text:
The Daily (Maybe)
It's easier to conform than to live
Is the Green Party Anti-Capitalist?
There's been an interesting discussion developing on the blogosphere, post-election, on how left-wing the Green Party is (or is not). This is partly an esoteric question of ideological labelling, and for that reason is a question very close to my heart.
To start off with I want to say that the Green Party, unlike those parties of the far left, is a pluralist and decentralised party. Long may that continue, no matter what unfortunate problems sometimes spring from that well. Whilst there are tensions within this framework the party is essentially comfortable with itself as an organisation that contains different views and currents. Whilst some debates may get passionate there is never a tang of "we're the real greens" in the same way that parties of the left traditionally denounce their opponents as "not being Marxists" if there is a disagreement.
Whilst I do think it's fair to say the Greens are "of" the left it is unwise to try to pin down the Greens too firmly in any traditional definition. They are a broad church including those who'd define themselves as down the line anti-capitalists and those who'd genuinely and consciously say that we want reforms within the framework of capitalism. I don't think the fact that the party contains out and out reformists makes it a reactionary party, just as I'd be wary of anyone who wanted to paint it in too revolutionary a light.
One thing I should do is define some terms, because I think it's important. Potentially boring, but important. I think it's useful, for instance, to be aware of a separation between subjective and objective anti-capitalism, without trying to claim some kind of supernatural ability to declare whose subjectivity is, and is not, objectively correct.
I hope we can all agree that a person might be in both these categories, neither of them or in one but not the other, i.e. that someone might take radical poses but when it comes down to it they are more conservative than they first appear (a subjective anti-capitalist), and likewise someone may not regard themselves as an anti-capitalist but actually be taking positions that will inevitably lead them into direct confrontation with the forces of capital (an objective anti-capitalist).
Also I think we should use the term anti-capitalist in a loose way, to refer to those who oppose the interests and outcomes of the capitalist system. This means you don't have to be a Marxist or Anarchist or believe in the Leninist model of a revolutionary party to be an anti-capitalist. It also means, perhaps more controversially, that you don't need to oppose everything to do with the profit motive.
Militant used to talk about nationalising the top 100 companies, the "commanding heights of the economy", without insisting that the local corner shop be taken into workers' control. Lenin presided over the NEP which brought economic reforms designed to help the owners of small businesses and farms - and I'm pretty sure he was an opponent of capitalism, whatever other faults he may have had.
More recently Attac in Europe were a core part of the anti-capitalist movement who were organised around a call for a tax on international financial speculation... they wanted to tax it, not abolish it. We can argue they are/were a conservative part of the movement or that they took right wing positions relative to others sometimes - but there are few who would not acknowledge that they were indeed part of the movement.
I've argued before that the Greens have a progressive consensus and there is a rewarding place within it for socialists that is mutually beneficial to party and member. They oppose wars, racism, privatisation. They are for effective trade unions that stand up for the rights of the workforce, and, as Cllr Matt Selwood recently argued, most members think "that capitalism as a system cannot deliver sustainability and social justice".
Another thing going for it is that it does not use the formulaic and arcane incantations of the traditional left, is mercifully free of patron saints who can be quoted as ultimate sources of authority and does not try to act as a gate keeper to what is and is not politically valuable.
Party policy documents are far too extensive to quote at length here but it may be useful to point to some areas (I hope not too selectively) that indicate a basic anti-capitalist approach to the world. The Core Principles state that "The success of a society cannot be measured by narrow economic indicators, but should take account of factors affecting the quality of life for all people: personal freedom, social equity, health, happiness and human fulfilment."
Policy states that society should be made up of "self-governing communities of a variety of sizes which will regulate their own social and economic activities."
"Economic policy should be directed not to maximising the forms of wealth that can be measured in monetary terms, but to ensuring that the needs of all are met"... "property laws should be designed to ensure that all have access to the things they need... goods need to be accountably managed by the community that depends on them"
Green Party policy also places the economic system itself at the heart of the major global problems that we face today - there's little in the manifesto that could possibly aggravate the left, and much that would have Tories spitting their sherry across the veranda.
Policy even states that "Extended networks of ownership and control have resulted in communities having little say in decisions which affect them. This stems not only from corporate structures, but also from the legal institution of property on which they are based." (IN104) and that "the highest form of democracy is direct participation."
It's clear that if someone were to believe every dot and comma of the policy documents they would at least be a "subjective" anti-capitalist. There's also evidence that the party may be moving to the left. People like to point towards the election of Derek Wall and Sian Berry as Principle Speakers of the party and the rise of the Green Left grouping inside of the party as evidence of a leftward shift and Peter Tatchell's selection in Oxford East seems to be a further indicator of a desire to move in a left anti-capitalist direction.
These things may well have value in determining the current climate in the party but I want to put that aside for a moment and look at whether the Greens are "inherently" anti-capitalist - and I'd like to argue that yes they are... and no they're not.
The fact is that, like all parties, it is divided into parts. Full time organisers, elected councillors, MEPs, assembly members, activists, passive supporters, enthusiastic supporters (without party cards) and disgruntled card carrying members who don't do anything. It is my contention that the part of the party you find yourself in has a big influence over your fundamental political direction.
Without wanting to make any hard and fast rules about this councillors often find themselves pulled in a more conservative direction and, as a block on a national level, are seen by some as a bit of a problem sometimes. Last year they passed a vote of censure against Derek (before his accession to his current heights of office), essentially for being *publicly* left wing and opposing the Leeds decision to go in with the Tories, a decision that almost everyone outside of Leeds strongly opposes.
Activists who are involved in social movements, like that against the war or in local campaigns often get pulled the other way, because their political activity tends to consist of confronting the status quo rather than compromising and coexisting with it.
It's too big a discussion for one post I suppose but it seems to me that the Greens are undoubtedly a party of the left, but because they didn't spring from the rather sterile traditions of Old labour, Stalinism or Trotskyism they are often free of the linguistic baggage and automatic assumptions that often come with those historical tendencies. This is not always a benefit but it is, I think, healthy. The Greens may not be a traditional socialist party but the ideas of anti-capitalism are the default positions inside the party - although this is not always explicitly acknowledged.
It will partly be the tactical positions the party takes in the future that determine which tendencies are strengthened and become more coherent. Is the main force that changes society elected representatives or social movements? Do we take a position of confronting those we oppose or negotiating and compromising with them? Do we do deals to further the short term gains of the party (a seat on a cabinet here and there perhaps) or do we play for the long term and treat the enemy as just that and fight for real change - no matter if it harms our bank balance and prestige in respectable circles?
