June 2005 Archive 

Why French and Dutch citizens are saying NO The French referendum on the EU constitution takes place on 29 May, followed by a similar referendum in The Netherlands on 1 June. Opinions polls show the ’no’ side edging ahead, but in both countries it’s still too close to call. The following virtual interview is based on presentations given at the Transnational Institute (TNI) Fellows’ Meeting in Amsterdam on 21 May.

Manchester’s Red Revolution Tom Wainwright discovers a grassroots movement that’s transforming fans into activists

Activist trauma

Dear Subcomandauntie,

Although always a radical at heart, it was the Iraq war that finally prised me from my armchair and into a rapid upward spiral of political activism. Alas, my overwhelming experience throughout has been one of repression - mental and physical - from state, police, capital and those authoritarians within our own movement. Demoralised and depressed, the last thing I can face right now is the prospect of robocops running riot against me and fellow demonstrators in Scotland this July. But this cowardice racks me with guilt and I desperately don’t want to feel this way. Can you help?

Burned Out of Birmingham