Red Flag Radio

Resisting Australia's Refugee Torture Regime with Aran Mylvaganam and Liz Walsh

The recent hospitalisation of 4 year old Tharunicaa and the story of her family Priya, Nades, and Kopika is a perfect illustration of the brutality of the Australian government's treatment of refugees. On this episode we discuss the campaign to bring this family back to Biloela with full residency rights and what their experience has revealed about the politics of the Australian refugee torture regime. Aran Mylvaganam, a refugee who was detained as a child when he arrived in Australia in 1997 and who later founded the Tamil Refugee Council, discusses the history of Tamil persecution in Sri Lanka. Liz Walsh, socialist and veteran refugee activist, argues that the campaign for this family should be the basis for building a new movement to fight for all refugees.

Actions Saturday 19th June:

Brisbane: https://www.facebook.com/events/1744718179059352

Sydney: https://www.facebook.com/events/4109741382397300

Canberra: https://www.facebook.com/events/940855446757098

Melbourne:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2892815967657930

https://www.facebook.com/events/955419475236819

Hobart: https://www.facebook.com/events/392745478741981

Adelaide: https://www.facebook.com/events/2930566300488268

Darwin: https://www.facebook.com/events/170376411644516

Perth: https://www.facebook.com/events/398182648083729

Join the Perth campaign - https://www.facebook.com/tamilrefugeecounciloz and https://www.facebook.com/curtinuwasar 

Aran will be speaking at Socialism in Sydney - http://www.socialismsydney.com/program/2154/ 

Red Flag coverage of the story of the 'Biloela family' - https://redflag.org.au/article/relief-one-biloela-family-fight-isnt-over 

Profile of Kokilapathmapriya (Priya) Nadesalingam by Ben Hillier - https://redflag.org.au/article/freedom-fighter-celebrate-international-womens-day 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

 

A socialist critique of identity politics with Sarah Garnham

What are the differences between a socialist approach to fighting for liberation from oppression and the ideas that dominate what has become known as 'identity politics'? How can we genuinely combat oppression based on attributes of identity? What are the strengths of a politics of solidarity rather than 'allyship'? How important is it to experience oppression in order to understand it? On this episode we're joined by socialist activist Sarah Garnham to answer these questions and more.

Further reading on this topic:

The problem with identity politics by Louise O'Shea - https://redflag.org.au/node/5900 

Against reductionism: Marxism and oppression by Sarah Garnham - https://marxistleftreview.org/articles/against-reductionism-marxism-and-oppression/

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Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

A brief history of Palestinian resistance with Vashti Fox

For more than 100 years, Palestinians have never given up the fight for their homeland and national independence. Their struggles have inspired international solidarity as a result of their courage and determination in the face of violent occupation and oppression. On this episode we are joined again by Vashti Fox, author of The Story of Palestine: Empire, Repression and Resistance, for a discussion of the history and important political lessons socialists can learn from the Palestinian struggle.

 

The Story of Palestine: Empire, Repression and Resistance by Vashti Fox (2020) available at  https://shop.redflag.org.au/collections/palestine/products/the-story-of-palestine-empire-repression-and-resistance

For protests in Melbourne go to: https://www.facebook.com/FreePalestineMelbourne

Palestine Action Group Sydney: https://www.facebook.com/syd.bmbc 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast  

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https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

Supporting resistance in Palestine with Vashti Fox

Israel's latest offensive against the Palestinians began with evictions in the neighbourhood of Sheik Jarrah and continues with a massive aerial bombardment of Gaza. On this episode, author of The Story of Palestine: Empire, Repression and Resistance Vashti Fox discusses the background to the current wave of aggression and the historical and contemporary importance of Israel to global and regional capitalist powers. 

Palestinians are fighting back and they need our solidarity by Vashti Fox https://redflag.org.au/article/palestinians-are-fighting-back-and-they-need-our-solidarity  

Why the Australian state supports Israel so stridently by Vashti Fox https://marxistleftreview.org/articles/why-the-australian-state-supports-israel-so-stridently/ 

Nakba: understanding the Palestinian catastrophe by Kim Bullimore https://redflag.org.au/article/nakba-understanding-palestinian-catastrophe

The Story of Palestine: Empire, Repression and Resistance
by Vashti Fox (2020) available at  https://shop.redflag.org.au/collections/palestine/products/the-story-of-palestine-empire-repression-and-resistance

For protests in Melbourne go to: https://www.facebook.com/FreePalestineMelbourne

Palestine Action Group Sydney: https://www.facebook.com/syd.bmbc 

Capitalism and the COVID Catastrophe in India with Sagar Sanyal

Wood for cremation fires is running out across India. While bodies continue to fill the streets the Modi regime has pushed a political agenda of self promotion and ignored a rapidly growing health catastrophe. On this episode we are joined by Sagar Sanyal to discuss how this crisis happened, what the Indian ruling class could have done to prevent it, and why capitalism is responsible for mass murder.

