"We are realists... we dream the impossible" - Che Fire This Time! Canada's Imperialist Canada Out of Iraq! REMEMBERING Ambitions CHE GUEVARA Pages 8 & 18

Cartoon by: Tom Pokinko Tom Cartoon by: Page 2 Page 24 Art by: Zekhar Krylov Zekhar Art by:

Page 6 EVO MORALES & THE ENVIRONMENT

Hey HANDS OFF VENEZUELA! Page 10 KAEPERNICK, TRUMP & RACISM VENEZUELA ¿CUÁL ES LA DISCUSIÓN?

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Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 • In English / En Español • Free • $3 at Bookstores www.firethistime.net WHY WE MUST OPPOSE CANADA’S IMPERIALIST AMBITIONS AND BUILD A BROAD ANTI-WAR, ANTI-OCCUPATION MOVEMENT

By Nita Palmer In 2008 the Conservative government and around the world, has increased followed with their own Canada First exponentially since 2001. ISIS/Daesh, one Defense Strategy, a $490 billion plan to of the most brutal terrorist organizations Sixteen years have now passed since the increase Canada’s military over the next 20 in the world, has gained a foothold in ‘war on terror’ began with the invasion and years. Afghanistan. The official government has occupation of Afghanistan. The decade and For the first time since the Korean War, little influence beyond Kabul. Much of a half which has passed since the September scores of Canadian soldiers began returning the country remains under the control 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade home in coffins. Military recruitment ads of the Taliban, or worse, the corrupt and Centre has been characterized primarily by popped up everywhere, urging young people bloodthirsty warlords often supported a new era of war and occupation around the to “Fight Fear. Fight Boredom.” Parks and directly or indirectly by the US and NATO. world – a war drive which has killed and even city streets have occasionally become Tens of thousands of Afghans have died injured millions and forced millions more military training grounds. in this war, although there is no official to flee their countries. Under the vague Afghanistan count. Each year has brought an increase in justification of ‘combating terrorism’ and civilian casualties. Sixteen hundred civilians ‘building democracy’, the United States Afghanistan became the longest war in were killed in the first half of 2016 alone. and their allies have bombed, invaded, and Canada’s history, with as many as 2,500 Nearly all were children. occupied countries in the Middle East and troops there for 12 years. Canadian Forces throughout the world. played a leading role in the NATO combat Nearly a million people are internally mission in Kandahar province, one of the displaced in Afghanistan, and around six The beginning of this new era of war million are refugees abroad. The number of and occupation also marked a significant most heated battle zones in the country and a hub of Afghan resistance to the US/ people displaced by fighting continues to increase in Canada’s war drive and combat grow. missions abroad. Canadian Forces deployed NATO occupation. One hundred fifty- to Afghanistan in 2001, playing a major eight Canadian soldiers were killed in For the vast majority of Afghans, nothing role in occupation of that country. The Afghanistan; an additional 54 took their has improved since the war began, and Liberal government released a White Paper own lives after returning home from the in fact they face more insecurity from on Defense in 2005 calling for Canada to battlefield. fighting than before. Taliban rulers have make its mark in the world diplomatically, Today, Afghanistan remains in shambles. been replaced by corrupt warlords, often economically, and militarily, noting that For all the talk of ending terrorism and flush with cash from NATO reconstruction Canada had to “break through the glass bringing democracy and human rights to contracts. ceiling of its middle-power status” and the country, little, if any, has been achieved. This is the legacy which Canada has left to “compete in a world of rising giants”. Terrorism, both within Afghanistan Afghanistan. Yet the war there is not over

2 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 yet – the US currently has 11,000 In addition, the Canadian Air Force has aircraft were deployed to the country, along troops stationed in Afghanistan flown over 3,000 missions, including with JTF-2 commandos. The Canadian and over 3000 more are soon to refuelling missions for bombers Air Force dropped 240 bombs on the be deployed. Some foreign policy and reconnaissance country and supported other NATO critics suggest that Canada operations. aircraft in bombing operations. should rejoin the NATO Libya The NATO mission succeeded not only in mission there. overthrowing Gaddafi, who they labelled Iraq a dictator, but also set the country back While Canada did not decades in terms of development officially send troops and human rights. The to Iraq in 2003, the country, which once was government of Canada the wealthiest in Africa quietly supported the and boasted free education US/UK invasion and health care for all, has and occupation been fragmented into a society Canadian special forces helicopter on a mission in ruled by rival gangs and terrorist from behind the northern Iraq. February 20, 2017. scenes. Former organizations – including al- US Ambassador to Qaeda, with whom the CIA Canada Paul Cellucci noted directly worked with to overthrow that, “Ironically, the Canadians Gaddafi. indirectly provide more support for us in Far from bringing human rights to Iraq than most of those 46 countries that the country and increasing regional are fully supporting us.” stability, the NATO mission destroyed This support includedLibyan boys walk near the wreckage of a school bombed one of the wealthiest countries in $300 million to help by NATO/Canada forces in August 2011. Africa, dramatically increased the refugee ‘rebuild’ the country and crisis, and created yet another haven for train the new Iraqi police terrorist organizations in the region. This force after the invasion, as is Canada’s legacy in Libya. well as sending over one Haiti hundred soldiers there to serve with US and British In February 2004, Canada’s JTF-2 forces troops, and stationing participated in the invasion of Haiti along warships in the Persian with forces from the US and France, Gulf. overthrowing the democratically elected president Jean-Bertand Aristide. The The war in Iraq has United Nations Stabilization Mission that killed over a million followed did nothing to stabilize the people, decimated the country. In fact, the UN forces were country’s infrastructure, documented on several occasions and fomented sectarian committing terrible human violence and division Canada also participated rights abuses such as widespread along religious lines. The division, rape and mass murder. Today, instability, and desperate poverty which in the military intervention in Haitians remain in desperate the war created helped give rise to Daesh, living conditions, with which now extends its reign of terror over Libya and the nearly 60% of the country large parts of Iraq, Syria, and other areas of living in poverty (UN the Middle East and North Africa. Former Development Program). US military advisor David Kilcullen has The UN-installed declared that, “there would be no ISIS government is one if we had not invaded Iraq”. of the most corrupt The rise of ISIS gave renewed justification in the world, with for the US and their allies to continue war Haiti ranked in Iraq, fighting a monster of their own as fifteenth creation. This time, however, Canadian most corrupt troops are directly involved in the fray. A country total of 850 Canadian troops are currently in the world in Iraq, 650 of which are part of the elite by Transparency Joint Task Force 2 ( JTF-2). While the International. government of Canada claims their mission Eastern Europe and Beyond is solely to “train, advise, and assist” Kurdish Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. forces fighting ISIS, it has become clear The government of Canada’s involvement that Canadian forces are routinely engaged overthrow in wars abroad does not end at these direct in direct combat on the front lines – as o f President military interventions, however. Canada shown recently when a JTF-2 sniper was Muhammar Gaddafi. Two currently has hundreds of troops stationed celebrated for a kill shot on an ISIS fighter. naval vessels and over a dozen in Latvia, leading a NATO battle group

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 3 there, supposedly to deter the threat of a they are pursuing a policy of imperialism. Russian invasion. Why We Need an Anti-War As well, the government of Movement Canada has sold millions None of these wars have ever been of dollars worth of military about stopping terrorism. They equipment, including automatic have not made the world safer or weapons, bombs, and military expanded democracy or human vehicles to Israel and Saudi rights – quite the opposite. The Arabia, who are fighting brutal only beneficiaries of these wars are wars against Palestine and members of the wealthy elite – the Yemen, respectively. capitalist class – who are protecting What is Behind Canada’s War their economic position. Poor and Drive? working people in Canada and Why has the government of around the world have nothing to Canada, a country which once gain and everything to lose from these wars. preferred to stay behind the A Canadian soldier stands guard scenes of wars abroad, now during the 2004 invasion of Haiti. We have a moral and ethical taking a leading role? duty to defend our fellow human The world we live in today involvement in military interventions beings from what amounts to little is marked by increasingly frequent abroad. In short, the government of Canada more than slaughter. The vast majority of capitalist economic crises. As well, new is not sending troops to fight a ‘war on casualties in this war drive are not soldiers countries have begun to rise as economic terror’, but to ensure that the Canadian but innocent men, women, and children. powerhouses – such as China and Russia state establishes itself in a strong position Beyond defending our fellow human - which threaten the hegemony of the among global economic competitors. beings though, we must stand up for our current economic powers like the US. own rights as well. This war drive has had The Oxford Dictionary defines imperialism a deep impact here at home too. Budgets In order to delay these crises and to as “a policy of extending a country’s maintain their status as economic powers, for health care, education, and other vital power and influence through diplomacy services are being slashed because there the US and their allies have launched or military force”. This is essentially the ever more frequent wars to gain control is ‘no money’ even as the military budget definition of Canada’s foreign policy! The has been expanded exponentially. of resources, trade markets, and militarily wars and interventions by the government strategic locations. These wars are not a of Canada are not about stopping terrorism; At the same time, our basic democratic ‘war on terror’- they are a war for military rights and right to free speech are and economic control. being eroded through legislation such As for Canada’s role, there is perhaps At What Cost? as the Conservatives’ Bill C-51 and no better explanation of the reasons the the ‘modified’ version proposed by the government of Canada has joined Liberals, Bill C-59. This legislation this war drive than the International allows detention for up to a Policy Statement written in 2005: week without charge, sharing of Canadian citizens’ and residents’ “Make no mistake: We are in the personal information among various midst of a major rebalancing of government agencies without global power. New nations are a warrant, and vastly expanded rising as military and economic data collection capabilities. Under forces. Many established powers the guise of ‘anti-terrorism’, this are striving to maintain their legislation can and surely already is influence through regional being used to target anti-war, social integration and new alliances. In a justice, and environmental activists, world of traditional and emerging making it easier for the government giants, independent countries like of Canada to silence voices of Canada—countries with small dissent against this war drive. populations—risk being swept aside, their influence diminished, It is vital that we build a strong, their ability to compete hampered. united, and effective movement to That may sound dramatic, but the demand an end to the wars abroad stakes are that high. We will have and the war against poor and to be smart, focused, agile, creative working people at home. Building and dogged in the pursuit of our an anti-war movement is about interests.” more than just opposing bombs being dropped; it is a fight for our The Policy Statement then goes own rights, a fight for the very on to explain the need (among survival of humanity, and the first other things) for the extension of step toward building a world which Canada’s influence in the world is fundamentally based on justice diplomatically, and the expansion and peace. and strengthening of Canada’s Follow Nita Palmer on Twitter: military and for an increasing Infographics source: Conscience Canada @NGP1z0 4 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 “Since 9/11, our disproportionate fear of terrorism data-mining.” has been used to slowly increase the powers of intelligence and security agencies without proof This also comes as Public Safety Minister that these powers are necessary to keep us safe, Ralph Goodale issued new directives to and with always greater risks and impact on the RCMP , CSIS and the Canada Border our civil liberties. This is called the national Services Agency which leaves the door open security creep. We must not allow C-59 to to the use of information gained through continue this dangerous and damaging trend.” torture, “when necessary to prevent loss − Tim McSorley, National of life or significant personal injury.” This Coordinator for the International is especially troubling because there is an Civil Liberties Monitoring Group admission that these agencies were already using information gained through torture, As Parliament reconvened in September, and he essentially still leaves future use to one of the major issues to be dealt with is their discretion – which is open to massive the Liberal’s Bill C-59, which they put abuse. forward as a “fix” to the wholly condemned “Anti-Terrorism Act” Bill C-51. While most At the same time, a B.C. Supreme Court groups acknowledge Bill C-59 does soften judge acquitted Othman Hamdan on four some of the most flagrant human rights terrorism charges related to his Facebook violations, a coalition of 38 organizations posts. Justice Bruce Butler criticized the and experts recently issued an open letter RCMP’s method of presenting its evidence, explaining that overall Bill C-59 does not pointing out that because the police only fix the ills of Bill C-51 and fails took screenshots of parts of Mr. Hamdan’s to protect human rights. By Thomas Davies Facebook posts, so other content that could have provided context was not preserved. The concerns of the organizations, which Mr. Hamdan, who represented himself, include Amnesty International Canada, the also pointed out that the translations from Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Arabic were full of errors. the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association, include: What does it all mean? Basically the government and police forces keep telling “- The newly renamed Security of Canada us to “trust them” with new powers to Information Disclosure Act still permits far violate human rights - as they continue to too much information to flow between too show they should absolutely not be trusted. many departments; The new open letter is a great step forward - The no-fly list still lacks adequate due process in addressing the falsehoods of Bill C-59, and funding to address complaints; and should be followed up with continued - The bill fails to reverse the low threshold education, organization and mobilization the Conservative bill set for terrorism peace to Repeal Bill C-51 and Scrap Bill C-59. bonds that can limit a suspect’s freedoms; The Working Group to Stop Bill C-51 in - Preventative detention powers introduced Vancouver just held its successful 134th in 2001 are still in place and remain deeply weekly action – imagine if these actions were problematic; replicated across the country in a consistent the risk for abuse of CSIS disruption and coordinated campaign. We need to powers is reduced, but the government has make it loud and clear to Justin Trudeau yet to demonstrate either their necessity or that there is no such thing as partial human constitutionality; rights, and that we are willing to organize - Newly created oversight agencies lack together to defend and extend them! Follow Thomas Davies on Twitter: the guarantees necessary to ensure their effectiveness; REPEAL BILL C-51! - The general risk that security activities will @thomasdavies59 SCRAP BILL C-59! contribute to torture remains, and OUR SECURITY LIES IN DEFENDING - The bill legitimizes troubling conduct, THE RIGHTS OF ALL! including mass surveillance and extensive

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale left the door open to using information derived from torture Continuing the petition campaign Another banner drop before the during 134th weekly action daylight becomes shorter in October

