INSIDE DL The Maquiladora Strike ...... 3 DSA Labor Activist Profiles ...... 6 Reflections on a Labor Day ...... 7 " Peoples Right to Know" ...... 9 Social Security on Chopping Block ..... 11 Better Left Than Bereft ...... 15 Manifesto Anniversary Celebrated ...... 19 DEMOCRATIC FALL 1998 VOLUME XXVl NUMBER 4 $1.50 PUBLI SHED BYTH E DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA Labor's Victories
BY H AROLD MEYERSON
-- N THE END, WHAT REALLY DOOJ\IFD Propo nativist uneasiness at the growing sition 226 (the anti-labor proposition on multiculturalism of California - Proposition the ballot) in the June California primary 226 neither arose from nor was rooted in a election was its peillgree: This was a public clamor to do something about a social -- measure that, politically, came from problem. To the contrary, it arose from a very nowhere. That is, 226 didn't emerge out of a select clamor: that of Republican leaders and mass discontent with unions strategists, who were shaken or with union political-action by the scope an
p a g e 2 • D e m o c r a t i c L c ft • Issue #4 1998 The Strike at the Han Young Maquiladora
BY HERB SHORE
labor struggle that m~y ha~e conseq~ences for the enti.re Western Hemisphere is taking place m a small factory m A cozy arrangement A Tijuana, Baja California. Tijuana is a 20-minute freeway among the employers, drive from downtown San Diego, just across the busiest border unions, and political crossing in the U.S. The population has grown rapidly, to the establishment ensures that point that Tijuana is as large a city as San Diego, though most wages, health, and safety San Diegans are barely aware of its existence. Fueling the growth costs will remain low. has been the rapid rise of the maquiladora industry, the 600 plus foreign-owned factories that produce goods for the export market. The majority of TV sets sold in the U.S. are assembled in trailers. After a very successful year Tijuana maquiladoras. of production, Han Young told its Tijuana is a study in contrasts. supposed to represent them. This cozy workers that that their profit sharing The downtown tourist areas cater to arrangement between the employers, for the year would range from $7 to U.S. visitors. Numerous mghtclubs unions and political establishment $31 depending on seniority. The work draw San Diego teenagers eager to get ensures that wages, health and safety ers, who had never seen their union around the 21 year drinking age in costs will remain low, making the bor contract, and who were no t even told California. Prices for most goods, der region attractive for additional in- which PRI union (CROC) "repre such as basic foodstuffs at the Calimax vestment. sented" them, decided they had had supermarkets, are about the same on Everything changed in June 1997. enough. They began a two-day work either side of the border. Many of the The Han Young factory employs stoppage on June 2 for better wages maquiladora factories are large single about 120 workers, producing chas and against dangerous safety condi story builings in modern looking "in sis and platforms for f I yundai tractor tions at the plant. This in itself was dustrial parks," in the Southern Cali fornia style. But if one looks at the working conditions in these factories, WARNING! THE MACHlNERV the $40-a-week wages, the barrios Af 11-\IS' Pl.Mr \~ OLD ~ DANGtROlJS. where the workers live, or the toxic WORK HERt. Frr 1HE R\5't< OF L\ Ft: waste dumps on the outskirts of town, there is no doubt that the third world AND UMB- 05\-\A. begins at the border. The workers in the maguiladoras are in theory represented by labor unions. In fact, Mexican labor law is quite progressive. Workers have the right to strike, are supposed to par ticipate in profit sharing arrangements, are supposed to have a say in health and safety arrangements, etc. The problem is that the situation in the factories bears little relation to the laws on the books. The factory owners sign agreements with PRl-controlled unions that have no responsibility to ward the workers, who may not even "Sorry, but we only hire illiterates!" be aware that there is a union that is
Issue # 41998 •D e m oc ra t ic Left • page 3 not a unique occurrence for Tijuana; votes against the independent union, to Han Young that the independent what was truly new was that the work to management's surprise on Dec. 16 union must not be allowed to survive. ers also decided to get rid of the PRI the FAT affiliated STIMAHCS union No progress was made toward nego union and replace it with an indepen tiating a contract, and new workers dent union of their own choosing. were hired to reduce support for This represented a whole new level STIMAHCS. As a result, Han Young There are two stories to of challenge; if this action spread to workers began a strike on May 22 that other factories the entire maquiladora recount: the struggle of the continues to the present. Various of system could not exist in its current Han Young workers against ficials have declared the strike illegal, manner. then legal. \Varrants were issued for The ensuing struggle has contin the maquiladora strike leaders. Police have torn down ued until the time this article was writ establishment, and the strike banners. Imported goons have ten in early August 1998. There are threatened the strikers. A third elec support the workers have really two stories to recount: the tion was held between the PRI union struggle of the Han Young workers received from progressive and the independent union. The elec against the various players in the activists in the U.S. tion was won by the independent maquiladora establishment, and the "Oct. 6" union, which took over the support the workers have received registration of STIMAHCS/FAT. from progressive activists in the U.S. The strike continues; its outcome will There is no doubt that the workers in won again. The workers who had been determine the future of the union Tijuana have borne the brunt of the illegally fired for union activities were movement in the maquiladora indus struggle and made the greatest sacri reinstated with back pay. On Jan. 14, try. fices. However, it is not slighting their 1998 STIMAHCS was certified as the Given the power of the forces heroic role to recount the U.S. role, representative of the Han Young arrayed against the workers, it seems because it is very likely that their workers. surprising that the movement for an struggle would have been silently and At this point, it seemed as though independent union has survived for violently crushed if it were not for the the workers had won. All that re more than a year. One reason is the international attention their cause has mained was a contract to be negoti conflicting interests within the oppo aroused. ated between STIMAHCS and Han sition. Baja California and the local The following is a brief recount Young management. Instead, Han labor board is controlled by the right ing of events on the Mexican side. Young hired a representaci\'e of the wing PAN, whereas the federal gov Following the June work stoppage, the PRI affiliated CROC union as its "hu ernment and the government allied company tried to derail the move to man resources director", and sec about unions are PRI. The Han Young man ward an independent union by firing a campaign to break the new union. agement has to answer to the players union leaders, bringing in new work There has been much speculation that in Mexico, but also ro Hyundai Preci ers from Vera Cruz, and other acts of the Mexican government and other sion America, with headquarters in intimidation. In spite of this, the work maquiladora owners laid down the law San Diego. Given Korea's need for ers on Oct. 6, 1997 voted overwhelm ingly to replace the PRI affiliated CROC union with the independent FAT (Authentic Labor Front) union. International Day of Action The government labor board (CAB) responsible for certifying the results Focuses on Han Young Struggle then refused to do so, claiming irreg ularities in the voting. The company October 30'" has been