Labels: Green Party, The Left
Dave Riley said...
Interesting discussion here:
http://greenlefts.blogspot.com/2007/05/peter-camejokeep-california-gren-party.html
http://polizeros.com/index.php?s=camejo
about the problems in Californian Greens re a major attempt to fuse them with the Dems.
So essentially the whole green party thing is played out in a political context that is very tactically relevant.
Nonetheless, I find the UK far left's seeming disregard of the Greens to be shallow and blinkered -- & maybe grossly workerist in its preference.
It IS an anti-capitalist party and it IS NOT a bourgeois party like the UK Labour Party. Them's the facts.
Saturday, May 12, 2007 5:10:00 am
don fraser said...
Thoughtful article,
I would agree that the Green Party is not a traditional left party and I think that this is a major strength in that we are not hidebound by tradition.
I also think that the analysis of the pressures on elected representatives is accurate. My experience of officials and senior lay representatives in the TGWU indicates that there is a drift towards the right for those that hold positions of authority and power.
The debate around the Leeds situation also highlights an important difference between our selves and other parties. Yes it is frustrating for many of us but at least we don't have either a party hack coming along to tell us the corrent line, or finding your local party branch suspended because you have upset the leader.
In the end we as broad a party as the Labour Party. As we get bigger our internal tensions will increase. Only time will tell if we drift to the centre or, a first maybe, achieve power with our core principles intact.
Don Fraser
Jim Jay said...
Dave: That's a good point that far left can "workerist" when it comes to the greens and generally when discussing the greens the less open minded tend to immediately fall back into knee jerk dogmatism. Although that certainly is not everyone.
Don: i tend to agree on Leeds, it's the price to pay if we're to have a decentralised party... but there is a discussion that needs to be had about the necessary tension between national policy and local councillors (and eventually MPs etc.) I don't want to be more centralised than the pager led New Labour project but I also think people should obey national policy eg opposition to ALMOs and council housing sell offs
Philip Booth said...
An enjoyable read with many truths - capitalism is indeed a powerful economic system but many tend to forget it is also a system of ideas - read Mollys' blog entry:
http://gaianeconomics.blogspot.com/2006/12/capitalist-mantras.html
There are anti-capitalists and anti-capitalists - and as you note there are Greens who believe in some changes and others who want to see complete overthrow. Generally elected Greens have been a force for social progress far to the left of Labour on all issues.
Greens are also well to the left of the Socialist Alliance and Respect on questions like women's and gay rights, health care, animal welfare, the environment and world development.
But words like 'anti-capitalist' are a turn off to most people - our message is positive so lets 'sell' it - too often we get pigeon holed for being anti everything - yet in reality we are almost the only ones with any vision and policies to go with them.
FoE in Scotland did an analysis on the parties - and only Greens had the policies to tackle climate change....want to write more but have an appointment....
Saturday, May 12, 2007 11:46:00 am
Mato Ska said...
Why is it necessary that the Green Party BE anti-capitalist? The Greens work as an electoral party and as a component of an common international experience. It has never been presented as a means of repreating the socialist or communist failed experiement. It was started after the collapse of European socialist and it has grown as a counter-current of the totalitarian outlooks and presents a new definition of ecological democracy. It presents a new project in the politicization of human rights. If you want to talk Green economics looks to a redefinition of how growth and basic needs can be met in the context of sustainability and bio-regionalism. If you want to address anti-capitalism as a political force then look at Greens as a project that upholds national integrity but does not seek to excuses the smaller despots any more then it excuses the bigger despots. If you look at anti-capitalism as a component of anti-globalist social movement look at Greens as a representative of the calm and not the maelstrom. We uphold the transformation not the revolution. And in the process of acquiring political power, we seek to redefine the future sufficiently to establish a new pattern not repetitive of the worst of the past.
The left has demonstrated repeatedly it stands as a reaction and not as a creator. It has demonstrated the irresponsibility of promoting death over life in the process of its own political empowerment. It speaks a foreign policy blind of anybut what it chooses to see in its own world. It presents NO contemporary analyses and vision. There are new seeds planted and they have their own blossom for the old flowers have wilted.
Saturday, May 12, 2007 12:34:00 pm
Alan Howe said...
Mr Jay,
I don't seem to fall into any of your categories, never mind. I am a member that doesn't get involved with the party much, but that doesn't mean I am passive. I am also a member of Greenpeace and am very active in the local Agenda 21 group. One element of the emerging consensus appears to be that politics is not the only method available to achieve our "aims".
I can't describe myself as an "anti-capitalist" simply because I'm not sure what "capitalism" really is. I can however, relate to phrases like "a system that commodifies nature and people" – from Matt Sellwood on his blog.
However, I am wondering whether it is the "system" that has produced this effect, or whether it is the greed, selfishness, arrogance and stupidity of human beings. Some would have it that any system is at the mercy of such human tendencies. At the risk of sounding like the "nearly departed", do we have to look more closely at the "causes"?
Incidentally, I know a few Tories who are "spitting their Sherry across the veranda" at how "capitalism" has lost its way and is out of control.
Saturday, May 12, 2007 4:39:00 pm
philip: thanks for the comments, i too wouldn't want to see the GP stridently announcing at every turn its anti-capitalist credentials (which would be far more about posture than reality) but I think its a worth while discussion as to what GP's relatinoship is to anti-capitalism, a movement that many of its members have been intimately involved with
mato: I don't think it is necessary for the green party to define itself as anti-capitalist - what I'm asking here is "is it?" But I would say that holding the Eastern Bloc up as the only altenrative to capitalism isn't going to cut much ice with me... power to the people it was not.
although i'm not sure of some of the points you're trying to make I'm happy to agree with you that the left (in the uk at least) has been far weaker at posing positive initiatives than it has been at denouncing and opposing those it regards as enemies.
alan: fair enough about the categories - I was only trying to make a generalised point about the fact that people with different relationships with the party often hold different kinds of views in the party too.
I think there are lots of people like you (there certainly are in cambridge) who are members but do little party activity - but are very active in camapigning activity.
Richard Bergin said...
I think most people hold anti-capitalist values and don't realise it. If you want to preserve the environment and achieve sustainability within our western model of free market capitalism, then you are going to have a hard time trying to apologise for such a veraciously consumptive economic system. Capitalism demands we consumes our natural resources and an exponential rate so the economy can stay afloat, if growth is not sustained then investment does not continue, the business collapses. Trees grow at 3% pa. which is not as fast as money in the stock market where you could get over 10%, so to an economic rationalist it makes perfect sense to cut them all down and invest the money from the sale of the timber. Never mind having air to breathe or your future, that's just an externality. The world is getting worse not better, why don't people realise that they are drowning in the externalities of a system gone mad
Sunday, May 13, 2007 2:23:00 pm
this guy said...
Apart from Mato Ska and alan Howe, you're all on another planet. Red rather than green. Most people are not on the hard left. We're brainwashed by the Meeja? OK, so we won't be voting for you anyway.
You celebrate getting 26 local seats. At this rate, how long will it take you to overtake even the Libdems? About 400 years. But you're happy in your own little world.