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 5 On September 22, 2017, Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that Canada is imposing sanctions against the government of Venezuela under the Special Economic By Alison Bodine Measures Act. According to Global Affairs Canada the sanctions are “against 40 Venezuelan officials and individuals who have played a key role in undermining the security, stability Today, Venezuela is facing increasing threats, sanctions and and integrity of democratic institutions of Venezuela.” foreign intervention. The United States has been the leader of these attacks against Venezuela’s sovereignty, especially These sanctions are the latest escalation in a series of attacks through illegal sanctions, threats of military intervention, and carried out by the government of Canada in the name of the funding of violent right-wing counter-revolutionary groups supporting “human rights” and “democracy” in Venezuela; an and political parties. Venezuela was even included in the latest overplayed and unsubstantiated excuse that has been used by version of U.S. President Trump’s shameful and inhuman travel the government of Canada before to justify their violations of ban. Venezuela’s sovereignty. The U.S.-led campaign for “regime change” in Venezuela works On top of the sanctions, Canada has been a leading voice hand-in-hand with Venezuela’s violent right-wing opposition. demanding that the Organization of American States (OAS) to These counter-revolutionaries have attempted to overthrow intervene in the internal affairs of Venezuela by implementing the democratically elected government of President Nicolas the Inter-American Democratic Charter. As well, Canadian Maduro through an economic war of hoarding, price gouging Professor Irwin Cotler is a member of a sham panel that is and other sabotage. They have also waged a violent campaign being set-up by the OAS, outside of Venezuela and without the support of the Venezuelan people, to investigate possible “crimes CANADA HANDS OFF VENEZUELa! on the streets of Venezuela that resulted in the deaths of over 100 people in the four months between April and July, some against humanity” by the government of Venezuela. Cotler, a of whom were burnt alive just for being suspected “Chavista” former Liberal politician and lawyer, is a good representation supporters of the Venezuelan government. of who is participating in this panel. He is hardly unbiased in his views on Venezuela, as an international representative for Is Canada Really Concerned about “Human Rights” and Leopaldo Lopez, a leader in Venezuela’s violent opposition “Democracy” in Venezuela? who is currently under house arrest after being convicted for Since the election of Hugo Chavez in 1998, under both Liberal inciting violence. and Conservative governments, all major political parties in The government of Canada was also instrumental in the Canada have been consistent in their attacks against Venezuela development of the “Lima Declaration,” which was released and the Bolivarian Revolutionary process. in August, 2017 following meeting in Peru of representatives from Canada and right-wing governments in Latin America. The Lima Declaration includes unsubstantiated allegations of the violation of various “human rights” and “democratic” norms in Venezuela, as well as a declaration that the signatories will not recognize the National Consistent Assembly elected in Venezuela on July 31, 2017. After all of these threats and rhetoric, the question must be asked, since when has the government of Canada been in a position to condemn other countries for their abuses of “human rights” and “democracy”? As it goes, people in glass houses shouldn’t through stones. This September at the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted the human rights abuses committed by 6 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 the Bolivarian revolutionary process. Build a Strong Movement in Canada in Defense of Venezuela As long as the government and revolutionary people in Venezuela continue to take a stand for their sovereignty and self-determination, the government of Canada will continue their attacks. The Bolivarian revolutionary process has made massive improvements in the lives of the majority of people in Venezuela, at the expense of private and international interests, including those of Canadian mining and resource extraction companies. As people living in Canada, we must Demonstration in Caracas, Venezuela against the Organization of American States build a strong and united movement and the attempt of right-wing Latin American governments, the United States and in the defense of the sovereignty and Canada, to implement the Interamerican Democratic Charter in violation of the self-determination of the people of soveriegnity of Venezuela. Venezuela. We must fight against the illegal sanctions by the government of the government of Canada against despite her clearly anti-democratic Canada. We must also demand that the Indigenous people. “There are, today, record. For starters, she participated in government of Canada to recognize the children living on reserves in Canada the 2002 coup-attempt against Hugo legitimacy of Venezuela’s democratically who cannot safely drink, or bathe in, or Chavez. She was also the founder elected government and put an end to even play in the water that comes out of a so-called “election monitoring” their meddling in the internal affairs of of their taps….And for far too many organization Súmate, which received at Venezuela. Indigenous women, life in Canada least $22,000 from the government of includes threats of violence so frequent Canada. Súmate is in no-way supportive U.S./Canada Hands Off Venezuela! and severe that Amnesty International of “free and fair elections in Venezuela.” No more U.S./Canada Sanctions and has called it ‘a human rights crisis,’” During a 2004 referendum, they were Threats! were just some of what he said that day. exposed by former U.S. President Even just reading this alone, how it Jimmy Carter because they “deliberately distributed this erroneous exit poll Follow Alison Bodine on Twitter: possible that Canada can claim to be @Alisoncolette a leading example for human rights data in order to build up, not only the around the world? Not only that, expectation of following his speech, Trudeau has been victory, but also widely criticized for crying crocodile to influence tears. Even if he recognizes the the people still atrocities and abuses of the Canadian standing in government, his government continues line.” to take little action towards improving In order to the human rights of Indigenous people establish and in Canada. maintain Government of Canada is No Friend their close to the People of Venezuela relationship with counter- In the face of this hypocrisy, the revolutionaries Trudeau’s government continues to in Venezuela, carry forward interventionist policies the Canadian against Venezuela. Embassy in In fact, leaders in Venezuela’s violent Venezuela right-wing opposition have always also awards a found a friendly ear with the Canadian “Human Rights government, and have even had the Prize” each year opportunity to speak in Canadian to a member of Demonstration against escalating foreign parliamentary hearings. For example, Venezuela’s violent opposition. This is intervention in Caracas, Venezuela. The woman’s sign reads “I am an anti- Maria Corina Machado, an opposition a shameful insult to the mass majority of the people of Venezuela who support imperialist and a “Maduro-ist” (supporter leader, has often found an audience of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro) within the Canadian government the government of Nicolas Maduro and - August 14, 2017

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 7 7th International Che Guevara Conference - Canada “FROM THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION TO THE CUBAN REVOLUTION: THE QUESTION OF LEADERSHIP, IMPLEMENTING THE SOCIALIST PROJECT & WHERE WE ARE TODAY!” OCTOBER 27-29, 2017 RUSSIAN HALL - 600 CAMPBELL AVE. - VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CHE GUEVARA CONFERENCE Since the triumph of Cuba’s 1959 revolution to today, the vision and political ideas that shape the Cuban revolution remain a source of inspiration, discussion and debate around the world. Through the ideas of Fidel, Che, the Cuban socialist project, and the dynamics of the mass revolutionary movement, and especially the concept of Revolutionary Internationalism, Cuba has become a country renowned for its achievements in health, education, culture, science and many other aspects of social and human progress. The Cuban socialist project and the FREE CONFERENCE! Cuban revolutionary leadership, despite 50 years of an inhuman and criminal blockade by *REGISTRATION HERE* consecutive US administrations, have never wavered to imperialist pressure. The International Che Guevara Conference is an opportunity to discuss and debate the ideas http://cheguevaraconference.bpt.me of the Cuban revolution, its dynamism and how it has impacted Latin America and the world. The First International Che Conference in 2008 was on the theme “Che Guevara, Thinker and Fighter: Are His Ideas Relevant for the 21st Century?” Every Vancouver international Che Guevara Conference since has discussed and debated a wide variety of topics including: “50 Years of Dynamism of the Cuban Revolution,” “Cuba & Revolutionary Internationalism,” “Cuba Today - The Gains & Challenges,” “Cuba’s Reforms: Capitalism or Socialism,” and “Cuba: a Socialist Project in Prog- ress.” Each conference * Programa de la conferencia has featured amazing guest speakers from en inglés y español * Cuba, Venezuela, the U.S. and Canada. *Conference Program In October 2017 the in English & Spanish* 7th International Che Guevara Conference will take place on two historic anniversaries: 50 years after the assas- sination of Ernesto Che Guevara and 100 years since the Russian Revo- lution. The conference will honour these events with the title, “From the Russian Revolution to the Cuban Revolution: the question of leader- Follow the conference on Twitter: ship, implementing the #CheConf socialist project & where we are today.” The #VanCuba conference will feature many prominent guests @VanCuba_VCSC from Cuba, Venezuela, England, the U.S. & Canada. This event will take place on the traditional and unceded territories of the Tsleil-Waututh (səl̓ ilwətaɁɬ), the Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm), and the Squamish (Skwxwú7mesh) Coast Salish Nations.

8 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 <<< FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 >>> ** Concert & Fundraiser for Reconstruction Efforts in Concert is Free! Cuba after the Devastating Hurricane Irma ** Suggested donation of $10 towards The Legendary Canadian Network on Cuba’s Hurricane Relief Cuban GERARDO ALFONSO & Reconstruction Fund after the devastating Hurricane Irma. Musician Direct from Havana, Cuba Gerardo Alfonso’s music is a beautiful mix, rich in influence from many musical genres from across the Caribbean. Gerardo masterfully weaves these sounds with his urban and popular roots, while never abandoning his trova spirit! For this, Gerardo Alfonso has become one of the most unique singers and songwriters in Cuba and Latin America. Don’t miss a great chance to see this incredible performer! Join us for an amazing evening! The last two times Gerardo Alfonso has been in Vancouver it was standing room only!

and Its Neighbours: Democracy in Motion" <<< SATURDAY & SUNDAY OCTOBER 28 & 29, 2017>> (Fernwood Publishing/Zed Books, 2013), ** Two days of Speakers, Workshops, Film, Art Displays, "Cuba-U.S. Relations: Obama and Beyond" Discussion & Revolutionary politics! ** (Fernwood, 2017). An accomplished jour- nalist, he contributes articles in English, FEATURING SPEAKERS: Spanish and French to news and research held various positions in public administration sites in the United States, Canada, Cuba, MS. TANIA LÓPEZ LARROQUE institutions in Venezuela between 1999 and (Havana, Cuba) Chief of Mis- 2017, such as the Venezuelan Foreign Trade Latin America and Europe. Since 1997, he sion, Consul General of the Cu- Bank, the Superintendence of Tax Adminis- has spent extended periods in Cuba pursuing ban Consulate in Toronto. She tration and Customs, the Superintendence of his intensive investigations. graduated from the University Banks, as well as other financial institutions. ISAAC SANEY of Havana’s School of Foreign He joined the student struggle from an early (Nova Scotia, Canada) Pro- Languages and completed her age and stands firmly in the defense of the fessor at Dalhousie and Saint post-graduate studies at the Institute of Bolivarian Revolution. Mary's Universities. He holds a Foreign Affairs in Havana. She has been PhD in history from the School working for Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign GERARDO ALFONSO of Oriental and African Studies Affairs (MINREX) for 17 years, including (Havana, Cuba) Born in Gua- (SOAS), University of London. posts in Mexico, Argentina, and now Canada nabacoa, Cuba on November 1, 1958, Gerardo was musically His dissertation focuses on the intersection MR. WILMER OMAR inclined from a young age, and of Cuban and southern African history. He BARRIENTOS FERNÁNDEZ by his teenage years he was is the author of the widely acclaimed book, (Caracas, Venezuela) His performing his first composi- "Cuba: A Revolution in Motion" (London: Honourable Mr. Wilmer Omar tions. In 1980, he joined the Zed Books, 2004). He is also a co-chair of Barrientos Fernández is the Nueva Trova Cubana Movement, which was the Canadian Network on Cuba. Ambassador of the Bolivar- made up of young and talented musicians who WENDY HOLM ian Republic of Venezuela to were especially interested in the development (Bowen Island, Canada) Pro- Canada. He studied at the Military Acad- of socially engaged lyrics. He regularly gives fessor of UBC’s International emy and graduated in 1983. On February talks and workshops on music and its social Field Studies in Sustainable 4, 1992, he collaborated with Comandante and political contexts. Agriculture (Cuba), agrolo- Hugo Chavez in the first coup attempt in gist, economist, author, award Venezuela. He has served as a general of the HELEN YAFFE winning journalist, and sustain- National Armed Forces of Venezuela, and has (London, England) An Econom- ability expert. Wendy is also the organizer of occupied diverse positions of government. ic History Fellow at the London the Canada-Cuba Farmer to Farmer Project. He also served as Minister for the Office of School of Economics. Helen is the Presidency, and Minister of Industry, author of "Che Guevara: The ALI YEREVANI under Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Economics of Revolution" (Vancouver, Canada) Political (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009). Editor of the Fire This Time MR. WILFREDO J. PEREZ She has worked on a variety of Newspaper. Participant in the BIANCO (Caracas, Venezuela) newspapers and publications and has presented 1979 Iranian Revolution. Chief of Mission, Consul Gen- papers at conferences and seminars around the eral of the Venezuelan Consul- world. Helen will be joining us via videoconfer- ate in Vancouver. He graduated ence from London. TAMARA HANSEN from the Central University of (Vancouver, Canada) Coordina- Venezuela with a degree in jour- ARNOLD AUGUST tor of Vancouver Communities nalism in 1992, and received his doctorate in (Montreal, Canada) Author of in Solidarity with Cuba. Author Information Sciences from the Autonomous many articles and books includ- of "5 Decades of the Cuban University of Barcelona in 1998. He has been ing: "Democracy in Cuba and Revolution: The Challenges working for Foreign Affairs for 7 years in the the 1997–98 Elections" (Edito- of an Unwavering Leadership" Venezuelan Ministry of Popular Power, and rial José Martí, 1999), "Cuba (Battle of Ideas Press, 2010). WWW.CHEGUEVARACONFERENCE.CA FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 9 A Speech by Bolivian President Evo Morales

