Hassle-free

This column constantly stresses the Weekly Worker’s overriding need for regular funds. That is why I highlight the totals received from month to month. And that is why those who contribute by standing order are often unsung heroes. To redress the balance (slightly) I would like to thank comrades DO (£50), EK (£20) and HP (£15), whose monthly donations have been paid into our bank account in the last week.

The great benefit in contributing by standing order is of course twofold - for our part, we can plan ahead, knowing we will be able to absorb minor shortfalls in a particular month. And from the giver’s point of view, donating is hassle-free. Those who contribute regularly - especially those who find remembering to write a cheque is a pain - should consider the standing order option. To assist our struggle for partyism drop me a line or phone through your request and I’ll send you a form.

None of this detracts from the value of those who help us meet our monthly requirements by sending in an occasional gift. This week thanks are due to comrades KL (£20), BH (£15), HT (£10) and GD with £5. Altogether we have a total of £135 towards our £450 target for February. A good start, but there is no room for complacency. Over to you, comrades.

Robbie Rix

Ask for a bankers order form, or send cheques, payable to Weekly Worker, BCM Box 928, London WC1N 3XX

Weekly Worker 418 is available in pdf format as zipped (1.60MB) or unzipped (2.08MB) files

Number 418

Thursday February 7 2002

The Weekly Worker is available from bookshops across the United Kingdom or can be delivered direct to your door by completing our online subscription form.

The real wreckers
Following Blair's declaration of war, James mallory calls for an SA party to stop him

Letters
Euro sidelines; Smearing Mclean; Naming names; SP confusion; Give up the ghost; ISO solidarity; Right to return?; Para psychology; Esperanto torture; Safety concern

Establishing our presence
Should the Socialist Alliance only stand in target seats in local elections? Dave Parks of Exeter SA argues for a wider contest

For an SA paper: Moving forward
Marcus Larsen reports on discussions between the CPGB and the Alliance for Workers' Liberty

Socialist Alliance reports

• Haringey: One ward, one candidate
• Hackney: Opportunity to build
• Bristol: United we stand?

Neither localism nor bureaucratism
The dispute in Hull and East Yorkshire Socialist Alliance requires patience and maturity, writes Marcus Larsen

• HEYSA minorty statement
  Issued by Steve Radford
• SWP statement
  Issued by Geoff Collier (former chair of Heysa) and Roger Smith (Hull North general election candidate)

Programme and party
The SWP’s main problem is that it is “not big enough”, says Paul Foot. Size isn’t everything, reckons Mark Fischer

Anti-globalisation: Protest, passion and programme
Communists do not tail charity-mongers or pop stars, nor make appeals to humanistic sentiment, argues Eddie Ford

Post-September 11: US asserts hegemony
Maurice Bernal dissects George Bush's first state of the union address

Scargill's papal project
The Weekly Worker has frequently carried details of Arthur Scargill’s dictatorial regime within the Socialist Labour Party, including his exaggerated claims, not to say blatant falsification, of membership figures and election results. Here, a member of the Yorkshire NUM describes king Arthur’s manoeuvring to have himself declared honorary president of the union for the next 10 years

Victims and victimisers
Danny Hammill calls for the abolition of the age of consent