'Maurice Bishop Speaks' reviewed . 5 THE Behind Reagan's trip !o China ..•..... 6 Iraq-Iran war and U.S. workers . . . . • . 10

A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF WORKING PEOPLE VOL. 48/NO; 18 MAY 18, 1984 75 CENTS

Agent Orange settleiDent: Salvador ·election fraud no justice cover for more U.S. war for veterans As the votes were being counted in the U.S.-sponsored elections in El Salvador, BY GEOFF MIRELOWITZ Reagan made his May 9 speech on Central In a surprise move on what was to have America. · been the opening day of trial, a federal dis­ Like the Salvadoran elections, the trict court judge in New York announced speech was intended to undermine opposi­ that the class-action lawsuit filed by 15 ,000 tion to Washington's swiftly escalating Vietnam veterans and their families who military intervention in Central America. are victims of Agent Orange, had been set­ The speech came two week's after a tled. This avoided a trial that could have CBS poll found that only one person in been politically damaging and dangerous three supported U.S. policy in Central to the U.S. government and the seven chemical companies that produced the poisonous-defoliant. During the Vietnam War the U.S . gov­ EDITORIAL ernment sprayed J2 million gallons of Agent Orange on Vietnam causing untold damage and misery to that country and its America and nearly half feared it would people. U.S. Gls were also victimflof this bring direct GI involvement in the war. barbaric policy. Their exposure to the toxic The central theme of Reagan's speech substance, dioxin, resulted in serious was the shopworn hoax that "communist illnesses among them and their families, subversion" was responsible for the vic­ including birth defects in their children. torious revolution in Nicaragua and for the For years these victims have been wag­ civil war raging today in El Salvador. ing an uphill battle to bring Dow Chemical, That's standing the truth on its head. Monsanto, and five other Agent Orange It was imperialism- specifically U.S. manufacturers to court to win compensa­ imperialism - that created the conditions tion. The out-of-court settlement estab­ for the victorious Sandinista revolution in lishes a $180 million trust fund to pay Nicaragua. And, by the same token, it is Salvadoran government soldiers and one of their many victims. U.S. money, arms, claims filed by the 15,000 plaintiffs and the effects of decades of economic plunder and soldiers are key prop of brutal dictatorship in El Salvador. countless others who may be eligible. and political repression by U.S. /im­ The deal was worked out under the gui­ perialism that sparked the popular rebellion dance of a panel of three "special masters" in -El Salvador. U.S. troops. tyranny erupted, Washington did all in its appointed by the court. Among the three For generations, U.S. business has ex­ Because Reagan can't state that simple power to save him. _ were Leonard Garment, former counsel tracted tremendous profits from Central truth, he_has to lie through his teeth. It was only when Somoza was, clearly and assistant to Richard Nixon, and one of America, leaving the people impoverished _ For instance, without a blush, he said, finished that the Carter administration as­ Garment's law partners. in the process. To ensure that flow of prof­ "When the Sandinistas were fighting the sumed a "hands off' posture. (Meanwhile, Attorneys for the veterans, who feared its, Washington installed and supported a Somoza regime, the United States policy Washington's junior partner, Israel, con­ that the giant chemical companies could series of dictatorships in the various coun­ was: Hands off. We did not.attempt to prop tinued to ship arms.) keep the case in court for years, thus post­ tries of Central America. When needed, up Somoza." Today, the CIA has recruited an army of poning any payments indefinitely, agreed U.S. occupation troops were sent in. But it was Washington that installed the some 11 ,000 Nicaraguan counterrevolu­ to the settlement. However, not a single Now U.S . guns and dollars are being Somoza family as the rulers of Nicaragua tionary exiles who are massed on Nicara­ veteran was involved in the negotiations. used to stem the broad revolutionary op­ during a U.S . Manne occupation of that gua's borders with Honduras and Costa "I don' t think they should get off this position to what it created. And the plans country. Rica. easy ," said AI Marcotte, one of a dozen are already in place for again dispatching When popular opposition to the Somoza Continued on Page 18 veterans in the court room when the s-ur­ prise deal was announced. " I have no feel­ ing for this country anymore," he con­ tinued. "They have total disregard for us Police attack copper strike solidarity ;rally when they can plea bargain behind a closed door without notice to us." BY BARBARA GREENWAY miners have been · on strike against the (state troopers) against a May 5 strike sol­ Socialist Workers presidential candidate AND KAREN KOPPERUD company since July 1983, for over 10 . idarity march and rally. Mel Mason (an Air Force veteran dis­ CLIFfON-MORENCI, Ariz. - The months. At least 12 strikers and supporters were charged in 1965) was also critical of the National Guard has returned to this copper The Arizona guard was sent in by Dem­ arrested on trumped-up charges rangipg agreement. He told the Militant, "Of mining area for the second time during the ocratic Gov. Bruce Babbitt on Sunday, from "unlawful assembly," and "inciting to course it's understandable that many Viet­ strike against the Phelps Dodge Corp., the May 6, on the heels of a police assault led riot," to "aggravated assault." According nam vets want to force some money out of state's largest copper producer. Copper by Department of Public Safety officers to Antonio Bustamante, an attorney for'the these chemical companies right now to pay arrested workers, they have been denied for the suffering these veterans and their food, the right to telephone calls, and prop­ families have already endured. er medical care for injuries sustained atthe "But why are Dow Chemical and the hands of the cops. others so happy with this deal?'' Mason "There will be no plea bargaining," de­ asked. "It is not only because this settle­ clared Babbitt. "We will put people in ment is just pocket change to them, which Florence [the state prison] and keep them will be covered by their insurance policies. there," he threatened. "It is not only because, while it sounds Last August, Babbitt sent hundreds of like a Jot of money, it is only a drop in the heavily armed guardsmen into Morenci bucket compared to the billions these war and Ajo, centers of the copper strike. This profiteers raked in off the suffering of the move established that the full power of the Vietnamese and the U.S. working-class state would be placed behind the giant cor­ youth who were sent to fight ," he said. poration in its effort to deny a decent con­ "It is also because they feared a trial. · tract to copper workers. They feared it might bring out more of the Babbitt took that step after unionists and · truth about the genocidal campaign they their supporters staged a series of militant helped wage against the Vietnamese demonstrations that persuaded Phelps · people," Mason declared. Dodge to shut its mining operations for 10 "More of the truth could have emerged," days._ he continued, "about the indifference of the But following !1 10-day "cooling off' U.S. government to the suffering of the period, Phelps Dodge reopened the mines Gls who were forced to fight a war that was and the National Guard and state troopers not in their interests. were on hand to herd scabs into work. "It is the government that stands behind Since then no expense or effort has beeri this settlement," Mason declared. "The spared to break the strike and bust the 13 U.S. government does not want the story local unions of copper workers led by the of the Vietnam War being told through the - United Steelworkers of America. eyes of Vietnam veterans in the glare of na­ The embattled strikers have heroically tional publicity in a courtroom in New Militant stood up to this union-busting. The latest York. Not at the very same time that the _Cop attack on May 5 raUy for militant Arizona copper miners is latest chapter in police assault and deployment of the Na­ government is beginning a new Vietnam- series of government moves to help Phelps Dodge Corp. break strike, which is now in tional Guard is a new attempt to break the Continued on Page 15 its 11th month. Continued on Page 2 BY LEE MARTINDALE "When the Militant carried its never know what time they'll get the lOth Anniversary Convention, was just rechartered in the last Kathleen Denny works at Gen­ coverage of the CLUW conven­ off." are: organizing unorganized year. None of the women from the eral Electric in Cincinnati and is a tion, I approached all the women I Involving women workers in women, affirmative action in the big auto plants have joined yet. member of International Associa­ saw going into the plant and said, building and strengthening the workplace, political action and "I see selling the Militant so tion of Machinists Local912. Like 'Hi, do you want to read about the unions is necessary if workers are legislation, and participation of these women can read about what· many other socialist unionists, she Coalition of Labor Union going to be able to fight back women in their unions . CLUW stands for as a good oppor­ is an active member of the Coali­ Women's convention?' Of about against the bosses' policy of Denny explained . that the tunity to start a discussion in this tion of Labor Union Women. In 12 women I spoke with, 3 bought speed-up and forcing some work­ CLUW chapter in Cincinnati is plant about CLUW and the role of March, she attended CLUW's the paper. ers to work 60 or more hours a working to involve more women working women. The Militant' s lOth Anniversary Convention in "The plant has about 4,000 week while · others are un­ auto workers: regular coverage of the problems Chicago. workers now . It 's an assembly employed. Solidarity within the "Women in the big auto plants facirig women and the fight for In its April 20 issue, the Mili­ plant that makes Camaros. One of union movement must be based on are an important section of union women's rights is also important tant devoted severa,l pages to the younger women I talked to told a firm commitment to defending women in the city, and our CLUW in discussions. coverage of the CLUW conven­ me this was her first day back at the rights of women, Blacks, and chapter has been trying to attract "I know that the papers I sell at tion. Denny saw this extensive work . She had just been called Latinos, who are often the last them to CLUW. The local at Nor­ the gate get passed around to more coverage as a means to build back. But even though GM is call­ hired and the first laid off. wood, United AutoWorkers Local than one person inside. And the CLUW among women at the Gen­ ing some people back, there's a lot CLUW advocates union sol­ 674, participated in the founding response I got showed that these eral Motors Norwood plant where of forced overtime. One group of idarity and increasing the involve­ convention of CLUW ·I 0 years women are interested. I want to she regularly sells the Militant at Black workers who were waiting ment of women in their unions. ago . bring ·leaflets with me for these the plant gate. She described the to go into work on the second shift CLUW's founding goals, which The Cincinnati CLUW chapter women the next time CLUW response: told me that when they go in they were discussed and reaffirmed at dissolved in the late 1970s and sponsors a program." Police attack copper strike solidarity rally

Continued from front page tional Association of Machinists and a rank Tomas Aguilar, who is the financial secre­ that such support is crucial to these heroic miners' spirit and shake their determina­ and file strike leader shouted over a bull tary of United Steelworkers Local616, and strikers who are battling for their union and tion. hom, "They're pointing the guns at us. Vice-mayor Eduardo Marquez, a past pres­ their dignity as working people. The ·May 5 police attack came towaro Watch what they do!" ident of the Steelworkers local. The crowd the end of the day's successful and spirited Hicks was grabbed, beaten by the cops, gave an enthusiastic greeting to Dr. Jorge solidarity activities. These had been in- and arrested. Hicks' 13-year-old son had O'Leary. "I used to be a company doctor," Mason, Gonzmez demand . itiated and organized by the Morenci and his wrist injured by a cop's night stick as he said O'Leary, a Mexican-born physician Safford Women's Auxiliaries, which have tried to hold on to his father who was being who was fired by Phelps Dodge for his sup­ halt to terror tactics played a key role in keeping the strike alive dragged away. . port to the strike. "Now I find that I am a against copper miners and visible. Others who confronted the cops' strong­ soldier of the working class." There was a festive atmosphere through­ arm tactics were met with clubs in the neck O'Leary, who now operates the free Socialist Workers Party presidential out the day, highlighted by speeches and a and forced to the ground. People's Clinic for strikers and other and vice-presidential candidates Mel videotape that tells the story of the strike. Those arrested were thrown into a closed townspeople and has been a tireless strike Mason and Andrea Gonzalez sent the Women's auxiliary · members and their paddy wagon and left in the 90-degree heat supporter, criticized the national leadership following protest telegram to Arizona children staffed booths that dispensed food for more than a half hour before they were of the AFL-CIO for not taking the neces­ · Gov, Bruce Babbitt following the most and rally souvenirs, sold to raise much­ carted away. sary action to back the strike and help win recent attack on copper strikers, needed funds . The strikers and their supporters, who it. He also blasted the top labor officials' The strikers' spirits were buoyed by the have endured police harassment and vio­ support to Democratic Party politicians. We protest the brutal police assault on presence of supporters from New Mexico, lence for months, were not intimidated by "We need to build our own party," he told our brothers and sisters, members and sup­ California, and elsewhere in Arizona. the attack. They asserted their legal right to · the cheering crowd, "a labor party based on porters of copper unions on strike against Some individuals came from as far away as remain in the streets. The cops ultimately the trade unions." Phelps Dodge. This violent provocation Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts to decided to retreat and the company cancel­ The small group of much-appreciated against these workers is the latest in the demonstrate support. led the 3:00p.m. and 11:00 p.m. shift out-of-town supporters who came for the copper bosses' !!-month union-busting Many strikers and supporters feel th.e changes at the mine. Scabs inside remained day of solidarity were impressed by what drive. This strike-breaking has been underwrit­ cops engineered a confrontation precisely overnight. they saw. "This is great! I love it here~" because the rally had been such a success. Glen Phillips, a 60-year-old miner who said Service Employees International ten at every stage by the State of Arizona. Decked out in full riot gear, the state troop­ worked for Phelps Dodge for 28 years, Union member Julie McCall. "This is the This attack, the intervention of the Na­ ers were provocative throughout the day. explained bitterly, "The governor, the De­ most courageous group of people I have ·tional Guard on two occasions, the evic­ At one point a scab brandished a gun. partment of Public Safety, and the news ever seen." tions of striking workers from company Strikers, who are used to being harassed by media, they think we enjoy this - spend­ McCall, of Washington, D.C., first housing, the use of scab labor, and the the cops over the most minor of incidents, ing all our money on jails and watching learned of the strike at the national conven­ harassment of Dr. Jorge O'Leary and other demanded that the cops act. They refused. them protect Phelps Dodge and destroy our tion of the Coalition of Labor Union strike supporters are all part of the effort to A key confrontation occurred about 3:00 way of·iife." Women held in Chicago in March where demoralize the strikers and wear down p.m. as demonstrators assembled in a few Similar themes were echoed at the rally two leaders of the Women's Auxiliary ap­ their heroic resistance. narrow streets to protest scabs entering and before the cop assault. "We have survived pealed for support. We demand the immediate withdrawal leaving the mine. They were met by troop­ l 0 months of being stripped of our human On her trip home from Chicago, McCall of the National Guard. ers and local cops armed with rifles, tear dignity and civil rights, yet now we must was bumped from her seat on the plane and The state government must end its sup­ gas guns, and clubs. continue to be strong," asserted Safford received a free ticket as compensation. She port to Phelps Dodge's union-busting and On a small ridge above the street a group Women's Auxiliary leader Connie Or­ used it to fly to Morenci. halt the use of terror tactics by police of a few children, most 12 to 14 years old, nelas. The American Postal Workers Union in against the copper miners. We call for a threw some stones at the cops. The cops "Does Phelps Dodge really expect us to Phoenix sent a delegation of five members swift settlement of this strike, now in its seized on this excuse to launch their attack. sit back and watch four generations of to the rally. "I wish people nationwide eleventh month, in favor of the just de­ Eight fully armed state police stormed the blood, sweat, and skills be obliterated?" would realize the depths of harassment mands of the miners and their unions. ridge chasing after the fleeing young she asked. "What they fear most is the these strikers have put up with," said the labor movement," Ornelas continued. people. union's state president, Debbie Szeredy. Subscribe to Perspectiva Mundial, biweekly, The sight of the cops charging after "They feel threatened by our solidarity be­ "People should take· the time to stop and Spanish-language sister publication of the strikers' children infuriated many in the cause they hoped to break us long before send mo~ey and support," she declared. Militant. $2.50 for 6 issues, $8 for 6 months, crowd and they told troopers what they now. But they have not succeeded. We are As National Guard helicopters buzz over or $16 for one year. Write to 4o8 West St, thought about it. still 13 unions standing firm." the town and guardsmen patrol the streets New York, New York 10014. Clifford Hicks, a member of the Interna- Other speakers included Clifton Mayor armed with automatic weapons, it's clear SPECIAL OFFER TO MILITANT SUBSCRIBERS The Militant "Maurice Bishop Speaks" Closing news date: May 9, 1984 This coUection of inteiViews with and speeches by the slain prime minister of Grenada Editors: CINDY JAQUITH DOUG JENNESS also includes an introduction explaining the events that led to the overthrow. of the Business Manager: revolution, Bishop's assassination, and the invasion by U.S. troops. LEE MARTINDALE We are offering the book to subscribers for a special price of $4 (a $2.95 discountl). Editorial Staff: Connie Allen, William Gottlieb, Arthur You can also participate in getting this important book out to others by orderi!lg a Hughes, Margaret Jayko, Malik Miah, Geoff bundle of 3 or more copies for $3.50 each. Mirelowitz, Mohammed Oliver, Harry Ring, Larry ------:l< ------Seigle, Mary-Alice Waters . Published weekly except two weeks in August, the last Please 0 begin 0 renew 0 extend my subscription: week of December, and the first week of January by the 0 3 months/$6 0 I am enclosing an additional $4.00 Militant (ISSN 0026-3885), 14 Charles Lane, New 0 6months/$15 for a copy of Maurice Bishop Speaks York, N.Y. 10014. Telephone: Editorial Office, (212) 0 one year/$24 243-6392; Business Office, (212) 929-3486. Correspondence concerning subscriptions or changes of address should be addressed to The Mili­ Name~------tant Business Office, 14 Charles Lane, New York, Address ______N.Y. 10014. Second-class postage paid at New York, N.Y. POST­ City/State!Zip _____~------MASTER: Send address changes to The Militant, 14 Charles Lane, New York, N.Y. 10014. Subscriptions: Telephone Union/Organization------U.S. $24:00 a year, outside U.S. $30.00. By first-class 0 Enclosed is $ _ . _ for a bundle of __ copies of the book at $3.50 each to mail: U.S., Canada, and Mexico: $60.00. 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2 The Militant May 18, 1984 New Yorksocialists,announce '84 congressional campaign