By the way, you've misspelt Croydon Greens.
greeengage said...
I think there is much electoral milage to be made out of point out presenting GP policy as radical and progressive. In my experience, voters are often pleasantly surprised.
Interesting question about tactics. Personally I think it's essentially to get involved in government where possible. Yes, there will be compromises, but it's only by getting things done that we will refute the all too common assumption that a green vote is a wasted vote. But that doesn't mean that policy has to go out the window! To me, it goes without saying that councillors should act according to national party policy.
this guy: well I wish I was on another planet sometimes... but I'm not going to think something because the majority do or do not think it and seeing as climate change is upon us I don't think catering policies to fit focus groups or the media is what is called for. We might not get the action needed, but the consequences of falling short are not pleasant to contemplate, so it is encumbant on us to fight for what we believe in.
richard: I agree that most people agree with some anti-capitalist ideas. Anyone who has gone out and argued for them will know that as you say, but of course this does not mean that the majority are consistent or coherent anti-capitalists, far from it - but the more we raise the ideas and push them in practical ways the more people we can win over to anti-c in practice - which is where it's important to my mind.
g-gae: the green vote = wasted vote is a common asumption and something we really need to fight. I think its clear from the last election where we get a presence on the council we can really build up momentum and people start viewing us as a real alternative, which of course we are in norwich, brighton and the rest.
To get to the heart of it, the Green Party is opposed to economic growth, and believes that we have to use different economic indicators to measure success than GDP.
Economic growth is the main justification of capitalism as a system for increasing the wealth of everybody. Even though the poor's share of the pie may not get bigger, the pie itself becomes larger, due to growth, so everybody becomes wealthier.
Greens say - that may or may not be the case. The problem though, is that if we use up or degrade the earth's resources, then eventually there will not be much wealth left for anybody to enjoy. We cannot look just at the wealth of our own generation, but must take into account that of future generations.
We have to ask ourselves whether it is possible or desireable to have a capitalist system without growth. If not, then the Greens are anti-capitalist. If it is, then there is nothing to preclude Greens from being pro-capitalist or capitalist-ambivalent.
So I would put in plea that people explore this central issue if they want to discover whether we are anti-capitalist or not.
Anything else is window dressing.
Monday, May 14, 2007 9:21:00 am
Peter Cranie said...
I don't know if this is widespread knowledge yet, but the Greens have pulled the plug on the Leeds coalition over the issue of waste incineration.
They don't have the leverage to fight it within the coalition after these elections, so with both Tories and Lib Dems set to push ahead, they have come out on a Green principle.
I still expect us to get criticised that it happened (or was allowed to) but as you say, we are decentralist. The alleged vote rigging by Labour in Leeds is an ongoing issue and you have to ask whether New Labour are actually a better coalition partner.
The buzz phrase seems to be "confidence and supply" which keeps us in a principled position, while using our influence to get decent council policies implemented.
Last weekends electins in Bremen throw up a different way of looking at this question.
the Greens (die Gruene) went up from about 4% to 16%, and the hard left (die Linke) from 0% to 8.4%. There is quite a lot of information about the voters.
For example most first time voters opted for the Greens, but the left did much better with the age group 45 -59.
What is intersting is that while the Greens were overwhelmingly seen as the best vote for environmentlal issues the left were seen as much stronger on social justice issues - unemployment, equality, etc. (69% of voters identified die Linke with social justice, and only 39% identified the greens with that).
Now the german greens are a long way to the right of GPEW, but I would like to put forward the idea that while a sustainable economy is inherently unacheivable under free market conditions, ecological sustainabilty is not necessarily linked to social justice and fighting inequality.
so while all greens may be inclined to restrict the market in the interst of ecological sustainability, not all greens need necessarily align with traditional left wing concerns.
This also explains the wide divergence between die Gruene and the GPEW.
On the positive side it also means that both the Greens and the left can coexist as natural allies on some issues, but with diverging interests on other issues.
Certainly the discussion as the whether the Greens of England and Wales are anti-capitalist is very different to some of the european green parties who have definately proved themselves to be pro-capitalism in a big way.
It's definately possible to care about the environment in a very serious way and not be opposed to capitalism - just as it's possible to be wrong on lots of other issues.
Yes Jim I agree
And the consequence of that is that if the Green party sees itself first of all as an environmental party, rather than a social justice party (and that is a valid point of view) then perhaps it has to be pluralistic enough to also include those who may have more conservative views on social justice and equality issues.
Where I am coming from here is to recognise that there can be two plitical projects that are both progressive, but are progressive within different frameworks and have different priorities.
As such the Green party (as it seems to me) is never going to be a develop a long-term partnership with the trade unions, even though many green policies match the policies of the unions. Because if the Greens took that step they would be becomming a left and not a green party.
Dave Marlow said...
I know very little about the British Green Party, besides that nutcase David Icke. In America, our Green Party is hopelessly unfocused and has no strong leadership (Ralph Nader is a reoccurring name but under no circumstances a "leader").
Also, while I agree that one doesn't necessarily need to be a Marxist or Anarchist to oppose capitalism, I see no other way than Marx's plan by which to abolish it. I wouldn't discount attempting reforms but only a revolutionary party will being sustained change.
Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:49:00 pm
Douglas Coker said...
I found a visit to Wikipedia's pages on capitalism useful when contemplating my own anti-capitalism - here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAPITALISM
I think the two key elements of capitalism which are of most concern are the dominance of transnational corporations - TNCs as they are referred to these days, (the term used by Baran and Sweezy - multinational corporations - seems to be rather passe) and markets.
Tackling TNCs needs the combined efforts of bold, progressive, green government at all levels and campaigns encouraging citizens and consumers to take coordinated, individual actions would be useful.
As for markets I prefer to describe these as rigged rather than free. Rigged in favour of the interests of TNCs and other vested interests. But I cannot see how we can easily be comprehensively anti-market in all respects. I hear no credible voice advocating a return to command economies.
So a world where markets have some role, constrained by progressive government and the power of existing TNCs is severly constrained appeals.
Douglas Coker
Derek Wall said...
There are alternatives to both the market and command economies, around commons regimes, open source, etc.
Most useful human activity is neither for cash nor at the instruction of the state.
so lets extend and defend these spaces.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:54:00 pm
Johnny Rook said...
Adding my two bits, the greens are left, but not anti-capitalist and most (not all Greens) are essentially committed to reform of the present system and making it 'fairer'.
Some of the most infuriating political conversations I've had was between myself and Green party members trying to argue for action only against Esso rather than against oil companies, big buisness in general.
Nevermind eh?
Friday, May 25, 2007 3:57:00 pm
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text:
using download::DownloadItem;
using content::DownloadManager;
using content::WebContents;