 

Reading:

Turning a profit from death: on Modi’s pandemic response in neoliberal India by Tithi Bhattacharya

https://redflag.org.au/article/turning-profit-death-modis-pandemic-response-neoliberal-india

India’s government has blood on its hands by Ravibhahini

https://redflag.org.au/article/indias-government-has-blood-its-hands

 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

Scott Morrison's 'good society' is a joke with Louise O'Shea

Scott Morrison's response to multiple allegations of sexual assault within his party has been an abject failure and a demonstration of the ongoing commitment of the government to oppression and exploitation. In this episode we welcome back Red Flag newspaper editor Louise O'Shea to discuss what has happened since accusations against attorney-general Christian Porter were made public last month, including the The Good Society resources aimed at educating students about consent and respectful relationships. 

Previous episode:

https://redflag.podbean.com/e/power-politics-and-sexual-assault-with-louise-oshea/ 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

Is it too late to save the planet? with Jamiel Deeb

We have a world to win, but are we too late to avoid the 'tipping points' that trigger irreversible environmental catastrophe? There are still reasons to hope that we can save the planet, but what are the politics that can win the world? In this discussion with socialist teacher and environmental activist Jamiel Deeb, we examine the failures of reformist environmentalism and the crimes of capitalism as well as the possibilities for socialism in a hothouse earth. 

 

Further reading:

'Net zero by 2050' means disaster' by Jack Crawford in Red Flag

'Without a revolution, we'll have climate catastrophe' by James Plested in Red Flag

Marxism and the natural world by Michael Kandelaars in Marxist Left Review

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

Marxism Conference 2021 Opening Night: World in crisis, hope in the streets

Special recording of the opening night of Marxism 2021 in Melbourne featuring Aran Mylvaganam, Liz Walsh, and Omar Hassan.

Marxism Conference - www.marxismconference.org 

Instagram @marxism_conference

Facebook /MarxismConference

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast  

Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

Rebellion and resistance in Myanmar with Ye Yint Aung and Robert Narai

Rebellion and resistance continues in Myanmar after the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) arrested State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and seized government on 1 February. Young workers and students have been at the centre of an uprising that has included mass strikes, street protests, and creative acts of civil disobedience. On this episode Burmese-Australian youth activist Ye Yint Aung and socialist Robert Narai share their perspectives and stories on the eruption of popular anger and the challenges ahead.

Further readings:

Myanmar coup: ‘The people are more united, armed with past lessons’ by Ye Yint Aung

https://amp.theage.com.au/national/myanmar-coup-the-people-are-more-united-armed-with-past-lessons-20210302-p57747.html

Myanmar’s spring revolution by Robert Narai:

https://redflag.org.au/article/myanmars-spring-revolution

Myanmar Workers and Unions on the Front Lines in Fight Against Coup by Kevin Lin:

https://labornotes.org/2021/02/myanmar-workers-and-unions-front-lines-fight-against-coup

If the Military Leaders Win, There Will Be No Unions': Myanmar Garment Workers on the Strikes Against the Coup, interview with Ma Moe Sandar Myint, Ma Ei Ei Phyu, Ma Tin Tin Wai

https://labornotes.org/2021/03/if-military-leaders-win-there-will-be-no-unions-myanmar-garment-workers-strikes-against-coup

Join us for a special panel at Marxism 2021

https://marxismconference.org/program/monday/myanmar-thailand-hong-kong-mass-movements-for-democracy-across-asia

Follow Victorian Myanmar Youth on Facebook and Instagram for events and updates: facebook.com/vicmmyouth

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

Power, politics and sexual assault with Louise O'Shea

Allegations of a rape that took place in parliament house made by former Liberal party staffer Brittany Higgens have opened up a broader discussion on the vile sexist behaviour of federal politicians and why such a culture thrives at the highest levels of Australian politics. On this episode Red Flag newspaper contributing editor Louise O'Shea argues that these examples of sexual assault, and the inadequate responses they generate, can only be understood as part of a system of class domination, power, and gendered oppression. 

 

Read: Right-wing culture warriors and rape

From the archive: Celebrating International Working Women’s Day with Liz Walsh and Louisa Bassini

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

Anarchism in theory and practice with Emma Norton and Khyl Hardy Pt.2

In the second of our two part special, we explore the history and practice of anarchism with socialist activists Emma and Khyl. What was the debate between Marx and Bakunin really about? How did anarchists respond to the Russian revolution? What can we learn about anarchism from the period of the Spanish Civil War? How is the history of anarchism reflected in the current priorities of anarchist activists? Why does any of this matter? 

Longer read - Marxism and anarchism

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

Anarchism in theory and practice with Emma Norton and Khyl Hardy Pt. 1

In the first of a two part special, we discuss some of the key theoretical differences between Anarchism and Marxism with socialist activists Emma and Khyl. What does it mean to be against all forms of authority? Why does understanding the role and nature of the state matter? How does anarchism view the revolutionary potential of the working class? What is the role of democracy and the party in revolutionary socialist organising compared to anarchism? In part two we will taker look at the history of anarchism in practice.

