Workers and oppressed peoples of the world unite! workers.org MARCH 27, 2008 VOL. 50, NO. 12 50¢ Winter Soldier hearings

eL GOBIeRNO DA MIL MILLONeS Troops confi rm A LOS BANCOS 12 U.S. war crimes By Michael Kramer Besides the panelists, the everyday brutality of the occupation Silver Spring, Md. was documented by more than 100 other veterans, who submit- ted detailed statements about their experiences. FROM STRIKE Hundreds of military veterans of the Bush administration’s Speaking on the fi rst day of the hearings in the Rules of TO REBELLION so-called war on terror attended the Winter Soldier 2008 hear- Engagement panel, Iraq veteran Adam Kokesh, who had been ings held here March 13-16 at the National Labor College, an in Fallujah, Iraq, for a year beginning in February 2004, said his WW in 1968 8 AFL-CIO affi liate just outside Washington. The four-day event commanders “changed the RoE more often than we changed our was organized by Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW). underwear.” These RoE are the rules that determine when a sol- Most of the veterans had taken part in the occupations of Iraq dier can use deadly fi re. “At one point, we imposed a curfew on and/or Afghanistan—many doing multiple deployments of up to the city and were told to fi re at anything that moved in the dark. 15 months each. Some are still on active duty. I don’t think soldiers should be put in the position to choose TIBeT They described the systematic beating, jailing, torture, humil- between their morals and their instinct for survival.” The hidden hand iation and killing of civilians by U.S. forces. And they explained Steve Casey, who spent a year in Iraq beginning in mid-2003, of imperialism 9 that it was not just the work of a few deranged individuals but not long after the U.S. invasion that was supposed to “liberate” was part of standard military operations, especially as the oppo- the Iraqi people, said: “I watched soldiers fi ring into the radia- sition of the people to the occupation of their country became tors and windows of oncoming vehicles. Those who didn’t turn more obvious. around were unfortunately neutralized one way or another—well MORE SIGNS Many were wracked with traumatic memories and remorse over 20 times I personally witnessed this.” OF CRISIS for having participated in such acts. Jason Hurd was on duty in central Baghdad for a year, begin- The hearings were conducted in eyewitness panel formats with ning in November 2004. He told how, after his unit took stray Student loans topics such as Rules of Engagement; Corporate Pillaging and rounds from a nearby fi refi ght: “We fi red indiscriminately at this Military Contractors; Divide To Conquer: Gender and Sexuality building. Things like that happened every day in Iraq. We reacted Bear Stearns 3 in the Military; and Racism and War: The Dehumanization of out of fear for our lives, and we reacted with total destruction.” the Enemy. Continued on page 6 WW PHOTO: J. LA RIVA WW J. PHOTO: 5 YEARS TOO MANY End Iraq war now 6

TheN & NOW Women workers lead 4-5

Class & racism eDITORIAL 10

WW PHOTO: SARA FLOuNDERS Subscribe to Workers World Protest hits Israel fund-raiser 4 weeks trial subscription: $1 One year: $25 Hundreds of people, many of them youths from attacked Palestinian schools, mosques and soccer fi elds, the Palestinian communities in and around New killing children as they studied, prayed and played NAME York, picketed and chanted on Park Avenue across childhood games. from the Waldorf Astoria on March 18 to protest the “It is incomprehensible and despicable that these PHONE EMAIL $1,000-a-plate dinner to raise funds for the state terror- war criminals—who just murdered over one hundred ist actions of the “Israeli Defense Forces” (IDF), and the Palestinian innocents and children in their homes, in ADDRESS presence of Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak. their schools and on playgrounds—have the audacity The New York fundraiser seems particularly off ensive to come raise money for their genocidal plans and stuff CITY/STATE/ZIP since it comes after a week in which the IDF killed their greedy faces on our streets,” says a representative WOrKerS WOrLD 126 Palestinians, including many children and other of Al-Awda, the group that called for the demonstration. 55 W. 17 St. NY, NY 10011 212-627-2994 www.workers.org obvious non-combatants. The Israeli military even —John Catalinotto Page 2 March 27, 2008 www.workers.org

