• AUSTRALIA $2.00 • BELGIUM BF60 • CANADA $2.00 • FRANCE FF1 0 • ICELAND Kr150 • NEW ZEALAND $2.50 • SWEDEN Kr12 • UK £1.00 • U.S. $1.50 TH£ A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF WORKING PEOPLE VOL. 59/NO. 28 AUGUST 7, 1995

White House Bosnia war expands as hesitates on UN 'havens' collapse affirmative Imperialist powers prepare military intervention action attack BY MAURICE WILLIAMS BY GREG ROSENBERG The Clinton administration released a The warring gangs running the rival report July 18 that proposed only minor regimes in the former Yugoslavia have ex­ changes to federal affirmative action pro­ panded the Balkans war anew. With the grams. White House officials said they taking of Srebrenica, the misnamed were concerned that pushing too far in the United Nations "safe haven," rightist Serb government's probes against affirmative forces operating in Bosnia unleashed a action carried political risks they were re­ new wave of so-called ethnic cleansing, luctant to take, given widespread support expelling tens of thousands of residents of for such programs. the enclave while carrying out mass mur­ In a speech the following day,President der, imprisonment, and rape. Bill Clinton summarized his stance toward The chief imperialist powers - Wash- affirmative action with the slogan, "Mend it but don't end it." The White House report concluded that "the evidence shows that, on the whole, NEWS ANALYSIS the Federal programs are fair and do not unduly burden non-beneficiaries." In­ stead, it proposed cracking down on al" ington, Paris, London, and Bonn - are leged "fraud" in such programs. being drawn willy-nilly toward greater Officials reiterated the Clinton's oppo­ military intervention in the Balkans war. sition to the use of quotas to enforce affir­ The latest developments shattered the pre­ mative action. They said the president tense that the imperialist troop deploy­ would issue a directive requiring all fed­ ments in Bosnia, under UN cover, have eral agencies to eliminate or reform any anything to do with protecting civilian program that "creates a quota, creates a populations. The fiasco left the "allies" preference for unqualified individuals, blaming each other and scrambling for German troops disembark July 18 at NATO base in Italy in preparation for imperi­ alist Balkans military operation. Washington and its rivals are divided over Bosnia. creates reverse discrimination or contin­ plans enabling each to defend rival inter­ ues even after its equal oppOrtunity pur­ ests. A proposal· t() withdraw the UN poses have been achieved." troops is now being bandied about more month-old conflict, which has left hun­ involves introducing 60,000 new troops Major Republican politicians have also prominently. dreds of thousands dead and made mil­ - 25,000 of them U.S. Gls- to bail out backpedaled in their probes to attack affir­ The capitalist governments are at pains lions of working people into refugees. the UN soldiers. mative action. Newt Gingrich, Speaker of to avoid the -political consequences of The three main "options" for Washing­ Srebrenica was one of six so-called safe the House of Representatives, persuaded their national armies receiving large casu­ ton and other NATO members, as summa- - havens for mostly Muslim civilians within Senate Republican leader Bob Dole to put alties on the Balkan battlefields. But each rized by the New York Times, are "exit and the 70 percent of Bosnia that is controlled of the options they are now fractiously de­ arm," "stay and strengthen," or "storm and by Bosnian Serb rightist Radovan Continued on Page 12 bating will impel them deeper into the 39- conquer." The envisioned "exit" option Continued on Page 3 Defense of Cuba, Youth: 'I want to see socialist Cuba working-class resistance are firsthand at world solidarity festival' heart ofSWP BY LAURA GARZA trip a few days before the deadline On August 5 thousands of youth for applications and put down a de­ convention will gather in Havana for a rally posit the next day. "I believe that if against the U.S. embargo of Cuba. in Latin America we could free our­ BY PAUL MAILHOT Among those marching will be stu­ selves from the oppressive U.S. AND ARGIRIS MALAPANIS dents, workers, and other opponents government and authoritarian gov­ OBERLIN, Ohio-Leaving the 38th of U.S. policy who traveled from ernments like in Mexico, if we had Constitutional Convention of the Socialist the United States to join with youth a more socialist, fair, and just gov­ Workers Party here July 12, delegates and from around the world in standing ernment in Latin America, we guests headed back to their cities pressing with the people of Cuba to defend would be better off," Garcia said. "I ahead to build the broadest possible dele­ their sovereignty. The rally will in­ want to go to Cuba because I want gation from the United States to the Cuba clude all those gathered for the Au­ to see what it's like to live in a so­ Lives International Youth Festival, which gust 1-7 Cuba Lives International cialist society firsthand." will be held in Havana and other Cuban Youth Festival. Some I ,400 people As they learn more about the provinces August 1-7. Defense of the so­ from 65 countries had registered to Cuban revolution, participants in cialist revolution in Cuba was at the center attend by mid-July. the festival will also bring their ex­ qf the deliberations of the four~day con­ The number of people planning periences and struggles 'in the vention. to make the trip has shot up in the United States and other countries to Delegates discussed and adopted a reso­ last few weeks. The U.S. delegation workers and youth in Cuba. lution on the growing volatility of world to the festival will include some 130 Young people planning to make capitalism and the fighting stance commu­ people who applied to participate the trip to Cuba have been organiz­ nist workers must take to its disastrous ef­ through the Cuba Information Pro­ ing fund-raising raffles, setting up fects for working people. Entitled, "So Far ject, about a dozen organized by speaking engagements at campuses from God, So Close to Orange County," Global Exchange, more than 80 par­ for when they return, and making the document serves as a guide for practi­ ticipants in the Venceremos banners. cal political activity by party members and Brigade, and a group of 22 traveling The Washington, D.C., Hands supporters in the coming period. from Boston, including many high Off Cuba Coalition plans to raise Increasing sales of Pathfinder books school students. Across Canada money for those going to the festi­ and other communist literature is at the about 30 people had registered by val with proceeds from a dinner on center of the SWP's priorities coming out July 14 to attend the festival, includ­ July 26. The event will feature pre­ of the convention. Delegates disc1;1Ssed the ing youth and others from Montreal, sentations by Hugo Yedra, Cuba's indispensable place in advancing class consciousness among workers and youth Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. consul in Washington; Adjoa Militant/Ben Fiering Rosemary Garcia, a student in Aiyetoro of the National Confer- Building youth festival at July 3 protest against Mu­ and the building of a proletarian party that Los Angeles, found out about the Continued on Page 5 mia Abu-Jamal death sentence in Philadelphia. Continued on Page 8 Why Washington, Tokyo clashed in World War II- pages 6-7 Mexico cops charged in killing pany's assembly-line workforce. Mit­ Ten Mexican cops were arrested July subishi plans to increase production 4 1 for the murder of at least 18 peasants percent to 1.4 million vehicles in the in Guerrero, one of Mexico's poorest year ending March 30, 1996. and most rebellious states. On June 28, Car sales dropped in Japan because the peasants were on their way to a of an economic slump and shift of car protest rally near Coyuca de Benitez manufacturing out of Japan as the yen when they were ambushed by some 100 has risen sharply against the dollar. cops. · Twelve more peasants were killed re­ Rightists hit Israei-PLO pact turning from a fishing trip July 5, appar­ Hundreds of right-wing Israeli set­ ently also by the police. tlers blocked roads in the West Bank Members of the Peasant Organization July 12 protesting plans for Israeli of the Southern Sierra stormed the main troop withdrawal under a tentative government building in Guerrero June agreement between Tel Aviv and the 29, chased away officials, and set it Palestine Liberation Organization. Is­ ablaze. They pledged to occupy the raeli and Palestinian officials set July building until the cops involved were 25 as the target date for signing a pact brought to justice. over a gradual withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from six West Bank towns and Oil workers strike in Ecuador other populated areas. Energy workers in Ecuador began an The Union of Rabbis for the Land of indefinite strike July 13 that could halt Israel issued a ruling July 12 calling electricity and petroleum production. for Israeli troops to refuse orders to The unions want a repeal of laws that leave the army bases in the West Bank, restrict the right of public workers to heightening fractures among right­ strike. wing forces. A spokesperson for the Union of "This is a political act that can de­ Petroleum Workers said administration . stroy the army," said Rabbi Yehuda buildings of the state petroleum and Amital, who heads a large religious school in the West Bank and opposes electricity companies was occupied by Marchers in Chilpancingo, Mexico, carry fake coffins to protest police killing of peasants. workers, who threatened to close pro­ the ruling. duction sites and oil refineries. guerrillas of the Liberation Tigers of China's car and truck market. Some 1.5 New abortion law in Germany million vehicles were sold in China last Court ruling favors miners Tamil Eelam, who are fighting for a home­ The German Parliament passed a new land for ethnic Tamils in the north and east year. abortion law July 14 that declares most The Supreme Court in early July re­ of the island. Up to 300,000 people fled to jected an appeal by Kerr-McGee Coal Burma opposition leader freed abortions illegal, but provides no punish­ the east of the Jaffna peninsula as the ment for women who have them or doc­ against rules that allow United Mine death count rose to 121. Burma's military regime released oppo­ Workers of America (UMWA) representa­ tors who perform the procedure. The Liberation Tigers have been fight­ sition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from Abortion will be legal in cases of rape tives into nonunion operations during gov­ ing for more than a decade for a separate house arrest July 10 after nearly six years ernment safety inspections. Kerr-McGee or to protect the life of the woman. In Tamil homeland in a struggle that has cost of imprisonment. Aung San Suu Kyi, other cases, doctors are instructed to pro­ was cited for a violation when it refused to about 50,000 lives. About 18 percent of leader of the National League for Democ­ allow UMWA organizers into a strip mine vide counseling stressing "the protection Sri Lanka's 17.8 million people are Tamil. racy, was arrested July 20, 1989. Her party of unborn life," but neither they nor the for safety inspections in 1990. won the 1990 national elections. The mili­ Mercedes gets big China deal woman will be prosecuted for terminating The case involved the federal Mine tary nullified the vote, launched a crack­ the pregnancy. Under the regulation, Safety and Health Act of 1977 that re­ The Chinese government granted a $1 down that left thousands dead, and at­ health insurance will cover abortions for quires "frequent inspections" by the U.S. billion contract to Mercedes-Benz of Ger­ tempted to crush dissent in the country of low-income women. Mine Safety and Health Administration. many to build up to 60,000 minivans and 45 million people. Abortion laws in the former West Ger­ Kerr-McGee said the rule "runs roughshod 100,000 engines a year in the southern city many were among the most restrictive in over the property rights of mine owners of Nanfeng. The July 12 deal also in­ Jail demanded for S. Korea execs Europe, while in East Germany abortion and produces bizarre results." cluded a $50 million joint-venture contract Family representatives of those missing was available on demand during the first to make buses in China. Mercedes beat out in a South Korean department store that 12 weeks of pregnancy. Abortion rights Sri Lanka gov't crackdown Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler Corp. for collapsed June 29 met with South Korean have been a hotly debated issue since the Some 10,000 Sri Lanka troops launched the project. Capitalist automakers are prime minister Lee Hong-Koo and Seoul reunification of Germany five years ago. a military campaign July 9 to crush the scrambling over each other to get in on mayor Cho Sun demanding that four exec­ utives be charged with murder. The busi­ Life expectancy drops in Russia nessmen allegedly knew the shopping Alexander Tkachenko, head of the Rus­ mall was unsafe hours before it collapsed, sian labor ministry's population depart­ but did not warn anyone. ment, ,told the ITAR-Tass news agency The government of South Korea an­ July 11 that the average life expectancy of nounced July 13 that twice as many peo­ Russian men dropped to 57 in 1994, down ple were missing in the collapse as previ­ from 59 the year before. ously stated, bringing the total killed to al­ The ministry's forecasts also stated that most 700. The announcement caused an 46 percent of Russian youth would not uproar as relatives of the victims accused live past retirement age, which is 60 for the government of trying to cover up the men and 55 for women.Russia's death rate extent of the disaster. climbed to a record high of 1.7 times the birth rate. The mortality rate, which rose 8 Japan automaker to lay off 1,000 percent in 1994, is 15.6 deaths per I ,000 Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi Motors people. The birth rate plummeted to a Corp. announced it would slash 1,000 of record low of 9.4 per 1,000 people or 1.4 3,300 seasonal jobs at its domestic plants million. by September - 10 percent of the com- -MAURICE WILLIAMS

bank, to above address. By first-class (airmail), send $80. Asia: send $80 drawn on a U.S. bank The Militant to 410 West St., New York, NY 10014. Vol. 59/No. 28 Canada: Send Canadian $75 for one-year sub­ Closing news date: July 20, 1995 scription to Militant, 4581 St. Denis, Montreal, Editor: STEVE CLARK Quebec H2J 2L4. Britain, Ireland: £36 for one ·Business Manager: NAOMI CRAINE year by check or international money order Editorial Staff: Naomi Craine, Hilda Cuzco, made out to Militant Distribution, 47 The Cut, Laura Garza, Martin Koppel, Paul Mailhot, London, SEI 8LL, England. Continental Eu­ Greg Rosenberg, Pat Smith, and Maurice rope, Africa, Middle East: £40 for one year by Williams. check or international money order made out to Published weekly except for one week in De­ Militant Distribution at above address. France: NEW READERS NAME cember and three weeks in July by the Militant Send FF300 for one-year subscription to Mili­ (ISSN 0026-3885), 410 West St., New York, tant, 8 allee Berlioz, 94800 Villejuif cheque D $10 for 12 issues NY 10014. Telephone: (212) 243-6392; Fax postale: 25-465-0 1-S, Paris. Belgium: BF 1,900 ADDRESS (212) 924-6040. for one year on account no. 000-1543112-36 of The Militant can be reached via CompuServe IMei Fonds/Fonds du I mai, 2140 Antwerp. D $15 for 12 weeks at: 73311,2720 or via Peacenet at: themilitant Iceland:Send 5,000 Icelandic kronur for one­ RENEWAL Internet: [email protected] year subscription to Militant, P.O. Box 233, 121 or: [email protected] Reykjavik. Sweden, Finland, Norway, Den­ Correspondence concerning subscriptions or mark: 500 Swedish kronor for one year. Pay to CITY STATE ZIP changes of address should be addressed to The Militant Swedish giro no. 451-32-09-9. New D $27 for 6 months Militant Business Office, 410 West St., New Zealand: Send New Zealand $90 to P.O. Box York, NY 10014. 3025, Auckland, New Zealand. Australia: UNION/SCHOOUORGANIZATION PHONE Second-class postage paid at New York, NY, Send Australian $75 to P.O. Box K879, Hay­ and at additional mailing offices. POSTMAS­ D $45 for 1 year CLIP AND MAIL TO THE MILITANT. 410 WEST ST., market, NSW 2000, Australia. Pacific Islands: NEW YORK, NY 10014. TER: Send address changes to the Militant, 410 Send New Zealand $90 to P.O. Box 3025, West St., New York, NY 10014. Subscriptions: Auckland, New Zealand. · U.S.: for one-year subscription send $45 to Signed articles by contributors do not neces­ above address. Latin America, Caribbean: for sarily represent the Militant's views. These are one-year subscription send $65, drawn on a U.S. expressed in editorials.