DownloadFilePicker::DownloadFilePicker(DownloadItem* item,
                                       const base::FilePath& suggested_path,
                                       ConfirmationCallback callback)
    : suggested_path_(suggested_path),
      file_selected_callback_(std::move(callback)) {
  const DownloadPrefs* prefs = DownloadPrefs::FromBrowserContext(
      content::DownloadItemUtils::GetBrowserContext(item));
  DCHECK(prefs);

  WebContents* web_contents = content::DownloadItemUtils::GetWebContents(item);
  if (!web_contents || !web_contents->GetNativeView()) {
    base::ThreadTaskRunnerHandle::Get()->PostTask(
        FROM_HERE, base::BindOnce(&DownloadFilePicker::FileSelectionCanceled,
                                  base::Unretained(this), nullptr));
    return;
  }

  select_file_dialog_ = ui::SelectFileDialog::Create(
      this, std::make_unique<ChromeSelectFilePolicy>(web_contents));
  // |select_file_dialog_| could be null in Linux. See CreateSelectFileDialog()
  // in shell_dialog_linux.cc.
  if (!select_file_dialog_.get()) {
    base::ThreadTaskRunnerHandle::Get()->PostTask(
        FROM_HERE, base::BindOnce(&DownloadFilePicker::FileSelectionCanceled,
                                  base::Unretained(this), nullptr));
    return;
  }

  ui::SelectFileDialog::FileTypeInfo file_type_info;
  // Platform file pickers, notably on Mac and Windows, tend to break
  // with double extensions like .tar.gz, so only pass in normal ones.
  base::FilePath::StringType extension = suggested_path_.FinalExtension();
  if (!extension.empty()) {
    extension.erase(extension.begin());  // drop the .
    file_type_info.extensions.resize(1);
    file_type_info.extensions[0].push_back(extension);
  }
  file_type_info.include_all_files = true;
  file_type_info.allowed_paths =
      ui::SelectFileDialog::FileTypeInfo::NATIVE_PATH;
  gfx::NativeWindow owning_window =
      web_contents ? platform_util::GetTopLevel(web_contents->GetNativeView())
                   : gfx::kNullNativeWindow;

  // If select_file_dialog_ issued by extension API,
  // (e.g. chrome.downloads.download), the |owning_window| host
  // could be null, then it will cause the select file dialog is not modal
  // dialog in Linux. See SelectFileImpl() in select_file_dialog_linux_gtk.cc.
  // Here we make owning_window host to browser current active window
  // if it is null. https://crbug.com/1301898
#if BUILDFLAG(IS_LINUX) || BUILDFLAG(IS_CHROMEOS_LACROS)
  if (!owning_window || !owning_window->GetHost()) {
    owning_window = BrowserList::GetInstance()
                        ->GetLastActive()
                        ->window()
                        ->GetNativeWindow();
  }
#endif

  select_file_dialog_->SelectFile(
      ui::SelectFileDialog::SELECT_SAVEAS_FILE, std::u16string(),
      suggested_path_, &file_type_info, 0, base::FilePath::StringType(),
      owning_window, NULL);
}

DownloadFilePicker::~DownloadFilePicker() {
  if (select_file_dialog_)
    select_file_dialog_->ListenerDestroyed();
}

void DownloadFilePicker::OnFileSelected(const base::FilePath& path) {
  std::move(file_selected_callback_)
      .Run(path.empty() ? DownloadConfirmationResult::CANCELED
                        : DownloadConfirmationResult::CONFIRMED,
           path);
  delete this;
}

void DownloadFilePicker::FileSelected(const base::FilePath& path,
                                      int index,
                                      void* params) {
  OnFileSelected(path);
  // Deletes |this|
}

void DownloadFilePicker::FileSelectionCanceled(void* params) {
  OnFileSelected(base::FilePath());
  // Deletes |this|
}