BY GEOFF MIRELOWITZ We're told it's through elections that social Bailey stressed, "is the role these individu­ NEW YORK - The New York change comes about." als play in the broader picture of what is Socialist Workers Party lau.nched its 1984 As long as workers believe that the im­ going on in this country." election campaign at an April 21 rally at­ portant choices and decisions are made on Bailey is running against Rep. Charles tended by more · than 200 people at the election day, said Bailey, they are success­ Rangel, a long-time leader of the Congres­ newly renovated campaign headquarters at fully diverted from real politics, the fight sional Black Caucus and liberal figure in 79 Leonard Street in Manhattan. The for their class interests against those of the the Democratic Party. "Rangel, and all of socialist ticket is headed nationally by pres­ employers. the Democrats running for election," idential candidate. Mel Mason and vice­ "The capitalists use the elections to keep Bailey noted, "explain things as if Ronald presidential candidate Andrea Gonzalez. millions of working people out of politics," Reagan is single-handedly responsible for The New York SWP is running two con­ she explained. all the problems in this country and the rest gressional candidates - Gerry Kerr, a They use the elections to "try to cover up of the world. But," she asked, "didn't you transit worker and member of Transport the fact that real political gains for working have problems before 1980 when Reagan Workers Union Local tOO and Nan Bailey, peopl~. real shifts in the political situation took office?" a garment worker and SWP candidate for that have benefited us, have only taken Bailey pointed to the depth of the prob­ the 16th Congressional District, which in­ place when we have engaged in massive lems facing the working people of her dis­ cludes Harlem. struggle independent of them. trict, most of whom are Black and Latino Garment worker Nan Bailey is SOCialist In her speech to the rally Bailey sounded "The fight for the interests of our class - the high unemployment, the dilapidated Workers candidate for Congress in New some of the main themes of the socialist -not pullinga lever for a candidate cho­ and dangerous housing, the racist cop vio­ York's 16th Congressional District. campaign. sen by the wealthy-ruling class- is what lence, the proliferation of drug addiction, She took up the difference between poli­ politics is all about," she said. and the lack of medical care and recrea­ "means representing the interests of Black tics and electoralism. "The bosses present This explains why the personality or in­ tional facilities. us with Mondale, Hart, Jackson, and dividual attributes of various candidates is people. The over 5,000 Black elected offi­ The Socialist Workers Party, Bailey Reagan and say: 'Go ahead and choose.' not decisive. "The important thing," cials in the United States does not mean explained, is unequivocally opposed to the Black representation," said Bailey. In fact racist and anti-working-class policies im­ these elected Black officials help create an plemented by the govern·ment while illusion of Black representation where Reagan has been in the White House. none actually exists. . However, she stressed, the problem is "Every Black Democrat and Republi­ much greater than Reagan the individual. can," as officials of capitalist political par­ "Democratic Party politicians, like ties, "represents the interests of the Rangel, share the responsibility," said capitalists, whose interests are diametri­ Bailey. "They support the same policies." . cally opposed to the interests of Black U.S. wars abroad, racism, women's op­ people," Bailey declared. pression, and exploitation of workers "are Pointing to the example of the island of part of a planned system, not accidental Grenada, she asked, "Did Grenadians have things," Bailey continued. Black representation when Black dictator "Just as the bosses work hard to squeeze Eric Gairy was in power?" all the profit they possibly can out of us on No, she answered. Real Black represen­ the job, they work 365 days a year to over­ tation was only won when a revolutionary see and sharpen their system of political victory on March 13, 1979, overthrew the }:4~ domination over us. Part of this plan is the Gairy regime and replaced it with one that MititaJntfl)ee Scalera fraud of the electoral setup," she said. defended the interests of the Black working Several national officers of Socialist Workers Presidential Campaign Committee Addressing a question that's on the people on that island. joined candidates at New York rally. Front row, from left: New Jersey senatorial minds of millions of Black people, Bailey Explaining these lessons is one of the candidate Priscilla Schenk; George Novack, national treasurer; Peter Thierjung, na­ asked, "What is Black representation?" chief jobs of the socialist campaign, Bailey tional youth co-coordinator; vice-presidential candidate Andrea Gonzalez; New York "Is it a Black face in Congress? That told the rally. Socialists do this as part of congressional candidate Nan Bailey; Andrea Morell, national campaign manager. doesn't guarantee us Black representa­ participating in and supporting real strug­ gles- the real politics -:-:-that are going on Back .row: Andrew Pulley and Fred Halstead, national ~ochairs; presidential candi­ tion," she maintained. date Mel Mason; New York congressional candidate Gerry Kerr. "Black representation," she insisted, today. She pointed to the battles of striking copper miners in Arizona, striking hotel workers in Las Vegas and Blacks who are standing up to police brutality, as exam­ ples. Michigan SWP files ballot petitions The political discussion that is beginning among these and other fighters is "a neces­ BY JOANNE MURPHY More than 400 copies of the campaign's registration. sary prerequisite to massive struggles· that DETROIT - Helen Meyers, Socialist newspapers, the Militant and Perspectiva · Any attempt to rule the socialists off the are coming," Bailey said. Workers candidate for U.S. Senate from Mundial, were sold during the petition ballot will be blatant political discrimina­ Others are also participating in these dis­ Michigan, filed nominating petitions con­ drive. The rate of sales went up as petition­ tion, since the SWP filed 30,000 signa­ cussions and acting to engage in real poli­ taining 30,000 signatures Apiil25. The pe­ ers started showing everyone the papers - tures, well over the 19 ,963 required. How­ tics, Bailey noted. She pointed to the Na­ titions are to place the party's candidates those who weren't sure about signing as ever, the state's rulers are trying to find tional Black Independent Political Party on the November general election ballot. well as those who signed immediately. some way to limit the ballot to capitalist (NBIPP) and affirmed that she is "proud to "In signing these petitions," Meyers said Interest in the proposals of the socialist parties only. Michigan's Public Law 94 did be a member and part of this process of at a well-attended press conference at the campaign was highest at unemployment this from 1976 until it was declared uncon­ building a Black independent party." State Capitol in Lansing, "the working offices and shopping areas in Black com­ stitutional in 1982 after a long court battle It is out of struggle, said Bailey, that people of this state have expressed their de­ munities. Community college students also led by the SWP. This fight had broad back­ working people will see -the need to form sire for a real alternative to the two parties signed eagerly. ing, including help from the American their own political party, based on the of the ruling rich." Meyers is a laid-off Teams of campaign supporters travelled Civil Liberties Union. unions, independent of the bosses' two par­ member of the United Auto Workers. across. the state. They got an especially The Michigan legislature is now consid­ ties - the Democrats and Republicans. The signatures were collected in a 22- good response in Flint, where many auto ering House Bill 4710 that would raise the Bailey said her campaign also advocates day blitz at shopping areas, plant gates, un­ workers have been laid off permanently required number of signatures to 56,246. the formation of an independent Black. employment offices, and campuses around and General Motors plans to shut down the The Workers World Party, which has also party, to help lead the struggle of Blacks the state. The drive included a campaign two plants that were sites of sit-down filed petitions for a ballot spot; joined with for self-determination and to be an example visit by socialist presidential candidate Mel strikes in the 1930s. the SWP in protesting House Bill 4710 in for the entire labor movement. its original form, which called for 112,000 Mason. In Lansing, campaigners met auto work­ Gerry Kerr chaired the rally, which was signatures. Continued united action will be also addressed by Mason and Gonzalez, as The Young Socialist Alliance played a ers at the unemployment office who were necessary to fight for the right of working big role not only in helping collect signa­ laid off for plant changeovers. These wen ·as SWP New Jersey senatorial candi­ people to have access to the ballot. date Priscilla Schenk. tures but also in organizing breakfasts and . United Auto Workers members told the dinners that kept petitioners going and in socialists that up to half of those on layoff raising money for the campaign. will not be called back because of automa­ r------SOCIALIST WORKERS '84 CAMPAIGN-----~ Many people wanted to hear what the tion. socialists stand for before signing. When One Lansing auto worker and his wife BROCHURES (6 cents each) we explained that the SWP thinks working helped out by housing team members and .., Mason for President; Gonzalez for Vice-president." people and farmers could run the country inviting them all over for dinner. He said "Mason para presidente; Gonzalez para vicepresidente." better than the rich who run it now, many he's been a socialist for a long time but would reach for the pen and say something hasn't worked with an organization. BUTTONS (75 cents each or 50 cents each for 10 or more) like, "I'm for that." Senatorial candidate Meyers and a group Mason for President Gonzalez for vice-president Others signed after hearing that Mason of supporters petitioned in Kalamazoo and Mason para presidente Gonzalez para vicepresidente and vice-presidential candidate Andrea were interviewed by . the Kalamazoo Gonzalez are campaigning to get the U.S. Gazette. 0 I would like to be a campaign volunteer. out of Central America. Three Kalamazoo students sent coupons 0 Enclosed is a$ __ contribution to the Mason-Gonzalez campaign. Andrew Pulley is the Socialist Workers to campaign headquarters asking for more Name ______candidate for Congress in the 1st District. information. One of them set up a meeting with a local peace group so that Meyers He is running against Congressional Black Address~------~ Caucus member John Conyers. Pulley got could discuss her recent trip to Nicaragua. a good response froin Blacks and other Upon submitting the stacks of signed pe­ City and State Zip ______working people in downtown Detroit who titions, Meyers and her supporters learned To order, send check or money order to Mason for President, 14 Charles · see that Conyers · hasn't been able to that the state is threatening to disqualify ln._, New York, N.Y. 10014. Please specify English or Spanish language. accomplish anything for them in his 20 party petitions based on a "random sample" . _ (paid for by the Socialist Workers Presidential Campaign Committee) 18 years as a Democrat in Congress. of 500 names that will be checked for voter .MASON FOR PRESIDENT • GONZALEZ FOR FOR VICE-PRESIDE/Vf

May 18, 1984 The Militant 3 Bishop book helps draw lessons of Grenada revolution BY HARRY RING A land reform program addressed itself The campaign to distribute the book to the needs of small farmers and the land­ Maurice Bishop Speaks was given a boost less. with a feature review in Dawn Magazine. And, for the first"time ever, the mass of Maurice Bishop Speaks contains the the people had a genuine voice in govern­ major speeches by the former Prime Minis­ ment. ter of the Caribbean island of Grenada. The The lessons of how all this was done are niurder of this outstanding revolutionary timely for working people and farmers in leader, and the subsequent U.S. invasion this country. This may be the richest of the island last October, sparked a discus­ capitalist n!ltion on earth. But yet we are sion among working people - especially· afflicted by all the basic social evils that Blacks - about the achievements of Gre­ sparked the revolution in Grenada. nada's revolutionary ·government. It is this that makes Maurice Bishop Published by the Afro-American chain, Speaks so relevant and that makes ensuring Dawn Magazine is a monthly supplement its maximum circulation so important. to 45 U.S. Black newspapers, with a total There are many ways to accomplish this, circulation of 875,000. This includes all including encouraging bookstores that the major Black papers in the country. haven't yet done so to order the book. In addition to the Afro-American chain, The most valuable way of gaining more New York's Amsterdam News, the exposure for the book and its ideas is the Chicago Defender, the Pittsburgh Courier, organization of receptions and similar and the Los Angeles Sentinel, all carry events marking its publication. Dawn Magazine. One such event is slated for New York. Maurice Bishop Speaks was published in It will be held Sunday evening, June 17, December by Pathfinder Press. at Brooklyn's Medgar Evers College, with Last month, a meeting of the National a number of notables participating. Committee of the Socialist Workers Party These include: Safiya Bandele, director decided on an intensive 10-week campaign of Medgar Evers College Center for to back Pathfinder's effort to widely distri­ Women's Development; Joachim Mark, bute this important work. Branches of the noted Grenadian historian; Intercontinental Socialist Workers Party, with the support Press editor Steve Clark, author of the in­ of the Young Socialist Alliance, have in­ troduction to Maurice Bishop Speaks; itiated special activities to promote this Adeyeme Bandele, vice-chairman of the compilation of speeches by the slain Gre­ National Black United Front; and the repre­ nadian leader. sentative of the African National Congress Another important impetus to its sale is a to the United Nations. discussion of Grenada and the book by Dr. . As Dr. Caban's review puts it, Maurice Manning Marable in his syndicated col­ Bishop Speaks "distills important political '-'"""""' Government lnf•~nn,,.tit>n umn, From the Grassroots. lessons which will undoubtedly influence Prime Minister. Maurice Bishop among banana trees at Bocage estate on Grenada's The column by the noted Black scholar other revolutionary struggles." western coast. Under leadership of Bishop and New Jewel Movement Grenada's rev­ and author appears in 145 papers in the · A successful campaign to circulate olutionary government drastically reduced unemployment by develo~ing agriculture United States, Jamaica, Belize, and the Maurice Bishop Speaks will help ensure and local agro-industries. Since U.S. invasion, unemployment has again increased to United Kingdom. this. more than 30 percent. Among the papers in which the column discussing the book has already appeared are the Chicago Defender; the San Fran­ cisco Sun-Reporter; and the Sacramento, Forum hits U.S. occupation of Grenada California, Observer. Also, Prof. Pedro A. Caban has written a review for Third World publications. He BY CHRIS HORNER slide show and heard several speakers. was to boost the islands's tourist industry, is director of the Puerto Rican and Latin AND KAREN RAY 1-Jarvey Tottin, a Canadian who worked Tottin also showed a videotape made up American Studies Program at Fordham SEA TILE- A public forum here in de­ in the agricultural programs of the revolu­ entirely of TV news clips of mass media University. fense of the Grenada revolution drew 150 tion for more than two years and who was coverage of the invasion. One section Maurice Bishop Speaks is also one of people. The meeting was sponsored by the an eyewitness to the invasion, spoke and showed a U.S. general explaining to repor­ seven current significant bookS" listed in the Ad Hoc Committee in Solidarity With Gre­ gave a slide and video presentation. He de­ ters that no air or artillery bombardment May issue of the widely circulated Ebony nada and endorsed by a number of civil scribed the parish council meetings and the was being used, then cut to sequences of magazine. rights organizations, trade unionists, and mass organizations that brought Grena­ U.S. troops firing large artillery pieces at These reviews are an indication of the Central America solidarity organizations. dians their first-ever experience of democ­ government buildings, reducing them to amount of discussion about the Grenadian A large number of those in attendance were racy. rubble, and of jets and helicopter gunships revolution and its meaning that is taking Black. The presentation effectively answered firing missiles into blazing buildings, in­ place today, especially among Blacks in The purpose of the April 17 meeting was the U.S. lies about the international air­ cluding a hospital. the United States and Caribbean. to get out the truth about the accomplish­ port, which Reagan claimed was a new The main feature of the event was a 48- They are also an indication of the ments of the Grenada revolution, to explain military base for the Cubans and the Soviet minute videotape made in Vancouver, clarifying role that this collection of how and why the revolution was over­ Union. Tottin showed numerous slides of Canada, last December of a speech by Don speeches by the central leader of that revo­ thrown, and to protest the U.S. invasion equipment and machinery from dozens of Rojas, former press secretary to Grenada's lution can play in these discussions. and occupation of the island. countries involved in the project to build murdered Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. The audience sa·w two videotapes and a . the civilian airstrip, the purpose of which The campaign to distribute Maurice Rojas, also former editor of the New Jewel Bishop Speaks is more than just a sales ef­ Movement newspaper, the Free West In­ fort- it's also an act of solidarity with the dian, was expelled by U.S. occupation fight to rid Grenada of the U.S. troops that troops following the invasion and has been are occupying the island. denied a visa to come to the United States to fulfill speaking engagements. As virtually all the reviews agree, Maurice Bishop Speaks is an unusually val­ Raqib Mu'ied, from the American Mus­ uable book. It provides an illuminating, lim Mission, spoke at the meeting. He and inspiring, summary of the aims and pointed out that "the relationship between achievements of the Grenada revolution. Blacks in the U.S. and in the Caribbean. is Sunday, June 17 very close, and the idea that a descendant Reading it drives home a big lesson. In 5 p.m. reception, 6:30p.m. program four and a half years, the revolution on that of slaves like Maurice Bishop could run a small Caribbean island confirmed that Medgar Evers College Cafeteria nation in the Western Hemisphere without first asking the bidding of his master in the when working people and farmers win po­ New York City litical power they can in short order begin White House was something the U.S. gov­ ernment could not tolerate." to come to grips with the giant social prob­ Speakers: lems which, under capitalism, seem to defy Katalina Montero, a Chicana activist MFANAFUTHI MAKATINI ADEYEMI BANDEL£ . solution. and a leader of the Venceremos Brigade Grenada's revolutionary government put diredor, international affairs vice-chairman ofthe who had visited Cuba, answered the lies a big dent in a chronically high unemploy­ African National Congress, National Black United Front about the Cuban role in Grenada. She ment rate. South Africa pointed out that Cuba, a poor country it­ It began the development of a popular STEVE CLARK self, selflessly aided Grenada and scrupul­ education system in a country where edu­ SAFIYA BANDEL£ editor of ''Intercontinental Press" ously refrained from any intervention into cation was almost exclusively a privilege director ofMedgar Evers College author of introduction to the affairs of the country. of the small minority who could afford it. Center of Women's Development "Maurice Bishop Speaks" A collection was taken at the end of the With internationalist aid from Cuba, the meeting for the Maurice Bishop and Mar­ revolution initiated a health care program JOACHIM MARK tyrs of October 19, 1983, Foundation. The where the majority had been systematically noted Grenadian historian foundation, begun by surviving leaders of denied decent medical care. Sponsored by Pathfinder Press and Medgar the revolution still in Grenada, is raising With the revolution, women organized Evers College Center of Women's Development funds to publish the writings of Maurice and began making real gains on the road to Bishop and other Grenadian patriots who full equality. gave their lives for the revolution.

4 The Militant May 18, 1984 'Grenada becomes a study in revolution'

Reviews of Maurice Bishop Speaks. the Cuban Government, and Fidel Castro, tivities for years to destabilize the govern­ will keep us strong no matter what happens a steadfast friend of the Grenadian people. ment. "The only reason the invasion took to the capitalist world." The addition of these statements lends in­ place," Jacobs notes, "is because of what If you ever heard Bishop speak, you sights to the dissipation of the Grenadian the Grenada Revolution represented know.he had an unrelenting logic that made R,evolution itself. throughout the Caribbean and in the Third him seem to bubble over with honesty. All in all the Grenada Revolution is a World." Bishop was a revolutionary by any stan­ clean breath in the staleness of the many The New Jewel government im­ dard. He was what revolutions were sup­ bureaucratic solutions proposed and some­ mediately initiated programs which created posed to be about. He cared about what he The following is excerpted from a re­ times imposed by governments outside of a regime "by the people and for the was doing, he knew what he wanted to do, view by Jadi Z. Omowale in Dawn many Third World countries. people": free medical care, free dental and he dared to do it. These speeches show Magazine. care, free public education, the construc­ what he was about and what the Grenada tion of new housing and the building of an revolution was about. Maurice Bishop Speaks will leave many international airport. Jacobs argued that th~ readers absolutely angry, and often sad. Manning "real danger" of the New Jewel's advances However, it should leave many hopeful was dear to the "rest of the Caribbean and • about the future of Third World countries. Marable to Latin America. These people might The following is excerpted from a re­ This book includes speeches and inter­ begin to say, 'if the Grenada Revolution view by Prof. Pedro A. Caban. views of Maurice Bishop, the slain Prime could achieve these things, why not us?'" Minister of Grenada. It is a timely book, The American ·media helped pave the way Maurice Bishop Speaks is a timely and given the October 1983 events when The following is Dr. Manning Mara­ important collection of documents, which ble's From the Grassroots column. . for the invasion by portraying Bernard Bishop and other New Jewel Movement Coarct as a "hardline Soviet Marxist." A greatly enhances our understanding of the leaders were murdered by a clique within group of docile Caribbean leaders led by dynamics and 'significance of the Grena­ their organization, led by Bernard Coarct. The invasion of Grenada has now re­ dian people's revolution. More important, ceded from national debate. The story of Seaga were ordered to back the invasion. The coup led to the October 25, 1983, Any evidence of Grenadian troops who re-· the centrality of this revolution as a historic invasion of this tiny Caribbean Island by Reagan's illegal and unjustified attack on model for national liberation is graphically another sovereign nation no longer is re­ sisted the U.S. army was played down by the United States and the subsequent occu­ the press, while the nonexistent "Cuban revealed through the words of Maurice pation of the island. ported on the front pages of American Bishop. newspapers. American troops had seized threat" was blown out -of all proportion. This collection begins with the statement News about Grenada today is scarce-and This book is, however, more than a mere read over the newly declared Radio Free three of the island's best hotels and had compilation of speeches by a major revolu­ turned the local radio station into a "psy­ quite deliberately so. As Jacobs argues, Grenada by Bishop on March 13, 1979, the "since the invasion the unemployment rate tionary figure - it is a document which date assigned for the initiation of the Gre­ chological operations" center. Rewriting · unravels the complexities of the Grenada recent history, American reporters and of­ is 33 percent - and it was only 10 percent na