2 The Militant August 7, 1995 Cuban leader speaks at Managua summit Delegates from the Americas discuss growing assault by capital BY FRANCISCO PICADO Cuba as an example for the fight against AND SEBASTIAN O,GRADY the effects of this ·social crisis. "Cuba MANAGUA, Nicaragua- Even· in shows there is an alternative model to the those Latin American countries where the neoliberal policies," the economic resolu­ economy is expanding, said Cuban leader tion stated. Jorge Lezcano, "poverty is growing and The conference demanded the repeal of every day the difference between rich and the Cuban Democracy Act and con­ poor and between those who have every­ demned the Helms-Burton bill being dis­ thing and those who have nothing is cussed in the U.S. Congress -measures greater." tightening Washington's embargo on the Lezcano, a member of the Political Bu­ island. Delegates called for more actions reau of the Communist Party of Cuba, was and protest messages demanding the lift­ speaking before 300 delegates at the open­ ing of the U.S. embargo and for backing ing session of the Fifth Meeting of the international actions in solidarity with Peoples of the Americas and the Cuba around the October 10 anniversary Caribbean, held here July 15-18. The of the start of the Cuban War of Indepen­ gathering drew representatives of political dence in 1868. A resolution submitted by parties, community groups, student asso­ a U.S. delegate urged participation in the ciations, labor unions, environmental August 1-7 international youth festival in groups, and women's organizations, Havana. among others. A delegate from the Farabundo Marti "Infant mortality is rising in all of Latin National Liberation Front of El Salvador America," Lezcano noted. "Malnutrition told the Militant that it was sending a dele­ is increasing and 20 percent of the popula­ Militant! Argiris Malapanis gation of 50 to the youth festival. Roger tion has no access to potable water." Students protest law cutting public education in Argentina. Cuban communist leader Grijalba, international relations director "We need a common front against neo­ Jorge Lezcano proposed ''retaking the banner for the canceUation of foreign debt.,, for the Sandinista Youth of Nicaragua, liberalism," Lezcano said, referring to said 25 Nicaraguans will be attending. capitalist government policies that have billion, more than double what it was in the banana workers in Honduras, farm Throughout the four-day long confer­ opened up semicolonial economies to 1980. . workers in Nicaragua, telecommunica­ ence, participants exchanged experiences freer imperialist investment while attack­ The conference this year was consider­ tions workers in El Salvador, public em­ and ideas on how to combat the crisis. The ing the wages and jobs of working people. ably smaller than the one held last year in ployees in Panama, and landless peasants Puerto Rican delegation, which included As one step to fight the ravages of the Havana, which was attended by 1,200 in Brazil. long-time independence fighters such as worldwide capitalist economic crisis, Lez­ people. Delegates and observers were reg­ Many delegates described government Rafael Cancel Miranda, actively promoted cano proposed "retaking the banner for the istered from 26 countries, the largest dele­ attacks on social security, health care, and the fight to free Puerto Rican political pris­ cancellation of the foreign debt, because it gations coming from Ecuador and El Sal­ democratic rights in the countries in which oners in U.S. jails. is immoral and unpayable." vador. Many participants were interna­ they live. Jorge Gambino, from the Argen­ Some delegations pointed to upcoming Lezcano said the foreign debt owed by tional political activists who currently Jive tine Communist Party, discussed the elections as the main way to move for­ the governments of Latin America to im­ in Nicaragua. "tequila affect," the economic shock ward. One of the main backers of this perialist banks had grown by more than Left-wing political parties and a wide waves that hit Argentina and other Latin view was the' Sandinista National Libera­ $100 billion since the first meeting of this variety of community and social organiza" American nations following the near col­ tion Front (FSLN), which held a special regional conference in 1988. The total tions were present. Also attending were lapse of the Mexican peso last December. workshop where its delegates asserted the Latin American debt now stands at $533 officials from several trade unions such as A number of participants pointed to organization would win Nicaragua's 1996 presidential elections in "alliance with other groups." At the final session the FSLN won inclusion of a statement of Balkan war grows as UN 'havens' shatter support for its election campaign. Continued from front page Chirac's "tough, bluff, Stance," wrote erated in the late 1980s and early 1990s, FSLN leader Daniel Ortega spoke at the Karadzic. Of the others, Zepa was about to John Ridding in the July 18 London Fi­ rival gangs of privileged bureaucrats con­ closing session. "With the fall of the coun­ fall to Karadzk's forces at press time; nancial Times, enablesParis to "stake a solidated in·different regions of the coun­ tries of Eastern Europe and the Soviet Gorazde, with 60,000 residents, was claim for 'the moral high ground should the try. Seeking to grab land, secure positions, Union, something that favors humanity widely expected to be the next target. UN be forced to withdraw ~ an increas­ and get rich, these would-be capitalists be­ fell," Ortega stated. "And this leaves us in The military and diplomatic difficulties ingly likely prospect." But, he added, "the gan rallying support through nationalist a worse position." facing the Contact Group- Washington, immediate effect. .. was to draw the fire of demagogy that undercut the solidarity Referring to the situation in Nicaragua, Bonn, London, Moscow, and Paris­ the British government." working people had forged through the Ortega complained that "it is difficult for were underlined July 18, when Bosnian London expressed its displeasure in no Yugoslav revolution in the 1940s. the police, because they have to repress government troops defending Zepa de­ uncertain terms. Some 300 UK soldiers As weakened as that solidarity was by the workers and they call them criminals clared they would use Ukrainian troops are stationed at Gorazde. "If we judge it decades of Stalinist misrule, even under and traitors." Ortega concluded by pledg­ stationed under the UN flag there as hu­ necessary for the safety of British troops, the blows of a devastating war not all ing to "continue to struggle from this man shields against the advancing the response would not be to reinforce working-class resistance to the course of small grain of sand to transform the Bosnian Serb rightists. Karadzic's forces, them but to withdraw them,'' declared For­ the respective Yugoslavian regimes has world." on the other hand, warned they would kill eign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind. been muted. In Belgrade July 5, several A group of several dozen Nicaraguan eight Ukrainians they are holding at the Moscow, which backs the Serbian dozen women dressed in black held a peasants attended the closing session of first sight of any NATO aircraft. regime, warned of trouble if new troops protest carrying signs reading, "No forced the conference. They are occupying land The Croatian regime in Zagreb is now are introduced. mobilization," and "Desertion is an alter­ belonging to the University of Central openly preparing a major assault on Serb native to war." The regime of Serbian America and arrived in Managua to de­ forces holding the Krajina region within Clinton calls for air strikes president Slobodan Milosevic has been mand title to the land. Croatia. Milan Martie, leader of the The Clinton administration announced rounding up thousands of Serbian The plenary rejected a proposal by the ''Republic of Serbian Krajina," threatens a "new" plan July 18 - large-scale air refugees from Bosnia and Croatia and Costa Rican delegation, which submitted to launch missiles against Croatian cities strikes under NATO auspices on Bosnian conscripted them into rightist Serb armies. a paragraph omitting mention of the fight in response. Serb-held areas. Tens of thousands seeking to avoid that against imperialism. Instead, delegates U.S. efficials made clear that whatever fate have gone into hiding. A 28-year-old adopted a paragraph declaring that these Bonn deploys Tornadoes, troops steps they take in Bosnia will not be con­ man born in what is now the Serb-held re­ continental conferences will continue to The German government took another strained by the system they had agreed to gion of Croatia said, "The police want to be an open, unified forum against the step into the Balkan war on July 18, trans­ earlier, whereby Paris, London, and Mos­ send me into a situation where I will have "neoliberal" policies of U.S. imperialism. ferring 14 Tornado fighter-bombers to an cow - under UN cover- could veto to kill or be killed. They want me to go The conference voted overwhelmingly Italian air base for use in Bosnia. The Tor­ U.S. military moves. "We are not going to back and defend not a country, but an un­ to hold next year's conference in Mexico, nadoes will be accompanied by 1,500 Ger­ ask the UN's permission for Ameri<;ans to democratic regime. The way for me to de­ to be hosted by the Party of the Demo­ man personnel. do anything in Bosnia," declared Assistant fend the real interests of my people at this cratic Revolution and the Workers Party German troops have not been deployed Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke. moment is to desert." of that country. in combat in 50 years. While there is no President Bill Clinton is under fire from immediate projection to send ground wings of the ruling class who castigate troops to Bosnia, the German ruling class him for failure to provide results in decision to press forward on using its mili­ Bosnia. Senate majority leader Bob Dole, Cuba center opens in Nicaragua tary capability touched off a widespread the most consistent of these, has intro­ BY FRANCISCO PICADO said Bayardo Altamirano, a founding debate. Parliament approved the dispatch duced a Senate resolution that would ig­ MANAGUA, Nicaragua-One hundred member of the Sandinista National Libera­ of the warplanes by a vote of 386 to 258 nore the arms embargo on the . Bosnian people attended a fund-raising party here tion Front (FSLN) and current vice-rector June 30. At least 50 Social Democratic government, and would provoke a sharp to help finance the establishment of the of the National School of Engineering. deputies broke ranks with their party lead­ fight with London and Paris. Martl-Dario Cultural Center. It was hosted "I personally had to go into exile many ership to vote for the deployment. For years, capitalist politicians and me­ by activists of the Committee in Solidarity times and Cuba always ·gave us refuge. Bonn is not alone in attempting to use dia have droned on that the conflict in Yu­ with Cuba, based in the neighborhood of We received education and training in the war to advance its military and politi­ goslavia is a result of "age-old ethnic ri­ Bello Horizonte. Cuba," said Altamirano about his partici­ cal interests in that part of Europe, despite valries." This self-serving lie helps prop The purpose of the center, named after pation in the Sandinista-led revolutionary myriad hesitations. . up the imperialist support for a partition the Cuban independence fighter Jose struggle in the 1960s and 1970s. He was in In the wake of Srebrenica's fall, Paris plan to divide the various republics up into Marti and Nicaragua's national poet, Havana during the U.S.-sponsored 1961 threatened again to withdraw its troops un­ "ethnically" designated fragments. It also Ruben Dario, "is to become a place where mercenary invasion at the Bay of Pigs and less reinforcements were sent to Gorazde. provides political cover for the imperialist people can find out what is going on in so­ joined tens of thousands of revolutionary French president Jacques Chirac derided troops, currently wearing UN hats, inside cialist Cuba and to facilitate the efforts of students, workers, and peasants in the de­ Washington for being unwilling to fork the different republics. These troops are an all those who do work in solidarity with fense of Havana. over ground troops, and compared the ac­ obstacle to workers and farmers forging a Cuba," said Josefina Mojica, member of In addition to many delegates from the tions of the "allies" to the appeasement of movement capable of stopping the war. the local committee and head of the new Fifth Meeting of the Peoples of the Ameri­ Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. Paris demanded The war in the former Yugoslavia, how­ project. cas and the Caribbean, there were activists additional British troops to Gorazde, along ever, has nothing to do with ethnicity. It is ''I'm committed to contribute because from different Cuba solidarity committees with 100 U.S. military helicopters to trans­ a result of the breakup of the Stalinist Cuba has been helping us since well be­ in the city as well as some union activists port the soldiers. regime iil Belgrade. As that process accel- fore the triumph of the 1979 revolution," and youth from the neighborhood. August 7, 1995 The Militant 3 -FROM BEHIND PRISON WALLS 'Anticrime' campaign spawns rightist vigilantism "From behind prison walls" is a regular fighter in Los Angeles. At 1:00 in the Dallas shopping mall. They suspected the street patrols and harass "suspicious­ column written by framed-up political morning last January, Masters confronted youngsters had stolen a cash register and looking" folks, such as alleged prostitutes. and trade union activist Mark Curtis. two young Hispanic men spraying graffiti $55 from the store. A member of the Na­ Arpaio hams it up for the media, which To write to Curtis send letters to him at on a freeway overpass. Masters killed one tion of Islam, which provided the security portrays him as a no-nonsense crime #805338, Iowa State Penitentiary, Box of them, Cesar Acre, shooting him in the force at the Black-owned mall, told police fighter. His accomplishments at the 316, Fort Madison, Iowa, 52627. back with a 9-millimeter pistol. Masters the youth "were whipped because they did county jail mirror Alabama's chain gangs: claimed the two men pulled a screwdriver wrong. They broke in here. Therefore, no more hot lunches, no cigarettes al­ and tried to rob him, though the surviving they were disciplined. We take care of our lowed, and inmates living in tents in the graffiti artist denied that. own." desert. Masters told the New York Times that he The police charged the youngsters with I noticed characteristics common in Mark had long relished the chance to whip out burglary, but it was the arrest of the secu­ each of these cases. The vigilantes deem his pistol and yell "Freeze!" at some rity guards that brought out protest the accused to always be "guilty" and pun­ Curtis "criminal." He has also made the talk demonstrations by the shopkeepers, Na­ ishment gets dispensed on the spot, from show circuit, using a racist slur to describe tion of Islam members, and others. · verbal threats to beatings and executions. the two men and pushing the button of The third vigilante outfit that caught my And the accused are from the most ex­ those who fear and resent the working attention is Sheriff Joseph Arpaio's ploited and oppressed part of the working­ class and its large immigrant component. "posse" unit in Phoenix, Arizona. Arpaio class- Hispanic, Black, or female. The Ff. MADISON, Iowa- Let's take a Police say Masters acted in self-defense has deputized 2,300 people to serve in his vigilantes get support from enraged shop­ look at vigilantism spawned by the biparti­ and refused to charge him. posses, 800 of whom are armed. They keepers, doctors, lawyers, and other san "crime-hysteria" campaign. There Teaching a lesson to robbers was also wear uniforms and carry badges, hand­ middle-class elements. were three actions in particular this year the reason security guards gave for strip­ cuffs, radios, and Mace, which they buy In none of these instances were the vigi­ that, each in their own way, show the di2 ping naked and flogging four Black themselves. There is a 400-member "exec­ lantes themselves punished with more rection of capitalist politics in the '90s. youths with belts and bamboo canes. The utive posse" made up of doctors, lawyers, than finger wagging by the cops and pros­ William Masters is a self-styled crime guards beat the youths, aged 12 to 16, at a and other white-collar types who organize ecutors. Actions demand halt to execution ofAbu-Jamal BY ALDUNCAN his trial and I could be fair to him now." AND HATTIE McCUTCHEON Some FOP supporters at the second PHILADELPHIA - Supporters of hearing sported T -shirts that read, "The Mumia Abu-Jamal and backers of the po­ Jury Said Death ...Do It." lice campaign to execute him jammed into Five hundred demonstrators marched the courtroom of Judge Albert Sabo for on city hall before the July 12 hearing de­ hearings here July 12 and 14. Lawyers for manding a stay of execution for Abu­ the framed-up activist had demanded the Jamal. More than 100 supporters were in­ removal of Sabo from the case and a stay side the courtroom for the July 14 hearing, of execution. Sabo postponed any deci­ and another 100 who couldn't get in sion on a stay of execution and rejected chanted in the corridor outside. · the attorneys request that he remove him­ "We are not asking Judge Sabo to re­ self from hearing the appeal. Instead, the lease Mumia. We are not asking the gov­ judge instructed Abu-Jamal's lawyers to ernor to pardon Mumia. We are asking for present witnesses and other evidence July a trial, a fair trial, and if we get that, then -18 to support their petition for a new trial. there is no question in my mind that Mu­ Lead defense attorney Leonard Wein­ mia will be, as he ~hould have been in glass · said that by neither granting nor 1982, acquitted of these ·charges;'' con­ Miiitaht/Ben Fiering denying the stay Sabo was "effectively cluded Weinglass. July 3 protest in Philadelphia demands stay of execution for Mumia Abu-Jamal blocking" the defense from seeking a stay from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Furthermore, he noted, the July 18 hearing date does not give adequate preparation Letters support parole for Mark Curtis time. Usually lawyers have about 60 days BY JOHN STUDER "Once again I write in behalf of my product of political prejudice. More and to prepare for such a hearing. On July 18, DES MOINES, lowa- "For several friend, Mark Curtis, currently at the State more people are asking, 'Why Is Mark Sabo issued a one-week delay on the pro­ years now, our Diocesan Council for Penitentiary at Ft. Madison, Iowa," Terrell Curtis Still in Prison?' " ceedings. Peace and Justice has been following the wrote. "His re-entry into society will be The flyer details the discriminatory Abu-Jamal faces the death penalty as a case of Mark Curtis," Carol Warren, peace successful because of a great support net­ treatment he has received over the last result of a frame-up conviction of killing and justice coordinator of the Catholic work, a fine family, many friends and sup­ seven years, including being thrown into Philadelphia police officer Daniel Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, wrote porters in every part of the country," she segregation last fall. Faulkner in 1981 . The journalist, who was June 29 to the Iowa State Board of Parole. adds. "Please let him be free to continue The defense committee asks that letters shot and beaten by the cops in the inci­ "Everything we have seen convinces us his endeavors to make this a better world." urging parole for Curtis be addressed to dent, has maintained his innocence. that he is innocent of the charges for Cees Flinterman, a law professor from the Iowa State Board of Parole, Capitol At the July 12 hearing, Weinglass cited which he was convicted. Maastricht, Belgium, also wrote the parole Annex, 523 East 12th St., Des Moines, statistics that Sabo had presided over more "However," Warren adds, "We find that board saying, "For a long time I have been Iowa 50319, and be sent to the Mark Cur­ murder trials that resulted in the death Mark Curtis is still in prison, after having concerned about the plight of Mark Curtis tis Defense Committee, Box 1048, Des penalty, mostly involving Black men, than served more time than most persons con­ who has spent the last seven years in Iowa Moines, Iowa 503 11. any other judge in the United States. victed on similar charges. He has not been prisons. Even though Mr. Curtis has met The committee hopes to gather hun­ He also pointed to Sabo's long-standing granted parole, although his prison record the requirements for release on parole for dreds of letters from unionists, political relationship with the Fraternal Order of is exemplary, and he has many promises a number of years, the authorities have re­ activists, and supporters of political rights. Police (FOP), which is leading a campaign of work and support upon his release. fused to let him go. I respectfully urge the The committee plans to organize a delega­ nationally for the immediate execution of "We believe this situation should be Iowa State Board of Parole to free Mr. tion to meet with the board on Curtis's be­ Abu-Jamal. With this record, Weinglass corrected." Curtis and to restore him fully in his fun­ half in September, and will deliver the let­ said, "Judge Sabo should not sit on the ap­ The day before, Julia Terrell, Curtis's damental rights and freedom." ters all together. peal of an African-American man con­ next door neighbor in Des Moines in 1988 The Mark Curtis Defense Committee Curtis is now due to be released from victed of killing a white police officer." at the time he was arrested and framed on recently received these letters in response segregated lockup on August 2. Under In response to these charges Sabo charges of rape and burglary, also wrote to a new flyer asking supporters of justice prison regulations, Curtis will be taken be­ stated, "I feel that I was fair to him during the parole board. to write a letter to the Iowa Parole Board fore a prison hearing to determine whether to help Curtis win parole. he will be released back into the general "Mark Curtis, a political activist, a prison or placed in a special status called member of the Socialist Workers Party, "close management." Prison rules de­ and member of the United Food and Com­ scribe "close management" as a status "for Why Is Mark Curtis mercial Workers union at the Monfort controlling of the intractable inmate who, meatpacking plant in Des Moines, was ar­ by his behavior, has identified himself as Still in Prison? rested on March 4, 1988, beaten by the po­ assaultive, predacious, riotous, or disrup­ lice, and framed up on charges of rape and tive to the institution." Any prisoner who THE POLITICAL FRAME-UP O F A UNIONIST burglary," the flyer begins. "Curtis has has been disciplined for more than 60 AND THE CAMPAIGN TO FREE HIM spent the last seven years in Iowa prisons. days, as Curtis has, is automatically Prison and parole officials have repeatedly screened for "close management." Mark Cun is is a union activist and socialist who was framed up by refused to release him on parole and have While this special status is not consid­ police on false charges of rape and burglary in March 1988, At the victimized him for his political activity be­ ered punitive, conditions are similar to time he was involved in a struggle to defend 17 Mexican and hind bars. lockup. Inmates in close management are Salvadoran co-workers arrested in an immigration raid at the "Even though Curtis has met the re­ kept in the same cells as those in lockup, packinghouse where he worked in Des Moines, Iowa. This new pamphlet explains what happened to Curtis, and the quirements for release on parole under with only a few additional rights to exer­ stakes for workers. farmers, youth, and other democratic-minded Iowa law for a number of years, the au­ cise, telephone use, and other prison people in demanding his release. Pamphlet, $6 thorities have refused to let him go. In­ "privileges." Prisoners advance out of stead they raise new obstacles to his fight "close management" at the arbitrary deci­ Available at bookstores, including those listed on page 12, or write for freedom," the flyer continues. "With sion of the authorities. Pathfinder, 410 West St., New York, NY 10014. Tel: (212) 741-0690. each passing year, these efforts become To help with the parole effort, contact Fax (212) 727-0150. Or contact the Mark C!lrtis Defense Committee, P.O. Box 1048, Des Moines, Iowa, 50311. Tel: (515) 246-1695, rawer, more transparent, and make it the Mark Curtis Defense Committee, at clearer that their treatment of Curtis is a the address listed above. 4 The Militant August 7, 1995 Cuban revolution: 'a new future opening' Below we reprint excerpts of "The troops were withdrawn, at least 40 percent Truth About Cuba," a series of articles of the sugar production in Cuba was held that first appe.ared in the Militant from by U.S. corporations. About 90 percent of May 9 to Aug. 15, 1960. The articles are the island's mineral wealth was in the included in the book Dynamics of the hands of Americans, and 80 percent of Cuban Revolution, by Joseph Hansen, public utilities. Cuba's oil resources were , published by Pathfinder. These excerpts completely owned by American and are copyright © 1978 by Pathfinder and British corporations. The biggest cattle reprinted with permission. Subheads ranches were likewise listed in the invest­ are by the Militant. ment portfolios of American coupon clip­ pers .... BY JOSEPH HANSEN In Cuba, sugar customarily accounted One of the things that rankle with the for two-thirds of the national income and Cubans is a long-standing tendency in 80 percent of exports. Property holdings Washington to look at their country as a became so concentrated that until the prize to be taken like Texas, California, agrarian reform of a year ago, 75 percent and the other parts of the West which we of all the cultivated land was held by some seized from Mexico. They can quote dec­ 8 percent of the country's property own­ Cuban youth rally for revolution in Camagiiey in 1960s. Cubans "have fought their larations going back as far as Thomas Jef­ ers. About 700,000 peasants held no land way out of the prison of capitalism with determination and heroism," Hansen said. ferson and John Quincy Adams on the ad­ at all. visability of eventually grabbing Cuba. In the Nation of January 23, 1960, They cite proposals of statesmen of the Robert Taber summarizes figures indicat­ stitute for International and Social Re­ fenced in by giant American corporations Southern slavocracy to wrest Cuba from ing the situation facing the working class search, of Princeton, N.J., headed by and feudal-minded Cuban landholders. Spain and make it another slave state .... as follows: Lloyd A. Free. Land is now being parceled out to family American troops were landed in Cuba "If this report is at all accurate," Peter farmers. The government at the same time [in 1898] under the proclaimed aim of aid­ Of the total Cuban labor force of Edson was forced to admit in the rabidly initiated a cooperative movement that 2,204,000, some 361 ,000 persons were ing the Cuban struggle for independence. wholly unemployed throughout 1957; anti-Castro New York World-Telegram, holds great promise. Cuba's basic labor The Spanish-American War was short. 