targeted for actions worldwide in defense of fired a number of workers who had workers rights. The call lo action came from the International Confed supported the FAT. On November 20, eration of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) together with the International four of the fired workers began a hun Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY). These two organizations together rep ger strike. On December 1, a series resent over 400 million members. From Canada to Argenlina, from of work stoppages began at the plant. Fronce to The Philippines, young, pro-labor activists will join with trade In the face of increasing internation unionists for on exciting day of education, advocacy and direcl action. al attention, Han Young management In the US, the Youth Section of the DSA will organize wirh commu and the union organizers agreed to nity groups, labor groups, and youth activists from the PRD in Mexico to hold another election, with a guaran pressure Mexico and Hyundai to recognize the rights of the Hon Young tee from the government that the re strikers. If you would like to get involved, contact Gabe Kromer at (317) sults would be accepted. Despite at 955-1492, Joan Axthelm at [email protected] or Deroko tempts to bring in fake workers to cast Larimore at [email protected]. p a g e 4 • D e m o c r a t i c L e ft • Issue #4 1998 April 28 calling for Ministerial Con sultations between the U.S. Secretary Join Gloria Steinem AND Cornel West of Labor and the Mexican Minister of Labor. Several members of con at our 25th Anniversary Celebration gress, led by U.S. Representative David Bonior, have gotten involved in the SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1998 situation in response to information provided by the SCMW. • Landmark on the Park, New York City Since the beginning of the strike on May 22, the struggle at the small Join us as we celebrate our anniversary and the kick of DSA'.s _of~ Han Young factory has become a Legacy Campaign commemorating the legacy of soc1ol1sm and its major focus of the progressive move continuation into the next century. ment around the world. On June 16, This event will be port of a weekend long series of activities demonstrations in support of the including DSA's Activist Conference and the screening of o new film strikers were held at Mexican embas about the life and work of Michael Harrington. sies and consulates around the world. This is an important gathering - a time for reflection, renewal and Reports of demonstrations or support celebration, that will bring together veterans of our current ~ovement, came in from Los Angeles, New York, leadership and youth activists from throughout !he United ~totes. . Mexico City, Brazil, Toronto, Sri Join us just to mingle, as we define strategies tactics oppropn· o~d Lanka, an Issue #4 1998 • D c m o c r a t i c L e ft • p a g e S DSA Labor Activist Profiles BY Bu.I.. M osLEY BOB FRANKLIN a vice president of the District of Co more promising than ever. "One of lumbia Central Labor Council and of the nice things going on in labor is Uranklin, a Washington resident, has the D.C. and Maryland AFL-CIO that the head of the AFL-CIO is a l. 'been a DSA member since 1992 councils. DSA member," he said. ''There's an and is treasurer of the DC/MD/ "There is a network of progres openness in the labor movement that NOVA local. Since 1995, he has added sives in the labor movement:' Gold hasn't been seen for years." Such union to his activist portfolio the presidency man said. "Sometimes I will be in a initiatives as Union Cities and Street of Local 3579 of the American f p a g e 6 • D e m o c r a ti c L c ft • Issue #4 1998 Reflections on Labor Day BY JAMES CHARLET recall ~hen Labor Day was merely a vacation from school. A hot, sunny extension of the weekend with hot dogs on the Both socialism and unionism I grill and watermelon rinds on soggy paper plates - I loved share the same genesis: the Labor Day! It was a celebration of the freedom from working! Industrial Revolution. Now I'm the grill chef with sticky faced kids playing in the sprinkler. My perception of the holiday has changed in other to legislative halls. It is through these ways, too. I carry a much more complex appreciation for Labor pursuits that the intertwined threads Day now, reflecting on the struggle of workers against oppres of unionism and socialism arc most sion on the job and within society. This Labor Day - my sec tightly woven together into the tapes ond as a DSA member, and my fourth with my union - has try of our collecti\'e history. Through the alrn11st1c goal of social justice, imbued me with the richly interlaced histories of socialism and umomsts and socialists advocate fair- unionism. very little in all these years. It should 11LSS and equality for all of us. It's no accident that modern so therefore be unremarkable ro realize Union members ate not all social cialism and organi:.>:ed labor share a that trade unions and socialists have ists, and not all socialists are union common history. Rather than being forged friendships to advance the members. It is absolutely undeniable distant notions intersccnng at random causes of each group's ideologies. though, that there is a common ideal points in time, both socialism and In Donald Stabile's book, Activist that joins both frequently and that the unionism share the same genesis: the Cmonis111, there's a great <]UOtL from political goal of economic iustice fur Industrial Revolution. Thi:: dawn of Sol Barkin in his 1960 address before ther cements the groups. With the the nineteenth century saw greed run the. conference of the International powerfully kinetic energy of fairness, overzealouslr on the newly opened Association of Personnel \Vomeo: fraternity, and democracy pushing fields of capitalism. The nature of "The fight for greater social justice is unionism and socialism into the next work and society changed radically. the raison d.'etre of the trade union century, l can say with great passion The hammerstrikc delivered to the movement. Unions are created and are that I am proud to be a union mem newly born working class caused a heing constantly formed by employ ber, and 1 am proud to be a socialist. defensh·e recoiling; associations were ees to achieve their goals of equality fames Char/et is a DSA 111e111ber formed, theorists debated, and direct and independence 10 the marketplace. cmd fft1ion me111ber in North Carolina. action was initiated by labor to pro ·n1e) represent the tect themselves from the v10lcnt local skirmishes in storms of free market capitalism. the battle for From these seminal reactions to greater democracy SOLIDARITY! in the full society." toclay's slrugglcs is a convoluted, in Evelyne Huber spirational chronicle for both labor Attaining fair- and social history. Students of either ness, respect, and John Stephens discipline know that trade uruons and ckmocraC)' on the Steve Tarzynski & Kathie Sheldon socialists share parallel histories. job while improv Dorothy & Sam Tolmcich Sometimes the alliance was informal, ing workmg con· Joseph J. Swartz ditions has always and at other times the partnership was Suzrumc Gottlieb formalized (the Socialist I .abor Parry, been a goal of or for example). Wh:itever the nature of ganized labor. On Dorothy Roy l lcaley the relationship, the cooperative goal many occasions Bernard cmd I lenrictlc1 ])ack.er was to lift the downtrodden and em the realization of f'\.Minc Phillips power th.e weak. such goals re- Richard Rausch quires that the Today's clashes are surprisingly Leo Edbril similar to yesterday's, and the reason bargaming table is disappointing: the malevolent na stretch from the Lottie Friedman ture of profit chasing has changed workroom floor Cml Schwartz & Wilda Luttennoser Issue #4 1998 • D c m o c r a t i c L c ft • p a g e 7 BEST WISHES FROM LOCAL 1180 COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA AFL-CIO Arthur Chellotes MnlblR·lt·L1rg1 President Barbara Balley Linda Jenkins Gerald Brown First Vice President Naomi Carpenter William