May 18, 1984 The Militant s Behind Pres. Reagan's visit to China

BY WILL REISSNER been hampered by the U.S. imposition of President Reagan, accompanied by an quotas on Chinese textile exports to the . entourage of nearly -600 people (including a United States. And Washington continues camera crew from the Reagan-Bush cam­ to arm . the proimperialist regime on paign committee), visited China April 26 Taiwan, which the Chinese people consid­ to May I. Reagan's trip featured meetings er an integral part of China. In fact, in the with Chinese leaders interspersed with past two years, U.S. military shipments to numerous "photo opportunities" aimed at Taiwan have totaled $1.5 billion. boosting his reelection campaign back Moreover, the actions of the Peking bu­ home. reaucracy have led to its extreme isolation During the visit, Reagan and Chinese among the oppressed peoples of the coloni­ leaders signed three agreements that had al and semicolonial world. The Chinese re­ been worked out beforehand: a treaty limit­ gime thus began to take more distance from ing double taxation of U.S. companies Washington's policies in Africa and Latin operating in China; an agreement opening America. In late 1982, a meeting of the the way for U.S. corporations to bid on Chinese Communist Party called for an contracts to build Chinese nuclear power equidistant policy between the United plants; and a resumption of sports and cul­ States and the Soviet Union, branding both tural exchanges, which had been frozen as "hegemonists." The first formal talks since Washington gave political asylum to between Chinese and Soviet officials since a visiting Chinese tenni~ player who 1969 began. wanted to stay in the United States. This shift was reflected during Reagan's In a broader sense, Reagan's trip pointed visit. up the cordial relations that have developed Despite repeated attempts, Reagan was between Washington and the bureaucrats unable to get Chinese figures to publicly who rule over the Chinese workers state, as endorse his anti-Soviet comments in Pek­ well as the limits to that relationship. ing. For more than two ·decades after the Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and President Reagan On two occasions, Reagan's anti-Soviet Chinese workers and peasants came to diatribes were edited out of Chinese televi­ power in 1949,. Washington did everything sion broadcasts. On a third occasion, the in its power to isolate and weaken the relations in exchange for Chinese pressure tion (NATO) to increase its military pres­ remarks were left in, but the speech was Chinese revolution. It banned all trade with on Vietnam. A few months later he was sure on the Soviet Union and the Eastern broadcast without any Chinese translation. China and refused any diplomatic relations hosted in Moscow, where he also sought European workers states. Qi Huaiyuan of the Chinese foreign with Peking, claiming that the proim­ better relations for the same reasons. China grew increasingly hostile to the ministry explained that the deletions were perialist regime on Taiwan was the "real" Anxious for U.S. development .aid, socialist revolution in Vietnam and began made because "it is inappropriate for the China. trade, and diplomatic relations, the supporting the reactionary Pol Pot govern­ Chinese media to publicize the comments In the early 1960s, when the Soviet Chinese bureaucrats sharply increased sup­ ment in Kampuchea, which was carrying by President Reagan on a third country." Union cut off economic and military aid to port for Washington's allies in the colonial out armed border attacks on Vietnam. In In a similar vein, on the eve of Reagan's China, Washington welcomed the split be­ world. To show how useful they could be, 1979, after Vietnamese troops helped arrival the Chinese government announced tween the world's two largest workers they immediately established warm rela­ Kampuchean freedom fighters . overthrow that a high-ranking Soviet official would states and sought to deepen this division to tions with the murderous Chilean junta Pol Pot, China invaded Vietnam in direct visit China in mid-May to discuss expand­ further its own imperialist foreign policy. after the 1973 CIA-organized coup there. collusion with Washington. The invasion ing trade and technical cooperation be­ But in the late 1960s, as it was losing the The Chinese regime fired verbal bar­ was repulsed, but only at great sacrifice by tween the Soviet Union and China. (On war against Vietnam, Washington began rages at Cuban military aid to Angola's .the Vietnamese people. May 8, the Soviet government announced seeking China's aid in containing the Viet­ struggle against the racist regime of South But the payoff for these betrayals has the visit to Peking would be postponed). namese and other colonial revolutions. Africa. been less than Peking expected. Despite Chinese officials also publicly took their Nixon went to Peking in February 1972 at They supported the Reagan administra­ Pekit:tg's slavish parroting of U.S. prop­ distance from the Reagan administration's the height of U.S. bombing of Vietnam. tion's arms buildup and called on the im­ aganda lines, little aid has been forthcom­ policies in Central America, the Middle He held out the possibility of normalized perialist North Atlantic Treaty Organiza- ing from Washington. Trade relations have East, and Korea. Chinese Prime Minister Zhao Ziyang - who had visited Washington in January~ criticized the U.S. -sponsored war against Peking launches new arll1ed attack on Vietnall1 Nicaragua during Reagan's visit. Zhao also called on Reagan to open dis­ BY WILL REISSNER ions of soldiers tried to seize two hills in Vietnam War. cussions with the Palestine Liberation Or­ As President Reagan and Chinese leader Vietnam's Lang Son province. In all, more Washington has never given up trying to ganization, and PLO leader Yassir Arafat . Deng Xiaoping met in Peking's Great Hall than 40 Vietnamese villages were shelled isolate and "punish" Vietnam at every pos­ was given an elaborate welcome in Peking of the People on April 28, far to the south in ApriL sible opportunity. The bureaucrats in Pek­ on May 5, only days after Reagan's depar­ Chinese troops were giving the visiting Vietnam's foreign ministry termed the ing have been more than willing to help out ture. U.S. president a sample of China's useful­ latest attacks a "serious act of war escala­ in this regard. Hu Yaobang, head of the Chinese Com­ munist Party, told Reagan of Peking's op­ ness as an ally. tion." Hanoi warned on April 30 that "the In 1979, with backing from the Carter position to the presence of nearly 40,000 On the same day that Reagan and Deng Chinese authorities must bear full responsi­ administration, Peking sent 600,000 troops had their 90 minute private talk, three regi­ bility for all the consequences" if such at­ across the Vietnamese border, causing U.S. troops in South Korea. Hu called for ments of China's 40th Division, 14th Army tacks continue. It also pointed out that widespread destruction and loss of life in three-way talks between the United States, North Korea, and South Korea on the Corps, were sent into action against Viet­ · these acts are "detrimental to the interests Vietnam's northern provinces. of the Chinese people and of peace and sta­ reunification of the Korean peninsula. nam's Ha Tuyen province. The three re·gi­ The latest Chinese attacks are also aimed bility in Southeast Asia." That proposal had first .been raised by ments, comprising upwards of 3,600 at boosting the sagging morale of former troops, ·were supported by artillery fire. In recent years China's ruling bureau­ the North Korean government in letters Kampuchean dictator Pol Pot's rightist sent to Washington and Seoul on January The April 28-29 attacks were the largest crats have shamelessly tried to curry Wash­ guerrillas, who are attacking Kampuchea since Chinese forces stepped up their ag­ ington's favor in hopes of securing U.S. 10. The Reagan administration, however, from bases in Thailand. Pol Pot's forces wants four-way talks including China. gression against northern Vietnam in early development aid and improved trade rela­ have . been hit hard in recent weeks by tions. One way of currying such favor has But there was no change at all in Pek­ April. Between April 2 and April 9, the Kampuchean and Vietnamese troops. Chinese army fired more than 10,000 artil­ been to attack the Vietnamese revolution, ing's criminal support to Washington's as­ lery shells into Vietnam and several battal- which defeated U.S. imperialism in the The Deng leadership in Peking also saults on Vietnam and Kampuchea. As if to hopes to discourage the growing trend to­ underscore this for the world, the Chinese ward dialogue between Vietnam and sev­ regime stepped up military attacks on Viet­ eral member-states of the Association of nam right in the middle of Reagan's visit South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). (see story on this page).

Solidarity With the Vietnamese People Normalize Relations With Vietnam & Kampuchea! End the Economic Blockade! No Vietnam Wars in Central America! Nine years after the end of the war, Washington is still trying to "punish" Viet­ nam, to prevent its recovery from the ravages of 30 years of fighting. The Viet­ namese people need our solidarity. SPEAKERS STEVE CLARK Editor, Intercontinental Press. Recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Vietnam and Kampuchea. A REPRESENTATIVE of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mission to the UN. Special Greetings from a representative of El Salvador's Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN). Saturday, June 2, 1 pm, Donation $5 Marc Ballroom, 30 E. 16th St. (Cor. Union Square West), Manhattan Ausp. MILITANT LABOR FORUM For more information call 212-226-8474 or 201-643-3341 Destruction from 1979 attack by Peking is still evident in Lang Son, Vietnam.

6 The Militant May 18, 1984 Workers' needs are priority in neW Vietnam BY DIANE WANG NAM DINH, Vietnam - "At this fac­ tory we celebrate March 25 as our tradi­ •.1'., '.. tional day," our guide said. "Our first strike, against the French owners, began on March 25, 1930." Steve Clark and I were finishing our visit to the Nam Dinh Textile Factory with a tour of their museum. Here were pictures of nine-year-old workers in the early 1900s; pay stubs showing that French workers earned 45 times as much as the Vietnamese millhands, a time clock used to cheat workers as they punched out from their 15-hour workdays. Here too were mementos from the 1930s labor battles and the later U.S. war. An honor roll listed the 240 workers who died in air raids during the 1960s and 1970s. There was debris of a·u .s. bomber shot down by women at the mill in June 1972. Coming from the United States, we had never seen a factory museum celebrating the struggles of its workers. But Nam Dinh has many features that would seem unusual to U.S. workers. This mill also has its own 200-bed hospital, II clinics, subsidized housing, 5 daycare centers, and an evening school for its 14,000 workers. Despite massive destruction from U.S. bombing, as seen on Hang Dhao Street (left), textile workers in city of Nam Dinh enjoy Even though Vietnam remains a ve,.ry many social benefits. poor country, workers' living conditions are the govemment',s priority, not profits Red River in an attempt to flood the city. though inadequately lit because of Viet­ Like textile workers everywhere, they for a small minority of capitalists and their The U.S. airstrikes often came at night. nam's shortage of electricity. face the threat of "brown lung" from inhal­ families as in the United States. On April 14, 1966, for example, the raid The revival is important not only for ing dust and fiber. The mill encourages began at 4 a.m., levelling Hang Dhao local residents, but for the country as a workers to wear gauze masks and does Legacy of bombing Street. About 50 people were killed and whole. Industrial goods account for the yearly medical exams. Nam Dinh Textile Factory, like all Viet­ another 135 wounded. This single raid de­ majority of yearly production in this prov­ The trade unions play a role in develop­ namese industry, must overcome a major stroyed 240 houses. ince, making it unusual for Vietnam. ing the national economic plan, and work­ handicap - the massive destruction from Nam Dinh fought back. The textile mill About 40 percent of its industrial produc­ ers discuss their production targets in each the U.S . war. It is only this year that the dispersed operations to II different sites. tion is for export, making a big contrib­ of the mill's II workshops. They evaluate mill will finally reach its prewar levels of The workers who remained, along with ev­ ution to the national economy. the proposed quotas for their factory in production. · eryone else in the city, organized into anti­ light of their experience on the job. From 1965 to 1972 this mill and indus­ Daily needs guaranteed aircraft defense teams. Nam Dinh city'shot Women, a large majority of the workers, trial city, about 60 miles from Hanoi, were down more than 50 bombers. Nguyen Van Tuyen, the mill's deputy prime targets for U.S. bombers. Aside play a role in both the trade union and man­ Today much of the city has been rebuilt director; Tran Thi Mai, a member of the agement. The trade union secretary here, from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and women's organization at the factory; and Haiphong, Nam Dinh is Vietnam's most for its 140,000 residents. There are several and one of the five deputy directors at the modem buildings, as well as a playground other trade union and management person­ mill, are women. The mill's chapter of the heavily industrialized city. There were 218 nel sat down with us .to explain how the air raids, dropping I ,200 tons of bombs. and park. Hang Dhao Street has rebuilt Vietnam Women's Union and the trade single-story houses to replace the lost factory is run. union's department of women's affairs en­ On one day alone, May 23, 1972, some Workers have seven-and-a-half-hour 200 bombs rained down on Nam Dinh . homes. Only along one side of the street courage the development of women lead­ does the rubble remain. The city plans to shifts on a rotation schedule. They earn an ers. The raids not only targeted this mill, the average of 300 dong per month, although city's largest. Sixty percent of the city's build a monument there. with incentive bonuses a worker can push Where Vietnam is headed housing was lost, as well as five child-care The mill, too, has restored more than that wage up to 400-600 dong. (On the free centers, a hospital, a primary school, the 2,000 machines and obtained some modem market, for example, a machine-made Leaders of the city and provincial electrical and water supply, and the sewage equipment from the German Democratic men's shirt may cost 200 dong.) In addi­ People's Committees told us that social system. Bombers hit the dike along the Republic. The factory is clean and safe, al- tion, in each of the last three years all the benefits are common for workers at the I 00 workers received an extra two months' sal­ or so factories in this province. Not every ary as a bonus for going over the produc­ factory and province in Vietnam can yet tion targets. provide the same benefits. The southern Miners fuel country's future Nine basic necessities, such as rice and · part of Vietnam was only liberated nine meat, are rationed so that workers can buy years ago. The economy and social struc­ them at especially low prices. This is not ture have not yet been developed there to HON GAl, Vietnam - Vietnam's "We would be producing much more if it just a practice at this mill, but is policy for provide all the gains found in the north. · energy shortage is·apparent throughout the . had not been for the destruction of the U.S. all Vietnamese workers. The kind of work But we found the same priority assigned to country. Lights in Hanoi flicker on and off war," Buu said. The city of Hon Gai was done determines the size of the ration. For workers needs in all the industrial areas we some evenings. At a hospital, technicians completely destroyed in 1972 by bombers example, office workers are guaranteed a visited. may us.e modem equipment but they read from the U.S. Seventh Fleet. Many miners monthly rice ration of 29 pounds, while the scales by daylight from the windows. were killed, and survivors fled to the for­ Coal miners at the Ha Tu mine in Hon those who do manual labor have a ration of Factories cannot illuminate work. stations est. Gai, for example, get an extra 4 pounds of 40 to 46 pounds. Workers can buy more as well as is needed. But even then, while living in the forest, meat and 22 pounds of rice above the usual than the ration, but at higher, free-market Coal miners in this northeastern part of the miners maintained three shifts. And the ration because mining is such heavy work. prices. .Vietnam are a major part of the effort to miners shot down two bombers, capturing Wages are somewhat higher than other in­ When we explained that U.S. workers solve this shortage. Producing 6 million one pilot. "We had to work, and we had to dustrial ~orkers too. Retirement comes at pay as much as one-third of their wages for tons of anthracite coal a year, these work­ fight," Buu said. age 50 for underground miners, age 55 for rent, a murmur of surprise and pity went ers mine 85 percent of Vietnam's coal sup­ Today production is still stunted by the open pit miners. around the room. The highest rent they pay ply. According to Nguyen Ngoc Buu, as­ continuing U.S. hostility to Vietnam. The There is a clinic and free lunches pro­ is only 12 dong a month, a mere 4 percent sistant director for foreign trade matters at Vietnamese would like to buy modern vided at each mine, and the coal company of their wages. A portion of the mill's prof­ the Hon Gai Coal Company, the mines machinery for the Hon Gai mines from the has a hospital for its 47,000 workers. United States, but Washington will not per­ its goes towards upkeep of the housing have an enormous unrealized capacity and units. · At Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi we had reserves for many years to come. mit them to buy any equipment or spare seen sophisticated equipment for evaluat­ parts. No battle for benefits ing "black lung" among miners who inhale The mines get most of their equipment coal dust. Nguyen Ngoc Buu and Bui Nhu from Japan. Vietnam sends Japan coal in Workers have 12 vacation days, as well Cuong from the mine management told us exchange for the machinery. In addition, as days off in case of illness. If they that workers. are examined twice a year. the Soviet Union is helping expand the choose, they can take their families to one The rate of black lung bas gone down. mine. of the mill's two vacation houses, one at However, it is a difficult problem to tackle The bureaucratic misleaders of the the beach and the other in the mountains. because Vietnam is so poor. Chinese workers state also pose problems Women retire at age 55, men at age 60. Vietnamese industry gets aid and some for the Hon Gai mines. Peking tries to Their last two months of employment are raw materials from the Soviet Union and drive down prices on the coal market in _spent at the vacation houses so that they other workers states. In addition, French, order to put pressure on Vietnam's custom­ can begin retirement in good health. They Swedish, and Danish companies have ers to buy elsewhere. In addition, since are guaranteed a pension, the size of which helped build various cement, fertilizer, and Hon Gai is only 58 miles from the Chinese depends on how many years they worked other plants. The U.S.-organized econom-. border, there is the threat of military ag- and what wages they received. Veterans of ic embargo of Vietnam has been broken. gression from the north. · the liberation war receive an extra pay­ Yet it is clear that the $3. 5 billion in re­ When miners returned to Hon Gai city ment. construction aid that the United States • after the U.S. war, they did not attempt to The guaranteed food ration, subsidized promised and then refused to send Vietnam rebuild their former five-story apartment housing, free education, and free health would be a boost to the country's industrial buildings for fear that they would again be­ care ensure a decent living. As Vietnam's growth. come a target of attack. Instead the miners economy has stabilized, benefits have ex­ And, as we saw vividly in the country's were given material to build their own pri­ panded. These workers don't face a fierce mills and mines, industrial growth in Viet­ vate homes. battle with a profit-hungry boss over bene­ nam will be done to benefit workers- not, Hon Gai coal miners ·-D.W. fits every time a contract is negotiated. as in the United States, at their expense.