150,000 were employed only part of the "it should dispel any hopes that the Castro force, the sugar workers, saw a new future Spain signed a peace treaty on December time; 154,000 were engaged in unremu­ regime is about to be overthrown." opening up-an indescribably bright fu­ I 0 ceding the Philippines, Guam, and nerated labor-e.g., as domestic servants, Eighty-six percent of the Cuban people ture, if it is recalled that under Batista nor­ Puerto Rico outright to the United States working for their meals and lodgings. Of support Fidel Castro's revolutionary gov­ mal unemployment lasted eight to nine and relinquishing Cuba. But American I ,539,000 Cubans gainfully employed, ernment, finding conditions now better months a year. troops did not leave the island. They 954,000 earned less than $75 a month in than they were under the Batista regime stayed four years as an army of occupa­ a nation where the peso was on a par overthrown in 1959. Eight percent rate the Nationalization of industries and land tion .... · with the dollar and had even less pur­ Castro regime worse than Batista's. Three As America's corporate interests sought chasing power in Havana than in New percent believe the two about equal. And to counter such progressive measures by Today, to expose the hypocrisy of State York. Department propaganda, the Cubans re­ 3 percent refuse to express an opinion. ... savage economic and political attacks, the mind Americans of that army of occupa­ Reasons listed for satisfaction with the Cuban government responded by taking tion. "You demand that the Castro govern­ Conditions in the countryside Castro government included the follow­ control of many of their holdings. ment hold immediate elections," they say. These are graphic figures; but they fail ing: "Intervention," the establishment of con­ "But when your army occupied our coun­ to indicate the plight of the 500,000 sugar trol, was followed quite frequently by na­ Approval of its agrarian reform pro­ try, you prevented elections from being workers in Cuba's main industry. Employ­ gram, 26 percent. Educational reform tionalization. Each time this occurred on a held for four years." ment for them existed each year only dur­ and campaign against illiteracy, 18 per­ dramatic scale, as in the case of the oil re­ President McKinley sent American ing the four months of the harvest. The cent. Social justice and concern for fineries, the island resounded with shouts troops to intervene in the civil war in Cuba other eight months were known as the workers, farmers and the poor, 17 per­ of approval. in 1898 ostensibly to aid the independence "dead time." ... cent. Economic progress and concern Intervention and nationalization have movement. His real reason was to make They went without dental care, losing over unemployment, 8 percent. Inculca­ gone so far that all of Cuba's major indus­ Cuba safe for American investments. That their teeth when they were still YOI.!ng. tion of nationalism and patriotism tries, including the key plantations and was why ~the troops were kept there for And they went without medical care. among the people,. 6 j)erceru. Safety of sugar mills, are now in government hands. four years. By the time they were ready to As for education, some two million the individual with an end to killing and Wall Street investments, rated as high as physical abuses by the police, 6 percent. leave, Cuba was safe for the Almighty Cubans could neither read nor write. $1 billion among the stock gamblers and Dollar. Tens of thousands of fertile acres, The statistics speak for themselves. their Democratic and Republican spokes­ growing to weeds, were available for cul­ They register overwhelming approval of men in government, have reverted to the Domination by U.S. capital tivation, but feudal-minded landlords the sweeping measures taken since the Cuban people. At this writing, the only By 1959 private American capital in­ barred this. Cuba's long-suffering victims revolution toppled the Batista dictatorship. major property still held by Wall Street is vestments were listed at around $850 mil­ of chronic hunger, malnutrition, and If these measures are borne in mind it is in Cuba's rich mineral resources. These, lion. This does not sound like very much abysmal poverty had to avoid trespassing not difficult to understand why enthusi­ however, appear marked for early nation­ compared, say, to the some $2 billion on land that really belonged to the people asm is so high. Under Batista, Cuba was alization. which the Pentagon and State Department as a whole. To heighten their bitterness, like a concentration camp. Today the The beginnings of planned economy are reputed to take out of the public till Wall Street's propagandists made sure that fortresses that housed the dictator's mur­ were established in the fall of I 959 during each year for nothing but worldwide spy­ they heard all about the "free world" and derous armed forces have been tom down a series of great public demonstrations of ing. But America's financial sharks are its wonders, particularly the prosperous or converted into schools. To most approval. The beginnings proved success­ noted for their exceptionally strong "American Way of Life." Cubans, this change alone symbolizes ful. Planned economy - the first in the parental instincts. They suffer agonies if The American propagandists need not what the revolution has accomplished. Western Hemisphere!- is now destined the smallest investment is endangered; have rubbed it in. The Cuban masses were But that was only the beginning. For the for rapid growth in Cuba. they will fight ferociously to protect it well prepared to desire a change in their ordinary person, economic conditions in Even if the Cubans find themselves from harm; and they are fabled for their way of life .... Cuba in Batista's time were like those of compelled to make quite a few sacrifices solicitude in providing it with human [A] survey, based on a thousand inter­ the Great Depression of the thirties in the because of the terrible pressures that the flesh, bones, and nerves so that it will views in Havana and other cities and U.S.A. As the first installment on their American monopolists can exert, they prosper and grow. therefore reflecting urban sentiment, was promises, the revolutionary leaders have already demonstrated that they will Thus, a half century after the American made in May under the direction of the In- slashed rents, lowered essential food respond with the greatest determination costs, raised wages, and began tackling and heroism. the unemployment problem. They have begun to win their way out Then came the agrarian reform. This re­ of the prison of capi~lism and, as the polls Youth prepare for Cuba festival covered the fertile land that had been show, they see no reason for returning. Continued from front page visiting campuses to speak with students ence of Black Lawyers; and Sarah Park, groups, professors, and student govern­ who recently returned from a trip to Cuba ments to line up speaking engagements organized by the Freedom to Travel Cam­ with honoraria when they return. They paign. Groups in many cities have planned have also planned a fund-raising picnic. activities around July 26 to coincide with Many of those making the trip are on the anniversary of the 1953 assault on the editorial assignment and will be reporting By Joseph Hansen How did the Cuban revolution come about? Moncada barracks organized by Fidel on the festival and on the situation in Cuba Why does it represent. as Joseph Hansen put it, an "unbearable Castro and others who later helped lead today, as well as speaking at events challenge" to u.s. imperialism? What political challenges has it the Cuban revolution. planned in many cities to hear report confronted? This compilation, written with polemical clarity as Participants are pulling out all the stops backs from the festival. Participants will the revolution advanced, is irreplaceable in understanding the to get to the event. Dougie Larson, a mem­ spend several days visiting Havana or an­ Cuban revolution today. $20.95 ber of International Association of Ma­ other province and staying with Cuban chinists Local 289 in Seattle, said he families. would sell his car to come up with the last Participants on the U.S. delegation will $400 to make the trip. "What I hear about be filing reports for radio and newspapers Cuba sounds good," he explained, "but I throughout the country including the Why Washington's 'Cold War' aga1nst Cuba Doesn't End want to go there and see for myself so I Greene County Democrat in Alabama, the can come back and tell my co-workers the Merritt Reporter at Merritt College in By Fidel Castro and Che Guevara In historic speeches before the truth about what I saw with my own eyes. northern California, Mexico Lindo in United Nations and its bodies. Guevara and Castro address the Many of the participants from Los An­ Florida, and the Baltimore Times. workers of the world, explaining why the U.S. government is geles are planning to read the Second Dec­ In the last days before the trip festival determined to destroy the example set by the socialist revolution laration of Havana, presented by Fidel participants also stepped up efforts to in Cuba and why its efforts will fail. $16.95 Castro in the early years of the revolution, gather up material aid donations to bring before the trip to learn more about the with them including asking others to do­ Available from bookstores, including those listed on page 12, or write to Pathfinder. 410 West St. New York, NY 10014. goals of the Cuban revolution. nate pencils, notebooks, work boots, med­ Fax (212) 727~150 . Tel. (212) 741-0690. If ordering by mail. please add S3to cover postage and handling. In New York, festival participants are ical supplies, and other necessities. August 7, 1995 The Militant 5 Why Washington and Tokyo went to war Imperialist conflicts mount again 50 years after U.S. atomic slaughter in Japan

The article below first appeared machinery, textiles, paper cement, in the Aug. 16, 1985, issue of the glass, chemicals, shipbuilding, ship­ Militant. It has been updated for re­ ping, foreign and domestic trade, publication. banking, and insurance. With their domination in finance, as well as in­ BY PATTI IIYAMA dustry and commerce, they had a de­ This year marks the 50th anniver­ cisive advantage over other large sary of the U.S. government's use of business concerns. In spite of govern­ the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and mental intervention, heavy industries Nagasaki. On Aug. 6, 1945, the did not develop substantially in Japan United States became the first and until the 1930s. only government to drop the atomic By the end of the 19th century, bomb on people. Japanese capitalism had begun to

This. decision has become. increas· consolidate a strong empire with sig­ ingly controversial. Protests forced nificant colonies. the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw its It began expanding its territory stamp of a mushroom cloud with the with acquisition of the Ryukyu Is­ caption, "Atomic bombs hasten war's lands, seized from China in 1874; the end, August 1945." The Smithsonian Kurile Islands, ceded by Russia in Institution shaved down its exhibit to 1875; and the Bonin Islands, colo­ a terse "factual" one centered on the nized by Japan and recognized as Enola Gay, the airplane that delivered Japanese territory by Washington and the bomb at Hiroshima, after the orig­ London in 1875. inal display was accused of being too Trial of participants in 19l9 uprising of more than 1 million in Korea against Japanese colonial As early as 1876 the Japanese gov­ sympathetic to the Japanese victims. rule. Washington and Tokyo vied for domination of Asia and the Pacific. ernment indicated its intent to control The bomb's effects on the Japanese Korea when it signed the Treaty of city of Hiroshima were devastating. The dom from want, and freedom from fear. quer it; Kanghwa, which opened two Korean shock wave and fireball resulting from the In spite of this high-flown rhetoric, the The Japanese rulers were also able to ports to Japan. In 1894, the Japanese gov­ nuclear reaction annihilated I 0 square real roots of the war lay in the struggle be­ make a smooth transition to capitalism be­ ernment fought a war with China and deci­ miles of Hiroshima, melting granite and tween the ruling families of the major im­ cause, in addition to their closed economy sively defeated the Chinese army. It won imprinting shadows of people and objects perialist powers for control of the world's and isolation from war , native economic all the rights enjoyed by the European on the ground. It generated fires miles resources and markets. This interimperial­ institutions had been developing toward colonial powers in China and acquired from the center of the explosion, and pro­ ist struggle pitted the U.S. and British industrialization on their own. Industry, rich colonial territories- Formosa, the duced whirlwinds that fanned the flames rulers against the ruling families of Ger­ trade, and transport were growing from Pescadores Islands, and the Liaotung so powerfully that they burned over four many, Italy, and Japan. the 1700s on. Peninsula in south Manchuria. Chinese square miles after the initial blast. More This struggle for political and economic Although the land tax on the peasants hegemony in Korea was eliminated. Japan than 100,000 people, including U.S. pris­ domination of the Pacific was fought on was high - around 50 percent - in many soon began to dominate Korea politically, oners of war, perished instantly. Thou­ many levels. Just as in Europe, the Pacific villages it was static or even declining economically, and militarily, formally an­ sands more died later of burns, shock, or war did not serve the interests of the work­ slightly while the productivity of land was nexing it in 1910. radiation poisoning. ers and farmers in any of the countries. rising due to new farming techniques and But the European colonialists were not Three days later the U.S. government They were merely the cannon fodder for the introduction of new crops. This left a prepared to acknowledge Tokyo as an dropped a second atomic bomb on Na­ the ruling families of both Japan and the larger and larger surplus in the hands of equal power in the imperialist scramble gasaki. It killed 35,000-40,000 people and United States. peasants, leading to the existence of a for China. They forced the Japanese rulers flattened the center of the city. The war in the Pacific was also a war of large class of relatively wealthy, educated, to return Liaotung Peninsula to China only Between these two bombings, the So­ national liberation fought by the op­ and ambitious peasants by the mid-1800s. five days after the treaty was signed in viet Union declared war on Japan on Au­ pressed and exploited people of China The merchant class, theoretically at the 1895. The Russian, British, German, and gust 8 and invaded Japanese-held Man­ against the attempts of Japanese big busi­ bottom of the feudal hierarchy, had begun French ruling families then proceeded to -churia. ness to bring China forcibly into its orbit. the process of capital accumulation. In­ carve up China for themselves, creating .Op. Aug. 10, 1945, the Japanese govern~ Al)d the warmatked the beginrii~ of.tfte deed, justpnorto 18'68, abdutl-94 percent sphetes"ofinfluence.:·'· ! ' ' " __, .. ,,., , .,, u ; ,,.,'> ment announced that it would surrender, end of open European colonial domination of the country's wealth was reportedly in The other colony that the Japanese gov­ formally ending World War II on Septem­ of Asia. - the hands of the merchants. ernment was able to acquire in this period ber2. This article will concentrate on the in­ Another factor contributing to the swift was Taiwan, which was formally trans­ The war culminated decades of inter­ terimperialist war between Washington transition to capitalism was the availabil­ ferred from China in 1895. It took four to imperialist conflicts between the rulers of and Tokyo. ity of a large pool of farmers with skills six years for Japanese troops to subdue the the United States and Japan over which adaptable to industry. By the late 19th nationalist guerrilla fighters and establish imperialist power would win domination Imperialist division of Asia century, a very large proportion of control over the island. of the Pacific. The Japanese rulers were one of the Japanese farm families had a generation or The U.S. ruling families also launched The current debate over the use of the latecomers in the imperialist plunder of more of experience in working part-time an expansionist drive to obtain colonial atomic bombs focuses on two questions: the world. After feudalism was officially at nonagricultural occupations that devel­ possessions in the Pacific at the end of the Was the bombing necessary to force abolished in 1871, Japan moved quickly oped handicraft, artisan, and commercial 19th century. U.S. Marines invaded Tokyo to surrender? And what were the to become a major capitalist power. skills. Thus, traditional rural weavers had Hawaii in 1893. Washington formally an­ causes of the war in the Pacific? This arti­ Why was Japan the only non-European little trouble learning to operate power nexed Hawaii in 1898 to protect the prop­ cle will address the second question. nation that became an imperialist country looms and accountants who had used an erty of U.S. landholders, who by then had rather than.a colony? The penetration of abacus readily mastered bookkeeping. seized three-fourths of the islands. Reasons behind WW II in the Pacific Chinawas the top priority for the imperial­ The habit of moving off the farm for work In 1898-99 the U.S. government also . World War II was presented by the gov­ ist powers after the Opium War of 1840- for an employer was also widespread, won Wake, Guam, the Philippines, Puerto ernments of the Allied powers - the 42, which forcibly opened the country to which reduced the problem of recruiting Rico, and Cuba as booty from the United States, Britain, and France -as a foreign trade. Japan, considerably smaller an industrial labor force. Spanish-American War. Even after this war for democracy against fascism, for the and with few known resources, was not so conquest, it took nearly a decade and "four freedoms" - freedom of speech attractive, so the British or U.S. rulers Japan emerges as capitalist power 40,000 lives to crush the Filipino guerrilla and expression, freedom of religion, free- made no serious military attempts to con- It was only natural that the most impor­ struggle for liberation that ensued. tant sector of Japanese manufacturing un­ The U.S. rulers now had intermediate til well into the 1930s was the textile in­ islands as fueling stops that could facili­ dustries, mainly silk and cotton. This was tate their main ambition in the Pacific ~ Pathfinder achieved by the expansion of traditional - the penetration, and ultimately the industries with relatively modest technical domination, of the potentially vast China and organizational adaptations. Capital in­ market vestment in equipment was also relatively The U.S. rulers now made the "Open modest. Door" the core of its foreign policy in the At the same time that the textile indus­ region. The Open Door policy insisted on tries and a variety of small-scale manufac­ equal access to Chinese markets by the turing industries such as ceramics, resi­ imperialist powers. The U.S. capitalists dential construction, fishing, and food­ believed that, with their economic superi­ processing developed, construction of ority, they did not have to challenge the model factories for large-scale manufac­ existing special interests and spheres of turing enterprises were financed by the influence of the European capitalists. 1 government. Self-sufficient in food, energy, coal, The government turned for help to a and iron, the U.S. capitalists boasted an few business families that for centuries immense industrial base unmatched by had been engaged in banking and com­ any other imperialist power. They were New International merce as agents of the lords, the zaibatsu the principle exporter of such strategic (great business houses). The four major goods as petroleum and sophisticated ma­ No. 7 -OPENING GUNS OF WORLD WAR III • 1945: zaibatsu were Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumit­ chinery. They were largely concerned WHEN U.S. TROOPS SAID 'NO!' • COMMUNIST POLICY IN omo, and Yasuda. Some samurai (knights with obtaining foreign markets for surplus -"WARTIME AS W ELL AS IN PEACETIME. $12 under feudal society) also joined their U.S. production, unlike the Japanese ,No. 10 -IMPERIALISM'S MARCH TOWARD FASCISM AND ranks. rulers who wanted to seize raw materials WAR • DEFENDING CUBA, DEFENDING CUBA'S SOCIALIST The zaibatsu played a special role, not to keep their factories running. REVOLUTION • W HAT THE 1987 STOCK MARKET CRASH FORETOLD. $14 only because of their close relations with The Japanese ruling class, however, al­ the government but also because of the tered the balance of power in Asia in 1905 wide range of enterprises they controlled. Available at bookstores, including those listed on page 12, or from Pathfinder, 410 West St., New with its stunning victory over the tsarist York, NY 10014. Fax (21 2) 727-0150. Tel. (212) 741 -0690. If ordering by mail, please include $3 for These included mining, metals, mechani­ government in Russia, thus dramatically the first title and $0.50 for each additional Oook to cover postage and handling. cal engineering, electrical apparatus and announcing its arrival among the ranks of

6 The Militant August 7, 1995 the imperialists. The Russian government Japanese troops invaded China in 1937. was forced to recognize Japan's primacy When the nationalist government headed in Korea and to surrender its economic by Chiang Kai-shek refused to surrender, and political interests in Manchuria. The a puppet government headed by a rival of ability of an Asian nation to defeat one of Chiang, Wang Shing-wei, was set up in the European powers was an inspiration to Nanking. the oppressed and exploited people of Until as late as 1939, sections of the Asia. Japanese military were preparing for war Many nationalists in fact initially sup­ with the Soviet Union in order to obtain ported Japan against the European colo­ resources in Outer Mongolia and to hold nialists. This changed after experience ex­ onto Manchuria. They saw that the posed Japan's propaganda of"Asia for the Japanese economy was totally dependent Asiatics" and a "greater East Asia co­ on the United States for oil (80 percent of prosperity sphere" as cover for Tokyo's overall fuel) and dependent on U.S. scrap domination. iron for steel (75 percent), copper (nearly 50 percent), and machine tools (more than Two powers contending in Asia 60 percent). Tokyo therefore looked to Between 1905 and the Second World avoid direct conflict with Washington. Map shows Japanese colonies during and after World War II War, the history of the Pacific was domi­ The Japanese army was defeated by So­ nated by the struggle between the U.S. and viet forces in an initial probe and a truce by the end of 1942. From then on, the colonial and semicolonial oppression. Japanese imperialists for economic, politi­ was arranged by September 1939. Japanese rulers fought an increasingly de­ The Soviet Union had emerged from cal, and military control of the region. The governments of Germany, Italy, fensive battle. All their reserves of man­ World War II victorious against the Ger­ During World War I Tokyo joined the and Japan signed the tripartite pact in power, aircraft, and shipping were man military invasion. The Soviet workers Allies - the governments of Britain, 1940. The deal recognized Japanese hege­ stretched to reinforce the empire's perime­ and peasants, who suffered far more casu­ France, the United States, and Russia - mony in Asia and each signatory agreed to ter. alties than those of any other country in in the first imperialist war. It "seized the help any attacked by a power not then at By 1945 the Japanese capitalists were the war, had fought to defend the revolu­ opportunity of 1,000 years" to grab Ger­ war. After Germany's rapid defeat and oc­ crushed by the mobilization of the vastly tionary conquests of the October 1917 many's possessions in Asia- Shantung cupation of France and other West Euro­ superior industrial and military might of revolution that resulted in the overtUrn of province and the Marshall, Mariana, and pean countries and with England under the United States. The Pacific was trans­ capitalism in Russia. Caroline Islands in the Pacific. heavy air attack, Japanese rulers saw the formed into an "American lake" and The Soviet Union's survival challenged The October 1917 revolution of work­ pact as clearing the way for their conquest sphere of influence. This had been an aim Washington's ability to establish its domi­ ers and peasants led by the Bolsheviks re­ of Southeast Asia. of the U.S. ruling families since the end of nation over the world. Capitalism was also moved the tsarist empire from the imperi­ The U.S. government was threatened by the 19th century. overturned in Eastern Europe, and the alist competition. the closing of the open door in China and Washington used the atomic bomb Chinese workers and peasants overthrew The two remaining rivals in Manchuria, the southward advance of the Japanese twice, sacrificing hundreds of thousands capitalist rule in 1949. Cuba threw out its Japan and the United States, were able to army. But it did little except to supply the of lives, to demonstrate to the world that capitalists in 1960. Thus some of the very arrive at an understanding in 1917. The nationalist government of China. the United States was the dominant impe­ prizes over which the imperialists went to Lansing-lshii accord reaffirmed the Open U.S. businessmen were making big rialist power. The bombs were dropped war were "lost" to the workers and peas­ Door policy of "equal opportunity for profits from the oil, textile, machinery, primarily as apolitical and military warn­ ants. commerce and industry." The U.S. gov­ and strategic material exports that were re­ ing to the Soviet Union and workers and Today there are once again rising ten­ ernment recognized Japanese territorial quired by the Japanese war machine. Not peasants around the world fighting against Continued on Page 12 acquisitions from Germany and "special until Japanese troops directly attacked the interests" in China. The agreement averted colonies of Europe and had a strategic open war between the two for the time be­ base from which to attack the Philippines Protests greet Enola Gay exhibit ing. -a U.S. colony- was there a shift in At the Versailles Peace Conference two policy. BY BRIAN WILLIAMS the protesters outside the museum. Other years later, the Japanese government man­ Japan's rulers were now challenging WASHINGTON, D.C.- Protests museum attendees were supportive of the aged to hang on to the ,Qerman.colonies it U.~. big ~ 0usiness intere.s~s ...Wali was in­ greeted the openi~g of the scaled do.wn display. . had seized during the war, against vehe­ evitable. exhibit featuring the Enola Gay - the B- Among those covering the exhibit's ment opposition from the U.S. rulers. In 29 bomber that dropped the atomic bomb opening were a number of reporters from spite of this settlement, with millions of Behind Pearl Harbor attack on Japan in August 1945 - at the Smith­ the Japanese media. "The Enola Gay is dollars due in war credits, the U.S. ruling Some historians have documented that sonian Institution's Air and Space Mu­ presented here not as a warning against families became creditors to half the world President Franklin Roosevelt and his ad­ seum June 28. the great horror of nuclear war," declared and leaped forward to become the domi­ ministration knew beforehand about the Demonstrators from the Enola Gay Ac­ TV Asahi correspondent Hideaki Saito, nant imperialist power in Asia. Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, yet they tion Coalition carried pictures of the vic­ "but as a national hero that brought World A series of treaties among the imperial­ did nothing to stop it in order to ensure tims of the first atomic bombing. "We War II to an end." ist powers in the early 1920s attempted to support for U.S. entry into World War II. want the exhibit to show more of the Y oichi Funabashi, a correspondent for modify Japanese influence in the Pacific. But it does not really matter whether this ...devastation to the innocent women and the national Japanese newspaper Asahi The rulers of the United States, Britain, is true . . children that got bombed," stated Tom Shimbun, wrote, "This is an exhibit with­ France, and Japan signed a Pacific treaty The U.S. and Japanese governments Siemer, a coalition spokesman and one of out any record of the damage the bomb that established their alliance and also rec­ had been preparing for war for quite a 21 protesters arrested under a federal nui­ caused. Two aspects of the bomb that can­ ognized each other's possessions in the while. The stakes were high: economic sance statute at the entrance to the display. not be ignored - the birth of the atomic Pacific. In other agreements, the Japanese and political domination of Asia. Other protesters went into the exhibit, age and the idea of 'never again'-have government was forced to return Shantung As far back as 1936, the possibility of a where they unfurled banners saying, been yanked out completely." to China, limits were set on naval ship Japanese surprise air raid against Pearl "Never Again." Several miles down the road at the stu­ construction, and the political and territo­ Harbor had been discussed. By then, offi­ The Enola Gay exhibit has been at the dent center at American University, a rial independence of China was recog­ cers at the U.S. Naval War College had re­ center of public controversy for more than month-long exhibit entitled "Constructing nized (within limits). These treaties served fined the Orange Plan for war with Japan, a year. Originally, the federally funded a Peaceful World: Beyond Hiroshima and to recoup some of the losses suffered by first developed in 1913. They tested the Smithsonian Institution planned a major Nagasaki" opened to the public July 8. the other imperialists from Japan, while plan 127 times in chart maneuvers and exhibit with extensive pictures and docu­ The inaugural ceremony included Hi­ substantially improving the U.S. capital­ board games where the U.S. fleet battled mentation that would have raised many roshima mayor Takashi Hiraoka and three ists' position at the expense of the other the Japanese in the Pacific. In the spring of questions about the decision of Demo­ survivors from the atomic bombing. Many ruling families. 1941 the navy began planning how to cratic president Harry Truman to drop the of the photographs and artifacts on display U.S. bankers and investors found the wage unrestricted submarine and aircraft atomic bomb on the Japanese cities of Hi­ here, which were on Joan from museums Chinese republic too unstable and instead war on merchant shipping and commercial roshima and Nagasaki. This brutal act in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, were cen­ invested heavily in the flourishing indus­ planes in the Pacific. slaughtered more than 200,000 civilians. sored out of the exhibition at the Smithso­ tries of Japan, which in tum invested in­ The U.S. military experts had been dis­ However, a reactionary campaign by the nian. creasingly in mineral-rich Manchuria. By cussing the possibility of incendiary American Legion and other such forces 1930, 70 percent of all foreign investment bombing raids on Japan since 1919. The supported by Democratic and Republican Brian Williams is a member of United in China was shared equally by Britain U.S. Navy planned to wage unrestricted politicians from Capitol Hill to the White Food and Commercial Workers Local 27 and Japan, compared to only 6 percent for submarine warfare on Japan months be­ House succeeded in censoring and then in Cheverly, Maryland. the United States. U.S. exports to Japan, fore Pearl Harbor. And President Roo­ scrapping the museum's origi­ though, were at twice that rate, and by sevelt had signed a secret order in July nally planned exhibit. 1935 Japan was their third largest over­ 194i to send U.S. bombers to China to be The public display consists seas customer, dependent on U.S. oil and flown against Japanese cities by U.S. pi­ mostly of sections of the strategic material imports. lots. Enola Gay plane and a 16- In 1931, the Japanese government be­ It is simply a myth that the U.S. govern­ minute film with comments gan to take further steps toward expanding ment was a disinterested party drawn into from its crew. The space that its empire in the Far East. Using the pre­ a war with "fascist Japan" by a "sneak at­ was to have accommodated text of an incident in Manchuria, Japanese tack." The U.S. secretary of war, Henry the original exhibit has been troops invaded, overcame feeble resis­ Stimson, had recorded in his diary prior to turned into an account of how tance, and set up a puppet state, the attack at Pearl Harbor that "the ques­ the Enola Gay was restored. Manchukuo, which became a virtual tion was how we [the U.S. government] "The exhibit, as it ended up, province of Japan. should maneuver [Japan] into ... firing the is hollow and parrots the es­ In 1934 Tokyo closed the open door in first shot without allowing too much dan­ tablished line on the bomb­ China with its announcement of the Amau ger to ourselves." ing," stated Word War II vet­ Doctrine. The Japanese government Even without Pearl Harbor, a war be­ eran Robert Vandivier, after claimed the right to oppose loans or any tween the U.S. rulers and the Japanese viewing the display. other support by other nations to China capitalists for control of the resources and "It's not right to leave out and denied China the right "to avail her­ market~ of Asia was certain. information and be so bland self of the influence of any other country After a series of rapid victories, the about such a historic event," to resist Japan." Japanese army lost its military superiority . stated Catherine. Lon_g, one of Cops arrest protester at Enola Gay exhibit

August 7, 1995 The Militant 7 Socialist Workers hold 38th convention Delegates discuss defense,of Cuba, fights against effects of capitalist crisis

Continued from front page strained conditions, and the measures these weapons of the communist they have been compelled to take in movement represent. face of them, as "the special period." Altogether some 600 people at­ Waters related her experience dur­ tended the convention and partici­ ing a recent trip to Cuba, noting that pated in related conference activities. steps taken to boost production of These included workshops aimed at agricultural goods, increase hard cur­ increasing the effectiveness of politi­ rency to purchase oil, and to curb cal work by party members and sup­ waste and mismanagement have porters and classes on a variety of po­ halted the free-fall of the Cuban econ­ litical topics. omy. While shortages remain there The Young Socialists, which was are signs that the situation has bot­ founded as a nationwide organization tomed out. at a similar gathering here last year, A special period is what capitalism co-hosted this year's conference and has in store for the rest of the world as also held a meeting of its members. well, Waters stated. "We need to look Of the I 08 regular and fraternal dele­ no further than Mexico if proof is gates to the convention, 13 were also needed," she said. "The collapse of members of the Young Socialists. the Mexican peso last December, About 20 percent of. the partici­ with its devastating consequences for pants at this year's gathering were un­ workers and peasants; and skyrocket­ der 30 years of age. Participants came ing unemployment in Argentina, as from cities across the United States the bourgeoisie there attempts to hold and from nine other countries. Twen­ on to parity of its currency with the ty-five languages were spoken by one U.S. dollar, are the first of others to or more conference participants. Militant/John Sarge come as the 1990s unfold." Half of those attending the conven­ Delegates at SWP convention discussed how the social disorder created by capitalist economic Under these conditions, Cuba's ex­ tion were industrial workers and crisis breeds fascist forces such as Republican presidential candidate Patrick Buchanan. ample in the world class struggle is members of trade unions. The politi­ growing once more, the SWP leader cal discus.sions throughout the gathering the importance of the Cuban revolution in munist leadership in Cuba continues to said. Cuba is showing how to fight for dig­ were marked by the practical activity of the world at the political heart of the con­ support the international struggle of work­ nity, sovereignty, and independence, and communist workers in industry and the vention. ers and farmers against the capitalist sys­ why only a socialist revolution makes it unions. The establishment of a workers and tem. possible for working people to hold their Many participants were active in other farmers government that overthrew capi­ The Cuban working class and its leader­ own against capital - anywhere in the organizations. Some 150 were members of talism and established the dictatorship of ship, Waters said, has maintained this world. There is no other way, as the Com­ local Cuba coalitions. Others belonged to the proletariat in Cuba in 1960 - opening course despite the fact that the revolution munist Manifesto describes, because "the abortion rights groups, the National Orga­ the socialist revolution in the Americas has been forced into a retreat by need of a constantly expanding market for nization for Women, groups demanding - marked a historic advance for the formidable economic and social difficul­ its products chases the bourgeoisie over freedom for Irish political prisoners, coali­ world working-class movement. The com- ties since 1989. Cubans refer to these the whole surface of the globe. It must tions against the death penalty and police brutality, committees to stop the execution of Mumia Abu-Jamal, and immigrant rights organizations. In addition to the 56 delegates with de­ Young Socialists build Cuba festival cisive vote elected from party branches in 23 U.S. cities, members of the party's Na­ BY BROCK SAITER ning to go to the festival. Mara Geller, 24, came to tional Committee chosen by the 1994 con~ AND JOYA LONSDALE vention 'were seated as fraternal delegates: . OBERLIN, . Ohio ~ Young . .Socialists the convention,with YS memT bers from· ·York ·and Other fraternal delegates were seated from and interested youth from the ; tiiiited ' Ne~ ·is communist leagues in Australia, Canada, States, Britain, Canada, Iceland, and Aus­ going to make the trip. "As a New Zealand, Sweden, and the United tralia met here during the 38th Constitu­ person from the United Kingdom; from groups in France and Ice­ tional Convention of the Socialist Workers States, I think it's especially land; and from the Young Socialists. Party to discuss what the Young Socialists important for us to go to Cuba The convention took special note of are doing around the world to build the to show that there are people several long-time members of the party Cuba Lives international youth festival in who are against the blockade, who died in the past year. These included August. which is putting economic John Enestvedt, Howard Mayhew, Rob Diana Newberry gave a report to the stress on the lives of the peo­ Cahalane (articles about their contribu­ meeting on behalf of the Young Socialists ple there," she said. tions to the communist movement will ap­ National Committee. Building the largest Joshua Carroll, a 23-year­ pear in the upcoming issue of the Mili­ delegation possible to Cuba Lives is the old student from San Fran­ tant), and Fannie Curran. Dan Priest, a central task of the Young Socialists, New­ cisco, was also attending his member of the party in Salt Lake City, berry explained. She initiated a discussion first convention. By the end, Utah, and Alberta Dannells, a long-time on how to get as many YS members and he decided to join the Young active supporter of the party in Tucson, other youth as possible to this event. Socialists and go to the youth Arizona, also died this year. Those attending the meeting enthusiasti­ festival. Carroll said the dis­ cally agreed with this perspective. cussions at the convention Cuba and the imperialist reality The festival will be a launching pad to helped him to decide to make A report and discussion on "Cuba and involve a new generation internationally the trip. the Imperialist Reality," presented by in defending the Cuban revolution. Many Many other young fighters SWP leader Mary-Alice Waters on behalf of the guests at the SWP convention who who will be in Cuba are also of the party's National Committee, placed were not yet members of the YS are plan- looking for a way forward and a solution to the crisis of capitalism. The Young So­ cialists, along with commu­ nists in Cuba and from around the world, will work together to win many of this new generation to socialism. The festival is an opportunity for revolutionary-minded Militant/Bill Estrada youth around the world to Young Socialists table at conference make contact with each other and plan common actions. semblies, factories, agricultural markets, Young Socialists will bring the Militant, and agricultural cooperatives earlier this Perspectiva Mundial, New International year; and other materials. Young Social­ in various languages, and Pathfinder ists in Manhattan reported they are spon­ books with them. They will also bring soring a class on the Militant series. The their experiences as participants in labor San Francisco chapter has reprinted the ar­ struggles, fights against police brutality ticles and is selling them on literature ta­ and the death penalty, immigrant rights bles and at political events. demonstrations, abortion clinic defense In addition to getting press credentials lines, and many other struggles to share to report on the trip, Young Socialists dis­ with workers and youth in Cuba and from cussed how they are setting up speaking other countries. engagements at college campuses, high Young Socialists have made it a point to schools, churches, and in their workplaces politically prepare themselves and others to tell of the experiences they had in Cuba. who are going to the festival by reading These meetings will be an opportunity to the article "Defending Cuba, Defending tell the truth about the Cuban revolution Cuba's Socialist Revolution" by Mary­ and help build the upcoming October Alice Waters in New International no. 10; demonstrations against U.S. policy to­ a series of articles printed in the Militant wards Cuba and any other solidarity ac­ by reporting teams that visited workers as- tions coming out of the festival.

8 The Militant August 7, 1995 nestle everywhere, settle perworkers International ment of Landless Rural Workers of Brazil; everywhere, establish Union (UPIU) in nearby . the Workers Party of Korea; and Mark connections everywhere. Decatur. 'The tour gener­ Curtis, a unionist and political activist It compels all nations, on ated discussion and de­ who is a party member. Curtis was pain of extinction, to bate on the October 1962 framed-up by police on rape and burglary adopt the bourgeois mode 'missile crisis' and many charges while he was involved in a cam­ of production." other questions," Farley paign to defend 17 immigrant co-workers But that is the world to said. "The week after Ke­ arrested in an immigration raid on the which Cuban working nia left, a member of the meatpacking plant where he worked in people have said "no, we UPIU railed against the Des Moines, Iowa. He has already been in will never go back," Wa­ fact that the union had in­ prison for nearly seven years of a 25-year ters said. "We will chart a vited a communist from sentence. different course for hu­ Cuba to address the work­ manity, a socialist ers. But many union Politics of the 21st century course." Communists in members answered him, "The near meltdown of the international Cuba are reaching out speaking favorably of Ser­ stock market in October 1987 marked one more and more with com­ rano's visit. of the great turning points in history and munists and revolution­ "When a Cuban com­ ushered in the politics of the 21st cen­ ary-minded youth in other munist speaks directly tury," said Socialist Workers Party na­ countries, "establishing with workers in the tional secretary Jack Barnes during the connections in the four United States it has a big main political report to the convention on comers of the globe to impact." behalf of the outgoing National Commit­ help build a revolutionary Farley said that several tee. The stock market crash combined current,"'she stated. SWP national secretary Jack Barnes addresses delegates young people from central with the opening of a worldwide depres­ She pointed to young lllinois are now preparing sion in 1989, the launching of the Iraq communists from Cuba traveling through­ Cuban leadership's course of integrating to go to the Cuba Lives festival. war, and the collapse of the Stalinist appa­ out Latin America, the English-speaking their revolution more deeply as part of the Nearly 150 delegates and guests at the ratuses in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Caribbean, several countries in Europe, existing workers states, regardless of their conference attended a meeting of those Union, demonstrates the degree of vulner­ Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, deformations. planning or considering to go to the youth ability and instability of the capitalist sys­ China, and elsewhere to build the interna- festival. They discussed how to join with tem world wide and the consequences of tional youth festival in recent months as an Defending socialist revolution others in fund-raising, organizing to col­ the new stage of the downward curve of example of this. Several delegates pointed out that what lect work boots, school materials, medical capitalist development. It is important for all who defend Cuba communist workers do with others in the supplies, and other aid to be donated to This new reality, Barnes explained, to see it in the world, Waters explained. It United States to defend Cuba weighs in Cuban youth, and building send-off events means that the lawful workings of the cap­ would be wrong to have an idyllic vision the outcome of the class struggle in both and report-back meetings. italist system in coming years will bring or over expectations of what Cuba can ac- countries. For example, building a large While building the festival, socialists sharp alterations in the economic situa­ complish outside of further advances in delegation for the Cuba Lives festival will plan to join hundreds of others in organiz­ tion. High levels of permanent joblessness the world revolution. Socialism can't be help to bring the experiences of the class ing to build the October actions, called by and expansions that don't accomplish built in one country. struggle from around the world more into the National Network on Cuba, to demand much are features of the depression that Cuba must be seen as part of the ex pan- view for revolutionary workers and youth that Washington end its economic war alternate pressures on working people. sion of the Russian revolution that in 1917 in that country. In tum, those going to against the people of Cuba, lift the travel The demand for jobs and fighting for class became the first example of how working Cuba will return to their countries more ban, normalize relations, and respect unity becomes increasingly important as people can mount an effective. struggle for able to explain the truth about Cuba and Cuba's right to self-determination. the employers try to tear the working class their own government and then overturn many will want to join the fight to build an The SWP convention received greetings apart by forcing millions more onto unem­ capitalist property relations. After the first international communist movement. from the Central Committee of the Com­ ployment rolls to solve their problems. dictatorship of the proletariat was estab- Delegate Betsy Farley, a member of the munist Party of Cuba; Union of Young One of the main banners at the front of the lished, other anti-capitalist revolutions tri- Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers union Communists in Cuba; the African Na­ convention hall featured the slogan, "Jobs lrlflf'IIMI tfi l!ti:«ert•f"f:ur6pe,''Chinlt, 'North •· · {roftfPeOfia, Inin'ois, described the ·visit by tiomd Congress of South· Africa; the Anto­ for All;-- Defend· Affirmative Action ·and Korea, and Vietnam. Cuban youth leader Kenia Serrano to the nio Maceo Brigade, a Miami-based orga­ Shorten the Workweek with No Cut in From the earliest days of the Cuban rev- picket lines of striking Caterpillar workers nization of Cubans in the United States Continued on Page 10 olution, communists have backed the and to a union meeting of the United Pa- who support the revolution; the Move- Books, workshops, classes add to socialist event BY GREG ROSENBERG ual Terrorism. activity in recruitment to the communist along with weekly Militant Labor Forums. OBERLIN, Ohio- Surrounding the Conference participants also purchased movement. Participants in the "Reaching out politi­ Socialist Workers Party's 38th Constitu­ 128 Education for Socialists bulletins. The George Williams, an aerospace worker cally" workshop discussed using the Mili­ tional Convention was an International top seller was Class, Party, and State, and in Birmingham, Alabama, took the floor to tant and Perspectiva Mundial effectively, Conference of Socialist Workers and the Eastern European Revolution - 23 explain how he and other socialist workers conducting socialist election campaigns, Youth, jointly sponsored by the SWP and copies were sold. Others at the top of the had sold 14 subscriptions to the Militant and working to defend Mark Curtis. Young Socialists. The conference featured list also dealt with the workers states in along with 6 copies of New International A series of well-attended classes in­ a literature and display center, workshops, Eastern Europe and China, and the history on the job during the spring. "We're 24- cluded "Labor's Fight for a Sliding Scale and classes, along with social and enter­ of workers and farmers governments in hour-a-day communists," Williams said, of Hours and Wages," "Marxism and Ter­ tainment events. the modern epoch. pointing out that he took the opportunity rorism," "Dynamics of the Cuban Revolu­ The literature and display area was a to discuss politics with all of his co­ tion," "Women's Liberation and the Line popular attraction. Built around the Selling the books workers need workers, not just those he thought might of March of the Working Class," "Marx Pathfinder Press exhibit, the center in­ Taking advantage of widespread oppor­ agree with him. · and Engels on Ireland: The Irish Freedom cluded booths from the Young Socialists, tunities to increase the sales of Pathfinder At another workshop participants dis­ Struggle and the Building of the Interna­ the Militant and Perspectiva Mundial, and books to workers and young people was a cussed the success of the campaign to in­ tional Workingmen's Association," 'The the Mark Curtis Defense Committee. theme that ran throughout the conference. crease monthly financial contributions Socialist Workers Party in World War II," "Mining our communist continuity"· Pathfinder distributors in Los Angeles set from supporters and friends as well as how and "Immigrant Workers and the Sea­ was the title of an exhibit highlighting the an example of what is possible over the to strengthen rooting the party in the in­ men's Unions: from the California Gold successful completion of the first stage of previous three months, coinciding with an dustrial unions. Rush to the Korean War." a project to index all of the SWP' s internal international effort to boost sales of the A third workshop focused on utilizing Members of the Young Socialists con­ bulletins and theoretical magazines. The Militant and Perspectiva Mundial. Pathfinder bookstores and work by Path­ ducted a raffle during the conference that exhibit drew a steady stream of confer­ Over the course of April, May, and June finder sales reps in local areas to raised more .tha n $1 ,800 to help finance ence participants. they sold 91 copies of New International, strengthen the communist movement, building the socialist youth organization. A bound index incorporating six a magazine of Marxist politics and theory decades of communist writings from the distributed by Pathfinder, accounting for party's theoretical magazines was on dis­ more than $1,000 in gross sales. Sales 1111 E W F I 0 M PATHFINDEI play at the booth. Visitors to the exhibit from the Los Angeles Pathfinder book­ were also able to find out about the newly store totaled $5,648 -an increase of 125 IRe History oty begun effort to scan all the materials from percent over the January-March figure of the magazines New International, Fourth $2,507. The key, said Pathfinder distribu­ American Trotskyism International, and International Socialist tor Craig Honts, was "fanning out across Bv JAMES P. CANI'\ON Review and make these available to the the city and region with our ideas." Ortgins oftbe communist movement and Socialist Workers Party public on CD-ROM. Conference workshops centered on in­ in the United States. from Wortd War I and the impact of the Two new titles- a Spanish-language creasing the practical political activity and Russian revolution to the fight against Stalinism and the big labor edition of In Defense of Marxism by Rus­ striking power of the communist move­ battles that built the industrtal unions. sian Bolshevik leader Leon Trotsky and ment, such as the experiences registered The Second Declaration of Havana in during the sales campaign in Los Angeles. Special offer $14.20 - 25% off French - were unveiled at the Pathfinder A workshop entitled "Communist display. In all, some 720 books were pur­ Workers Talking Socialism on the Job" for members of the Pathfinder Readers Club chased during the four-day event, totaling focused on the daily political activity of Until August ll - Regular price $18.9S more than $6,800. party members and supporters, from pro­ Seventy-three conference participants moting books and the working-class press an annual SlMce. r00 c~ picked up copies of Marxism and Terror­ to fellow workers in factories and mines, on .at Utlc:Ntt all Pathftndcr ·take ad\tant&gc'or special oft'«s ~c .tillS; ism by Trotsky, making it the top seller. to providing timely coverage of political '" : .><..:.: ,·.- -.>'~ ,· , h_ y '~/ , _-- -_,_-:-':::: :'' :_ ;::: - ' ,, -. ~,::;:. ; --, -, ' _:_-;': -/ ,· This is a new edition of articles previously discussions as they unfold on the job, and published under the title Against Individ- combining political education along with Available at bookstores listed on page 12. or from Pathfinder. 410 West St .. 1'\ew York. IW 10014. Fax (212) 727.{)1 50. Tel. (212) 741.0000. If ordering by mall. please Include $3 to cover postage and handling.