// static
void DownloadFilePicker::ShowFilePicker(DownloadItem* item,
                                        const base::FilePath& suggested_path,
                                        ConfirmationCallback callback) {
  new DownloadFilePicker(item, suggested_path, std::move(callback));
  // DownloadFilePicker deletes itself.
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
EmiLinkCapacity::EmiLinkCapacity() :
_lastPacket(-1),
_lastPacketTime(0),
_lastPacketSize(0),
// Start with 512 B/s. That should be a sufficiently
// conservative initial choice, while avoiding to
// confuse the congestion control algorithm with a
// much too low value (such as 0 or 1)
_medianFilter(512) {}

EmiLinkCapacity::~EmiLinkCapacity() {}

void EmiLinkCapacity::gotPacket(EmiTimeInterval now, EmiPacketSequenceNumber sequenceNumber, size_t packetLength) {
    EmiPacketSequenceNumber snMod16 = (sequenceNumber % EMI_PACKET_PAIR_INTERVAL);

    if (0 == snMod16) {
        _lastPacket = sequenceNumber;
        _lastPacketTime = now;
        _lastPacketSize = packetLength;
    }
    else if (1 == snMod16 &&
             _lastPacketSize == packetLength &&
             1 == EmiNetUtil::cyclicDifferenceSigned<EMI_PACKET_SEQUENCE_NUMBER_LENGTH>(sequenceNumber, _lastPacket)) {

        EmiTimeInterval timeDifference = now-_lastPacketTime;
        if (0 != timeDifference) {
            _medianFilter.pushValue(packetLength/timeDifference);
        }

        // We only want to count this packet pair once.
        _lastPacket = -1;
    }
}