Momentum grows as court date nears

‘Justice for Larry Hales!’ H In the U.S. Troops confirm U.S. war crimes...... 1 By Frank Neisser attorney and judge. A letter 'Justice for Larry Hales!' ...... 2 signed by unionists from the The campaign demanding justice for Larry Hales is United Federation of Teachers; Rhode Island Poor Peoples March ...... 2 gaining momentum. People around the country are out- UNITE HERE; United Pam Africa...... 2 raged at the action last Nov. 30 of the Denver police, who Steelworkers; United Auto Fed orchestrates Bear Stearns bailout...... 3 stormed the home of Hales, a prominent anti-police bru- Workers; Communication Workers union; American tality and political activist in Denver, as well as a central Federation of Teachers; Amer­ican Federation of State, Financial crisis hits students ...... 3 organizer for upcoming protests at the 2008 Democratic County and Municipal Employees; Office and Professional American Axle strike continues ...... 4 National Convention in Denver. Employees Inter­national Union; Maryland Central Labor Women and Flint Sit-Down Strike...... 4 On the false pretext of a 10:30 p.m. “parole visit” to a Council, AFL-CIO; and others was also faxed to them. parolee staying with Hales, who was not at home at the Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner’s letter conclud- Amtrak workers finally get contracts...... 5 time, 10 cops illegally burst into Hales’ home without ed, “We in Boston believe that an injustice anywhere is Oppressed women lead union membership...... 5 permission, ransacked the apartment, handcuffed his injustice everywhere, and we are prepared to stand with Starbucks baristas win tips fight...... 5 partner to a chair, brutalized Hales, pulling out several Mr. Hales until he receives justice.” of his dreadlocks, and arrested him on bogus charges of USW Local 8751, the Boston School Bus Drivers Union, On the picket line...... 5 “interfering with the police.” Pretrial hearings that were also sent a letter. It stated: “The prosecution of Mr. Hales Fifth anniversary of Iraq war protested...... 6 to have occurred on Feb. 29 have been rescheduled to is nothing more than a blatant racist frame up. We in the Letters to WW...... 10 April 25, with the trial date rescheduled to May 21. labor movement believe and live the time tested union A National Justice for Larry Hales Committee has motto that AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL! H Around the world been formed. More than 700 people have participated in We stand in 100 percent solidarity with brother Hales an online petition, sending more than 100,000 emails to and will be with him until justice is done.” Protest hits Israel fund-raiser...... 1 the city attorney, judge and mayor, Denver City Council, Join the campaign by visiting troopsoutnow.org/ Campaign for Pakistani missing persons...... 6 Colorado legislature and governor, the full Colorado con- larryhales and signing the online petition, faxing let- New unity in Palestinian struggle...... 7 gressional delegation, congressional leaders, President ters on organizational stationery, contacting others and Bush, Vice President Cheney, Attorney General Mukasey, spreading the word and putting out the information on WW in 1968: French strike ...... 8 U.N. Secretary-General Ban and members of the media listservs. Send copies of your messages to justice4lar- Tibet and CIA's 1959 'uprising'...... 9 calling for all charges in the case to be dropped. [email protected]. And if you are in the area, Laura Bush in Haiti...... 9 City councilors, lawyers and concerned clergy have please plan to come and help pack the court on April Shift to the left in French local votes ...... 9 faxed letters on their own letterhead to the mayor, city 25th and May 21. n Support for Puerto Rican teachers...... 11 Rhode Island activists build for H Editorials Class and racism...... 10 Poor Peoples March Against Poverty H Noticias En Español El gobierno da $200 mil millones a los bancos. . . . 12 By Frank Neisser daycare, senior care and secure pensions for all. The dem- Providence, R.I. onstrators will demand the U.S. Congress cut off funds for war abroad, start funding an emergency war on poverty at Workers World Momentum is building here for a large Poor Peoples home and reverse President Bush’s tax cuts for the rich. 55 West 17 Street March Against Poverty on April 4, the 40th anniversary Activists expect to have distributed 20,000 flyers and New York, N.Y. 10011 of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. At a posters by April 4. More than 4,000 flyers were handed Phone: (212) 627-2994 time when the state faces a $500 million budget deficit, out to attendees of a massive Obama rally the day before Fax: (212) 675-7869 on April 4 marchers will converge on the Rhode Island the Rhode Island primary. Youth and community orga- E-mail: [email protected] Statehouse at 4 p.m. to tell the legislature “No budget nizations are jumping into the organizing, including Web: www.workers.org cuts!” “Tax the rich, not the poor!” and to demand jobs Youth Build, Rhode Island Public Housing Tenants, the Vol. 50, No. 12 • March 27, 2008 at living wages, housing, health care, education, utilities, Continued on page 11 Closing date: March 19, 2008 Editor: Deirdre Griswold Pam Africa: Technical Editor: Lal Roohk Managing Editors: John Catalinotto, LeiLani Dowell, Leslie Feinberg, Monica Moorehead, Gary Wilson ‘Our drum major for justice!’ West Coast Editor: John Parker Contributing Editors: Greg Butterfield, G. Dunkel, remaining nine—after 30 Pam Africa, leader of the International Concerned Fred Goldstein, Teresa Gutierrez, Larry Hales, years incarceration fol- Friends and Family for Mumia Abu-Jamal, enjoyed a David Hoskins, Berta Joubert-Ceci, Cheryl LaBash, lowing a fascist police benefit in her honor at Brooklyn’s Sistas’ Place, spon- Milt Neidenberg, Bryan G. Pfeifer, Minnie Bruce Pratt sored by the December 12th Movement on March 9. attack on them—are soon Prominent activists and leaders—some who have fought eligible for parole. Technical Staff: Shelley Ettinger, Bob McCubbin, racism against the Black community for decades—spoke Africa also discussed Maggie Vascassenno of knowing and respecting Africa over the years. Called how she got active and Mundo Obrero: Carl Glenn, Teresa Gutierrez, a ‘force of nature’ by Larry Holmes of the International how important it was to Berta Joubert-Ceci, Donna Lazarus, Carlos Vargas Action Center, his admiration for her was shared by save the environment and political prisoners. She said: Internet: Janet Mayes “It was always a reason to fight. ... We all have to become everyone present. Supporter Program: Sue Davis, coordinator Africa spoke of her recent visit to Mumia, as well as aware and fight!” her support of the Move 9 in Philadelphia. Eight of the —Report and photo by Anne Pruden Copyright © 2008 Workers World. Verbatim copying and distribution of articles is permitted in any medium JOIN US. National Office Buffalo, N.Y. Houston Richmond, Va. without royalty provided this notice is preserved. 55 W. 17 St., 367 Delaware Ave. P.O. Box 595 P.O. Box 14602, Workers World (ISSN-1070-4205) is published week- Workers World Party New York, NY 10011 Buffalo, NY 14202 Houston, TX 77001-0595 Richmond, VA 23221 ly except the first week of January by WW Publishers, (WWP) fights on all 212-627-2994; 716-566-1115 713-861-5965 [email protected] 55 W. 17 St., N.Y., N.Y. 10011. Phone: (212) 627-2994. issues that face the Fax (212) 675-7869 [email protected] [email protected] Rochester, N.Y. Subscriptions: One year: $25; foreign and institutions: working class and [email protected] Chicago 585-436-6458 Atlanta 27 N. Wacker Dr. #138 Los Angeles $35. Letters to the editor may be condensed and edited. oppressed peoples— [email protected] P.O. Box 424, Chicago, IL 60606 111 N. La Brea Ave., #408 Articles can be freely reprinted, with credit to Workers Black and white, Latin@, Inglewood, CA 90301 Asian, Arab and Native Atlanta, GA 30301 773-381-5839 San Diego, Calif. World, 55 W. 17 St., New York, NY 10011. 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[email protected] [email protected] workersworld.net/boston [email protected] [email protected] New York, N.Y. 10011. www.workers.org March 27, 2008 Page 3 Fed orchestrates Bear Stearns bailout as attacks on workers intensify By Jaimeson Champion Now that the rate of profit is falling, 2007 that first set off alarm bells about the Reserve is monetizing private sector debt. and the bad times have arrived, it is these threat that subprime mortgage defaults In other words, it is dealing with the huge In a speech delivered March 14 at the same bankers and speculators who are posed to Wall Street’s profits, and hinted debt problem by adding to the money Economic Club of New York—a quasi fra- being bailed out with hundreds of billions at the major financial crisis that would supply—and thus further exacerbating ternity of the economic elite—President of dollars from the U.S. Federal Reserve. soon follow. inflation. George W. Bush asserted that the U.S. The Federal Reserve, in conjunction with By this March 14, the bank was under Every rise in inflation is a wage cut for was going through an economic “rough the Treasury Department, is attempting siege by investors who were demanding workers, as their take-home pay loses its patch” and asserted: “In a free market, to systematically insulate the bankers and their money back, in what was the larg- purchasing power. Federal Reserve Chair there is going to be good times and there bosses from further profit loss. est run on a U.S. bank since the Great Benjamin Bernanke is showering money are going to be bad times. That’s how mar- It is the workers who are facing increas- Depression. down on the banks in a frantic effort to kets work.” ing attacks by the ruling class in the form The Federal Reserve, fearing that an stop the financial contagion from spread- Bush has a reputation for being com- of foreclosures, layoffs, wage decreases unchecked bank collapse of Bear Stearns’s ing, and is intensifying the attacks on the pletely out of touch with reality, so the and cuts in vitally important social ser- size would trigger a domino effect of cas- working class in the process. extremely understated nature of his vices. The ruling class is systematically cading bank failures, held round-the-clock But even Bernanke knows there are lim- “rough patch” characterization is not sur- directing the pain and suffering onto the meetings on the weekend of March 15-16 its to how much worthless collateral the prising. But the “good times” and “bad backs of the workers. to orchestrate a bailout. Fed can take onto its books at one time. times” dichotomy he referred to has been On March 16 they forced the sale of Bear Stearns was the first to experience a a reoccurring theme in the capitalist- The Bear Stearns bailout Bear Stearns to another investment bank, bank run, but it is unlikely to be the last. controlled press lately. It is a point that At the same time Bush was delivering JPMorgan Chase, at the fire-sale price of Citigroup, Lehman Brothers, and a host requires clarification. his platitudes to the Economic Club, the $2 a share. A year ago, its stock sold for of other large U.S. banks are in similar For the working class in the U.S., the Federal Reserve was frantically devising $170 a share. predicaments. “good times” the president and bourgeois a rescue plan for Bear Stearns, the fifth- At the closing bell on March 13, Bear The ruling class knows the Fed can’t pundits are constantly referring to were largest investment bank in the U.S., which Stearns was still the fifth-largest invest- bail out the entire financial system in completely illusory. was on the precipice of collapse. ment bank in the U.S. But before the U.S. this manner and is undoubtedly devising Following the official end of the last During the housing bubble of stock markets opened on March 17, the new ways to throw money at the banks. recession in 2002, job growth never 2002-2006, Bear Stearns was one of the entire bank had been sold for an amount Future attacks on the working class are returned to pre-recession levels in many biggest players in the securitization of tril- less than the value of the Manhattan likely to take the form of all manner of areas. Wages lagged inflation throughout lions of dollars worth of mortgage debt. building it had been using for its New new taxes, which the government will use the entirety of the so-called recovery. The Securitization facilitates predatory lend- York headquarters. to help finance the bailouts of the capital- standard of living for the working class in ing and spreads around the risk by pool- ist banks. the U.S. has steadily declined. An increas- ing loans and then reselling them. Bigger taxpayer-financed bailouts These intensifying attacks during a time ing number of workers have been forced Its portfolios became loaded with a are looming of capitalist crisis can only be successfully to use credit cards and other loans to pay toxic mix of rapidly souring asset-backed So why did JPMorgan want to buy this combated through the growth of working- for items of subsistence. For the working securities. As the financial crisis deepened, shell of a bank? The Federal Reserve had class solidarity. The attacks must be con- class it has been more equivalent to one and the collateral it had put up to get bank agreed to advance the money JPMorgan is fronted in the streets, in cities and towns prolonged recession, dulled for a short loans lost value, Bear Stearns was subject using to buy Bear Stearns. So, in essence, across the country by a militant multina- time by a historic rise in indebtedness. to increasing margin calls—meaning the the Federal Reserve is taking the bank’s tional working-class movement demand- The only ones who experienced “good bankers demanded more money or secu- toxic portfolios onto its own balance ing an immediate end to foreclosures, lay- times” after the end of the last recession rities once Bear Stearns’ collateral sank sheet. offs and wage cuts. are the greedy bankers, bosses and specu- below a certain point. By bailing out Bear Stearns and giv- The billionaires are united in their war lators on Wall Street who sucked trillions It was the liquidation of two Bear ing hundreds of billions of dollars to the against the workers during this time of cri- upon trillions of dollars in profits out of Stearns hedge funds—relatively unregu- other big banks through the Term Auction sis. They can only be defeated by a united the workers. lated investment pools—back in late June Facility program and rate cuts, the Federal working class. n Millions could be forced out of school as Financial crisis hits students By Julie Fry offered lenders (banks and other corpo- All this means that what was once con- Department—the same one that is busy rations) ready access to their cash invest- sidered one of the safest investments is bailing out huge banks like Bear Sterns For most students, borrowing money ment through regularly scheduled auc- now among the most risky, with students and funding the multi-billion dollar war has become a necessary part of going to tions for the bonds, where they could sell failing to pay off their debts and no one in Iraq—is going to be able to come up college. The average student now gradu- their investment and get their cash back available to insure the loss. with enough money to account for the ates with at least $21,000 in debt and it on sometimes a weekly basis. They were Therefore, at the auctions for these loss of much of the state and private stu- is not at all uncommon for students to earning a higher return than they would loans lately, no one has been showing up dent loan industry, the Secretary merely graduate with $100,000 in debt or more. with their money in a bank. to buy them—which means that the source replied that she would be ready. At the same time, tuition at private uni- All the investments were insured by of money for student loans is drying up But despite the rosy and calm pic- versities and colleges has enormously companies called bond insurers, which and, not only that, the interest rates on the ture presented by the Department of increased—far ahead of inflation. specialize in guaranteeing this kind of loans are spiking sharply. Education, the student loan industry con- Parents are losing their jobs or their debt. Here is where things started to What does this mean for students? tinues to crumble, and students are bound salaries are declining, so family contribu- unravel. These bond insurers also insure States and universities all over the country to be affected by either enormous interest tions to education costs are decreasing. other types of debt—like subprime mort- are cancelling their student loan programs. rates or no loans at all. Students from the These factors mean that students from an gages. Now that these insurance com- Several private lenders are withdrawing states affected so far have already report- increasingly broader economic spectrum panies are going to have to secure those from the market altogether. And even loan ed deciding to leave their four-year uni- are more dependent than ever on student loans, the banks don’t think they can programs backed by federal government versity for a community college, or having loans. guarantee student loan debt as well. guarantors, like the Pennsylvania Higher to drop out of school altogether. Many of That is why every student who is attend- But that is really just one aspect of the Education Assistance Agency, a state these students have already completed ing or is applying to college right now must crisis. Sallie Mae, the biggest lender to institution, has announced it is abandon- some of their education and are already in be horrified by what is taking place in the students, reported a $1.6 billion loss in ing its federal student loan program. State debt. Leaving school early will leave them financial markets. In February, it became the last financial quarter. This was largely agencies all over, including Michigan, high debt burdens and few prospects for clear that what was originally reported reported as resulting from a huge increase Montana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, well paying jobs. by the mainstream press as a crisis in the in defaults on these loans. The amount of New Hampshire, Iowa, and more have Although there have been many strug- risky subprime mortgage market, was debt that the Department of Education announced cutbacks in their student loan gles over the rising cost of education over now affecting what have been tradition- alone has accumulated from student programs in recent weeks. the years, the readily accessible access to ally thought of as incredibly stable invest- loans is now more than $40 billion dol- Most students will not be applying for funds through loans and the promise of a ments—like bonds for student loans. lars. In fact, right now the only bright spot their loans for next year until this sum- relatively high-paying job upon gradua- Here’s what is happening: many state in the student loan market for investors mer. So far, the federal government has tion have kept some of the broader layers and local governments secure money for is in the private collection agency market, been telling them they have nothing to of students out of the movement. Now, public or quasi-public programs through a which is reporting record profits. worry about. U.S. Secretary of Education neither of those factors is a guarantee. venue that most people have never heard On top of that, the federal government, Margaret Spellings told Congress on With students over the summer facing of called the market for auction-rate secu- which subsidizes many student loans and March 14 that students could just borrow the prospect of being locked out of access rities. Before the financial crisis, auction- regulates the interest rates as well, cut its directly from the Department of Education, to higher education altogether, this eco- rate securities offered the government subsidies in 2007, further aggravating the through what is called the direct-loan pro- nomic crisis may quickly become a politi- borrowers a very low interest rate and it default situation and the credit crisis. gram. When asked whether the Treasury cal one amongst youth. n Page 4 March 27, 2008 www.workers.org

