www.socialistworkercanada.com $2 no. 538 February 2012 AS WORKERS STRIKE AGAINST THE 1% TAR SANDS OCCUPY THE PICKET LINES CAPITALIST DISASTER Pages 6 & 7 Harper’s cuts Page 2 John Bell on the looming federal jobs massacre Don’t attack Iran Page 3 Bradley Hughes on Harper’s tough talk on Iran Guantanamo Bay Page 3 Salmaan Khan on the ten years of human rights violations Fighting racism and capitalism Page 5 Ritch Whyman on the history of DRUM

Language matters Page 10 Jessica Squires on official bilingualism in Canada

Fight Ford’s cuts AS THE global economic retirees be replaced with contract ic staff prepare for possible strike tured the anger of the 99% against crisis continues, the 1% are workers at half the wage. action to defend the services they the system of war, ecological de- Page 11 increasingly resorting to It’s no better for public sector provide. struction, oppression and austerity. Carolyn Egan on the lockouts and layoffs to force workers. The upcoming federal As the austerity agenda ad- This was part of a year of revolt damage done to the massive concessions on working and Ontario budgets plan on mas- vances, the 1% are showing where that has spilled over into 2012, and people. To protect public sive cuts to public services and the their profits lie: the workplace. But which has demonstrated that mass Ford agenda and the services and those who provide workers who provide them—in- this is also where they can be re- resistance can win reforms—from fights ahead them, we need to occupy the cluding 50,000 jobs losses federal- sisted. During the first phase of the delaying the Keystone XL pipeline picket lines to support workers ly—and in Toronto, the millionaire Egyptian Revolution, it was mass to stopping some of Rob Ford’s on strike or lockout. mayor Rob Ford intends to lock out strikes in February 2011 that fi- budget cuts. The year 2012 began with the thousands of city workers. nally drove Mubarak from power, The next step is to take the energy lockout of 1,200 workers across Ford rode to office on a backlash and the emergence of independent and solidarity of the 99% to chal- Canada and Quebec, both by bil- against city workers, and as oppo- trade unions has continued to push lenge the 1% where their profits are lionaire companies demanding mas- sition to service cuts has mounted the revolution forward—uniting based, by joining workers on strike sive wage cuts. In London, Ontario, he has increasingly scapegoated women and men across religious or lockout on the picket lines. This Caterpillar locked out 450 workers, city workers as “gravy” and tried lines, combining economic resis- also raises the possibility of work- demanding a 50 per cent wage cut. to cut services by cutting jobs. tance with political demands. ers occupying their own factories, CPMA No. 58554253-99 In Alma, Quebec, Rio Tinto Alcan Meanwhile Toronto library workers When the Occupy movement ex- raising all our horizons that a world ISSN No. 0836-7094 locked out 750 workers, demanding and University of Toronto academ- ploded at the end of 2011, it cap- free of the 1% is possible. SOPA-PIPA threaten Harper’s free speech budget by CHRIS BRUNO cuts TWO BILLS going through the American Congress by JOHN BELL have provoked the largest online protest in history. BUDGET CUTS and staff The Stop Online Piracy Act layoffs have paralyzed (SOPA) and the Protect many federal ministries Intellectual Property that provide crucial Act (PIPA), commonly services. And rumours referred to as “the from Ottawa warn that Internet censorship bills,” even deeper cuts will be in have garnered criticism the next Tory budget, due from thousands of tech early in March. companies, professionals, The Canadian Food and human rights Inspection Agency is already organizations. facing cuts of $21.5 million. A day of action was That will lead to layoffs of organized on January 18 up to more than 230 full- for the Internet to “go on time inspection positions. strike.” Wikipedia blocked Some 170 of those inspec- the English language portion tion jobs were created by Nova Scotia students resist NDP cuts of their site for 24 hours, the Tories in 2008, reversing and over 50,000 websites earlier cuts. They didn’t expressed their opposition to do it out of public spirit; by DAVIID BUSH the bills, including Google, they were forced to act to does provide $25 million of the result of administrative downtown Halifax conven- Twitter, and Facebook. quell outrage following an ON JANUARY 5, Darrel funding that universities can mismanagement and the tion centre. Lawmakers were cyber- outbreak of deadly listeria Dexter’s Nova Scotia NDP compete for to enact cuts. false promises of the provin- The student movement is bombed with petitions and food poisoning in meat government released a The NDP, in opposition, cial government. The Dexter not taking this lying down. angry emails. Thousands processing plants, causing three-year memorandum starkly opposed the under- government is dangling the NSCAD students and staff also protested outside their the deaths of 23 people and of understanding (MOU) it funding of PSE in Nova appropriate funds to cover have been holding town halls senators’ offices in New York sickening hundreds more. signed with the province’s Scotia and the high levels the shortfall but at the price and campaigning against their City, San Francisco, Seattle Bob Kingston, president 11 universities. of tuition fees students paid. of massive cuts. destruction for the last several and Washington DC. of the Agriculture Union The MOU allows for a However, since coming to Students and staff at months. Both the bills have the representing the inspectors yearly three per cent rise in power in 2009, the NDP has NSCAD and indeed across Students at all 11 universi- objective of restricting warned: “Food safety costs tuition with a corresponding scrapped the tuition freeze, the province are being asked ties participated in a massive access to foreign web sites money, but less safety can three per cent reduction in slashed funding to PSE and to shoulder the weight of the province wide protest for that are believed to be cost a lot more–both in funding for post-secondary threatened the wholesale NDP’s attempt to balance the the National Student Day of infringing upon copyright terms of money and human education (PSE). destruction of one Canada’s budget deficit of $365-mil- Action on February 1. Turnout laws. If enacted into law, suffering.” The MOU does not place premier fine arts universities, lion. The budget crisis is at this year’s rally matched the Attorney General would Tory Agriculture Minister caps on tuition for inter- the Nova Scotia College of about choices, and the NDP last year’s mobilization of be given the ability to force Gerry Ritz dismissed national students and stu- Art and Design (NSCAD). has been more than willing to 2,000 students, who led a his- the removal of all sites that concerns over cuts as “union dents in dental, medicine or NSCAD faces a $2.4 mil- spend money on absurd busi- toric march to Province House make copyrighted content tactics,” and claimed that law programs. The MOU lion budget shortfall that is ness projects such as the new in downtown Halifax. available or that link to such “Canadian families can be websites. Since these orders assured that the safety of can be made without due our food supply will not be process and without probable affected as federal depart- Federal jobs massacre looms cause, it is ripe for abuse. ments and agencies look for Websites that rely on ways to be more efficient by JOHN BELL user-submitted content, and more financially prudent next year. That will translate lows, leaving them unable to disproportionately hit the like YouTube, Tumblr or with taxpayer’s dollars.” A NEW report by the into 20 per cent staff cuts, or address rapidly rising infla- most vulnerable: “programs Reddit would be unable to Harper’s government, Canadian Centre for 225,000 lost jobs. tion rates. A one-month drop for Aboriginal on-reserve continuously remove links to which wraps itself in “sup- Policy Alternatives (CCPA) Those cuts were an- in inflation in December re- housing, training and pri- banned web sites and would port our troops” rhetoric, is warns that planned cuts nounced when the Harper flects desperation in the retail mary health care; support have to resort to overzealous already cutting $220 million to the federal civil service government was patting it- sector rather than economic for low-income families, moderating and censoring. from Veterans Affairs could result in more than self on the back for presiding health. Even with that drop, seniors and the unemployed; Unlike other attempts to Canada. The Public Service 60,000 lost jobs by the over a “strong and stable” food prices are climbing at environmental programs; censor parts of the Internet— Alliance of Canada projects end of Stephen Harper’s economy. an annual rate of almost five workplace and food safety like the Great Firewall of that this will translate into first majority government. Since then, economic re- per cent. inspectors; and Canada’s China—under SOPA and 500 lost jobs. The Harper government is ality has sunk in: 19,000 Macdonald reminds us international profile.” PIPA, websites would be Minister Steve Blaney already warning that the next Canadians lost their jobs in that federal cuts don’t just Not every area of federal censored worldwide. The justified the cuts by saying budget, due in March, will in- November alone. And econo- result in public service job funding will be cut. Look for point of these bills is not that 1,500 veterans die each clude more severe cuts. mists and bankers fear that losses. Many agencies pro- increased spending for pris- to block Americans from month. His department ob- Analyzing already an- the housing bubble is over- viding support for seniors, ons, policing, spying and the interacting with sites that jects to the use of the word nounced budget cuts and due to burst. the unemployed, immigrants military. And, naturally, cor- host illegal or copywrited “cuts.” “We simply expect layoffs, CCPA author David Fear of a collapse in the and other vulnerable groups porate tax cuts will remain information, but rather to to have a lower uptake for Macdonald says we will see over-priced housing market rely on federal funding. untouched. make it impossible to access our programs to fewer veter- $7.82 billion chopped from is forcing central bankers to The CCPA report says the Read more of the CCPA such sites by compelling ans,” said Deputy Minister public services by the end of keep interest rates at historic federal cuts and layoffs will report: http://bit.ly/wWITkf American owned websites Keith Hillier. to remove any references to As the official unemploy- them; that’s including search ment rate rises to 7.4 per After Ford’s defeat: stop McGuinty’s engines like Google or Bing. cent, Employment Insurance Supporters of SOPA workers are being laid off. and PIPA include both In August Human Resources attack on public services and jobs Republicans and Democrats. Minister Diane Finley shut Media corporations and down 98 local EI processing by JESSE MCLAREN Before working as a TD has no electoral mandate for The Drummond report right-wing organizations centres resulting in 1,200 Bank executive, Drummond major cuts to public services. is finsihed but the release have heavily lobbied for both lost jobs. The upcoming Ontario worked in the federal Nobody ran an election on date is being pushed back laws. “With continuous budget will be based Ministry of Finance in the it. It was barely mentioned as the government sends On January 20, the Senate improvements to the way on the Drummond mid-1990s, on the budget in the provincial election. out trial balloons about tabled PIPA indefinitely and that we do business, such Commission on Reform of that slashed $25 billion There’s a biased mandate for the contents. McGuinty’s at least 13 pro-PIPA senators as increased automation, Public Services, a report in federal spending and the Drummond Commission austerity looks like Ford’s immediately reversed their improved online services, drafted by a former bank transfers to the provinces. towards privatization and austerity but it doesn’t sound position. Anti-SOPA/PIPA and a nationally-managed executive that calls for Those cuts resulted dismantling of private ser- like it. McGuinty has already activists are rightly declaring workload distribution, Ontario public services’ in health care taking on vices, with no consideration distanced himself from the victory in this battle, but Service Canada will be able death by 400 cuts. It is statistically larger portion of the revenue side.” report even before it has been both bills still have enough to manage service demands the provincial version of of provincial health care There’s a very easy published calling it ‘advice.’ support to remain alive. The in a more cost-effective and the Toronto budget, and budgets, which is now being way of addressing the McGuinty is saying that the war to control the Internet is efficient way,” said Finley’s like that process, it can used as an excuse for further $16 billion budget deficit budget will spare health care not over. press secretary. Tell that to be challenged by mass cuts and privatization. McGuinty claims to be so and education cuts. EI applicants who have seen resistance. A quarter of Drummond’s concerned about: tax the rich. But mass organizing put Socialist Worker their wait times for their first Ontario Premier Dalton recommendations will target McGuinty has continued cuts Ford’s austerity agenda on www.socialistworkercanada.com benefit cheque double. McGuinty clung to minority health care, like delisting to corporate taxes that have the defensive by organizing e-mail: [email protected] In ministry after ministry, government last October caesarian sections, hyster- resulted in billions of lost amongst rank and file work- letters: [email protected] the cuts are breaking down based on campaign prom- ectomies, and arthroscopic revenue. Instead of making ers and community members, reviews: [email protected] listings: [email protected] services that workers and ises to cut tuition by 30 knee surgery. The recom- the rich pay for their crisis, with town hall meetings, phone: 416.972.6391 their families need most. per cent and protect health mendations will also target McGuinty has hired one of deputations, door-to-door The only federal sectors care. Since then students public sector unions, blamed the 1% to cut services for the campaigns, petitions and declared “off limits” for have challenged his tuition for creating the deficit. 99%. demonstrations that defended All correspondence to: Tory cuts are the RCMP and cut promises (including While Drummond was McGuinty is following the public services and jobs. Socialist Worker P.O. Box 339, Station E military spending. thousands rallying February paid with public funds, example of Toronto Mayor The same kind of grass- Toronto, ON M6H 4E3 A mass grassroots 1 for tuition reductions for his report is based on no Rob Ford, who created a roots organizing amongst Published every four weeks in campaign pushed back mil- all students). Meanwhile, public consultation, and deficit by tax cuts, then community and labour Toronto by the International Socialists. lions of cuts threatened by McGuinty has announced an his mandate is only to cut hired private consulting firm organizations, defending Printed in Hamilton at a union shop; member of the Canadian Magazine Pub- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, upcoming budget that will public services. According KPMG to dictate which ser- public services and the work- lisher’s Association / Canadian Publica- and much bigger mobiliza- cut up to a third of ministries, to Ontario Health Coalition vices and jobs should be cut, ers who provide them, can tions Mail Agreement No. 58554253-99, Post Office Department, Ottawa / ISSN tions are needed to beat back based on recommendations spokesperson Natalie Mehra, and then scapegoated public resist McGuinty’s austerity 0836-7094 / Return postage guaranteed the Harper attack. from Don Drummond. “The McGuinty government sector workers to justify it. budget. 2 Socialist Worker February 2012 Guantánamo: ten INTERNATIONAL years of human rights violations