Palliative care is all about an attempt to relive suffering of the living and dying people with incurable, life limiting diseases, said Dr. Nezamuddin Ahmad, Professor of Centre for Palliative Care (CPC), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), in an exclusive interview with The Guardian.
In this context, a high profile educationist-turned-physician of international repute. Nezamuddin Ahmad also said that the central point is, even if the disease is not curable, the huge sufferings can be relieved with adequate knowledge and proper skills and appropriate attitude and CPC also recognizes that sufferings of these patients are not only physical, like pain and breathlessness or a fungating malodorous wound, but also psychosocial as well as spiritual.
He mentioned that Palliative care, that's why, is the concept of 'Total Care', integrating care of all aspects of human sufferings in this stage of life. He added that CPC attempts to relief total sufferings by offering a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death. and also attempts to help the family to cope during the patient's illness and in their bereavement when the patient rests in eternal peace.
In reply to a question, he mentioned that the initiative of palliative care in BSMMU began as a service in 2007 and the Centre for Palliative Care (CPC) was established in 2011, it has taken over the pioneering role which not only includes development of a model replicable service, but also has been pursuing awareness creation amongst health professionals as well as community at large. He further mentioned that BSMMU has also been trying to convince the policy makers to incorporate palliative care program in the main stream health care program.
In reply to another question, Professor Ahmed said that they have been organizing seminars, workshops as well utilizing print and electronic media as well to inform people that palliative care is a basic human right! In this context, he said that the interview with The Guardian can also be considered as a part of this program.
Professor Ahmed said when adding days to the life of an incurably ill person is not possible, we all should try to add life to the remaining days of the person. He realized that the present-day world has gained tremendous knowledge and skill in this subject; it is not so expensive but needs developing a proper attitude towards the issue and work together. He believes that community based approach to this agenda can really change the end of life of these patients and the affected families. So, he called upon all to give this issue its due importance and only then the end of life can be safe and pain free.
The Guardian: Please give us an idea when the concept of palliative care system was first introduced in the world.
Professor Nezamuddin: Modern Palliative Care or Hospice Care began developing rapidly since the late 1960s as a medical issue as well as a social movement in developed part of the world. Central to this movement was the articulation by Dr. Cicely Saunders in UK of the unique needs of incurably ill cancer patients who were approaching the end of their life under her care.
Dr.Saunders attentively listened to her patients sufferings, recorded and analyzed the statements and tried to relieve their sufferings scientifically as well as compassionately. The pioneering work of Cecily Saunders was instrumental in drawing attention to the end-of-life care needs of patients with advanced cancers worldwide.
On the basis of these experiences and evidences, palliative care gradually grew into a medical specialty, first in UK in 1987.
The Guardian: When did it start in Bangladesh?
Professor Nezamuddin: Well, one might wonder whether it has started really or not! I am saying it considering a very small service provision in comparison to the huge need here. Palliative care has been non-existent in the health care services of Bangladesh till very recent past. Then a few isolated patchy initiatives were being taken to organize a service. The major breakthrough took place when Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, the only medical university of the country decided to incorporate palliative care program in October 2007.
The Guardian: Would you also tell us when Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University established the Centre for Palliative Care?
Professor Nezamuddin: Yes, as I just mentioned, the rudimentary service began in 2007 and it soon witnessed the huge demand of such service as well as a big gap that existed in the community, both amongst the professionals as well as in the common people at large regarding the understanding of Palliative care. To play a pioneer role to propagate the concept of Palliative Care in Bangladesh, the University established the Centre for Palliative Care in 2011.
The Guardian: In this context, would you elaborate what is palliative care?
Professor Nezamuddin: Yes, this is probably the most important issue! Palliative care is all about an attempt to relive suffering of the living and dying people with incurable, life limiting diseases. The central point is, even if the disease is not curable, the huge sufferings can be relieved with adequate knowledge and proper skills and appropriate attitude. Palliative care also recognizes that sufferings of these patients are not only physical, like pain and breathlessness or a fungating malodorous wound, but also psychosocial as well as spiritual!
Palliative care, that's why, is the concept of 'Total Care', integrating care of all aspects of human sufferings in this stage of life. In simple language, the care attempts to relief total sufferings by offering a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death. Palliative Care also attempts to help the family to cope during the patient's illness and in their bereavement when the patient rests in eternal peace.
The Guardian: And say, for whom and why palliative care is necessary?
Professor Nezamuddin: Broadly, this special medical care is directed to patients with incurable, life limiting illnesses, mostly the non-communicable chronic diseases. The most common consumers are possibly the cancer patients, but in Africa, HIV AIDs patients are more in number though. But, it should also be mentioned that the philosophy of care also includes other similar patients like those paralyzed and bed bound with major stroke or spinal cord injury, motor neuron diseases or refractory heart failure or even patients with end stage failure of major organs who cannot be cured!
For example, an organized Palliative Care should also incorporate patients with kidney failure who cannot afford transplant or dialysis. Why it should not incorporate very aged people also who are suffering from dementia, immobility etc!!
The Guardian: Would you discuss what facilities, especially number of doctors, nurses, medicine, beds, equipments and others are available at CPC of BSMMU to provide treatment and services to the patients?
Professor Nezamuddin: CPC has a dedicated team of ten doctors, fifteen nurses and few ancillary staffs provided by the university. A running project of Higher Education Quality Enhancement Program (HEQEP) of University Grant Commission (UGC) and some benevolent funding from two organizations named Rotary Club of Metropolitan Dhaka and Afzalunnessa Foundation has also enabled us to recruit a few more team members like Palliative Care Patient Attendants (PCAs). The team runs a seventeen bed In- Patient Unit (IPU) as well as a daily Out Patient (OP) consultation besides taking part in the education and training program organized by the centre.
CPC also runs a Home care team and a twenty four hour telephone service for the patients and the affected families. We also have a small research cell to develop an evidence based approach. The Centre also acknowledges the contribution of the volunteers who are mostly students and is an example of community participation in delivering proper care for this unique group of patients.
We also acknowledge that Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach and all other disciplines of the university also come forward to give us a hand whenever it is needed and asked for.
The Guardian: Would you tell us what kind of patients come to CPC and what treatment and services are provided to the patients. Do you do anything for the affected families?
Professor Nezamuddin: Till now, most of the patients that attend our services are Cancer patients, but lately we have started getting patients referred by other disciplines like neuro- medicines and surgery.
The most common sufferings that these patients complain of are pain, breathlessness, bad cancer wound, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe weakness, lethargy etc. Attending to these complains we also try to take a holistic attitude and to identify the psycho social domain as well as the spiritual issues of sufferings. An important medicine that is available with us is oral Morphine, the gold standard drug of choice for cancer pain.
The Guardian: You mentioned about Palliative Home Care Service. Why and for whom this care is necessary?
Professor Nezamuddin: Home care is a unique essential part of any standard Palliative Care set up in the world. The idea is that if a patient cannot reach the service for any reason, the care itself should reach the door step of the patient in any civilized society. Imagine a patient who has not got any one to take him to a hospital, or poorest of the poor, a destitute at least has someone to visit and comfort them. Nevertheless, the service is mostly with an aim of empowering the family and to help the family to learn as how to take care of their patients.