August 7, 1995 The Militant 9 SWP convention Continued from Page 9 the social disorder created by the capitalist Pay." economic crisis breeds fascist forces like "For communists this points to the im­ Patrick Buchanan, a Republican presiden­ portance of carrying out practical work tial candidate in the United States, and while maintaining production and distri­ right-wing militia groups. bution of the books and pamphlets that The roots of Buchananism lie in the de­ contain the lessons of the struggles of the teriorating social conditions faced by mil­ modern working-class movement­ lions, Barnes said in his report. It is also lessons the working class has fought for in bound up with capitalism's drive toward bloody battles over decades," Barnes ex­ war to defend and expand markets for U.S. plained in his report. "Above all, our goods in the face of ever-stiffening inter­ movement must be firmly rooted in the imperialist competition. working class and actively engaged in pol­ Buchanan, like every other classical itics. This is the only way to understand rightist, uses nationalist demagogy to ap: great turning points in history and main­ peal to those fearful of being dispossessed. tain and enrich the classical works of "These are fellow Americans," he recently Marxism that point to the line of march of told a Republican Party gathering in the working class." Philadelphia. "These are people who work In the days leading up to the convention with their hands, tools, machines. They Pathfinder Press released the most recent don't work with word processors ....They Militant/Linda Joyce reprint from its book-a-week publishing are the losers in this economy." From Pathfinder exhibit. Increasing sales of Pathfinder books and other communist litera­ program, The History of American Trot­ there Buchanan scapegoats immigrants for ture is at the center of the SWP's priorities coming out of the convention. skyism, by SWP founder James P. Can­ the problems of "fellow Americans" at­ non. This 50th anniversary edition is an tempting to promote the fissures in the The working-class voice grows out of capitalist economic and social relations example of the type of weapon today's working class needed by the capitalists to struggle," Barnes explained. "It is easy in had been reestablished in eastern Ger­ fighters need to understand the political maintain their rule. this period to just see the fascists growing, many since it was now an integrated part tumult in the world and the necessity for Delegates to the convention noted that but all history shows that the working of Germany as a whole. These points be­ building a working-class party that can nationalist appeals are promoted by all class will get its chance." came a focus of the discussion under the help lead the struggle to overturn capital­ bourgeois politicians, from U.S. president Delegates to the convention also dis­ political report. ism and fight for socialism. Bill Clinton on down, and that it is impor­ cussed the meaning of recent stirrings in Workers states still exist in Eastern Eu­ John Staggs, a delegate from Philadel-· tant to go to the heat of this discussion the upper echelons of the AFL-CIO. rope and the former Soviet Union, Barnes phia and a member of the United Auto promoting internationalism and the unity The shaking up that is going on in the explained. The dictatorship of the prole­ Workers (UAW) union, spoke about re­ of workers' and farmers' struggles across top levels of the labor bureaucracy today tariat is not a concept, it is a historical fact. cent experiences selling has nothing to do with respond­ A large hunk of the world has been Pathfinder books and the New ing to workers' struggles. The blocked off from the lawful subordination International magazine to trade union officialdom is react­ to the workings of international capital­ Caterpillar strikers. Some of ing to the polarization in politics ism. This is important because capitalism these fighters have been inter­ and the fact that their market can only survive by expanding. ested in subscribing to the Mili­ value to the capitalists is negli­ Overturning the workers states would tant and buying New Interna­ gible today. open up the possibility of a massive ex­ tional no. 10 with "Imperi­ One problem communist pansion of capitalism in the world, en­ alism's March toward Fascism workers can get into is adapting abling the employing class to find a way and War," he explained. "The to the trade union bureaucracy out of their crisis. strikers' interest comes because as it tries to pull in all kinds of To fundamentally change the social re­ they see these books and pam­ radicals to shore up its position lations in the workers states, many dele­ phlets as helping to explain what among the ranks of labor and gates pointed out, the imperialists would is happening in the world, and make themselves more useful to have to defeat the working class in bloody how their struggle fits in," he the capitalists, Barnes pointed battles. In spite of the alliance of the capi­ said. out. "They will give all kinds of talist rulers with their friends in the state Frank Forrestal, also a UAW space to let radicals talk about apparatuses, this fight is precisely what member and a delegate from their ideology but their goal is they continue to avoid. Chicago, .described how social­ to keep working~class fighters In eastern Germany, the capitalist rulers ist workers joined in a week of 'in a· line of march behind them face the biggest contradictions. The much . mobilizations and other activi­ and their policies. We have no heralded "unification" has meant massive ties in Aurora, Peoria, and De­ purchase on their offers to us. transfer payments to the east in order to catur, Illinois, marking the one­ "Today the most important stave off big social struggles by workers year anniversary of the Caterpil­ thing to concentrate on in the there. Rather than overturning the work~rs lar strike and sold more than 200 labor movement is that all polit­ state in eastern Germany by taking on the issues of the Militant and 8 Militant/Linda Joyce ical questions are fair game for working class in battle the resolution of all copies of the Pathfinder book Young Socialists met to organize final push to build maximum discussion in the working class. major questions keeps being postponed. catalog. U.S. participation in Cuba festival. It is wide open. Strikes and "Social relations haven't been reversed in Another addition to the com- other workers' struggles, no eastern Germany," said delegate Doug munist arsenal, which will help fighters all borders. matter how small, are a channel to discuss Jenness from the Twin Cities. "That is the learn from the lessons of past struggles, One mark of internationalism at the and debate. heart of what a workers state is." was also introduced at the convention with convention was the decision to send a del­ "We have to glory in being with work­ The continued existence of the workers the first copies of the index to the party's egation of socialist workers and youth to ers who are fighting, like the Caterpillar states, even in their deformed and weak­ theoretical magazines. This index makes it Japan in early August to join working peo­ strikers and others. And we have to com­ ened condition, remains a strength and an possible to easily search for articles span­ ple and others there at the 50th anniver­ bine that approach with talking socialism aid to Cuba, which has correctly fought to ning 60 years of communist writings on sary ceremonies protesting the atomic and advancing the political consciousness be part of the dictatorship of the proletariat the rise of Stalinism, the struggle against bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. of our co-workers and those we are fight­ worldwide. Building socialism in one fascism, working-class politics during A team of Militant reporters will also ing together with." country has never been a possibility. The World War II, the victory of the Chinese soon head to Beijing to cover the United power of the Cuban revolution would be and Cuban revolutions, the Black struggle, Nations-sponsored international Workers states quickly dissipated if it was the only post­ and more included in the New Interna­ women's conference. In the preconvention discussion there capitalist state still standing. tional, Fourth International, and Interna­ were several challenges to the long-held Under the Organizational Report to the tional Socialist Review magazines. Leftists drawn to rightist forces view of the Socialist Workers Party that convention presented by SWP leader Greg Convention delegates discussed how Barnes noted that a layer on the left has the states in Eastern Europe and the for­ McCartan convention delegates discussed an attraction to fascist forces today. Re­ mer Soviet Union remain workers states the progress that has been registered in or­ cent articles in the Nation magazine by despite serious deformations. A number of ganizing the party's work to facilitate be- The Changing Face columnist Alexander Cockburn speak contributions put forward the view that Continued on Page 11 with a certain fascination of the right-wing of u.s. Politics militias, for instance. In one recent article W O RKIN G- C LA SS that begins under the heading, "Neither Socialist Workers Party National Committee PO LI T I CS AN D TH E Left nor Right," Cockburn chastises those Elected by 38th Constitutional Convention TRADE UNIONS who point to the anti-Semitic and right­ ByJack Barnes wing views of militia groups in an unbal­ REGULAR anced way. He quotes approvingly of a A handbook for Jack Barnes James Harris Argiris Malapanis New York Newsday editorial, which gives Derek Bracey John Hawkins Greg McCartan workers coming a "sane" view of militia groups saying into the factories. Joel Britton Chris Hoeppner Thabo Ntweng mines. and mills, "initial suspicions of racism and anti­ Steve Clark Martin Koppel Francisco Picado Semitism don't hold up across the Naomi Craine Angel Lariscy Dave Prince as they react to Mark Curtis Wendy Lyons Aaron Ruby the uncertain life. board ....And even though militias have Estelle DeBates Luis Madrid Norton Sandler ceaseless turmoil. their share of white supremacists and sep­ Betsy Farley Ernie Mailhot Ma'mud Shirvani and brutality of aratists, not all of them share those senti­ Laura Garza Paul Mailhot Mary·Aiice Waters capitalism in the ments." closing years of Cockburn concludes his column saying, ALTERNATE the twentieth "The 'farm crisis,' 'oil politics' NAFfA, I. Frank Forrestal 7. L Paltrineri 13. Ken Riley century. It shows the I.M.F. and the World Bank can pro­ 2. Maggie Trowe 8. Brian Taylor 14. Brian Pugh how millions of duce, simultaneously, militias in the 3. John Cox 9. Mark Gilsdorf 15. Diana Newberry workers, as 4. Sara Lohman I 0. John Staggs 16. Jack Willey political resistance grows, will United States and Chiapas. I invite the 5. Rollande Girard II. Dennis Richter 17. Nell Wheeler revolutionize themselves. their unions. 'left' to get off its high horse and re­ 6. Peter Thierjung 12. Toni Jackson and all of society. $19.95. examine the incredible real-life grass roots resourcefulness in America ..." YOUNG SOCIAUSTS NATIONAL COMMITTEE Available at bookstores. Including those listed on "Rightist forces grow out of bourgeois Mark Gilsdorf Cecilia Ortega Ken Riley page 12. orfrom Pathftnder, 410 West St.. New York. politics. That is why they get the press and Victor Manga . Tami Peterson Brock Satter NY 1001 4. ~·ax (21 2) 727-01 50. 1r ordcting by mail, Diana Newberry Brian Pugh Jack Willey please Include $3 to cover postage and handling. the attention for their anti-Semitic, anti­ immigrant, and anti-working-class views. 10 The Militant August 7, 1995 Caterpillar workers maintain their fight BY ANGEL LARISCY at Caterpillar's Mapleton foundry to rally PEORIA, 111inois -Talk of a settle- as the afternoon shift of replacement >f· ment in the more than four-year labor dis­ workers left the plant and the midnight pute between Caterpillar, Inc., and the shift arrived. United Auto Workers (UA W) is circulat­ On July 13, another 60 strikers and sup­ ing here. Striking UAW members on the porters participated in a candlelight vigil picket lines, meanwhile, continue to outside the same gate. demonstrate their resolve to win a contract Groups have also been congregating at that defends their union. pickets in East Peoria, Illinois. A high-level meeting between Caterpil­ Tom Smith, a member of UAW local lar negotiators and UAW International of­ 97 4 in East J>eoria, has participated in a ficials is scheduled to take place during number of these actions. "It shows we're the first week in August. On July 5 and 6, still around and won't go away," he noted. Caterpillar and UAW negotiators held an Smith recounted how last winter a news "off-the-record" meeting in Chicago. It reporter interviewed him after eight work­ was the first time the two sides had met in ers were arrested for illegal picketing at a four months. On July 12, the UAW cen­ gate outside the East Peoria facility. Smith Militant/Frank Forrestal tral bargaining committee for Caterpillar says what he told the reporter then still Unionists show their solidarity at one year of Cat strike June 21 in Peoria, Illinois. strikers was called to Detroit for a meeting holds true: "If they think we're going to go with newly elected UAW president away just because the cops come and ar­ out of touch with the realities of the fac­ man Services and Education voted to cut Stephen Yokich. rest some people they're wrong." Smith tory floor and, at worst, harbors a strong the NLRB's budget 30 percent;. it also This action by the union caused Peoria says this has been the predominant atti­ pro-union bias." voted for a provision requiring four out of Journal Star business writer Bob Bouyea tude throughout the strike. Of the 11 complaints that have been re- · five NLRB members to vote for injunc­ to pen a column entitled, "Strikers sense Caterpillar continues to claim it is the solved, Caterpillar has been ruled against tions requested against certain company walkout could end by Aug. 1." victim in the dispute. On July 12, corpo­ in six. practices instead of a simple majority. "Caterpillar knows it must offer the rate vice president Wayne Zimmerman Glenn Zipp, NLRB Region 33 director, Such injunctions would also be required to union something, but the union must move testified before a House of Representa­ says that Caterpillar is advocating for the meet a higher standard of proof. first," the columnist wrote, citing an un­ tives subcommittee during a hearing on passage of legislation that would legalize In related developments, Caterpillar ex­ named source. the National Labor Relations Board joint company-worker committees that ecutives had a furious reaction to a peti­ Larger than usual pickets have become (NLRB). would decide issues such as workers' pay, tion, signed by 500 professors across the a more common occurrence in recent Zimmerman asserts that a key NLRB vacation policy, and who remains an em­ United States, opposing passage of anti­ weeks. UAW members stepped up strike official is biased toward the union. Since ployee with a company. Zipp says this labor legislation that Caterpillar supports. activities in late June around the one-year March 1993 the NLRB has issued 165 would basically result in a company The professors' petition didn't name any anniversary of their walkout against the complaints against Caterpillar. Zimmer­ union. particular corporation, but Jerry Brust, earth-moving equipment manufacturer. man claims that NLRB general counsel On July 11, the House Appropriations Caterpillar director of labor relations,.re­ On July 6, more than 75 strikers gathered Fred Feinstein "seems to us, at best, to be Subcommittee on Labor Health and Hu- sponded to it. The "unscholarly letter," wrote Brust, is "irresponsibly inaccurate and ethically questionable." University of South Car­ Socialist Workers Party convention olina management professor Holt Wheeler responded, "If ever one needed evidence Continued from Page 10 contributions to the work of advancing the testament to the value of being able to that employees need protection from the coming more deeply involved in work communist movement. reach back for the lessons of working- tender mercies of some corporate execu- around social protest actions and strike­ Organizing active supporters as an aux­ class struggles. tives, [Brust's] letter would prove it." struggles, with the central priority of cam­ iliary of the revolutionary party has been Talks at the Capital Fund event also ex- Meanwhile, Illinois governor Jim Edgar paigning with the Young Socialists to part of a proud tradition of the Socialist plained some of the next steps being insti- signed into law a bill outlawing "jack build the Cuba Lives festival and ongoing Workers Party. Throughout the worst days tuted in the party apparatus to produce the rocks." Maximum penalties of up to one campaigns in defense of the Cuban revo- of the McCarthyite witch-hunt activesup­ ,;~om···· m.. uni.st . P<>.li. ~ic,al. ar...· sen~.1.· .·· wi~. few. er . Y.~I!!~Jil jail_ and a fine of $1,000 co?ld be lution. ··· · · · · portei'S helped the party weather the pdfit'i! ··. ffm'"~ork~ 1--it pnsslble·4ur• "''~l!flgalilst ·anyone· caught· makmg 'or As part of the effort to keep turning out­ cal reaction through financial contribu­ more members of the party to be active in possessing the device, which can be used ward into politics and to the fights of tions and other forms of assistance. local branches. to puncture tires. working people, convention delegates Only a few months before the conven­ While there were many newer and Caterpillar and cops from Peoria and adopted a campaign to build support for tion active supporters were contributing younger participants at this year's conven- Tazewell counties, where the majority of framed-up unionist Mark Curtis through about $85,000 a year to the work of the tion, special tribute was also paid to those picket lines are, lobbied for passage of the selling widely the recently released pam­ party. By the end of the gathering a in attendance who have been a part of the legislation. phlet, Why Is Mark Curtis Still in Prison? $150,000 goal had nearly been reached. revolutionary movement for more than 45 Other labor disputes in central Illinois Distributing this pamphlet not only gives The active supporters are organizing to years. These included: Tom Leonard ( 45), continue. working-class fighters and youth an un­ meet a goal of $200,000 a year by October Mary Lou Montauk (49), Almeda Kirsch In Decatur, Illinois, members of the derstanding of the stakes involved in the 1. (49), Helen Scheer (51), Ethel Lohman United Paperworkers International Union fight to win his freedom, but is also one of At the final session of the convention (52), Paul Montauk (54), and Charles locked out for two years by corn- the best introductions to socialism, Mc­ delegates elected a new National Commit­ Scheer (57). Harry Ring, who writes the processing company A.E. Staley rejected Cartan said. "It explains how joining the tee to lead the work of the party until the Militant's weekly column "Great Society" an offer by 60 percent that would allow communist movement helps you become next convention. Of the 44 elected mem­ as well as other regular articles, was also 350 of the 750 workers to return to work. a more effective fighter." bers of the National Committee half are at the convention. He is celebrating his McCartan also urged delegates to con­ working in industry and active in indus­ 59th year as an active member of the com­ Angel Lariscy is a member of UAW 1494 tinue joining with others in the fight trial trade unions. Others are currently car­ munist movement. in Peoria. against the death penalty as the capitalist rying out full-time responsibilities helping rulers wield this class weapon more ag­ to produce the communist books that gressively. One of the most important bat­ workers of the world need today. tles taking place around the death penalty Following the final convention session, Flight attendants at USAir is the campaign to halt the execution of the conference closed with a political sum­ Mumia Abu-Jamal, a Black political ac­ mation of the gathering by Barnes and a tivist framed up by the cops in Philadel­ rally to launch a special fund to help fi­ reject concession contract phia. "This case is an extremely powerful nance the production costs of the Militant example of class justice," McCartan said. newspaper. More than $61,000 was BY DEBORAH LIATOS concession contracts for these unions and "It shows how a Black person, or a pledged that evening. Supporters in local PHILADELPHIA - Members of the are recommending acceptance to their worker, gets framed and ends up on death areas plan to decide on goals for this cam­ Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) membership. row." Pennsylvania authorities plan to put paign in coming weeks. voted down a concession contract pro­ The flight attendants union was the first Jamal to death on August 17. In addition, a special slide presentation posal by USAir that included $53 million major union to put the proposed conces­ Because Jamal continues to stand up on the second night of the convention enti­ in concessions for the 8,300 flight atten­ sions to a vote. The membership of the and fight he has become a symbol for tled, "Sell the Books the Workers of the dants. The package was rejected by 55 Transport Workers Union, which orga­ many young Blacks of someone who re­ World Need Now!" launched a Capital percent of the workers who voted. nizes dispatchers, has already ratified a fuses to be silenced, and his case has Fund for contributions of $1 ,000 or more. AFA officials, who came to agreement concession package. Members of the lAM moved to the center of the fight against the This presentation followed up on the pro­ on the concessions with USAir in May, and ALPA have yet to vote on their pro­ death penalty. gram at last year's convention, which fo­ had recommended that the membership posed agreements. McCartan's report, based on a draft res­ cused on producing revolutionary books. ratify the deal. The agreements are subject to Board olution submitted to the convention enti­ The Capital Fund event explained the The $53 million concession package is approval, union membership ratification, tled, "Worker-Bolsheviks Take Back wide possibilities and good reception for part of a plan by USAir to cut costs by $1 and shareholder approval. Your Branches," proposed that goals for Pathfinder books around the world that billion annually, $485 million of which In return for the concessions, USAir upcoming efforts to distribute the Militant delegates throughout the convention re­ the company hopes to take from workers' says workers will receive $400 million in and meet the party's financial needs be lated. wages and benefits. preferred stock, a 20 percent stake in US­ adopted after a series of discussions in lo­ USAir is also demanding cuts of $190 Air's common stock, profit sharing, and cal branches on the possibilities for these Launching of Capital Fund million a year from the pilots, who are or­ four seats on USAir's 16-member board. campaigns. Members of the National That evening's presentation also cele­ ganized by the Air Line Pilots Association Discussions and debates among USAir Committee will travel to local areas in brated the completion of the first stage of (ALPA) and $132 million a year from workers are constant on the concession coming weeks to help in these discus­ the project to index all of the party's dis­ nearly 15,000 workers represented by the proposals. The vote by USAir tlighi atten­ sions. cussion bulletins and theoretical maga­ International Association of Machinists dants reflects dissatisfaction in the com­ zines, making difficult-to-find material Union (lAM). pany's take back demands as well as ·skep­ Active supporters boost financial goals from the party's communist continuity The company also says it wants to cut ticism that the promised "returns" will Leading up to the convention, a step more easily accessible. The discussion at $110 million a year in the wages of non­ soften the blow of the concessions. was taken by local branches to organize the convention itself, which touched on union employees. active supporters of the party. The major myriad important political questions con­ Officials of ALPA and the lAM have Deborah Liatos is a member of JAM Local goal of the effort is to build up financial cerning the working-class movement, was also reached agreement with USAir on 1776 at USAir in Philadelphia. August 7, 1995 The Militant 11 Behind·the · Bipartisan affirmative action probe U.S.