F. Henning, Jr. Second Vice President Charles Garcia Elaine Allman Alan Goldblatt Secretary-Treasurer Margo Nik1tas SUsan Calise Lyne Sealey Payne RtJCOtding Secretary Gwen Richardson Doris Searcy Making Government Work For You LOCAL 1180 IB Haniion s;· Nevi -.Ork , IN•' 10C"S-2893 '212) 2~6 - 6S· &i5 1 We salute the Democratic Socialists of America for 25-plus years of loyal support of the trade union movement. Graphic Communications International Union James J. Norton Gerald H. Deneau President Secretary-Treasurer Executive Officers and International Staff page 8 •Demo ct at i c Le ft • Issue #4 1998 National Labor Committee Endorsen1ent "People's Right to I he' campaign has targeted the largest retailer in the world, Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is being asked to provide Production continues to go T the American people with the list, and addresses, of on in factories hidden behind the factories they use around the world. By knowing which locked metal gates, walls factories products are produced in, under what human rights topped with barbed wire, conditions, and at what wages, people can shop with a con and patrolled by armed science. guards. The Campaign David Glass, CEO In the global economy, with huge Wal-Mart Stores multinationals like Wal-Mart manu Bentonville, Arkansas facturing clothing, shoes, handbags (501) 273-4000 (SOO)WAL-MART. 3: People's Right to Know Day, there in 49 countries around the world, will be scores of simultaneous demos, using tens of thousands of factories Contest leafleti ng, car caravans, human bill (in China alone, Wal-Marc uses 700 Wal-Mart makes its private label boarding, and other creative actions to 1000 facto ries), there is no way to clothing in at least 48 countries around in front of Wal-Mart stores across the know whether or not the products the world. Set up contests for young country. were made by children, teenaged girls people to see who can document the On Thursday, December 10: Hu forced to work 15-hour shifts seven most countries \X'al-Mart produces in. man Rights Day, there will be vigils days a week, or by super-exploited Symbolic Rerurn Dav: Shoppers can in front of Wal-Mart stores with workers toiling in sweatshops for return products purchased at \Val candles, caroling, songs and signs. pennies an hour. (In Indonesia and Mart since they refuses to disclose the More information on these and other China, two major Wal-Mart produc factories it uses around the world. activities ts avatlable from ers, wages are as low as l 0 to 12 cents Delegations to Local Wal-Marts: Stu National Labor Committee an hour.) dent, religious, labor, human rights 275 Seventh Avenue, 15•h Floor Yet Wal-Mart flat-out refuses to and women's organizations could New York, NY 10001 tell where their goods are produced. form delegations to go to your local tel: (212)242-3002 So production continues to go on in Wal-Mart, to request a meeting with fax: (212)242-·3821 factones hidden behind locked metal the store manager to discuss Wal email: [email protected]). gates, wa.lls topped with barbed wire, Mart's need to disclose. and patrolled by armed guards. Post card and letter writing: These The campaign is not a confron standard actions have an enormous tation with Wal-Mart shoppers. The impact, and should never be underes median income of Wal-Mart shop timated. People's Right to Know Reso pers is $25,000; these are working lutions: People's Right to Know/Cor families, whose heads of household porate Disclosure Resolutions could earn about $10 an hour. Nor is it a be brought before city councils, st.ate boycott or an attempt to hurt Wal assemblies an Issue #4 1998 • D e m o c r a t i c L e f t • p a g e 9 The 1.3 Million Members of thc American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Proudly Salutes the Detnocratic Socialists of America May you long continue your fight for improved labor rights, safer workplaces, livable wages and a healthy environment. Gerald W McEntee \\1illiam Lucy International President International Secretary-Treasurer p a g e 10 • D e m o c r a t i c Le ft • Issue #4 1998 The D SA 5 ocial 5 ecuriry Action Project Social Security on the Chopping Block BY JASON P RAMAS e3,_rs of attacks by pro-corporate front groups like the Concord Coalition, Third .Millennium, and the Cato We believe that DSA is in a Y Institute have had much of their desired effect. By next great position to move into year, the largest till of public money in American lustory may be laid bare to the forces of privatization and austerity. the gap on the left of the It doesn't have to happen that way. sion of Social Security. debate on Social Security, Although the banking and securities From all indications, right wing and start injecting a socialist industries have thrown millions of corporate forces are totally unpre dollars into convincing the public that pared for a left wing assault. All their perspective. the program is in imminent danger of efforts have been aimed at convinc- going broke-and that "corrective, free ing liberal centrist groups to give up market" measures need to be taken supporting the program in its current on national TV-you'd better believe the immediately to "solve" that "prob form and ally more closely with the debate on Social Security would start lem," Social Security remains ex corporate agenda-giving themselves a to shift to the left, and fast. tremely popular among all age groups. veneer of popular support in the pro If the Left is to succeed and pre Which is why Boston DSA has cess. They would have absolutely no serve Social Security for future gen put up a few thousand bucks to start idea what to do if radical democrats erations, we cannot waste time in gen a new DSA Social Security Action like the average DSAer start bringing teel academic debates with those who Project. We believe that DSA is in a up class issues and calling for pro would gut our national inheritance on great position to move into the gap worker, intergenerational solutions the alter of the free market. We have on the left of the debate on Social loudly and repeat------. Security, and start injecting a socialist edly-in the midst perspective wherever possible into the of their carefully American Workers: mix over this most socialist of remain scripted media cir Together in Solidarity ing American government programs. cuses (like the cor So here's what we're gonna do... porate - backed On Labor Day, American workers look The Social Security Action Project will "Americans Dis bock with pride on the achievements l) encourage active participation in the cuss Social Secu we've mode throug h years of struggle. As Social Security fight by all DSA mem d ty" IADSS] fias bers, 2) work to foster coalitions be coes of late). the labor movement continues to strive tween every level of DSA with other Students at for economic justice a nd good jobs with groups doing good work on the issue Ohio State Univer fair pay and benefits, it is solidarity that will from the Gray Panthers to various si1:y threw the U.S. always be the linchpin to our success. unions, 3) produce an educational war machine off packet for D SA chapters by Septem balance earlier th.is ber with articles and essays explain year by disruptmg ing the many facets of the Social Se a carefully curity debate, and Left positions on scripted, invita all of them, 4) produce organizing tion-only media A packets for DSA chapters by October circus for a war on AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION,AFL-CIO that will contam ideas and informa Iraq starring uon on running workshops, public Madeline Albright, C\'ents and media campaigns around our peace-loving MOE BILLER President the Social Security debate, 5) conduct Secretary of State. "raids" of all corporate-backed Social Should DSA and WILLIAM BURRUS • DOUGLAS HOLBROOK Security events that we can, and 6) our allies do that Executive Vice Presldenl Secretory-Treasurer help coordinate a series ofDSA-spon kind of thing at any of the upcom- sored public events around the coun - ~ J try