Month: Jul 2026

Slave Master on his Throne

US: What Where the Black & White Minstrels? (2.7.2026)

From the 1940s onward, a progressive trend in Minstreling permitted real black men to participate on stage – often along side white actresses. It must be born in mind that plantations existed well into the early 20th century. Slaves cannot help being uneducated because that is the state that the slave-master demands (knowing less is believed to make a person more easily controllable). On stage, the “interlocuter” would sit on a central throne and control the entire show. He is in fact the “slave-master” – and his slaves sit all around him – like obedient soldiers. Why the seats? Well, the “crackers” – the white security guards with whips (stood in the aisles) – preferred that the slaves be seated (and in one place for as long as possible) until it was their turn to perform. These crackers, although hidden, probably numbered as high as the performers just in case the slave-master (or his white assistants) were attacked at any point in the show. When blacked-up white men took the place of the slaves, the risk of attack disappeared, but the organisation used to control the slaves was retained on stage as an important feature of the entertainment itself. It is interesting to consider that popular music, in all its genres, is believed to have evolved out of the Minstreling tradition.

Continue reading

During National Service, he became a piper in the Cameron Highlanders.

Scotland: Tribute to Working-Class Hero – Mr Andy Anderson [1938-2026] – Former Cameron Highlander Piper! (2.7.2026)

In his book about the battle, he wrote: “We were not, as we first thought, just opposing a government. We were in fact opposing the whole mindset, which was itself a captive of international companies who were determined to use the Skye Bridge project as an experiment.”

Andy would become a key independence campaigner in the years that followed. After the referendum loss, he helped found the Scottish Currency Group, which continues to this day.

Three years ago, he founded the grassroots campaign Respect Scottish Sovereignty, which calls for decentralised direct democracy, allowing ordinary people to stand up for their rights against government authority.

Andy and Doreen moved to Saltcoats around a decade ago, before moving to their home next to Ardrossan Cemetery three years ago.

His daughter, Theresa Derbyshire, said: “He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a year ago and he survived a lot longer than anyone expected. My brother and his wife stay with them in house and the whole family looked after him.

“We are expecting a lot of people to come from all over to pay their respects at his funeral later this month. ”

Andy’s funeral service will be held at 2.30pm on July 27 at the Holmsford Bridge Crematorium in Dreghorn.

Continue reading

There are ongoing concerns over St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton

UK: Private Sector Hospital Caught “Beating Patients” – Handed-Over to NHS! (2.7.2026)

Since the collapse of the USSR in 1991, this project has intensified in vigour. Unions have been legally disempowered, and welfare systems dismantled – leading to intense poverty and workers with no rights. To be clear – ALL mainstream political parties (and the fringe far-right versions) – are all wedded to this attack upon the working-class (mass immigration is part of this attack – as it ensures the maintenance of cheap labour and the corroding of workers’ rights). Now, as the NHS collapses, patient care is at an all-time low – so how bad must “private” healthcare be in the UK if its failing institutions are being handed-over to the NHS due to “safety concerns”? The ill, the young, and the elderly are being treated terribly because of the pro-US policies being pursued by the UK Establishment and it makes you wonder what was the point of fighting and winning WWII against German fascism – when US fascism is allowed into the UK via the back-door! It does not matter who we vote for – as there is an agreement (behind the scenes) between all parties to continue the policy regardless of who is in power! Getting out the EU was only half the battle – but the bourgeoisie prevented the election of the far-left government the UK so desperately needed under Jeremy Corbyn (to shut the borders and re-empower the Unions and the workers) – and here we are in this post-Covid mess!

Continue reading

Battle of Newton Station

CSA: Battle at Newton Station – April 24th 1863! (1.7.2026)

Although I am no fan of the right-wing (racist) actor – John Wayne – the 1959 film entitled “The Horse Soldiers” covers the so-called “Battle at Newton Station” which unfolded on April 24th, 1863 – and took place in Mississippi. This involved the penetration of the South in the Western Theatre by Col. Benjamin Grierson (1826-1911) and his Union Cavalry Unit. The idea was to commit acts of terrorism and sabotage toward the CSA and its train network – so that it could not easily transport troops and supplies around the country. As Cavalry acted as a light and highly mobile infantry – these troops often turned-out to be highly effective in this role. The clip I have added above is from the film “The Horse Soldiers” and depicts Confederate troops arriving by train at the station and launching what they thought to be a surprise attack. From what records survive, it is said that the CSA lost around 25 men – but this number could have been higher. I am told that Confederate charges like this – from trains – did take place on more than one occasion. 

Continue reading

Fatah Central Committee discusses political developments and internal affairs

Palestine: Fatah Central Committee Discusses Political Developments & Internal Affairs! (1.7.2026)

It is complicated as there are Islamic militants living within the Palestinian Authorities and Fatah-supporters around Gaza – this explains why there are the occasional stories of Fatah soldiers clashing with Hamas fighters – and vice-versa – as they traverse through one another’s yerritories. Here is the main issue – although left-leaning, the Hamas movement rejects secular Marxism and views it as an attack upon Islam – whilst Fatah advocates a “Secular” Socialist society within which all religions should peacefully co-exist as a private matter (with everyone possessing the right to be “Atheist”). The Zionist Jews and Islamicists reject this interpretation and believe their respective religions should dominate the entire political system – with atheism being illegal and all other religions subordinate. In the final analysis, these factions tend to function through a loose affiliation that opposes Israeli dominance and military aggression. Many White supporters of Iran, for instance, parrot the Iranian opposition to Marxism – and on it goes.

Continue reading