It Could Happen Here Tiananmen Remastered, Part 2
Jun 4, 2025
The historical significance of the Tiananmen Square protests is revisited, linking past struggles for democracy in the workplace to current events. The podcast dives into the rich history of worker movements, including the intense self-management achieved during the Spanish Revolution. It critiques mid-20th century revolutions, revealing the suppressed aspirations for democratic control. Personal identity discussions intertwine with serious topics like sexual health and labor rights, all while celebrating Pride Month and the importance of community health initiatives.
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Democratic Workers' Movement Focus
- The democratic wing of the workers' movement uniquely focused on overcoming the alienation caused by one-man factory rule.
- Workers insisted on controlling production themselves, not just ownership or distribution changes, for true liberation.
Spanish Workers' Control Success
- During the 1936 Spanish Revolution, workers seized control of factories and public services, dramatically increasing productivity and social welfare.
- They created a universal healthcare system that expanded care into rural areas, demonstrating successful democratic self-management.
Spontaneous Workers' Councils Worldwide
- Democratic workers' councils spontaneously reemerged worldwide in moments of crisis but faced brutal suppression.
- These revolts occurred even where no strong workers' movements existed, showing workers' instinct for democracy in the workplace.