by SALMAAN KHAN TO MARK the 10th anniversary of Guantánamo prison, Amnesty International held a 10-hour event in Montreal demanding Omar Khadr’s repatriation, with participation from Quebec artists and Québec solidaire spokesperson Françoise David. On January 11, 2002, the Bush administration author- ized the transfer of 20 men captured in, Afghanistan to the Guantanamo Bay deten- tion centre. They would be the first of almost 800 men who would pass through this “dark stain on the nation’s soul.” Ten years later, 171 detainees from over 20 countries remain at the facil- ity, almost all without any formal charges laid against them. In fact, to date, only six have ever been convicted of a crime. To mark the 10-year anniversary, detainees at the facility planned three days of passive resistance and protest. A common form of resistance has been commun- Egypt, one year on: ‘This is a al hunger strikes. However, these have been quickly quashed by military guards who would “force-feed them revolution, not a celebration’ with dirty feeding tubes that have been violently inserted and withdrawn as by JUDITH ORR the military. out of this trap is to redistribute One member of Egypt’s punishment.” There are also tensions coming to wealth, stop paying back debts to Revolutionary Socialists spoke The reckless disregard for THE ONE-year anniversary of the surface about the newly elected the International Monetary Fund about the effect of the workers’ human rights and the safety the Egyptian Revolution has parliament. The Brotherhood’s ma- (IMF)—and to tax the rich. The de- movement. “Last week dock work- of these men is common- marked a new turning point in jority in the parliament is a sign mand for nationalization has never ers struck. They cut off the main place at “Gitmo” as count- the struggle. It came in the of their deep roots and wide sup- been more popular. People want to highway. Thousands of workers took less reports have emerged first week of the newly elected port, yet it is already seen as letting take back what is rightfully theirs. the road, chanting slogans against of systemic torture, sexual parliament, when the Muslim people down. SCAF. Many of the workers took degradation, forced drugging Brotherhood gained two thirds of A key slogan of the 18 days in The factory and the part in a strike wave in August and and religious persecution. the seats. Tahrir Square that brought down square September and won promises. But The trauma associated with More people came out on to the Mubarak had been “Raise your head “Tahrir Square is important—we these promises have not yet been these violent acts has had streets across Egypt on January 25 up high—you are an Egyptian.” On don’t want to lose the square—but met. So I believe we will see work- a profound effect on the than had been seen at any point in Friday’s demonstrations this was holding it does not guarantee vic- ers mobilizing again in the coming detainees as there were the revolution so far. Two days later turned against the Brotherhood. tory,” said Dina, a socialist activ- weeks.” a “reported” 350 acts of hundreds of thousands took to the “Raise your head up high—you are ist. “That’s why the slogan ‘the Socialists have always said that attempted suicide in just the streets again on the anniversary of only a chair,” protesters shouted— factory and square are one hand’ is people change the world—and in first two years of the prison’s the “day of anger.” The slogans that meaning the Brotherhood had sold so important.” Every new political doing so change themselves. This is operation. dominated were directed against the out the revolution to gain seats in upsurge has seen a rise in workers’ what is happening in Egypt. Yet despite calls for its military council. Millions of ordin- parliament. confidence to fight. This week’s The full version of this article ori- immediate closure, includ- ary people made the revolution. Egypt is in the middle of a se- demonstrations can give confidence ginally appeared in Socialist Worker ing a report by Amnesty Now they want to take it back from vere economic crisis. The only way to workers in struggle. (UK): www.socialistworker.co.uk International that was supported by “UN experts, former US presidents Carter and Clinton, and heads of state from Europe and else- where,” the Obama adminis- Harper: the real threat to tration continues to maintain its operation—two years after he promised to close it. Meanwhile Prime Minister peace and security Harper has ensured that Omar Khadr, kidnapped and by BRADLEY HUGHES chemical and nuclear weapons that were used incarcerated at Guantánamo as a pretext for a war that killed over a million as a child, has still not been THE WORLD’S most dangerous countries Iraqis and found no such weapons. repatriated to Canada. are preparing once again for war, and Iran has a military budget that is less than Canada’s Prime Minister Harper is out in two per cent of the size of the American budget. Support builds for front. It has also been the target of numerous terror- After missing out on the invasion of Iraq, ist attacks on its soil. In the last two years four Egyptian activists Harper is missing no chance to exaggerate the nuclear scientists have been assassinated. by JAMES CLARK threat from Iran to try to build support for an- other disastrous war. Sanctions AN INTERNATIONAL “Iran is a very serious threat to international Now the US and the EU are implementing petition in solidarity with peace and security. In my judgment, it is the new sanctions to try to cut off Iranian oil ex- Egyptian activists is world’s most serious threat to international peace ports. In response, the Iranian regime has threat- gaining momentum, helping and security,” Harper said early in January in a ened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, through to create a global solidarity Calgary radio station interview. Since its 1979 which around one fifth of the world’s oil ship- network in support of the revolution, Iran has been involved in one war: ments pass. Both the US and Britain have now Egyptian Revolution. when Iraq, with American assistance, invaded. announced “routine” deployment of war ships Labour activists, communi- Although Canada has been attacked by no to the area. ty organizers, academics and one in this period, it has gone to war against The results of the decade long sanctions writers from around the world Iraq, Somalia, Serbia, Afghanistan, Libya and against Iraq, after the US led war against it in have added their names to the occupied Haiti. Harper has denied Canada’s own 1991, created terrible suffering for the people rapidly growing list, includ- colonial history, which continues to produce of Iraq including the deaths of over half a mil- ing filmmaker and journalist human security crises like Attawapiskat, and is lion children, while strengthening the regime of John Pilger, feminist and promoting one of the world’s greatest threats to Saddam Hussein. The road to democracy in Iran, author Judy Rebick, and BDS planetary security: the Tar Sands. or anywhere else, is solidarity with its people, activists Rafeef Ziadah and In the same interview, Harper said that Iran not more wars. Adam Hanieh. The petition “is clearly trying to acquire nuclear weapons, A pan-Canadian anti-war movement involv- expresses its solidarity with and it has indicated some desire to actually use ing thousands brought hundreds of thousands the courageous struggle of the nuclear weapons.” more into the streets in 2002 and 2003. This Egyptian people, and opposes Later in January on CBC, Harper declared movement was big enough to stop then Prime the repression and violence of that Iran “would have no hesitation about using Minister Jean Chrétien from taking us to war Egypt’s Supreme Council of nuclear weapons.” This sounds exactly like the against Iraq. We can build such a movement Armed Forces (SCAF). furor that was raised about Iraq and its supposed again to stop this next war. Sign the petition here: http://egyptsolidaritycam- paign.org/. February 2012 Socialist Worker 3 TALKING MARXISM Abbie Bakan INTERNATIONAL Socialist Feminism: Off the shelf

AS A new generation of activists expresses the anger of the 99%, questions of feminism and socialism are often at the top of the agenda. Feminism, like socialism, bears many different forms and meanings. But a particularly important wing of both currents, socialist feminism, has offered important contributions to the radical tradition. Where does this radical tradition originate? Origins are contested, particularly in light of the contribu- tions of indigenous women’s voices silenced and buried by colonial settlement and racism. But it is often maintained that in the socialist movement, the centrality of women’s liberation was first described in August Bebel’sWoman and Socialism, published in Germany in 1879 (see marxism.org). Bebel was a leader of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD). The party at the time was, as author Lise Vogel puts it in Marxism and the Oppression of Women, the “presumed heir to the mantle of Marx and Engels.” Though a substantive and lengthy tome, among militants in the German SPD and trade unions, Woman and Socialism was one of the most popular of socialist texts. Between the year of its first release and 1895, it had gone through 25 editions; by 1910 this figure reached 50, including numerous translations. An 1886 review of the first English-language translation of Bebel’s classic, by socialists Eleanor Marx (Karl Marx’s daughter) and Edward Aveling, praised the text, and assailed those who criticized it: “The truth, not fully recognized even by those anxious to do good to woman, is that she, like the labour-classes, is in an oppressed condition; that her position, like theirs, is one of merciless degradation. Women are the creatures of an Mass strike shakes Nigeria organized tyranny of men, as the workers are the creatures of an organized tyranny of idlers. “Even where this much is grasped, we must never be by KEVIN BRICE economy at a cost of $600 million At the same time, the newly weary of insisting on the non-understanding that for women, a day. By the end of the week the founded Occupy Nigeria and other as for the labouring classes, no solution of the difficulties THE MASS strike and public government seemed to be in no grassroots organizations were holding and problems that present themselves is really possible protests that swept through Nigeria position to negotiate, under the threat mass protests on key highways to in the present condition of society. … Both the oppressed from January 9 to January 13 were of an indefinite general strike, so the disrupt traffic while others went from classes, women and the immediate producers, must under- the largest in the country’s history. People’s Democratic Party conceded– one gas station to another demand- stand that their emancipation will come from themselves.” The spark for this mass mobilization but only partially–to the demands ing that suppliers not sell above the Bebel’s work was remarkable for its time. The oppressed occurred on January 1, 2012 when of the people and restored the fuel subsidy level. The government’s condition of women was largely unnamed. And if women’s Nigerians awoke to the new reality subsidy at a rate 50 per cent of what it violent response to the protests left condition of organized subordination was made visible, that the fuel subsidy, which most had been originally. one dead and hundreds wounded but it was considered to be ‘natural,’ even within the socialist depend on for their basic needs, was only served to bring more people into movement. scrapped by the government with- Concessions the streets. Woman and Socialism offered a vision of an emancipated out the consultation of the people. Following the concession, leaders of Nigeria is Africa’s most populous society where women would be freed of these conditions. Overnight, prices had inflated by 250 the National Labour Congress called nation, its second largest economy, And it inspired mass opposition to the devastating condi- per cent–from­­ the fixed rate of 60 off the indefinite general strike and and although it is the largest exporter tions of the working class as a whole in capitalist society. naira/L ($0.37) to 150 naira/L ($0.93). began the process of demobilizing the of crude in Africa, due to mismanage- This is in a country where two thirds movement against the will of many of ment and corruption, Nigeria is Context of the population live on less than $2 their member organizations. One of dependent on foreign imports for its Clara Zetkin, also a leader in the German and international a day and where reliable access to these organizations, the Joint Action domestic fuel requirements. Because socialist movements, observed in 1896 that despite limita- electricity is dependent on fuel-based Front (JAF), released this statement: of this it is clear why the people of tions, Bebel’s contribution indicated the essential role of generators. The immediate explosion “JAF urges Nigerians to continue Nigeria had no reason to believe that women workers in the socialist movement. In this, the in the cost of living was too much for with the MASS ACTION of street and