You will probably agree that in the long run, an institution based service alone cannot meet the need of these patients 24/7 days. It is remarkable to witness the extra ordinary level of nursing and social care that families are willing to share for their loved ones in our society. Tasks that would necessitate a visit from a community nurse in developed country are readily taken up by family members here. This opportunity to work together can help a team building capacity, empowers a relatives to make a difference to the quality of life of their loved ones as well as maximizing the use of the skills of the home care program.
No doubt, home care service has its own challenges, requirements, and constrains but it is an essential service for these patients.
The Guardian: In this context, would you discuss the overall activities and services of CPC Home Care?
Professor Nezamuddin: A trained nurse led home care team visit 3-4 of those patients a day who are registered with the CPC and live within 20 kilometers of the Centre. These are the patients who cannot reach the centre due to symptom severity or during the terminal stage or for any other acceptable reason. The team also visits bereaved families occasionally. A doctor visits a patient only when the nurse feels it necessary. This service is entirely free of charge and is being maintained by benevolent funding from few organizations and individuals.
The Guardian: We understand that CPC is providing treatment and services for the patients affected with difficult and deadly diseases like cancer. So, please give us an idea about what cancer is and how many types of cancer are already discovered by physicians.
The Guardian: And is cancer curable?
Professor Nezamuddin: There is no straight Yes or No answer to this question. Cancer is the name given to a group of more than two hundred conditions depending on the site of origin. Another very important issue is at what stage the cancer has been diagnosed! How far it has already grown, is it in its early stage or has it already spread to other parts of the body from its site of origin!
Considering these and few other medical issues, I would broadly say that, of all the cancers one third is curable, one third is totally incurable and the rest one third, with adequate treatment, which is almost always expensive, one may survive for more than five years. I mention of expenses particularly because every day we witness so many patients dying leaving their families in a miserable financial condition. We often say that not only the patient dies; the family also dies in a sense for pursuing cure when the disease is incurable.
The Guardian: CPC is also providing treatment and services for the patients affected with another difficult disease like lymphedema. Please discuss the reason and treatment of this disease.
Professor Nezamuddin: Yes, we do run a lymph edema clinic once week! Lymphoedema is not a disease itself but is a known complication of another common cancer that is breast cancer particularly after the surgical treatment or radiotherapy. The condition may cause massive swelling of upper limb of the affected side. What is important to know that this is an irreversible condition but if proper care is taken of this condition, much of its sequel can be kept under control and much better Quality of life can be maintained.
The Guardian: In this context would you also discuss Colostomy care of CPC?
Professor Nezamuddin: Colostomy is an artificial opening created by a surgeon in the tummy of a patient through which he or she passes stool. It can be a temporary or a permanent one depending on the intention of the surgeon for the betterment of the patient. There are some simple steps regarding care of the colostomy. If these are meticulously done, the person should have much less difficulties or embarrassment even with a colostomy. Many people are living a good life with colostomy even without being noticed by others!
Whenever we get a patient with Colostomy, we explain the patient and also the family care giver about how to take care of the colostomy. Things like what to do and what not to do. We also give them a leaflet where frequently asked questions are answered with diagrams and useful tips are given.
The Guardian: In this context, Please mention the number of patients already served and treated by CPC. Would you also tell us the number of patients already affected with different difficult diseases like cancer, colostomy, lymph edema and others in Bangladesh?
Professor Nezamuddin: I'll give you an example first. In the initial four months of opening the service in 2007, we saw only fourteen patients in the Out Patient consultation. Next year the number rose to 343, in 2009 it was 415 and in 2014, it was 1264. So, the steep increase in number of patients attending the OP consultation givs you an idea about the demand of such a service.
The Guardian: Since Palliative Care is a new idea in Bangladesh, what role or activities are being taken by BSMMU to popularize the Palliative Care system in Bangladesh as well as to make the people aware of this care across the country?
Professor Nezamuddin: Initially, the initiative in BSMMU began as a service in 2007. Since the inception of the Centre for Palliative Care (CPC) in 2011, it has taken over the pioneering role which not only includes development of a model replicable service, but also has been pursuing awareness creation amongst health professionals as well as community at large. It has also been trying to convince the policy makers to incorporate palliative care program in the main stream health care program.
We have been organizing seminars, workshops as well utilizing print and electronic media as well to inform people that palliative care is a basic human right! You can consider this interview as a part of this program. Side by side, there are education and training program for doctors and nurses. We do have program for volunteers also.
The Guardian: Would you also inform us what opportunity is available at BSMMU to receive specialized training or higher degree on Palliative care?
Professor Nezamuddin: Our best program, so far for the doctors and nurses are Six Week Basic Certificate Course for doctors and nurses! For dedicated palliative care volunteers, it is a three day introductory with 8 days clinical exposure which is optional.
The Guardian: Would you discuss the limitations, achievements and future of CPC?
Professor Nezamuddin: Well, limitations are general as well as unique to this part of the world. In general, it is the universal mind set of the people. Modern age lives in prevention and cure oriented death denying health care system predominantly!! Incurability is neglected, ignored or overlooked. More so, in the developing world where it is further complicated by the economic issues.
The end result is, incurably ill patients suffers unnecessarily in pursuit of cure and due to lack of appropriate knowledge and skill to reduce sufferings. For example, cancer pain can be relieved and patients can be given a painless life before it ends. But the reality is, most of the patients in our country do not have access to knowledge and skill based approach of pain relief, neither the potentially affordable gold standard drugs for cancer pain relief is available homogenously in our country. Similar is the situations for many other sufferings in these situations.
Regarding the achievements, all I can see that the journey leading to a nationwide palliative care program has been initiated. It is a long way to go. All we hope that one day Palliative care program will be included in the primary health care program. We have witnessed that safe birth of a new born has got due attention from all concerned in the community. We believe that, a painless, less suffering at the end of life leading to a safe death in a helpful society should also be given due priority in the face of incurability. Palliative care should be considered as a basic human right in Bangladesh.
The Guardian: We know that there is a Palliative Care Society of Bangladesh. Would you assess the roles and activities of this society?
Professor Nezamuddin: Palliative Care Society of Bangladesh (PCSB) is a community based multi professional registered charity with the sole aim of developing palliative care program in Bangladesh. At present, it is closely associated with the activities of CPC. For example, it is the lead organization which supports the home care program and twenty four hours telephone service of CPC. It also ensures that no patient is denied the service due to financial constraints. It also often provides support to the financially devastated family after the death of the cancer patients.
The Guardian: In this connection, would you also say what links or interactions CPC, BSMMU maintains with similar institutions or organizations at home and abroad to update its academic and professional knowledge and capacity?
Professor Nezamuddin: CPC has close links with a number of regional and international organizations like Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM) in Kerala, India, Asia pacific Hospice & Palliative care Network (APHN) based in Singapore, Hospice UK and The world Hospice and Palliative Care Network (WHPCA). At home it has closed link with Rotary Club of Metropolitan Dhaka (RCMD) and Afzalunnessa Foundation.
I should also mention the first person who introduced the concept of Palliative Care to BSMMU back in 2003, One Dr. Graham J Arthurs, OBE, a Rotarian and Philanthropist from UK. He has been a constant source of inspiration for all of us here till date.
Professor Nezamuddin: The message is very simple, when adding days to the life of an incurably ill person is not possible, we all should try to add life to the remaining days of the person. The world has gained tremendous knowledge and skill in this subject. It is not expensive but needs developing a proper attitude towards the issue and work together. It has already been evident that a community based approach to this agenda can really change the end of life of these patients and the affected families. We all must give this issue its due importance. Then, and only then our own end of life can be safe and pain free.