-Japan Continued from front page said, "Many people fought for women and cies. "Today we're not in an institutionally off for now a bill that would bar federal minorities to get equal rights. One victory racist society as we were in 1965," he as­ contracts that include "preferences" for was affirmative action and now they want serted. conflict in women, Blacks, Latinos·, and other op­ to take it away. Affirmative action gives Despite this claim, average real income pressed groups. Gingrich argued that the everyone an equal opportunity for jobs for Black families is no higher than in Republicans must first "put together a and education. It doesn't discriminate 1969, while for whites it rose 9 percent. World War II package designed to help blacks and other against anyone. If affirmative action is Some 12 percent of whites live below the Continued from Page 7 minorities without the use of any prefer­ abolished, it will be a setback in our goal official poverty line, but 33 percent of sions between the imperialist powers in ences," the New York Times reported. of equality." Blacks and 31 percent of Latinos live in the Pacific. While Washington and Tokyo Other big-business politicians favor The Los Angeles Times ran a sampling poverty. Women earn no more than 71 backed away from a full-fledged trade war more aggressive moves, however. U.S. of interviews from California students on percent of mens' average wages, and over automobiles in June, we can expect Rep. Gary Franks, one of two Black Re­ the issue. Ken Adams, 24, said: "We still Black women even less. trade conflicts between the two to escalate publicans in the House, plans to attach need affirmative action. I'm worried about The affirmative action debate has be­ as they compete for raw resources, mar­ amendments to spending bills that would my own admission possibilities, but also come of feature of the emerging presiden­ kets, and fields of investment. There will prohibit federal agencies from setting about the general picture of affirmative ac­ tial campaign. Wilson, a Republican presi­ be more sanctions and even embargoes by aside a portion of their contracts for op­ tion ... .I need it because it makes me feel dential hopeful, announced he will exer­ both sides. pressed nationalities and women. safe that nobody will say no to me because cise his right for the first time to preside And, as has been proven time and "It will represent the first salvo against I'm African American." Sylvia Casasola, over the regents meeting. Democrat Jesse again, economic pressure alone cannot affirmative action as we know it today," 38, put it this way: "Affirmative action Jackson, another possible presidential meet the needs of the owners of capital. It declared Franks. "I've been opposed to doesn't mean you get everything for free. candidate, declared he would speak at the must be backed by a willingness to pro­ racial and gender-based set-asides and That's the way [Gov. Wilson] is putting it, protest rally planned for July 19 and at the ceed to military action. preferential treatment throughout my ca­ that every Latino is taking advantage of all July 20 board of regents meeting. World War II led to the loss of at least reer." the benefits." 50 million lives, mostly workers and farm­ The debate over this issue has been es­ Some demonstrations in support of af­ Mark Friedman, a member of the JAM in ers, in Europe and Asia. This waste, in­ pecially intense in California. Gov. Pete firmative action have been taking place on Los Angeles, contributed to this article. cluding the massive destruction of cities, Wilson has played a prominent role in California campuses, and teach-ins, voter should drive home an important lesson calling for restrictions on affirmative ac­ education and registration, media cam­ about imperialist war for working people tion programs. Faced with a recent paigns and other activities are being in all the major capitalist countries: there Supreme Court decision allowing curbs on planned. A widespread debate has broken will never be peace until capitalism world­ affirmative action, and a proposed out on Wilson's proposal to end affirma­ wide is overturned and replaced by social­ statewide ballot initiative that would elim­ tive action in hiring, contracting and ad­ ism. inate many such programs, a wide array of missions in the University of California political forces in California are beginning system. The university regents were Patti liyama is a member of the Oil, to organize to defend these social gains. scheduled to vote on the proposal July 20. Chemical and Atomic Workers in Hous­ A pro-affirmative action coalition of One Wilson ally on the Board of Re­ ton. She had relatives who were killed by more than fifteen organizations has come gents is Ward Connerly, a wealthy Sacra­ the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, together in California. It includes the mento housing developer who is Black. and her parents were interned in the con­ NAACP, American Civil Liberties Union, He says affirmative action has outlived its centration camp at Topaz, Utah, during National Organization for Women, usefulness and is proposing that the uni­ World War II. League of United Latin American Citi­ versity scrap its affirmative action poli- zens, Urban League, International Associ­ ation of Machinists (lAM}, United Electri­ cal workers, United Auto Workers, andre­ -MILITANT LABOR FORUMS-----:- -CALENDAR ligious, community, and student groups. It is organizing out of the lAM offices in The Militant Labor Forum is a weekly tion of Mumia Abu-Jamal. Fri., July 28, 7:30 ILLINOIS Long Beach. free-speech meeting for workers, farmers, p.m. 803 Peachtree St. (between 5th and 6th youth, and others. All those seeking to ad­ Street), Donation: $3. Translation into Spanish Chicago The group is campaigning against the and French. Tel: (404) 724-9759. Celebrate July 26 and Jose Marti's lOOth California Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI), vance the fight against injustice and ex­ Birthday. Sat., July 29. Videos 5-7 p.m. Ojos a proposed 1996 state referendum attack­ ploitation are welcome to attend and par­ del Pueblo, 19th and Carpenter. Dinner and ing affirmative action programs. A state­ ticipate in these discussions on issues of MASSACHUSETTS Program 7:30 p.m. St. Pius Church, 19th and ment by the coalition says: "The CCRI importance to working people. Boston Ashland. Speakers: Miguel Nunez, First Secre­ campaign is calculated to distract us from At the Militant Labor Forpm you can tary of the Cuban Interests Section. Dance at express your opinion, listen to the views of 0 9:30 p.m. with Angel Quinones y Conjunto the reality of the larger economic and po­ ~:f.t~t'~.f:s~~~1:~,~iy' co~ri~f~&ii«~ Areto. Tickets $10. For more information, call: litical problems causing depression of fellow fighters, and exchange ideas on how Workers Party. Fri., July 28, 7:30 p.m. 780 (312) 663-0527. wages and job loss. It exploits our fears best to advance the interests of workers Tremont St. Donation: $4. Tel: (617) 247- Sponsored by the Chicago Cuba Coalition. and insecurities ...by scapegoating and pit­ and farmers the world over. 6772. ting one group against another." MINNESOTA The coalition says in one of it's leaflets: PENNSYLVANIA "We see this need [to organize) in the IOWA Minneapolis wake of the recent Supreme Court deci­ Des Moines Pittsburgh Defend Cuba's Right to Live! Lift the U.S. Eyewitness Report from Socialist Cuba. sions against affirmative action and school A Discussion on the Cuba Lives Interna­ Embargo! Celebrate Cuba's national holiday, tional Youth Festival. Fri., July 28, 7:30p.m. Speakers: James Munro, chairperson, Philoso­ July 26. Good food, live music, dancing! Send desegregation and the bi-partisan cam­ phy Department, Edinboro University of Penn­ paign against these hard won gains of 2105 Forest Ave. Donation: $3. Tel: (515) 246- off Minnesota's delegation to the Cuba Lives 8249. sylvania, and Eugenia Porto. Both attended the festival in Havana. Help raise funds to pay for women and minorities that redress years Seventh Conference of North American and their travel expenses. Wed., July 26, 6 p.m. To­ of racial and sexual discrimination and Cuban Philosophers and Social Scientists in dos Los Santos Church, 28th St. and Lyndale help to unify working people." GEORGIA Havana in June. Fri., July 28, 7:30 p.m. I 103 Ave. S. Minneapolis. Rain date: July 28. Ad­ Loren Pommells, a young member of Atlanta E. Carson St. Donation: $4. Tel: (412) 381- vance tickets: $8 (at Resource Center of the the lAM who is involved in the coalition, No to the Death Penalty - Stop the Execu- 9785. Americas) $10 at the door. For more informa­ tion, call (612) 332-8575. NEW YORK -IF YOU LIKE THIS PAPER, LOOK US UP--- New York City Where to find Pathfmder books and (612) 644-6325. AUSTRALIA National Network on Cuba: Northeast Re­ distributors of the Militant, Perspectiva NEW JERSEY: Newark: 141 Halsey. Sydney: 19 Terry St., Surry Hills 2010. gional Meeting. Sun. , August 13, II a.m.-4 Mundial, New International, Nouvelle In­ Mailing address: 1188 Raymond Blvd., Suite Mailing address: P.O. Box K879, Hay­ p.m. Casa de las Americas,/04 W. 14th St. temationale, Nueva Internacional and Ny 222. Zip: 07102. Tel: (201) 643-3341. market, NSW 2000. Tel: 02-281-3297. I ntemational. NEW YORK: Albany: P. 0. Box 2357, BRITAIN PENNSYLVANIA E.S.P. Zip: 12220. Tel: (518) 465-0585. London: 47 The Cut. Postal code: SE I Philadelphia UNITED STATES Brooklyn: 59 4th Avenue (comer of Bergen) 8LL. Tel: 0171-928-7993. Socialist Workers Campaign Rally! Meet the Zip: 11217. Tel: (718) 399-7257. Com­ Manchester: Unit 4, 60 Shudehill. Postal ALABAMA: Birmingham: Ill 21st St. puserve: I 02064,2642. New York: 214-16 Candidates: Deborah Liatos for Mayor, Hattie South. Zip: 35233. Tel: (205) 323-3079. code: M4 4AA. Tel: 0161-839-1766. McCutcheon and John Staggs for City Council Avenue A. Mailing address: P.O. Box 2652. CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles: 2546 W. Zip: 10009. Tel: (212) 388-9346; 167 CANADA at-large. Sat., July 29, 7 p.m. 1906 South St. Pico Blvd. Zip: 90006. Tel: (213) 380-9460, Donation: $5. Tel: (215)546-8218. Charles St. Zip: 10014. Tel: (212) 366-1973. Montreal: 4581 Saint-Denis. Postal code: 380-9640. Compuserve: 74642,326. Inter­ NORTH CAROLINA: Greensboro: H2J 2L4. Tel: (514) 284-7369. net: [email protected] San 2000-C S. Elm-Eugene St. Zip 27406. Tel: Toronto: 827 Bloor St. West. Postal code: Francisco: 3284 23rd St. Zip: 941 10. Tel: WASHINGTON, D.C. (910) 272-5996. Compuserve: 75127,2153. M6G I MI. Tel: (416) 533-4324. (415) 285-5323. Compuserve: 75604,556. Celebrate the 42nd Anniversary of the Be­ OHIO: Cincinnati: P.O. Box 19484. Zip: Vancouver: 3967 Main St. Postal code: ginning of the Cuban Revolution. Speakers: CONNECTICUT: New Haven: Mailing V5V 3P3. Tel: (604) 872-8343. Hugo Yedra, Consul of Cuba in Washington, 45219. Tel: (513) 662-1931. Cleveland: address: P.O. Box 16751, Baybrook Station, 1832 Euclid. Zip: 44115. Tel: (216) 861- D.C.; Adjoa Aiyetoro, Executive Director of West Haven. Zip: 06516. FRANCE the National Conference of Black Lawyers; 6150. Paris: MBE 201, 208 rue de Ia Conven­ FLORIDA: Miami: 137 N.E. 54th St. PENNSYLVANIA: Philadelphia: 1906 Sarah Park, St. Mary's College student just re­ Zip: 33137. Tel: (305) 756-1020. tion. Postal code: 75015. Tel: (I) 47-26-58- turned from trip to Cuba with Freedom to South St. Zip: 19146. Tel: (215) 546-8218. 21. Travel Campaign. Music by Luci Murphy and GEORGIA: Atlanta: 803 Peachtree NE. Pittsburgh: 1103 E. Carson St. Zip 15203. Zip: 30308. Tel: (404) 724-9759. Tel: (412) 381-9785. ICELAND friends. Washington Peace Center, 2111 Reykjavik: Klapparstig 26. Mailing ad­ Florida Ave., N.W. Dinner 7 p.m. Program ILLINOIS: Chicago: 545 W. Roosevelt TEXAS: Houston: 3260 South Loop 7:30p.m. Sponsored by D.C. Hands Off Cuba Rd. Zip: 60607. _Tel: (312) 829-6815, 829- dress: P. Box 233, 121 Reykjavik. Tel: 552 West. Zip: 77025. Tel: (713) 349-0090. 5502. Coalition. Donation: $4. Dinner: $5. For more 7018. Peoria: P.O. Box 302. Zip: 61650- UTAH: Salt Lake City: 147 E. 900 S. information, call (202) 452-5966. 0302. Tel: (309) 674-9441. Zip: 84111. Tel: (80 I) 355-1124. NEW ZEALAND IOWA: Des Moines: 2105 Forest Ave. WASHINGTON, D.C.: 1802 Belmont Auckland: La Gonda Arcade, 203 Karan­ Zip: 50311. Tel: (515) 246-8249. Rd. N.W. Zip: 20009. Tel: (202) 387-2185. gahape Road. Postal address: P.O. Box 3025. BRITAIN MASSACHUSETTS: Boston: 780 Tre­ Compuserve: 75407,3345. Tel: (9) 379-3075. Manchester mont St. Zip: 02118. Tel: (617) 247-6772. WASHINGTON: Seattle: 1405 E. Madi­ Christchurch: 199 High St. Postal ad­ Celebrate Juiy 26 with Live Afro-Latin Mu­ MICHIGAN: Detroit: 7414 Woodward son. Zip: 98122. Tel: (206) 323-1755. Com­ dress: P.O. Box 22-530. Tel: (3) 365-6055. sic from the Mambos. Fri., July 28, 7 p.m. to Ave. Zip: 48202. Tel: (313) 875-0100. E­ puserve: 74461,2544. 2 a.m. Copacabana, Dale Street (on the corner SWEDEN 10 of Spear St.). Donation: £2. For more informa­ mail: 7 4767.1 [email protected]. WEST VIRGINIA: Morgantown: 242 Stockholm: Vikingagatan (T-bana St tion, contact Cuba Solidarity Campaign, Dept. MINNESOTA: Twin Cities: 2490 Uni­ Walnut. Mailing address: P.O. Box 203. Zip: Eriksplan). Postal code: S-113 42. Tel: (08) 68, I Newton St., Manchester M II HW. versity Ave. W., St. Paul. Zip: 55114. Tel: 26507. Tel: (304) 296-0055. 31 69 33. 12 The Militant August 7, 1995 -GREAT SOCIETY------___,....--- It's the work-hard-and-get­ rumor ... that McDonald's donates him in the ribs were "punished." one- year sentence, a former New there's been more than a dozen ahead system - Over a 12- money to the IRA [Irish Republi­ One was transferred and the other York state trooper convicted in an sewage spills this year, with up to month period ending in March, can Army]. There is absolutely no two suspended for five days. A evidence-tampering scandal was 2 million gallons of raw sewage workers' productivity increased truth to this rumor." The writer be­ spokesman for the cops "union" granted early release by a Del­ and other toxins running into the 2.1 percent, reports the U.S. Labor lieves that the fable stems from the bleated they had only done what aware County panel."- News Pacific. The article spotlights the Dept. During that same period, it fact that U.S. employees can sign their trainers had taught them item. fact that Ventura officials don't up for IRA [Individual Retirement It was ordered by the Alcohol, American as apple pie - An bother to post required beach Account] payroll deductions. The Tobacco and Firearms agency? Atlanta Journal Constitution warnings when the spills occur. Harry letter was dated 1992, so appar­ -Obviously mortified, the feds dining-out guide recommended But it doesn't even ask what's be­ ently they're still denying it. agreed to return 75 million bullets the "Big House Special" at a local ing done about a sewage system Ring There's something funny - seized from a California company pub: "Here's something really dif­ with two major spills a month. We readily accept McDonald's as­ shortly after the Oklahoma bomb­ ferent.. .. reflects what's on the Free-market multiculturalism surance that it never contributed to ing. At the time of the full-dress menu that day at one of the local - The Mattei company is busy the Irish liberation struggle. Our raid it was suggested the bullets prisons .... Look for inmate fa­ turning out Pocahontas and John question is, how does someone had been illegally imported and vorites such as beef stroganoff, adds, real wages dropped 2.3 per­ Smith dolls. The heads are strictly working for McDonald's wages were, perhaps, intended for militia macaroni and cheese, and green from Disney, but the bodies are cent. afford an IRA? groups. In announcing the return, Jell-0 served on washable, non­ Barbie and Ken. An exec explains: Shucks - In Sheffield, Eng­ That makes it a lesser or a U.S. prosecutor snapped, "No lethal plastic trays." "Certain efficiencies can be land, a posted letter to employees greater crime? -The three comment." Can't be too nosy- The Los achieved that allow for us to make at a McDonald's franchise ad­ Cincinnati cops who were filmed The justice system- "After Angeles Times reported that in profitable merchandise at retail vises: "You may be aware of the macing a Black youth and kicking serving less than two months of a neighboring Ventura County prices that are very reasonable." Socialist candidates speak out in San Francisco BY WILL WEYER is a member of the Young Socialists. She AND CATHLEEN GUTEKANST participated in a solidarity brigade to Cuba SAN FRANCISCO- "This weekend, earlier this year. "In Cuba, unlike on my celebrations begin for the 50th anniver­ job, workers actually have a direct say, not sary of the founding of the United Na­ only in how their companies operate, but tions," said Jim Gotesky, Socialist Work­ also in what direction their country moves ers candidate for mayor of San Francisco, in." She encouraged all of those present to at a June 23 rally here. "Working people build the Cuba Lives International Youth will not mark this date with jubilation Festival in Havana August 1-7. "This will about humanity's triumph over war and be an international leadership conference, hunger. not for CEOs, but for us. For those of us Gotesky is an oil refinery worker and who want to learn how to fight against member of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic capitalism and imperialism and for social­ Workers union Local 1-326. He launched ism." his write-in campaign at the Pathfinder Hart, a meatpacker, reported that a local bookstore here along with Jeanne radio station had just reported the obser­ Tuomey, Socialist Workers candidate for vance of National Sheriff's Week. "This is district attorney of San Francisco County, how they are celebrating: there have been and Osborne Hart, the SWP candidate for three police killings in San Francisco county sheriff. within two weeks. On June 4, Aaron Gotesky explained that Mayor Frank . Williams, a laid-off factory worker who Jordan and former California House was Black, was taken from his home and speaker Willie Brown, two prominent mercilessly beaten by 12 cops in full view Democrats running in the November elec­ Militant/Ellen Berman of his family and neighbors. He was tion, have both professed opposition to the San Francisco campaign rally. Left to right: Jim Gotesky, Jeanne Toomey, Osborne sprayed with pepper spray three times and so-called California Civil Rights Initiative. Hart, meeting chairperson Milton Chee. Socialists champion fight for jobs for all. died in police custody shortly after the This· measure;-on the ballot-in Nevembef:. ·-t.n ~·~~,. .., .,,.4~ n• .,. ,. ~t:~ ~ ~ r<:•--. f ("''•_....,., ...... _.,. ,... -,.., ... _,.., ,. .