72nd Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations conflicts remain the scourge of millions of people; as a result Tuesday, September 19, 2017 of external aggressions in Iraq up to one million are dead, Brother Secretary-General of the United in Syria almost half a million Nations, Brother President of the General people have been killed, in Assembly; sisters and brothers heads Libya tens of thousands have of state and governments, sisters and been killed and in Yemen the brothers of the delegations present and humanitarian crisis is of great proportions. the United States has decided to turn its international organizations. back on the Paris Agreement. In refusing On behalf of the people of Bolivia we History has shown that with the objective to join in the global effort, as one of the express our solidarity with the people of of appropriating natural resources and primary polluters, its government has Mexico, dismayed by what happened today geopolitically controlling the world, become a threat against Mother Earth. A in the afternoon with the earthquake. We military bases are deployed, invasions are unequivocal political will is necessary, we express our strength, with brotherhood to organized and governments are brought can not expect the market forces to finally face the problems that were presented in down to create chaos and benefit from convince the leaders of the capitalist Mexico. that situation. Many of these invasions world to take action. have fueled the emergence of terrorist Sisters and brothers, again the leaders groups that unleash violent confrontation We extend our embrace of solidarity to of the world meet in the historic hall of and attacks on civilian populations, our Caribbean brothers who suffer the the United Nations General Assembly; further damaging innocent victims. consequences of hurricanes, together as a again meet to express our positions on Bolivia condemns terrorism and calls united family we will share what we have, the great challenges facing our family, the to combat it by resolving the structural even if little. human family. The UN, as the Charter of causes of its emergence. Sisters and brothers of the United Nations: the United Nations says, was created to our rivers, the seas, our forests, and science preserve the coming generations Sisters and brothers, to this terrible situation is added the climate give us irrefutable evidence and call us from war, to promote to act. Water is the blood of Mother social progress and to crisis, again we warn that this year has been the Earth which feeds rivers, lakes, seas, and raise the standard oceans which are the source of life and of living of all. hottest in the history of the planet. balance, are universal common goods that Unfortunately cover three quarters of our house, and many of these It is clear that the main Hurricanes, earthquakes, which bathe the coasts of all continents promises did threat to Mother Earth, and the islands of the earth. They do it not become floods, against multilateralism, droughts, air naturally, without distinguishing political reality, and boundaries or nationalities, they must be after more pollution, against peace and against oceans and the respected, cared for, shared and preserved than 70 for future generations. Bolivia has years we see freedom is the government consequent extinction of promoted the recognition of water as a that in many of the United States. human right for the survival of humanity, cases, instead species are the product of the so our Constitution also prohibits it from of moving being a profit or mercantilism. towards those capitalist model, objectives, we have consumption The use of water should pave the regressed. levels and excessive way for opportunities that promote industrialization. In this collaboration, interaction and harmony As we have affirmed situation the countries of the among peoples, not to create conflicts many times, as a result of South, those that least contaminate, over their origin, property or use. It the abusive practices of imperialism, the suffer the most consequences; it is is in this spirit, safeguarding Human savage consumer market that sustains imperative that all countries adhere to the Rights, the sovereign rights of our capitalism and the endless colonialist Paris Agreements to jointly assume the natural resources and in search of good- adventures, the world is going through a enormous challenges to save the planet. neighborly agreements, that Bolivia hopes multiplicity of crises that, instead of being to resolve its differences on the waters of solved, are getting worse. War and violent It is unjustifiable and inadmissible that 10 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 Silala, now filed before the Court of of this we propose the creation of a universal Let me call again to build a global pact Justice. Water should not be the cause citizenship. This social and migratory that will be the bridge to advance in the of internal or international conflicts, crisis has its origin in the dominant world much desired Universal Citizenship, it should bring together and unite all order, which in its unbridled voracity for because there are no categories, there States, nations, communities, peoples, profit and appropriation of the common are no differences between nationals and social movements and individuals. For goods generates violence, promotes foreigners, because we are all human Bolivia, the hydrographic heart of South inequalities and destroys Mother Earth. beings children of Mother Earth. America, this concept is very important: “Where water flows, peace must flow.” The migrant can not be held responsible for Sisters and brothers, the United States economic-financial crises or insecurity; we must unilaterally and unconditionally end Sisters and brothers, the world is not must not allow them to be criminalized, no the unjust blockade that has caused so only hotter every year; every year is more emigrants are illegal. Some governments, much suffering for the Cuban people for unfair, more unequal. The gap between far from contributing to the solution of almost 60 years. It is an unjust and failed those who have most of everything and the structural causes of this phenomenon policy and therefore must cease; the new those who have almost nothing is ever such as wars, the consequences of climate actions announced by President Trump widening. According to Oxfam’s most change or economic asymmetries among signify a resurgence of the economic recent report, eight people have the same states, announce greater restrictions on and commercial blockade against Cuba wealth as 3.6 billion people, or half of the migration policy, massive expulsions and revert the advances achieved in the world’s population. Inequality is immoral. and the construction of walls. The walls relations between Cuba and the United If 800 million people are hungry, it is go against the history of humanity, the States. The United States must not only not because food is lacking, if millions walls mutilate science and knowledge, lift this criminal blockade, but must pay of children die of an infection, it is not walls enclose the soul, ignite hatred compensation for the damages caused and because of a lack of medicines. If 1.1 of difference, drown freedom. restore Guantánamo to Cuban sovereignty. billion people do not have electricity is not because of lack of energy in the Last June, in Tiquipaya, Bolivia, I give my heartfelt homage to the memory world, if there are illiterates is not because representatives of social movements from of Commander Fidel and Commander there are missing books, if there are poor 45 countries of the world met at the Che Guevara, who from this rostrum in the world is not because of lack of World Conference for a World without warned us that in the empire is not to be resources. As a product of war, terrorism Walls to Universal Citizenship, in which trusted. Sisters and brothers, we welcome and other conflicts, we are experiencing we elaborated alternative proposals with the progress made in the peace process in the worst humanitarian crisis. a humanist vision, to welcome, protect, Colombia, the consolidation of a cease- promote and integrate migrants. Brother fire, the delivery of weapons and the Since the founding of the United Nations, Francis, in August of this year, dedicated incorporation of the FARC into political more than 128 million people require a pastoral document to these four verbs. life. Revolutions are made with vows humanitarian assistance in 33 countries, and the conscience of the people, and more than 65 million people have been We also call upon the governments of not with bullets. Latin America and the forcibly displaced, more than 22 million the world to jointly combat criminal Caribbean are consolidated as a region made refugees. It is the highest number in networks that deal with human beings; of peace. Bolivia categorically condemns the whole history of humanity, more than declare human trafficking and trafficking the unilateral sanctions and threats of 10 million people have no state, sisters and a crime against humanity and reflect on ambition of the United States government brothers this strikes us. Bolivia condemns the formation of a Global Ombudsman against the Bolivarian Republic from the construction of walls and the laws to ensure the observance of human rights Venezuela. Our region is no one’s backyard. that pretend to criminalize migration, for as an instance of universal jurisdiction. FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 11 use of shared natural resources. We are grateful for the solidarity of many States, peoples and leaders who have expressed their support for our maritime cause.

And I take this opportunity to ask all the participants of this Assembly of American States to join us in this goal of peace, justice, which is an indispensable challenge for the fraternity of our peoples and the next generations.

Sisters and brothers, every year that passes our challenges deepen, the walls are constantly being built, war continues to destroy peoples and global warming continues to be a growing threat. If we really want to resolve these issues, if we We also reject the conduct of the Secretary Sisters and brothers, it is my duty to really want to represent the interests General of the Organization of American inform the economic and social situation of our peoples, it is essential that basic States, Luis Almagro, who is a spokesman of my country, Bolivia has consolidated services be recognized as Human for anti-Latin American interests. We an economic model that successfully faces Rights, that the rights of Mother Earth express our solidarity and support for the global crisis of the capitalist system. be recognized and respected, that a the president, Nicolás Maduro, and the Bolivia leads the economic growth of our struggle against capitalism, colonialsim Venezuelan people. We welcome and region, we have recovered our country. and imperialism be undertaken. support the continuity of democratic Bolivia is an area free of illiteracy, a territory dialogue. free of US military bases, free from the Only from the success of this struggle DEA and free from USAID, a territory For Bolivia the Palestinian cause is will a true world order be born, based free of impositions from the International inalienable; we condemn the criminal on solidarity, equality, social justice and Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Israeli occupation of Palestinian respect for the rights of peoples to peace In the last decade we have reduced territory; condemn the construction of and development in order to live well. extreme poverty from 38.2% to 16.8% new settlements; we condemn military Thank you very much. aggression against the Palestinian people. and by 2025 we will eradicate it. We have We demand that the settlement of the reduced inequality. In 2005 the richest Battle of Ideas Press two States, with a Palestinian State, with 10% had 128 times more wealth than the the pre-1967 borders and with East poorest 10%; now the richest 10% has 46 Cuba’s Health Care System Jerusalem as its capital, be put into effect. times more than the poorest 10 percent. •Where Humanity Comes First • Bolivia is the second country in the world BY Ellen Bernstein with the largest number of women in We condemn the unilateral and illegal “The unfailing dedication of Cuban health care military actions of the United States has Parliament. We have a commitment to professionals has led to dramatic improvements in deployed to the territory of the Arab multilateralism, to the principles of the quality of life, for millions of people who previously Charter of the United Nations, to the had no other hope of receiving decent medical care. Republic of Syria. We salute the efforts IFCO/Pastors for Peace is pleased to honor the diligent of the Secretary-General, Russia, Iran, peaceful and negotiated resolution of health care professionals of the Cuban health care conflicts. In 2003, Bolivia went before system. We especially pay tribute to Cuba’s national Turkey and Kazakhstan to achieve a leadership, whose vision of universal health care as a cease-fire and build in the process of the International Court of Justice in The right of every citizen sets an example for the world.” Hague in search of a peaceful solution peace negotiation, we are convinced that Ellen Bernstein if not for interventionism we would not to the centenarian demand that we has served as have with the Republic of Chile and Associate Director suffer such a war. of the Interreligious that allows us to exercise our right to Foundation for Bolivia condemns the development, sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. Community manufacture and use of all nuclear or Organization (IFCO) since 2003. chemical weapons, which constitute a We seek a solution that would be as much She has been a serious threat to peace and security and from the historical and legal antecedents key staff member to life itself. We demand that any military of IFCO’s project as the vocation of understanding between Pastors for Peace, exit to the situation on the Korean neighboring peoples and siblings through and has been deeply peninsula be avoided and that negotiations a timely and effective negotiation in good and integrally be resumed as soon as possible to resolve involved in IFCO’s faith. We have confidence in the decisions historic work with that conflict in a peaceful manner. of the Court and in a process of dialogue Cuba. It is clear that the main threat to and negotiation that, unlike the invasion September 2010, paperback, 149 pages, illustrated, $6.00 Mother Earth, against multilateralism, we suffered in the past, will contribute ISBN 978-0-9864716-2-9 | Copyright © 2010 by Battle of Ideas Press against peace and against freedom is to overcoming differences to enhance PO Box 21607, Vancouver, BC, V5L 5G3, Canada the government of the United States. our complementarity, free, sovereign WWW.BATTLEOFIDEASPRESS.COM access to the Pacific Ocean and good [email protected] 12 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 Discurso del Presidente Boliviano Evo Morales

Está claro que la principal amenaza contra la Madre Tierra, contra el multilateralismo, contra la paz y contra la libertad es el gobierno de EE.UU. * EN ESPAÑOL *