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text:
Undefeated Fort, Waterford square off in rivalry
Cadets haven't lost to 'Cats in 11 years
Ron Johnston
rjohnston@mariettatimes.com
WATERFORD — Fort Frye and Waterford each is undefeated at 2-0 and rolling in the early going of the prep football season.
One of these schools, though, will be derailed at 7:30 p.m. Friday on the Wildcat gridiron.
The Fort is currently in a 4-way tie for fourth place in the OHSAA Division VI, Region 21 rankings. The Cadets are favored to win as they have not lost to the Cats since 2007. Last year in Beverly, FFHS downed WHS, 22-20.
"Fort Frye's a great team," said fourth-year Waterford head coach Eric McCutcheon after the Wildcats drilled visiting South Gallia, 40-8, last Friday evening. "It's going to be a great challenge for us.
"We get them here at home, and it's always a great game. We're looking forward to it. We're going to have a great week of practice."
Two years ago at Waterford, Fort Frye rallied in the second half to win 23-19.
Fort will be quarterbacked by sophomore Ian Ellis, who threw four touchdown passes, three to Brady Schilling, in the Cadets' 64-21 win against visiting Nelsonville-York last Friday.
"Ian's got a good arm, and he's doing well," said veteran Fort Frye head coach Eric Huck.
Ellis' primary receivers are expected to be Schilling and Brian Adkins.
Thing is, the Cadets are basically a run first kind of team on offense with backs like Tyler Fisher, Zane Wallace, and Adkins. FFHS gained 415 yards on the ground against the Buckeyes, and Adkins had 176 of those yards.
Defensively, Fort Frye is a hard-hitting group, led by Dylan Hart, Caden Fryman, and Isiah Jones.
The Cadet D will be tested by the Wildcats, currently ranked No. 6 in D6, Region 27, which isn't too shabby in itself.
"We'll be ready to play, and they (Wildcats) will be ready to play, too," Huck said. "It should be a good game."
Waterford senior Zane Heiss will be taking the center snaps, and he's both mobile and has a strong arm. Against South Gallia, he passed for 206 yards and had one rushing TD.
"He's very elusive, and when he runs out of the pocket, he's tough to pressure and get," Huck said.
Against the Fort, Wildcat wide receiver Nick Fouss figures to get plenty of attention on his routes. After all, he torched SG for 140 receiving yards.
Waterford's ground gain is primarily north-south and gets positive yardage with fullback Joe Pantelidis and tailback Holden Dailey getting most of the touches.
Last Friday, Dailey had four rushing TDs.
"Waterford has good skills people, who can hurt you on the ground and in the air," Huck said.
Defensively, the Wildcats know they have their work cut out for themselves against the Cadets. Look for linebacker Pantelidis to key on Adkins and Fisher, and Heiss, a ballhawk, to cover Schilling.
Heiss had three first-quarter picks against SG.
Keep in mind that Waterford's D has not given up an offensive touchdown from scrimmage in two games.
Another thing, Waterford doesn't appear to have an extra-point kicker. The Wildcats went for 2 after every time they scored against the Rebels.
Fort, on the other hand, has David Kitts, who booted six PATs in the last game.
"We're hoping that we can play with them," McCutcheon said.
Ron Johnston can be reached at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Asking me who I am in most (if not all) settings is incredibly awkward for me. There are so many identities that I encompass; with each new face, I am continuously improving on or changing it. It seems silly, but I take pride in my generic name. I am Jennifer. Along with my first name, I carry Martinez as my last. It didn't start loving my name until someone had asked me once when I was going to change my name into a Muslim name. I was confused, but brushed the comment off until a friend explained to me that some people find it necessary or advise new Muslims to change their names. I was given that name by my parents, Jennifer Jesus Martinez. I find it enjoyable to see someone's face twist in confusion when they put together that I am Muslim. Everyone is so used to hearing Arabic and/or Urdu in relation to Islam and being Muslim. Someone once asked me if I was 'half-Muslim' once.
I am not half-Muslim. I am Muslim: human, flawed, beautiful, and dynamic.
My name is Jenn Martinez and it's nice to meet you.
This is something that I struggle with on a daily basis. Four years ago, I began tinkering with my spiritual beliefs in secret until it had grown into something much greater; two years ago, I took my shahada. Since then, it has been quite a journey. My identity as a Muslim is dynamic, evolving alongside me as I gather knowledge. Over time, I have noticed that I have increasingly become humble about my presence in this dunya. Being Muslim feels like the sun in our universe; my personality, dreams, memories, what I do, and who I interact with are the planets. 'What does being Muslim mean to me' cannot only be encompassed by my present; there's also a past.
When I introduce my epic tale, I always start with the premise, "when I was 13-years old…" At that point, I stopped and lose myself for a moment; no matter how many times I have explained to someone how it all started, the memories still pull me into my 13-year old self. Due to the circumstances that took place in my adolescence, I was livid at God. As I grew older, I was interested in why faith was able to bring people closer and give them a sense of peace. I wanted that; I needed that. I later coined a term for myself, religion hopper, since I frenziedly read through texts to understand different spirituality and faiths. Some felt better than others, but each offered their own realities and escapes that kept me sane throughout middle school.
Initially, high school was my first exposure to the Qur'an; at the time, it became a distant memory as it was swallowed by every text I read on faith. In college, a friend of mine was the president of the Muslim Student Association (MSA). At the time, the MSA was small and there weren't many people that were willing or had time to help set up for events and Jummah. One afternoon, I decided to stay behind and witness Jummah. I heard the adhan and felt my heartstrings pull gently to its call; I was ensnared, enamored by such beautiful words.
I didn't tell anyone from that moment onward that I was exploring Islam. Discovering the core beliefs and practices of Islam was (and still is) my priority; I did not want cultural Islam to muddle my decision and lead me into a stray path. When I do find myself lost in stories and advice from friends, I use the adhan as my beacon. Although I 'understand' the adhan, I am still lost in translation since I do not understand Arabic. As an extension, the Qur'an is a greater mystery. I find it hilariously heartwarming that these words tug at every heart-string, completely content in my surroundings. These same words leave me sobbing, pouring myself into my hands as I release the tension and anxiety that has been soaked into my bones since I was 13-years old. That day has engraved itself in my soul and keeps me going.
Gracias Dios por las bendiciones recibidas.
I do not personally experience Islamophobia, unlike many of my friends. I am not visibly Muslim nor do I fit the contemporary idea of what a Muslim looks. In the public eye, I am Jennifer Martinez. Even though it doesn't affect me daily, I do see others being scrutinized that passing stares and deep frowns. If your features vaguely resemble someone of Middle Eastern or South Asian descent, I've seen people give you those glances. I've heard those whispers as women in hijabs walk by crowds of people. I am still exploring the boundary between breaking those whispers and being outlandish since snapping at someone once did not help me or someone else. Understanding and knowing how to navigate these spaces while ensuring a degree of comfort for both parties is important. Again, it's a work in process.
When people do find out that I am Muslim, I get mixed reactions. Most are apathetic while others are confused, becoming an oddity in their eyes. It's hard to break away from the group and explain why I stopped doing certain things or why praying is time that I consider precious. I have seen many people leave my life or make it hard to abstain from the things I vowed to keep away from myself.
Islamophobia has many faces. It can be that raging, hateful person yelling at someone to leave the country. Or that person who wants to change their friend back to normal after they've adopted this new belief.
It is common to hear that Islam means peace, emphasizing that it's one of many core principles. While this is true, it holds much more than that. Islam is a battle within oneself. It is the desire to change people's negative perceptions of Muslims, forgiving those who have hurt you, showcasing the beauty that Islam brings to its believers, and being centered in a world that's constantly out to get you.