Deep reading - Marx and the state

Further listening - A history of Anarchism: A marxist critique

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

While down the craters the morning burns: WWI anti-war poets with Dougal McNeil Marxism 2015

Our final summer episode featuring highlights from the audio archives of the annual Marxism Conference in Melbourne. Roz's choice is presented by Dougal McNeill, Senior Lecturer in the English Programme at Victoria University of Wellington and President of the local branch of the Tertiary Education Union. In the introduction, Dougal explores the politics and work of the anti-war poets of World War One.

 

Read more on The Poetry of Revolution by Diane Fieldes

Marxism 2021 tickets and program information:

http://marxismconference.org/ 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast  

Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

The True Story of the Russian Revolution with Omar Hassan

A special listener request from the Marxism Conference archives. The Russian Revolution is one of the most hotly contested events in human history. In this episode Omar Hassan presents a revolutionary socialist perspective on these world changing events. 

Russia 1917: When the People Rose by Sandra Bloodworth

Marxism 2021 tickets and program information:

http://marxismconference.org/ 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast  

Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

Troops Out! The Occupation of Afghanistan with Malalai Joya

In 2010, Malalai Joya was named as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. Malalai first made worldwide news when she publicly denounced the Taliban and corrupt warlords in Afghanistan who she claimed took power with American backing. In 2005, she was elected to the Afghan parliament, but two years later was banished for her fierce criticisms of corrupt elements in the Afghan government and the US occupation. Malalai was forced to live semi-underground and continues to tour the world speaking against the Taliban, corruption and misogyny in Afghanistan. Often referred to as "the bravest woman in Afghanistan" she is a writer, feminist and anti-war activist. This episode features highlights from her presentation at Marxism 2012.

Marxism 2021 tickets and program information:

http://marxismconference.org/ 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast  

Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

 

The Potential of Tomorrow and the Liberation of Palestine with Huwaida Arraf and Remi Kanazi

Another summer special edition featuring highlights from the Marxism conference archives. On this episode we hear from two Palestinian activists. Huwaida Arraf, special guest at Marxism 2018, is a Palestinian American activist and lawyer who co-founded the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). We also hear from Remi Kanazi, a poet, writer, and organiser based in New York City. He is the author of Before the Next Bomb Drops:  Rising Up from Brooklyn to Palestine and Poetic Injustice: Writings on Resistance and Palestine. 

Marxism 2021 tickets and program information:

http://marxismconference.org/ 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast  

Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

The Black Panthers and the Possibility of Freedom with Billy X Jennings and Eamonn Mccann

A summer special edition featuring highlights from the Marxism conference archives. On this episode we hear from Billy X Jennings a Black Panther Party veteran member, activist, educator and archivist speaking at Marxism 2013. Billy X Jennings acted as the personal aid to BPP leaders Huey Newton and David Hilliard. 

We also hear from Eamonn McCann, a journalist, socialist activist and former People Before Profit MLA member from Derry, Ireland. Eamonn is recorded as part of a panel at Marxism 2015 on the subject ‘why you should be a socialist’.

Marxism 2021 tickets and program information:

http://marxismconference.org/ 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast  

Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/  

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

The bloody history of Australian Imperialism in Pacific with Vinil Kumar

The Brereton report exposed the horrific war crimes of Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. Less is known about the activities of the Australian military in the Pacific region. On this episode we explore the bloody history of Australia as an imperialist power and how socialists today understand the dynamics of imperialism in the region with Vinil Kumar. 

 

Owning up to Australia’s slave labour past by Hersha Kadkol

Backyard bully: Australia's imperialism in the Pacific by Vinil Kumar

The forging of Australian imperialism by Tom O'Lincoln

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/ 

Contact the show: 

redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com 

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

 

Exposing the Spin: Privatisation and the ‘Big Housing Build’ with Steph Price and Louisa Bassini

The Labor government in Victoria announced that it will spend $5.3 billion as part of the 'Big Housing Build' over the next four years. The initiative has been described as the 'largest ever investment' by a state government in housing but the spin covers the fact that the majority of the money will not be spent on public housing. In this episode we explore the privatisation of social housing in Australia and investigate the reality of the housing crisis with activists Louisa Bassini and Steph Price. 

 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

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Contact the show: 

redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com 

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny. 

 

 

Anniversary live special! Reasons to be a revolutionary socialist in 2020

Celebrating our first year of podcasting from Melbourne, Australia. Roz and Liam discuss reasons to be a revolutionary socialist in 2020 and reflect on our favourite episodes with special guests Louise O'Shea, Jerome Small, Emma Norton, and Sagar Sanyal. 

Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon: 

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Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: 

https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/ 

Contact the show: 

redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com 

Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward. 

Music by Dan Kenny.