this time the money being taken from publication was “more than book, it was an event, a deed.” Nigerians to bear. neighbourhood protests and rallies in the fuel subsidy would be reinvested But the early socialist tradition regarding women’s During the week of the strike, the the various Freedom Squares created in public infrastructure and not ‘lost’ liberation needs to be placed in the context of what it National Labour Congress and Trade across the country since the com- along the way, only to somehow find challenged. Industrial capitalism imposed harsh divisions Union Congress were effectively mencement of the Strike/Mass Action its way into the pockets of Nigeria’s deep in working-class life, many elements of which continue able to shut down most of Nigeria’s on January 9, 2012.” and foreign ruling elites. to the present day. The exclusion of married women from public waged work, the virtual absence of social and civil rights, and the powerful impact of sexist stereotypes, limited women’s participation in the workers’ movement and the left. August Bebel himself, who advanced his reputation Show trial for WikiLeaks through the popularity of his claims for women’s emancipa- tion, was hardly free of such sexist attitudes. An example of the context is indicated by the experi- ences of Rosa Luxemburg. She arrived in Germany in whistle-blower 1898 and immediately encountered the type of resistance to her immense and original contributions commonly faced by women intellectuals. An important study by Raya Dunayevskaya, Rosa Luxemburg, Women’s Liberation by BRADLEY MANNING For the United States Government, 38 witnesses while allowing all 20 and Marx’s Philosophy of Revolution, addresses this by the enemy that Manning “aided” in al- witnesses for the prosecution. considering Bebel’s correspondence to fellow socialist ON SATURDAY December 17, legedly downloading and turning over Thus excluded from the testimony leader Victor Adler. Bradley Manning, the accused to WikiLeaks hundreds of thousands were expert arguments that the leaked Their exchanges indicate their reaction to Luxemburg’s WikiLeaks whistleblower, turned of classified documents (many of documents didn’t warrant top-secret effective arguments with certain leading figures in the SPD, all of 24. It was the second day of which detail incidents of civilian classification as no damage was as she challenged what she rightly perceived as reformist his Article 32 hearing (the military deaths and cover-ups in the war on done. Contrary to the government’s and conservative approaches to capitalist transformation. equivalent of a grand jury hearing) terror) was al Qaeda; for his support- claim that Manning “has blood on his Dunayevskaya notes the appalling context: and, while inside the military ers, the real enemy is the United States hands,” there has not been a single “Just as [Luxemburg] had learned to live with an courtroom evidence was being Government. Indeed, for many people, recorded instance of harm done to underlying anti-Semitism in the party, so she learned to heard in order to determine whether veterans in particular, Manning is a civilians or soldiers as a result of the live with what in our era has been challenged by name – the case would proceed to court hero. documents being in the public domain. specifically, male chauvinism…. Here, for example, is a martial, a highly spirited crowd The problem, beyond the laying of Meanwhile, those with real blood sample of the letters that passed between Bebel and Adler: of over 300 supporters (including such severe charges, is that Manning on their hands are going free. Staff ‘The poisonous bitch will yet do a lot of damage, all the myself) were demonstrating stands little chance of a fair court Sergeant Frank Wuterich admits to more because she is as clever as a monkey (blitzgescheit) outside the main gates of the Fort martial. ordering his subordinates to shoot 24 while on the other hand her sense of responsibility is totally Meade, Maryland base where the At the outset of the Article 32 Iraqi civilians. lacking and her only motive is an almost pervasive desire for proceedings were being held. hearing, lead defence counsel David The seven men under his command self-justification’…[Victor Adler to August Bebel, 5 August At the end of the speeches and Coombs moved for Almanza to have all been cleared, while Wuterich 1910]. ‘With all the wretched female’s squirts of poison I musical performance by David Rovics, recuse himself on the grounds that he has simply been demoted and given wouldn’t have the party without her’ [Bebel’s reply to Adler, Manning’s supporters sang “Happy might appear biased to “a reasonable a suspended 90-day confinement. 16 August 1910].” Birthday.” If the outcome of the hear- person.” No wonder. Almanza, an Members of the Bush administration, ing is any indication, Pfc Manning is Army reservist, is also a prosecutor who launched the Iraq War that killed Engels facing a possible lifetime of birthdays with the Department of Justice, which a million people, have never been Among the readers of Bebel’s Woman and Socialism was unjustly incarcerated. is conducting a separate criminal brought to justice. Frederick Engels, Karl Marx’s lifelong collaborator. On On January 12, Lt. Col. Paul investigation of Julian Assange and If Manning’s court martial is January 18, 1884, Engels thanked Bebel for sending him a Almanza, the investigating officer who WikiLeaks. prosecuted in the same fashion as the copy of the second edition, and indicated “it contains much presided over the Article 32 hearing, This means that Almanza’s boss is Article 32 hearing, in other words, as valuable material.” He promised to send Bebel in turn his made the formal recommendation that Barack Obama who has already said a show trial, it will be readily apparent forthcoming book, Origins of the Family, Private Property Manning face court martial on all 22 publicly that Manning is guilty, preju- that “military justice” is but a cruel and the State. There is little else mentioned, but Vogel offences for which he was originally dicing the case before it even began. oxymoron. suggests an “impression remains of a silent polemic between charged, including the most serious, But aside from “wearing two hats,” For full coverage of the hearing differing views.” Origins was certainly to make its mark as a and controversial, “aiding and abetting as Coombs put it, Almanza denied all and updates on the case, visit www. significant advance in both Marxism and the movements for the enemy.” but two of the defence team’s list of bradleymanning.org. women’s emancipation. 4 Socialist Worker February 2012 HOW DO WE FIGHT RACISM AND CAPITALISM? Ritch Whyman looks at the history of the Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement (D.R.U.M.) and the lessons that we can learn for fighting back today

ne of the most inspir- ational chapters in working-class history is the story of black Oworkers in Detroit in the 60s and 70s who challenged both their employers and weak- kneed union leaders in the auto industry. After the Second World War thousands of African-Americans from the South moved north look- ing for better paying and union- ized industrial jobs in Chicago, Detroit and other industrial cities. Many workers in the plants fought in the Second World War and in Vietnam–ostensibly for freedom and democracy—only to return home to racism and low-wage jobs. The Detroit rebellion and workplace organzing It was these factors that created the conditions for the great Detroit rebellion of July 1967. This saw running battles with the police and mass looting. The National Guard was called in, and along with the racist Detroit Police, launched a savage attack on the Black community. Members of the League of Revolutionary Black Workers A curfew was imposed, resulting in thousands of black workers un- able to get to their jobs. Hastily, Ford, GM and Chrysler got the key leader, General Baker. The League of a wildcat strike that showed that curfew lifted for those who worked The confidence shown by the Revolutionary Black the rebelliousness of campuses in the plants. The fact that the state wildcat spurred the group to Workers was spreading into the workplace was prepared to wave the curfew to launch a new organization and From a spontaneous upsurge of even more. keep production running showed newspaper—Dodge Revolutionary black workers, the need to form an Even after the League disbanded to many the importance of black Union Movement (DRUM)— organization to try to knit together after internal troubles, the work- labour in the auto industry. which began to organize black the various groups in a more co- sites where it had been strongest The rebellion produced a group workers to fight for their rights and ordinated fashion led to the creation continued to have a tradition of of black radical students looking assert their power in the workplace of the League of Revolutionary militancy. In 1973 workers both to connect with black activists in- and community. Black Workers (LRBW) in June white and black staged wildcat side the auto plants and a group of DRUM organized a march of 1969. strikes that had to withstand both radical workers from Chrysler—in over 300 workers and allies to the The League initiated fundraising the employer and organized goon particular the Dodge main plant Chrysler UAW office, to demand campaigns, book clubs to help pol- squads from the UAW trying to and the Hamtramck Assembly increased hiring into higher level itical education, rallies and demon- smash their picket lines. plant. jobs by Chrysler and for the UAW strations against attacks on workers They began to look at ways of to stand up for black workers. and became a political force in the Debates winning larger layers of black Unsatisfied with the union city. Unfortunately the League didn’t workers to revolutionary politics leadership’s response, DRUM While friendly with groups see the necessity of building a and to challenge the compla- called for a wildcat and picketing like the Black Panther Party, the revolutionary organization in the cency of the United Auto Workers of the main Chrysler plant by League argued that the strategy workplace of both black and white (UAW), which refused to system- black workers: almost 3,000 black of the Panthers in looking to the workers. This meant that once the atically fight for black workers’ workers struck. Mistakenly, in an “brother on the block” as central to League moved beyond the con- seniority rights, or to open up the attempt to show the power of black winning liberation was mistaken. fines of Chrysler—which had the leadership ranks to black workers. workers, DRUM didn’t encour- The League argued that it was the highest percentage of black work- They began to circulate a news- age white workers to join them. economic power of black workers ers, the RUMs ran into the prob- paper called Inner City Voice, Nonetheless the strike sent ripples that was the key for black libera- lem of not being able to relate to which carried articles opposing through Detroit. tion and the overthrow of capital- the majority of the workers. This the war and about conditions in The ruling class understood the ism as well. sometimes led to actions being the workplaces and community potent combination of the fight for The League also tried to raise called without support from larger struggles. black liberation being tied to the the political understanding of their numbers of workers, leading to the On top of the racism of the em- overall fight of workers, and was co-workers, linking the war in firing of key militants before build- ployers, were the increasingly hor- terrified that other workers would Vietnam and US imperialism to the ing a larger base. rible conditions inside the plants learn from this and spread the fights on the shop floor. The open- It was this political problem that raised the anger of black and strikes. The Wall Street Journal de- ing lines of the LRBW’s general which split he League, between white workers alike. On top of voted a major article to it in the im- statement and policy paper said: those looking for a way to deepen safety issues, layoffs and unjust mediate aftermath of the wildcats. “The League of Revolutionary the presence on the shop floor and terminations, the largest issue was DRUM and its leaders came to Black Workers is dedicated to those looking to forces outside of that of the speed-up. In the span of represent the anger and resentment waging a relentless struggle against the workplace. one week, Chrysler ramped pro- felt by thousands of black workers racism, capitalism and imperial- Despite not recognizing the ne- duction up from 43 vehicles an across the United States. DRUM ism. We are struggling for the lib- cessity of multi-racial organizing, hour to over 60. This speed-up and ‘The ruling class wasn’t just a reform caucus in the eration of black people in the con- the League’s focus on building re- the union’s refusal to fight it meant UAW, it was the spirit of the Detroit fines of the United States as well as sistance in the workplace is a vital that workers had to take the issue understood rebellion inside the workplace, and to play a major revolutionary role lesson for today. into their own hands. it inspired workers in other plants in the liberation of all oppressed Some on the left continue to the potent to set up RUMs. Ford workers people in the world.” argue that power lies in the “com- Wildcat strike and the set up FRUM, hospital workers The LRBW helped pave the way munity” and amongst the poorest birth of DRUM combination had HRUM, and workers at the for a strike wave that rocked the US sections of society. They argue In July 1968, 4,000 workers Eldon Avenue axle and gear plant in the late 60s and early 70s. Postal that workers are just one of many downed tools at the Chrysler as- of the fight for formed ELRUM, Cadillac workers workers, other Autoworkers in “groups” in society. The lessons of sembly plant, led by activists from CADRUM, Jefferson Assembly California, and New Jersey truck- the League show that if you really the group around the Inner City black liberation Plant JARUM and so on. ers all struck. New workplaces also want to challenge the system then Voice. The employer responded These organizations attracted revolted: GM’s new model plant in building a revolutionary organiza- by firing militants and activists, being tied to the support from activists and even had Lordstown, Ohio, built away from tion in the workplace is the most especially targeting those around a movie made about them: Finally the cities and employing mainly radical thing one can do to threaten the Inner City Voice—including a fight of workers’ Got the News. young white workers, went out on the 1%.