·· ~·--~ , .. .,. . , .. · .. _,... .. · -~ - - ~ -, ~- beating." 1996, would "eliminate race and gender Hart urged protests, and said the cam­ preferences in government hiring, educa­ "I advocate an action program to unify orously defended and immigrant rights paign would also help mobilize opposition tion and contracting." Neither politician, workers and farmers in struggle all over jealously guarded. The integration of the to the death sentence against Mumia Abu­ said Gotesky, has or will do anything to the world to fight the effects of the crisis," working class in the United States is one Jamal and the death penalty. mobilize working people to defend affir­ the socialist said. of the most unifying forces at work to­ Participants in the campaign kick -off ei­ mative action or any of the gains made in "There is no American solution. Unity day." ther pledged or contributed more than struggle by the labor movement. is the key. Affirmative action must be vig- Tuomey, a 19-year-old airline worker, $1, 100 to the socialist campaign. L.A. forum: 'counterterrorism' -25 AND 50 YEARS AGO--- More than 14,000 persons answered the call of the anti-fascist united front orga­ bill threatens civil liberties THE nized during the past week to demonstrate BY MARK FRIEDMAN "Who is it who defines terrorism?" against Gerald L.K. Smith and his fascist LOS ANGELES -Responding to fed­ asked Omar Ricci of the Muslim Public movement by attending a mass meeting at eral government attempts to expand FBI Affairs Council and the Islamic Center of MILITANT the Olympic auditorium tonight. Published in the Interest of the Working People spying and harassment, the Militant Labor Southern California. Ricci reported that in Meanwhile, at the Shrine auditorium a Price 10¢ Forum sponsored a discussion here in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing July 31, 1970 mile away, Smith ranted to an audience of June that drew a full house. A broad panel his group received threatening calls as did less than 5,000 against "the Jews and of speakers reviewed past spy agency dis­ other Islamic groups and numerous indi­ HEIDELBERG, Germany, July 9- Communists" at the Olympic. Demagogi­ ruption of the antiwar, civil rights, social­ viduals. Afro-American Gls stationed in Germany cally appealing to the aged members of ist, and labor movements and called for FBI harassment and infiltration of the are waging an open struggle against the Ham and Eggs movement and the fa­ public action to stop the pass:;tge of the bi­ Committee in Solidarity with the People of racism, brutality and bad conditions, and natically religious sects who provide the partisan "anti-terrorism" measures, ap­ El Salvador (CISPES) began in 1981 and for immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops only base he has been able to secure here proved by the Senate shortly after the continued for four years. Don White, a from Indochina. They organized a public thus far, Smith screamed: "There's ham meeting took place. These are now under spokesperson for CISPES, said the organi­ "Call for Justice" meeting July 4 in Hei­ and eggs for Russia, and ham and eggs for debate in the House. zation's goals included trying to prevent delberg attended by about 1,000 Black Britain, and now we're going to get ham Tony Russo, a defendant with Daniel the deportation of Salvadoran refugees, Gls. and eggs for America!" Ellsberg in the Pentagon Papers trial in the raising humanitarian aid, and stopping The UBS [Unsatisfied Black Soldiers] W.J. Bassett, representing the AFL early 1970s, told how he spent 47 days in U.S. intervention. "It turned out that the was formed in Heidelberg in April. An­ Central Labor Council, and Philip Con­ jail for refusing to cooperate with govern­ INS was sending the names of deportees other organization, the Black Defense nelly, secretary of the CIO Industrial ment investigators. Russo said that after back ahead of time, so the refugees never Group, existed in Karlsruhe, and in May Council, made the most significant the Vietnam War "the government got through the airport in San Salvador. its president initiated the idea for the "Call speeches at the anti~fascist mass meeting. brought the whole Saigon terror apparatus The military knew the political history of for Justice" meeting. Bassett exposed Smith's demagogic here ... and set them down in Orange who was coming back and picked them The UBS demands at the July 4 rally references to his membership in the AFL County. They worked with the U.S. gov­ up," he said. were immediate withdrawal of all U.S. by explaining that years ago this fascist ernment against other liberation move­ Nelson Blackstock, author of Cointel­ troops from Indochina; establishment of demagogue had "confused some AFL ments, against antiwar activists, and those pro: The FBI's Secret War on Political enlisted men's review boards to rule on unions in Louisiana into giving him life seeking normalization of relations with Freedom, published by Pathfinder, re­ pretrial confinement of Black soldiers; memberships" and has been exploiting Vietnam. Some were even shot and physi­ viewed the historic lawsuit by the Socialist creation of a civilian inspector general in them ever since. cally attacked." Workers Party against the FBI and other Army units to fill the posts now held by Bassett was the first speaker to empha­ Frank Wilkinson, head of the National government agencies, which revealed a officers; an end to discrimination in as­ size the special interest of labor in stop­ Committee Against Repressive Legisla­ 50-year spying and disruption operation signments and duties; and employment of ping Smith, who is "attempting to divide tion, also spoke. He fought in the 1950s against the party. more Blacks in overseas civilian jobs con­ all working people and do away with orga­ against the House Un-American Activities Now, said Blackstock, "they say they nected with the Army. nized labor." Committee. Wilkinson pointed out that need to loosen the reins of the FBI: the bo­ Connelly's speech, as full of double talk "there is little difference between the Re­ geyman is no longer communism but ter­ as the Stalinist line which he follows, ex­ publican ['counterterrorism'] bill and the rorism and Islamic fundamentalism. The THE MILITANT plained Smith's presence in Los Angeles pre-Oklahoma City bill introduced by real target is neither Arabs nor right-wing PU8UIHID IN THI INTIAIITI Ofl tHI WOI:KINO PIOPU as an attempt "to disrupt the war effort in Clinton, which allows the government to patriots but the working class and its abil­ NEW YORK, N.Y. FIVE (5) CENTS the Pacific." wiretap without a court order and denies ity to link up and solidarize with workers Then touching a basic truth for once, he organizations the right to appeal if they are around the world facing an economic cri­ July 28, 1945 said: "This is the reactionary big business named a terrorist organization." sis." LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 20- method of solving postwar problems." August 7, 1995 The Militant 13 -EDITORIALS----~--:----- Why Korean toilers fought war against Stop the execution of Abu-Jamal U.S. occupation "The entire administrative power of the territory of All partisans of democratic rights should raise their by the capitalist rulers whether the conviction "holds up" Korea south ofparallel38 is under my jurisdiction. The voice to oppose the Pennsylvania government's plan to or not. Capital punishment is a barbaric weapon used to population should unreservedly obey the orders issued execute Mumia Abu-Jamal, who was framed by the terrorize working people, especially those who are of op­ over my signature. Those acting against the occupation Philadelphia police on charges of killing a cop. This pressed nationalities. or violating order and tranquillity will be mercilessly state-sanctioned murder is scheduled for August 17. In Philadelphia, of the 103 people who sit on death and severely punished. For the period of military occu­ Abu-Jamal's case is an example of class justice in row, 91 are Black or Latino. It's next to impossible for pation, English is introduced as the official lan­ capitalist society: how the cops and courts routinely ar­ workers, particularly Blacks or immigrants, to get a fair guage." -Gen. Douglas MacArthur, upon occupation rest, brutalize, and railroad working people to jail, partic­ trial in capitalist society. Being framed up and railroaded of South Korea by U.S. forces on Sept. 8, 1945. ularly those who are Blaek. It is how thousands of work­ by the cops and the capitalist court system is a common ers end up on death row. experience for working people. That's why presumption Fifty years ago the victors in World·War II divided By refusing to get on his knees and fighting to speak of innocence is an important conquest for the working the Korean peninsula. From the beginning Korean out against his frame-up and the death penalty, Abu­ class. workers and peasants fought against military occupa­ Jamal has become an emblem of resistance to many The capitalist rulers are determined to press ahead tion and for reunification. Washington sent thou­ youth and others who are outraged by the racism, social with implementing the death penalty. Some 38 states sands of troops, under the United Nations banner, to injustice, and brutality endemic to capitalist rule. have legalized capital punishment while President Bill block reunification and protect imperialist interests. Abu-Jamal, a radio journalist, was working as a cab Clinton's crime bill expands the death penalty to about The Korean War claimed more than 3 million lives. driver when he encountered a cop beating his brother. 60 federal offenses. July 27 marks the 42nd anniversary of the end of the His brother was attacked because he was a worker and Abu-Jamal has continued to use his skills to speak out brutal imperialist invasion. The article below is ex­ Black, not as authorities claim for making a wrong tum effectively not only on his own behalf, but in opposition cerpted from "Civil War in Korea- New Stage iil . on a one-way street. to the government's use of capital punishment and injus­ the Asian Revolution," which appeared in the Abu-Jamal is facing execution because he was con­ tices against working people both inside and outside September-October 1950 issue of Fourth Interna­ victed of killing the cop who was shot to death. That's prison walls. His courageous stance has won growing tional, a forerunner of today's New International why the authorities put him on death row. But they had public support. magazine. a problem: Abu-Jamal would not go silently or allow the As the 50th anniversary of the atomic bombing of prosecution to trample on his rights without protest. Pro­ Japan approaches, where 150,000 people were instantly Even before the entry of American or Russian troops, cop forces responded by publicly campaigning for his incinerated, this should serve as a reminder of the bar­ however, local revolutionary committees divested the · execution and seeking to prevent him from speaking out barity of capitalist society and the mass slaughter the Japanese authorities of power throughout the country. from behind prison walls. U.S. rulers are capable of. Their use of the death penalty The network of"people's committees" had been quickly A Black rights activist in his youth, he had become -whether it's a deterrent to crime is irrelevant- is just consolidated into a "People's Republic" set up at Seoul, known for his journalistic exposure of the Philadelphia another example of how capitalism dehumanizes and the capital, located in the South. government's attacks against the Black nationalist group breaks down bonds of human solidarity. "The Japanese authorities," writes Professor McCune, MOVE. He put that experience to good use in his efforts By joining the rallies, demonstrations, and other pub­ the outstanding American authority on Korea, "fearful of to expose the frame-up and reach out to all who would lic actions, youth and working people can raise the polit­ the powder keg on which they were sitting, did not im­ join in the fight. ical price the government will pay for proceeding with pede the formation of the Republic, but on the contrary E.L. Doctorow wrote July 14 in the New York Times the execution. We should oppose this execution and any granted its leaders special facilities in exchange for as­ that application of the death penalty must meet the "most other that the rulers seek to impose on us. The labor sistance in maintaining order." (Korea Today, by George awesome judicial imperatives" suggesting that Abu­ movement should join this campaign to demand: M. McCune, Harvard University Press, 1950. Our pre~ Jamal's conviction "does not hold up under examina­ •Stop the execution of Mumia Abu-Jamal! sentation of Korean events leans heavily on this schol­ tion." •Grant Abu-Jamal a new trial! arly work for its factual material.) Working people should oppose the death penalty used •Abolish the death penalty! In the North the Republic's activities were thereafter carried on "with the sanction of the Russian occupying forces" who promptly recognized the new "people's committees." When US troops arrived on September 8, 1945, the Republic offered its services to the American command, but "was given a cold shoulder." Instead, No to nukes, no to chauvinism General Hodge, the commanding general, "announced that the existing Japanese administration would continue The decision by President Jacques Chirac in France to . paign against their rivals in Paris. Canbe!Taand We11ing­ in office ...." ' · , } '" ,, · resume nuclear weapons testing on Moruroa, one of its ton are whipping up anti-French sentiments to advance Greatest of all was the land hunger that had grown to colonial possessions in the Pacific, should be roundly their own interests against workers, peasants, and youth vast proportions under the Japanese and which here, as condemned by working people throughout the world. across the Pacific. Their actions have nothing to do with everywhere in Asia, was the paramount explosive force. Paris plans to move ahead with the tests despite the campaign against the dangers of nuclear radiation, The Soviet-backed North Korean authorities faced that ) widespread public opposition from Tahiti to Japan to threat of imperialist wars, or colonial domination. problem at once and a central decree legalized all previ­ France itself. Some 50,000 people in Fiji have already Workers and youth in Australia and New Zealand who ous action taken spontaneously, with sweeping provi­ signed a petition to the French government declaring: are opposed to· nuclear weapons can strike a blow sions "bestowing the right to exploit the land to those "The Pacific and its people have been the testing ground against the wealthy rulers in each country by combating who cultivate it." All Japanese and collaborator-owned for the nuclear powers since 1945. Fifty years after the the nationalist campaign. This is the only way to chart an lands were confiscated and distributed in their entirety to bombing of Hiroshima it is time to stop." internationalist course that unites workers and youth in the peasants free of charge.... The reference to Washington's dropping ofthe atomic opposition to the commercial and foreign policy goals of In the South, on the other hand, all revolutionary over­ bomb on Japanese cities is apt, since every imperialist the imperialist governments. turns in property were ruthlessly suppressed. No land re­ power has built up and used military might in brutal wars By targeting the capitalist rulers at home as the main form at all was instituted until 1949. Under the land bill to dominate parts of the globe and maintain their system enemy - be it Canberra, Wellington, Paris, or Washing­ finally passed by the American-sponsored National As­ of exploitation and oppression known as capitalism. ton - the working class will be in the best position to sembly, peasants were required to pay for land grants, The large protests in recent weeks in Tahiti and other lead a revolutionary struggle to replace the capitalist parceled out from estates formerly owned by the colonies and semicolonies across the Pacific deserve the governments in "our own" countries, establish workers Japanese, with 20% of their crop for 15 years (to com­ support and solidarity of workers, farmers, and young and farmers governments, and advance the worldwide pensate former landlords) .... people the world over. The demands of these protests fight for socialism. This is the only effective answer to Compounded with all these sources of resentment was combine with the aspirations for national self-determi­ nuclear testing and other crimes the capitalist system that of the division of the country itself, felt equally nation, independence, and economic and social develop­ perpetrates on working people around the globe. strongly by the mass of the people in the South as well ment in these countries. Workers, farmers, and youth should join together in as in the North .... At the same time, the imperialist rulers in Australia protesting the resumption of French nuclear testing; at Like the Chinese civil war which finally overthrew and New Zealand have seized on opposition to nuclear the same time we must vigorously oppose every attempt Chiang Kai-shek, the Korean war is anchored in a revo­ testing as an opportunity to mount a nationalist cam- by capitalist rulers to whip up national chauvinism. lution which, challenging foreign imperialism, tends to overturn all of society in the, process. The events in China proved that the revolutionary ferment produced by World War II had risen to such proportions that the ruling class, no matter how superior its material re­ Labor needs affirmative action sources and how great the aid obtained from abroad, could not withstand the assault of the dispossessed .... The Clinton administration's decision to back off, for termined to keep pressing against affirmative action. His In Korea, as in China, the war proceeds with a con­ the moment, from the bipartisan assault on affirmative aides say the president will issue a directive to eliminate stant division of the landed estates. The army recruits as action reflects the difficulties the U.S. rulers face in con­ or "reform" any program that includes quotas, one of the it marches forward, the peasants are only too anxious to vincing a broad enough layer of working people that only ways to ensure that the word and the deed of affir­ defend their newly acquired land, the population its these programs amount to nothing but "reverse discrimi­ mative action programs match up. newly acquired rights. That's what makes for the undi­ nation," or that it was a good idea in the past but has The fight to defend affirmative action is a fight to minishing mass of soldiers and their "fanaticism." What "gotten out of hand." unify the working class. As long as the employers can makes the "people's war" so superior tactically, as Jack Democratic and Republican politicians have not been deny jobs or other rights to some because they are a dif­ Belden has pointed out in China Shakes the World, is able to extinguish the legacy of the victory over Jim ferent nationality or sex, they can keep our class divided that its soldiers know exactly what they are fighting for, Crow segregation coming out of the massive civil rights and weaken our ability to protect the jobs, wages, and they have it tangibly before their eyes. On the other struggles in the 1950s and 1960s. And they have not working condition, of all workers. hand, the soldiers opposing them have only the vaguest been able to tum back the fight for equality by women The labor movement should champion the fight for notions as to the whys and wherefores of the struggle. At and oppressed nationalities. affirmative action along with demands for jobs for all, a best, as one of them explained to a front reporter in Ko­ To illustrate this point, pollster Lou Harris found that minimum wage at union-scale pay, and equal rights for rea, "I am fighting to remain alive." 80 percent of the people responded positively when immigrants. Putting these demands together presents a The example of China, and now of Korea, cannot help asked if they support the California constitutional fighting program that can unite the working class and but have its effect on the rest of Asia. "The promptness amendment that would ban all state affirmative action offer a powerful counter to the capitalists' bipartisan of­ with which the North Koreans instituted drastic land re­ programs based on race and gender "discrimination" and fensive against our rights and living standards. forms in the conquered areas of South Korea is an im­ "preferences." But when asked if they favor the amend­ The initial response by working people and students pressive fact for many Asians," writes Harold R. Isaacs ment if it "discourages or even ends programs to help in California to the probes on affirmative action show in The Nation. And.this, the writer explains, undermines women or minorities achieve equal opportunities in edu- that Clinton and the bipartisan gang on Capital Hill, and the ability of politicians like [Pandit] Nehru [in India], . cation and employment," support drops to 30 percent. in state houses across the country, will not be able to much as they desire, to carry their countries into an al­ While holding off on a frontal assault, Clinton is de- dismantle this conquest without a fight. liance with the US.