72° Periodo de Sesiones de la Asamblea General de Naciones Unidas de ir resolviéndose, van empeorando. La guerra y los conflictos violentos siguen Es injustificable e Martes, 19 Septiembre 2017 siendo el flagelo de millones de personas; inadmisible que producto de agresiones externas en Irak Estados Unidos haya decidido darle la espalda al Acuerdo de París como uno de Hermano Secretario General de las se ha provocado hasta ahora más de un millón de muertos, en Siria casi medio los principales contaminadores al rechazar Naciones Unidas, hermano Presidente sumarse al esfuerzo global, su gobierno se de la Asamblea General; hermanas y millón de personas han perdido la vida, en Libia decenas de miles han sido asesinadas ha convertido en una amenaza contra la hermanos jefes de Estado y de gobiernos, Madre Tierra. Es necesaria una voluntad hermanas y hermanos de las delegaciones y en Yemen la crisis humanitaria es de grandes proporciones. política unívoca, no podemos esperar presentes y a organismos internacionales. que sean las fuerzas del mercado las que A nombre del pueblo de Bolivia expresar La historia ha demostrado que con finalmente convenzan a los líderes del toda nuestra solidaridad al pueblo de el objetivo de apropiarse de recursos mundo capitalista y tomar acción. México, consternados por lo sucedido naturales y de controlar geopolíticamente al mundo se despliegan las bases militares, Hacemos llegar nuestro abrazo de hoy en la tarde con el terremoto. Expresar solidaridad a nuestros hermanos del nuestra fuerza, con hermandad enfrentar se organizan invasiones y se provoca la caída de gobiernos para crear caos y Caribe que sufren las consecuencias del los problemas que se presentaron en paso de huracanes, juntos todos como México. beneficiarse de esa situación. Muchas de esas invasiones han alimentado la familia unida compartiremos lo que Hermanas y hermanos, nuevamente los aparición de grupos terroristas que tenemos, aunque sea poco. líderes del mundo nos reunimos en el desatan la confrontación violenta y Hermanas y hermanos de las Naciones histórico salón de la Asamblea General atentados en poblaciones civiles causando Unidas, nuestros ríos, los mares, nuestras de Naciones Unidas; nuevamente nos aún más daño a víctimas inocentes. selvas, la ciencia nos da pruebas irrefutables encontramos para expresar nuestras Bolivia condena el terrorismo y llama a y nos convoca a actuar. El agua es la posiciones sobre grandes desafíos que combatirlo resolviendo también las causas sangre de la Madre Tierra que alimenta enfrenta nuestra familia, la familia estructurales de su surgimiento. de vida a ríos, lagos, mares, océanos son humana. La ONU, como reza la Carta fuente de vida y generan equilibrio, son de las Naciones Unidas, fue creada para Hermanas y hermanos, a esta terrible situación se suma la crisis climática, bienes comunes universales que cubren preservar a las generaciones venideras de tres cuartas partes de nuestra casa, baña la guerra, para promover el progreso social nuevamente alertamos que este año ha sido el más caliente de la historia las costas de todos los continentes y las y elevar el nivel de vida de todas y de islas de la tierra. Lo hacen naturalmente, todos. Lamentablemente muchas de estas del planeta. Huracanes, terremotos, inundaciones, sequías, contaminación sin distinguir fronteras políticas ni promesas no se convirtieron en realidad, y nacionalidades, se debe respetar, cuidar, después de más de 70 años vemos que en del aire, de los océanos y la consecuente extinción de especies son producto compartir y preservar para futuras muchos casos, en lugar de avanzar hacia generaciones. Bolivia ha promovido el esos objetivos, hemos retrocedido. del modelo capitalista, de los niveles de consumo y de la industrialización reconocimiento del agua como un derecho Como lo hemos afirmado en muchas desmedida. En esta situación los países del humano para la sobrevivencia de la oportunidades, producto de prácticas Sur, los que menos contaminamos, somos humanidad, por ello nuestra Constitución abusivas del imperialismo, del mercado los que más sufrimos las consecuencias; también prohíbe que sea objeto de lucro o de consumo salvaje que sostiene al es imprescindible que todos los países de mercantilismo. capitalismo y las interminables aventuras se adhieran a los Acuerdos de París El uso del agua debe allanar el camino colonialistas, el mundo está atravesando para asumir conjuntamente los enormes para oportunidades que promuevan la una multiplicidad de crisis que, en lugar desafíos para salvar el planeta. colaboración, la interacción y la armonía FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 13 entre los pueblos, y no para provocar Estado, hermanas y hermanos esto nos o las asimetrías económicas entre los conflictos sobre su origen, propiedad o llama la atención. Bolivia condena la estados anuncian mayores restricciones uso. Es con ese espíritu, resguardando los construcción de muros y las leyes que en su política migratoria, expulsiones Derechos Humanos, derechos soberanos pretenden criminalizar a la migración, masivas y la construcción de muros. Los de nuestros recursos naturales y en para ello proponemos la creación de muros van en contra de la historia de la procura de acuerdos de buena vecindad, una ciudadanía universal. humanidad, los muros mutilan la ciencia que Bolivia espera resolver sus diferencias Esta crisis social y y el conocimiento, los muros encierran el sobre las aguas del Silala, hoy radicadas migratoria alma, encienden el odio a la diferencia, ante la Corte de Justicia. El agua no tienen ahogan la libertad. debe ser causa de conflictos internos o s u El pasado mes de junio, en Tiquipaya, internacionales, debe reunir y unir a Bolivia, representantes de movimientos todos los Estados, naciones, sociales de 45 países del mundo nos comunidades, pueblos, reunimos en la Conferencia Mundial por movimientos un Mundo sin Muros hacia la Ciudadanía sociales e Universal, en la cual elaboramos propuestas individuos. Para alternativas con una visión humanista, Bolivia, corazón que permita acoger, proteger, promover hidrográfico de e integrar a las personas migrantes. Sudamérica este El hermano Papa Francisco, el mes concepto es muy de agosto de este año, dedicó un importante: “donde documento pastoral a estos cuatro fluye el agua debe fluir la verbos. paz”. Asimismo, hacemos un llamado Hermanas y hermanos, el a los gobiernos del mundo para mundo no sólo es cada año luchar de manera conjunta contra las más caliente; cada año es origen redes criminales que trafican con seres más injusto, más desigual. La humanos; declarar a la trata y tráfico de brecha entre los que más tienen en el orden mundial dominante personas como delito de lesa humanidad todo y entre los que no tienen y reflexionar sobre la conformación de casi nada es cada vez más que en su voracidad una Defensoría Mundial que vele por la amplia. Según el informe observancia de sus Derechos Humanos más reciente de Oxfam como una instancia de jurisdicción ocho personas tienen la universal. Me permito convocar misma riqueza que 3.600 nuevamente a construir un millones de personas, pacto mundial que es decir, la mitad de la sea el puente para población del planeta. avanzar en la tan La desigualdad es anhelada Ciudadanía inmoral, si 800 Marcha Plurinacional por la Vida, por el Agua y por la Dignidad de los Universal, porque millones de Pueblos en Ecuador no hay categorías, no personas padecen hay diferencias entre hambre no es nacionales y extranjeros, porque falta la comida, porque todos somos seres si millones de niños mueren humanos hijos de la Madre por una infección no es por falta Tierra. de medicamentos. Si 1.100 millones de personas no tienen electricidad no es Hermanas y hermanos, Estados por falta de energía en el mundo, si hay Unidos debe poner fin de manera analfabetos no es porque faltan los libros, desmedida por unilateral e incondicional al si hay pobres en el mundo no es por falta el lucro y la apropiación injusto bloqueo que por casi 60 de recursos. Producto de las guerras, del de los bienes comunes genera años ha causado tanto sufrimiento terrorismo y de otros conflictos estamos violencia, promueve desigualdades y al pueblo cubano. Es una política atravesando la peor crisis humanitaria. destruye a la Madre Tierra. injusta y fracasada y por lo tanto debe No se puede responsabilizar al migrante cesar; las nuevas acciones anunciadas Desde la fundación de las Naciones por el presidente Trump significan un Unidas más de 128 millones de personas por las crisis económico-financieras, o a la inseguridad; no debemos permitir recrudecimiento del bloqueo económico requieren asistencia humanitaria en 33 financiero y comercial contra Cuba y países, más de 65 millones de personas han tampoco que se los criminalice, ningún emigrante es ilegal. Algunos gobiernos revierten los avances logrados en las sido desplazadas forzadamente, más de 22 relaciones entre Cuba y los Estados millones son refugiados. Es el número más lejos de aportar a la solución de las causas estructurales que provocan Unidos. Estados Unidos no solo debe alto de toda la historia de la humanidad, levantar ese bloqueo criminal, sino que más de 10 millones de personas no tienen este fenómeno como las guerras, las consecuencias del cambio climático debe reparar económicamente por los 14 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 sufriríamos esa guerra. daños provocados y restituya Guantánamo Haya en busca de una solución pacífica a a la soberanía cubana. Bolivia condena el desarrollo, fabricación la centenaria demanda que mantenemos y el uso de todas las armas nucleares o Rindo mi más sentido homenaje a la pendiente con la República de Chile y químicas, constituyen una seria amenaza memoria del comandante Fidel y al que nos permita el ejercicio de nuestro a la paz y a la seguridad y a la vida misma. comandante Che Guevara, quienes derecho a un acceso soberano al océano Exigimos que se evite cualquier salida desde esta tribuna nos advirtieron que Pacifico. militar a la situación en la península en el imperio no se Buscamos una solución confía. Hermanas y que sería tanto de los hermanos, saludamos antecedentes históricos los avances en el y jurídicos como de la proceso de paz vocación de entendimiento en Colombia, la entre pueblos vecinos y consolidación de hermanos a través de una cese al fuego, la negociación de buena entrega de armas fe, oportuna y efectiva. y la incorporación Tenemos confianza en las de las FARC a la decisiones de la Corte y vida política. Las en un proceso de diálogo y revoluciones se negociación que, a diferencia hacen con votos y de la invasión que sufrimos la conciencia de los en el pasado, contribuirá pueblos, y no con balas. a superar diferencias América Latina y El para potenciar nuestra Caribe se consolidan Evo Morales, Fidel Castro y Hugo Chávez complementariedad, el como una región de acceso libre, soberano al paz. Bolivia condena categóricamente las océano Pacifico y el buen uso de los recursos coreana y que se reanuden cuanto antes sanciones unilaterales y las amenazas de naturales compartidos. Agradecemos la las negociaciones que permita resolver ese ambición del gobierno de Estados Unidos solidaridad de muchos Estados, pueblos conflicto de manera pacífica. Está claro en contra de la República Bolivariana de y líderes que han expresado su apoyo a que la principal amenaza contra la Madre Venezuela. Nuestra región no es patio nuestra causa marítima. Tierra, contra el multilateralismo, contra trasero de nadie. la paz y contra la libertad es el gobierno Y aprovecho para solicitar a todos los Rechazamos también la conducta del de Estados Unidos. participantes de esta Asamblea de secretario general de la OEA, Luis Estados americanos nos acompañen Hermanas y hermanos es mi deber Almagro, quien es un portavoz de en este propósito de paz, justicia, que informar la situación económica y social de los intereses anti latinoamericanos. es un desafío irrenunciable para la mi país, Bolivia ha consolidado un modelo Expresamos nuestra solidaridad y apoyo confraternidad de nuestros pueblos y de económico que hace frente exitosamente al presidente, Nicolás Maduro, y al pueblo las próximas generaciones. a la crisis mundial del sistema capitalista. venezolano. Saludamos y respaldamos la Bolivia lidera el crecimiento económico Hermanas y hermanos, cada año que continuidad del diálogo democrático. de nuestra región, hemos recuperado pasa nuestros desafíos se profundizan, Para Bolivia la causa palestina es la patria, Bolivia es territorio libre de los muros no dejan de construirse, la irrenunciable; condenamos la criminal analfabetismo, territorio libre de bases guerra no deja de destruir pueblos y el ocupación israelí sobre territorio militares norteamericanas, libre de la calentamiento global sigue siendo una palestino; condenamos la construcción DEA y libre de USAID, territorio libre amenaza creciente. Si en verdad queremos de nuevos asentamientos; condenamos de imposiciones del Fondo Monetario resolver estos temas, si en verdad queremos las agresiones militares en contra del Internacional y del Banco Mundial. En la representar los interés de nuestros pueblos pueblo palestino. Exigimos que se ponga última década hemos reducido la extrema es imprescindible que los servicios en efecto la solución de los dos Estados, pobreza de 38,2% a 16,8% y para el año básicos sean reconocidos como Derechos con un Estado Palestino, con las fronteras 2025 la erradicaremos. Hemos reducido Humanos, que se reconozcan y respeten previas a 1967 y con Jerusalén Oriental la desigualdad, en 2005 el 10% más rico los derechos de la Madre Tierra, que se como su capital. tenía 128 veces más riqueza que el 10% emprenda una lucha contra el capitalismo, Condenamos las acciones militares más pobre; ahora el 10% más rico tiene 46 contra el colonialismo y contra el unilaterales e ilegales de Estados Unidos veces más que el 10 por ciento más pobre. imperialismo. ha desplegado al territorio de la república Bolivia es el segundo país del mundo Solamente del éxito de esta lucha nacerá árabe Siria. Saludamos los esfuerzos del con el mayor número de mujeres en el un auténtico orden mundial basado en la secretario General, de Rusia, de Irán, Parlamento. Tenemos un compromiso solidaridad, en la igualdad, en la justicia Turquía, Kazajistán por lograr un alto con el multilateralismo, con los principios social y en el respeto de los derechos de al fuego y construir en el proceso de de la Carta de las Naciones Unidas, con los pueblos a la paz y la desarrollo para negociación de paz, estamos convencidos la resolución pacífica y negociada de los vivir bien. Muchas gracias. que de no ser por el intervencionismo no conflictos. En 2003 Bolivia acudió ante la Corte Internacional de Justicia de La FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 15 “It’s not my fault if reality is Marxist” - Ernesto “Che” Guevara June 14, 1928-October 9, 1967

Commemorating 50 years since the murder of Che Guevara by the cia in Bolivia www.firethistime.net 50 after the assassination of Ernesto “Che” Guevara

& Revolutionary Legacy Lives!