May 18, 1984 The Militant 7 New provocation on· Costa Rica's border with Nicaragua

BY JANE HARRIS accept the military assistance offered by MANAGUA, Nicaragua - A danger­ the United States." ous provocation against Nicaragua was The Costa Rican government has had an carried out from Costa Rica on May 3. official stance of "neutrality" in the U.S. CIA-trained Nicaraguan counterrevolu­ war against Nicaragua. At the same time, it tionaries based in Costa Rica began firing has allowed CIA-run contras (counterrevo­ off mortars inside Costa Rica from a point lutionaries) to launch attacks on Nicara­ just south of the Nicaraguan border. This guan soil from Costa Rica. This has pro­ was done to make it appear as if Costa Rica duced debate within Costa Rica. As a re­ was receiving fire from the Nicaraguan sult, Washington has been unable to estab­ army. The Costa Rican National Guard re­ lish the same kind of relationship with sponded to the mortars with grenades and Costa Rica that it has with Honduras - rifle fire. No one was harmed, but the gun­ where thousands of U.S. troops are in­ fire had the desired effect. In no time, the stalled and airbases ·have been constructed international news media was reporting to facilitate a direct U.S. intervention that Nicaraguan troops had opened fire on against Nicaragua and Salvadoran libera­ the Costa Rican National Guard. tion forces . Rica." He pointed out that the event oc­ they were requesting arms supplies from Nicaraguan soldiers across the border in Washington's goal, D'Escoto said, is to curred in the middle of debate in Congress the U.S., Taiwanese, Panamanian, and Peiias Blancas watched the entire incident. create a climate in which Costa Rica would over funding for the contras based in Costa Venezuelan governments. Roger Martinez commander at the Peiias "lose its independence and sovereignty, Rica and Honduras. Blancas post, told the Sandinista daily Bar­ On May 4, the day after the fake "Nica­ and be converted into a second Honduras in Indeed, two days after the incident the ricada: "We observed what was happening raguan attack," a supply of U.S. weapons Central America." U.S. State Department announced that calmly and patiently. At no time did we ordered earlier arrived in Costa Rica. It He noted that the provocation was also President Reagan might use executive au­ give an order to fire. We knew this was a consisted of two helicopters, 80 jeeps, and designed for U.S. public opinion, calling it thority to rush weapons to Costa Rica with­ provocation. Our reaction was to not re­ 25 patrol boats. Washington says it will a "desperate maneuver to justify and out having to seek congressional approval. spond, because we knew this was what train the Costa Rican police who are to op­ legitimize U.S. military presence in Costa That same day, Costa Rican officials said they wanted to provoke us into doing." erate the boats. The following morning, Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Miguel D'Escoto told some 60 international journalists that "the press in Costa Rica is really fanning the 'Militant,' 'PM' sales tips from S.F. flames in an effort to create a sort of panic." BY BRUCE LESNICK particular aspects o( our campaign's pro­ in the first and third weeks of the drive. He reported that he had just spoken with We spoke this week with Sam Manuel, gram," said Manuel. The second week fell on Ejlster and we Costa Rican Foreign Minister.Carlos Jose chairperson of the San Francisco Socialist T~is way of looking at it, he says, consciously decided to rest a bit." Gutierrez, who agreed that the press ac­ Workers Party . San Francisco has been "makes it easier to explain to people what What socialist campaigners in Toledo counts of the incident were "incredible." near the top of the Militant and Perspectiva the papers stand for, because what you're didn't plan for was the outbreak of two Gutierrez informed D'Escoto that Costa Mundial (PM) sales chart for the past two really doing is explaining what the Mel strikes that would lead workers, under fire Rican radio stations were announcing that weeks. Mason and Andrea Gonzalez campaign from the bosses, to seek out radical ideas. the Nicaraguans were invading lit that very We asked Manuel how they did it. stands for." Sales people who"~sedthe Mil­ Thes·e were the strikes ofOil, ChemlciH moment. ''For one thing, we consciously tie our itant and PM in this way had the best re­ and Atomic Workers union members af D'.Escoto charged that the entire provo­ sales work to I

-~ ~ J!i. : ...... _ ...... j ,. ·: '· : :\<. .... _,<.; ·'..,: .. 8 The Militant May 18, 1984 Nicaraguan May Day: unite to defend gains

BY JANE HARRIS Nicaragua's low standard of living can­ CHINANDEGA, Nicaragua- Here in not be overcome quickly, he explained. this northwestern agricultural center as The problem cannot be resolved by work­ well as around the country, tens of ers going on strike or fighting for big wage thousands celebrated May I - Interna­ increases. This. would only increase short­ tional Worker's Day. ages and inflation. Two months earlier, this region was Instead, the government is prOIJ9Sing a short 25,000 cotton pick~rs. An emergency modest wage increase for most workers, call went out for volunteers. Through the material incentives for those who produce efforts of some 75,000 volunteers, this more, secure channels for food distribu­ major source of foreign exchange is now tion, and a reorganization of the wage pol­ ready for export. icy to ensure that all who perform equal That's why the most important May Day work receive the same pay. celebration in Nicaragua took place here. It He assured the crowd that "we are going was a tribute to those who sacrificed to to act with a heavy hand against the bring in the cotton harvest, the earnings speculators, those who are mining the from which will provide hospitals, roads, pocketbooks of the people who are fight­ schools, ·and other projects of the revolu­ ing, of the people who are producing." tion. Some JO,OOO Nicaraguans rallied in the Wheelock explained that promoting eco­ town stadium, marched through the main nomic shortages is one of the CIA's means streets, and then congregated in the central of war against the Nicaraguan revolution. May Day, 1984, Chinandega, Nicaragua. Banner reads ''Only the workers and peas­ park to listen to the featured speaker of the Along with escalating military attacks on ants will go all the way. After 50 years, Sandino lives!" This was main slOgan of the day - Sandinista Commander Jaime Nicaraguan territory, it is aimed at de­ day. Wheelock, who is the minister of agrarian moralizing the Nicaraguan people and di­ reform. viding them from their government. "Today, on this first of May, we must all [The May 28 issue of Intercontinental His remarks were broadcast live on radio "The present belongs to revolutionaries be united to defend our conquests. We Press will carry the full text of Jaime across the country. Later that evening, his who are capable of understanding the diffi­ must be united with the revolution in de­ Wheelock's May Day speech. To order speech was featured on television. The culties of the revolution, and who later, fense, united with the revolution to in­ send $1.25 for a singlejssue, $12.50 for next morning, the-full text was in the hands along with their children and their families, crease production, united to raise the levels six months, of.$25 for one year to: Inter­ of some 100,000 readers of the Sandinista are going to enjoy a future of progress and of discipline in work, the levels of fulfill­ continental Press, 410 West St., New National Liberation Front daily Barricada. happiness. ing production goals." York, N.Y. 10014.] Wheelock's speech was delivered 10 days after the Nicaraguan Bishops' Confer­ ence delivered an Easter message calling for reconciliation with counterrevolution­ Pa. cop guilty ofkilling Black youth aries waging war against Nicaragua. "The moment has come to say that's· A candlelight vigil of 200 people on the Confronted with testimony just as damn­ enough from the reaction!" declared BY ANDY TOBIN PITTSBURGH, Pa.- A coroner's jury second day of the inquest was held in the ing from others who saw what occurred, Wheelock. "Why doesn't God have a re­ rain at the scene of Agurs' death. Those in . both Hont and Matasich changed their conciliation with his enemy, the devil?" on April 27 recommended to the Pittsburgh District Attorney's office that one of two attendance chanted for justice and called stories. The Sandinista government has already white Pittsburgh cops, Bernard Hont, be for the indictment of both cops for murder given all counterrevolutionaries - except For example, Hont told the jury he was charged with homicide by vehicle for the and compensation for the Agurs family. top leaders- the opportunity to lay down not aware he and his partner were pursuing murder of a Black youth named Anthony Sheila Agurs told the crowd, "Other people teenagers. However, the log book, which their arms and return to Nicaragua. Agurs. · around here have little kids and it could Wheelock said frankly, "We are going to cops carry in their cruisers and record in­ Fifteen-year-old Agurs was killed by happen to your kids." This view became be inflexible and vigilant toward the at­ formation such as this on, indicates the op­ Hont and hispartner, Robert Matasich, on widespread as more and more facts about titudes of politicized elements that are posite was the case. Hont and Matasich the evening of ApriliO. Agurs was hit by a how Agurs was murdered came to light in mixed up in counterrevolutionary activ­ knew that the people they were pursuing car driven by Hont, who then crashed into testimony before the coroner's jury. were teenagers. · ities, that are using the pulpits that really a police cruiser driven by Matasich. The Agurs' "crime;" according to the "offi­ belong to the Christian people of Nicara­ jury recommended that Matasich be cial" police story, was that he was riding in While many working people wanted to gua." charged with an offense which carries only an allegedly stolen Oldsmobile Cutlass see these killer cops stand trial for this Turning to the problem of inflation and a smalljail term if convicted. with three other Black youth, and while heinous crime, the big business-owned shortages, Wheelock acknowledged that Sheila Agurs, the victim's mother, said fleeing to avoid arrest, Agurs was run media and the rulers of this city were not so wages in Nicaragua are too low to meet down by Hont and Matasich. inclined. From the beginning, the media workers' needs. she was relieved by the guilty verdict and "glad that justice has been done so far. We In statements that directly contradicted has tried to make the victim, Agurs, look He attributed the problem to several fac­ like the criminal- a job which became in­ tors: the world capitalist economic crisis, hope it will continue." Hoot's and Matasich's version of what happened April I 0, several witnesses creasingly difficult as the coroner's hearing which has a devastating effect on third · "I;m not satisfied with the verdict," said progressed. world countries in particular; the fact that his father, Robert Agurs. ''It should have explained how both cops aimed their cars Nicaragua's exports are selling for less been steeper, like voluntary manslaughter, at Agurs in the Stanton Height shopping An editorial in the . Pittsburgh Post­ center parking lot. while its imports are becoming more and and both officers should have been held for Gazette termed Agurs' death a "tragic acci­ more costly; and the U.S. war, which it. This is only partial justice." "If I didn't know better, I'd have thought dent," thus pretending that he wasn't delib­ forces the government to divert large What made this verdict possible was the I was watching Starsky and Hutch on tele­ erately run over by the cops. mobilization of the Black community and vision," is how witness Robert Edmondson amounts of funds to feed and equip soldiers A statement released by the Socialist others offended by this racist murder. described events on that day to the jury. and resettle refugees in safe areas. The Workers Party campaign of AI Duncan in country's scarce resources, he explained, At least 50 supporters of the Agurs fam­ Edmondson and two other eyewitnesses the 14th Congressional District and Clare must be prioritized for defense, investment ily filled the seats of the courtroom each also told the coroner's jury that tuey saw Fraenzl in the 22nd Congressional District in production, and health care. day of the inquest. Hoot smile after the killing. demanded that "the district attorney indict Hont and Matasich for murder, and prose­ Cincinnati debate on U.S. war ·in Salvador cute them to the fullest extent of the law." BY JOE LOMBARDO families ·of the oligarchy and described the holy alliances" between the United States Sandinista Cultural AND PEGGY MOW intolerable situation the vast majority of and Central American dictators down CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Cen­ workers and peasants face. He told how through the years. Wheaton said that the Workers invite U.S. tral American Task Force and Xavier Uni­ these conditions brought people into mass United States is "worried about successful delegation to Nicaragua versity co-sponsored a debate here titled organizations to fight for change under the alternative models. Most people will be "The crises in Central America, the U.S. leadership of the FMLN-FDR. surprised to hear that in 1982 the only An official delegation of U.S. cultural role: what next?" Wayne Smith spent most of his allotted thriving economies in the region were Gre­ workers; Ventana, has been invited by its · The April 13 debate, attended by 150, time refuting the Reagan administration's nada and Nicaragua." corresponding Nicaraguan organization, featured Arnoldo Ramos, a representative claim that U .S.-directed military action Robert Webb, who has written many the Sandinist Cultural Workers Association . of the Farabundo Marti National Libera­ against Nicaragua is meant to stop a flow editorials denouncing the "spread of com­ (ASTC), to witness the cultural and artistic tion Front-Revolutionary Democratic Front of arms to El Salvador's FMLN. He also munism" in Central America and who sup­ reconstruction of Nicaragua. (FMLN-FDR) of El Salvador; Wayne countered the administration's claim that ports Reagan's aggression, claimed that " ... We invite you to come to Nicara­ the Salvadoran land reform program is Smith, former chief of the U.S. Interests the recent Salvadoran elections were a re­ .gua," says Noel Corea, secretary of inter­ Section in Cuba; Rev. Phil Wheaton, direc­ working. jection by the people of that country of the national relations for ASTC, "to know Smith said, "There has not been one tor of the Ecumenical Program for Inter­ policies of the FMLN-FDR. He said that first-hand our revolutionary process, our american Communication and Action shred of evidence since 1981 that the San­ the Kissinger commission report was proof limitations, our·achievements . . . to speak dinistas are sending arms to the FMLN. (EPICA); and Robert Webb, member of of broad bipartisan support for Reagan's freely with our people, with representa­ Reagan's goal is to overthrow the Sandinis­ the editorial board of the Cincinnati En­ policy in the region, which is allegedly tives of our government and Sandinist Lib­ tas ." He said that a number of peace initia­ motivated by the need to stop the "Soviet quirer. The Enquirer has had an editorial eration Front, with our writers and artists tives by Nicaragua have been ignored by policy that supports U.S. aggression in and Cuban threat" in Central America. organized in the Sandinist Cultural Work­ the Reagan administration, which has in­ Central America. Each speaker was given a five-minute ers Association." A representative of the U.S. State De­ stead escalated its military and economic rebuttal period. Several pointed out that the partment initially accepted an invitation to aggression against that country . recent elections in El Salvador were ·a Beginning May 18 for I 0 days the dele­ speak but later declined when he heard that On the land reform in El Salvador, fraud. It is impossible to hold democratic gation will meet with Nicaraguan cultural he would have to share the platform with Smith said, "After the 1982 election, the elections when the major opposition is not workers - writers, poets, dancers, musi­ Arnoldo Ramos. The State Department Ministry of Agriculture was given to allowed to participate, they said. cians, painters, theater people, filmmakers explained that it will not speak on the same ARENA, the party of the big landowners. The question of the "Soviet threat" was and others. Additional participants are wel­ platform with representatives of the Now most of the peasants who had re­ also addressed by several speakers who come by calling Ventanta (212) 586-3700. FMLN-FDR or the Nicaraguan govern­ ceived land titles have once again become said that both the 1979 Nicaraguan revolu­ Ventana, an organization in alliance ment. tenants - those who have not been made tion and Salvadoran civil war were products with cultural workers in Nicaragua, will be Ramos sketched the history of El Sal­ refugees or killed." of internal problems, not intervention by organizing cultural exchanges and further vador's domination by the 14 land-owning Rev. Phil Wheaton talked about the "un- Cuba and the Soviet Union. delegations to Nicaragua.

May 18, 1984 The Militant 9 Iraq-Iran war: what stand should U.S. workers take? BY CINDY JAQUITH neutral in the war, have favored the Iraqi "relative indifference" toward the fighting Should workers be "neutral" in the war aggression from the beginning. In recent between Iraq and Iran. between Iraq and Iran? Most newspapers months, they have stepped up their threats While stating, "Progressive people have on the U.S. left today say yes. The Militant and provocations against Iran. In January, little reason to take sides in this· conflict,'' is virtually the only paper in the U.S. Iran was added to Washington's list of"ter­ the editorial sharply attacked Iran, which, workers movement that defends Iran and rorist nations," which also includes Cuba, it said, "is not blameless at this stage, for it the Iranian revolution against aggression Libya, Syria, and South Yemen. · has refused to negotiate an end to the war. from Iraq, the U.S. government, and its In February, President Reagan "Ayatollah Khomeini knows that having imperialist allies. threatened to use military force against Iran an· external enemy blunts popular opposi­ What stand to take on the war has be­ if the Strait of Hormuz were closed. A fleet tion to his brutally repressive regime . He come increasingly important in recent of nearly 20 U.S. warships was dispatched says Tehran will settle for nothing short of months. There has been a sharp escalation to the gulf and surrounding waters. They Hussein's downfall. In the meantime he of both Iraqi and imperialist military inter­ fired on one Iranian plane . sees nothing wrong with making martyrs of vention against Iran. In April, U.S. Secretary of State George tens of thousands of poorly trained teenage Shultz raised the idea of preemptive mili­ 'volunteers,' thrown repeatedly against Evolution of war tary strikes against Iran, which he claimed ~etter-equipped forces ." was responsible for "state-supported ter­ Iranian volunteers (left) in recent otTens1 The Iraq-Iran war, in which the two con­ rorism," along with Libya, Syria, and 'Workers World': 'religious frenzy' versing gains of revolution. tending sides are both nations oppressed by North Korea. Workers World, newspaperofthe Work­ imperialism, has provoked discussion and The U.S. media has boosted the anti-Ira­ debate. Washington's systematic effort to ers World Party, argued in a February 23 British intellectual who has written exten­ nian campaign by portraying the Iraq-Iran editorial that the Iraq-Iran war "has only sively on Iran. Halliday reduced the war _to disguise its ·own role in the conflict has war as a senseless, barbaric slaughter heightened confusion. served to weaken both countries in relation a gimmick by the Iranian government, "a fueled by the "expansionism" and "fanati­ to imperialism" and that it is "fought over means of diverting attention from the fail­ The war began in September 1980 when cism" of the Iranian revolution. The war Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein ordered an in­ strictly bourgeois interests." ings of the Islamic Republic at home." endangers "our oil" and "our allies" in the The editorial focused on attacking re­ Halliday spelled out his views more fully vasion of Iran, declaring his troops would Middle East, U.S. workers are told. The swiftly get rid of the "maniac" Khomeini. · pression in Iran (saying nothing about the in the December 1983 issue of Marxism "civilized West" needs to intervene some­ Iraqi regime's attacks on workers and op­ Today, the theoretical magazine of thf Hussein's goal was not only to overthrow how in the conflict to prevent the spread of the government led by Ayatollah Ruhollah pressed nationalities). British CP. There he argued that "the Is "ruthless repression" and "Islamic ter­ While acknowledging that "it is the duty Iamie revolution has continued to run it! Khomeini, but to put an end to the revolu­ rorism." tionary achievements of the Iranian mass­ of all workers and oppressed people to de­ course, revealing an immanent [intrinsic The Iranian combatants in the war are fend Iran against the attacks of im­ repressive and antidemocratic characte es, who had toppled the U.S.-backed shah painted as frenzied religious zealots. "A in 1979 and inspired the workers and peas­ perialism," the editorial made no connec­ that was temporarily masked at the begin Fever Bordering on Hysteria" was the title tion between imperialism and the Iraqi ag~ ning." ants throughout the region. of a March 12 Time magazine article de­ However, ·Hussein is far from accom­ gression. Halliday charged that "a terror of trui: scribing Iran. The reporter characterized In a follow-up editorial on March 8, fasci.st proportions has been deployed i1 plishing this objective. In the past three Iranian volunteers for the war effort as years, Iraniari troops and volunteers have Workers World asserted that Khomeini has Iran" by the Khomeini regime. He com "suicide-driven." "utilized the horrendous war with Iraq to pared its repression of the Tudeh Party tc driven out most of the Iraqi forces occupy­ Even the way the press has covered the ing their territory. Yet the Iraqi govern­ whip up a religious and patriotic frenzy to Adolph Hitler's Germany of 1933 . The les­ exposure of Iraqi use of chemical warfare distract the Iranian people from their own son to be learned by the left, he concluded, ment continues its bombardments of Ira­ is designed to confuse workers. Statements nian civilian centers and Iranian ships in domestic struggle." is the danger of Islam: "For all that was by the U.S. govemment against Iraq-' s ~se _....__ . ..., - ' positive in the overthrow of the Shah, it is the Persian Gulf. · of poison gas have been played up to give In early February of this year, Hussein 'Daily Wort~': . ~ve,rtb,row. .. Khomeini · now evident that the islamiC regitre repre­ the impression Washington is neutral in the sents a force even more reactionary than unleashed a new wave of bombings of Ira­ war. Reagan's hypocritical grandstanding The U.S. Communist Party's position nian cities and villages. Coupled with this, was outlined in a March · 28 article in the the Shah's, one nearer fascism tha1 on the issue of chemical warfare has also socialism." he announced plans to put a naval blockade Daily World by William Pomeroy. In been used to resurrect the phony charges While Halliday presents the most ex around Kharg Island, Iran's main oil ex­ that the Soviet Union, Vietnam, and other 1980, when Hussein invaded Iran , he "was porting facility in the gulf. He also re­ encouraged in his aggression and given treme view of Iran today, the logic of th countries have used "yellow rain,"· an al­ articles in the Guardian, Workers Worla newed his threat to blow up the island al­ leged chemical warfare agent. Washing­ military and economic assistance by the together. U.S., France, and Britain, which saw it as Daily World, and In These Times points i ton, in fact, controls the world's largest the same direction. All of them capitulat• Iranian officials responded by mobiliz­ stockpile of chemical weapons, and an OPPortunity to reverse the Iranian· revo­ ing hundreds of thousands of volunteers lution," Pomeroy wrote. to the pressures of the imperialist prop Reagan has pledged to build up this supply aganda campaign against the Iranian revo and regular troops at the Iraqi border. They even·bigger. But today, Pomeroy continued, the war declared a final offensive was under way is no longer a defensive one on Iran's part: lution, and all of them echo, to one degret or another, Washington's line that Iran i! that would force Hussein to surrender. For 'Guardian' blames Iran "The war is facilitating the conditions for a the first time, Iran also carried out retaliat­ return to control by reactionary Iranian the source of aggression in the region. ory bombing of Iraqi cities. The Iranian re­ Proimperialist themes have increasingly capitalist groups who are restoring links gime said that if Iraq destroyed Kharg Is­ been echoed in the coverage of the Iraq­ with imperialism and transnational corpo­ Standpoint of the 'Militant' land, it would close the Strait of Hormuz, Iran w;;tr by the U.S. left. The Guardian, rations. They have savagely repressed the The Militaut has a completely differen the only exit from the Persian Gulf. an independent radical weekly published in left-wing and bourgeois-nationalist forces, starting point in looking at the Iraq-Irm The Iranian troops then moved into Iraq, New York, nin an editorial entitled in particular the Communist Tudeh Party ." war. We view this war - and all war: capturing the Majnoon Islands, in an oil­ "Slaughter in the Gulf' in its March 14 · Pomeroy hailed "revolutionary forces today - from the standpoint of the interna rich marshland area northwest of the Iraqi issue. The thrust of the editorial was to who call for overthrowing both Hussein tiona! fight against imperialism and tht city of Basra. Despite extensive bombing blame Iran for aggression in the Persian and Khomeini . "At the present stage of the struggle to advance the world socialist rev and use of poison gas, the Iraqis have been Gulf area. Iraq-Iran war," he wrote, "the revolution­ olution. Iran is a semicolonial nation tha unable thus far to dislodge the Iranians The Guardian editors claimed the at­ ary and democratic movements in both had a deepgoing revolution against die from the islands. titude of U.S. and Europ~an imperialist countries vigorously oppose the war and tatorship and imperialist domination i1 The U.S. rulers, while claiming to be powers has been, until recently, one of work for the ouster of both regimes that op­ 1979. That revolution succeeded in shatter· press them as the only certain way to ing the 25-year dictatorship of the shah in· TURKEY achieve a peace of independence and de­ stalled by Washington. Ousting the shat SOVIET •UHION mocracy." opened the door to further mobilizations b)' The CP's call for overthrowing the Ira­ nian government is relatively recent. For the first few years of the Iranian revolution, states that the "anti-imperialist, anti-dictatoriaL and democratic revolution" in Iran has no\\ it politically supported the Khomeini re­ been "transformed into a medieval dictatorshiJ gime, including its attacks on oppressed with the aim of restoring the dependen nationalities and other left groups, and it capitalist order." sided with Iran in the war. * The resolution says that "With Bani Sad ousted as President, the political leadership ol 'In These Times': war is a 'diversion' the revolution was in fact mainly put into the hands of Ayatollah Khomeini and his supporters The March 14-20 In These Times, a so­ in the ruling apparatus. In these conditions there cial-democratic weekly published in were hopes of fundamental steps being-taken to­ Chicago, ran an article by Fred Halliday, a ward solving the socio-economic problems of society to the working people's benefit. But in­ * Over the last two years, the Tudeh Party in stead there were qualitative changes in the poli­ Iran has also made substantial political shifts in cies of the regime , turning it more toward tht ' its line on the revolution. When the shah was right wing than before." overthrown, the Tudeh Party gave political sup­ The resolution calls for the Tudeh party toes­ port to the new regime Jed by Ayatollah Kho­ tablish "healthy and constructive relations" with rneini. It took a hostile stand toward Kurds who the Mujahedeen, which it terms "an anti-im­ called on the Khomeini government to grant perialist and popular force." It also calls for sup­ them national rights . It sharply condemned ex­ port to "the just struggle of the Kurdish people Pres. Abolhassan Bani Sadr and the Mujahe­ for autonomy." On the Iraq-Iran war the docu­ deen as "counterrevolutionary" when they ment says, "Continuation of the war is to the called for the overthrow of the government in benefit of imperialism . . .. It is the immediate 1981. responsibility of defenders ·of the country's na­ A December 1983 resolution adopted by the tional interests to fight for an end to the war be­ Tudeh Party Central Committee, however, tween Iran and Iraq."