Militancy, solidarity grows as American Axle strike continues By Bryan G. Pfeifer dropped against the three arrested strik- live in around the slogan “A Job is A Right”? Detroit ers. And, according to various sources, the Could a one-day, labor-community, nation- international has told the locals to allow al or regional mobilization at a plant or Now in the fourth week of the workers’ any trucks leaving the struck plants to go plants be organized to win this strike? strike against American Axle, full bargain- through. How about a massive UAW organizing ing teams for the United Auto Workers Many striking workers and their allies drive to organize the entire auto industry and American Axle haven’t met for a week are beginning to seriously discuss if there with a focus on nonunion American Axle as of March 17. The UAW sent its local has to be a “long and drawn out strike” plants, where the machines are being union bargainers back to their factories and what kind of fight is actually needed— moved? How about an internationalist on March 10, and only the international considering this strike is within the critical approach, working in partnership with negotiators have been talking since then. WW photo: Alan Pollock supplier sector of the auto industry and is unions in other countries where American Rosendo Delgado, a laid off Chrysler worker About 3,600 workers at five American and organizer for Latinos Unidos, on the taking place within an overall domestic Axle has plants? Axle plants in Michigan and New York picket line March 16 supporting his sisters economic recession, compounded with The outcome of this strike will have his- went on strike Feb. 26 against the com- and brothers at American Axle. the U.S. war on Iraq. toric implications either way for the UAW pany’s intentions to cut half their pay, Anger—and a fight back mood—are ris- and all workers internationally—union replace their pensions with a 401-k, ers were “violent.” Along with the strikers ing in the rank and file at American Axle and nonunion, and specifically workers of increase health care benefit costs, and being arrested, a phalanx of cops and their and elsewhere against the concessionary color, immigrants and women. If American demand other outrageous concessions vehicles were shown menacing the picket and labor-management partnership ide- Axle is able to succeed in its goals, other which are an affront to the dignity and lines. There was no coverage of the vio- ology of UAW President Ron Gettelfinger bosses will quickly move in on the entire respect of workers everywhere. lence of American Axle bosses and allies and his leadership team, which has result- working class in an effort to make even The UAW has filed an unfair labor prac- in attempting to starve the workers and ed in nothing but horrendous setbacks more profits off the backs of workers— tice with the National Labor Relations their loved ones into submission. for UAW workers at suppliers Delphi and with our standard of living plummeting to Board over the company’s refusal to According to the cops and the com- Dana Corp., and at GM, Chrysler and Ford. a worse state than it already is. open its books for bargaining purposes. pany, the striking workers were throwing Concessionary contracts at these corpora- Thus, nothing short of an all-out, class- American Axle is a parts maker spun off items at a truck. But sisters and brothers tions in the recent period have generally wide mobilization to win the strike at by General Motors in 1994. on the picket line said they were moving set a pattern for the bosses to attack all American Axle is called for. The bosses Due to the greed of American Axle and peaceably at a gate which has been held workers, as the UAW historically has been only stop their pursuit of profit anywhere its Wall Street allies, GM has temporarily since the strike began when a truck from a trendsetter. around the globe when the workers draw closed all or part of 30 plants in the U.S., the plant attempted to drive through the Some questions and observations now the line and in one united voice say, affecting more than 37,000 workers and moving picket line. The strikers, of course, being discussed on the picket lines include: “Enough!” causing thousands more layoffs at other responded angrily to almost being run With 37,000—and growing—fellow auto parts companies. down by the truck, and the driver taunted UAW sisters and brothers now idle because ‘Golpear a uno es golpear a todos’ In addition, GM has shut down a truck and threatened them. At this point the cops of the strike, isn’t there an urgent need to (If you beat one of us, you beat us all) plant in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, and moved in and arrested the three strikers. mobilize these workers throughout the Numerous labor and community orga- has laid off 500 people at an engine fac- That same day, the Detroit News U.S. and Canada for plant defense at all nizations continue to support the picket tory in St. Catharines, Ontario. Layoffs reported on a company claim that the five American Axle plants, but in particu- lines of all five locals on strike. Support are also taking place at several Canadian Detroit plant was using management in lar the largest plant in Detroit with 1,900 resolutions, donations and provisions are plants, the most recent on March 17 at a production, inventory and shipping, and workers? It’d be difficult for the state to received daily at the local’s union halls. St. Thomas, Ontario, plant where 1,200 that parts were being shipped out only for physically move thousands of workers, In Hamtramck, Mich., where Local workers were furloughed. The Canadian non-GM customers. if the union decided to enact a “nothing 235 is based, organizations such as the Auto Workers union has been told a car Afterwards, a UAW regional office in moves” (products or machines) rule, from Michigan Emergency Committee Against factory in Oshawa could see cutbacks later Detroit issued a call for UAW workers at a gate or an entire plant. War & Injustice, Michigan Welfare Rights this month if the strike continues. other plants to join American Axle work- With support now growing for the and Latinos Unidos have formally chosen ers on the picket lines. strikers, wouldn’t it be possible for all times for picket line duty and give other Workers, not the bosses, arrested “We expect this to be a long and drawn five locals—led by the rank-and-file strik- support as well. On March 14 three strikers were hand- out strike,” read an e-mail message from ers—to build labor-community solidarity Nationally and internationally support cuffed and cited for disorderly conduct UAW Region 1A in Taylor, Mich. “Everyone committees that could build momentum is also growing. Other UAW members and at an American Axle plant in Detroit. must fight to protect these good-paying and support for the striking workers and locals as well as other unions throughout The arrests were filmed by the corporate union jobs and our brothers and sisters.” engage in plant defense? the Midwest and beyond have engaged in Channel 4 news and broadcast on the eve- But there’s been no word on whether Could these committees mobilize the strike support. ning news with the message that the strik- the UAW has demanded all charges be striking­ workers and the communities they Sandra Dinelle, a member of the Canadian Auto Workers Local 222, wrote to Workers World in response to this The Flint Sit-Down Strike paper’s previous coverage of the strike: “All I want to say is that we support you too. Great work guys. ... The pigs have had ‘Without the women that strike their nose in the feeding trough too long!! Be fair to the workers!! In solidarity, your Canadian Brother.” One of the most poignant messages of would have been lost’ support to date was sent to Local 235 by By Martha Grevatt thousands who walked the picket lines. Vorse, in “Labor’s New Millions.” the Student/Farmworker Alliance. The The Women’s Auxiliary, formed almost Johnson’s immortal words in the heat SFA works in alliance with the Coalition of “Old Joan of Arc has come back in half immediately after the strike began, also of battle gave strength to the battered Immokalee Workers (CIW), an organiza- a hundred different bodies.” provided first aid and childcare for wom- strikers: “Cowards! Cowards!” Johnson tion of mostly Latin@, Haitian, and Mayan This was the opinion of a British MP, en pulling picket duty. The Auxiliary shouted at the police, “shooting unarmed Indian low-wage, superexploited immi- Ellen Wilkinson, speaking in Flint, Mich., made house calls to make sure every fam- and defenseless men!” She then called grant workers based in Southwest Florida. in 1937 at a rally in solidarity with the ily had enough to eat and could pay the on the women to “break through those “We know that we must all stand famous sit-down strike. She was describ- bills. They visited wives who were threat- police lines and come down here and together and fight against the corporate ing the women of that company town. ening divorce and won them over to the stand beside your husbands and your attack on our lives, our jobs, and our com- When the strike began at GM’s two union. A striker’s wife, Genora Johnson, brothers and your uncles and your sweet- munities,” reads the statement. Fisher Body plants, more than 300 organized a children’s picket line. hearts.” The women heeded her call. (Sol “We hope that this message provides women sat down. Right away the male One woman who initially sat down with Dollinger and Genora Johnson Dollinger, a small boost to your efforts and your leadership—concerned about charges the men, Pat Wiseman, refused to cook. “Not Automatic”) resolve, and we want you to know that we of immorality and probably overly pro- Instead she became a picket captain, nev- After that Johnson organized the are with you, in spirit, on the picket line. tective—ordered them out of the plants. er missing a day. (She later helped negoti- Women’s Emergency Brigade. Only wom- If there is any other way we can support Nevertheless, women—not only those ate the first UAW contract with General en who felt they could respond imme- your struggle, please let us know.” striking but the wives, daughters, moth- Motors and also served as an organizer diately to an emergency were asked to Send donations/provisions and union/ ers and sweethearts of the men in the and shop steward.) take the Brigade’s pledge. Four hundred community support resolutions to: plants—were indispensable to winning During a critical battle, “the Battle of women signed up. The Brigade demon- UAW Local 235, 2140 Holbrook Ave., the strike. Bulls’ Run,” the women showed unprec- strated its fortitude whenever the police Hamtramck, MI 48212; 313-871-1190; First and foremost, the men had to edented determination. “They had seen appeared poised to attack. The New York [email protected] or billal- be fed. It took a well-organized group their men shot at, the police had tried Times reported that strikers had “a large [email protected] of women to make a huge operation run to keep them from feeding their men, supply of blackjacks ... whittled down so The writer’s grandfather and great smoothly—getting three square meals and they had fought in spite of tear gas, that they can be swung or jabbed readily.” uncle participated as rank-and-file a day to the sit-downers for 44 days in spite of gunfire,” wrote labor journal- In fact, the women had whittled the clubs members in the 1954 to 1962 UAW straight, and on top of that, feeding the ist and eyewitness observer Mary Heaton Continued on page 11 Kohler strike in Kohler, Wis. www.workers.org March 27, 2008 Page 5 on the Picket line By Sue Davis Amtrak workers finally

Food service workers picket Wall St. get contracts Hundreds of cafeteria and food service workers took their cam- By Stephen Millies Wage increases will average about 35 percent paign for higher wages and improved benefits to two Wall Street District 1402, Transportation Communication over the life of these 10-year contracts that cover financial institutions on March 5. Chanting, “Who’s in the kitchen? Union, IAM the period from Jan. 1, 2000, to Dec. 31, 2009. We don’t know. Aramark has got to go!” the workers rallied first Workers will get 40 percent of their back pay— at the Bank of New York and then marched to the Goldman Sachs Fifteen thousand Amtrak workers are ratifying minus deductions for health insurance—a couple headquarters. contracts after being stonewalled by management months after ratification. Aramark is refusing to negotiate decent contracts with UNITE for eight years. Represented by a dozen unions, But getting the remaining 60 percent depends HERE, which represents about 20,000 Aramark employees nation- these railroad workers have been without agree- upon Congress appropriating the money. This ally, including about 4,000 in the New York City area. The company ments since Jan. 1, 2000. Management manipu- $114 million is about what Bush spends during five had sales of $12.4 billion last year. Not only is Goldman Sachs a client lated the Railroad Labor Act as an excuse not to hours of occupying Iraq. Any filibuster in Congress of Aramark, it’s also a part owner. bargain. or Bush’s veto of our money should be answered by “There is no greater example of income inequality in Amer­ican­ Bosses wanted to eliminate thousands of jobs a labor holiday. society than the Goldman Sachs cafeteria,” union Presi­dent Bruce by outsourcing. Those fired would have included The Emergency Board did a rotten thing by limit- S. Raynor told the New York Times. (March 6) The average com- 750 coach cleaners and 1,000 reservation clerks. ing back pay to only those who were on the job as of pensation for GS employees, including executives, was $660,000 Amtrak’s management sought to pull out of the Dec. 1, 2007. Workers who retired before then will in 2007, while cafeteria employees were paid about $21,000. That railroad retirement system, threatening its solven- get nothing. means GS staff made 31.4 times more than the cafeteria workers. cy. They refused to consider back pay. One of these retired workers was 65-year-old UNITE HERE represents about 30 percent of Aramark’s Even Bush’s handpicked Presidential Emergency Gary Graves. He was struck and killed by an Acela 165,000 hourly workers in the U.S. and Canada. Violence has Board found that management refused to negotiate train on March 13 just north of the Providence, R.I., escalated against Aramark workers who went on strike at Seneca in good faith. Surprisingly, they agreed to most of station while working for a private contractor. n College’s Markham campus, outside of Toronto, on March 10. To the union demands. support those workers, sign a petition at www.unitehere.org. Immigrant workers sue Gulf Coast firm Oppressed women lead A group of immigrant workers from India and the United Arab Emirates have filed a class action suit against Signal International growth of union membership for luring them with false promises of permanent-resident status. They are also suing to stop being forced to live in rundown, unsani- By Beverly Hiestand the whole U.S financial system. Hundreds of billions tary barracks and threatened for protesting. of dollars from government and private banks, all The 500 welders and pipefitters, employed at the oil rig repair Union membership is now increasing after 25 money made from the unpaid labor of the working and construction company in Pascagoula, Miss., and Orange, years of decline, and women are instrumental to class, has not been enough to reverse the crisis. Texas, were brought to the U.S. under the government’s temporary this significant turnaround. More than 201,000 What becomes more obvious everyday is that the guest worker program in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. women joined U.S. unions in 2007, according to next huge pot of money they will go after will be tax On March 6, about 100 of these workers walked off the job, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. money that is the basis for all the social programs holding picket signs reading “I Am A Man” and singing “We Shall Women, who represent 44 percent of the work- workers have fought and died for over decades. In Overcome” in the tradition of the civil rights movement. (Workday force, are now nearly two-thirds of the new union fact, the most likely programs that they will try to cut Minnesota, March 11) members. While white men dominated the ranks of will be health, social security, pensions, unemploy- At a rally in New Orleans on March 10, workers and their lawyers unions for so long, their numbers have been greatly ment insurance and other entitlement programs. said the workers had given up their life savings and paid up to diminished as their jobs have been replaced with The same forces that have begun to change the $20,000 in immigration and travel fees after being assured that technology or moved around the world to places union movement will be called upon to lead a broad Signal would help them become permanent residents. The South­ where workers can be superexploited and paid a struggle to push back this greedy cutthroat class of ern Poverty Law Center and the New Orleans Workers’ Center for much lower percentage of the value of their labor. exploiters. Racial Justice are just two of the groups helping the workers. However, capitalists cannot move those busi- Hiestand is a retired RN and former union President Bush has proposed expanding the federal temporary nesses that provide services out of the communi- organizer and chief steward of CWA Local 1168. guest worker program as one way to allow immigrants to work ties that need to access them. Unions have been “legally” in this country. However, in the 1940s and 1950s the focusing on these sites. Some of the biggest gains of program refused to pay thousands of Mexican workers the wages union membership for women are in health care, they’d earned. childcare, educational support, government work, hotel, motel and food services. These are also low SF longshore and postal workers paying jobs where the most oppressed workers have been funneled because of racism, sexism and to protest war on May Day the loss of higher skilled, higher paying jobs. While the proportion of union members who are To show their opposition to the U.S. war and occupation of white women increased from 29 percent to 33 per- org

Iraq and Afghanistan, delegates at the International Longshore & . cent since the mid-1980s, the proportion who are Warehouse Union’s annual meeting voted overwhelmingly to stop women of color increased by as much as 25 percent work during the day shift on May 1 at every West Coast port. The during the same period. While Black workers are resolution also called for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops from the the most unionized (14.3 percent), many nationali-