14 The Militant August 7, 1995 Retail workers strike Ireland's biggest employer This column is devoted to re­ ers at Dunnes were fired for refus­ the bakery owners porting the resistance by work­ ing to handle South African prod­ want a clause that ing people to the employers' as­ ucts in protest of apartheid. The forbids local agree­ sault on their living standards, Congress of South African Trade ments on this ques­ working conditions, and unions. Unions and the South African tion. We invite you to contribute Communist Party sent messages "I would like to short items to this column as a of solidarity to the strikers. know why the con­ tract was signed without this ques­ tion being solved," ON THE PICKET LINE' said one worker. Also unresolved at the Skogaholm bak­ way for other fighting workers Retail, bakery workers in ery are company around the world to read about plans to Jay off 70 and learn from these important Sweden win contracts of the 300 workers. struggles. Jot down a few lines Retail and bakery workers in Although most about what is happening in your Sweden won wage hikes and other workers expressed union, at your workplace, or benefits in recently signed con­ satisfaction with the other workplaces in your area, tracts. Thousands of workers in wage increase, one including interesting political both industries walked out in May said, "You don't discussions. and June and employers retaliated know where the Some 2,500 workers struck Detroit's two daily papers, the Free Press and by locking others out. pirces end up. From Thousands of workers at Some 125,000 retail and stor­ the News, July 13 against planned job cuts and other concession demands. that point of view a The papers printed early editions that day, but could not distribute them. Dunnes, Ireland's largest private age workers in Sweden won a shorter agreement employer, launched their first na­ union pact June 13 after a 16-day would have been tionwide strike June 19. Pickets strike. The three-year agreement better." much as four hours without incur­ drop the charges against 49 union closed most Dunnes shops. contains wage hikes and increased ring overtime penalties. A pro­ janitors arrested while demon­ vacation pay. The majority­ Workers are protesting the Unionists in Puerto Rico posal to abolish local minimum strating in front of the Beverly company's demand for "zero hour female workforce defeated the wages was dropped. In addition to Wilshire Hotel in March. They are contracts." Under these contracts, employers' plan to lower pay for oppose 'flexible hours' discussing strike action, the as­ charged with trespassing, failure employees must be available to working inconvenient hours. In the last several weeks, union­ sembly voted on a series of activi­ to disperse, unlawful assembly, work at all times, but are not guar­ "Retail employers always had -ists in Puerto Rico have organized ties to protest the proposed and resisting arrest and are facing anteed any work. Hours can vary low-wage contracts so we are very protests against proposed changes changes in the labor laws, includ­ possible jail time and fines total­ from zero to 39 a week. Unionists pleased," said Annika Malmgren, in the labor law, including a pub­ ing picketing tourist hotels and ing more than $30,000. also seek pensions, more full-time one of 70 employees at ICA su­ lic speakout of 500 people. The various government agencies. "They want us here to clean jobs, sick pay for part-time em­ permarket in Solna. bosses' goal is to have complete their office buildings at night in ployees, and wage hikes, as well The Swedish Foodworkers flexibility in the scheduling of silenc,e, but when we come here in as resisting Dunnes's plan to in­ Union signed a three-year contract workers. One thousand protesters Janitors mark rally that the day to demand justice they troduce Sunday work at straight with bakery owners June 26 after filled the gallery while the Senate sparked organizing drive want to arrest us," was how one time. Mandate, the union that or­ 6,000 workers went on strike or voted on the legislation June 23. Chants of "Si, se puede" (yes, demonstrator summed it up. ganizes the predominantly female were locked out at all privately Senate leaders responded by call­ we can do it) rang through the workforce, estimates that union owned bakeries in Sweden. The ing the police riot squad and then streets of Beverly Hills June 15 as Contributors to this week's col­ membership has shot up from 30 agreement, which was not brought voted in favor of the bill. 200 janitors and supporters umn include: Bill Loxton and percent before the strike to 80 per­ to the membership for a vote, in­ On June 25 an assembly of marked the fifth anniversary of a Stewart Alexander in Dublin; In­ cent now. cludes annual raises of about 50 more than I 00 trade union offi­ vicious police attack against a ger Nyman and CatharinaTirsen, A striker at the St. Stephens cents an hour. cials, organized by the Labor Or­ Culver City demonstration that members of the Foodworkers Green shopping mall in Central At a union meeting just a few ganizations Committee, voted to sparked the rise of the "Justice for Union, and Lasse Johansson, a Dublin said management thought hours after the contract was plan a general strike to protest the Janitors" organizing campaign in member of the Transport Workers that because of their age and inex­ ·signed, workers at Skogaholm proposed changes. southern California. The demon­ Union in Stockholm; Ron perience workers could be bullied bakery in Stockholm discussed Luis Fortufio, the head of the stration was particularly spirited Richards, a member of the Ameri­ into accepting the new conditions. the pact. ·government-owned ·Puerto Rico after the recent negotiation of a c-an . Federation of Government "We have had about as much as Most of the discussion centered Tourism Co., is leading the drive contract covering 6,000 janitors Employees in San Juan, Puerto we can take," the young worker on the lack of agreement on work­ to change the labor laws. One by Service Employees Interna­ Rico;and Craig Honts, a member said. "Now is the time for action." ing hours. The law requires a local proposal would allow employers tional Union Local399. of United Transportation Union In the mid 1980s, women work- agreement for all night work, but to vary the starting hour by as Marchers demanded authorities Locall674 in Los Angeles. --LETTERS------The bridge goes both ways consciousness the tradition of sub­ counter demonstration. [Editor's note: The following is missiveness and passivity ... " Fur­ If the boys you are "building a response to a letter printed in ther, "when the proletariat wills it, bridges to" are anything like the our June 5 issue from reader Ed it will find the road and means to Posse well, bridges have been Meredith on the subject of gun arming." To put this in proportion, known to be two way. Be real control.] the problem of arming for self­ careful Ed; don't get lost, and defense is two and a half pages in don't buy any ostriches. Since it's founding in 1938 the a 240-page book; slightly more Roy lnglee Socialist Workers Party has stood space is given to forming an al­ Newark, Delaware up for the workers' right to defend liance with oppressed farmers. themselves against the economic, To any socialist, the real revo­ Immigrant rights political, and physical attacks of lutionary struggle is the fight to I found the article by Salm Ko­ the ruling rich and their various break the oppressed from their po­ lis, "Rally against INS raids says, armed thugs. Naturally the party litical dependence on their oppres­ 'We're here to stay' " in the July has always been pretty suspicious sors; to free workers, farmers, 3 Militant very interesting. In Mi­ of any so-called anti-crime or gun African-Americans, abortion­ ami June 8 the Immigration and control legislation no matter what rights fighters, radical youth, and Naturalization Service rounded up the pretext; such moves are al­ so on from their illusions in the 51 workers at aircraft repair com­ ways an attack on the rights of the twin parties of big business. In bosses brought 5,000 armed thugs careful who I hung out with. Now panies near Miami International oppressed. They are always an at­ that struggle we need democratic into the city to crush the Team­ I don't know what "militia" Airport. One mechanic who wit­ tempt to disarm the workers politi­ rights, the rights to speak, publish, sters; SWPers played a leading groups you've got down in Ken­ nessed the raid described how cally, morally, and physically. organize, to do politics. Those are role in the Union Defense Guards tucky, but I do know what we've "they had them handcuffed to­ I'm not speaking for either the the rights under attack by the that drove the bosses goons off the got in Delaware. In Delaware gether in a line. It looked like a party or the Militant, but I have "Omnibus AQ.ti-Terrorism Bill." streets. there's an outfit called the "Posse chain gang." been a subscriber and an SWP The purpose of the Socialist When Jim Cannon (a major Comitatus." This is your basic I work at an International Asso­ supporter for the last 32 years and Workers Party is to lead the work­ leader of the SWP at that time) pro-Second Amendment "mil­ ciation of Machinists-organized I'm pretty familiar with the move­ ers and farmers in political strug­ was accused in court of fomenting itia," funny uniforms, black jump engine overhaul plant next door to ment's traditions and principles. gle against the rule of big busi­ violence, he replied that he was boots, and automatic weapons. one of the raided airplane hangers. The foundation principles of the ness. Our future goal is the forma­ proud that the party had some role I've seen the Posse march down "They were working! They were ~, party are contained in a book ti­ tion of a workers and farmers gov­ in influencing the workers to de­ Main Street, Elkton, and Main not stealing," said a Cuban-born tled The Transitional Program ernment, a government that really fend themselves against violence. Street, Newark. The Posse was mechanic who disagreed with the For Socialist Revolution, by Leon will represent the people. Our "I think the workers have a right marching for Second Amendment raid. Trotsky. In this program there is a means of struggle are political and to defend themselves. If that is rights and "Christian morals." The Another co-worker remarked, short section subtitled "The picket democratic means to win over the treason, you can make the most of Posse was marching with it's al­ "These people should stay in their line/defense guards/workers mili­ majority; there is no other way to it." lies, the Klan and the nutsy Nazis. country and try to fix the problems tia/the arming of the proletariat." make a revolution. If the SWP's analysis of the I think we can guess what kind of there." I urge you to study this. Of course we aren't dumb current world crisis is correct, we morality these characters stand for Phoenix Kendrick You will find that there are no enough to expect the rich to use face a future of struggle. As the and why they want guns. Miami, Florida directions on bomb making or democratic means. In the capital­ working people move politically On both those marches, the 100 how to bury rifles in the back ist crisis during the 1930s the rul­ to assert their rights to a decent or so weirdos were met by thou­ The letters column is an open wood lot; workers self-defense is ing rich organized fascist bands to life, we must expect the ruling sands of counter-demonstrators. forum for aU viewpoints on sub­ treated as a political and educa­ attack the unions and farm protest rich to launch fascist violence in The Posse and their fascist friends jects of general interest to our tional task. The task of Socialists movements. The SWP played an one form or another. In that case, were able to get out of town in one readers. Please keep your letters is, in Trotsky's words, through ag­ important role in leading the self­ we socialists have to be prepared piece, because they were escorted brief. Where necessary they will itation and organization, "on the defense efforts against fascist at­ to speak to the thugs in a language by several hundred riot police. I be abridged. Please indicate if basis of the experience of the tacks in Minnesota and around the they understand. am proud to say that socialists you prefer that your initials be masses ... to root out from their country. In Minneapolis the One final point Ed, I would be played a small role in building the used rather than your full name. August 7, 1995 TheMiHtant 15 THE MILITANT Protesters say 'no nukes in Pacific!' Imperialist regimes dredge up reactionary anti-French chauvinism BY BOB AIKEN BY LINDA HARRIS AND DOUG COOPER SYDNEY, Australia- The biggest SYDNEY, Australia- Thousands of mobilization ever to take place in Tahiti people took to the streets here July 14, shut down the capital city, Papeete, for Bastille Day, to protest the French govern­ several days in early July to protest the ment's decision to resume nuclear tests in French government's decision to resume September on Moruroa, an atoll in its nuclear tests at Moruroa Atoll. colony of French Polynesia. Some I 0,000 people, more than 10 per­ The rally and march, which ended in cent of the island's population, took part front of the French consulate, focused on in the protest, blocking roads in and out of nationalist appeals for the Australian gov­ Papeete. The demonstration coincided ernment to take "stronger" action against with the arrival of the Greenpeace ship "France." Rainbow Warrior. Oscar Temaru, leader People for Nuclear Disarmament initi­ of Tavini Huiraatira (the Polynesian Lib­ ated the action under the slogans, "End . eration Front), the main pro-independence French Testing" and "Boycott French party, said the mood was one of "outrage Products," as well as, "No Uranium Sales and indignation," and that more actions to France." Politicians from all the main against nuclear testing would follow. political parties - the Australian Labor Temaru and French Catholic bishop Party, Liberal Party, National Party, the Jacques Gaillot joined the Rainbow War­ Greens, and Australian Democrats - as rior's international crew as it sailed from well as major environmental organiza­ Tahiti for Moruroa. It reached the 12-mile tions, union officials, and left-wing groups exclusion zone around Moruroa July 10, backed the action. marking the 1Oth anniversary of the 1985 Organizers said 20,000 marched, while bombing by French agents of the original police put the figure at 10,000. Some Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbor, 3,000 also marched in Melbourne, and New Zealand, which resulted in the death 2,000 picketed the official Bastille Day of one crew member. celebration organized by the French Em­ Protesters outside French embassy in Santiago, Chile. Paris's decision to launch new A French naval ship rammed the Rain­ bassy in Canberra. Demonstrators also ral­ round ofnuclear testing has sparked worldwide outcry, especially in Pacific. Capital­ bow Warrior soon after it violated the lied in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and the ists and union tops in Australia, New Zealand have stirred up anti-French sentiment. limit and commandos stormed the vessel, Gold Coast. smashing windows and firing tear gas as "We want Australia to take the lead," they arrested crew members, passengers, former Tasmanian Green senator Bob "Frogs don't have a leg to stand on," ington, London, and Paris, or its support and journalists. Brown told the crowd as he summarized a "Only the French could have that much of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Protesters in Papeete delayed the five-point letter to go from the rally to the Gaul," and "Bomb Paris." Major radio sta­ Nagasaki. Bastille Day military parade for more than Australian government. The five points tions and other media built the rally using A handful of protesters pointed to Can­ an hour July 14. Some 5,000 cheering demanded that Canberra "join with New anti-French rhetoric and jokes. berra's complicity with Paris. One banner demonstrators, many waving the blue and Zealand" and send an Australian navy Maritime Union of Australia national ironically noted, "End uranium mining, white flag of the Tahitian independence supply ship to support ;t flotilla of protest secretary John Coombs told the rally .that boycott Australian products." Another movement, welcom~d the crew of the vessels that is due to set off in mid-August the union is taking action against French­ sign said, "No more double standards. No Rainbow Warrior as it returned from from both countries to join the Rainbow flagged ships and cargoes. "It is our inten­ more uranium sales. Australia is as guilty Moruroa. Temaru said the ship would re­ Warrior in French Polynesia; halt the ex­ tion to drive the French off the seas com­ as France." turn to protest at Moruroa. "We'll use all port of uranium; support self-deter­ pletely," he said. Daniele Caraty, who organized the June means to prevent resumption of nuclear mination for the French colonies of French 18 Sydney protest by French-Australians testing on the atoll," he said. Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and No mention of Australian imperialism - against Chirac's decision, also spoke. Four thousand people marched in Suva, Futuna; campaign for an end to all nuclear Speakers who pointed to the need for Hundreds carried both printed and hand­ Fiji, July 15, in opposition to the projected testing through the United Nations and the independence for France's colonies made written signs that said, "Non!" (No!). tests at Moruroa. A coalition of 10 organi­ World Court; and campaign against the no mention of Canberra's imperialist role High school and university students zations, including the Fiji Trades Union Moruroa tests. in the region or its backing of the war on made up a large part of the protest. Further Congress, the University of the South Pa­ While a few speakers cautioned that the Bougainville by the neocolonial regime in . actions are scheduled for Hiroshima Day, cific Students Association, the Pacific protests are not directed at French people Papua New Guinea, its former colony. August 6. Conference of Churches, and the National but at the French government, many hand­ Aside from condemning the sale of ura­ Council of Women, called the march. written placards took the common Aus­ nium to Paris by the Australian govern­ Bob Aiken and Doug Cooper are members Another action is planned in Suva for tralian nationalist framework to its logical, ment, few speakers pointed to Canberra's of the Australian Workers' Union in Syd­ August 5. chauvinist conclusion with slogans like backing of the nuclear arsenals of Wash- ney. Linda Harris is a member of the Aus­ tralian Manufacturing Workers' Union in Irish protests hit release ofparatrooper Sydney. BY MARTIN HILL para's uniform." cles and set them on fire. The Royal Ulster BY PATRICK BROWN LONDON - Widespread protests fol­ The leader of the Catholic Church in Constabulary arrested more than 30 peo­ CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand - lowed the July 3 release of British para­ Northern Ireland, Cardinal Cabal Daly, ple. More than 1,500 people rallied and trooper Pvt. Lee Clegg, after serving less criticized the release as "crass insensitiv­ Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams re­ marched here July 14 to oppose Paris's than three and a half years of a life sen­ ity," and said, "There must now be urgent jected government claims that the vio­ plan to conduct eight underground nuclear tence. Clegg was imprisoned for the 1990 action in the case of other prisoners who lence was being orchestrated by his party. bomb tests between September 1995 and killing of Karen Reilly at a roadblock in had the experience of being caught up at a "If the peace process is to be salvaged, the May 1996. Protesters chanted loudly, West Belfast, Northern Ireland. young age in troubles which they did not British government must remove the ob­ "Stop the tests!" and " 1, 2,3,4, we don't Patrick Mayhew, British secretary of have any control over." Irish prime minis­ stacles it has erected to dialogue," he said. want no nuclear war; 2,4,6,8, we don't state for Northern Ireland, personally ap­ ter John Bruton warned that the peace pro­ Saoirse explained that the outbreak of vio­ want to radiate!" as they marched through proved the recommendation to release .cess could be at risk unless Irish Republi­ lence reflected frustration at the govern­ the streets. Many passers-by applauded. Clegg. He was only the second soldier to can Army prisoners were given similar ment's double standards. All the prominent speakers appealed to be convicted of murder in Northern Ire­ treatment. Clashes also took place when the right­ New Zealand nationalism in the fight land. Both received early release. "People here find this decision insult­ wing Orange Order staged its annual against the testing. No republican or loyalist prisoner con­ ing," Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein marches in towns across Northern Ireland The mayor of Christchurch, Vicki victed of murder has ever been released said. Slogans went up on walls in West to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Buck, advocated that the New Zealand short of serving at least I 0 years. Clegg is Belfast saying, "Clegg out - all out!" re­ Boyne July 12. Many Catholics view these government send a naval frigate to preparing to resume his army career. ferring to the hundreds of political prison­ demonstrations commemorating the 1688 Moruroa. Her remarks received loud ap­ Government officials insisted that the ers still in jail. Angry demonstrations, defeat of King James Il's army as attempts plause. The opposition parties in Parlia­ release was a judicial, not a political deci­ pickets, and rallies in Belfast and other at intimidation. Residents took action to ment have hammered this demand, and the sion. "No one in Belfast believed that," towns backed this demand. block march routes in Portadown and the government has said it is considering said the Economist. "The scorn increased Some 2,000 marched in West Belfast, Ormeau Road in Belfast . sending an unarmed naval research vessel. when it emerged that the much-respected protesters in Derry blocked roads, and oth­ Prisoners' supporters are stepping up At other actions in New Zealand more head of Northern Ireland's Probation ers demonstrated in Dungannon and Coal­ their efforts as a result of recent events. than 2,000 protesters marched in Auck­ Board had resigned from the Life Sen­ island. In London, members of Saoirse, Saoirse will be participating in a day of land July 14. Another 2,000 picketed the tence Review Board in protest at the the campaign for freedom for Irish politi­ protests August 31, marking the anniver­ residence of the French ambassador in the 'deviation' in Mr. Clegg's case from the cal prisoners, staged a protest outside Par­ sary of the IRA cease-fire. As well as capital, Wellington. usual criteria for reviewing a sentence." liament as television cameras covered the protests in Ireland, a major rally is planned "He's got away with murder," was the reelection of John Major as Conservative in London's Trafalgar Square. Patrick Brown is a member of the Engi­ angry reaction of Sean Reilly, father of the Party leader. neers Union in Christchurch. Eugen young woman shot by Clegg. "They made During some of the protests in Northern Martin Hill is a member of the Transport Lepou in Auckland contributed to this arti­ special rules for him because he wore a Ireland, demonstrators overturned vehi- and General Workers Union in Luton. cle.

16 The Militant August 7, 1995