The Militant May 18, 1984 e against Iraqi aggression. Right, one of mass demonstrations against U.S. domination that led to 1979 revolution in Iran. Washington backs Iraqi attacks on Iran in hopes of re-

the nation's toilers for social, economic, region against imperialism and its allies for a cutoff of all oil to Israel and South Af­ were sent to attack Khomeini supporters at and political demands that posed the need among conservative Arab regimes. rica. a Tehran air force barracks, the insurrec- · for a workers and peasants government Following his restoration to the Peacock Strikes swept the country, from the auto tion was on. The overthrow of the shah weakened U.S. Throne in 1953 through a CIA-organized plants, to ·the coal mines, to the govern­ The airmen responded to the attack by imperialism and strengthened the · world coup, the shah opened Iran up to thousands ment ministries and banks. The upsurge arming themselves and people in the sur­ working class. For this reason, imperialism of U.S. military personnel and corporate turned into a prolonged general strike rounding neighborhoods. The revolt has been trying to reverse the gains of the managers. Massive amounts of U.S. sur­ against the monarchy and U.S. domina­ spread, as regular troops retreated from Iranian revolution ever since - through veillance equipment aimed at the. Soviet tion. confronting the masses or joined them. overt means and through proxy means, workers state were set up in Iran. U .S. "ad­ Oppressed nationalities -- particularly One by one, the people took over the army •uch as the Iraqi war. visers" trained much of the shah's elite Azerbaijanis and Kurds - were also in the bases, seizing more weapons. The Iraqi invasion of Iran helped serve anny units. U.S. and European oil corpora­ forefront of the fight One of the first mass Crowds ·of thousands attacked hated he interests of U.S. imperialism, which tions reaped huge profits from their plunder demonstrations ca.lling for the overthrow of symbols of the shah' s regime. They "'as not in a position to car:ry out such a of Iranian oil reserves. the shah took -place in Tabriz, the center of stormed the central SA V AK office and tore nilitary attack itself. Washington hoped Catering to the imperialists, the shah the Azerbaijani population. In Kurdistan, up files on dissenters. They invaded the Is­ iussein would be able to overturn the rev­ carried out a "land reform" program in the peasants began seizing land owned by the raeli embassy, and renamed it the PLO em­ llution. While he has failed, the three-and­ 1960s that destroyed the country's agricul­ shah while the monarchy was still in bassy. They marched to the prisons and l-half-year war has brought enormous de­ ture. Iran was transformed from a nation power. freed the thousands of detainees inside. struction to Iran and taken the lives of self-sufficient in food to one that had to im­ Women joined ih the demonstrations in Independent defense committees many of the best revolutionary fighters. port 60 percent of its requirements. Huge numbers unprecedented in the Middle sprouted up in the neighborhoods to protect An Iranian victory in the war would be numbers of peasants were driven off the East They often wore the black chador (Is­ liberated territory from government troops. an. inspiration for all those fighting im­ land and forced into the cities. lamic veil) as a protest against the shah's Massive barricades were thrown up, par­ ,perialist oppression in the Mideast; a defeat The shah smashed the trade unions that version of "women's Liberation." ticularly in the working-class, pai;ts of : >" ; · · I I I 1 II , f"t ' .· !,I'~ ' ..._ I • · • • • ~ ' I" • , ' I -'""l,; Iran would be· a big blow, not only for had 'been·esiabli!>h'M! in the '14405.' Agents town, ·•e Iranian revolution, but for the Iraqi of SAV AK, the secret police, set up offices Islamic 'reaction'? In three days, the dictatorship hadiallen. ..asses; for the Palestinians, Lebanese, and in the factories. Strikes were made illegal. The army officer corps and caretaker gov­ The U.S. media attacked the protests lther Arab peoples; as well as for working All workers parties were forced under­ ernment turned the reins over to Khomeini from the beginning, echoing the shah's line ~eople around the world. Both Iraq and ground. and his supporters. that because the organized leadership of the ran- are semicolonial nations oppressed by The workers and semiproletarian masses The shah sought to give his brutal re­ dembnstrations were figures in the Islamic mperialism, and both are ruled by in the cities had overthrown the shah's re­ gime an "enlightened" image, aping im­ hierarchy, the masses were really demand­ :apitalist governments that are hostile to gime - practically with their bare hands. perialist notions of civilization. Expensive ing a return to medieval society, reaction, he interests of the workers and peasants. But they lacked the organization and consumer goods were imported from the and ignorance. The masses were too back­ 3y attacking the rights of workers, peas­ leadership to forge an alliance with the United States and Europe for the shah, his ward, the shah explained, to appreciate the mts, oppressed nationalities, and women, peasantry and to take power. Instead of a court, and other wealthy families. U.S. benefits of his "modernization." he Iranian regime has dealt significant workers and peasants government, a re­ "culture" -like American TV- began to But when the demonstrators counter­ illows to the gains of the revolution. But it dominate the country. Women were en­ gime composed of businessmen and reli­ has not crushed the revolution, as can be posed "Islam" to life under the shah, they couraged to become "liberated" by don­ were expressing the nationalism and hatred gious figures dedicated to preserving seen by the massive mobilizations of Ira­ capitalist rule. was established. ning the latest Western fashions and wear­ of imperialism felt by Muslims and other lians today to defend their revolution from While the new regime's leaders intended ing a lot of makeup. Prostitution flourished oppressed peoples throughout the Middle raqi attack. to demobilize the masses and restore in cities like Tehran for the pleasure of East. Religious leaders gained popularity The Militant believes this is decisive in capitalist stability as quickly as possible, . U.S. businessmen and local capitalists and among the demonstrators to the degree they letermining which side to support in the they faced a major problem: they had been landlords. gave voice to these nationalist and anti-im­ .var. The most important thing U.S. work­ brought to power by a massive revolution. Attempts by Iran's oppressed nation­ perialist sentiments. :rs can do to aid the struggle of the Iranian A fundamental change in the relationship alities- Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Turkmenis, A wing of the Islamic hierachy led by lo'orllution . nents of the shah. But the working class, 'The 1979 revolution was and remains particularly the oil workers, was the deci­ a Urban insurrection giant blow· to world imperialism. Next to sive factor in bringing down the shah. In Israel, the shah's monarchy was im­ October 1978, the oil workers began a After the shah fled the country in Janu­ perialism's strongest ally in the Mideast strike that shut down production, crippling ary 1979, leaving behind him a caretaker Armed to the teeth by Washington and the regime. government, Khomeini was able to return trained in the most sophisticated methods They raised not only economic de­ to Iran frorri an exile of more than 15 years. of torture by the CIA and the Israeli secret mands, but also political demands against He sought to convince the tottering dic­ police, the shah's regime functioned as a the government - for the overthrow of the tatorship to peacefully transfer power to :op, not only against the Iranian workers shah, for the release of all political prison­ him, thus avoiding a revolutionary over­ Iranian workers and peasants have been back­ 1nd peasants, but against rebellions in the ers, for freedom of speech and of the press, throw of the regime. But when elite troops bone of defense .effort.

May 18, 1984 The Militant 11 Continued from preceding page of workers parties. ington' s attitude to Iran and its government Mobilizations by workers and their allies ever since. reached a new high. The focus of their pro­ The U.S. government not only lost a val­ tests was the continued U.S. interference in uable ally with the shah's overthrow. The Iran's affairs and conciliatory moves to­ Iranian revolution sent shock waves ward the imperialists by some officials in throughout the Mideast. The Iranian the Iranian government. monarchy had been viewed as impregna­ ble. Its ouster by the impoverished Iranian U.S. embassy occupation masses was an inspiration for the Palestin­ In October 1979, Washington allowed ians fighting for a return to their homeland the shah, who had been living in exile, to and for the millions of other Arabs suffer­ move to the United States. Iranians poured ing under conservative regimes. into the streets to protest this blatantly pro­ The Iranian revolution was also hailed vocative move. Revolutionary students by oppressed peoples fighting U.S. pup­ took over the U.S. embassy and held the pets in other parts of the world, from Cen­ personnel inside hostage to their demand tral America to the Philippines. And it had that the shah be returned to stand trial for a big impact on working people in the im­ his crimes. perialist countries. Iranian officials caught carrying out s~c­ The Iranian people effectively exposed ret negotiations with Washington were for U.S. workers the character of the "de­ ousted from their posts on the demand of mocracy" Washington imposes on the Iranian people. The students began re­ semicolonial countries. By bringing down leasing CIA files found in the embassy that the shah they weakened U.S. imperialism &bowed a U.S. campaign to split and over­ and strengthened the U.S. working class. throw the Iranian government, as well as The revolution was not inherently anti­ the complicity of some Iranian officials in democratic, as Fred Halliday contends. In Washington's plans. · fact, democratic demands for the over­ Workers came to the forefront of defend­ throw of monarchy and for national inde­ ing the embassy occupation, linking the pendence from imperialism were at its very struggle against imperialist attacks on the center. Only by ridding themselves of the revolution to their battles against employ­ shah and his secret police, and the U.S. ers and Labor Ministry officials who were forces backing them up, could the Iranian trying to block the advance of the revolu­ masses effectively organize a struggle to tion. Those bosses who were sabotaging rebuild their country after decades of back­ production or refusing to meet workers' de­ wardness imposed by imperialism. mands were denounced as agents of im­ Washington's fears about the Iranian perialism. The factory shoras mushroomed revolution were confirmed by the explo­ throughout the country and began to raise sion of social struggles that followed the broader social demands as well. shah's overthrow. February 1979 insurrection in Iran. Crowd celebrates overthrow of shah, trampling Peasants drove their tractors into the on his statue. The struggle to bring the shah down had cities to show their solidarity with.the em­ deeply affected the consciousness of the bassy takeover and to seek support for their nation's workers and peasants. Having car­ own demands. masses, including a broad hind reform and since, has refused to solve the huge gap in ried out the insurrection themselves, they In December, a united demonstration of nationalization of the banks. income between the masses and the weal­ knew they had made this revolution and all the factory shoras in Tehran marched to As in Iran, the new Ethiopian govern­ thy ruling families, despite the radical and they intended to use their power to drive it the embassy. There the workers presented ment was a capitalist regime that sought to sometimes socialist rhetoric employed by forward. · a program of demands to meet the threat demobilize the masses and curb democratic various Ba'athist rulers. They have also When the new government sought to dis­ from imperialism and move the revolution rights. It refused to grant national rights to systematically suppressed the nationalist band the factory strike committees and ap­ forward. They called for resolute action · the Eritreans, an oppressed people within aspirations of the Kurdish population. point new leaders in the workplaces, the against U.S. imperialism, including the Ethiopia, for example. Today the country is run by a military workers rejected this. They asserted their military mobilization of the entire Iranian In 1977, Ethiopia was invaded by the dictatorship. Hussein rules by decree. demands for major wage increases, for far­ population. They urged the government to army of Pres. Siad Barre of Somalia. Barre Trade unions and opposition parties, such reaching social benefits, for workers' con­ forge "deeper ties" with "other Islamic and claimed to be coming to the aid of Somalis as the Communist Party, are severely re­ trol of production, and for a say in how in­ anticolonial movements." The program living in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia, pressed. dustry should be reorganized to help recon­ linked stepped-up defense of the revolution who also suffered national oppression Hussein stepped up attacks on democrat­ struct the country. with a call for sweeping measures against under the Ethiopian regime. ic rights when he launched the war against By July 1979, the government was proimperialist capitalists, landlords, and But the "national liberation" of Somalis Iran. The Iraqi masses had no interest in forced to nationalize a large number of fac­ government officials who were denying had nothing to do with Barre's war. Like fighting their Iranian brothers and sisters, tories. It tripled the minimum wage and rights to the workers and peasants. Hussein of Iraq, he was seeking to roll and opposition to the war began to be granted important concessions on social "Cut off the hands of the capitalists who back an antidictatorial revolution before it voiced. Some 100,000 Shi'ite Muslims benefits. Worker-elected factory commit­ are sabotaging production!" the program reached his doorstep. were expelled from the country by Hussein tees (called shoras) were allowed to func­ demanded. "Abolish capitalism and plun­ shortly after the war began. Most went to tion and spread. Washington tried to appear neutral in der. .. . The government should run aJI the this war also, all the while quietly en­ Iran. An estimated 5~00 Shi'ites have Exploited peasants responded to the factories in collaboration with the shora in been executed on charges of supporting shah's overthrow by seizing land left vac­ couraging Barre's aggression. The U.S. each plant." government looked favorably on anything Iran. ant by counterrevolutionary landlords who The shora program also called for land But neither repression nor the fact that had fled. While the government opposed that could push back the anti-imperialist reform. The holdings of the big landlords upsurge in Africa, which had now swept Iraq has far superior military equipment the seizures, it was not strong enough to with ties to the United States "should be has enabled Hussein to win the war. On the stop them all. Under pressure from the Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-B issau, and · confiscated and divided up. The land and other countries. contrary, the Iraqi forces have been stead­ peasants, it began major construction pro­ ily pushed back by Iranian troops, who do its fruits belong to those who work it!" Washington sent two warships to the jects in some parts of the countryside, Within the government, the shoras de­ have a stake in winning the war. Those spearheaded by revolutionary youth from Red Sea as a warning to Ethiopia and to manded immediate action against "traitors" back up the Somalis. But with the aid of with the greatest stakes are the Iranian the cities who formed the Reconstruction workers and peasants, who have been the and a purge, "in direct collaboration with Cuban troops, Ethiopia defeated the Som- · Crusade. the Islamic Workers Shoras," of counter­ driving force behind the defense effort Oppressed nationalities, particularly the ali army shortly thereafter, regaining con­ revolutionary elements in the labor minis­ trol of the Ogaden. · from the beginning. When Iraq first in­ Kurds, took advantage of the new freedom tries. vaded, the Iranian army officer corps, to assert their right to control their own af­ Many on the U.S. left were confused The upsurge around the embassy seizure during the Ethiopia-Somalia war about made up largely of remnants from the fairs and to rejuvenate their languages and thus saw the emergence of the workers, shah's regime, dragged its feet. The Iraqis cultures. Kurdish peasants accelerated land which of these two oppressed nations to through their own independent organs, the support and where U.S. imperialism's in­ seized a considerable amount of territory. takeovers. The central government shoras, attempting to take the lead in push­ Impatient with the response of the army, launched a direct offensive against the terests really Jay . A similar confusion ing the revolution forward. exists today on the Iraq-Iran war. the workers began organizing indepen­ Kurds, sending in troops and bombing their The inability of the Iranian government . . dently to beat back the invasion. They set villages. to bring the situation under control led the Washington's relations with Iraq up committees to aid the war effort in the But the attack on the Kurds backfired. Carter administration to launch its abortive factories. They called on the government to Their guerrilla forces successfully resisted commando raid against Iran in April 1980. Prior to the Iranian revolution, Washing­ train the population in the use of weapons. the army, I?rovoking debate and opposition Ostensibly a raid to free the U.S. hostages, ton had had poor relations with the Iraqi They demanded harsh measures against to the war among workers in the cities the operation was clearly planned to spark government. Iraq had broken diplomatic capitalist speculators who were profiting throughout Iran. The central government a coup against the Khomeini regime. relations with the United States over the offthe war's effects on the economy: Peas­ was forced to pull back from its occupation 1967 Israeli war, and the Iraqi government ants also began to mobilize, collecting of Kurdistan in October 1979. It also re­ Five months later, Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein launched his massive invasion of had been an outspoken opponent of U.S. huge amounts of food to be sent to the sol­ treated from attempts to impose full-scale support to Israel. Iraq had been listed on Iran. diers at the front. censorship and prohibit legal functioning Washington's roster of "terrorist" nations. Faced with the demand that it defend the U.S. indifference to war? However the Iraqi regime had become nation, the Iranian government set up a more conciliatory toward the imperialists volunteer corps, called the baseej . Hun­ The U.S. imperialists feigned "neutral­ in recent years. In the mid-1970s, Hussein dreds pf thousands of youth from the cities Imperialism vs. ity" on the war, and hoped Hussein could and the shah of Iran jointly stabbed Kur­ volunteered. They, along with the Revolu­ Iranian Revolution do their dirty work for them. Far from dish liberation fighters in the back and es­ tionary Guards established by the govern­ being "indifferent" to the war, Washington · tablished more friendly relations. One re­ ment after the revolution, began to push:the Which Side for Working saw it as a major opportunity to overthrow sult of this was that in 1978 Hussein ex­ army brass aside and play the major role on People? Khomeini and reverse the gains of the Ira­ pelled Khomeini from Iraq, where he had the battlefield. By 1982, the Iraqis had nian revolution without direct use of U.S. been living in exile and issuing calls for ac­ been forced out of much of the territory By Janice Lynn troops. tion against the shah. After the Iranians they had captured. and David Frankel A parallel situation had occurred in the toppled the shah in 1979, Hussein began This has been done at the price of enor­ 1970s in the Hom of Africa. In 1974, as military provocations on Iran's border. mous sacrifice by the Iranian working 39pp., $.95 part of an upsurge of anti-imperialist forces · Hussein's fear of the Iranian revolution people, who have borne the brunt of the in Africa, the Emperor Haile Selassie was stemmed from its attractiveness to the Iraqi war's destruction. Prior to the recent at­ · Order from Pathfinder Press, 410 West overthrown iri Ethiopia. Huge popular population, which is 55 percent Shi'ite tacks by Hussein, 250,000 Iranians had St, New York, N.Y. 10014. Please en­ mobilizations resulted, compelling the new Muslim and 20 percent Kurdish. Monar­ died in the war, and another 400,000 were close $. 75 for postage and handling. government, made up of younger army of­ chical rule was overturned in Iraq in 1958. wounded. Hundreds of thousands have ficers, to make major concessions to the But the Ba'ath Party, which has ruled ever been left homeless by bombing. An esti-