calling for the defense and expan- ing ADSS events Issue #4 1998 • D c m o c t a t i c L e f t • p a g e 11 IS SOCIAL SECURITY REALLY GOING BROKE? onservative think-tonks have convinced most or raising the retirement age? Because the corporate Cmainstream pundits, and even many liberal politi interests pushing the "national dialogue on Social Secu cians, that the Social Security system will face a se rity" are not interested in preserving a universal pension vere crisis once the baby-boom generation begins to system which guarantees each American a halfway-de retire. Such dire predictions result from extremely pes cent retirement income. Rother, corporate America's aim simistic assumptions about the future of the American is to abolish "social insurance," - by which society guar economy (from sources who usually paint a glowing antees insurance whose benefits will be determined portrait of the future of world capitalism) Despite the solely by the individual's workplace earnings and by average annual real growth in the twentieth century the vagaries of their individually-owned investment ac· being well over two percent, the counts (fortuitously managed by a doomsoyers of Social Security as- financial industry ever hungry for sert that the twenty-first century will new clients). only witness 1.4 percent per annum Close to 40 percent of the And while it may be true real growth. In addition, their esti· Social Security "shortfall" that over the long-run, investment mates ignore the role younger im could be eliminated by assets will grow faster if invested migrant workers ore likely to con· in riskier equity markets, what tinue to ploy in expanding the size taking off the income ceiling . conservative advocates of of the active workforce and they privatization will not tell the pub- also underestimate the lesser "bur- lic is that if they happen to retire den" on society of younger dependents, as birth rates during a long-term bull market (or if they get swindled and family size secularly decrease. into imprudent investments by greedy investment But even with these draconian estimates of the firms) their individual accounts will yield very little. increase in the ratio of elder dependents to active Just ask retirees in Chile what has happened to the workers, conservatives admit that the system could value of their individual accounts in just the past few be "saved" by jacking up the Social Security payroll months. Left policy analysts differ over whether the lox paid both by employers and employees by 2.2 government should collectively invest a portion of percent starting in the year 2010. This is, of course, the Social Security trust fund (no more than forty a regressive tax move which no one on the right or percent) in the stock and bond market. But the left left countenances. But what the right does not tell us should only countenance this strategy if a high-level is that one-forth of the alleged "shortfall" could of defined-benefits remained guaranteed and if firms readily be mode up by raising, in real terms, the ceil receiving public investment funds were required to ing on income subject to Social Security tax from obey labor and health and safety standards. $68,000 in today's dollars to $250,000. And dose But whatever differences there may be within the to Forty percent of the "shortfall" could be eliminated democratic left over how to achieve the minimal re by taking off the income ceiling altogether. In addi forms necessary to preserve Social Security as a truly tion, by modestly raising the growth estimates from social insurance system, the bottom-line is clear: Social 1.4 percent to 1.8 percent chops another one-third Security must continue to guarantee a universal, high of the projected shortfall And the rest could be mode level of defined-benefits to all the disabled and eld up by gradually raising the Social Security tax by erly. Thus, the left should fight any and all attempts to one percent or, better yet, through very small in privatize through individual investment accounts any creases in the more progressive income tax. and all of Social Security revenues. Why don't we hear how easily Social Security -Joseph SchwariZJ DSA NPC chair can be preserved, without cutting guaranteed benefits ------to fight back. Now. the Internet; always stress your family's We'll be calling all DSA chapters People can start helping out right personal experience with Social Secu soon to clue you all in more thor away by: a) collecting any articles they rity and how much it means to you; oughly. Please feel free to contact us come across on the issue-particularly get out to local forums and debates anytime with questions or comments. local stuff that we'd be unlikely to get on the program and muck it up from Jason Pramas is the Director of the our hands on through the Web or any the audience, and c) DS.\ "Big Guns" DSA Social Security Action Project. where else here in Boston-and send it should start using mainstream plat The Project can be reached c/ o: Bos to us at the address below, b) start agi forms as frequently as possible to put ton DSA, t t Garden St., Cambridge, tating now; write letters and op-eds the left take on this issue more con MA 02139; (617) 354-5078; wherever possible; stir up trouble on sistently in the public eye. [email protected]. p a g c 12 • D c m o c r a t i c L e ft • Issue #4 1998 Labor's Victories/ continuedfrom pag,e 2 wide, 226 was defeated by a 54-to-46- bor movement has had in reconstruct "No on 226" campaign was also percent margin, and L.A. County re ing its political program and political hugely labor-intensive. ''We can't put jected it by a 60-40 margin - the clout (even while its efforts to revive a dollar value," said Holt at one East fourth highest "No" vote among the the culture of organizing still have a L.A. campaign rally last Sunday, "on state's 58 counties, a stunning achieve long way to go). The hope inside the all the volunteers." ment for the local labor moYement. 1\ labor movement is that its efforts The rally on the Sunday before against 226 have positioned unions to the election.afforded a glimpse of wage even more effective campaigns some of those volunteers. About 100 1n the years to come. "Grover red-shirted members of the United The defeat of Proposition Norquist and Pete Wilson did us a favor," Service Employees Interna Farm Workers stood alongside about 226 attests to the remarkable 50 purple-T-shirted members of the tional Union president Andy Stern Service Employees and perhaps SO success that the Sweeney-era obserYed during the Eastside rally. other union volunteers, chanting in labor movement has had in "They woke up the movement and the noontime break between precinct connected it to our members. I've reconstructing its political ·walks. At the same time, similar ral never seen so many members phon lies were taking place in other loca program and political clout. ing and walking precincts - and we tions around L.A., smce labor had tar have to find a way to build on this in geted five Assembly districts within November and beyond." the county in which to concentrate its efforts. In the last four days of the statewide poll of AFL-CIO members Harold M~crson is the editor of the LA campaign, roughly 2,500 unionists conducted on election night showed Weekly and a vice chair of DSA. A turned out in these districts to carry that 71 percent had voted against 226 11ersion of ths article previous!J appeared literature door-to-door and to talk with - and union members familiar with in the LA Weekly. the union members who lived along their union's position opposed it by the route. Still another core of volun an 81 to 19 percent margin. Perhaps teers staffed the five phone banks, most impressive - indeed, astonish with between 60 and 100 phones ing - was the finding of the CNN/ apiece, that the unions had put to L.A. Times exit gether for the campaign. poll that fully ((/,u,,,'f-Tf.r,,, 7!;...P The Eastside effort had particu one-third of ~..t.l!i•C:.W. lar significance for the L.A. County Tuesday's voters I • • • I 14 Federation of Labor's ongomg efforts came from union house ·ij·l·· ATIME? to mobilize newly registered ~mmi I ~~>. grant voters. In this East LA. holds. In a state Alhambra-Monterey Park Assembly where the rate of Growing Up Radlcal district, labor was campaigning not unionization is and Red In America just 18 percent, just against 226, but also for Gloria Robert Schrank Romero, a longtime labor-left activist that means who was embroiled in a hotly con labor's mobiliza tion of its own "Schrank was a witness to and an active participant In tested election for an open Assembly many of the major moments that defined the Left in seat. The unionists who turned out for members suc ceeded on a scale modern American life. He casts his unrelenting gaze on the Sunday walk were part of a cam this important and now largely forgotten history, offering seldom achieved paign to reach not just the district's a refreshing candor about things, political and personal. 