February 2012 Socialist Worker 5 First Nations unite against the pipeline

ON DECEMBER 3, the front page of the have been added to others speaking out depend on these lands and waters and we bring oil spills to our coast and to our inland Vancouver Sun carried a banner headline: against the pipeline. Here are some of those will not put the safety and well being of our salmon rivers. The fish, the animals, and “Gitxsan supports Enbridge pipeline: voices: territories in their hands.” our way of life will all be destroyed – likely First nation to generate $7 million as Carrier Sekani Vice Tribal Chief, Terry Kitimaat Village Chief, Dolores Pollard: forever. We are here today to tell Enbridge equity partner.” By December 4, what Teegee: “We’ve told the government and “We have fought for untold generations we will never allow this to occur.” TAR SANDS was meant to be a major publicity coup Enbridge that Dakelh people do not want to protect our lands, waters and resources. First Nations throughout BC have for Enbridge and the Northern Gateway their dirty oil going through our territories. We have a sacred bond with the land that signed on to the Fraser Declaration, flatly pipeline was turning into a p.r. disaster. The world knows that Canada is a climate demands that we be unrelenting in this opposing the Enbridge pipeline. When The article claimed the “agreement” criminal for allowing tar sands development protection. Let us be clear: we will not pipeline hearings moved to Edmonton, First signed by First Nations employees was to occur and yet they continue to allow it.” allow any project, including Enbridge’s Nations leaders from Alberta and Northwest decided upon in consultation with Gitxsan Gitga’at Hereditary Chief, Ernie Hill Jr.: Northern Gateway project, to proceed if it Territories added their signatures to the CAPITALIST DISASTER hereditary chiefs. It wasn’t true. “Even with sophisticated safety precautions, will illegally infringe our constitutionally document. Within hours of the news the Gitxsan shipping accidents still occur. Mechanical protected rights. We will take every neces- “If Enbridge tries to disobey our laws, we John Bell takes a look at Canada’s ecological nightmare, among the greatest threats to the climate, and the epitome Treaty Society office was barraged by angry failure or human error, the outcomes are the sary step, including resorting to the Courts, will use every means available to us under messages and protests. The people who had same for our culture and our territory. The to continue the protection of our people and indigenous, Canadian and international law of capitalism’s addiction to oil and profit signed the deal were thrown out and the oil spills over our elders, our children, our our rights.” to enforce our decision,” said Chief Jackie offices were boarded up and blockaded. spirit bears and killer whales.” Nadleh Whut’en Chief, Larry Nooski: Thomas of the Saik’uz First Nation, a he tar sands are the second streams to the BC port of Kitimat. The Just days later, hereditary chief Norman Gitga’at Band Councillor, Cameron Hill: “We have provided independent non- member of the Yinka Dene Alliance. largest oil deposit in the world, Kinder-Morgan TMX Trans-Mountain Stephens told the press: “We should be “These incidents confirm to us the risks are biased information to our members and The role of First Nations in stopping and the largest human-made Pipeline currently carries 300,000 bar- clear that the Gitxsan do not want the pipe- more than just about oil spills. Our people neighbours, and we have heard loud and Harper and the Northern Gateway must be a project on the planet, the size rels/day over the Rocky Mountains to line, at any cost. There are not communities and territory would be severely impacted clear that we cannot risk the health of our central and leading one. Tof England. Extracting the tar Vancouver, and proposes an expansion behind it.” just by those oil-tankers passing through. land and future generations for short-term The land through which the pipe would sands requires churning up the earth to 700,000 barrels/day. “We stand together with all the other There is nothing but risk in this whole financial gain.” be laid is unceded First Nations territory. (resulting in massive deforestation of Spills are inevitable. Between 1999 nations that are opposing [the Gateway pro- process for the Gitga’at people. There are Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief, None of these Nations has signed away the Boreal forest), and huge amounts of and 2008 Enbridge recorded 610 spills ject],” Gitxsan Chief Clifford Morgan told no benefits. I have not heard one.” Alphonse Gagnon: “Our title and rights to control of its land. steam (which wastes four barrels of wa- that released 132,000 barrels of hydro- the press in January. “There would be too President of the Haida Nation, Guujaaw: our traditional territories have never been It is up the rest of us to do all we can to ter for every barrel of oil). The extracted carbons into farms, wetlands and water- much destruction if an oil spill happened.” “The tycoons expect to further spread the relinquished. We will do whatever it takes empower First Nations and support both mixture of sand, clay and bitumen then ways on the continent. In the last two The deal has been officially ripped up. tar sands poison, putting their lavish desires to defend our lands and waters against this their opposition to the pipeline and their needs to be processed into synthetic years it has suffered three major leaks: The real voices of the Gitxsan people before our lifestyles and our culture. We threat from Enbridge… Enbridge’s plan will sovereignty in their own land. crude, a process that burns billions of in Illinois, in NWT and most famously cubic feet of natural gas (creating huge in Michigan, where the Kalamazoo carbon emissions), and produces mas- River was fouled by thousands of bar- sive amounts of toxic tailing ponds rels of leaking oil. On January 24, (which poison the nearby Athabasca during the current public hearings on The petroligarchy: the real enemies of the people River, leading to an epidemic of diseas- Enbridge, Kinder-Morgan confirmed a es in nearby indigenous communities). spill in Abbotsford, BC. The oil is then pumped via pipelines When the oil arrives in Texas or THERE IS a revolving door between Stephen Productions, which creates and hosts websites that sprawl like a three-headed monster, BC it will then be put into massive Harper’s government and the oil industry. for a who’s who of Tory politicians and tar sands threatening to cause toxic oil across the oil tankers that threaten to poison the Today an advisor to a Tory cabinet minister, insiders. Check out Desmogblog.com for more continent. The Keystone XL Pipeline oceans with spills. Finally, oil will be tomorrow a lobbyist for the tar sands. details. proposes a 700,000-barrel/day expan- consumed, leading to massive carbon Investigator Emma Pullman, writing for the And let’s not forget Bruce Carson. He is the sion through indigenous communities emissions. One of the largest consum- website Desmoblog.com, has done great work now-disgraced former senior advisor to Stephen and sensitive aquifers to Texas. The ers of oil is the military, which it uses charting the connections between Harper’s inner Harper, who was caught lobbying for government Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline to launch more wars to guarantee access circle, oil industry corporate offices, supposedly money for his 22-year-old girlfriend. proposes a 700,000-barrel/day pipeline to remaining oil—from Afghanistan and “grassroots” organizations like EthicalOil.org, Before that scandal, Carson left Harper’s em- through indigenous territory, forests and Iraq, to Libya and threats against Iran. and the Quebecor media empire that runs Sun TV. ploy to start up the Canada School of Energy EthicalOil was founded by right-wing shill and the Environment, a tar sands-friendly “think Ezra Levant. On the board with Levant is promi- tank.” His work is financed by tax dollars. nent Calgary oil industry lawyer Thomas Ross. The oily connections don’t just show up in The current spokesperson is Kathryn Marshall. Harper’s office. BC Premier Christy Clark re- Harper’s enemies list She recently replaced Alykhan Velshi. Velshi had cently hired a new advisor, Ken Boessenkool. been chief assistant to Deputy Prime Minister Boessenkool has served as advisor to Preston Jason Kenney before a series of gaffes prompted Manning, Stockwell Day and Stephen Harper. IN THE months leading up to the public “Canadians should be concernead when a growth.” want to have a public discussion on the in- him to go work for Levant. Velshi left EthicalOil He was a key Harper strategist during the recent hearings into the Northern Gateway supposedly arms-length agency that is sup- Oliver slammed the very review process dustry’s disastrous safety record, or the toxic to work in the PMO as Harper’s director of election campaign. pipeline plan, Stephen Harper’s Tories posed to regulate the oil industry, including where the voice of Canadians can be heard: effects that spills from a 1,170-km tar sands planning. In between partisan government gigs, have gone all out to vilify and slander conducting hearings on the Enbridge’s pro- “These groups threaten to hijack our regula- pipeline would have on Indigenous rights, the I invite you to see Kathryn Marshall’s pa- Boessenkool paid the bills as an Ottawa lob- any voices opposing their vision of the posed new tar sands pipeline across British tory system to achieve their radical ideologic- Rocky Mountains, the BC coast, or the more thetic attempt to defend the oil industry’s line on byist for–among other energy industry clients– Canadian petro-state. Columbia, is listed as an ‘ally’ in a political al agenda. They seek to exploit any loophole than 1,000 rivers and streams this pipeline YouTube (bit.ly/OilSlick ) Enbridge Pipelines. That includes spending a fortune of our tax strategy to lower environmental standards in they can find, stacking public hearings with would cross,” Marshall is the partner of Hamish Marshall. He His role advising BC’s premier comes at a cru- money lobbying to prevent Europe from en- other nations,” said Greenpeace energy cam- bodies to ensure that delays kill good pro- It has also been reported that the Canadian has been a Harper supporter since the Alliance cial moment, as the Northern Gateway hearings acting legislation blocking Canada’s dirty oil paigner Keith Stewart. jects. They use funding from foreign special government directs our tax dollars to spy on days, and has served several stints advising make headlines across the province. because of the extreme environmental dam- Keith would say that. He and his organiza- interest groups to undermine Canada’s na- First Nations groups and activists, and on Harper’s inner circle for the past decade. Christy Clark has stated she is “neutral” on the age associated with its production. tion are on the enemies list, along with First tional economic interest.” environmental organizations. People like Hamish Marshall owns Go NewClear pipeline project. The Climate Action Network file a free- Nations. Gerald Amos, of the Haisla First Nation Gerald Amos and Mike Hudema are por- dom of information request and found a Harper and Natural Resources Minister Joe responded brilliantly in the Terrace Daily: trayed as terrorists. government/oil industry strategy paper de- Oliver have done all they can to portray op- “We are not opposed to development. But It isn’t our fault that the vast majority of Harper in Davos: profits trump democracy signed to direct that lobbying. The heavily ponents of the pipeline, and of the tar sands, we are opposed to stupidity and placing our people speaking out are adamant in oppos- censored document lists Tory “allies” and as traitors out to wreck the entire economy. homelands at terrible risk in order to satisfy ition to the Northern Gateway. No wonder STEPHEN HARPER traveled to Davos, intended to undermine the public hearing process “adversaries.” In an “open letter” carried everywhere by the insatiable greed of the international oil in- Harper and Oliver have to stoop so low to Switzerland to reveal his intentions for the itself. Allies include oil industry corpora- media, Oliver wrote: “Unfortunately, there dustry. We do not accept the Prime Minister’s discredit the process. Northern Gateway pipeline from Alberta’s Some 4,300 groups and individuals regis- tions and their umbrella organizations like are environmental and other radical groups claim that this project is in Canada’s national Is Harper preparing the ground to sweep Tar Sands to BC’s deepwater ports. tered to speak at the hearings. A few will speak the Canadian Association of Petroleum that would seek to block this opportunity interest, and it is certainly not nation build- aside the democratic regulatory process to Speaking to his real constituency–the in favour of the project, but Harper knows the Producers. Shell and BP are singled out for to diversify our trade. Their goal is to stop ing, but rather, planet destroying.” build his pipe? Perhaps his trip to Davos, the billionaires and bankers who epitomize the majority of voices will be loudly opposed to the their enthusiasm. No surprise there. But also any major project no matter what the cost to Greenpeace campaigner Mike Hudema annual gathering of billionaires, bankers and 1 %–he all but declared that he would ignore pipeline. included is the National Energy Board. Canadian families in lost jobs and economic also put it clearly: “This government doesn’t their political figureheads, holds the clue. the outcome of the ongoing hearings into In his Davos speech, and other comments, the pipeline project. Harper has prepared the ground to sweep away Here’s what he had to say: the entire hearing process, just as he shut down “[W]e will make it a national priority to ensure Parliament when it looked like his agenda might ‘Radical’ environmental we have the capacity to export our energy prod- stall. ucts beyond the United States, and specifically His government has a long and growing record to Asia. of ignoring the law and democratic bodies. He groups see surge in support “In this regard, we will soon take action to en- prorogued Parliament twice. When an immigra- sure that major energy and mining projects are tion judge found that the mass detention of Sri not subject to unnecessary regulatory delays–that Lankan refugees was illegal, Harpers’s right- ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS and NGOs can thank Stephen Harper is, delay merely for the sake of delay.” hand man, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, and his henchman Joe Oliver for a sudden surge of financial Harper also blamed the ongoing economic simply ignored the ruling. support and activism. crisis on “too much general willingness to have When a Saskatchewan judge ruled that the Oliver tried to slander such groups as dangerous “radicals” and as standards and benefits beyond our ability, or even Tory plan to scrap the Wheat Board contrary to being puppets in the employ of shadowy foreign organizations. willingness, to pay for them.” the wishes of the majority of its members was Harper called them “enemies of Canada”. Environmental standards are no doubt among illegal, Harper and his gang simply stated they The Dogwood Initiative is a BC-based group that has been leading those the Tories no longer wish to fund–wit- would change the laws to suit themselves. opposition to the supertanker traffic along BC’s coast that would accom- ness the crippling staff and budget cuts to the The fight against the Northern Gateway pipe- pany the pipeline. Spokesperson Emma Gilchrist told Huffington Post, Environment Ministry, even as climate change line is about more than one badly conceived in- “We’ve seen an unprecedented surge of support. We’ve got cheques that becomes an increasingly destructive reality. frastructure project. It has exposed Harper’s real say, in the memo section, ‘Thanks to Joe Oliver.’” Harper, his government, and his friends in vision for Canada: to put all his economic eggs in She reported receiving $12,000 in unsolicited donations and nearly the oil industry have been waging a propaganda the basket of raw resource extraction. Thanks to 25,000 new signatures on its anti-tanker petition–more than it got all war around the ongoing public hearings into the trade deals and monetary policies, the manufac- of last year. Northern Gateway. turing sector is crumbling and losing good jobs Dogwood also increased Traffic to its Facebook site by 10,000 per Specifically, they have been trying to delegiti- at a record pace. cent. mize the participation of environmental groups Harper is on record describing Canada’s future The Sierra Club, ForestEthics, the Suzuki Foundation, the Pembina and activists, portraying them as “puppets” of as the “Saudi Arabia of the 21st century.” The Institute, the West Coast Environmental Law group and others report foreign interests or as dangerous, almost trea- intimate connections between his government similar surges in fundraising and information sharing. sonous radicals. and the oil industry define our new ruling elite: Thanks Harper and Oliver. You can’t buy advertising like that. But more importantly, their efforts have been a petroligarchy.