By Tamara Hansen Raul Castro, Juan Almeida, and other he became military chief of “La Cabaña” Cuban revolutionaries as they voyaged from fortress and took the lead in training the October 8th 2017 marks fifty years since the Mexico to the eastern part of Cuba to begin Rebel Army. capture and assassination of one of the great their uprising against the Batista regime in Over the next years Che Guevara built a socialist revolutionaries of human history, the Sierra Maestra Mountains. Che was family in Cuba, became President of the Ernesto “Che” Guevara de la Serna. sometimes teased for not being Cuban, and National Bank of Cuba, and later minister was invited as the rebels’ medic, however he of industry. In Cuba, he implemented Che Guevara was born in Argentina on would soon prove himself in the battlefield June 14, 1928, to a middle-class family. He land redistribution and the nationalisation and become a legendary thinker, leader, and projects. He led a campaign for strengthening attended school in Argentina, and earned his fighter in the triumphant Cuban revolution. degree in 1953, becoming a medical doctor. voluntary work, of which he noted, However from a young age his thoughts and From these beginnings, Che Guevara’s “voluntary work is a school for creating solidarity were not limited to his nationality. commitment to revolutionary consciousness.” He also represented Cuba’s internationalism was clear. When Che revolutionary government in delegations Che Guevara took a famous motorcycle trip Guevara landed in Cuba with the Granma around the world, visiting countries in across Latin America with his friend, Alberto on December 2, 1956, he had never even Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Granado, highlighted in the collection of his visited Cuba before. However, he was so writings, “The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on In 1965, Victor Dreke, was Che convinced of the need for revolution that Guevara’s second in command for Cuba’s a Latin American Journey” (Ocean Press, he joined the “Movimiento 26 de Julio” to 2003) and the beautiful feature film “The internationalist mission in the Congo, as fight on the side of the oppressed towards Cuba tried to train and bolster liberation Motorcycle Diaries” (2004). While many of liberation. his political ideas and convictions were still movements in Africa. In July 2016, Dreke developing at that time, he allowed himself When the Cuban revolution triumphed explained on Cuba’s Mesa Redonda to be educated by the humble workers and and the Cuban dictator Batista was forced program, “No one in the Congo imagined peasants that he met along their journey. to flee the country on January 1, 1959, Che that Che was going to go. That is why when Through his travels, Che Guevara was deeply Guevara was in Santa Clara, in the center of we arrived in Tanzania, everyone waiting for touched by the inequality and injustice the island. There he had just led an important us was so shocked and impacted by the fact he saw throughout Latin America, and he strategic battle against Batista’s forces, that it was Che who would be in charge of decided to take action. which is considered the lynch-pin battle the mission personally.” This demonstrated that resulted Che Guevara, the Revolutionary in the triumph Internationalist of the Cuban In 1955, Che Guevara met Fidel Castro revolution. in Mexico. Under an amnesty for Cuban Che was by political prisoners, the U.S.-backed Batista this time the regime in Cuba had released Fidel, who was Comandante in Mexico assembling the “Movimiento 26 of his column de Julio” or the July 26th movement. Che of guerilla Guevara later wrote about his first meeting fighters, having with Fidel, explaining, “I chatted with Fidel risen quickly all night. And at dawn I was the doctor of in the ranks his future expedition. In fact, after all of the because of experiences of my walks throughout Latin his bravery, America, it did not take much to incite me intelligence, to enter a revolution against a tyrant, but leadership, and Fidel impressed me as an extraordinary man. revolutionary The most impossible things were the ones he commitment. faced and solved.” Arriving soon after In November 1956 Che Guevara would in Havana, Che & Fidel in the Sierra Maestra Mountains during the Cuban revolution board the Granma yacht with Fidel Castro, 18 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 L to R: Che driving a tractor during his time as Minister of Industry; Che Guevara & Aleida March after their marriage, standing with Harry "Pombo" Villegas; The cover of Pombo's book about his internationalist mission with Che in Bolivia the importance of this mission to the Cuban parties did not, generally, develop policies it seemed guerrilla warfare would be the government and the Cuban revolution, that that would lead to the seizure of political most reliable way to establish socialism. In they were willing to send one of their best power because they believed that a Latin 2011, Harry “Pombo” Villegas, who fought and most talented leaders. American revolution should be developed alongside Che in the Sierra Maestra, the Dreke explained some of the reasons the in two stages: democratic-bourgeois Congo, and Bolivia, did an interview with Cubans were only in the Congo for 7 and then socialist.” He continues, “The Pravda Online and was asked about the months, such as the divisions within the example of Cuba’s victory and resistance revolutionaries’ goals in Bolivia. He explained, Congolese liberation movement, and the encouraged sectors of certain communist “Our first objective was to continue the Cuban’s misunderstandings about their parties, particularly the youth, to question revolution. Why? Because the reasons had African counter-parts. He explained, “We whether the tactics of their organizations not died. Che died, but the reasons why we did not know much about Africa. The were appropriate for the circumstances.” started this fight had not disappeared. They books on that continent were written by the Estrada explains that Cuba’s support for are there, they are the same.” Unfortunately capitalists, and gave the impression that they revolutionary organizations independent the Cuban internationalists in Bolivia were were savages. That’s why it was very revealing of the communist parties, such as the New betrayed by members of the Communist experience.” However, he also explained the Left or other groups, created tension. Cuba Party of Bolivia. When Che Guevara and importance of Che Guevara’s leadership in also received “sharp criticism” from Latin his fellow revolutionaries were captured on treating everyone equally, while also being American communist parties and the Soviet October 8, 1967 by the Bolivian army and very demanding of himself, the Cubans, and Union. Estrada continues, “Nonetheless, members of the CIA, they were told they the Congolese fighters. While the mission while still maintaining friendly relations would be given a hearing and prosecuted ended after only 7 months, Dreke explains, with the communist parties, Cuba, in under the law. However, the next day the “Cuba never abandoned Africa,” as Cuban accordance with its internationalist position, orders changed and Che Guevara and others forces later assisted in Guinea Bisseau, continued to support those Latin American were tragically assassinated. Angola, and most recently in 2015 Cuban and Caribbean revolutionary organizations In 2012, two American human and civil doctors where recognized worldwide for that appealed for solidarity.” The points rights lawyers, Michael Ratner and Michael their role in the fight against Ebola in West made here by Estrada demonstrate how Steven Smith, co-authors of the book Who Africa. Che Guevara’s mission to Bolivia was based Killed Che? How the CIA Got Away With on the experience of the Cuban revolution. Murder (OR Books, 2011), were interviewed Despite the difficulties of the internationalist Che Guevara also demonstrated a sense mission in the Congo, Che Guevara was by Democracy Now. They both made some of urgency in his work, because he knew useful observations on their research into the dedicated to building and reinforcing the talons of American imperialism were revolutionary movements around the world. murder of Che Guevara and his co-fighters gripped tightly into the backs of working in Bolivia. Smith explained, “The line of the In his introduction to the book Tania: and oppressed people in Latin America, and Undercover with Che Guevara in Bolivia [U.S.] government was that: ‘The Bolivians around the world. He felt confident that did it as we couldn’t do anything about it.’ (Ocean Press, 2005), Ulises Estrada, a key Cuba’s revolutionary internationalism was organizer of Che Guevara’s guerilla mission That isn’t true. This whole operation was the most secure way of fighting the ravages organized out of the White House by Walt to Bolivia with Cuba’s Ministry of the of imperialism and establishing socialism. Interior (MININT) and Tania’s fiancée, Whitman Rostow and the CIA.” Ratner outlines the political context of the decision Che Guevara’s decision to go to Bolivia was added, “The U.S. wanted Che dead because to send Cubans to Bolivia. He writes, not political adventurism, this was planned that was the way to end revolutionary fervour “Latin American and Caribbean communist and coordinated with Comandante Fidel in Latin America and around the world.” Of Castro and Cuba’s MININT at a time when course, what Ratner says was the hope of the FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 19 self-determination. He declared struggle to build a better world. the need for, “two, three or many In commemorating the 50th anniversary Vietnams to flourish throughout the since Che Guevara’s assassination, Cuba’s world.” Vice President, Miguel Diaz-Canel Che Guevara and the revolutionary remarked, “Che has not died as his murderers ‘new human being’ wanted, his figure continues to grow with Che Guevara left his mark on the time as new generations of Cubans, raised development of guerilla warfare under his legacy and example, discover, strategy, Marxist economic thought, recognize and take on his standard as a revolutionary internationalism, the revolutionary. They make their consistent movement against imperialism, reminder through their dedication to and many other aspects of the study, work and their duty. His model as an development of the Cuban unselfish man and a conscious revolutionary, and international revolutionary transforms into an ideal to follow.” movement. However, one of his Of course, this homage by Diaz-Canel most celebrated works is a letter he echoes the words of the Comandante of the wrote to Carlos Quijano, head of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro, when he Uruguayan publication, Marcha, for proclaimed on October 1967, “If we want a publication in March 1965. It has model of man, a model of a man who does come to be known as “Socialism and not belong to this time, a model of man who Man in Cuba.” In this article Che belongs to the future. I say from my heart Guevara outlines how the Cuban that this model, without a single fault in his revolution is not only economic or conduct, without a single fault in his attitude, political, but also a social revolution is Che’s model. If we want to say how we – which seeks to create a different wish for our children to be, we must say it kind of human being than the one with all the vehemence of revolutionaries: that exists under capitalism. Che We want them to be like Che!” Guevara famously says of capitalism, ¡CHE VIVE! ¡LA LUCHA SIGUE! “it is a contest among wolves. One Che Guevara Lives! The Struggle Continues! can win only at the cost of the failure of others.” Follow Tamara Hansen on Twitter: Che Guevara writes that the next @THans01 generation in Cuba will bring forth new and larger revolutionary aspirations. “We know that sacrifices Battle of Ideas Press lie ahead and that we must pay a price for the heroic fact that we are, as a 5 Decades of the Cuban Revolution nation, a vanguard. We, as leaders, •The Challenges of an Unwavering Leadership • 50 years after his assassination by the CIA, Che know that we must pay a price By Tamara Hansen Guevara is remembered in Cuba & around the world. for the right to say that we are at “The battles Cuba has fought have not been easy. the head of a people that is at the Some were physical battles, such as the battle CIA and U.S. imperialists, but they were not head of America. Each and every against bandits in the Escambray Mountains or successful. one of us readily pays his or her quota of the Bay of Pigs invasion. However, most were Che Guevara, the Revolutionary Anti- sacrifice, conscious of being rewarded with not battles of physical might, but battles of ideas. Imperialist the satisfaction of fulfilling a duty, conscious But with every twist and turn, every up and of advancing with everyone toward the new down Fidel has been one of the first leaders to say, Che Guevara is quoted in many places man and woman glimpsed on the horizon.” ‘this way forward’ or ‘we made a wrong turn, as having often said, “you cannot be we must change course.” Che Guevara’s Legacy Today a revolutionary without being anti- Tamara Hansen imperialist.” Indeed, Che Guevara lost Although Che Guevara was killed 50 years is the coordinator his life in the fight against an imperialist- ago in Bolivia, alongside his compañera and of Vancouver Communties in backed right-wing regime in Bolivia. He many compañeros, their struggle continues Solidarity with died attempting to work with the poor and today in those who fight for justice and Cuba (VCSC). She oppressed of Bolivia to throw off the yoke of equality all over the world. Harry “Pombo” is also an editorial imperialism and build a more just and equal Villegas said, “Today in Bolivia there has board member of The Fire This Time society. been a change with Evo Morales, which newspaper. She has One of Che Guevara’s most remembered is an evolutionary formative process, and travelled to Cuba you have to see how it goes. Advances will ten times and has speeches on the power of the struggle written extensively against imperialism was his speech to the be in a positive upward line where the on Cuban politics Tricontinental or the Organization of the humble classes will participate increasingly since 2003. Solidarity of the Peoples of Africa, Asia, and in government in a direct way, in process direction, where for the first time in history, April 2010, paperback, 312 pages, illustrated, $10.00 Latin America on April 16, 1967. There he ISBN 978-0-9864716-1-2 | Copyright © 2010 by Battle of Ideas Press spoke of the heroic efforts of the people of native peoples have a representation.” This PO Box 21607, Vancouver, BC, V5L 5G3, Canada Vietnam to throw out the U.S. imperialist is a powerful reminder of how much has invaders. He spoke of their example to the changed since Che’s time, and how much WWW.BATTLEOFIDEASPRESS.COM world in leading a dignified fight for their will continue to change, if we join the [email protected] 20 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 System Change Not Climate Change By Thomas Davies

After a summer of out of control wildfires, and created a sense of urgency which flooding and earthquakes – it’s clear the overcame the sometimes slower pace of growing climate crisis is having devastating summer organizing. effect around the world. Canada included. Despite a morning of gusting rains, 2000 So the thought of Texas oil giant Kinder people came together in front of the steps Morgan forcing construction of another dirty of the newly renovated Vancouver Art tar sands pipeline through Alberta and BC is Gallery. Huge banners, homemade signs, and of British Columbia and a member of UBC unwelcome to many – to put it mildly. As the an incredible display of hand painted animals 350. corporation threatened to begin construction from the Salish Sea showed that many had Marchers were able to connect with ongoing at the beginning of September, thousands made the demonstration their own. Led by climate justice campaigns through the many mobilized on the streets of Vancouver to say, indigenous elders and drummers, the march tables set up by climate justice organizations. “Kinder Morgan, We Still Say No!” was the loudest in recent history as the As the speakers came to a close, Judy Wilson People and Planet Before Pipelines and Profit chanting never stopped from the front all the from the Union of BC Indian Chiefs called way to the back. on everyone present to join hands in a The march and rally was organized by the massive circle with indigenous drummers Climate Convergence coalition, and endorsed The rain had eased off and the sky had opened in the middle. It was a powerful ending to by over 30 environmental, indigenous, faith, up by the time to march made it to Sunset a powerful day, but only the beginning of labour, and student organizations. Fire This Beach for the rally and speakers. The unity massive organizing effort to stop the pipeline. Time was also and active participant in of the action was best demonstrated by the endorsing and building the demonstration. collaboration between the two rally MCs: Kinder Morgan, We Still Say No! The urgency of Kinder Morgan’s possible Eagle Eyes, a hereditary chief from Sechelt People and Planet Before Pipelines and Profit! September start date brought groups together and Gabby Doebeli, a student at the University Kinder Morgan, We Still Say No Mariela Castro’s March: Cuba’s LGBT Revolution

By Janine Solanki

Summer in Vancouver is the season of Pride, This impactful and beautiful and Vancouver Communities in Solidarity film follows Mariela Castro with Cuba (VCSC) was a proud community and LGBTQ supporters partner of the 2017 Vancouver Pride events. throughout Cuba, speaking to members of support and participation of Cuba’s Central VCSC took every opportunity to be a part the LGBTQ community and documenting Workers Union as well as government of marches and parades, to setup info tables the work of the Cuban National Center for ministers and other government officials at at events, and talk to people about the Sex Education (CENESEX). Mariela Castro the events, the experience of Cuba’s Conga important leading role Cuba has taken in is a leading figure in the LGBTQ movement against homophobia and transphobia which the fight for LGBTQ rights and fighting in Cuba, the director of Cenesex, as well as the dances and marches through the streets of homophobia and transphobia. (To read the daughter of the Cuban President Raul Castro. Havana, and learning about Cuba’s laws report on VCSC’s participation in Pride Following the film, a music video from the against discrimination of anyone identifying events, see FTT Volume 11 Issue 9, page popular Cuban band Buena Fe was shown, as LGBTQ. And of course, the great 24 – 25). which centers around a lesbian couple, and experience of meeting Mariela Castro! Cuba’s advancements for LGBTQ rights and is a great example of LGBT issues becoming The final portion of the evening was a against discrimination came as a surprise to a discussion in Cuba even within music and discussion period in which many questions many people who saw VCSC’s banners and popular culture. were asked about LGBTQ issues in Cuba, tables throughout the Pride season, which Next on the program, two members of as well as the status of the US blockade is why beyond participating in Pride events Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with against Cuba – which is still ongoing. VCSC it was important for VCSC to organize an Cuba, Azza Rojbi and Janine Solanki, shared considers the LGBTQ movement as an event specifically to talk about queer issues their experiences from participating in Cuba’s important revolution within the revolution in in Cuba, and to dispel the myths about Cuba events for the International Days Against Cuba, and an aspect of the Cuban revolution spread by mainstream Western media. Homophobia and Transphobia in 2016. Azza that should be supported and learned from th and Janine narrated a slideshow of photos from here in Canada. For more information on On September 14 , VCSC organized an the events, with many stories and information VCSC events, visit www.vancubasolidarity. event at the Vancouver Public Library about LGBTQ rights in Cuba which they com, follow on Twitter @VanCuba_VCSC Central Branch, screening the film “Mariela learned at the events. This included seeing the or find VCSC on Facebook. Castro’s March: Cuba’s LGBT Revolution”.