Middle East. (union press release, March 4) u c k s nion starb ties can be found working together. Under the slogan “No peace, no work holiday,” the ILWU reso- This change in the social character of the work- www. lution also called on other unions, in addition to the AFL-CIO ing class is now having a big impact on the con- and Change to Win Coalition, to participate in similar events sciousness and organization of working women. on May Day. In response to that appeal, the 2,700 members of Kate Bronfenbrenner of Cornell University notes Starbucks baristas Letter Carriers Branch 214 in San Francisco voted unanimously to research that says that elections won by unions tend observe two minutes of silence in all carrier stations at 8:15 a.m. to be highly concentrated in units with a majority of on May 1 “in honor of International Workers Day and in solidarity women. Women and workers of color, individually win tip fight with the ILWU stop-work action.” (union press release, March 6) and as a group, have been found to be more likely The ILWU has a long, proud history of opposing war. It was one to vote for unions. The highest win rates by far (82 As of this writing, San Diego Superior Court is of the first unions to call for an end to the Iraq war on May 1, 2003. percent) are in units with 75 percent or more wom- deliberating the dollar amount of damages that Other anti-war actions have included Local 10 refusing to load en of color. (“Organizing Women: The Nature and coffee giant Starbucks must pay to 120,000 of its bombs destined for the military dictatorship in Chile in 1978 and Process of Union Organizing Efforts Among U.S. California baristas who, in a class action lawsuit, military cargo to the Salvadoran military dictatorship in 1981. Women Workers Since the mid-1990’s,” 2003) challenged its longtime policy of making workers It’s important to note that the ILWU’s current contract expires on The gains of oppressed women in unions can share their tips with supervisors. July 1 of this year. be seen in the fact that in 2007 African-American Former Starbucks barista Jou Chou originated women earned $184 more a week and Latinas $229 the suit in 2004 on the basis that California labor Job discrimination complaints rise more than their nonunion counterparts. Union law clearly forbids this practice, and the court ruled against Starbucks in February. Now it will decide Federal job discrimination complaints by workers against pri- members are more likely than nonunion counter- the monetary settlement. According to Terry vate employers rose a whopping 9 percent in 2007 alone. That’s parts to have health and pension benefits and to Chapko, one of the baristas’ lawyers, this settle- the biggest annual increase since the early 1990s. receive paid holiday and vacations, as well as life ment could be in the tens of millions of dollars. Data released on March 5 by the Equal Employment Oppor­tu­nity and disability insurance. There is evidence that the practice of having tip Commission showed that accusations based on race, retaliation and These gains are now at great risk of being tak- pooling include management is widespread, and sex were the most frequent forms of discrimination, with 82,792 en away. The ruling class of business owners and the verdict in this case undoubtedly has many com- complaints filed from Oct. 1, 2006, to Sept. 30, 2007, compared bankers has not been successful in turning around panies besides Starbucks worried. n with 75,768 in budget year 2006. (New York Times, March 6) n a huge economic crisis that threatens to take down Page 6 March 27, 2008 www.workers.org Fifth anniversary of war protested across the country By LeiLani Dowell ed by working people in this country and murdered Iraqi people. “With the war on As the fifth anniversary of the criminal Iraq in the Middle East and a war on immi- U.S. occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan grants in this country, this government neared, tens of thousands hit the streets is not working in our interest,” Hinojosa on Mar. 15 calling for an end to the war. said. “We need to get out of Iraq now!” The In Los Angeles marchers targeted CNN at rally was sponsored by the Progressive the corner of Sunset and Cahuenga chant- Workers Organizing Committee and ing, “CNN, can’t you see? Put the peace endorsed by Troops Out Now Coalition, march on TV!” Latin American Organization for In Atlanta, 10 women from Grand­ Immigrant Rights, Houston Peace and mothers for Peace were arrested for show- Justice Center, International Socialist ing up at a recruiting center and attempt- Organization, Justice for Palestinians, ing to enlist. Progressive Action Alliance, the Texas Cristóbal Hinojosa, with Mexicanos en Death Penalty Abolition Movement and Houston Acción, spoke at a militant anti-war rally the local Green Party. ww Photo: Gloria Rubac in Houston. He blasted the U.S. govern- Anti-war protesters numbering around ment for five years of war in Iraq, which 500 marched through an oppressed com- the rally demanded that the billions being Party members, youth from Lansing fight- has taken the money so desperately need- munity in central San Diego. Speakers at spent on war be used instead to address ing foreclosures and evictions, members human needs like health care, housing of the Michigan Coalition for Human and the education budget crisis currently Rights, students from Detroit’s Cass Tech deepening in California. The International High School and others. Demonstrations Action Center banner carried in the pro- also took place in Ann Arbor and Grand test read, “End Colonial Occupation From Rapids, Mich. Iraq to Palestine and Everywhere!” In Europe, protestors marched in The Michigan Emergency Committee Glasgow, London, Stockholm, Oslo and Against War and Injustice sponsored many other cities. In Canada, where the a demonstration in downtown Detroit, parliament extended that country’s mili- demanding troops out of Iraq and tary commitment to the U.S. occupation Afghanistan, money for cities not for of Afghanistan, demonstrators took to the war, stop the war on Palestine, end the streets in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. siege of Gaza, and U.S. hands off Iran. Cheryl LaBash, Dianne Mathiowetz, MECAWI anti-war organizers were joined Alan Pollock, Gloria Rubac and Gloria San Diego by Palestinian and Arab activists, Green Verdieu contributed to this report.

ww Photo: Gloria verdieu

Los Angeles Los Angeles

ww Photo: bob McCubbin ww Photo: J. la Riva Winter soldier hearings Troops confirm U.S. war crimes Campaign for Pakistani missing persons Continued from page 1 Hurd told how the calloused attitude off his shirt and threw them to the floor as IVAW Advisory Board member Dr. Dahlia A campaign on behalf of more than toward Iraqi civilians worsened as the he testified about shooting down people Wasfi raised the occupation of Palestine 530 known missing persons in Pakistan occupation dragged on. “Over time, as the he knew were innocent. “I want to say I’m IVAW is a growing organization with was announced March 17 in Brooklyn, absurdity of war set in, individuals from sorry for the hate and destruction that I over 800 members. The leadership is N.Y., at a press conference organized my unit indiscriminately opened fire at and others have inflicted on innocent peo- diverse: the chair of its Board of Directors by the Pakistan-U.S. Freedom Forum. vehicles driving down the wrong side of ple,” he concluded. “It is not okay, and this was born in Nicaragua and the co-chair Attorney Omer Khwaja, executive director the road. People in my unit would later is happening, and until people hear what is African-American. The treasurer and of the Campaign to Restore Democracy to brag about it. I remember thinking how is going on, this is going to continue. I am executive director are women. The group Pakistan, described the efforts of many in appalled I was that we were laughing at no longer the monster that I once was.” is LGBT-friendly. Pakistan to locate relatives missing since this, but that was the reality.” The event was streamed live over the Most members come from the enlisted Gen. Pervez Musharraf’s crackdown last Jason Wayne Lemieux, a Marine, served Internet but was boycotted by almost ranks and are under 30 years old. They are year on the democracy movement. “We three tours in Iraq. He told how the rules the entire U.S. corporate media. It was from both urban and rural areas. Many cannot leave these courageous families of engagement were changed each time to well organized, with logistical and sup- were on track to be career noncommis- rudderless as the Pakistani politicians encourage even more slaughter of civilians. port staff provided by Veterans for Peace sioned officers—the foundation of any who won last month’s elections waffle over By his second tour, if a person “was carrying and Vietnam Veterans Against the War. military organization. Their membership when, how, and in what form to restore a shovel, or standing on a rooftop talking on Mental health and legal professionals in IVAW is a major defeat for the U.S. democratic values to Pakistan,” said a cell phone, or being out after curfew, they were available at all times. imperialist war machine. Khwaja. “Our campaign has taken the first were to be killed. I can’t tell you how many While most of the panelists were IVAW Readers are urged to check out the hear- step towards our goal to hold high-ranking people died because of this. By my third members, expert witnesses also testified. ings and testimonies at www.ivaw.org. officials accountable for the horrors that tour, we were told to just shoot people, and Iraqi civilians, including refugees, described The writer is a member of Veterans have occurred under their watch.” the officers would take care of us.” their experiences with the occupation For Peace—Chapter 021 and was part After the press conference, author and One Marine veteran, machine gunner through detailed interviews that had been of the support staff at the Winter Soldier historian Tariq Ali spoke to a gathering John Michael Turner, pulled the medals video recorded in Iraq, Jordan and Syria. hearing. of close to 100 in the same hall about the www.workers.org March 27, 2008 Page 7 New unity in Palestinian struggle By Sara Flounders

Unable to defeat the Palestinian peo- ple’s determination to assert their rights and sovereignty after 60 years of the most brutal occupation and expropriation of land, the entire U.S.-Israeli strategy for years has been based on exacerbating every division, every difference in the Palestinian struggle. In an effort to set one group against the other they have used classic imperialist tactics, such as imposing collective punish- ment upon the entire civilian population in an effort to heighten internal tensions and break the determination to resist. This is combined with ruthless repression, assas- sinations and kidnappings of more revo- lutionary and militant forces; bribes, mea- ger incentives and false promises to more moderate groups and individuals; and the sowing of suspicion and disinformation all the while and at every turn. However, events this week demonstrate that such ruthless repression can divide a movement, but can also be the source of a March 18 protest denounces new level of unity. In one outrageous act, visit of Israeli Defense Minister Israeli forces have succeeded in uniting Ehud Barak to New York.