12 The Militant May 18, 1984 mated 80,000 Iraqis - sent imo battle On February 2, U.S. Assistant Secretary it is precisely because the war is not fought against their will -have also been killed . of State Richard Murphy went to Iraq for over "strictly bourgeois interests" - con­ The Iranian masses see the invasion as another high-level meeting. By mid-Feb­ trary to Workers World - that Iranian not only a violation of their sovereignty, ruary, U.S. warships were in place in the working people are still willing to fight the but an attack aimed at undoing everything Persian Gulf and .surrounding waters. The Iraqis. They believe there are still gains of they have won with their revolution. They U.S. flotilla is far from passive. The April the Iranian revolution to defend - and in­ have no illusions that Washington is "neu­ I New York Times Magazine reported that deed there are. tral" in the conflict - they identified the every morning the U.S. Central Command invasion as imperialist-inspired from the headquarters in Tampa, Florida, reviews A two-sided battle start. satellite photos of the positions of Iranian Most of the U.S . left fails to see the re­ troops, the location of Soviet ships and sol­ cent events in Iran from the standpoint of Imperialists step up aid to Iraq diers in the area, the location of U.S. ships, the working class there. Disoriented by the and weather conditions that might affect a As the Iraqi invasion has lost ground, the mass media, they can only see the ruling­ military operation. CBS News has reported imperialists have made their support to Class attacks that have hit the workers and that satellite pictures of Iranian troop Hussein more open. In 1983, the French therefore conclude that most, if not all, movements are regularly provided to Iraq. government of Fran~ois Mitterrand gains of the revolution have been wiped The danger that the U.S, forces will "loaned" jets and Exocet missiles to Iraq. out. The actual situation in the Iranian class launch a military strike against Iran is real. Washington now provides Hussein with struggle is far more contradictory. Let us Washington is less concerned about saving $840 million in economic aid. review what has happened in the past three the Hussein regime per se than it is about Reactionary Arab regimes in the region years. preventing more upsurges by the masses in stepped in to lend their help too. Such The demands of the Irani.an masses have the region , a danger it foresees if Iran wins staunch imperialist allies as Saudi Arabia, increasingly come into conflict witll the the war. Kuwait, and other gulf governments now prerogatives of the ruling class. There has As CIA Director William Casey put it in subsidize the Iraqi economy. The govern­ been resistance to moves by the govern­ an interview in the April 23 U.S. News and ments of Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, and North ment to take back concessions and erode World Report; "If Iran prevails and a radi- Yemen have provided soldiers to Iraq. the gains of the revolution . . cal Shiite regime is e5tablished in Baghdad More naked backing of Iraq has occurred similar to the Khomeini regime in Tehran, The Iranian masses have been handi­ in recent months. This has been linked to capped in this· resistance by the absence of the weakening of the rightist government in there are a lot of people they could tum loose against Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and a working-class leadership that could chart Lebanon. When the coalition regime estab­ a course independent of the-ruling Islamic lished by Washington and Israel in Leba­ the gulf states, which have supported Iraq." Republican Party (IRP). A layer of proleta­ non began to come unstuck in late 1983 rian fighters has not yet come forward that and the U.S . Marines came under attack A blind spot toward imperialism is capable of mobilizing the workers and from the local population, the U.S. govern­ peasants to fight for their own interests and ment sounded the alarm about "Shi'ite ter­ Imperialism's goal of an Iraqi victory to break politically with the IRP. This has 1980 demonstration in Tehran in sol­ rorists" in Beirut. It accused Iran of fo­ over Iran has never been clearer in the three allowed Iran's rulers to deal significant idarity with Miami Black community re­ menting the attacks on the U.S. Marines, a and a half years of the war. Yet almost the blows to the revolution. bellion. Identification with struggles by charge the Iranian government denied. entire U.S. radical press refuses to recog­ In 1981 , the regime took advantage of a oppressed of world has been haUmark of The fact is that Shi'ite Muslims com­ nize this . The Guardian argues that the terrorist campaign against the revolution Iranian revolution. prise more than 30 percent of Lebanon's U.S. government and its allies have been - led by a petty-bourgeois· radical group population. The Iranian revolution is popu­ "relatively indifferent" to which side wins, called the Mujahedeen - to carry out Peasants, meanwhile, stepped up their lar among Lebanese Shi 'ites, who are the while Workers World claims the im­ sweeping arrests and executions. Many demands for land reform. They won the most impoverished workers and peasants perialist attacks on Iran have no connection young people associated with leftist groups right to form peasant shoras in 1982. A bill in the country. Portraits of Khomeini dot to the Iraqi aggression against Iran. fell victim to the government drive, despite that would have provided some land re­ houses and shops throughout Shi' ite neigh­ To cover their collapse under the pres­ the fact they were not involved in the form, however, was defeated. borhoods. sure of the imperialist propaganda cam­ Mujahedeen's reactionary campaign. Sensing the impending collapse of the paign, these petty-bourgeois radicals hold The executions were unpopular with the Anti-Tudeh campaign Lebanese rightist regime, along with the up other criteria to justify their stand .. The working class, but they had no party of steadily deteriorating position of Iraq in its Guardian complains that Khomeini refuses their own through which to voice their In early 1983, the regime carried out a war against Iran, Washington initiated a to negotiate for peace. But the tactics the views. They refused to defend the Mujahe­ major crackdown against the Tudeh Party. number of moves to prop up Hussein. Iranian government employs in the war - deen because they correctly saw its assassi­ Its top leaders were arrested and forced to In November 1983, the U.S. Central whatever one thinks of them - are hardly nation campaign as aiding the imperialists go on television to "confess" that they had Command drew up plans to move an "ar: criteria for tleciding Which side-to support. and;monarchists. spied for the Soviet Union. Thousands of mada of warships to the Persian Gulf re­ That decision must be based on what fur­ The government used the Mujahedeen rank-and'-file Tudeh members were also gion. The Central Command, originally thers the interests of the working class - terrorism to set a precedent restricting the jailed, and some Soviet diplomats were ex~ called the Rapid Deployment Force, was in Iran and worldwide. democratic rights of everyone. Street dem­ pelled. In February 1984, 10 Tudeh mem­ established by President Carter in 1980 Nor is the severe repression carried out onstrations, except those officially called bers in the armed forces were executed, specifically in response to the Iranian revo­ by both the Iranian and Iraqi governments by the government, became illegal. Many and dozens of others are currently on trial. lution. In December 1983, U.S. diplomats decisive in determining which side work­ newspapers were shut down. Militants in The government coupled its reactionary visited Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, ing people should support in the war. the workplace got fired and in some cases attack on the Tudeh Party with sharpened Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and To believe most of_the U.S. left, the war jailed. Women's rights were further re­ polemics against communism and against Oman to inform them, according to the continues today for one and only one stricted. Socialist groups supporting· the the Soviet Union. It falsely charged that the Jan . I, 1984, Washington Post, that an Ira­ reason: to "divert" or "distract" the Iranian revolution were victimized. Soviet Union is "imperialist" and a military nian victory in the war would be "contrary working masses from ruling-dass attacks These measures did not su4:ceed in threat to Iran. It argued that communism is to U.S. interests." on their rights at home . stamping out the revolution, however. In inherently opposed to national liberation . The Post explained, "The decision to say Naturally the Iranian rulers take advan­ 1982, the government attempted to adopt a struggles. These spurious arguments were the United States opposes the defeat of Iraq tage of the war situation to further their labor law that contained reactionary planks aimed not just at leftists, but at workers as was described by officials as reflecting the own interests. Capitalist speculators have against workers' rights. Factory shoras or­ a whole. They were a warning that anyone relative decline of Iraq's fortunes com~ made millions by hoarding food and raw ganized "seminars" where workers blasted attracted to socialist revolution was a po­ pared with those of Iran as well as the dis­ materials to sell at inflated prices. Employ­ the bill and demanded that the goals of the tential "spy" and "tr.aitor" to the Iranian aster for U.S . interests if the Iranian revo­ ers have urged workers to restrain their de­ revolution be incorporated into it - things revolution. lution were to spread triumphantly in the mands in the name of "national unity ." The such as guarantees against arbitrary firings; The Iranian rulers took advantage of the strategic region." government uses the war as a pretext to fur­ insurance and unemployment benefits, fact that the Soviet Union currently sells Also in December, U.S. Mideast envoy ther restrict democratic rights and perse­ women's rights, and measures to increase arms to Iraq. Prior to the Iranian revolu­ Donald Rumsfeld visited Iraq, after which cute opponents of its policies. participation in the war against Iraq. tion, Iraq had a weapons contract with the · Washington announced it was ready to ex­ But the Iranian workers have their own The government finally withdrew the Soviet Union. However, when Hussein in­ change ambassadors with Baghdad. class interests to pursue in the war. In fact, bill under this pressure. vaded Iran in 1980, the Soviet government halted arms sales to Iraq. The arms contract was resumed in 1982 by the Soviet Union · when the Iranian government sent troops across the border into Iraq. Statements by the Soviet government adopted an increas­ ingly hostile tone toward Iran. The Soviet arming of Iraq is neither in the interests of the Soviet working people nor in the interests of the Iranian and Iraqi workers. It is a blow to the Iranian revolu­ tion and undermines the international sup­ port needed to defend the Soviet workers state. It can only play into the hands of the imperialists and the Iranian rulers. The Iranian government's anti-Soviet, anticommunist campaign has undoubtedly confused the Iranian masses. But the Ira­ nian workers have not mobilized in support of the regime's persecution ofTudeh mem­ bers. Outspoken workers in the factories know that when they criticize government policy, they too are labelled "Tudeh" mem­ bers. Debate and discussion continue in the factories today. A new labor bill that seeks to extend membership in the shoras to man­ agement has been criticized by the work­ ers. Even this bill, however, includes con­ cessions, such as a ban on arbitrary firings. Women office workers have initiated a fight for government-financed child-care Peasants (left) and auto workers (right) demonstrate at occupied U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979. Marches called for centers. form, harsh measures against capitalists, vigilance in struggle against imperialism. Continued on next page

May 18, 1984 The Militant 13 gimes are seeking a deal with Israel, the "democracy" against "fascist dictatorship." Iranian government continues to call for Some U.S. radicals fell for this line. the dismantling of the colonial-settler state They shrank from mobilizing to defend in Israel . During the Israeli invasion of Argentina, an oppressed nation, from Brit­ Lebanon, Khomeini sent Iranian troops to ish imperialism and its U.S. allies. Instead, aid the Lebanese and ·Palestinian resis­ they argued that a defeat for Argentina tance. The troops are still there. could be progressive because of the repres­ The regime in Iran is also outspoken sive character of the Argentine regime. against apartheid in South Africa and Brit­ The Argentine workers, however, did ish colonial rule in Ireland. not call for "revolutionary defeatism." It has supported struggles by workers in They knew the military attack by Britain imperialist countries, such as the strikes by was expressly aimed at them. They immigrant auto workers in. France, the mobilized against British aggression and British coal miners fighting union-busting, condemned their own government for fail­ and the battles of U.S. Blacks against racist ing to adequately fight the war. Britain fi­ discrimination and police brutality. nally defeated Argentina. A victory for As a bourgeois government that refuses Argentina in the war would have put to break with the capitalists and landlords, Argentine working people in a better posi­ the Iranian regime cannot chart a consis­ tion to overturn capitalist rule. tently anti-imperialist course, however. It The Iraq-Iran war, like the Malvinas inevitably comes into conflict with the war, offers important lessons for U.S. masses as it tries to carry out measures de­ workers, wh"o will be confronted with more manded by owners of industry and the -such wars in the future. The starting point land. Ultimately, it must openly tum to the for Marxists is the fact that imperialism is imperialists.for support against the workers at war around the world against the ad­ and peasants. vance of the socialist revolution. It is in the Mural on wall in Abadan, Iran, where many oil workers live. City has been re­ This conflict has been unfolding in Iran interests of U.S. workers to defend every peatedly bombed by Iraqi regime. ever since the revolution. The outcome is step forward by workers and peasants in not yet decided. How the war with Iraq oppressed nations toward breaking the grip ends up will play an important role in the Continued from preceding page this would "help eliminate the infiltration of imperialist domination, in order to seize fate of the revolution . political power in their own name. Every ·This is an important sign that the drive of communism into the region." Iranian workers will be in a stronger by women to be full and equal members of It is useful to note the difference be­ victory for the colonial revolution weakens position .to defend democratic rights, social imperialism and brings the day closer when society has not been extinguished, despite tween how the Iranian government at­ and economic gains, and njltional self-de­ working people in the United States will reactionary assaults on their democratic tempts to combat imperialist-inspired ag­ termination if they can defeat the Iraqi ag­ rights by the regime. gression and the approach of the workers ourselves be able to replace the world's gression and return their country to peace. strongest imperialist government with a In the countryside, government efforts and peasants government in Nicaragua, Victory in the war would deepen the self­ which is engaged in a war with CIA-trained government of workers and farmers . to help big landlords regain their property confidence of the masses and raise their ex­ This means examining concretely im­ are spurring protests from the peasantry. exiles and the Honduran army. The San­ pectations for completion of the tasks they dinistas have sought to protect and expand perialism's relationship to every war that According to the Iranian newspapers, land­ overthrew the _shah to accomplish. The breaks out. It means studying the specific owners coming back from self-imposed the rights of oppressed national groupings conditions would be more favorable for ad­ in their country, such as the Miskito In­ relationship of class forces within each na­ exile have tried to retrieve land taken over vancing the ·struggle to replace the current tion at war. Only by determining where the by small peasants. Pliant judges have been dians. They have carried out extensive land bourgeois government with a workers and reform, which has made clearer to the workers' interests lie in each case can a Oiling in favor of the landlords and have peasants government in Iran. - correct position be determined. jailed some peasants who refuse to give up peasants their own stakes in defending the A defeat for Iran in the war would spell revolution. They have sided with the work­ Will a defeat for Iran -strengthen or the land. the decisive defeat of the Iranian revolu­ weaken the workers in that country? Will it One group of peasants wrote a letter to ers - not the bosses - in the factories and tion. It would mean a bloodbath in both the · deepened the union organization of the help or hurt the fight against dictatorship in the Tehran daily Ettela' at, in which they cities and . the countryside to crush the Iraq? Will it advance or set back the na­ said: ·working class. They have armed the people backbone of the revolution - the workers and organized territorial militias, a step the tional .liberation struggle ·in the Middle "The famous feudal landlord of our re_­ and poor peasants. A proimperialist regime East? Will imperialism emerge stronger; if Iranian government has never taken. complete with a new SA YAK-style police gion, who collaborated with the shah's re­ In the international arena, the Nicara­ Iran is defeated, in relation to its other wars gime, is back . .. . He has plowed 20 hec­ network would be imposed on the Iranian around the globe? These are the decisive guans have made crystal clear who is re­ people. tares of cultivated land and cultivated 60 sponsible for the conflict in Central Amer­ questions for us. hectares with the help of his monarchist Marxists oppose the overthrow of the ica - the United States. They have ap­ current Iranian government by Washing­ friends." Role of U.S. workers pealed to the working people of Honduras ton, Hussein, proshah forces, or petty­ and the world by pointing to the positive Government's war policy bourgeois, proimperialist Iranian groups The principal contribution that U.S. example of their revolution for oppressed like the Mujahedeen. The Khomeini re­ workers can make to the struggle of Iranian The fact that the Iranian government is a masses everywhere. This has resulted in in­ gime is not worse than the shah. It is a working people is helping them get the im­ ·capitalist regime has also meant it cannot ternational condemnation of Washington's bourgeois government, but it is not a perialists off their backs. The U.S. labor pursue a revolutionary policy on the war. role and educated millions about the gains proimperialist monarchy. The workers are movement and those parties claiming to Despite its rhetoric, the actions of the Ira­ of the Nicaraguan revolution. in a stronger position to fight for their inter- speak in its interests should be demanding nian government weaken the struggle It is no surprise, in fact, that the Nicara­ . ests today- under the Islamic Republic­ the immediate withdrawal of the U.S. war­ against Iraqi aggression instead of rallying guan revolution is quite popular in Iran than they were under the shah:s dynasty. ships from Iran's coasts and an end to U.S. the broadest possible support for victory. today . Under conditions where the Iranian masses aid to-the Iraqi regime. We should demand The Iranian government's refusal to rec­ are not ready to replace the current regime full restoration of U.S. trade and diploma­ ognize the national rights of Kurds, for ex­ Internationalism with a workers and peasants government of tic ties with Iran. We should expose and ample, has allowed counterrevolutionary The internationalism and anti-im­ their own, overthrow ofKhomeini can only demand a halt to the Reagan administra­ forces to win over some of the Kurdish perialism of the Iranian masses remains be in the interests ·of imperialism and have tion's efforts to overthrow the government population. Leaders of organizations like one of the major gains of the revolution reactionary consequences for the entire re­ .of Ayatollah Khomeini. the Kurdish Democratic Party and the that neither Washington nor the native rul­ gion. In this context of defending the Iranian Komaleh, who initially supported the revo­ ing class has been able to stamp out. It Defense of the current Iranian govern­ revolution from imperialist attack, U.S. lution, are now against it and lean toward finds its reflection in many of the stands the ment from overthrow has nothing to do labor should also support workers and Iraq. Iranian government adopts on foreign pol­ with giving political support to its antilabor peasants in Iran whose democratic rights The government's attacks on democratic icy. policies or its strategy in the war. Marxists are under attack from the government rights have been seized upon by proim­ The Iranian government has established defend the current regime from imperialist there. These attacks weaken the revolution perialist forces - from the Mujahedeen to . friendly ties with the Nicaraguan govern­ attack within the framework of advancing in the face of imperialist-inspired aggres­ the monarchists - as a rallying point. ment and denounces the U.S. -sponsored the interests of the Iranian working masses, sion. The repression against the Tudeh Raising the banner of "democracy," these aggression against the Sandinistas. Iri their fight for a revolutionary war policy, Party, supporters of the Fourth Interna­ groups have attracted significant layers of March, Nicaraguan junta member Sergio and their struggle for political power. tional, and other currents in the working the urban middle classes away from sup­ Ramirez was invited to visit Iran, where he class must be opposed. port for the revolution. discussed trade and diplomatic ties be­ 'Neutral' on side of Iraq Finally, the U.S. workers movement should go on a campaign to repudiate the The refusal to carry out land reform and tween the two nations. Those U.S. left groups that call for "lies about the Iranian revolution and its to' adopt a prolabor law also weakens the A joint communique by Ramirez and "neutrality" in the war have turned their goals. Spreading the truth about the revolu­ nation in the face of aggression. Carrying Iranian officials condemned imperialist at­ 'backs on the Iranian toilers and their strug­ tion is the best aid U.S. workers can give to out such programs would inspire the mass­ tacks on Iran and on Nicaragua. It also de­ gle. They have lost confidence in the Ira­ advancing it. es with new enthusiasm and increase the nounced "the supplying to Iraq ... of de­ nian masses and in the revolution itself. By mobilizations to defeat Iraq. Fresh gains structive, lethal, mutilating chemical opposing an Iranian victory and by rehash­ for the Iranian workers and peasants would weapons, both on the front lines of the im­ ing the slanders of the bourgeois media also have an impact on the Iraqi masses, posed war and in civilian residential areas, against the revolution, they actually end up Iran-Nicaragua undercutting Hussein's propaganda against which represents an escalation of the · im­ being "neutral" on the side of the Iraqi. re­ . , the Iranian revolution. posed war." gime and its imperialist backers. They re­ communique The Iranian government does not politi­ The Sandinista daily Barricada quoted ject the idea that an Iranian victory in the cally motivate the war effort in this way. Ramirez as saying, "the Iranians hold U.S. war could open the road to the masses in 'IP' While it continues to aim its main fire at imperialism directly responsible for the ag­ overturning the capitalist government. In­ U.S. imperialism, the regime also raises gression they are suffering. This nation stead, they counterpose the idea that defeat The May 14 issue of Interconti­ reactionary arguments. Khomeini, for ex­ knows that the bombs that are being for Iran would enhance the prospects for nental Press includes the full text Of ample, has sought to dilute the working­ dropped on Iranian towns .. . are the direct revolution. · the joint communique signed by Ira­ class and anti-imperialist thrust of the war responsibility of the expansionist ambi­ This call for "revolutionary defeatism" nian and Nicaraguan officials during effort by portraying the conflict as a reli­ tions of U.S. imperialism in this region, in Iran today is just as wrong as it was the visit to Tehran by Nicaraguan gious one: "a war between Islam and blas­ and this has intensified even more their when some U.S. leftists raised this call junta member Sergio Ramirez. Also phemy." identification with the struggle of our own during the Malvinas war of 1982. There, contained in this issue of IP are Recently, when the foreign minister of people." the Argentine dictatorship, under growing selections from various left-wing pa­ Turkey visited Iran, Iranian parliament The Iranian government also recognizes pressure from the workers, carried out an pers around the world on the Iran­ speaker Hojatolislam Rafsanjani appealed the Farabundo Marti National Liberation anti-imperialist act by reclaiming the Mal­ Iraq war, and excerpts from-a De­ to anticommunism in urging the Turkish Front of El Salvador. Two FMLN repre­ vinas Islands, Argentine territory stolen by cember 1983 resolution by Iran's dictatorship to support lral'\ in the war. Raf­ sentatives were guests of honor at the cele­ the British imperialists. Britain went to war Tudeh Party. To order a copy send sanjani claimed that Iraqi aggression "will bration of the fifth anniversary of the Ira­ against the Argentines to regain its colony. $1.25 to Intercontinental Press, 410 further Soviet goals in the region." Calling nian revolution in February. The British rulers sought to justify their ag­ West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. for an Islamic government in Iraq, he said In the Mideast, where many Arab re- gression by portraying the war as one of