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 21 ACOUSTIC

MANIPULATION Against Cuba that would in any way prohibit US citizens has opposed any decision to withdraw from visiting the island. diplomats from Cuba. He said that his At the aforementioned RESPECT meeting, members are against the reduction of the representatives of US commercial airlines Embassy staff in Havana and that they are traveling to Cuba express their intention to prepared to continue their mission regardless continue to do so. of whether there are real health problems. “We have to stay in the field and play,” Stephenson Gail Reed, founder of the scientific journal said. By Manuel Yepe MEDICC and deputy coordinator of RESPECT, said categorically in the proposal In response to Washington’s move to reduce that “Cuba remains a very safe destination for its embassy’s diplomatic staff in Cuba, Josefina The largest US association of travel organizers travelers from the United States.” Vidal, the Director General of US Affairs in Cuba, after holding an assembly of its in the Cuban Foreign Ministry, called the members, issued a statement in which it At the invitation of the Cuban authorities, decision a precipitous decision and considered unanimously disagrees with the decision of the FBI was in Havana earlier looking for that this will affect bilateral relations and the US State Department to withdraw 60% evidence of what the United States has cooperation in areas of interest mutual. Vidal of its Embassy staff from Cuba. Havana and described as “sonic attacks” causing hearing had urged the United States not to politicize its warning to US citizens to avoid their trips loss and other symptoms, but its agents found the issue and insisted that Cuba needs active to Cuba. no device or other evidence to explain the cooperation from the US authorities to reach mystery. a definitive conclusion. As a result, the US Consulate in Havana suspended the issuance of visas for travel to None of the 500,000 US visitors to Cuba Obviously, we are in the presence of the United States indefinitely, although it will this year2017 have reported similar health a new maneuver against Cuba of the continue to provide emergency services to US problems and, according to Secretary of State sectors of the extreme right terrorist citizens when they are in Cuba. Tillerson’s statement last week, “we have no in the foreign policy of the American reports from any other US citizen who has government. The insistence on the issue by The motivation for these actions is that it has been affected …”. representatives of these sectors of US been known that 21 US diplomats accredited Neither have had detours approximately two diplomacy, as Republican Senator in Havana have reported hearing problems of Marco Rubio, confirms this hypothesis. unknown origin. million deturistas of other countries that has visited Cuba in what goes of the present year. October 2, 2017. “From the evidence available to date and from the fact that the State Department asserts Not a single guest has experienced in Cuba Manuel E. Yepe, is a lawyer, economist and jour- that no other American citizen has been problems related to “hearing loss” or other nalist. He was a professor at the Higher Institute affected, we believe that such a decision is health claims that concern the Trump of International Relations in Havana. He was administration. unjustified and,therefore, we will continue to Cuba’s ambassador to Romania, general director of organize trips to Cuba and encourage others Of the many thousands of foreign guests the Prensa Latina agency; vice president of the Cu- to do so.” said Bob Guild, Co-Coordinator who were in Cubacuando the island was ban Institute of Radio and Television; founder and of RESPECT (Responsible Ethical Tourism recently whipped from one end to the of Cuba), a professional association made up other by Hurricane “Irma” not one was national director of the Technological Information of 150 representatives of travel agents, tour damaged. Cuba remains one of the safest System (TIPS) of the United Nations Program for operators and other service providers related nations in the world for its guests and Development in Cuba, and secretary of the Cuban to trips to the island founded in December of there are no drug wars, no terrorism, no Movement for the Peace and Sovereignty of the 2016, on the anniversary of the opening of the arms trafficking, no gang wars, no kidnappings, Peoples. Cuban-American dialogue. no tropical pandemics www.englishmanuelyepe.wordpress.com Guild emphasized that US law allows citizens The president of AFSA , an association A CubaNews translation. Edited by Walter and US residents to travel to Cuba and there representing 15,000 US diplomats is no provision from the State Department around the world, Barbara Stephenson, Lippmann. www.walterlippmann.com 22 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 “Todos Somos Venezuela”, “We Are All Venezuela” OUR HERITAGE Vancouver Joins the World- Wide Call for Solidarity with Venezuela By Alison Bodine For complete Action Program endorsed by the Today Venezuela and the Bolivarian revolutionary conference please visit www.firethistime.net. process are facing increasing imperialist attacks and interventions. International solidarity Before the “We Are All Venezuela” days of action, demanding that the U.S.-government and their the Fire This Time Movement for Social Justice allies, such as Canada, respect the sovereignty – Venezuela Solidarity Campaign also organized and self-determination of Venezuela is now more a day of action demanding “U.S./Canada Hands important than ever. Off Venezuela!” on September 8, 2017. Through a protest action at the U.S. Consulate and a This September, in response to the escalating petition drive and info tabling at the popular imperialist aggression, the government of Venezuela Vancouver Art Gallery plaza, supporters of launched a “We Are All Venezuela” solidarity revolutionary Venezuela in Vancouver took to Rosa Luxemburg campaign, which included a solidarity summit in Revolutionary Marxist Leader the streets to demand “No to Regime Change Venezuela, as well as a call for participation in an in Venezuela!” 1871-1919 international social media campaign. Excerpt:“Fundamental Significance of For almost two years, the Fire This Time The “We Are All Venezuela: Dialogue for Peace, Movement for Social Justice – Venezuela the Russian Revolution 1917” Sovereignty and Bolivarian Democracy” solidarity Solidarity Campaign has been organizing summit was held from 16-19 of September, 2017 monthly actions for Venezuela, as well as Only a party which knows how to lead, in Caracas, Venezuela. Over 200 people from responding to Venezuela’s calls for international that is, to advance things, wins support 60 countries and 5 continents came together solidarity. As people living in Canada, it is our for the dynamic conference, which resulted in in stormy times. The determination responsibility to demand an end to imperialist an important plan of action for solidarity with with which, at the decisive moment, threats, sanctions and intervention in Venezuela, Venezuela in the coming months. while at the same time working to combat a Lenin and his comrades offered the Participating in the “Todos Somos Venezuela” vicious mainstream media campaign that is only solution which could advance summit were activists, artists, politicians and constantly working to demonize Venezuela's things (“all power in the hands of intellectuals from around the world, including Evo democratically elected President Nicolás the proletariat and peasantry”), Morales, the President of Bolivia, Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro and Bolivarian Revolutionary process. transformed them almost overnight President of Venezuela’s National Constituent We call on all individuals and organizations from a persecuted, slandered, outlawed Assembly (ANC), Jorge Arreaza, the Foreign that support Venezuela in Vancouver, Canada, Minister of Venezuela and Fernando González, minority whose leader had to hid like and around the world to join us in our monthly one of the Cuban 5 political prisoners freed from Marat in cellars, into the absolute actions, and in the implementation of the “We U.S. jails, and now President of the Cuban Institute master of the situation. Are All Venezuela” summit’s plan of action. Our of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). next monthly picket action and petition drive Moreover, the Bolsheviks immediately Simultaneous with the conference, the government will be on Friday, October 6, beginning at 4pm set as the aim of this seizure of of Venezuela also called for international at the US Consulate. This action is part of the participation in a social media campaign. The World Day of street mobilization and solidarity power a complete, far-reaching Fire This Time Movement for Social Justice – “Todos Somos Venezuela”, included in this revolutionary program; not the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign responded to this action plan. safeguarding of bourgeois democracy, call by organizing two days of social media actions For more information about the Fire This Time but a dictatorship of the proletariat #TodosSomosVenezuela, which had people in Venezuela Solidarity Campaign go to www. for the purpose of realizing socialism. Vancouver and the Lower Mainland expressing firethistime.net or follow @FTT_np on Twitter. Thereby they won for themselves the their solidarity through photos and short videos. imperishable historic distinction of Distribute having for the first time proclaimed Revolutionary Change the final aim of socialism as the direct in Your Area! program of practical politics. For distribution of Whatever a party could offer of Fire This Time in your courage, revolutionary far-sightedness area, across BC, and and consistency in an historic internationally, please hour, Lenin, Trotsky and all the contact: other comrades have given in good Thomas Davies measure. All the revolutionary honor Publicity & and capacity which western Social- Distribution Democracy lacked was represented by Coordinator the Bolsheviks. Their October uprising was not only the actual salvation of Phone: (778) 889-7664 the Russian Revolution; it was also the Email: salvation of the honor of international [email protected] socialism. (Written in 1918)

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 23 A member of the Canadian Armed Forces displays the Air Task-Force-Iraq crest in this photo taken out- side the gate at Camp Patrice Vincent in Kuwait on December 26, 2015.

By Janine Solanki in Iraq. On June 29, 2017 Defense Minister detect “hostile intent”. In 2015 a Canadian Harjit Sajjan announced that Canada Forces briefing revealed that about 20% On September 21, 2017, the Liberal would be extending its military mission in of their “advise and assist” training takes government announced that Canadian Iraq to March 31, 2019. The price tag for place near or at front lines, where you can Forces in Iraq would be shifting their this extension is $371.4 million over two imagine using the shoot first policy would focus from the offensive in Mosul, to the years. Add to that the $2 billion over the be a common occurrence. Note that this next offensive in Hawija, on the pretext of course of three years (2016-19) to address 20% statistic is before Canadian troops fighting Daesh (also known as ISIS). Besides “security, stabilization, humanitarian and were focused on the pitched battlegrounds news of Hawija being a “major focus” for development challenges stemming from of Mosul and Hawija. the Canadian military, the government of the crises in Iraq and Syria.” Again, we Canadian Air Force still in Iraqi skies Canada has not given a number for how don’t know exactly where all this money is many Canadian soldiers would be involved. going but we can be sure that it is going to While Justin Trudeau tried to win election Canada has up to 850 soldiers in Iraq, 200 war instead of going to housing, healthcare promise points by ending Canada’s use of of which are special forces. What we do and education needs in Canada!’’ fighter jets in Iraq, that doesn’t mean the know is that a policy of vagueness is in Canadian Air Force isn’t still operating in Who are Canada’s Special Forces and Iraq. Canada’s aerial refueller continues to place. Major General Mike Rouleau, head what are they doing in Iraq? of Canadian Special Operations Forces provide fuel to other coalition aircraft. Two Command said that the troops “won’t be in In 2010 the Globe and Mail described surveillance aircraft continue to “contribute the vanguard” but doesn’t specify just where the Special Forces Joint Task Force 2 as to coalition intelligence, surveillance and the unknown number of Canadian soldiers “a shadowy counterterrorism force about reconnaissance capabilities”. Four tactical in the Hawija offensive will be. Canada’s which little concrete can be said” and CH-146 Griffon helicopters and a tactical Defense Minister, Harjit Sajjan, already “Canada’s most elite troops – the faceless airlift detachment are also deployed in left ample room for escalating Canada’s soldiers who go to places they won’t name, Iraq. While Canadian fighter jets may war drive in Iraq, with his statements on to complete missions they won’t talk about.” not be dropping bombs in Iraq, Canada’s June 29th, 2017. Sajjan said the military The government of Canada is relying more Air Force is doing the work to ensure the would “deploy capabilities as needed” with and more on these “faceless soldiers” for fighter jets of other countries can launch the justification that “coalition allies and their imperialist interventions, and in July airstrikes! partners must remain flexible and adapt to announced plans to add 600 more soldiers What about all the other soldiers? changing threats”. to the Special Forces. After the 200 Special Forces and the Where is the money going? The “train and assist” role that we are told unknown number of troops and personnel the Special Forces are doing in Iraq has with the Air Force, what are all the other Money is one of the few things we can put a convenient “rules of engagement” that number to in Canada’s military intervention allow the soldiers to shoot first if they continued on page 31 24 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 KAEPERNICK, TRUMP & RACISM IN THE USA