the Palestinian movement in a way it has ww Photo: greg butterfield not been in years. tion doesn’t want to arrest us. Really, they tiations with Israel, even during the full Palestinian ministate under some form of want to assassinate us.” scale attacks on Hamas in Gaza. limited Palestinian sovereignty. Outrage creates new unity A week before Shehadeh’s assassina- These talks have now lasted more than On March 12 in broad daylight, Israeli tion Israeli forces had totally destroyed Collective punishment after 15 years, since the 1993 Oslo Accords Special Forces gunned down four popular his home. Now, in a show of unity, Hamas, failed divide-and-conquer tactics promised a Palestinian state within three Palestinian leaders sitting in a car in the Fatah and the Lebanese resistance organi- In past months Zionist efforts at playing to five years. During them, Israeli land West Bank city of Bethlehem. They rid- zation Hezbollah have all pledged to defy one group against the other reached a new confiscations and the building of formida- dled the car with more than 500 bullets. Israel and rebuild it. level of intensity. When, in a democratic ble settlement complexes have continued. The four men—Mohammad Shehadeh, The funeral in Bethlehem, a Muslim election in January 2006, the Palestinian So has the building of hundreds of check- a leader of Islamic Jihad; Ahmed Balboul, and Christian city, for the four veteran population dared to overwhelmingly elect points and roadblocks, miles of separate a local commander of Al Aksa Brigades fighters was a mass outpouring of tens of Hamas—the organization more intran- roads and massive three- and four-story aligned with Fatah; and Issa Marzouq and thousands of Palestinians and a general sigent to Zionism and imperialism—the walls snaking through and around hun- Imad Al-Kamal of Islamic Jihad—were strike that united all the Palestinian polit- Israeli occupation, with active U.S. par- dreds of Palestinian villages and towns. in Bethlehem meeting with other Fatah ical forces. The flags of Fatah, Hamas, ticipation, took more extreme measures. Throughout this brutal process the activists in preparation for Fatah’s sixth Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for The April 2008 issue of Vanity Fair Zionist government has had the uncon- movement conference. the Liberation of Palestine were flown magazine describes U.S. efforts to orga- ditional diplomatic, political, economic The four were considered local heroes together and Shehadeh’s body was draped nize a coup to overthrow the Hamas gov- and military support of U.S. imperialism. who had long evaded Israeli capture. in the flag of Hezbollah. ernment, including the funneling of arms No matter how outrageous the Israeli Shehadeh ran in the Palestinian elec- The March 16 London Observer, in an and funds to Fatah forces, whose pres- repression, it is always followed by new tions and received more than 7,000 votes. article entitled “Militant’s death unites ent leadership is preferred by the U.S. demands on Palestinians to make new Marzouq was voted onto the Bethlehem city Bethlehem—Stalled peace process fuels over Hamas. Palestinian tax revenues concessions to prove their commitment council on an Islamic Jihad ticket in 2005. support for Hizbollah,” described the were withheld and international aid was to a “peace process.” Again and again Israel has attempted funeral. “School principals, teachers and choked off. This year, Israel granted a much-pub- to destroy all forms of Palestinian self- students from the Bethlehem School, the When U.S.-backed efforts to foment a licized amnesty to 178 political prisoners. government. More than half the members Catholic School and the Greek Orthodox civil war in Gaza failed nine months ago, But in the same period they have kid- of the Palestinian parliament are today School paraded to the mourning tent out- and Hamas took total control there, Zionist napped another 642 Palestinians in the in Israeli jails. Many others have been side the church chanting and waving plac- forces resorted to the most extreme form West Bank. Targeted assassinations in assassinated. ards praising the Palestinian ‘martyr.’” of collective punishment. Even the most both the West Bank and in Gaza are a daily In an interview earlier on the day of The major corporate media all basic civilian necessities—medicine and occurrence. More than 10,000 Palestinian the attack, the resistance leaders had vis- expressed their concern at the over- fuel for electricity, heat and cooking— political prisoners fill Israeli jails. ited the offices of Ma’an News Agency. whelming unity of political groups and were cut off. The International Middle East Media Shehadeh had said, regarding Israeli especially at the rage of Fatah forces, Gaza is home to more than one million Center (www.imemc.org), in their “This promises of amnesty: “The Israeli occupa- which had remained committed to nego- Palestinian refugees. On an almost daily Week in Palestine” report, said Israeli basis Israeli forces have bombed civilian forces had invaded the West Bank 47 times targets in the area from U.S. supplied and kidnapped 78 Palestinians during the Campaign for Pakistani missing persons jet aircraft and attack helicopters. Tanks same week as the latest assassinations. routinely roll into populated centers and In an interview with Ma’an during thousands of Palestinian leaders have Bethlehem’s Christmas Eve celebrations, been kidnapped. Hundreds have been Shehadeh, radiating confidence and smil- targeted with assassination. ing, said: “The Palestinian people are capa- In early March a new Israeli offen- ble of raising the flag of liberty and com- sive in Gaza resulted in more than 120 pleting their mission. Israel has to realize Palestinian deaths and hundreds of inju- that military occupation of Palestine does ries. Palestinian forces have continued to not solve its problems, either now or in the show defiance and intransigence by firing future.” Asked why he rejected amnesty in rockets over the Israeli-built wall of Gaza favor of continuing with the armed strug- into Israel. gle, he said, “It is revolutionaries who have The assassination of the four leaders the right to give amnesty to the occupa- came a day after it seemed that Hamas tion, and not the opposite.” in Gaza had agreed to a cease-fire. It con- During these same holiday celebrations, firmed once again that Israel is opposed to Israeli InfoLive.TV spoke to Shehadeh, any form of peace. It will use every oppor- who appears on camera armed and sur- tunity to further enflame the repression rounded by many smiling civilians in and intensify the occupation. Bethlehem’s Manger Square. He said, “The U.S. and Israeli forces claimed that they Palestinian people and their resistance collaboration between the CIA and a long Flounders of the International Action would continue to negotiate with and pro- have survived scores of years.” Asked if he string of military dictatorships in Pakistan. Center, Omer Khwaja, progressive attor- vide resources to Mahmoud Abbas, the had a message to the Palestinian people, He stressed the need for land reform as ney Lynne Stewart and Comrade Shahid leader of Fatah. The promise, raised once Shehadeh said: “To love each other and well as civilian democratic rule. of the Pakistan-U.S.A. Freedom Forum. again at the November 2007 Annapolis to unite. The day of victory will arrive no From right to left in photo are Sara —Report & photo by Deirdre Griswold meeting, was that talks would lead to a matter how distant. We will win.” n Page 8 March 27, 2008 www.workers.org