6 Socialist Worker February 2012 February 2012 Socialist Worker 7 OPINION

SOLIDARITY The dead end of Canadian nationalism FROM CLIMATE justice to good jobs, movements need to avoid the dead end of Canadian nationalism, which blames economic and ecological problems on Americans. The results are xenophobic slogans distracting from Canada’s 1% and ignoring indigenous sovereignty. There is a long history of Canadian nationalism on the left, which incorrectly sees Canada as an oppressed colony of the US. This perspective ignores Canada’s colonial history, its oppression of Quebec, and its role internationally as a leading imperialist nation. Left nationalism applied to the tar sands presents it as a problem of “foreign-owned oil companies” taking Canadian resources. These xenophobic statements play into common racist rhetoric against immigrants and refugees, and ignore that “our land” is in fact indigenous land. Seeing “foreign- owned companies” as the problem can lead to the conclusion that the tar sands are fine as long as they are confined to local production, which ignores the catastrophic impact on indigenous communities and the global climate. Left nationalism in the labour movement frames the Caterpillar lockout of London workers as a “foreign corporation destroying Canadian jobs,” and claims the Rio Tinto lockout of Alma workers represents “foreign corporations invading our country.” But claiming that austerity is the result of companies being foreign-owned mischaracterizes corporations and Caterpillar worker speaks out ignores their dependence on the state. Canadian companies are just as greedy, and have a long history of demanding concessions. American companies could not get away with their austerity plans without Canada’s 1%—which provides against lockout corporate tax breaks, legal injunctions against pickets, and a police force to enforce them. Stephen Harper gave tax breaks to Caterpillar and gave the go-ahead to corporate takeovers in London and AS THE New Year began in London, be a giant hole in the community members around the province and Alma. Rio Tinto can only operate with government-owned Ontario, families across the city if this company moves the work citizens of the community. Every day hydroelectric plants, and their board of governors includes saw their worst fears become from London to another community. there are more supporters showing the Canadian president of McGill University. reality. In a community already Electro-Motive employees not only up. Not only the general public but But McGill workers represented by MUNACA sent reeling from several large plant provide a big tax base for the com- with business owners as well... TSC solidarity messages to Alma workers, and American workers closings, and with the second munity, but they also provide huge stores in London have removed all joined London workers against Caterpillar. The Occupy highest unemployment rate in support to charitable organizations. Caterpillar brand products from their movement has been an important challenge to nationalism, Canada, the Caterpillar lockout is a “In addition, losing approximately store shelves... People can continue to and now there is a greater understanding that ecological significant blow. seven hundred employees (includ- support the strike by boycotting CAT destruction and austerity are the result of the global 1%. The There have been many articles ing both salary and union workers) products and urging the government solution is resistance and solidarity amongst the 99%. about the corporate greed that this removes a lot of well paid families to get involved. lockout represents, but it’s also impor- with disposable income to support “This may have started out as a tant to keep in mind the impact the other businesses.” lockout of over 450 employees at one lockout has on the workers them- company, but you can be sure that TACTICS selves. Here is one perspective. Solidarity many large and small companies are Like many, she honestly believed When asked how she feels about watching closely and waiting for the that the company would negotiate in workers in Indiana (where Caterpillar outcome. If this company is success- Working-class organizing good faith, and that the concessions is sending the jobs), she had this ful with this kind of slaughter, many requested in the final offer would to say: “Muncie, Indiana has an other companies will attempt the same be respectful of workers and their extremely high unemployment rate thing to fatten their bottom line and FROM THE Occupy movement, to anti-cuts organizing, families. Instead, Caterpillar put (I believe about the same as London) leave more money for the CEOs’ bank to picket line support, there are recurring debates about forward a devastating contract that and for any community to refuse accounts... how to harness the power of workers in the fight against the workers would never be able to jobs would be foolish. I think that “The simple truth is [they are austerity. accept. It wasn’t their choice not to be on moral grounds it feels wrong for trying] to make more money for their Some dismiss the ability or willingness of workers to working. They were willing to work Muncie to feel happy about taking stock holders and the corporate CEOs. resist, sometimes with reference to the trade union leader- while negotiations continued, but the jobs at the expense of another com- So far they haven’t gotten away with ship that is often hesitant to lead struggles. In the lead-up company chose to lock them out. munity because they have dealt with anything but people need to feed their to the January 17 anti-cuts demo in Toronto, some activists this very issue first-hand... families and will have to move on.” on the left used their criticism of the labour leadership as Impact “Unfortunately, the employees at an excuse to bypass the membership, counter-posing the The impact on families has been even the Muncie plant are severely under- ‘Don’t give up’ defence of public services with those who provide them, more devastating. “My husband was paid, in my opinion. To keep skilled On a final note, she offers us this and substituting small “radical” actions by a minority for a welder and union member who workers you have to have some good warning: “More and more families mass organizing among working-class people. But it was was locked out and I was a contract pay incentives... If all the locomo- will be pushed to have incomes below mass organizing over the last year that changed people’s salary employee in the engineering tive plants under the Caterpillar the poverty line, and generations to consciousness against Ford, and forced city councillors to department. On New Year’s Eve, my umbrella were to stand together, they come will have to fight for a better vote against Ford. supervisor called me to tell me my would have a much better chance of life that our predecessors have already Others recognize the need for economic resistance to fight contract was being cancelled due to success.” fought and won for us. We shouldn’t back against the 1%, but impatiently substitute themselves the fact that they didn’t see a quick The struggle has been enough for give up without a fight. Any working for workers’ self-activity. During the Occupy movement resolution to the labour dispute. them to decide to move to Alberta citizen needs to wake up and pay in Vancouver, some activists tried to shut down the ports “Locked out workers are not eli- for the sake of their family. “Ontario attention because it won’t stop here.” on behalf of the workers, which allowed the trade union gible for employment insurance. I am just doesn’t have a whole lot to offer The January 21 labour-led solidar- bureaucracy to distance itself from the movement and limit eligible but it is still being processed workers, or to allow their children to ity action was an important step in the potential of workplace occupations. and I have heard the wait times are have a secure future when they enter building a broader struggle that unites Some have drawn the conclusion that the trade union quite lengthy at the moment. We are the workforce. We certainly don’t workers and their communities. bureaucracy is the only impediment stopping spontaneous quickly going through our savings. expect riches but would like to retire and that can help defend Caterpillar radical actions by the rank and file. The flip side of dismiss- Our family still needs to eat and our some day.” She knows other families workers in the short term, and resist ing workers as inherently passive is to see rank-and-file mortgage and vehicle payment still are considering similar options. more effectively the neoliberal agenda workers as inherently radical, being held back only by a need to be made. Worrying about in the long term.Everyone needs to monolithic trade union bureaucracy. money is a stressful event on its own, Hope support Caterpillar workers, since a For socialists, the self-activity of rank-and-file workers never mind coupled with two income Despite this decision, she still has victory for them will mean a victory is the key to change, because of their strategic location in losses.” hope for the lockout. “There was a for workers everywhere, and will the economy: when they go on strike, the profits of the 1% She is also concerned about what lot of positive energy [at the rally] help add momentum to the ongoing come to a halt. The trade union bureaucracy, by virtue of its will happen to her community if on January 21. It was nice to see struggle against austerity. position of arbitrator between workers and bosses, vacillates the plant should close. “There will and feel the support from union -Melissa Graham between concessions and the need to reflect its members’ demands. There can be splits between a right-wing and a left-wing trade union leader, which opens up room for rank-and-file militancy—like the fight to elect the Unity Team at the Socialist Worker Subscription Drive recent convention of the Ontario Federation of Labour and the labour-led mobilization to London. But this will not Help us spread socialist politics and unite the resistance. Get every issue of Socialist Worker newspaper guarantee immediate radical action. Consciousness changes delivered to your door or workplace for $25. The paper makes a great gift for friends or family who want to through the process of struggle, when workers gain the know more about the Occupy movement, the Arab Spring, the global economic crisis, or how to build a better confidence and experience to make bold collective action. world. It’s also a great gift for the seasoned activist interested in all the fight-backs that don’t get covered by Real radical action is when masses of ordinary people the mainstream press. For more info visit www.socialistworkercanada.com/subscribe enter into activity, changing the world and themselves in the process. There are no shortcuts or substitutes to building rank-and-file activity. 8 Socialist Worker February 2012 LEFT JAB REVIEWS John Bell Time to put aside infantile things

