liberal Democrat coalition.

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.

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.

A short piece detailing his politics is on Socialist Unity.

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.

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 glory

Stand 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