WW in 1968 French student strike sparked great

Workers World is in its 50th year of publication. Throughout the year, we proletarian rebellion will share with our readers some of the paper’s content over the past half cen- tury. Below are excerpts from two articles in 1968. A WW article by F. Reed explains that the 1968 French uprising began on By V. Copeland emphasized to the leaders as well as to May 23, 1968 the ranks that the essential power was May 3, when several hundred students protested the closing of Nanterre really in their own hands. University and the jailing of their leaders for an action asserting The French railroad worker who The bourgeoisie was student rights and reform of the archaic university system. They declared, “The students were the fuse; we helpless. were attacked, tear-gassed and arrested by cops called out by the A greater portion of government (the workers) were the powder keg,” said Interior Minister, Fouchet. Clashes spread in the university area and by a revolutionary mouthful last week. workers was on strike than ever nightfall 500 had been arrested and 100 injured. In the following days The explosion in France was a big one, before in history and an unprec- so big that it jarred the whole repressive edented number of farm workers thousands of high school and university students and teachers went on apparatus of a formerly confident ruling as well. White collar and blue collar, all strike throughout the country, protests were held throughout the city and bar- class and raised the question of which class joined to show that labor was everything ricades set up. A joint student union-workers’ union call went out for a gen- should have state power in a dramatic way and the ruling class was superfluous. eral strike on May 13. A million people were estimated to have participated. that everybody could understand. It began spontaneously, the workers taking fire from the students and against The Revolutionary Situation in France. the will of their conservative leaders, It is as though the workers in a certain transforming episodic although fiercely Which Road for the Mass Struggle?— factory came to the conclusion that their militant actions into a nationwide general situation was so intolerable that they strike. demanded an immediate raise in pay just Beginning with the Sud Aviation plant To a New Bourgeois Coalition at a time when the boss had decided that in Nantes, where they welded the plant what was needed was a further cut in pay gates shut on May 14, and leaping to the or Workers’ Power? instead. Economically speaking, this is the complex of Renault auto plants around situation that prevails on a nationwide Paris, where the workers ran up the Red By Sam Marcy tionary students and other social group- scale in France. Flag, by May 20 over 6 million workers May 22, 1968 ings, have what amounts to de facto power Gaulist economists, radical and bour- had tied up the whole of France. in their hands. They have not only para- geois politicians and the misleaders of With hundreds of thousands of stu- There can be absolutely no doubt that lyzed the economic life of the country— labor have all done their share in hid- dents occupying every major university in as of this writing, France is in the throes of they virtually have it in their hands. ing the true anatomy of class relations the country and the majority of the minor one of the deepest and most profound of The real issue is whether what they in present-day France. That is what is so ones, as well as broad action by still more revolutionary crises. And France, it must have in their hands will be returned to the incredibly wonderful about the manner hundreds of thousands of high school be remembered, has had more of them absentee owners. This class of ruthless in which the French working class has pupils, the French working class seized than any other Western nation to date. exploiters, a tiny minority of the French put an end to this gross deception. In no and occupied scores, possibly hundreds What gives this truly great revolution- people, is now literally at the mercy of an other way could it have been brought to of plants. They often kept their bosses, ary upheaval exceptional and extraordi- aroused and revolutionary people. the attention of world public opinion, or the executive servants of the ruling class, nary significance is that it has the very real And yet, the ruling classes of Europe the French public generally. imprisoned as they insisted on wage potential—more than previous crises—not and America, while greatly alarmed at As has happened so many times in increases, shorter hours, etc. only of ousting the de Gaulle government, the magnitude of the social and political history, it took the students to spark the Premier Georges Pompidou, acting in but of overturning the entire rotten edifice upheaval, seem confident that even if the movement, but the students alone, no President de Gaulle’s absence, implicitly on which the French capitalist system is de Gaulle government is eventually forced matter how heroic and self-sacrificing, threatened the use of troops. built. out, a new set of leftist politicians will take cannot accomplish the fundamental social But troops could not be moved on the Such an event, of course, would not only over, grant a minimum of concessions, a change that the workers can, because it is closed-down railroads. Nor could they use change the character of the international maximum of false promises, and through only the workers who operate the basic the telegraph or telephone for communi- situation, but would also light the flames the medium of the French CP leadership, machinery of society. The student strug- cations. Were they to move in jeeps and of a new revolutionary conflagration that return the plants back to their “rightful” gle is a symptom of the developing general tanks from their bases, it was question- inevitably would sweep all of Western owners and the workers to exploitation. ... struggle. ... able where they would concentrate their Europe. This in turn would surely mean It is said that all the French workers But now the question is: how can the attack, since the strike hit every city. a forging of the bonds of class solidarity want is the rectification of some griev- struggle be resolved? By parliamentary Mines, mills, steel and auto plants, rub- between the western proletariat and the ances and that their demands are only trickery? By a new bourgeois coalition of ber, textile, chemical and every industry revolutionary liberation struggles waged economic and do not go beyond the lim- left-wing bourgeois politicians in alliance imaginable were on strike. Finally, the by the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin its of the present bourgeois order of soci- with the CP and the SP a la Popular Front army itself was made up of the broth- America. ety. True enough. But this is the least of days? ers and sons of the strikers. Unlike the These bonds, first forged by the victori- all the significant factors in the situation. This is to tread the old beaten path, National Guard regiments of Jersey City ous October socialist revolution in Russia The demands of the Russian workers and the path of treason to the French work- being sent to Newark, or white troops and the Western proletarian uprisings peasants of 1917 were even more modest. ing class. A call for a so-called referen- being used against Black Americans, the that followed, were brutally severed by the Their slogan was bread, land and peace. dum embodying some token concessions French Army was not necessarily “reli- triumph of opportunism and liquidation- Any important strike is an embryo while maintaining the old system would able.” It was almost a classical revolution- ism which now hold sway in the USSR, revolution. That is a basic teaching of be a fraudulent device no less vicious than ary situation. Eastern Europe and most of the CPs. Leninism. the corrupt political maneuvering of the And yet as late as May 17, Georges Seguy, When one considers the rising tide of The scope and breadth of the current National Assembly. ... Secretary General of the CP-controlled rebellion in America today, along with strike in France, encompassing as of today The alternative that is needed is General Confederation of Labor (CGT), the momentous resurgence in Europe, eight to ten million workers, poses a truly a national organization of Workers’ stated specifically that he was against a it is inconceivable that the revolutionary revolutionary threat to the existing social Councils, Peasant Councils, Poor Peoples’ general strike! contagion would not also greatly affect order. It is not the modest character of the Councils and Student Councils. That is the But the general strike was already on the mood as well as the direction of the demands that is decisive, but the manner real alternative to the discredited National (later to be rubber-stamped by Seguy) rank-and-file white American worker and in which the workers seek to get them Assembly. and it had already shown its revolution- cement a genuine alliance with the Black achieved. And the manner in which they That would be a true Popular Front of ary possibilities. liberation movement against the U.S. have gone about it thus far, with speed the masses, a true coalition of the vari- Pompidou proved this when he accused imperialist Establishment. and with such utter spontaneity, makes ous strata of the oppressed and exploited the movement (on May 16) of trying to The above prognosis, our cynics will it truly characteristic of a revolutionary peoples—and not a coalition with the “destroy the nation and the very founda- tell you—and they are an international situation. bourgeoisie, as [the French CP leader] tion of our society.” breed—is a revolutionary pipe dream that However, no revolutionary situation Waldeck Rochet proposes. That would be By May 23 nearly 10 million workers won’t come true. Perhaps. It is instructive can be considered fully as such unless Dual Power, and only “dual” as long as the were on strike—a fifth of the total popu- to remember, however, that these very one also takes into account the situation old regime of the exploiters could survive lation. It was as if 40 million U.S. work- same cynics were telling us only yesterday of the capitalist class and of the recipro- it. ers (there are only 17 million organized in how stable, prosperous and safe from any cal relationships between all the classes of The masses have to establish indepen- labor unions) had downed their tools to revolutionary disorders capitalist France contemporary French society. The French dent organs of power to validate the pos- bring the country to a standstill. was under de Gaulle, and that the French ruling class is confronted by a series of session of the means of production that The workers’ leadership was compelled workers had become so thoroughly bour- economic demands just at a moment in are presently in their hands and take over to supervise the flow of food and vital ser- geois that they were beyond revolutionary its history when the political representa- the political destiny of the country. Only in vices in the interest of the very workers redemption. tives of the ruling class were seeking to this way will they put an end to the reign who were striking. This underlined the Now, it is plain to see that the French further encroach on the living standards of the monopolies which breed poverty, revolutionary character of the action and working class, in alliance with the revolu- of the people. reaction and imperialist war. n www.workers.org March 27, 2008 Page 9 Tibet and the March 10 commemoration of the CIA’s 1959 ‘uprising’ Tibetans have been arrested and are being and carefully organized the riot.’ By Gary Wilson interrogated and tortured.’” “According to Qiangba Puncog, on Qiangba Puncog, a Tibetan who is March 10, 49 years ago, the slave owners Has Tibet become the front line of a chair of the Tibet Autonomous Regional of old Tibet launched an armed rebellion new national liberation struggle? Or is Government, described the situation quite aimed at splitting the country. That rebel- something else happening there? differently at a March 17 press briefing in lion was quickly quelled. Every year since The U.S. news media are filled with sto- Beijing. 1959, some separatists inside and outside ries about events unfolding in Tibet. Each According to china.org.cn, China’s state China have held activities around the day news report, however, seems to include a Web site, the Tibetan leader said that of the rebellion. ... note that much of what they are report- allies of the exiled Dalai Lama on March “Any secessionist attempt to sabotage Qiangba Puncog ing cannot be confirmed. The sources of 14 “engaged in reckless beating, looting, Tibet’s stability will not gain people’s sup- the reports are shadowy and unknown. If smashing and burning and their activi- port and is doomed to fail, he said.” Phayul.com reports that the Tibet past practice is any indicator, it is likely ties soon spread to other parts of the city. “Uprising” group’s statement says they are that the U.S. State Department and the These people focused on street-side shops, Meeting in New Delhi acting “in the spirit of the 1959 Uprising.” CIA are their primary sources. primary and middle schools, hospitals, Whatever is taking place in Tibet has One frequently quoted source is John banks, power and communications facili- long been in preparation. A conference The 1959 uprising Ackerly. Who is Ackerly? As president ties and media organizations. They set fire was held in New Delhi, India, last June by Knowing more about the 1959 “upris- of the International Campaign for Tibet, to passing vehicles, they chased after and “Friends of Tibet.” It was described as a ing” might help in understanding today’s he and his group appear to work closely beat passengers on the street, and they conference for the breakaway of Tibet. events in Tibet. with the U.S. government, both the State launched assaults on shops, telecommu- The news site phayul.com reported In 2002 a book titled “The CIA’s Department and Congress, as part of its nication service outlets and government at the time that the conference was told Secret War in Tibet” was published by operations concerning Tibet. During the buildings. Their behavior has caused “how the Olympics could provide the the University Press of Kansas. The two Cold War, Ackerly’s Washington-based severe damage to the life and property of one chance for Tibetans to come out and authors—Kenneth Conboy of the Heritage job was to work with “dissidents” in local people, and seriously undermined protest.” A call was issued for worldwide Foundation and James Morrison, an Eastern Europe, particularly Romania in law and order in Lhasa. protests, a march of exiles from India to Army veteran trainer for the CIA—proudly 1978-80. “‘Thirteen innocent civilians were Tibet, and protests within Tibet—all tied detail how the CIA set up and ran Tibet’s A private international security agency burned or stabbed to death in the riot in to the upcoming Beijing Olympics. so-called resistance movement. The Dalai in Washington, Harbor Lane Associates, Lhasa on March 14, and 61 police were This was followed by a call this past Lama himself was on the CIA payroll and lists Ackerly and the International injured, six of them seriously wounded,’ January for an “uprising” in Tibet, issued approved the CIA’s plans for the armed Campaign for Tibet as its clients, along said Qiangba Puncog. by organizations based in India. The news uprising. with former CIA Director and U.S. “Statistics also show that rioters set report from Jan. 25 said that the “Tibetan The CIA put the Dalai Lama’s brother, President George H.W. Bush and former fire to more than 300 locations, includ- People’s Uprising Movement” was estab- Gyalo Thodup, in charge of the bloody Pentagon chief William Cohen. ing residential houses and 214 shops, and lished Jan. 4 to focus on the 2008 Beijing 1959 armed attack. A contra army was AP, Reuters and the other Western smashed and burned 56 vehicles. ... Olympics. The beginning date for the trained by the CIA in Colorado and then news agencies all quote Ackerly as a “Qiangba Puncog also claimed that “uprising” was to be March 10. dropped by U.S. Air Force planes into major source for exaggerated reports security personnel did not carry or use At the time the call was issued, U.S. Tibet. about the clashes that have just occurred any lethal weapons in dealing with the riot Ambassador to India David Mulford The 1959 attack was a CIA planned and in Tibet. For example, MSNBC on March last Friday. ... was meeting with the Dalai Lama in organized coup attempt, much like the lat- 15 reported: “The violence was the result of a con- Dharamsala, India. U.S. Undersecretary er Bay of Pigs invasion of socialist Cuba. “John Ackerly, of the International spiracy between domestic and overseas of State Paula Dobriansky made a simi- The purpose was to overthrow the exist- Campaign for Tibet, a group that supports groups that advocate ‘Tibet indepen- lar visit to Dharamsala last November. ing Tibetan government and weaken the demands for Tibetan autonomy, said in an dence,’ according to Qiangba Puncog. Dobriansky is also a member of the neo- Chinese Revolution while tying the people e-mailed statement he feared ‘hundreds of ‘The Dalai clique masterminded, planned con Project for a New American Century. of Tibet to U.S. imperialist interests. What She has been involved in the so-called does that say about today’s March upris- Shift to the left in color revolutions in Eastern Europe. ing, that’s done in the same spirit? n French local votes Laura Bush in Haiti: By G. Dunkel Regarding political program, other vot- grandiose lies amid misery ers might have been objecting to Sarkozy’s Nobody disputes that the UMP, the interventions in Chad with the Zoe’s Ark By G. Dunkel closed off to car and foot traffic by the right-wing governing party, suffered a kidnapping, along with the military inter- security forces of MINUSTAH (the U.N. major defeat on March 16 in the local vention defending the French puppet in Laura Bush swung by Haiti for a few Mission to Stabilize Haiti) and the Haitian elections held all over France. Marseilles early February, followed up by French hours on March 13 on her way to Mexico. National Police while she was in town. was the only large city where the UMP special forces getting caught well inside She stayed in her car or in a building for Laura Bush actually met with three kept its control, but even that control was the Sudan. most of the few hours she spent there pro- young HIV-positive adults during her diminished. Of the thirty other large cities Sarkozy has also promised to send moting the Bush administration’s inter- morning visit to GHESKIO, an AIDS clinic where the right confronted a “left” party, French troops to reinforce Canadian ventions on poverty and AIDS. near the embassy. She used the opportu- the right lost. troops in Afghanistan. He has taken other The Bush administration has been pro- nity to call for more funding for President The dominant left party in France is the foreign policy steps that indicated that moting Haiti as a success story, crediting Bush’s AIDS program. Socialist Party—which is hardly more left France was now following the lead of U.S. U.S. contributions of some hundreds of Bush also met with a group of HIV- than the Democratic Party is here—but imperialism more consistently in its for- millions of dollars for the success. But the positive women who had received business the French Communist Party has tradi- eign entanglements. Bush regime doesn’t mention that almost loans through GHESKIO, Haiti’s largest tionally had a strong implantation on Workers overall and residents of the all these millions were used to pay for the treatment center for sexually transmitted the local level. Other parties which pres- predominantly West African and North military occupation and repression and diseases. GHESKIO stands for the Haitian ent a more anti-capitalist program, like African suburbs, where social problems for the coup the U.S. organized against the Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma Workers Struggle (LO) and the League for and inequalities are particularly harsh, democratically elected president, Jean- and Opportunistic Infections. Communist Revolution (LCR), also have a were turned off by Sarkozy’s attacks on Bertrand Aristide, on Feb. 29, 2004. The loans range from $13.50 to $1,300 noticeable presence. pensions, medical care and workers rights “Haiti has been a very important aspect and are allegedly designed to promote Although the left combined for this under the guise of improving France’s of what we consider to be President economic independence. string of victories, the percentage of votes “competitivity.” Bush’s accomplishments in the region,” It was typical Bush to focus on indi- it obtained was not that dominant. The fascist-right party called the Thomas Shannon, assistant secretary of vidual responses to a vast social problem, The answer to why such a major shift National Front at most got one seat on a state for western hemisphere affairs, told giving the minimum in financial aid in the in electoral support for Nicolas Sarkozy’s regional council. the Miami Herald. face of a vast bucket of misery, much as UMP took place has a number of factors. In the Spanish state a week earlier, Laura Bush followed up with the mes- the administration did in New Orleans. Some of his supporters were perturbed by the PSOE—Spanish socialists—won the sage, “I want to encourage especially the Haitian writer Mona Peralte points out his divorce and remarriage, conducted in national election for a new parliament people of Haiti and the Haitian Americans that Laura Bush could save “many more a glare of publicity, with no concern for with 43.64 percent of the votes as against ... in Florida and all over the United States thousands of lives by inviting George W. propriety. A few months later Sarkozy 40.12 percent for the right-wing Popular to stay involved in Haiti, to reach out as to stop bombing thousands of innocent made an extremely crude and sexist com- Party. While the PSOE didn’t get a major- individuals ... to make sure this success civilian victims in Iraq and Afghanistan ment to someone who refused to shake his ity, which means it will have to set up a continues.” She told the Miami Herald. and to cease those neoliberal economic hand, and this was caught on the French coalition government, it did get five seats The region of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s diktats on poor countries that cause mass version of YouTube. more than in the last election. n capital, where she stayed was pretty much hunger in poor countries.” n Page 10 March 27, 2008 www.workers.org

