The Right are having a field day in the economic debate. It's time progressives take to the pitch. In 'Towards A New Economic Narrative', Michael Taft of Notes on the Front outlines a ten point programme to kickstart an alternative debate. It includes: Borrow 'Till We Drop * Tax Lay-About Capital, Not Work * Public Safety Committees * Spread It Around * Competition This! * Go On a (Social) Binge * A New Green Deal * Money's Too Tight To Mention * The Enterprise Guarantee * Reinventing Public Economic Activity

A (very basic) Summary of the "Narrative"

* Overcoming the fiscal trap by borrowing, taxing capital assets and opening up the Pension Reserve Fund to infrastructural and enterprise investment
* Increasing demand and consumption through a new pay deal, extension of welfare benefits, anti-inflation measures
* Putting our enterprise base on a new footing through a new Green deal, opening up new investment streams, an Enterprise Guarantee and new models of public economic activity.

This is not the last word. It's the first of many words. But one thing is certain: the Left must become audacious and present a bold economic package to people. It we don't, the Right will continue to drive the debate, the Left will become marginalised and the economy will continue its ever downward sprial.

An anarchist response to the attack on the British Army Barracks in Antrim

The armed and indiscriminate attack on the Massereene British Army barracks in Antrim on Saturday night is futile and counter-productive which only serves to strengthen the status-quo.

The attack has left two off duty soldiers dead, Mark Quinsey, 23, and Patrick Azimkar, 21 as well as four others injured including two pizza delivery workers.

Related Links:
Trade Unions organise Silent Protest
Original publication from Oz entitled You can't blow up a social relationship
A few thoughts on these events in the North from the Cedar Lounge
Someone from Ogra argues that A corner has been turned...

Springtime in Europe and the Earth's life cycle is in bloom again. The 3 parts of the radio documentary capture magical moments in the recent history of one of the most exciting projects in Barcelona at present, our community garden in Gracia. This article was written after a lovely Valentine's weekend of much open, shared and participative activity; the highlight of which was our collective mural day in the garden. It is hoped that some of the life, current ideas, projects, tools, spaces, bargains, oddities, dreams, passions and goings on of the city and her peoples are communicated here-in.

Friday… Thinking about winning
Saturday… Painting pictures and feeling like we are winning
Sunday… Sharing passions, playing and doing, remembering the South

Related Links:
• The ongoing "war" against Barcelona's okupas and its social movement(s) - IMC-IE feature (October 17, 2007)
• We are thousands : Barcelona and the ongoing attack against its squatted social centres - IMC-ORG feature (29 May 2007)
• Barcelona: 3 early morning raids on 3 squats, including MAKABRA - IMC-IE article (November 20, 2006)
• Dunk's past indymedia articles

Address by An Taoiseach and Uachtarán Fianna Fáil to the 72nd Ard-Fheis: Part 1

This is a transcript of Brian Cowen's original speech to the Ard Fheis. It is not the speech that was delivered, as greater men than Cowen thought honesty was not in their interests.

Nothing changes!

Related Links:
The text of the speech that was actually delivered by Mr Cowen.
Fianna Fail Ard Fheis coverage on IrishElection.com.
"This is not Normal" article from Cedar Lounge Revolution.

"Good evening delegates, and to all of you watching and listening at home.

I realise tonight as I talk to you that many of you here in this hall and around the country have worries for yourselves, your families and your future. I have no such worries because I am one of the highest paid politicians in the world in spite of the fact that I am head of a very small country with a comparatively small GDP.

According to Wikipedia International Women's Day started in the States in 1909, spread to Copenhagen and other parts of Europe and by 1911 was being celebrated by over 1 million people. Its an official holiday in many countries throughout the world and though it doesn't have this status in Ireland it is being marked by a number of groups and events over the next few days. Heres a selection from the events listed on Indy's Events Calendar.

Links & Views: • InIternational Women's Day - Why we celebrate on March 8th • Amnesty.ie Launches Campaign against Female Genital Mutilation • Ógra Shinn Féin Video: Ní saoirse go saoirse na mBan