14 The Militant May 18, 1984 S .. Africa regime in new drive against ANC

BY MOHAMMED OLIVER in a March 21 London news conference, wake of the treaty. "We are now limited to South African pressure against the Afri­ " ... it must be accepted that the South Af­ about I 0 people inside the country. The can National Ctmgress (ANC) continued to rican government, the South African re­ rest must either register as refugees - and mount last month. One reflection of the gime, had decided to destroy Mozam­ then cannot. even be in contact with the apartheid regime's drive was shown in the bique, to· kill it as a state, and got pretty ANC - or leave the country. And in leav­ recent actions of the Swaziland govern­ close to doing so. Mozambique, the leader­ ing the country, they may not go to any · ment. Swaziland shares borders with South ship of Mozambique, were forced to country that shares a border with South Af­ Africa and Mozambique. choose, as it were, between life and death. rica," said Makatini. Swazi cops have fired on people they say They chose life, and life meant talking to Over the weekend of April 14-1 S, about are ANC members. Swazi officials have the butchers of southern Africa, it meant 2S ANC members left Maputo for Dar-es­ also ordered the expulsion of at least 50 hugging a hated hyena, and they had to do Salaam, Tanzania. They were the first of at South African refugees from the country. that. least 200 adults and SO children expected to ANC officials in the group's office in "For the rest of us ," continued Tambo, leave the country. Lusaka, Zambia, reported May 5 that the "we must accept that position, but defend Maka~ini explained that the U.S. gov­ Swazi government had already handed our own positions, defend our struggle." ernment plays a key role in advancing the over four ANC members to the South Afri­ Mozambican government officials hope apartheid regime's aims. ''Without the can regime. that the March 16 treaty means South Af­ U.S. ," said Makatini, "the [South African] The ANC is the central national libera­ rica will end its support of Renamo. At a regime would not have succeeded in doing tion gi:oup fighting to overturn South Af­ March 17 rally of 70,000 in Maputo, the this." rica's apartheid regime. Pretoria's moves Mozambican capital,'Pres. Samora Machel against the ANC have escalated since the hailed the accord as a "victory" that had Inadequate aid to Angola, Mozambique apartheid regime signed a "nonaggression" "turned off the tap" on the Renamo bands. The ANC leader said, "The international pact with the government of Mozambique community as -a whole has not given ade­ March 16. In late March the governments quate assistance" to Angola and Mozam­ of South Africa and Swaziland announced South African terrorism will continue bique, which "are in fact spearheading they had signed a similar agreement. "We are convinced," said ANC repre­ what should be seen and treated as an inter­ are those African countries, like Angola sentative Makatini, "that the [South Afri­ and Mozambique, that are near South Af­ Attacks on ANC in Swaziland national fight for the eradication of the sys­ can] regime will not stop its support of the tem that everybody agrees is a crime rica and provide political or other backing Last month Swazi cops began rounding MNR." against humanity, a threat to world peace." to the southern Africa liberation move­ up suspected members of the ANC. On Moreover, explained Makatini, agree­ Makatini also pointed to the lack of sup­ ments. April3, for example, 21 South African ref­ ments such as the Nkomati accord "do not port from the Organization of African The impact of recent developments in ugees who tried to enter Swaziland from address the central issue, which is the prob­ Unity (OAU), which "did not respond as it southern Africa "is going to slow down the Mozambique were arrested. Sixteen of the lem inside the country . . . . Even if all the had promised to. I'm referring to its own pace" of the ANC's struggle, said Maka­ refugees managed to escape. countries in. the region were to capitulate resolution of 1976 in which it declared that tini. "But it cannot be considered a fatal On April II shooting broke out in a sub­ and enter into such agreements, once the aggression against one frontline state blow. It is serious, but not fatal. urb of Mbabane, the Swazi capital, as ANC goes into action, Pretoria will pick on would be treated as aggression against all "We are inside South Africa and among police and paramilitary forces searched for some country to attack." member states. That raised our hopes. But the people. The ANC for some time now the escapees. On April 14 one cop was The ANC's activities in Mozambique, Mozambique - and Angola - have been has had cells inside the country. So the killed and another seriously wounded in a said Makatini, were severely limited in the alone, alone, alone." The "frontline" states struggle will continue ." shootout with presumed members of the ANC-in the town of Manzini. In another gun battle in Manzini on April 19, cops murdered two other presumed members of Iowa Pork workers fight union-busting the ANC and wounded two more. · In its treaty with South Africa the Swazi regime agreed to deny the ANC any offi­ BY BILL ARTH cial presence in Swaziland. ST. PAUL, Minn.-Two rallies in sup­ Meanwhile, as reported in the April 6 port of striking United Food and Commer­ issue of the Militant, Mozambican forces cial Workers (UFCW) Local 4-P at Iowa raided homes of ANC activists on March Pork Industries (IPI) here drew 300 strikers 24 and 2S. Four ANC members were de­ and other-supporters on April4. The morn­ tained by Mozambican police. ing rally was attended by about SO people, . These raids followed the signing of the and an afternoon rally drew 2SO including a accord between the South African and number of officials and members from Mozambican governments at the Nkomati other unions in the Twin Cities area. River along the border. The treaty commits IPI workers have been on strike since both sides to stop their territory, waters, or they were locked out on February 13 . The company has replaced t}le 210 striking air space from being "used as a base, t thoroughfare or in any other way by workers with scabs and has refused to another state, government, foreign military negotiate. UFCW LOCAL J.4 ...p forces, organizations or individuals which Bud Schulte, a strike picket captain, plan or prepare acts of violence, terrorism chaired the afternoon rally. "Not one pro­ or aggression" against the other. duction worker has crossed the picketline. We remain strong and solid," reported AGAINST IOWA PORK JNDUSTR£5 ANC leader on pact Schulte. He said the main issue in the strike -tA f> (., .••·•· t SUPPDRT CdMMffTEE is the company's attempt to introduce a Mfanufuthi Makatini, the director for in­ Solidarity rally for striking pork packers in St. Paul drew 300 supporters April 4. ternational affairs of the ANC and a mem­ two-tier wage system by paying new hires ber of its National Executive Committee, $1 .75 an hour less than the current rate. He explained in an interview in the May 14 said the union membership "saw this as the The strikers expect a long battle. One get rid of the union. I read a lot and see it issue of Intercontinental Press that, first step for shoving the union out the worker with many years in the plant said, happening all over." Referring to the cop­ through its pact with Mozambique's gov­ door. "All of us who went out have been thinking per miners on strike against Phelps Dodge ernment and a troop withdrawal agreement "The union's response is a three­ about what this. strike is all about. What the he said, "I know about the brothers on with Angola, the South African regime pronged offensive," he continued. "First, company is doing makes no sense - un­ strike in Arizona. It's the same thing: 'Get "hopes to cause these countries to abandon to reach out to the labor movement, to our less you understand what they're after is to rid of the union. '" their traditional positions . .. _in · order to brothers and sisters for support and solidar­ enable the reestablishment of a buffer zone ity. Second, to alert the unemployed to the that would stretch right across from the In­ union message and the union goal - don't dian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, for the be a sucker for IPI's empty promises. And · Agent Orange settlement: no justice preservation of the apartheid system." third, to mount a product boycott." Continued from front page have caused - not just tapped on the Of all the governments in southern Af­ Joe Hansen, director of Region 13 style war against ·the people of Central wrist." rica, those in Mozambique and Angola UFCW, said union meatcutters will be America." have had the closest political relations with asked not to handle IPI products. Dave "The U.S. government's debt. to Viet­ nam must be paid," he affirmed. "The U.S. the ANC. Roe, president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, Turning back to the fi nancial terms of government destroyed Vietnam with the Makatini, who was the ANC representa­ pledged the support of all organizations af­ _the deal Mason noted a report in the May 8 tive to the United Nations from 1978 to filiated with the AFL-CIO in the state. The Wall Street Journal that the settlement most brutal bombing in the history of war­ 1984, also said that South Africa hopes "to UFCW alerted consumers that IPI hams are "wouldn't materially affect [the] financial fare. Agent Orange was just one of the ter­ seal off the ANC, because it believes that marketed under the Golden Prairie and positions," of the seven chemical com-. rible weapons used against the Vietnam­ the mounting armed struggle inside the Golden Superb Labels, or are coded EST panies. ese. country can be stopped if the ANC is de­ # 1811 on the package. "Today the U.S. government has there­ nied transit facilities through other coun­ "There is no way to adequately compen­ sponsibility to pay war reparations to Viet­ Other unions represented at the afternoon sate Vietnam veterans for the horror of the tries." rally included United Auto Workers Locals nam. It should make available funds, imperialist war they were forced to fight," equipment, material, technology, and The ANC doesn't have any bases in 879 and 12S; United Steelworkers Local said Mason. "Just as there is no way to Mozambique, but its fighters have used the medical supplies to help rebuild Vietnam 7263; International Union of Electrical fully compensate Vietnam for the terrible country as a thoroughfare in the past. Workers Local 1042; International and heal its people," he said. destruction and human suffering inflicted This would not only aid Vietnam, The Mozambican government signed the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local by the U.S. government. treaty after coming under intense pressure 2047; and Amalgamated Transit Union Mason noted, "it would help provide jobs from the South African regime. In the past Local 11 SO, which represents Greyhound "But both the Vietnam vets and the Viet­ for the unemployed - Vietnam vets and several years, South African -forces have workers. namese people deserve more. No veteran others .,...- here in the United States. launched air strikes into Mozambique and Contributions to the strike fund by vari­ should ever have to pay one penny for the "Instead, the U. S. government main­ provided training, arms, and logistical sup­ ous locals were announced over the course medical treatment they and their families tains a policy of unrelenting hostility to­ port for pro-South African terrorist bands of the afternoon program. Wendell Olson need. A more just price should be exacted wards Vietnam. Just as it maintains a pol­ known as the Mozambique National Resis­ of Region 13 UFCW pledged to continue from the wealthy families who own Dow icy of callousness and indifference to the tance (Renamo, or the MNR). the $65 a week strike benefits "as long as is Chemical and the rest," he declared. "They problems of U.S. ve.ts suffering from ANC president Oliver Tambo explained possible and necessary." should be punished for the suffering they Agent Orange," Mason concluded.

May 18, 1984 The Militant 15 -THE GREAT SOCIET

· They're all crazy?- Psyching garden-variety capitalist. Hot weather in the field can be editorial in the Christian Science ing them with a spoon is okay too, out corporate execs is a new hard, a rep conceded, "at least for Monitor on the Dominican food­ but never silver. lt affects the growth field. One such specialist white folks." But water and price protests adyised:. "Experts flavor. Stainless steel is best, but a "Sin fronteras"- We were re­ points to the ''jungle fighter" as an toilets? "That is costing us 78 also point out that this is the sea­ gold spoon will do in a pinch. minded of the "without borders" often admired but potentially de- cents every time the worker takes son when weather conditions are slogan on reading about Father a notion he needs a drink ." And at their hottest in the region .... Catani, one of the new breed of not going to the toilet all day may Indeed the 1965 strife occurred "management priests." He oper­ be uncomfortable, but "it won't during this period of particularly Lunch with a punch - Advice ates a garment shop in Urbania, hurt anybody." adverse weather patterns. That is from Power Lunching: How You Italy, which turns out 6,000 pairs not to minimize severe economic Can Profit From More Effective of jeans a day. Accounts inc1ude difficulties. . . . " Business Lunch Strategies: Stick Harry Kappa Sports, which recently in­ Let the good times roll - with "power" lunches, like steak Ring troduced Jesus Jeans into the Prosperity is definitely here . The and oysters. Flatter your guest by Soviet Union. average wage increase for corpo­ Table tip - Christian Petros­ ordering the same meal. Try a rate execs last year was 13. I per-· sian, international king of the cav­ complimentary remark about a structive corporate type. The type, Appleheads, Inc. - The North cent. More than 46 top execs iar trade ($320 a pound in New womaf! guest's appearance. A he says, is characterized by "lust Carolina Apple Growers Assn. "earned" more than a million in York), started feeding his young­ woman should "try placing your for power and glory, desire to sub­ takes a dim view of a federal pro: cash compensation alone. How're sters the fi sh eggs at nine months hand over his as you're making a jugate or destroy others, and greed posal to provide drinking water, you doing? to properly educate their palates. point," or "remove your shoe and for personal gain." And we hand-washing facilities, and He advises spreading the eggs on gently kick him under the table." thought that was your common sanitary toilets for field workers. Deep-thinking dep't - ·An lightly toasted bland bread. Slurp- The book didn't say where.