This part of the city surrounds the street Cynthia McKinney election where, just over a year ago, an Atlanta campaign undercover drug squad burst into the home Re: Larry Holmes’ talk at a Feb. 9 of an elderly woman, Ms. Kathryn Johnston, Class and racism Workers World Party meeting in Detroit on on the basis of a phony “no knock” warrant “Globalization, Economic Crisis & Obama.” and killed her in a flurry of gunshots. While many of the homes in this community are t is seldom that the great, mul- remarkable speech on race on March See www.workers.org for excerpts. owned by senior citizens, there is also a lot tinational working class in the 17, he discussed both the righteous Larry Holmes makes many important of rental property. United States gets much recog- anger in the Black community against observations on the 2008 elections, includ- I ing on the importance of understanding The Georgia insurance commissioner had nition in the mass media. Virtually all the many legacies of slavery that announced that damages will run upwards nothing is said about what all workers still exist and also the fears of whites Barack Obama’s campaign. He points out of $250 million. It is not clear if this esti- have in common and what therefore who are losing their jobs. He talked the bourgeois character of the campaign. mate includes any replacement of the homes makes them a class: the exploitation about how conservative politicians It is also important to realize that Obama of working and poor people. One can antici- of their labor by huge conglomera- and commentators exploit those fears is stealing some of the energy and enthu- pate that low-wage workers, retired people tions of capital, which now straddle on behalf of a “corporate culture” that siasm of people to get rid of Bush and his and renters will not have sufficient insur- the globe. has led to “a Washington dominated policies; energy and enthusiasm that belong ance to cover their losses. Instead, those who sell their abil- by lobbyists and special interests; eco- to progressives. The corporate media are The major downtown businesses have ity to labor in exchange for wages— nomic policies that favor the few over doing everything they can to paint Obama assured their clientele that everything will whether they sweat in the hot fields, the many.” He called on the African- as the alternative of hope and hide the truth be back to normal as soon as possible. But dig in the mines, change sheets and American community to continue to about his platform and about other, real does their assurance include the thousands bedpans, or battle a computer all “insist on a full measure of justice in alternatives. of restaurant workers, hotel housekeeping day—have been defined as consum- every aspect of American life” but also One thing that Larry missed was that staffs and other service workers who won’t ers, or constituents, or taxpayers if to bind “our particular grievances— Cynthia McKinney, former Democratic con- be getting paychecks for weeks or longer they had jobs. And if they got rela- for better health care, and better gresswoman from Georgia, is campaigning while the reconstruction takes place? And tively decent pay with benefits—a schools, and better jobs—to the larger to win the Green Party nomination for presi- what provision is there for those whose shrinking number—they weren’t aspirations of all Americans—the dent. She has campaigned across the coun- homes will now be torn down and most even allowed to be in the working white woman struggling to break the try and participated in the Green Party pri- likely not rebuilt, unless by developers of class anymore. Especially if they were glass ceiling, the white man who’s maries, including in California and Illinois unaffordable housing? white, they were described as “middle been laid off, the immigrant trying to where she won several thousand votes and — Dianne Mathiowetz class.” feed his family.” convention delegates. If she gets the nomi- Atlanta But have you noticed that lately It was a remarkable talk because nation, she will be on the ballot as the GP workers are being taken note of in the it was made within the framework of candidate in at least 21 states. She is, among columns of the media pundits—and a political system shaped and domi- other things, solidly against the wars in Iraq Buckley & HIV specifically “white workers”? How did nated by the super-rich U.S. imperial- and Afghanistan, for single payer health Regarding your article on the death of Wm. they make this amazing comeback? ist ruling class, which has owned both insurance, for reparations for slavery, for a F. Buckley (March 13), I still have some- “White workers” are being men- major political parties lock, stock much higher minimum wage and immigrant where the 1986 New York Times article tioned in connection with the and barrel for generations. It was not rights. about tattooing people with HIV written by Democratic presidential primaries, a break with this system, but it was While readers of Workers World may Buckley. I am delighted that his voice has and especially the campaign of Barack a break with the unwritten rules of not agree with the whole GP platform or been silenced. The NPR/PBS gushing over Obama. It is being broadly hinted that what has been considered acceptable the McKinney campaign, she represents a what an erudite person he was really is he might not make it because of the speech within this system. clear alternative to the twin parties of war enough to make you throw up on the spot. racism of “white workers.” That Obama said he would not at home and abroad. Her historic campaign, I think of the 1980s (and really still This is indeed turning reality on its disown the Rev. Jeremiah Wright— as a Black woman running for president in a today), about the stigma that contributed head. although he did criticize his views—is third party bid, is an opportunity for all pro- to so many unnecessary HIV deaths. I think It was not white workers who intro- another break with the unwritten gressives to not only vote for her, but encour- of a gay male couple with HIV that I once duced slavery into this country. It was rules, and one for which he will surely age others to join her effort, to run for local knew in Hendersonville, Tenn., white merchant capitalists and their be castigated in the months to come. offices. Her campaign gives poor, who had HIV and lived with a customers in the slave trade: rich land Obama was supposed to kneel down working class people in particu- shotgun by their bed because owners who didn’t want to pay wages before the 24/7 blitzkrieg of denun- lar, as well as students and mid- Letters of local Klan activity targeting to white farm workers. They jumped ciations that have streamed out of the dle class people, the opportunity to the editor them. at the chance of super-exploiting a televisions, radios and print media to help build the movement in the I think of the African- people stolen in the millions from ever since Fox aired a segment of streets by supporting a progressive indepen- American brother who lives in the halfway their homeland and brought in chains Wright’s sermons. Instead, he used dent alternative in the 2008 elections. house where I work who has HIV and is in to be sold as chattel, with no human, the attacks to explain in his speech Her website is www.runcynthiarun.org. recovery but is afraid to speak at AA meet- social or political rights at all; who why there is such pent-up anger in In solidarity, ings, lest people get to know him, find out he could be whipped, starved and beaten the Black community. That it was — Fred Vitale has HIV and then shun him. until they either obeyed their “mas- Fox-TV, the pit bull of billionaire State Chairperson, I remember the young Ray brothers in ters” or died. Rupert Murdoch, which began this Green Party of Michigan Florida, whose house was firebombed in It was not white workers but racist attack on Obama just proves the 1980s when neighbors found out that Northern industrial capitalists who, once again that racism comes from, The Atlanta tornado: Class the young hemophiliacs had contracted after winning the Civil War, allowed and is constantly being reinforced by, character of a natural disaster HIV via blood transfusion—in the era when the restoration to power of the the rich ruling class, not the white the American Red Cross blocked hepatitis With 135-mile-an-hour winds on the eve- Southern aristocracy and the return workers. It is fear that white work- B testing (as a surrogate marker for HIV) ning of March 14, a tornado tore through a of a form of semi-slavery with the ers may be won over to Obama—and because they were afraid they would lose 6-mile swath of Atlanta starting with African- sharecropping system—again, to the eventually to a united struggle with blood donations. American neighborhoods such as Vine City, benefit of the rich land-owning class Black workers—that has sent the right All this led to many unnecessary infec- west of downtown; barreling through well- there. It was not white workers but wing of the ruling class ballistic. tions—certainly tens of thousands in the known streets, where some of the city’s most white bosses who tried to defeat the As the U.S. lurches into an econom- early 1980s. I think of myself, who was dis- prestigious buildings are located; and finally early unions in this country by devis- ic crisis of unfathomable depth, noth- missed as a volunteer from Nashville CARE devastating another historic Intown com- ing strategies to pit white against ing is more important than building AIDS organization in 1988 for organizing munity—once home to mill workers, now a Black in hiring and breaking strikes. Black-Brown-white unity to fight in demonstrations and criticizing the gover- rapidly gentrifying neighborhood. It is to Obama’s great credit that the interests of the millions of work- nor in the media after the state legislature Thousands of images have appeared on he has rejected this insidious effort to ers who are being ripped off by this had passed a law in 1986 specifically remov- newscasts showing the damaged CNN and blame racism on white workers. In his profit-mad capitalist system. n ing disability discrimination protections for Georgia World Congress Center building, people with HIV—only people with HIV! the cars buried under bricks and twisted So many terrible memories, so much pain metal and the famous hotels with their win- and death! Buckley’s role was to “legiti- dows blown out. The Atlanta media have also mize” the hate and oppression by giving it extensively covered the collapse of a section his “thoughtful” analysis! I can almost hear Subscribe to of the 100-year-old mill in the Cabbagetown the dead voices, still screaming in pain, of area that was recently converted into lofts. the thousands who met their early deaths Workers World There have been numerous stories about because of the environment created by the more than 20 bungalows and shotgun- Buckley and his ilk. newspaper style houses originally built for mill workers, We owe it to our comrades and all who crushed by massive oak trees. 4 weeks trial subscription: $1 One year subscription: $25 have gone on too early—Danton Peres and However, very little media attention has Marshall Yates, to name just two—to redou- been given to the tremendous devasta- Name______ble our fight against the “state” formulation tion in the Vine City area, an economically of what passes for health care and their HIV struggling neighborhood where many more Address ______City ______State _____ Zip______profit-maker drug company partners. Let’s homes were destroyed or seriously damaged build a socialist world with our Workers Phone ______Email ______and where a large apartment complex had World Party! its roof torn off, forcing dozens of families to WW Publishers 55 W. 17 St. 5 Fl., NY, NY 10011 212.627.2994 ­— Gerry Scoppettuolo www.workers.org escape with their lives and nothing else. Boston www.workers.org March 27, 2008 Page 11 Support for FMPR teachers grows as the struggle continues By Arturo Pérez-Saad increase was in 1996). There was a lot of charges against FMPR members are not their leadership to reverse its disastrous support for the strike from students, par- resolved—including at least five teachers course in this matter. It would also be an The Federation of Puerto Rican ents and other Puerto Rican unions. with phony criminal charges for partici- action of solidarity if every public worker Teachers (FMPR), the largest union in In ten days on the picket lines, dozens pating in the daily pickets and 17 teachers union passed resolutions in support of Puerto Rico, is an independent union rep- of strikers were criminalized and bru- and one social worker unilaterally sus- the FMPR. resenting 44,000 members, more than 80 talized by the Puerto Rican police, who pended from work without pay in Utuado On March 13 Tania Hernández, a FMPR percent of whom are women. deployed their Shock Force against the this past August by the Department of teacher and mother of two who was bru- The FMPR went on strike on Feb. 21 in peaceful picketers. Criminal charges were Education without cause. The govern- talized by the police during the strike, had defiance of Law 45, which outlaws strikes brought against at least four teachers. ment promised that there will be no retali- trumped up charges against her dropped by public sector workers. The union had On March 5, the FMPR held a workers’ ation on the workers for joining the picket by the Supreme Court; however, two other for 29 months attempted to negotiate a and delegates’ assembly at the Roberto lines or for violating Law 45; that charter teachers did not. The FMPR has vowed to new contract in good faith with the Puerto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan. More schools will not be introduced; that facili- have all teachers that were penalized for Rican government, when the government than 10,000 teachers came to cast their ties will be repaired; that teaching materi- participating in the picket or supporting decertified the union on Jan. 8. vote on a tentative agreement reached als will be supplied by the Department of the FMPR absolved of any charges. To The teachers were demanding better by the union and the government. The Education; that class sizes will be reduced; support the Utuado 18—three of whom working conditions, including reduction majority voted to “postpone” the strike and that the teachers will receive a raise. have health issues, and none of whom are in class sizes, adequate teaching mate- and demanded that the Puerto Rican These promises must be enforced! receiving pay—visit maestrosdeutuado- rials and improvements in facilities for government uphold their end of the Unfortunately, the Service Employees suspendidos.blogspot.com. students. They opposed charter schools agreement. International Union’s international vice Last week the Puerto Rican press car- and privatization of public schools, and Where does the FMPR stand now? The president, Dennis Rivera, sabotaged the ried articles attempting to discredit FMPR demanded a wage increase (their last union is still decertified. The frame-up FMPR strike by meeting privately with President Rafael Feliciano in retaliation Puerto Rican Governor Aníbal Acevedo for the successful strike and wins by the Vilá. The meeting was to hatch a plan for FMPR. The Flint Sit-Down Strike