SOME PEOPLE don’t know a bon seems solely on the radar good thing when they see it. superficially, maybe as a way In January, Barack Obama to sell more books? One has to declared that, for the present wonder.” time, the Keystone Pipeline You are welcome to read would not receive federal ap- Leonardi’s whole silly screed proval. The Keystone pro- if you wish, but I think I have ject was led by TransCanada conveyed its essence. If it were Pipeline, and would have an isolated argument I would pumped Alberta Tar Sands syn- shrug it off. But it is emblematic crude to refineries in Texas. of a recurring political approach Just a few months ago it that has weakened our move- looked like the Keystone ap- ments for far too long. In fact, a proval was a fait accompli. The fellow named Lenin once wrote US State Department under a pamphlet eviscerating it, aptly Hillary Clinton favoured the titled “Left Wing” Communism: project. A lead lobbyist for An Infantile Disorder. the deal was a former Clinton What are the symptoms of staffer. A half-assed State this disorder? To name but a Department environmental as- few: a “more-radical-than-thou” sessment gave the project the elitism, an inability to think tac- thumbs up. tically, and a confusion about But tens of thousands of reforms and reformists. people mobilized to stop the How do we transform Keystone. A coalition of en- society? vironmentalists, First Nations Here’s the thing Leonardi (a disproportionate percentage and I agree on: we need to mas- of the Keystone route passed sively transform ours society. FILM through US Reserves) and But how do we do it? western ranchers (concerned about damage to the Ogallala Tactics Aquifer) mobilized protests We must build campaigns locally and in Washington, DC. that can pull masses of people Iron Lady falls flat In late summer, thousands into action, around clearly fo- converged on the White House, cused demands or reforms, to take part in illegal sit-ins. and through the process of Hundreds were arrested, in- struggle expect that many of cluding author and 350.org or- those people will become truly The Iron Lady Unfortunately, if the movie hoped ated by her desire to prove something ganizer Bill McKibben, Naomi radicalized. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd to be thought-provoking in any way, it to the boys, and to have been based Klein and actor Daryl Hannah. Such campaigns require Reviewed by Jessica Squires fails so dismally as a political picture on a less-than-competent approach to It was the biggest mass civil working with people who are as to make one wonder if any thought foreign policy. Thatcher was at least a disobedience action since the to our “right.” The campaign to FROM 1979 to 1990, Margaret went into it at all. To be sure, it is an bit more cunning than that. 1960s. stop the Keystone involved not Thatcher ruled Britain, and is acting tour-de-force for Streep. The In one pivotal scene, Thatcher ex- In November, thousands of only Obama supporters from now a member of the House most convincing moments of the film presses her disdain for those in life protestors returned to surround the Democratic Party, but even of Lords. During her regime as are those in which Streep portrays motivated by “feelings,” saying she the White House, to keep up the some Republicans. Sometimes leader of the British Conservative Thatcher in the near-present-day, as cares about “Thoughts and ideas. That pressure. Despite millions spent it is right to make such com- Party, she waged a war for the a recluse who teeters on the brink of interests me. Ask me what I’m think- on oil industry propaganda, the promises and alliances, some- tiny Falklands—against the dementia. Here, Streep’s Thatcher ing.” Unfortunately, by showcasing protests drew broad support times it isn’t–the art of politics Argentine military—and bombed can even make us sympathetic to her this moment, and by one-dimensional- and cut deep into Obama’s lies in being able to assess the Libya; opposed the anti-apartheid humanity. ly treating its subject, we are left with constituency. next step forward and how to sanctions on South Africa and But the film’s overreliance on a the impression that thoughts and ideas So in January, after months bring as many people along paved the way for decades of conventional device of flashbacks had nothing to do with Thatcher’s real- of hemming and hawing, with you as you can. neoliberal domestic economic and is its Achilles’ heel. Everything we life motivations. We are led to believe Obama placated that constitu- Socialists active in the social policies. In many ways, she see—riots against the flat tax proposal, that, like any stereotypical woman, ency by sticking a cork–if only Keystone fight would have paved the way for the descent strikes, speeches, political rallies, pro- she was motivated by irrationality temporarily–into the Keystone found an audience for argu- of Labour into third-way politics testers banging on Thatcher’s car win- and emotion, and that her success was pipeline. This is a good thing. ments about why the pipeline under Prime Minister Tony Blair. dows—is from her perspective. The mere coincidence. is just a first step; about climate Love her or hate her—and support- film ends by merely depicting events, That’s why claims by the film- Who’s the real change; about the dangers of ers of social justice and civil liber- refraining from providing enough con- maker (Phyllida Lloyd, who also dupe? nuclear energy; about the exist- ties likely fall on the latter end of the text for the viewer. Why did workers directed Streep in Mamma Mia) that But not good enough for ence of safe energy alternatives; spectrum—Thatcher is a formidable vote for Thatcher in 1979? How did she purposely avoided politics, and some observers. Writing on and about a continued depend- historical figure. She presided over the she hold onto power for so long? was trying to focus on a gender-based the Counterpunch website, ence on fossil fuels serves only most significant attack the UK work- These depictions are so one- examination of experiences of power Michael Leonardi begins his to profit a tiny minority. ing class has ever seen. dimensional, the movie leaves one and powerlessness, are, in the end, article entitled “The Great I’ll bet Leonardi missed that So you’d expect a movie about her with the impression that Thatcher’s pitiable. Pipeline Scam” thus: “In an- chance, standing aside from a life to reflect that imposing silhouette, success was almost accidental. For in- Streep’s performance is worth the other ridiculous moment of struggle that did not come fully especially when the acting talent of stance, her decision to wage war in the price of admission, but you might political trickery, Obama man- formed to meet his lofty radical Meryl Streep is in the mix. Falklands appears to have been motiv- want to wait for the video. aged to dupe a major chunk of standards. His sneering, elitist the American environmental references to the “dupes” who BOOK movement yesterday by refus- built the campaign say it all. ing to authorize the construc- He thinks those in the trench- tion of the Keystone Pipeline es who built this massive cam- now.” paign are Obama’s lapdogs. I’ll Liberal warmonger is not the Not only is the Keystone de- bet more of them have come to cision not a victory, it is nothing see Obama’s decision as an act more than “a complete farce to of opportunism and political manipulate voters.” The thou- necessity rather than an act of lesser evil, just the other evil sands who mobilized around principle or courage. the Keystone are “gullible Obama’s decision is the dupes.” movement’s victory. That Building a focused cam- movement is right to celebrate Michael Ignatieff: The lesser an analysis of Canadian liberalism; environmental activist are obvious in paign to stop the Keystone it. And it will be better organ- Evil? however it pointedly draws on both. his writing. was a waste of time, Leonardi ized and prepared to fight Written by Derrick O’Keefe With the attack advertisements about Most of the criticism of Ignatieff’s argues, because the Tar Sands the next round, whether that Reviewed by Ian Beeching Ignatieff’s long absence from Canada political positions as leader of the is expanding output anyway, be against a Republican or fresh in the readers’ mind, O’Keefe Liberal Party focus on his taste for and its toxic products are being Democratic figurehead. DERRICK O’KEEFE’S new book explores the former leader’s political warmongering and supporting the Tar refined elsewhere. The next crucial fight for en- Michael Ignatieff: The lesser evolution while abroad. From his dab- Sands. The author appropriately high- Special attack is aimed vironmentalists on both sides evil? sheds light on the ill-fated bles with social democracy through to lights Ignatieff’s defining policies, es- at Bill McKibben. He is of the border–whether Stephen political life of the Liberal leader self-proclaimed advocate of American pecially in respect to his unwavering Obama’s “good little foot Harper likes it or not–is to responsible for bringing Canada’s empire, we are shown the blue blood of support of the Harper government’s soldier,” nothing but a front build the campaign against the longest ruling party of the elite this descendant of Russian aristocrats. war efforts. After reading this book, the for the Rockefellers and the Northern Gateway pipe. In that to its knees. In this witty and Ignatieff was seen as a trail-blazer average reader would hardly be able to Democratic Party machine: “It campaign there will be allies controversial read O’Keefe holds when he defined Israel as apartheid, differentiate Harper from Ignatieff, but was all set up to pull in the most motivated by the belief that no punches. With a plethora of but his dishonesty is brought to light for the latter’s historic failure. gullible of the Big environment- we should stop the pipeline in contradictory and morally dubious in his about-face when he referred to At times O’Keefe takes cheap shots al groups under one big tent of order to keep refinery jobs in material to draw from, one almost supporters of the same analogy as anti- at Ignatieff by highlighting his poor blinded voters.” Canada. Should I stand aloof feels pity for the former Liberal Semites. Ignatieff attempts to apolo- knowledge of hockey and his analogy The fact that McKibben and from the fight because its focus leader. All feelings of sympathy are gize for his position on the Iraq War of NASCAR as an “American” sport. the protests he spearheaded is too narrow, or because some soon washed away when we are in what O’Keefe describes as a “self The author makes no attempt to try to focused on the Keystone pro- allies put forward arguments I reminded of Ignatieff’s prominent serving misdirection,” full of name- explain the dramatic shift in Canadian ject is proof of their collusion. disagree with? role in intellectualizing the dropping and “passing the buck” when politics that lead to Ignatieff’s embar- “The very real dangers of our Bill McKibben is coming to murderous drive to war that has compared to the former leader’s mul- rassing defeat, but instead he gives us decrepit and crumbling nuclear Canada to speak out against the defined the last decade. tiple flip flops on the Palestine-Israel a glimpse at the best and brightest of power industry aren’t on Bill Northern Gateway. He will be a This delightful read is short and to conflict. bourgeois leadership in an era of cap- Mckibben’s (sic) radar screen welcome ally. I suspect Michael the point. It is neither a biography nor O’Keefe’s roots as an antiwar and italist crisis and decay. it seems and just as with his Leonardi won’t be coming, and buddy Al Gore, the issue of car- that too is welcome. February 2012 Socialist Worker 9 international WHERE WE STAND socialist events The dead-end of capitalism The capitalist system is based on violence, TORONTO oppression and brutal exploitation. It creates #Occupy. Strike. Resist hunger beside plenty. It kills the earth itself How do we beat the 1%? with pollution and unsustainable extraction One-day conference of natural resources. Capitalism leads to Sat, Feb 4, 11:30am- imperialism and war. Saving ourselves and the 5:30pm planet depends on finding an alternative. Galbraith building, 35 St George St Socialism and workers’ power Info: occupystrikeresist. Any alternative to capitalism must involve com replacing the system from the bottom up through radical collective action. Central to Black liberation and that struggle is the workplace, where capital- socialism ism reaps its profits off our backs. Wed, Feb 8, 6pm Capitalist monopolies control the earth’s 311C Student Centre, York resources, but workers everywhere actually University create the wealth. A new socialist society can Info: yorkusocialists@ only be constructed when workers collect- gmail.com ively seize control of that wealth and plan its production and distribution to satisfy human Bayard Rustin and the needs, not corporate profits—to respect the hidden history of the environment, not pollute and destroy it. Civil Rights Movement Wed, Feb 8, 5pm Reform and revolution Bahen Centre, 40 St Every day, there are battles between exploited George St and exploiter, oppressor and oppressed, to Info: international.social- reform the system—to improve living condi- [email protected] tions. These struggles are crucial in the fight for a new world. To further these struggles, ‘What do we mean by we work within the trade unions and orient dictatorship of the prole- Why language matters tariat?’ Reading circle to building a rank and file movement that strengthens workers’ unity and solidarity. Fri, Feb 10, 6:30pm But the fight for reforms will not, in itself, For location and readings: bring about fundamental social change. The occupystrikeresist@gmail. present system cannot be fixed or reformed by JESSICA SQUIRES com groups complain of the burden of “the language of Government and as NDP and many trade union leaders say. It RECENTLY THE Public Service has to be overthrown. That will require the bilingualism, this is often the source the Law, as well as the normal and The Women of Brukman mass action of workers themselves. Alliance of Canada (PSAC) of the complaining. everyday language of work, instruc- Dinner and film denounced the continued But Trudeau was not acting out tion, communication, commerce and Sun, Feb 12, 5:30pm Elections and democracy downsizing of federal government of idealistic or pro-worker motives. business.” USW Hall, 25 Cecil st Elections can be an opportunity to give voice language training programs. Social movements were on the rise, The basis for this conflict is the $7-12 suggested donation to the struggle for social change. But under Forcing departments and public Info: occupystrikeresist@ and a struggle for independence in abstract symmetry established gmail.com capitalism, they can’t change the system. The servants to use private language Quebec had not only taken deep in official bilingualism between structures of the present parliament, army, po- schools will make language roots but was enjoying support from the English-speaking minority in lice and judiciary developed under capitalism The Take training more expensive while movements in the rest of Canada. Quebec and the French-speaking Film and discussion and are designed to protect the ruling class reducing its quality; but this is against the workers. These structures cannot Trudeau feared this new situation, minorities elsewhere. In fact, while Wed, Feb 15, 6pm be simply taken over and used by the working only the tip of the iceberg. and was looking for any way to Francophones outside Quebec have 311C Student Centre, York class. The working class needs real democ- To really understand language in neutralize it. Official bilingualism been marginalized and experience University racy, and that requires an entirely different Canada, and the importance of was a genius move: it quieted most rapid assimilation, anglophone Info: yorkusocialists@ kind of state—a workers’ state based upon language in Quebec as well, we of the more moderate supporters Quebeckers are a thriving com- gmail.com councils of workers’ delegates. need to understand where official of Quebec self-determination in munity, with universities, hospitals bilingualism came from. Black liberation and the rest of Canada, and reduced and many other institutions, always socialism Internationalism Quebec’s complaints to a mere ques- able to attract newcomers in large The struggle for socialism is part of a world- The roots of Quebec Wed, Feb 15, 5pm wide struggle. We campaign for solidarity tion of language. Official languages numbers. Bahen Centre, 40 St with workers in other countries. We oppose oppression policy was part of an attempt to win After the repatriation of the George st everything which turns workers from one For centuries, the mostly French- consent, in a Gramscian sense, from Canadian Constitution in 1982, Info: international.social- country against those from other countries. speaking population of Quebec a significant majority of people in which was itself done in a manner [email protected] We support all genuine national liberation was a pool of cheap labour, its order to hobble the nascent separa- designed to control Quebec, further movements. domestic ruling class consisting of tist movement in Quebec. erosion of Bill 101 came through Che Guevera: The man The 1917 revolution in Russia was an clergy and landlords acting as toady The other part of Trudeau’s legacy the Supreme Court of Canada. behind the image inspiration for the oppressed everywhere. But Wed, Feb 29, 6pm go-betweens for big capitalism. for Quebec was the War Measures Successive rulings eroded Bill 307 Student Centre, York it was defeated when workers’ revolutions While much (although not all) of Act. The coercion flip-side of the 101’s ability to protect French as elsewhere were defeated. A Stalinist counter- University revolution which killed millions created a new this economic repression has been consent coin, Trudeau exposed his the language of instruction and of Info: yorkusocialists@ form of capitalist exploitation based on state softened, largely through resistance true intentions for Quebec—and for business. gmail.com ownership and control. In Eastern Europe, on the part of Quebeckers, it has French—in the process, renewing Although Quebec’s language China and other countries a similar system evolved into a more politically- both national oppression and laws regime is much more generous The politics of hip hop was later established by Stalinist, not socialist focused oppression of discrimina- resistance. towards anglophones in Quebec Wed, Feb 29, 5pm parties. We support the struggle of workers in tion and scapegoating, based on than is official policy toward Bahen Centre, 40 St these countries against both private and state the dominance of the federal state Contradictions francophone minority populations in George St capitalism. Info: international.social- and the needs of Canadian capital. The Quiet Revolution of the 1960s other provinces, mainstream media [email protected] Official bilingualism has a lot of was, in large part, the result of attacks on “the language police” Canada, Quebec, Aboriginal Peoples benefits, but it is still a part of the industrialization. So it is no surprise and accusing Quebec of xenophobia OTTAWA Canada is not a “colony” of the United States, official fabric of colonial control that many of its ideas were based in continue. #Occupy. Strike. Resist but an imperialist country in its own right that over Quebec and French-speaking working-class needs and demands. Today, French in Quebec is in a How do we beat the 1%? participates in the exploitation of much of communities outside Quebec. The most important of these is state of slow but steady decline. It One-day conference the world. The Canadian state was founded the right to work in French, but may not be solely because of federal Sat, Feb 4, 2-5pm through the repression of the Aboriginal Trudeau the question of language, with its policies (the impact of neoliberal Fauteux Hall, room 135 peoples and the people of Quebec. Official bilingualism and the 1969 organic links to identity and culture, economics are major factors); but it Info: gosocialists@yahoo. We support the struggles for self-determin- Official Languages Act are generally is one of the main forms national is a reality, which is why it is now ca ation of Quebec and Aboriginal peoples up considered to be part of the legacy resistance takes. back in the public eye as an issue to and including the right to independence. International Socialist Socialists in Quebec, and in all oppressed of Pierre Elliot Trudeau. At the Official bilingualism itself is not deserving of attention. organizing meetings nations, work towards giving the struggle time only nine per cent of federal viewed with hostility in Quebec; The PQ is now calling for the Thursdays, 6:30pm against national oppression an internationalist public service jobs were occupied but there are several side-effects provisions of Bill 101 to apply to UCU 301, uOttawa and working class content. by francophones. Almost overnight, of official bilingualism which have Cégep instruction. But legislating Info: gosocialists@yahoo. these workers had the right to work bred resentment, because paradox- French as the language of instruc- ca Oppression in their first language—when, to ically, they erode Quebec’s ability to tion in post-secondary institutions Within capitalist society different groups suf- date, all of their transactions at work protect French. will only result in a segregation of VANCOUVER fer from specific forms of oppression. Attacks had been with anglophones who It is no accident that the Parti those able to afford it into privately- Education shouldn’t be a on oppressed groups are used to divide work- insist on using English. This reform Québecois took power a few years run Cégeps and to schools outside debt sentence ers and weaken solidarity. We oppose racism Wed, Feb 1, 12:30pm and imperialism. We oppose all immigration took place at a time when the right after the official bilingualism Quebec—effectively creating Langara College, A334 controls. We support the right of people of to work in French (with a focus on policy—the first time an independ- two-tiered language policy. Info: vancouver.socialists@ colour and other oppressed groups to organize large private businesses) was a key entist government had taken power If you want to protect French, gmail.com in their own defence. We are for real social, demand of unions in Quebec, not in Quebec.The first side-effect was you have to do it where most economic and political equality for women. yet won. the exclusion of unilingual franco- people spend most of their lives: in Stop the pipeline letter- We are for an end to all forms of discrimina- Today, the right of language phones from many designated- workplaces. writing workshop tion and homophobia against lesbians, gays, of work enshrined in the Official bilingual federal public service jobs. That was the original purpose Wed, Feb 22, 12:30pm bisexuals and transgendered people. We Languages Act is one of only a The second was the 1982 of Bill 101. Québec solidaire, the Room TBA oppose discrimination on the basis of religion, handful of official policies that introduction of the Charter of Rights left-wing independentist party of Info: vancouver.socialists@ ability and age. gmail.com actually work to the benefit of and Freedoms—another example Quebec—a party that also stands for The Revolutionary Party workers above managers: managers of Trudeau’s legacy. The Charter social justice, feminism, ecology, To achieve socialism the leading activists in are required to manage employees eroded the provisions of Quebec’s and pluralism—has made this You can find the working class have to be organized into a in the language of the employee’s Bill 101, its Charter of the French essential element its key demand in the I.S. in: revolutionary socialist party. The party must preference. When conservative Language, to protect French as the arena of language rights. be a party of action, and it must be demo- Toronto, Ottawa, cratic. We are an organization of activists Gatineau, Vancouver, committed to helping in the construction of OPEN SATURDAYS, 12-3pm Victoria, Montreal, such a party through ongoing London, St. Catharines, activity in the mass organ- 427 Bloor Street West, suite 202, Toronto | 416.972.6391 Mississauga, Scarbor- izations of the working ough, Halifax, Belleville & class and in the daily RESISTANCE Kingston struggles of workers and PRESS e: [email protected] the oppressed. t: 416.972.6391 If these ideas make w: www.socialist.ca sense to you, help us in BOOK ROOM this project, and join the International Socialists. For more event listings, visit www.socialist.ca.