9,000 union members, but also the in elections. Wasn't That a Time? not only sets the record straight; 14,000 newly naturalized voters who'd Proposition it is also a damned good read.• - Steve Brier, registered over the last 18 months - 226 was the American Social History Project, City University of New York most serious at an effort modeled on labor's success· "Ther have been many leftist memoirs recently, some tempt to shift the ful campaign last wmter to elect Gil self-serving, some bitter, some just dull, but Schrank's Cedillo to a downtown-area Assem balance of class recollections of life among the down and dirty vanguards blr seat on the strength of unton and forces m Ameri is well documented and animated by steadfast personal urunigrant voters. can politics in commitment.· - Publishers Weekly decades. l ts de It was clear that labor's efforts, 504 pp. $30 both in one Assembly district and feat attests to the across the srate, had paid off big-time. remarkable suc To order call 80().356-0343 (US & Canada) or (617) 625-8569. In the race for the Eastside Assembly cess that the seat, Romero swept to victory. State- Sweeney-era la- http://mltpress.mit.edu The MIT Pre SS Issue #4 1998 • D cm o c rat i c Left • pa g c 13 ETHEL SHAPIRO-BERTOLINI 1910 - 1998 ong time DSA activist and would say was when she was fi My favorite memory of Ethel and Lmember, Ethel Shapiro nally sworn in as a U.S. citizen. Angelo is sitting in their Venice Bertolini, passed away at the age Ethel also was an author of a apartment near the ocean on a late of 88 on February 2, 1998 after a number of books and pamphlets. Sunday afternoon, sipping a glass long period of increasing frailty She was a labor journalist and edi of Italian wine, and having very and multiple health problems. tor of several house magazines. intense discussions about politics I fi rst met Ethel in 1975 when Her books include "When The or the latest article in L'Unita, the I moved to Los Angeles. At the Storm Broke," perhaps the first Italian Communist Party daily time Ethel was very active in the book of fiction in the English lan newspaper that Angelo always New American Movement (NAM) guage that tells the story of the first shared with me. and, along with many other NAM three years of the Great Depres Ethel influenced a broad and future DSA elders, had only a sion. She wrote "And My Heart range and large number of people, short period earlier been expelled Was At Home," a novel about the many of them much younger than from the Communist Party after rights of the foreign born and their her. Her keen mind, critical sensi many years as a labor activist and persecution during the McCarthy bilities, and powerful words were internal dissident belonging to the era. Among her other works, Ethel a strong presence in any gathering Southern California District of the wrote the non-fiction book of activists. She was a mentor for CP, led by Dorothy Healey. Ethel "Through The Wall,'' in which she a number of current community was born in pre-revolutionary Rus published hundreds ofletters from and labor leaders. She was a dedi sia and in 1922 emigrated with her prisoners throughout the country cated DSA member with an un family to the United States. From with whom she had corresponded f1inching belief in the working the age of 16 years she was active over many years. She wrote a dedi class and socialism, and despite her in the socialist movement. A fiery cation to Dr. Martin Luther King, increasingly poor health partici young woman would be often seen Jr. entitled "'I Never Died,' Said pated as long as possible in the life speaking on a soap box in Gary, He." A copy of that pamphlet was of the organintion often to the Indiana and Chicago in support of permanently placed by Coretta embarrassment of much younger striking steel workers. She was ar Scott King at the Martin Luther and fitter comrades. rested many times. She helped lead King Memorial Center in Atlanta, Ethel had a great love for hu organizing for the needle trades in GA. Towards the end of her life manity and for family. She will be New York City and during the Ethel was an activist for renters' sorely missed. She is survived by Second World War was active with rights. Before her death she com many niece-; and nephews, great the United Electrical Radio and pleted the yet to be published work nieces and nephews, and by nu Machine Workers of America of fiction entitled, "My Century," merous cousin:;. She ts also sur (CIO). In a dark foreshadowing of a compilation of short stories vived by those of us whose lives today's immigrant struggles, the based on her life. she touched, and :;ometimes US government attempted for de For thirty nine years Ethel was scolded as cocksure young radi cades to deport her under the happily married to Angelo cals, and by those of us who con Walter-McCarran Act. Ethel re Bertoli ni. Angelo passed away in tinue to struggle for freedom, jus sisted these efforts in a long legal 1996. He was also a former tice, and solid(l.rity. Values which struggle until she won her case CPUSA, NAM, and DSA member. Ethel Shapiro-Bertolini exempli with the help of many friends, Angelo had been active in the un fied in the highest manner. supporters, and her attorney, Gary derground Italian Communist -Sieve Tarz; 1nski Silberger. Her "proudest day" she Party during the Mussolini regime. p a g e 14 • D e m o c r a t i c Le ft • Issue #4 1998 1848-199 8) 5 esq11icentennia l Conftssions and Questions Better Left Than Bereft HARVEY J. KAYE n this sesquicentennial year of The CoJJ1·m~nist Manifesto, I have a confession to make: I regularly try to disabuse myself of The continuing power of I thinking like a Marxist, identifying with the labor movement, marxian thought lies in the and believing in the promise of socialist democracy. political-economic and moral I continually force myself to con- ing to create a society of complete front the horrors nf history, in par- freedom, absolute equality and total questions it poses. ticuJar, those of the twentieth century, democracy. But they are wrong. among them, the nightmares of the I do long for a more confident now collapsed Soviet regime. And I socialist politics and stronger solidari more effectively than any other hu do not fail to appreciate capitalism's ties among workers and amongwork man being then or now, devoted his productive wonders and consumer ers and mtellecruals - but not slin life to explaining the systemic logic spectacles, and to cherish our liberal- ply for those of the past, marked m of capitalism." democratic freedoms. the former case by racial and gender And in the Man!festo we find a Moreover, I immerse myself in hierarchies and in rhe latter by an most prophetic narrative of capitalist the arguments of contemporary con- acritical populism or more dangerous triumphalism: "The bourgeoisie has servatives. I imagine what a pleasure elitism. I do desire a reordering of played a most revolutionary role in it would be to accept che world as it society - but not to empower some history .. . The need of a constantly