Rivera and the SEIU to destroy the FMPR, Hernández and Feliciano will be in New the union democratically chosen by the York City speaking to teachers, union rank and file to represent them. Juan representatives, FMPR supporters, stu- ‘Without the women that Gonzalez of the New York Daily News dents and workers on April 3-6. For more called this “a shameful betrayal of solidar- information, visit mysite.verizon.net/vze- ity.” (Feb. 29) 2kxcd/fmprsupportcommitteenewyork/ strike would have been lost’ Rivera is following the same policies of index.html. Continued from page 4 SEIU president Andy Stern, which is sui- Although the Puerto Rican government When the police fired tear gas into Plant 9, cide for the union and for working class claims to have the FMPR decertified under down to fit their smaller hands. it was the women who smashed the win- solidarity. Rivera’s conduct is similar to “Law 45,” which was passed in 1998, this The Times took note of “the new auto- dows to allow the gas to escape. Seventy strikebreaking and is a blot on the historic law only applies to labor unions. The motive strike organization,” quoting years later Brigade veteran Elizabeth tradition of SEIU District 1199, one of the FMPR has also been a bona fide organi- Johnson as saying, “We will form a picket Anderson Schneider remembers, “I can most progressive and respected unions in zation since 1966 under the “Brotherhood line around the men, and if the police still in my mind just see the police offi- the country. or Bona Fide Organization Law 134,” want to fire, they’ll just have to fire into cers lined up right there on Kearsley, and Delegates from the New York City which gives social and economic rights us.” (Philip S Foner, “Women and the we had clubs, big clubs, we was breaking United Federation of Teachers and the to organizations to represent workers in American Labor Movement”) those window lights.” Professional Staff Congress of the City negotiations. Because relatively few Black men Later “Captain” Johnson and her five University of New York have passed strong On March 5 more than 10,000 teachers worked in GM’s Jim Crow operation, “lieutenants” barricaded the doors at resolutions in support of the teachers. The signed FMPR union cards with dues check few Black women were involved with the Plant 4 to keep the police from storming FMPR needs the 1199 union delegates to off, discarding the lies of the government Brigade. A notable exception was Leola in. “Just as it was beginning to look too show solidarity by putting pressure on and Department of Education. n Combs, spouse of Buick foundry worker risky for us,” Johnson recalled, “we saw and early union supporter Prince Combs. the Emergency Brigade marching towards It had been at the Combs family home us, singing ‘Solidarity Forever’ and ‘Hold that Black union supporters held clandes- the Fort.’ When they arrived I climbed into Defend union rights. tine meetings. the sound car ... and instructed the women Black union activists had a high regard to lock arms and set up an oval picket line From Colombia to Massachusetts, Detroit, New York ..... for the Women’s Brigade. After the strike, to prevent the police from entering the Johnson often shared the podium with plant until it could be secured.” The wom- Roscoe Van Zandt, a Black janitor who en had barely recuperated from the gas- Colombia Free Trade Agreement – joined the white line workers in the sit- sing at Plant 9 when they forced the police down. Referring to Johnson, Black Buick to back away from Plant 4. (Footage of union leader Henry Clark remarked years this was included in the Academy Award- Bad for Colombian and U.S. workers! later, “She was a wildcat.” nominated documentary, “With Babies When workers took over Chevy Plants and Banners.”) 4 and 9, the Emergency Brigade removed On Feb. 3, 1937, designated by strike all doubts about the women’s critical role. leaders as “Women’s Day,” some 700 women paraded through Flint’s busi- ness district as the temperature hovered RI Poor Peoples March around zero. After their parade they joined a mass march of ten thousand, the Continued from page 2 union’s answer to an injunction ordering RI HUD Tenant Project, DARE (Direct the strikers out of the plants. Action for Rights and Equality) and DARE On Feb. 11, 1937, after a 44-day occupa- Hear Youth, People to End Homelessness, tion, the men emerged from the plants vic- Colombian Trade Union Leader Edgar Paez the R.I. Rosa Parks Human Rights Day torious. Their gratitude to the women was Committee and many others. immeasurable. “The women of Flint have on union struggles in Colombia and how to unite Support has been growing day by day. made their fame and are known through- the struggle for workers’ rights globally AFSCME District Council 94 has endorsed out the world for their heroic stand,” and has taken on mobilizing members to exclaimed strike leader Bob Travis. Say NO! to corporate financed assassinations participate. Numerous state representa- “They were fighters,” recalled Brigade of trade unionists in Colombia! tives and senators are supportive of the member Geraldine Blankenship, seven effort. decades later. “They were a great bunch Detroit: Monday, March 24 at 6:30 pm The R.I. Minority Caucus in the legis- of gals and had it not been for them that UAW Local 22 4300 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48210 SINALTRAINAL represents lature has taken a strong stand against strike would have been lost.” US Cuba labor Exchange: 313.587.9285 Colombian workers of proposed budget cuts, in opposition to Martha Grevatt has been a UAW several well-know multi- Boston: Tuesday, March 25 at 6:30 pm the Democratic Party leadership. The Chrysler worker for 20 years. This national corporations in USW 8751, Painters & Allied Trades DC 35 Building the food and beverage budget cuts target every aspect and area article is part of a chapter in Grevatt’s 25 Colgate Road, Roslindale, MA 02131 industries. of human need. It is the mobilization of book, “In Our Hands is Placed a Power: For more information: USW Local 8751 • 617.524.7073 the people that will stop them! the Flint Sit-down Strike,” which will be [email protected] • www.bostonschoolbusunion.org For more info contact the Poor Peoples published by World View Forum later Campaign, 401-837-7663 or libera- this year. New York: Wednesday, March 26 [email protected]. n E-mail: [email protected] For more information: 212-633-6646 ¡Proletarios y oprimidos de todos los países, uníos! Mientras aumentan los despidos El gobierno federal da $200 mil millones a los bancos Por Gary Wilson narán la causa básica de los problemas estuvo pensando mayormente en sí Lo hacen para aumentar la tasa de económicos.” Y eso es correcto. Solo mismo. ganancias. A solo días del peor reporte sobre la servirá para engrosar los bolsillos de los Los periódicos sensacionalistas y los El primer capitalista que introduce situación de los empleos en casi dos déca- banqueros y financieros. programas noticieros televisados, desde tecnología nueva, aumenta la productivi- das, un gigantesco estímulo financiero Mientras que la bolsa de valores ter- CNN hasta la cadena Fox, no gritaron dad del trabajo. La producción de la mer- fue provisto por el gobierno capitalista minó su día con el alza más grande en “recesión”. Pero la voz seria de los ejecu- cancía hecha al usar la nueva tecnología no para l@s trabajador@s despedid@s, dos años, aún así no pudo hacer retro- tivos corporativos, el New York Times, cuesta menos por unidad. Entonces el sino para los bancos más grandes. ceder el descenso de 500 puntos de los reportó que los economistas de Wall capitalista aumenta su propia ganancia Las noticias del 11 de marzo que decían tres días anteriores. Y aún el índice se Street están ahora de acuerdo en que el al vender la mercancía al precio viejo o a que el Banco de la Reserva Federal tomó mantiene bajo, con una caída de casi país está actualmente en una recesión un precio más bajo mientras incrementa la decisión sin precedente de práctica- 2.000 puntos del alza que tuvo en octu- económica. su proporción en el mercado. mente regalar $200 mil millones de bre del 2007. “El desempleo típicamente comien- Pero cuando los capitalistas en com- dólares en préstamos a los bancos más za a subir sólo después de que ya haya petición también comienzan a usar la grandes del mundo, al comienzo sor- 63.000 empleos se perdieron empezado una recesión”, reportó el New tecnología nueva o a introducir tec- prendió a Wall Street. Las acciones del en febrero York Times del 8 de marzo. nología nueva más productiva, entonces Dow Jones dejaron de bajar, pero lue- La fuerte caída de empleos el mes pas- se desvanece la alta tasa de ganancias. Y go comenzaron a descender de nuevo. ado—63.000 empleos se perdieron—fue Cae la tasa de ganancia como para entonces los capitalistas en Al final del día, estas ya habían subido la caída más severa en un mes en más Los recortes de empleos es la respues- general están gastando mucho más en la unos 400 puntos más que al cierre del de cinco años. El desempleo está ahora ta capitalista a la disminución de la tasa tecnología y menos en l@s trabajador@s, día anterior. a un nivel no visto desde el 1990. de ganancias. El fracaso de hacer ganan- la tasa de ganancias actualmente cae — Wall Street se alegró. El gigantesco No incluidos en la cifra de 63.000 son cias constituye la crisis. porque las ganancias vienen de la explot- regalo va a los bolsillos no de l@s más las 450.000 personas que el Depart­ En cualquier crisis capitalista, ación del trabajo humano, no del uso de necesitad@s, sino a los bolsillos de los amento de Trabajo de los EEUU dice que los patronos siempre culpan a l@s tecnologías. bancos más ricos y a los capitalistas han salido de la fuerza laboral en febrero trabajador@s. A veces dicen que l@s Cuando cae la tasa de ganancias, los financieros. –es decir, han abandonado la búsqueda trabajadores no están comprando lo capitalistas empiezan a recortar los El Banco de la Reserva Federal está de empleo. Si hubieran sido incluidas, la suficiente, no están sacando présta- sueldos y beneficios y a eliminar los dando los fondos de la tesorería fed- tasa de desempleo sería un 5,1 por ciento mos suficientes o no están utilizando empleos. Sube el desempleo. Los capi- eral a cambio de los préstamos depre- en vez de un 4,8 por ciento. las tarjetas de crédito lo suficiente. En talistas también responden a la caída de dadores de las viviendas. Esta acción Pero eso no es todo. También quedan otras ocasiones dicen que los salarios o ganancias subiendo los precios, lo cual libera a los prestatarios, que en su may- por fuera l@s millones de encarcelad@s los beneficios de l@s trabajador@s son crea inflación. oría son bancos, de la crisis inmediata al igual que l@s jóvenes de la clase tra- demasiado altos. Para los patronos, el despedir a l@s creada por los préstamos en desfalco, bajadora que se encuentran en las fuer- Nada de eso es la razón de la crisis, trabajador@s es una medida para tra- y no hace nada para proteger de desa- zas militares porque no pueden encon- pero eso no impide que los patronos tar de incrementar la tasa de ganancias. hucios o embargos a l@s dueñ@s de las trar empleos. Ningun@ de ell@s están culpen a l@s trabajador@s. Es la dis- Hoy en día, no hay absolutamente nin- casas. Y eventualmente la clase obrera, contad@s, aunque claramente están minución de la tasa de ganancias lo que guna restricción en cuanto a despidos de como pagadora de impuestos, carga con desemplead@s. verdaderamente ha creado la crisis de la trabajo. Los patronos pueden dar alguna la cuenta de todo esto. Rebecca Blank del Instituto de Políticas economía capitalista. razón o puede que no den ninguna. No Mientras que la constitución dice Económicas dijo al Comité Económico Cuando cae la tasa de ganancias, los importa cuántos años un/a trabajador/a que sólo el congreso puede cobrar Conjunto del Congreso el 7 de marzo que patronos se vuelven despiadados. Al haya tenido tal puesto de trabajo o la can- impuestos y gastarlo, la pregunta es la la tasa de desempleo actual entre hom- tratar de incrementar la tasa de ganan- tidad de ganancias que él/ella haya gana- siguiente, ¿dónde están los gritos de bres jóvenes es mucho más alta de lo que cias, cortan los empleos y los sueldos y do para el patrón durante ese tiempo. protesta sobre este regalo del dinero de señalan las cifras oficiales. reducen los beneficios. La tasa de explot- Claramente esto no es justicia. Aún los impuestos que se ha hecho sin autor- “Al expandir la población encarcela- ación de l@s trabajador@s aumenta. en tiempos de crisis económica, l@s ización alguna? da, hemos quitado más y más hombres Las ganancias son la fuerza motriz del trabajador@s deben tener el poder de Efectivamente, el pasado diciem- jóvenes de la cuenta de fuerza laboral”, capitalismo. Las ganancias provienen alguna decisión sobre su propio empleo. bre cuando el Congreso votaba por las testificó ella. Blank dijo que las cifras de la labor de l@s trabajador@s. Las L@s trabajador@s tienen el derecho a medidas para “aliviar” la crisis económi- ajustadas demuestran que el nivel de ganancias son el sueldo no pagado. proteger la inversión de su propia labor ca, incluyendo una pequeña “rebaja en desempleo ahora es casi igual que duran- Los capitalistas siempre están en en la compañía. los impuestos” la provisión que habría te la recesión grande de 1990, cuando competencia entre ellos por las ganan- Cada compañía está construida sobre extendido los beneficios por desempleo oficialmente era de un 5,5 por ciento. cias. Parte de esa competencia es la la labor de l@s trabajador@s. Eso hace y los cupones de alimentos fue omitida, Esa recesión resultó en la caída de la introducción de nuevas tecnologías que que l@s trabajador@s sean l@s inver- mientras que la provisión de fondos de presidencia del primer George Bush. aumentan la tasa de explotación de l@s sionistas principales de la compañía. emergencia para las grandes compañías El segundo George Bush dijo el 8 de trabajador@s. Mientras la recesión se profundiza, de hipotecas fue expandida. marzo, en respuesta al reporte sobre el En “El Capital”, Carlos Marx mostró se hace aún más importante que l@s La edición del periódico Wall Street desempleo del Departamento de Trabajo que los capitalistas no introducen la tec- trabajador@s luchen por este derecho Journal del 11 de marzo afirmó que que fue publicado el día anterior, “Perder nología nueva para bajar los costos de esencial para proteger sus puestos de “Los esfuerzos de los federales no elimi- un trabajo es doloroso”. Aparentemente producción, aunque eso puede pasar. trabajo, y que ganen esta lucha. n Defendamos los derechos sindicales desde Colombia hasta Massachusetts, New York, Michigan... Tratado de Libre Comercio con Colombia–malo para l@s trabajador@s colombian@s y estadounidenses

Boston: Martes 25 de marzo a las 6:30 PM Escuche a Edgar Páez, líder sindical colombiano quien Edificio de USW 8751, Pintores y oficios asociados DC 35, hablará sobre las luchas sindicales en Colombia y la forma Colgate Road # 25, Roslindale, MA 02131 de unir las luchas por los derechos sindicales globalmente. Detroit: lunes 24 de marzo a 6:30 pm UAW Local 22 4300 Michigan Ave. Detroit, MI 48210 ¡No a los asesinatos financiados por corporaciones New York: miércoles 26 de marzo Para mas información: 212-633-6646 de sindicalistas colombian@s!