By Thomas Davies to carry on the national anthem protest football and it would be selfish on my part despite widespread threats and intimidation. to look the other way. There are bodies in For years now I have heard the word “Wait!” It Beyond all of the absurd accusations against the street and people getting paid leave and rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing these athletes, the reason for the protest is getting away with murder.” familiarity. This “Wait” has almost always simple: racism, police brutality and injustice Kaepernick’s protest came at a time when meant “Never.” We must come to see, with continue at absurd crisis levels in the United one of our distinguished jurists, that “justice police killings of unarmed black people were States. These protests have succeeded in becoming more well known as cell phone too long delayed is justice denied.” forcing the discussion on this reality literally − cameras and social media allowed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Letter from into the living rooms of millions. This was first time widespread documentation, but did a Birmingham Jail, April 1963 urgently needed, and we should support them not improve police accountability. Philando completely. It’s been over one year since then San Castille was killed by a Minnesota police Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick Justice Denied officer in front of his girlfriend and child decided not to stand for the national anthem From day one, Kaepernick was clear on why as he reached for his wallet. The officer was during NFL football game. What began as he wasn’t standing for the national anthem: acquitted. Terence Crutcher’s car stalled one black man’s response to racial injustice on the road and he was shot to death by a and police brutality has now grown into an “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a police officer in Tulsa as he walked with his ongoing protest phenomenon. Hundreds of flag for a country that oppresses black people hands in the air. The officer was found not players of all levels, sports and races continue and people of color. To me, this is bigger than guilty. Freddie Gray died from neck injuries in Baltimore after police purposefully drove recklessly as he was handcuffed in the back of their paddy wagon. 3 officers were found not guilty. 3 had their charges dropped. No charges were laid on the officers who choked Eric Garner to death in New York for selling loose cigarettes. The video showed Eric pleading his last words, “I can’t breath!” 18 year old Micheal Brown was shot 12 times in Ferguson and the police officer didn’t even face a trail. 12 year old Tamir Rice was shot to death almost immediately after an officer pulled up and saw him playing with a toy gun. The officers have yet to be convicted of anything. continued on page 30 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 25 The English version of this article was in our previous issue * EN ESPAÑOL * Por Alison Bodine Venezuela: Traducido por Reynaldo Cruz Díaz ¿Cuál en Verdad El 30 de julio de 2017 el pueblo de Venezuela obtuvo una gran victoria en defensa de su soberanía y autodeterminación. Frente a una es la Discusión? violenta oposición contrarrevolucionaria y a una creciente intervención imperialista liderada por Estados Unidos en su país, más la democracia está perdida”, entre otros. de 8 millones de venezolanos acudieron a “construcción de la democracia” y “sociedad las urnas y eligieron con éxito una Asamblea El gobierno de Estados Unidos y su civil” en Venezuela. Nacional Constituyente. portavoz de los medios de comunicación Gran parte de este dinero se canaliza a través han hecho su trabajo dándonos las palabras Desde entonces, el gobierno de Estados de subvenciones otorgadas por la Fundación Unidos y sus aliados imperialistas han de moda: colapso económico, seguido aumentando sus amenazas, dictadura, democracia, fraude sanciones e intervenciones contra el electoral, derechos humanos y gobierno democráticamente elegido de más. Esta es la narrativa que el Venezuela y el proceso revolucionario imperialismo norteamericano ha bolivariano. escrito, pero ¿es ésta realmente la discusión sobre Venezuela? El 11 de agosto de 2017, el presidente estadounidense Trump amenazó con una Objetivo: Venezuela intervención militar contra Venezuela. El gobierno de Estados “Tenemos tropas en todo el mundo en Unidos ha estado tratando de lugares muy lejanos. Venezuela no está muy derrocar al gobierno elegido lejos y la gente está sufriendo y muriendo. democráticamente de Venezuela Tenemos muchas opciones para Venezuela, desde que el presidente Hugo incluyendo una posible opción militar, si es Chávez fue elegido en 1998. necesario”. Para lograr esto, se han basado Una acción anti-imperialista en Caracas, Venezuela Luego, el 25 de agosto, el Presidente Trump tanto en métodos abiertos como - 19 de septiembre 2017 emitió una orden ejecutiva imponiendo una encubiertos, mientras trabajan quinta ronda de sanciones contra Venezuela, con la oposición violenta venezolana. Nacional para la Democracia (NED), el limitando severamente la capacidad del Además de las amenazas y sanciones Instituto Democrático Nacional (NDI), el gobierno para recibir dividendos, pagar militares contra Venezuela, un componente Instituto Republicano Internacional (IRI), deudas y adquirir nuevos bonos de cualquier central de la intervención imperialista la Agencia de los Estados Unidos para el persona u organización que operen en los ha sido el apoyo financiero directo e Desarrollo Internacional (USAID) e otros Estados Unidos. indirecto de millones de dólares para los instituciones no gubernamentales. La Casa Blanca afirma que estas sanciones llamados programas y organizaciones de Entre 2014 y 2016, la NED otorgó demuestran que el gobierno de Estados más de $ 5.8 millones en donaciones Unidos “no se quedará parado mientras a 110 organizaciones y proyectos Venezuela se desmorona”. Sin embargo, de “construcción de democracia” son tanto el gobierno de Estados en Venezuela. Estas becas tienen Unidos como sus aliados derechistas en descripciones vagas como “Movilización Venezuela los que están desmoronándose. Ciudadana y Formulación de Políticas Con cada escalada peligrosa, el gobierno Constructivas” (2016 - $ 200,000), de los Estados Unidos está trabajando “Fortalecimiento del Liderazgo para derrocar al gobierno del presidente Femenino en Venezuela” (2016- $ Maduro y revertir los logros alcanzados 50,000) y “Fomento del Emprendimiento por los pobres, trabajadores y oprimidos en Defensa de la Democracia y los dentro del proceso revolucionario Mercados Libres” (2015 - $ 160,813) bolivariano. entre otros. Sólo en 2016, el presupuesto Por supuesto, la intervención de USAID para Venezuela fue de $ estadounidense en Venezuela no está en 6.5millones. los titulares de los principales medios Aunque exactamente cómo se gastan todos capitalistas. En cambio, los titulares los millones de dólares en Venezuela no dicen: “Venezuela se quema mientras es información disponible públicamente, el dictador Maduro da la espalda al se han realizado investigaciones que pueblo”, “El hambre se consume en el exponen cómo el gobierno de Estados alma de Venezuela mientras su pueblo Unidos apoya directamente a los partidos lucha para sobrevivir”, “Venezuela se y organizaciones contra-revolucionarios está derrumbando” y “El descenso de de Venezuela. Por ejemplo, en 2006, Venezuela a la dictadura demuestra que Cartel de la revista Venezolana Todoas Adentro 26 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 el New York Times informó que la revolucionario bolivariano. USAID había “distribuido alrededor Sus ataques violentos han tomado muchas de $25 millones a varias organizaciones formas, desde la acumulación de alimentos, venezolanas en los últimos cinco años, el incendio provocado y el bloqueo de según los funcionarios involucrados en los edificios gubernamentales, incluyendo proyectos”. Más tarde se reveló que algunos hospitales, y un ataque con helicóptero a de estos fondos estaban conectados al una base militar venezolana, hasta la quema intento de golpe de Estado de abril de 2002 de personas vivas en las calles. Desde contra el presidente venezolano Hugo comienzos de abril hasta el 31 de julio de Chávez. Según un informe del Consejo 2017, la violencia y el caos provocados por de Asuntos Hemisféricos (COHA), una la oposición derechista de Venezuela han investigación realizada por el propio matado a 126 personas y herido a más de Departamento de Estado de Estados mil. Unidos determinó que el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos, el Esta campaña de terror culminó el 31 de NED y el Departamento de Defensa julio, día de las elecciones a la Asamblea de los Estados Unidos “proporcionaron Nacional Constituyente. La violencia capacitación, unos 3,3 millones de dólares de derecha en las calles de Venezuela al lado del gobierno de los Estados Unidos a organizaciones e individuos venezolanos, continuó en este día mientras 200 puestos y ha servido a los intereses imperialistas en algunos de los cuales se supone que han de votación estaban rodeados de violentos América Latina a lo largo de sus 60 años, participado en los acontecimientos del 12 miembros de la oposición, 21 miembros de apoyando e incluso asistiendo durante más al 14 de abril [en referencia al intento de la seguridad del estado resultaron heridos de 50 golpes de estado patrocinados por golpe de Estado]”. con bala y al menos 10 personas murieron. Estados Unidos en América Latina y el Además del financiamiento de los Caribe. Mientras tanto, desvergonzadamente, partidos políticos y de las llamadas los líderes de la oposición violenta de De hecho, el gobierno de los Estados organizaciones de la sociedad civil, el Venezuela exhiben de manera abierta Unidos describió a la OEA en sus gobierno estadounidense también realiza sus alianzas con el gobierno de Estados propias palabras en la justificación del intervenciones en Venezuela a través de Unidos y sus títeres en la Organización de presupuesto del Congreso para el año medios de comunicación, como la “Voz de Estados Americanos. Por ejemplo, no sólo fiscal 2018: “La Organización de Estados América”. Esta red de medios, que ahora los miembros de la oposición venezolana Americanos (OEA) promueve los intereses incluye internet, radio, y la televisión, se han reunido numerosas veces con políticos y económicos estadounidenses promueve “valores norteamericanos” miembros del Congreso de los Estados en el Hemisferio Occidental en contra y “Democracia” en todo el mundo, Unidos, sino que también se han reunido de la influencia de los países anti- incluyendo a la gente en Venezuela, y tiene con el propio Presidente Trump. (Por norteamericanos, como Venezuela”. un presupuesto anual de más de $200 cierto, el presidente Trump se ha negado millones. A través de la maniobra del gobierno de a hablar con el presidente venezolano, Estados Unidos y el imperialismo dentro Maduro, por teléfono). La OEA Como Herramienta para la de la OEA, está claro que Venezuela está en Intervención Imperialista La Intervención Es el Contexto, el su lista de ataque e intervención. Imperialismo Es la Discusión En diciembre de 2015 la oposición Violencia y Sabotaje de la Derecha derechista en Venezuela fue elegida por A medida que activistas solidarios escriben, mayoría en la Asamblea Nacional. organizan y se movilizan fuera de Desde entonces, la Organización de Venezuela, es nuestra responsabilidad Estados Americanos (OEA) ha sido más importante comprender el especialmente agresiva en su promoción contexto de la lucha en Venezuela de la intervención extranjera en hoy. Creo que se puede resumir en Venezuela. El presidente de la OEA, sólo tres puntos: Luis Almagro, ha concentrado la 1) Venezuela es un blanco del mayoría de su mandato en intentos imperialismo. 2) Los imperialistas de invocar la “Carta Democrática han gastado millones de dólares en Interamericana” contra Venezuela. su campaña de sabotaje, incluyendo Su campaña, aunque apoyada por el trabajo con la oposición violenta gobiernos de derecha en América contrarrevolucionaria para armar una Latina, así como por Estados Unidos crisis. y Canadá, ha fracasado debido a la 3) Un gobierno revolucionario y la oposición de otros Estados miembros mayoría masiva de personas que lo que han tomado posición en defensa de El Presidente de Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro apoyan quieren tomar su país en un la soberanía de Venezuela. habla en una acción anti-imperialista en camino diferente y los países imperialistas Caracas, Venezuela - 14 de agosto 2017 Desde hace mucho tiempo, la OEA ha sido están tratando de bloquear este desarrollo. reconocida como una herramienta para la O, lo más generalmente dicho, el contexto intervención estadounidense en América actual de Venezuela es la intervención Junto con el aumento de las amenazas Latina. No sólo es cabeza de barrio en imperialista: nada más y nada menos. y sanciones del gobierno de Estados Washington, DC, también recibe una El caso se detiene allí. No hay nada más Unidos, la violenta oposición venezolana mayoría de su financiación directamente que necesitamos saber sobre el proceso ha incrementado su campaña de violencia del Departamento de Estado de los revolucionario bolivariano para ser y sabotaje contra el gobierno del presidente EE.UU. A su vez, la OEA se ha mantenido solidarios con Venezuela y el gobierno del Maduro y la mayoría de los venezolanos presidente Maduro. que apoyan al gobierno y al proceso FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 27 Con este entendimiento, responder preguntas como “¿cómo el qué organizamos y qué escribimos? movimiento de solidaridad de Venezuela debilita la reacción de No hay reglas para la “corrección política” que dicen que cada error la oposición venezolana?” Se vuelve mucho más sencillo. Nos que el gobierno comete tiene que ser expuesto. Debemos recordar oponemos a la intervención estadounidense ya todos los intentos que los imperialistas están exponiendo cada minuto el proceso de derrocar al gobierno democráticamente elegido de Venezuela. revolucionario bolivariano y el gobierno de Maduro. La gente Esa es nuestra responsabilidad política y moral. puede tener sus opiniones, pero es algo totalmente diferente hacer Venezuela hoy está en medio de una aguda lucha de clases. La clase campaña a favor del imperialismo. capitalista de Venezuela controla la mayoría de la producción y Por ejemplo, ¿qué es tan significativo al afirmar que las elecciones distribución de alimentos y bienes básicos en Venezuela. Controlan de la Asamblea Nacional Constituyente fueron manipuladas a la mayoría de los medios de comunicación. Cada hora de cada favor del gobierno, mientras que, al mismo tiempo, la propaganda día están trabajando abiertamente y encubiertamente con el imperialista también afirma que las elecciones fueron manipuladas? gobierno de Estados Unidos y sus aliados para destruir el proceso De hecho, no importa para nuestra lucha para sacar al imperialismo revolucionario bolivariano. Por lo tanto, para los activistas solidarios de Venezuela si las cifras de elecciones anunciadas por el gobierno fuera de Venezuela, no se trata de cuántos errores comete el gobierno revolucionario bolivariano son correctas o no, como algunos del presidente Maduro. Porque es muy natural que dentro de esta activistas solidarios han cuestionado abiertamente. Se debe batalla, el Presidente Maduro y el gobierno revolucionario cometan plantear la pregunta, como progresistas y partidarios del proceso errores tácticos, o tomen medidas que no son revolucionario bolivariano en efectivas ni eficientes. Puesto que el gobierno Venezuela, ¿a quién servimos es dinámico y el proceso revolucionario con este tipo de “corrección bolivariano es dinámico, es imposible que no política”? Debemos exponer las ocurran errores. mentiras y manipulaciones del En realidad, la cuestión no es si las personas imperialismo norteamericano, que afirman ser solidarias con la revolución no convertirnos en sus loros. bolivariana deben expresar opiniones sobre Construya un Fuerte y Solidario lo que el gobierno o lo que el liderazgo Movimiento de Solidaridad revolucionario en Venezuela está haciendo. En con Venezuela cambio, la pregunta que debemos hacer es ¿cuál es la prioridad para nosotros? ¿Qué discutimos, La ex secretaria de Estado estadounidense, Madeline Albright, ampliamente conocida por su defensa de las muertes de más de 500.000 niños iraquíes debido a las Marcha de las sanciones estadounidenses, mujeres contra habló recientemente ante el intervención Senado de Estados Unidos imperialista para justificar el continuo en Caracas, financiamiento estadounidense Venezuela - mayo para los llamados programas de 2017. construcción de la democracia. En su declaración, describió el contexto en el que estos programas seguirán siendo una herramienta importante para la intervención de los Estados Unidos en todo el mundo. “La crisis financiera y las crecientes brechas entre ricos y pobres han alimentado la ira y profundizado las dudas sobre la capacidad de la democracia para cumplir sus promesas. Los progresos recientes en algunos países y regiones clave han sido eclipsados​​ por el autoritarismo renovado en Rusia, el retroceso democrático en lugares como Turquía, el auge del populismo iliberal en Europa, el colapso del Estado en una Venezuela autoritaria y la ruptura del orden en algunas partes del mundo. Oriente Medio y África del Norte.” El movimiento de solidaridad opera en el mismo contexto - Venezuela está en los blancos del imperialismo en todas sus formas mortales. Si los Estados Unidos logran derrocar al presidente Maduro y destruir el proceso revolucionario bolivariano, sería una gran derrota no sólo para el pueblo de Venezuela, sino también para los pobres, trabajadores y oprimidos de todo el mundo. Por lo tanto, y ante todo, debemos unirnos para construir un movimiento fuerte en defensa de la soberanía y autodeterminación de Venezuela contra todas las formas de intervención imperialista. 28 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 Vancouver Demands: US/Saudi Stop Bombing Yemen! By Janine Solanki In late September, the United Nations October, MAWO will mark 14 years of antiwar reported that there are nearly 700,000 organizing, educating and organizing. As the suspected cases of cholera in Yemen, and new era of war and occupation continues to over 2,000 people have died from the wreak havoc on the lives of oppressed people disease since April 27, 2017. Yemen is around the world, it is up to all antiwar and facing the world’s worst cholera outbreak peace-loving people to stand against war. on record, and one must ask how can this nd On September 22 , MAWO organized their happen? This humanitarian crisis is one of monthly antiwar rally and petition campaign, the devastating consequences of the two with the demands: “US/Saudi Arabia Hands Hop artists whose music reflects social justice and a half year-long Saudi Arabian-led, US- Off Yemen!” “US Out of Afghanistan!” and struggles. The rally also included poetry read by backed bombing of Yemen. Saudi Arabia “US/Canada/NATO: Hands Off Syria, Iraq, a local Iraqi poet. and their allies have also imposed a land, air Venezuela, North Korea, the Middle East and sea blockade on Yemen, contributing to Join MAWO for the next monthly antiwar rally and North Africa!” This action, happening the crisis. and petition campaign on Saturday October every month for 14 years, is a cornerstone 7, 2pm outside the Vancouver Art Gallery in With all eyes on the United States and US of MAWO’s antiwar organizing, and is Downtown Vancouver. The upcoming rally will President Trump’s war-mongering rhetoric, an important opportunity to raise antiwar be part of International Days of Action called his speech at the United Nations on demands in public protest, and to reach out to th by the United National Antiwar Coalition September 19 stepped up the US agenda of the general public with antiwar information and other antiwar groups in the US, marking wars and occupations. Trump’s speech was and petitions. 16 years of the US-led war and occupation in full of threats and dangerous provocations, The rally included MAWO chair Alison Afghanistan. For more info and other MAWO especially against North Korea, Venezuela Bodine who spoke about the humanitarian events, visit www.mawovancouver.org, on and Iran. crisis in Yemen that has been created by the Twitter @MAWOVan or find MAWO on The job of antiwar organizations is to respond Saudi-led war, and encouraged passers-by Facebook. to and protest against these imperialist to sign the petition against the Saudi-led No to War and Occupation! Yes to Self- threats and military interventions, and US-backed war on Yemen. This month, Determination! that is what Mobilization Against War participants got to hear from Estea Elements US/Saudi Stop Bombing Yemen! and Occupation (MAWO) is doing. This and Trevor Mills, two talented local Hip US Out of Afghanistan! A Hurricane called Blockade: Cuba Solidarity Activists Demand end to US Blockade on Cuba!