is, to believe that the way things are is refurbished ruling class. And I cer expanding market for its products the way they ought to be - or, at least, tainly do aspire to a freer, more equal chases the bourgeoisie over the whole to believe that they are the only way and democratic future - though not surface of the globe. It must nestle they can be. I even day-dream about to some unattainable or dangerous everywhere, settle everywhere, estab the commissions to be garnered if I fantasy. lish connections everywhere ... In a rusavowed the left. I readily admit to romanticism, word, it creates a world after its own Tragedy haunts the h1stortcal rarucabsm, and optimism; but I don't linage." Has there ever been an econo record; irony mocks humanity's best think I suffer - at least not severely mist more prescient - or more po efforts. Capitalism affords tremen- - from nostalgia, alienation, or etic - than Marx? dous powers and pleasures (for those utopianism. Overlooking pure st:ub Prescience and poetry aside, I who have the wherewithal); liberal baroness and/or stupidity, you might think the continuing power of democracy definitely is the finest form wonder: How can one continue to marxian thought, with all its faults and of political development (thus far). think like a Marxist, remain commit neglects (of nationalism, race and gen And conservatives not only write ted to working-class struggles, and still der), lies in the political-econorruc and smartly, they also score good pomts hold on to socialist visions? moral questions it poses. Where bet (not to mention, I would welcome a In the light of history, and in the ter to start an exploration of history greater public voice and bank ac- Talmudic fashion of my Jewish fore than with the way in which people count). bears, I reply: How can one not con- organize themselves to provide for Nevertheless, however much I t:inue ~o ask Marxian questions? How their material and cultural needs and acknowledge these truths, I am un- can one not continue to side with La development? Specifically, where bet able to shed myself of marxian bor? How can one not reaffirm so ter to start than with a social order's thoughts, laborist commitments, and cialist hopes and aspirations? Indeed, relations of exploitation and oppres socialist hopes. contrary to the respective philosophers sion and the struggles engendered by Some have argued rhat I suffer of the end-of-history and posthistoire, them? some intellectual malady: Perhaps has tl1ere been any time more in need Of course, we need far more drnn nostalgia, a longtog to recapture the and 10v1ting of such guestions, en Marx; but without marxian questions past, a supposed time of confident gagcmcnts and visions? how can we possibly make critical socialist policies and laborist solidari Why ask marxian questions? My sense of history, no less, the past quar ttes. Perhaps alienation, a desire to friend Ellen Wood contends: "for the ter century: Thatchensm and reorder society such that intellectuals first time, capitalism has become a Reaganism; popular revolution in the not only study things, but also rule truly universal system ... So Marx is Soviet world; corporate globalization; them. Or maybe utopianism, a yearn- more relevant than ever, because he, Asian economic crises and unrest ... Issue #4 1998 • D e m o c t a t i c L c f t • p a g e 15 Why support workers' struggles intellectuals realign themselves with comprehend what recent left political and the labor movement? Because, if reinvigorating labor movements. The victories mean. Against all the best we really do want to create freer, more struggle to extend and enrich democ efforts to convince them otherwise, equal and democratic societies, then, racy continues - globalization has working people and the middle-classes for a start, we need to do so demo merely raised the stakes. refuse to abandon the hope that soci cratically. And history attests to work Why cultivate socialist aspira eties of greater freedom, equality and ing-people's commitments and accom tions? Because, for all its corruptions democracy might yet be made. Con plishments. and perversions, socialism represents tra Fukuyama, history is not over. Against the theses of Cold-War the modern articulation of humanity's Conservatives themselves are not social scientists and Orthodox Marx ancient dream of abolishing exploita oblivious. In late 1997, in the wake ists alike, recent generations of histo tion and oppression and creating so of electoral defeats, New Rightists rians, working from the bottom up, cial orders without overlords. Emerg convened an International Conserva have effectively demonstrated that the ing in the wake of the Enlightenment; tive Convention, co-hosted by Marga working olass has been the class most taking shape in the course of the Age ret Thatcher and William F. Buckley, devoted to democratic change and of Revolution; and developing in re to consider what the neoconservative development. lation to the making of labor move Week,& S la11dard called the ''Worldwide Now, after twenty-five years of ments: socialism - at its best - has Conservative Crack-Up". class war from above, fragmentation served as the "prophetic memory" of We should be so lucky. Still, I can't and decomposition, the working working-people's aspirations to free help thinking they, too, have read their classes are not simply more diverse, dom, equality and democracy. Marx. they are also recomposing themselves And just consider: Though demo Harvry ]. Kaye is professor of social and reconstituting their social move cratic life remains constrained and change and development al the University ments. In ll?'orkers in a Lean World, Kim tested, who does not publically revere of ll?'isconsin-Green Bqy Moody writes: "Like Mark Twain's democracy, or at least defer to it as an ([email protected]) and the author of proverbial death notice, the diagnosis ideal? Though inequalities persist and "Why Do Ruling Classes Fear [of labor's death] proved premature. grow, who publically recites the clas History?" and Other Questions (St. By the mid-1990s the streets of con sical conservative defenses of inequal Marlin i Press). tinental Europe, Latin America, and ity? Though capital and the market parts of Asia were filled with hun prevail, who actually trusts corporate dreds of thousands of angry work power, global or otherwise? ing people . . . " However we assess the current And, once again, their campaigns crop of liberal, social-democratic and have revitalized democratic politics as labor parties, we should not fail to A Commitment to L L Democratic Socialists of America eave a egacy How to Make a Bequest to DSA. Everyone should have a will. Remember, however, the only person who can draft a will that you can be certain will meet your needs is an attorney. When consulting your attorney, we hope you will consider making a bequest to DSA. A beguest is a gift made via a specific provision in your will. Beguests have been an important part of DSA's funding base and can provide you with a way to influence the future and make your contributions continue to work for economic and social justice even after your death. D Please send me more information about DSA. I am interested in leaving a bequest to DSA. D address D Please contact me. D I am interested in exploring other planned giving city______stote_ zip _____ options. Please contact me. phone ______D Enclosed is a contribution to DSA. 0$100 0$50 0$25 email ______ p a g c 16 • D c m o c r a t i c Le ft • Issue #4 1998 Sade-Monetarism-The Other Capital Punishment A 50-Years-ls-Enough Network Conference October 2 - 4, 1998 Washington, DC INTERNAJIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (IFIS), • multilateral debt issues multinational corporations, and governments ex • the MAI (Multilateral Agreement on Investment) clude the values and interests of ordinary people • popular education approaches to economic justice in economic decision making. Sado-Monetarism: activism The Other Capital Punishment • differentiated gender