SRB recently read a collection of papers about bonded labor in Pakistan. It made me wonder where the labor movement is in Pakistan. There just doesn't seem to be a popular or populist Left at all here. Populism in mainstream politics is entirely the domain of religious parties (MMA and even PTI to an extent) and nationalists (e.g. the Baloch and Pathan movements). Trade unions are just not a thing. Enter the Awami Workers' Party, which formed in 2012 as the synthesis of a few different socialist parties. I just read its manifesto, which is explicitly revolutionary, pro-women, federalist, anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist.
Like actual Left parties in the US, its representation in elected government bodies is zero.
Also, finally listened to Janelle Monae's new record "Dirty Computer." It rules. Prince would be proud. Speaking of which, I'm now listening to "Prince." Which also rules. It's interesting how similar "Sexy Dancer" is to some Talking Heads stuff from the same era. I wonder what Byrne and Prince thought of each other.
Like actual Left parties in the US, its representation in elected government bodies is zero.
Also, finally listened to Janelle Monae's new record "Dirty Computer." It rules. Prince would be proud. Speaking of which, I'm now listening to "Prince." Which also rules. It's interesting how similar "Sexy Dancer" is to some Talking Heads stuff from the same era. I wonder what Byrne and Prince thought of each other.