By Janine Solanki Cuba makes this enormous task much more Ukraine are organizing monthly actions. difficult, as it limits Cuba’s ability to purchase reconstruction supplies. The September 17th action in Vancouver th On September 8 , the extremely powerful started out with a drumming and song from and catastrophic Hurricane Irma made Eagle Eyes, an Indigenous elder and Sechelt landfall in Cuba. The hurricane caused hereditary chief. In between rounds of immense destruction throughout Cuba, as picketing, supporters heard from local speakers well as throughout other countries in the as well as heard a greeting via phone message Caribbean and United States. Cuba, despite from the picket action in Ottawa, from the it’s own recovery efforts, immediately sent organization Ottawa Cuba Connections. The over 750 health care workers to assist in other picket action was also wrapped up with a Caribbean countries hit by the hurricane. closing song from Eagle Eyes. Furthermore, even in mainstream media Cuba was recognized for their exemplary disaster Friends of Cuba Against the US Blockade – and evacuation preparedness. However Cuba Vancouver will continue monthly picketing is still suffering the effects of this hurricane, at the US consulate until the blockade is which severely damaged tourist industry lifted, and until the US returns Guantanamo infrastructure, homes and agriculture. Bay back to Cuba. Join the next picket on Rather than practice humanity towards their Every month, Friends of Cuba Against the October 17th, 4pm at the US consulate (1075 neighbor in a time of disaster, instead the US US Blockade – Vancouver (FCAB-Van) West Pender at Thurlow) in Downtown government is continuing the over 55 year organizes a picket action in front of the US Vancouver. You can also visit online at www. old US blockade on Cuba, and US President consulate in downtown Vancouver. With vancubavsblockade.org , follow on Facebook Trump is looking to roll back even the limited picket signs raised high, activists demand an and on Twitter @NoBloqueoVan gains towards normalized relations that were end to the US blockade on Cuba, and demand made under the Obama administration. that the US return Guantanamo back to Lift the Blockade on Cuba Now! As Cuba deals with the reconstruction of Cuba. These monthly pickets have expanded Return Guantanamo to Cuba Now! homes and infrastructure, the US blockade on and now Ottawa, Montreal and even Kiev,

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 29 continued from page 25 networks. Even the Department of Veterans affairs admits that at least 20 veterans kill “By Any Means These are just some of the higher profile cases, themselves every day in the United States. and known only mostly because there was Necessary...” bystander video evidence. Beyond this, the So the government which sends people to war statistics paint a terrible picture. and then doesn’t take care of them afterwards accuses the players protesting for fundamental Black males aged 15-34 were nine times more fairness as being disrespectful to the veterans? likely than other Americans to be killed by law enforcement officers last year, according the Protests in Ferguson against the police Guardian newspaper. Blacks make up 13% killing of Michael Brown of the population, yet they represent about 40% of the prison population. It goes deeper than that as well. Black Americans hold only 2.7 percent of the country’s wealth, and the racial wealth gap nearly tripled between 1984 and 2009, according to a Brandeis study. Blacks and Indigenous people have the highest poverty rates, around 28 percent, followed by Hispanics at 26.6 percent and whites at 9.9 percent. A crippling 45.8 percent of young black children (under age 6) live in poverty, It’s disgraceful. MALCOLM X SPEAKS compared to 14.5 percent of white children Historical Continuity It takes a whole lot of racism to justify this Excerpt from Malcolm X speech at state violence and huge wealth disparity as When Muhammad Ali passed away in 2016, Harvard University - March 18, 1964 natural or a product of genetics. politicians were falling over themselves to honour the great boxer. We can’t forget that he So if you’re Colin Kaepernick, and you’re was accused by their predecessors of the same Whenever one is viewing this political aware of the past and present of racial injustice things today’s athletes are when he refused to system through the eyes of a victim, in the United States – is it really so strange be drafted into the Vietnam War in 1966. He he sees something different. But today that you wouldn’t want to salute the primary was stripped of his World Heavyweight title these twenty-two million black people symbol of the country which is responsible for and lost four years of his career. He remained who are the victims of American perpetrating and maintaining it? defiant throughout: democracy, whether you realize it or Who is Disrespecting the Veterans? “I’m not going 10,000 miles from home to not, are viewing your democracy with The most commonly sited offence of these help murder and burn another poor nation new eyes. Yesterday our people used to players is that by kneeling for the national simply to continue the domination of white look upon the American system as an anthem they are somehow “disrespecting slave masters of the darker people the world American dream. But the black people veterans”. This has been a favourite of President over. This is the day when such evils must today are beginning to realize that it come to an end. I have been warned that to is an American nightmare. What is a take such a stand would cost me millions of dream to you is a nightmare to us. What dollars. But I have said it once and I will say is hope to you has long since become it again. The real enemy of my people is here. I will not disgrace my religion, my people or hopeless to our people. And as this myself by becoming a tool to enslave those attitude develops, not so much on Sugar who are fighting for their own justice, freedom Hill—although it’s there too—but in and equality. If I thought the war was going the ghetto, in the alley where the masses to bring freedom and equality to 22 million of our people live...there you have a of my people they wouldn’t have to draft me, new situation on your hands. There’s a I’d join tomorrow. I have nothing to lose by new political consciousness developing standing up for my beliefs. So I’ll go to jail, so among our people in this country. In what? We’ve been in jail for 400 years.” the past, we weren’t conscious of the Muhammad Ali remained a vocal critic of Kaepernick might pay a similar price, as political maneuvering that goes on in war and racism in the United States. he remains unsigned this season despite this country, which exploits our people many quarterbacks of lesser talents getting politically. We knew something was NFL contracts. However, his leadership wrong, but we weren’t conscious of Trump and other right wing politicians. First continues to expose America’s crisis and give what it was. Today there’s a tendency of all, NFL players weren’t even typically confidence to all of the communities who on the part of this new generation of on the field for the national anthem until were already fighting for justice in the United black people (who have been born 2009, when the Department of Defense and States. Confronting racism is a key part of and are growing up in this country) the National Guard began paying the NFL building unity among poor and working millions of dollars for “patriotic displays”. to look at the thing not as they wish people and confronting the governments and it were, but as it actually is. And their Secondly, who is really disrespecting veterans? corporations who really benefit from having ability to look at the situation as it is, us oppressed and divided. We need to support 47,725, or about 8% of the US homeless is what is primarily responsible for the Colin Kaepernick, every athlete, and every population, are veterans. 45% of them are ever-increasing sense of frustration and black or Hispanic. 1.4 million more are at risk person standing up to injustice and fighting for a better world. hopelessness that exists in the so-called of homelessness due to poverty, overcrowding Negro community today. in government housing, and lack of support Follow Thomas on Twitter: @thomasdavies59 30 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 continued from page 24 The Newspaper Of Canadian FIRE THIS TIME Armed MOVEMENT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE Forces (CAF) www.firethistime.net Volume 11 Issue 10 members October 2017 doing? Not to Published Monthly be overlooked, according to Political Editor: the Canadian Ali Yerevani - [email protected] @aliyerevani Forces Editorial Board: Tamara Hansen, Aaron Mercredi, Alison Bodine, Operation Nita Palmer, Janine Solanki, Thomas Davies, IMPACT Ali Yerevani website, “CAF Layout & Design: members serve Canadian Special Forces Azza Rojbi, Max Tennant, Thomas Davies, Janine in key positions Solanki,Tamara Hansen, Ali Yerevani, Alison Bodine in Coalition Copy Editors: headquarters around the Middle East. Daesh only came into existence after the Tamara Hansen, Nita Palmer They have high-demand skills in planning US started funding and arming so-called Publicity & Distribution Coordinator: and carrying out military operations.” “moderate rebels” and foreign mercenaries Thomas Davies “The CAF members are experts in areas in Syria, and after years of destabilization Production Manager: such as: intelligence operations; targeting; and sectarianism fueled by the US war and Azza Rojbi occupation in Iraq. Whether Daesh was Contributors to this Issue: command and control”. One example Sanam Soltanzadeh, Azza Rojbi, Manuel Yepe of what this means – since March 2016, directly or indirectly created by the US, the fact is Daesh is a convenient excuse for the Contact: Canadian Brigadier-General David Phone (778) 938-1557 Anderson commanded the “Global US and their imperialist allies to continue waging war in Iraq, as well as in Syria. Email [email protected] Coalition’s Ministerial Liaison Team” Mail PO Box 21607 Vancouver BC, V5L 5G3 which was involved in the preparation Looking at just a few health and education Subscriptions and execution of the military offensive indicators, war has devastated these For a one year subscription outside the lower in Mosul and northwestern Iraq. In July standards of living in Iraq. The World mainland, make cheques payable to “Nita Palmer” (Canada $15, USA $20, International $30) Send to: 2017, Canadian Brigadier-General Steven Health Organization has estimated that 70 PO Box 21607 Vancouver BC, V5L 5G3 Whelan took over this leading role. While percent of Iraqis lack access to clean water Distribution Justin Trudeau claims this isn’t a combat and 80 percent lack proper sanitation. Prior For Fire This Time in your area across BC, Canada, mission, top Canadian generals are in to the US-led war, Iraq was well-known for and Internationally contact Publicity and Distribution Coordinator Thomas Davies charge of planning combat operations! having high attendance in schools, while in Phone : (778) 889-7664 2016 UNICEF reported nearly 3.5 million Unanswered questions on exchange Submissions & Suggestions school-aged children in Iraq attend school soldiers We welcome articles, letters, unsolicited submissions, and irregularly, or not at all. And perhaps the suggestions. However, we cannot promise publication. The question of Canadian troops engaged in most telling indicator of the effects of war Submissions and suggestions can be made by email combat operations gets even stickier when by contacting [email protected] fax, or on Iraq is that Iraq refugees are part of what regular mail. Submissions will not be returned. you consider the 104 Canadian militarily is today the largest refugee crisis humanity The opinions expressed in the newspaper are those of the members on exchange programs with other has ever seen, simply because war has made authors, and do not necessarily represent those of Fire This countries. On July 12, 2017, CBC broke a Time. their homeland unlivable. Donations story on the shady details of these exchange If the shoe fits… If you find Fire This Time to be an effective tool inthe programs. Documents show that 66 of the struggle of oppressed people for justice, more than ever, we need your support. On top of our regular costs of 104 Canadian soldiers are embedded with Whatever Justin Trudeau or Harjit Sajjan production, we regularily send members of our editorial the US military, and that in 2015 several want to call it, combat or not, Canadian board on assignment throughout North America, the Caribbean and beyond in order to make Fire This Time a Canadian fighter pilots engaged in combat troops do not belong in Iraq, nor do the better resource. These efforts have strained our finances. against Daesh, while embedded with an troops of any foreign imperialist country. It If you would like to help with a donation, please make unidentified country’s military. However is our tax dollars being spent on war and cheques payable to “Nita Palmer”. Canada’s National Defense is refusing to occupation, and it is the government we Fire This Time is an independent newspaper and publishing Fire This Time could not be possible without the generous say how many of these soldiers are involved live under that is sending military forces contributions from our supporters. in combat operations, and where they are to wage war on our brothers and sisters Reprint Policy stationed. in Iraq. The way forward for Iraq is with Reprinting of articles from Fire This Time by progressive media is welcomed, with source credit to the author and Iraq: Over 14 years of war and occupation self-determination, and it is up to peace- Fire This Time Newspaper. All other media, including .main loving people in Canada and around the stream media or institutions must request permission. What all of this amounts to is continued war world to take up our human responsibility Advertisement Policy and occupation in Iraq. Whether under the to demand self-determination for people of Fire This Time does not accept commercial ads. Ads in this pretext of a “weapons of mass destruction” paper are political ads and Fire This Time makes no profit Iraq and an end to war and occupation in off of these ads. The presence of ads are soley for political which never existed, a “war on terror” that Iraq. purposes. is a war OF terror, or the fight against Fire This Time Newspaper is written, produced and Daesh, Iraq has suffered greatly under 14 distributed entirely by volunteer labour and printed in years of US-led war and occupation. While Burnaby, Greater Vancouver, Canada Follow Janine Solanki on Twitter: “fighting Daesh” might make good war -ISSN-1712-1817- propaganda, one has to ask, how is it that @janinesolanki FIRE THIS TIME Volume 11 Issue 10 October 2017 31 50 YEARS AFTER THE ASSASSINATION OF ERNESTO CHE GUEVARA 7 TH INTERNATIONAL CHE GUEVARA CONFERENCE VANCOUVER, CANADA

FROM THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION TO CUBAN REVOLUTION THE THE QUESTION OF LEADERSHIP, 100 YEARS SINCE THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION IMPLEMENTING THE SOCIALIST PROJECT AND 58 YEARS OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION & WHERE WE ARE TODAY

OCTOBER 27 - VANCOUVER 29, 2017 RUSSIAN HALL 600 CAMPBELL AVENUE,