impact of will expose how this hos led to IMF and World Bank policies the lack of political will in ad The IMF & World Bank in • strategies for local organizing on dressing debt relief, unsustain international economic issues able and environmentally de- the Global Economic Order • declining labor standards, and structive development, and in the much morel! economic exploitation of poor All events are open to the and working peoples around the world. The Con public; however space is limited, so please register in ference will also include sessions to develop advance. There is a $35 registration fee to help cover grassroots organizing strategies on how to uproot costs and ensure scholarships for those who cannot this system of oppression and information about afford to pay No one will be turned away due to lack existing alternatives to the current oppressive sys of funds. tem. For more information coll: The Network is a coalition of 203 U.S. organi· 50 Years Is Enough Network zations, working in partnership with groups and (202) 463-2265 or send e-mail to grassroots movements in 65 countries all dedicated wb50yea [email protected] to the profound transformation of the IMF and the World Bank. Our 1995 and 1996 conferences Rally for Economic Justice & Debt Relief brought together activists from around the U.S. and 4'h - 3:00 5:30PM 25 countries to learn about IMF and World Bank On Sunday, October to policies and to strategize for global economic jus 50 Years Is Enough and Jubilee 2000 USA Campaign tice. will sponsor a rally at the White House (in Lafayette Join Us at the Conference to Pork) to let the Clinton Administration know our de Examine & learn about: mands for economic justice and for debt relief. After the Rally we will march to IMF and World Bank Head • monetary and economic policy of the IMF quarters (about 4 blocks away) where the Joint Devel • causes and impact of the Asian Financial Crisis opment Committee of the World Bank and IMF will • environmental impacts of World Bank/IMF lend be meeting in preparation for their Annual Meeting ing policies with the world's Finance Ministers the following week. Adopt-A-Manatee. You'll receive a photo and biography of "your" manatee, an adoption certificate, and a membership handbook. Your contribution will go toward efforts to protect endangered manatees and their habitat. Help us fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the progressive disorder of the nervous system, ~ Save the Manatee.Club better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ~ 500 N. Maitland Ave. IJLl»l Maitland, FL 32751 Muscular Dystrophy Association www.objcctllnks.com/m11na1ee 1-800-572-1717 • www.mdausa.org Peop.'e Help MDA . Because MDA Helps Pl!()ple 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) Issue #4 1998 • D c m o c rat i c L c ft • p a g c 17 In Honor of Our Outstanding Comrade Bernie Backer 80 years of struggle on behalf of justice, peace, and solidarity -Motl Zelmanowicz Catch the Buzz About Working USA Editor: Don Stillman, UAW "A brand-new style or pro-labor journal. ... strong in conception, accessible in execution, and intent on playing off news events .... This is smartly orgruiized and designed, a break away from most labor efforts." -Chicago Tribune "Stillman's ... adroit editorial balancing act makes WorkingUSA ideal reading for labor friendly folk in lhe wider population .... The long suit here is accessible context and analysis .... [Working USA) is the best place to begin your education on labor's refreshed ambitions." -Utne Reader "WorkingUSA, a voice for labor intellectuals ... that meri ts serious attention ... as a kind of Dissent for a labor audience ... [and] its editor, Don Stillman, [is) a rare kind of labor intellectual." -Union Democracy Review "WorkmgUSA [is] a classy new journal published Lo tell the other side of lhe story about the economy, work and unions. Not lhe same fare you'll find in The Wall Street Journal, bul just as well wrillen." -NEA Now "Currently Lhe best labor magazine in the world." -Denis MacShane, M.P., British House of Commons Subscription Information: ISSN 1089-7011 • Published Since: 1997 • Frequency Per Year. 6 • Vol. 2: May 1998-April 1999 US Institutional Subscription Rate: $84.00 US Individual Subscription Rate: $45.00 Foreign Institutional Subscription Rate: $129.00 Foreign Individual Subscription Rate: $63.00 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! A free sample issue will be sent at your request. Call toll free 1-800-541-6563 or fax 914-273-2106 I AMEX, MASTERCARD, v1sA AJ8170 r!)..f. E. Shwpe Inc. p a g e 18 • D c m o c r a t i c L c ft • Issue #4 1998 Anniversary of The Communist Manifesto Celebrated BY JULIA FITZGERALD could scarcely believe the Air France flight attendant-no charge for the wine? It must be part of the magic of a visit Of course Marx was I to the City of Light. It was my first trip to Paris since the age stunningly right on a number of four and I sat back in contentment, prepared to enjoy. My of points, but the constant excuse for a jaunt to France was a conference this past May assertion of his relevance sponsored by the educational arm of the French Communist seemed a trifle defensive. Party, Espace Marx. The conference was part commemoration of the l S01h Anniversary of the Communist Manifesto, part call for international analysis of capitalism at the millenium. The panels ranged from theoreti I attended with several other DSA clearly the main focus was Marx and cal and esoteric, "Meaning and Posi members including Honorary Chair a much O lder Left. This is not sur tion of the Manifesto in Marx' Work," Bogdan Dcnitch (who was a speaker prising, since the French Communists qr '1s History Intelligible?" to discus at the conference),John .i\ tason (mem- did not support the student movement sions of current policy issues "Over ber of DSA's International Commit- in 1968. coming Unemployment." It was a tee) and Robert Saute and Gina Neff The conference took place over truly international group; the speak (both members of the City University four days and included approximately ers came from over 20 countries and of New York DSA chapter and orga- 30 workshops and plenaries. Most of the rest of us were almost as diverse. nizers of the Socialise Scholars Con- the sessions were held at the Speakers and participants were mostly ference). In addition to the DSA con- Bibliotheque Nationale de France on academics, labor leaders, political tingent, the Amencans included rep- the banks of the Seine. According to party activists. Speeches in English resentatives from the Committees of my guidebook, "Thts new national li were translated to French and vise Correspondence Qncluding Co-Chair brary is one of the grandest of the versa, but there was unfortunately no Charlene Mitchell, who spoke at the Grand Projects bestowed (or inflicted) translation of Spanish and Portu openingplenary),people fromMonthfy upon Paris by former President guese. Review magazine and the Marxist Francois Mitterand." Out party was The conference was commemo School in New York City and unaf- in the "inflicted" upon camp. T he rating the Manifesto, so perhaps it was filiated leftists, mostly academics. buildings, four glass and concrete not surprising that a main topic of The DSA group may be forgiven high-rises, perched on the bottom discussion was Marx' prescient pre if we approached the conference with third of a stepped pyrarrud. The pyra dictions of the globalization of capi trepidation. The Prench Communists mid base was reminiscent of the ru tal. Of course Marx was stunningly remaincd loyal to the Soviet Union ins of Chitchen Itza and almost as right on a number of points, but the and a rigid form of democratic cen- creepy for those with vertigo. Once constant assertion of hts relevance tralism much longer than most other we had reached tl1e holy ground at the seemed a trifle defensive. The effect non-governing Commurust parties. A top we found vast tracts of concrete of the Communist legacy unpacted couple of years ago the