10 Socialist Worker February 2012 [email protected]

SALVATION ARMY NDP LEADERSHIP RACE WORKERS STRIKE STICKING WITH THE UNION Carolyn Egan by CARTER VANCE SIXTY SALVATION Army aid workers in Ottawa, members of the Public Movement pushes Service Alliance of Canada, went on strike on January 6. The strike back Ford agenda began over a large wage disparity of $5 an hour between those workers at the Salvation Army ON THE morning of ficiencies.” Well it didn’t and those doing similar January 17 over a hundred wash with the voters and a work at organizations Steelworkers gathered recent poll showed that a such as Union Mission. at a union hall in Toronto majority in every ward was The Salvation Army is preparing to make their opposed to his wish list of remaining open and re- way to City Council cutbacks. sisting the demands on the chambers. They came His heavy-handed bully- grounds that they’re con- from workplaces across ing of individual council- cerned about the homeless the city to voice their lors was beginning to back- and low-income Ottawa objections to a budget fire. As the Steelworkers residents they serve. that would make drastic packed City Hall chambers But as one striking work- TOPP AND MULCAIR - THE APPARATUS MAN AND THE EX-LIBERAL changes to municipal with community members services that had been er said, “the majority of the by PAUL KELLOGG from ACORN, Toronto clients support this. They movements, Mulcair comes prominence in 2008. As a built over decades. Transit Commission feel that we’re their family, THE LATE Jack Layton’s from the Liberal Party. key adviser to Layton, he For more than a year (TTC) Riders, Mothers we’ve been taking care of political presence in Three times, he won as a was one of the principal people have been organ- for Childcare, Toronto them for long periods of Canadian politics owed candidate for the Liberals architects of the shameful izing against the austerity Community Housing activ- time.” everything to the social in Quebec. In 2003, this attempt to form a coalition agenda of Mayor Rob Ford ists and members of Stop Regardless of the sec- movements. saw him elevated into the with the Liberal Party – and his neoliberal allies on the Cuts, it was becoming tor they work in, all work- In the 1980s, he was cabinet of (ex-Tory) Jean something of which, by city council. Today was the clear that the vote would be ers deserve to be paid a a partisan of choice on Charest. the way, he is extremely day that councillors would very tight. fair wage, and those the abortion. In 1991, he was And if you doubt his proud (see his book How vote on a slash-and-burn Councillors who had Salvation Army serve seem a co-founder of the White right-wing credentials, we almost gave the Tories budget presented by the backed the mayor in the to agree. Ribbon Campaign to he shamefully sided with the Boot). executive committee. past were standing up and One homeless man was combat violence against Stephen Harper and Bob We don’t know if either During the past months saying that their constitu- quoted as saying, “They women. In the run-up to Rae, calling on Libby of these two will emerge people have waited through ents were calling in by the should have equal parity the Iraq War, he made both Davies to resign as NDP as the eventual leader. But the night to put forward hundreds demanding that with the Union Mission Tories and Liberals shudder House leader when she either of them will mean their views against the cuts, they maintain library hours, and the Shepherds of Good when he again and again (correctly) stated that the an NDP more firmly wed- community meetings have community programs, Hope. They do exactly the used his podium to say “all occupation of Palestine had ded to backroom politics, taken place in every ward, childcare subsidies and same work just as well.” out” for the great demon- begun in 1948. more likely to be enticed mass demonstrations of so many other services strations on February 15, What if his chief rival, by a coalition dance with thousands besieged city that were on the chopping LIBRARY WORKERS 2003. Brian Topp, gets the nod? the Liberal Party – the hall. Trade unionists went block. DEFEND SERVICES But when members of We will still see a party architects, if you remem- door-to-door talking to their As the day progressed the party gather, March 24, leader, very far removed ber, of draconian cuts to neighbours about what the the tension was mounting. 2012 to elect a replacement from the social movements. transfer payments in the cuts would mean to jobs Thousands began to gather by J.Y. HODGE for Layton, the party is Topp is a lifetime 1990s, and the party which and services. in City Hall square for a likely to be moved very far apparatus man, working took Canada to war in Hundreds of thousands planned rally by Respect THE 2,400 members from this social movement as a staffer inside the NDP Afghanistan. of emails have been Toronto, a coalition of of CUPE local 4948, experience. since 1990, and in that Mulcair and Topp are received in council offices. labour and community workers at the Toronto That would clearly be role, has been virtually two more reasons why we Community councils have groups and Stop the Cuts. Public Library (TPL), have the case if, as many expect, unknown to people in the need renewed attention to heard angry citizens speak- An omnibus motion was been prepping for job Thomas Mulcair were to movements. rebuilding a left rooted in ing up for public services. put forward by a middle action in recent weeks win. Instead of the social He emerged into the social movements. The city has been ablaze ground councillor to signifi- in spite of broad public SOLIDARITY GROWS FOR LOCKED OUT QUEBEC WORKERS with organizing efforts to cantly role back the attacks support for libraries and turn back the tide of the by millions of dollars the budget defeat for by JESSE MCLAREN in London, Rio Tinto Alcan There has also been inter- austerity agenda that is and after long debate and Mayor Rob Ford. is making profits at the same national solidarity from the being forced down people’s attempts at stalling by the The library has seen ON NEW Year’s Eve, the time it is demanding massive International Metalworkers throats around the globe. mayor’s allies, it won by its workforce shrink by mining giant Rio Tinto wage cuts from its workers. F e d e r a t i o n a n d t h e The working class two votes to the cheers of over 15 per cent since city locked out 780 workers But solidarity is growing. International Federation of and the poor have been the hundreds occupying the amalgamation 12 years from its Alcan factory The local railway workers Chemical, Energy, Mine and the victims of attacks on chambers. ago. Additionally, the TPL in Alma, Quebec— refused to cross picket lines General Workers’ Union— pensions, public services, Everything wasn’t won, board approved an operat- demanding every retiring to deliver raw materials, with support from unions in public housing, education, but it was a huge setback to ing budget in December worker be replaced with until they were suspended the US, UK, France, South and unions and have been the Ford agenda. It showed 2011 that calls for a 5.9 per a contract worker at half and threatened with being Africa and Australia. fighting back in Greece, that people can fight City cent reduction—which will the wages. fired. The Steelworkers at Amir Khadir, the Member Portugal, Spain and Britain. Hall and that the tens of mean another 107 full-time The company, one of the Rio Tinto have received soli- of the National Assembly Workers in China and thousands of community (or equivalent) positions world’s largest aluminum darity messages and funds of Québec solidaire, has India have taken to the and union activists who will be lost. suppliers, has been accused from MUNAMA (McGill also visited the picket line streets. The Arab Spring have been working night Combined with the of bringing in scab labour who recently ended a long to support the locked out has shown the power of and day were able to mobil- aforementioned shrinkage, by helicopter, and has re- strike), and from PSAC workers, demanding the ordinary people, who with ize the support necessary that amounts to the single ceived an injunction against Quebec, and might be vis- factory be nationalized tremendous courage have to win. largest workforce reduc- workers for blocking access. ited by locked-out London and run by the workers used their collective power There are still many tion of any city department Like the Caterpillar lockout workers. themselves. to topple despots. fights ahead of us and the in the last decade. Mayor Rob Ford won anticipated lock-out of In spite of such attacks, STUDENT DAY OF ACTION the election over a year ago city workers is the next the library enjoys record by JESSE MCLAREN promising to cut the gravy struggle. usage and an expanding not bombs.” The money for smaller class sizes, adequate at City Hall but without The recent success has system, including plans ON FEBRUARY 1, accessible education exists, compensation and better affecting services. It turned given confidence that we to build (and presumably students across the but it’s being wasted on funding—in other words, out to be impossible and can push back and win, staff) two new branches country took to the fighter jets, tar sands, pris- they are trying to improve with the help of KPMG, and now we have to rally over the next four years. streets for a pan- ons and tax breaks for the education. Ford came forward with a support behind the city Library workers are not Canadian day of action, 1%. There is already solidar- long list of service “ef- workers. sitting idle. The public organized by the The labour movement ity growing for CUPE 3902, relations and pressure Canadian Federation of supported the day of ac- from a campus organizing campaign that worked so Students. tion, including members meeting drawing the links effectively in staving off In Toronto, thousands of CUPE, Steelworkers, between students, TAs and Join the worse attacks is being re- of students from multiple Toronto District Labour food service workers, to energized and members are campuses converged at Council and the Ontario an undergraduate-led cam- International Socialists engaging in strike training. the University of Toronto, Federation of Labour. paign by OPIRG. As their CUPE 4948 is prepared for marched through downtown Solidarity is reciprocal. video states, “CUPE 3902’s Mail: P.O. Box 339, Station E, Toronto, ON M6H 4E3 E-mail: [email protected] / Tel: 416.972.6391 a work stoppage should the and rallied at Queen’s Park. More than 4,000 teaching proposals will improve the employer force one. Students are facing sky- assistants, graduate-student quality of education at UofT. In the current climate rocketing tuition fees and instructors, lab demonstra- What’s good for CUPE 3902 with the Mayor’s popular- massive levels of debt. On tors, invigilators and writing members is good for under- Name: ity at record lows, this top of chronic education instructors at the University graduate students.” The Address: should give the city pause cutbacks and underfunding, of Toronto (represented by February 1 day of action in its hell-bent efforts students are being made to CUPE 3902) unanimously showed the strength and sol- City/Province: to smash hard-won job pay for the economic crisis voted to set a strike deadline idarity of the 99% on cam- security and scheduling they did not create. of February 24, if the admin- pus, which will be crucial in Phone: provisions. and to attack Students also made links istration fails to offer them a the weeks and months ahead the city services on which with other issues, chanting reasonable contract. to win accessible, high qual- E-mail: so many residents rely. and face-painting “drop fees, They are asking for ity public education.

February 2012 Socialist Worker 11 SYRIA RESISTANCE VS INTERVENTION by YUSUR AL-BAHRANI WESTERN POWERS are threatening to derail the revolution in Syria, intervening directly or through the dictatorships they are arming in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The best solidarity is stopping military intervention. The anti-Assad protests in Syria began peacefully, but have now turned into mil- itary clashes as the number of army defectors continues to increase. The United Nations says that more than 5,000 people have been killed in the past ten months of the revo- lution. Assad’s regime claims that the militant rebels have killed about 2,000 soldiers and police. Violence is escal- ating in several cities, putting the country under the threat of a civil war. “Peace plan” While the Arab League ob- servers proposed to extend their so-called “peace mis- sion,” the Gulf Co-Operation Council that represents oil- rich countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar withdrew their observers. The Arab League “peace plan” sug- gested that Al-Assad should hand over power to his deputy. The League also demanded he accept a unity govern- ment with the opposition fol- lowed by elections within six Some Syrian oppos- al security.” United States and defends the The turmoil left in Libya as tion in Syria would result in months. ition groups have called for Intervention American policies and plans NATO invaded the country increased sectarian violence. In addition, the observ- Western intervention to put Saudi Arabia and Qatar have in the region. In December gives us a vivid image as to In order to stop the blood- ers called for UN assistance an end to the government vio- called for international inter- 2011, the Obama adminis- how Western intervention shed in Syria, activists to end the violence in Syria. lations. The Syrian National vention in Syria and agreed tration announced a $30 bil- would more likely result in around the world should According to Reuters, several Council (SNC) called for a to supply military aid and lion arms deal with the Saudi brutal civil war in addition stand against the repression diplomats said that Britain “no fly zone” in Syria, while weapons to the FSA. This government. to controlling the wealth of and oppression practiced by and France are working with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) should be a warning to all Western military inter- the nation. With several reli- Al-Assad’s regime against in- the Arab League to endorse a urged the Security Council those who support self-deter- vention is the worst choice, gious groups that are already nocent civilians. At the same plan regarding the situation in to intervene considering “the mination of the Syrian people. whether directly or through in conflict with each other, time, any foreign interven- Syria. Syrian security as internation- Saudi Arabia is an ally for the Saudi Arabia and Qatar. any international interven- tion should be condemned. Never miss Pensions in Harper’s crosshairs an issue.

Mail in this form with a by JAMES CLARK cheque or money order taking our wealth as a given, about pensions, as seniors by the Canadian Peace STEPHEN HARPER assuming it is somehow the and their advocates speculate Alliance for “Peace and pros- made payable to sparked a firestorm in “Socialist Worker”. natural order of things, leav- about the depth of Harper’s perity, not war and austerity” late January, when he ing us instead to focus pri- cuts. Government insiders (http://bit.ly/PPNWA), which warned Canadians to marily on our services and have said the Tories want to calls for military spending to Prices per year expect sweeping changes (CAD dollars): entitlements?” raise the retirement age from be redirected toward health, to their pensions. Harper Economists slammed 65 to 67, while restricting eli- education, seniors and the made his comments at the Harper for his comments, gibility for Old Age Securit environment. Regular subscription: $30 World Economic Forum in Institutions, First Class saying he clearly didn’t un- and cutting benefits. They A s a n g e r s p r e a d s , Davos, Switzerland, where derstand what caused the claim that income security for Conservative MPs have been delivery and U.S.: $50 world leaders gathered Other international: $60 debt crisis: massive bailouts seniors is an “unsustainable” inundated with complaints to discuss the global for private banks. But Harper, entitlement, at the same time and condemnation. The Globe economic crisis. like most of those gathered at as pouring billions into fighter and Mail reported that resis- Harper targeted Canadians’ Davos, have been making jets and prisons. tance to the cuts is already be- Name: pensions as part of a finger- this argument for years, try- NDP finance critic Peter ing felt in the Tory caucus, as wagging lecture to European ing to find an excuse to slash Julian took on the govern- MPs struggle to hold back the Address: heads of state, urging them social programs and extend ment during Question Period: fury of their constituents. This to embrace deep cuts and corporate tax cuts. Harper’s “A single F-35 costs $450 is a good sign for seniors’ Phone: harsh austerity measures. His attack on Canadian pensions million. That would pay Old groups, trade unions and pen- speech blamed Europe’s sov- was meant to demonstrate his Age Security benefits for sion advocates, who have E-mail: ereign debt crisis on public seriousness about imposing 70,000 Canadian seniors. Its only just begun to build a spending for the welfare state: austerity. prison plan costs $19 billion. united opposition to Harper’s Mail to: Socialist Worker, PO Box 339 “[I]s it the case, that in the Back in Canada, however, That would pay annual bene- austerity agenda, and who Station E, Toronto, ON Canada, M6H 4E3 developed world too many of a backlash was brewing— fits for 2.9 million Canadians will need a wider movement Phone: 416.972.6391 / E-mail: [email protected] us have, in fact, become com- and continues to spread. A seniors.” Julian’s comments outside Parliament to stop it placent about our prosperity, national debate has erupted echo the ongoing campaign in its tracks.