Party engaged dotted with caged bushes. Bushes sur the proceedings in other ways as well. in a long, emotional debate before rounded by metal cages. We couldn't At one point Leo Panitch, professor voting to eliminate the hammer and figure it out, either. Suffice it tO say of political science at York College in sickle from their ins1gnia. The confer- we did not linger at the Bibliotheque. Toronto suggested that we were ence happened to coincide with the The New Yorkers had just endured spending too much time trying to un JOth Anniversary of the student up- eleven straight days of rain and were derstand the failure of the "socialist'' rising of 1968 and rhe Parisian news- loathe to come in from the glorious societies of Eastern Europe instead papers were full of analyses and re- Parisian sun; we often decided that the of considenng the more important printed articles from those tumultu- panels which looked most interesting quest1on of the failure of Western ous days. During the course of the were those held on barges moored European social democracies. I conference a few references were across from the Bibliotheque on the thought ruefully that DSAers spend made to this Ne"" Left anniversary, but Seine. very little time worrying about the fail- Issue #4 1998 • D c m o c r a t i c L c ft • p a g e 19 ure of the Eastern block since we to elevate the proceedings. The large serted that we must be clear, both pri never held it up as a model. But in hall was packed; this was obviously \'ately and publicly, that the socialism this audience no one responded to an outreach event for left Parisians as of the former Soviet Union was not Panitch's plea. well as conference participants. democratic socialism. \'Ve should not In general there was not enough Denitch's pomts were basic and famil fall prey to simplistic political notions: give and take. At one point Immanuel iar to DSt\ers, but we were glad he the enemy of our enemy is not neces Wallerstein, professor of sociology at made them. He emphasized that our sarily our friend and simply being a SUNY Binghamton, tried to get a de \'ictim ~locs not convey moral superi bate going by suggesting that the Eu ority. ropean Union was a good thing. His The conference closed with a argument was that the Union would D~nitch touched on more rousing chorus of the Internationale. only be as reactionary as the member It was led by a rambuncnous contin states would permit. By providing an dicey issues ... that the gent from the Bra%ilian Workers Party alternate pole of economic power it socialism of the former Soviet and was sung in many languages. I felt will create the possibility of a cha! Union was not democratic reinvigorated and suddenly closer to lenge to the dominance of the U.S. everybody in the room. Was I allow and free market economic policy. No socialism. ing meaningless sentiment to over one responded to his challenge. 1\t whelm critical reason? Not at all, I least at that session However, two concluded. Our common anthem is weeks later Daruel Smger, who was an important reminder of the values also at the conference, wrote a piece moyement must include women in we :.hare in spite of our differences. for the Nation m which he discussed positions of power. (\'Vhile clearly an And changes in the world are making the possible openings for the Left pro effort had been made to recruit fe our differences less relevant all the vided by the EU. male speakers, a number of the pan time. Besides, emotion is good. Who One of the highlights of the con els were overwhelmingly or even com can sustam commmnent without it? ference was the speech by Bogdan pletely male.) We must attract young }11/ia I'tlzgerald 1.r a member Denitch at the closing Plenary. It was people to the movement. (Sustained of the DSA National held at the beautiful Grand Amphi applause at this point.) Then he Political Committee. theater at the Sorbonne, which seemed touched on more dicey issues. He as- NACL A REPORT ON THE AMERICAS The source for alternative information and analysis on Latin America and the Caribbean ith mainstream media mainly reflecting narrow corporate W interests. NACLA Report on the Americas brings a unique depth of analysis to major political. economic and social trends in Latin America. NACLA Report on the Americas 1~ used throughout the United States and around the world by students.journalists, policy institu tions, trade unionists and human rights activists. Contact NACLA at (212) 870-3146, email [email protected] or visit www.nacla.org for subscription information p a g e 20 • D e m o c r a t i c L c ft • Issue #4 1998 UNITE! in solidarity for good wages, workers' rights & human dignity UNION OF NEEDLETRAD ES , INDU STRIAL & TEXTILE EMPLOYEES JAY MAZUR BRUCE RAYNOR ED CLARK EDGAR ROMNEY />midenr Sccrdary-Trensurer Excc11tiw Vice Pnmde111 Bxccllril'V Vice Prcside11t Issue #4 1998 • D e m o c t a t j c L e ft • p a g e 21 ll.it:uo111\.1a1 1 B05(1 Re"' "C110w1r ...... _ ~::-:; . .0 n view ••••c• .,,.,. •••t•••~...,•·- Subscribe 0• 11"•••, to a magazine critics are calling "lively and serious" (Robert Solow), "one ofa kind" (Gar Alperovitz), and ''an antidote to complacence and conventional wis dom" (Michael Sandel). Since 1975, Boston Review has been a provocative forum for politics, literature and culture. The Review brings you news from the world of ideas: from Marjorie Perloff on the Yasusada poetry hoax to Theodore Lowi on globalizacion's darker side, from Harold Bloom on the state of American letters to Susan Okin on feminism and multiculturalism, from Alan Stone on Waco to Martha Nussbaum on Greek tragedy and welfare reform. Plus poetry, fiction and book reviews by the most distinguished authors writing anywhere. Subscriptions are just $17 per year, $30 for two. Call (617) 253-3642 to order by phone, or return the form below with your payment. Boston Review NAME A political and literary forum ADDRESS E53-407, MIT CITY, STATE, ZIP Cambridge, MA 02139 MASTERCARONiSA EXPIRATION DATE tel (617) 25-.3-2642 fax (617) 252-1549 SIGNATURE PHONE NUMBER/EMAIL [email protected] p a g e 22 • D e m o c r a t i c L e ft • Issue #4 1998 BACK BASICS A CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF THE AMERICAN LEFT Get excited an PUBLIC PLENARIES WORKING PANELS • Barbara Epstein on feminism today • Sen. Paul Wellstone • Chris Lehmann on clas& in America • Rep. Bernie Sanders· •Dan Cantor on electoral strategies • Rep. Cynthia McKinney· •Francis Calpotura on communityorganizing • Dr. Quentin Young • Karen Nolan on the House Progressive Caucus • David Glenn on labor and politics • Barbara Dudley • Steve Hart on religion and the left •Joel Rogers • Micah Sifry on campaign finance reform • campaign condmon' perm1111nc 4 David Mober1 on the international labor market MASTER OF CEREMONIES • Sonya Huber on students and politics •Joel Ro1ers on Metropolitics: A Jim Hightower The promise of a new urban agenda •Ron Aronson on "Value Talk" and the Left • Katherine Sc:iacchitano on welfare reform • Robert McChesney on the media •Nelson Lichtenenstein on the future of h1bor •Salim Muwakkil on African-American politics • Dr. Quentin Young on public health and universal health care • Barbara Dudley on the politics of environmentalism ... and others to be announced. October 9 - 11, 1998 · Congress Hotel · Chicago Sponsored by: In These Times Co-sponsort.-d by: The Baffler, Democratic Left, Dissent, Mother Jones, The Nation, The Neighborhood Works, The Progressive, Toward Freedom, Working Assets Issue #4 1998 • D e m o c r a t i c L c ft • p a g c 23 • BEST WISHES WE STRUGGLE ON ALL FRONTS Continuing the Battle in the North from Edward W. Clark, Jr. Manager DSA/ALASKA New England Regional Joint Boord [email protected] Executive Vice President, UNITE Box 70252 Michael Cavanaugh Fairbanks, AK 99707 Secretory-Treasurer 867 State Road No. Dartmouth, MA 02747 IN SOLIDARITY / PAUL C. KORMAN, DIRECTOR DENNIS D. WILLIAMS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND THE REGION 4 STAFF p a g e 24 • D e m o c r a t i c L e ft • Issue #4 1998