-CALENDAR~------ALABAMA Campaign Committee. For more information Film: Malcolm X- the Struggle for Freedom . Guatemala. Translation to Spanish. Fri ., May call (619) 234-4630. Mon., May 21 , 6:30 p.m. Adam Clayton Pow­ 25, 7:30p.m. 4806 Almeda Rd. Donation: $2. Birmingham ell State Office Building, 125th St. and Adam Ausp: Militant and Perspectiva Mundial Forum. Support the British Coal Miners Strike: an San Francisco For more information call (713) 522-8054. · Socialism: a Future Worth Fighting For. Clayton Powell Blvd., room 8B. Ausp: Man­ Eyewitness Account. Speaker: Bruce Kimball, hattan National Black Independent Political Speakers: Andrea Gonzalez, Socialist Workers member, United Mine Workers of America, re­ Party. cently returned from reporting on strike for Mil­ candidate for U.S. vice-president; Marilee WASHINGTON itant. Sat., May 19, 7:30p.m. 205 18 St. S. Taylor, SWP candidate for 16th Assembly Dis­ Donation: $2. Ausp: Militant Forum. For more trict, member International Ladies' Garment OHIO Seattle information call (205) 323-3079. Workers' Union. Translation to Spanish. Sun., Stop Racist Attacks! No to Nazi Violence! May 20. Champagne brunch and reception, I Cleveland Speakers: Wayne Williams, director, Afro­ CALIFORNIA p.m.; program, 2 p.m. 3284 23 St. (off Mis­ How to End Violence Against Women: a Dis­ American Studies, University of Washington; sion). Donation: brunch, $3; program , $1 . cussion of the New Bedford Rape Case. April Thanos, president, Seattle National Or­ Los Angeles Ausp: Socialist Workers 1984 Campaign Com­ Speakers: Jeanne Luscian, president, Cleveland ganization for Women; Jose Cerzantes, Chicano Brother Malcolm X: Reminiscences of a mittee. For more information call (415) 282- National Organization for Women; Cathleen community activist; Ray Beaulieu,· American Blad Revolutionary. A play by Frank Green­ 6255. Waters, chairperson, Cleveland Socialist Work~ Indian Movement; Bob Barnes, secretary-trea­ wood performed by the Langston Hughes ers ·Campaign, member, Coalition of Labor Meet the Socialist Candidates. Discussion in surer, Shipscalers Union Local 541; representa­ players in commemoration of the anniversary of Union Women; representative from Women To­ Spanish with Andrea Gonzalez, Socialist Work­ tive of Coalition of Labor Union Women; Malcolm X's birth. Translation to Spanish. gether/Battered Women's Shelter. Sat. , May Cheryll Hidalgo, Socialist Workers candidate Sat., May 19, 7:30 p.m. 2546 W Pico Blvd. ers candidate for vice-president and Marilee Taylor, SWP candidate for 16th Assembly Dis­ 12, 7:30p.m. 15105 St. Clair Ave . Donation: for governor; Paula Three Stars; representative Donation: $4. Ausp: Langston Hughes Players $2 . Ausp: Militant Labor Forum. For more in­ of Kadima; Tyree Scott, civil rights activist and and Militant Labor Forum. For more informa­ trict. Thurs., May 24, 7 p.m. 3284 23 St. (off Mission). Ausp: Socialist Workers 1984 Cam­ formation call (216) 451-6150. member of International Brotherhood of Electri­ tion call (213) 380-9460. cal Workers Local46; Greg Jones, president of paign Committee. For more information call Grenada: Six Months After U.S. Invasion. Oakland (415) 282-6255. Seattle Central Community College Student Socialist Campaign Rally: Stop the U.S. Videotape: Truth Crushed to the Earth Will Rise Body; Jon Haines, Committee in Solidarity Wars At Home and Abroad! Speakers: ILLINOIS Again, an interview with Don Rojas, former With the People of El Salvador. (Organizations Andrea Gonzalez, Socialist Workers candidate press secretary to Grenada's murdered Prime listed for identification only.) Sun., May 13, 6 for U.S. vice-president; Ken Collins, SWP can- Chicago Minister Maurice Bishop. Discussion to follow . p.m. CAMP Firehouse, 722 18th Ave. Dona­ . didate for Seaside, California, city council, 1984 lllinois Socialist Workers Campaign Speakers: Omari Musa, Socialist Workers can­ tion: $2. Ausp: Washington Socialist Workers former member of Hotel Employees and Res­ Rally. Speakers: Mel Mason, SWP candidate didate in 22nd Congressional District; August 1984 Campaign Committee. For more informa­ taurant Employees Local 2; Miguel Zarate, for president; Nelson Gonzalez, SWP candidate Nimtz, professor of African studies, recently re­ tion call (206) 723-5330. SWP candidate 8th Congressional District for U.S. Senate; Ed Warren, SWPcandidate for turned from fact-finding tour of Grenada. Sat., I st Congressional District in Chicago. Transla­ (Oakland), member International Association May 19,7:30 p.m. 15105 St. Clair Ave . Dona­ tion to Spanish. Sat., May 19, 6 p.m. YMCA, of Machinists Local 1327 . Translation to tion: $2. Ausp: Militant Labor Forum. For more WASHINGTON, D.C. Spanish. Sun., May 20, 6 p.m. 3808 E 14 St. 1833 E 71st St. Donation: $2 . Ausp: 1984 Il­ information call (216) 451-6150. Grand Opening of Socialist Workers Cam­ Donation: $2. Ausp: Socialist Workers Cam­ linois Socialist Workers Campaign Committee. paign Headquarters. Speakers: Socialist For more information call (312) 326-5853. · paign. For more information call (415) 26.1- Workers candidate for D.C. delegate to U.S. 3014. PENNSYLVANIA Congress; Joey Rothenberg, SWP candid!lte in Salinas MARYLAND Philadelphia 7th Congressional District of Maryland; Ted Socialist Workers Campaign Rally. Speakers: Baltimore The Case Against the Death Penalty. Speak­ Leonard, SWP candidate in 2nd Congressional Andrea Gonzalez, Socialist Workers candidate The Bosses' Campaign Against Imports: ers: Suzanne Badoux, National Coalition District of Maryland . Translation ,to Spanish. for U.S. vice-president; Ken Collins, SWP can­ Should Workers Enlist? Speaker: Ted Against the Death Penalty; Mark Emanatian, Sat., May 19, 5 p.m. 3106 Mt. Pleasant, NW. didate for Seaside city council; others. Transla­ Leonard, Socialist Workers candidate for U.S. Socialist Workers Party· and member of Amal­ Donation requested. Ausp: D.C.-Maryland tion to Spanish. Fri., May 18; 7:30p.m. Santa Congress, member Young Socialist Alliance gamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union Socialist Workers Campaign Committee. For more information call (202) 797-7699. Lucia Public Library, 1615 Williams Rd . Dona­ and International Association of Machinists Local 143; representatives of Puerto Rican Al­ tion: $2. Ausp: Young Socialist Alliance and Lodge 1784. Translation to Spanish. Sun., May liance and Amnesty International. Translation Demonstrate Against U.S. Intervention in Socialist Workers Party. For more information 13, 7:30 p.m. 2913 Greenmount Ave. Dona­ to Spanish. Sat., May 12, 7:30p.m. 2744 Ger­ Central America. Sat. , May 19, 2 p.m. call (498) 899-4732 or 899-1316. tion: $2 . Ausp: Militant Labor Forum. For more mantown Ave . Donation: $2 . Ausp: Militant Lafayette Park . Ausp: Coalition Against U.S. information call (301) 235-0013 . · Labor Forum. For more information call (215) Aggression in Central America. For more infor- San Diego 225-0213. mation call (202) 265-3800. · Socialist Workers Campaign Rally. Speakers: MISSOURI Andrea Gonzalez, SWP candidate for vice-pres­ TEXAS Kansas City WISCONSIN ident; Mary Jo Vogel, SWP candidate for 41st Houston Congressional District; Mari Hawkes, SWP We Are Driven. A "Front Line" documentary Why Workers Must Oppose Religion in Pub­ Milwaukee candidate for 44th Congressional District. film on union-busting in Japan . Film followed How to End Violence Against Women: Les­ lic Schools. Panel discussion on reasons behind Translation to Spanish. Sun., May 13, 2 p.m. by discussion led by Kansas City auto workers. sons of New Bedford Rape Trial. Speakers: recent drive to reestablish school prayer and re­ Barbecue to follow. 1053 15th St. Donation: $4 Sun., May 13,7 p.m. 4715A Troost. Donation: write text books to equate evolution and Nancy Cole, member of Socialist Workers for barbecue: Ausp: San Diego Socialist 1984 $2. Ausp: Militant Labor Forum . For more in­ Party and Amalgamated Clothing and Textile formation call (816) 753-0404. creationism. Translation to Spanish. Fri., May 18, 7:30p.m. 4806 Almeda Rd . Donation: $2. Workers Union Loca164; Cathy Herbst, execu­ NEW JERSEY Ausp: Militant and Perspectiva Mundial Forum. tive director of Women's Crisis .Line. Transla­ For more information can (713) 522-8054. tion to Spanish. Sun ., May 13, 7 p.m. 4707 W Newark Lisbon . Donation: $2 . Ausp: Militant Labor Eyewitness Report From British Coal Strike. Guatemala: the Revolution Deepens. Eyewit­ Forum. For more information call (414) 445- =national/ Speaker: Clare Fraenzl , coal miner, member of ness report on the recent developments in 2076. A Magazine of Marxist Politics and Theory United Mine Workers of America Local 1197 In the Winter 1983-84 issue: and Socialist Workers Party . Translation to Spanish. Sun ., May 13,3 p.m. 141 Halsey St. Vietnam and Kampuc~ea: an eyewitness report The Development of the Marxist (comer of Raymond, one block from Broad). Position on the Aristocracy of Labor Donation: $2 . Ausp: Militant Labor Forum . For A slide show and presentation by Diane Wang, Militant corres­ By Steve Clark more information call (201) 643-3341. pondent recently returned from month in Indochina. The Social Roots of Opportunism NEW YORK KENTUCKY Vietnam's Reconstruction: class and dis­ By Gregory Zinoviev New York City cussion. Sun., May 13, 11 a.m. 7146 W. Louis viDe McNichols. Donation: $1. Stop Immigration and Naturalization Ser­ The Working-Class Road to Peace Sun., May 20, 7:00p.m. 809 E. Broadway. vice Attacks on Immigrant Workers: an In­ Kampuchea - Genocide and Recovery By Brian Grogan Donation: $2. For more information call jury To One Is an Injury To All! Speaker: . Amid U.S.-backed Terror: class and dis­ (502) 587-8418. Subscribe now Selva Nebbia, member International Ladies' cussion. Sun., May 13, I p.m. 7146 W. Garment Workers' Union Local 23-25, eyewit­ McNichols. Donation: $1 . For more infor­ 0 In United States, four issues for U.S. $12 ness to recent INS shop raid; others. Translation MASSACHUSETTS mation call (313) 862-7755 or (419) 536- 0 In Canada, four issues for $18.50 (Canadian) to Spanish. Fri. , May 18. Dinner, 6:30p.m.; Boston 0383 in Toledo, Ohio. Send to: New International, 1317 Est. Ste. forum, 7:30 p.m. 79 Leonard St. (between Sun., May 13, 7:30 p.m. 510 Common­ Catherine, Montreal, PQ H2l2H4 Broadway and Church, 5 blocks south of wealth Ave., 4th floor. Donation: $2. For MISSOURI Canal). Donation: dinner, $3; forum, $2 . Ausp: more information call (617) 262-4621 St. Louis Militant Forum/Foro Perspectiva Mundial. For Sat. , May 19, 7:30 p.m. 3109 S. Grand, Adwe§~------______more information call (212) 226-8445 . MICHIGAN #22. Donation: $2. For more information ~~ta~P------Black Politics in 1984. Meet the Black candi­ Detroit call (314) 772-4410. Indochina Reconstructs: class and discus­ Coon~------dates running for U.S. president. Speakers: What Will Reagan's Trip to China Mean Representative of Jesse Jackson campaign; for Vietnam and Kampuchea? Sat., May sion. Sun., May 19, 11 a.m. 3109 S. Grarid, Send to New International, 14 Charles ln., New Larry Holmes, Workers World Party candidate; 12, 8 p.m. 7146 W. McNichols. Donation: · #22. Donation: $1. For more information York, N.Y. 10014 Mel Mason, Socialist Workers Party candidate; $2. call(314) 772-4410 Dennis Serrette, New Alliance Party candidate.

16 The Militant May 18, 1984 Toledo labor backs Sun Oil strikers- BY JOE CALLAHAN ers would continue to back the AP Parts TOLEDO, Ohio- Six hundred people workers. took part in a labor solidarity rally here Farm Labor Organizing Committee April 28 in support of striking Sun Oil Pres. Baldemar Velasquez and other workers. The oil workers have been on speakers pledged to support a boycott of strike <1gainst the company's Toledo refin­ Sun Oil. ery since March 21 . After the rally, the workers marched Sun is demanding concessions from Oil, over to the nearby Sun-Oil refinery, taking Chemical and Atomic Workers (OCAW) over the street as they went and blocking Local 7-912. The union took out a full­ off traffic. People in cars honked and page ad in the April 27 issue of the Toledo waved in support. Blade, explaining the union's bargaining The oil workers are discussing plans to position. The ad countered the company's picket outside the homes of top manage­ demand for a two-tier wage structure, with ment officials, as well as plans to picket the • wage rates .of $4.70 an hour less than scale court building to protest the harassment of Jor new hires. The company is also trying union officials and court injunctions to seriously weaken the seniority system. against picketing. OCAW Local 7-912 Pres. Ron Rinna Of the 600 workers at the rally, 165 pointed out to the rally that .Sun Oil is the bought copies of the Militant. 12th largest oil company, that it is in the More than 1,000 members of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers union are on top 50 of the Fortune 500 companies, and Joe Callahan is a member of UAW Local strike against Sun Oil in Toledo and at Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania (above). that its profits for the last quarter were up . 12, Jeep Unit. 59 percent. Rinna said, "No longer can one local union take on a company the size of Sun. That is the purpose of this rally. No longer can Sun say that they are taking on -As APParts workers hit the bricks us alone. They are taking on the entire community." BY JOE CALLAHAN After the contract expired, the company Some AP Parts workers attended a meet­ ·Dale Stormer, president of the Toledo TOLEDO, Ohio- On May 2 more than lai.d off 175 or more workers. When there­ ing of the Jeep Unit of UA W Local 12 on AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, sounded 200 workers at AP Parts walked out of the maining workers went on strike, the com­ May 4, where they received enthusiastic a theme that was echoed by many of the plant and set up strike picket lines. AP pany called back the laid-off workers in a solidarity. union officials who spoke at the rally. He Parts is a Toledo-based manufacturer of move to deny them unemployment bene­ AP Parts workers have also developed called on people to replace Reagan with a auto mufflers and tail pipes. fits. close ties with striking Sun Oil workers. Democrat as the solution to the problems The company is on an all-out drive to On the picket line one worker wore a T­ Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Local faced by working people. . bust United Auto Workers (UA W) Local shirt saying "AP POW #708." Another 7-912 has hosted two pot-luck dinners. Along with a large number of oil work­ 14 . In January the company took out a full­ worker had written on his jacket "AP-I After the first dinner, the workers ,picketed ers, many of whom were wearing OCAW page newspaper ad threatening to move won't forget, I won't forgive." Many pass­ Sun Oil and after the second, they picketed . T-shirts saying "On Strike," there was a their plant (they also have a nonunion plant ing by the picket line in cars waved and AP Parts. large contingent of AP Parts workers from in Goldsboro, North Carolina) unless their honked in support of the strike. The union­ Toledo is a union town and it is a UA W United Auto Workers (UA W) Local 14. union-busting demands were met. The busting drive by the company and the town. The union-busting attempt by AP Many of them wore red and white U A W company has hired scores of goons, and ·slave-like conditions in the plant are well Parts will be a big challenge to the union. It caps and carried hand-lettered signs. One they have taken applications for scabs, or, known throughout the city and there is will be a real test of strength that will be sign said, "AP stands for auto prisoners, as they call them, "tempqrary replace­ great sympathy expressed by other workers watched by other companies who would not auto production." ments." for AP Parts strikers. like to bust the U A W. These workers face an all-out union­ In the face of this attack, when the con­ busting drive by the company. They have tract expired on March 4, UA W officials been working without a contract since said the workers should stay and work Las Vegas strikers win Hilton accord March 4. Since then, the company has without a contract. The company im­ slashed wages and benefits and turned the mediately pt:Qeeeded Jo. slash wages and A partial settlement has been reached in culinary workers, stage hands, musicians,.: plant into a living heff of speed-up·s ali(L benefits by $5.84 ari hour and more in the the Las Vegas hotel strike. The Hilton and other workers. The unions have hoped disciplinary slips for working "too slow." case of smne piece~rate workers. hotel chain, which operates two of the that a settlement with the Hiltons would Workers have been given slips for chewing All the workers have been given numer­ largest hotels in Las Vegas, agreed to a bring pressure to bear on other hotels to gum, smoking a cigarette, or drinking a ous disciplinary reprimands for "loafing." contract with striking unions that will yield settle t~e strike. cup of coffee. Work rules were changed every day at the an increase in wages and benefits of $1.46 However Hilton officials denied that the UAW Region 2B Assistant Director Joe whim of the company. an hour over the four-year life of the agree­ new contract would weaken the resolve of Sizemore, speaking at the rally about AP Instead of immediately calling a strike, ment. the other hotels. "Each hotel has a different Parts said, "A lot of people have asked us U A W officials filed .a complaint of "unfair A key issue in the strike has been the situation," said Henri Lewin, executive why we didn't go on strike. We didn't go labor practices" with the National Labor guarantee of a 40-hour workweek for hotel vice-president of the Las Vegas Hilton. on strike because we didn't think it was Relations Board. employees. Hotel management had hoped The MGM Grand hotel, for instance, time to go on strike, because we hoped that to weaken this. The new contract with the has hired I ,000 scabs to replace 2,200 they would come back to the bargaining In an outrage, the labor relations board Hilton maintains it intact. The hotels were strikers. "We're getting by with [fewerJ table and bargain in good faith. But they showed its true colors and ruled in favor of successful in winning concessions that people and in some ways that makes a haven't done that. We are putting them on the company and against the union. erode job classifications, allowing man­ statement about concessions we have made notice that if it doesn't happen very soon, Finally on April28, after seven weeks of agement to force workers to carry out more in the past," said a hotel spokesman. we will go on strike and we will win." working without a contract and under than one job. · "The strike is not over by any means," They did go on strike several days later. sweatshop conditions, the union took a The Hilton chain has been prominent in said Dennis Kist, president of the 900- OCAW Local 7-912 Vice-pres. Bruce strike-authorization vote and the workers the Nevada Resort Association, which has member Las Vegas local of the Interna­ Schwamberger said that the Sun Oil work- walked out. been pressing the concession drive against tional Alliance of Stage Employees. -IF YOU LIKE THIS PAPER, LOOK US UP-----,------.,..------Where to find the Socialist Workers Party, Michigan Ave . 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May 18, 1984 The Militant 17 -EDITORIALS------30tb anniyer:sary ·._ • : •. . ·. . ' .. ·5 f .,. :~ ··: i' .( : k · " • •• ·: · . .; ofFrerich.defeat New smearofU.S. Blacks, Libya at Dien Bien Phu The Reagan administration has made a new smear at­ month when he became that country's foreign minister. tack-on the Black rights movement and the Libyan gov­ Speaking for the mission, its legal adviser flatly denied BY HARRY RING ernment. any illegal activity or interference in U.S. politics. May 7 marked the 30th anniversary of a historic vic­ . This time the device was a planted front-page story in Republican and Democratic politicians alike have en­ tory for all opponents of imperialism. the May 8 Washington Post. gaged in a systematic drive to discredit the Libyan gov­ That was the defeat of French colonial forces at Dien The "disclosure" was that the FBI is investigating to ernment as "terrorist" because it declines to jump at every Bien Phu, Vietnam, by the guerrilla forces then know as determine if as yet unidentified "Black activist" and Washington command. . the Viet Minh- League for the Independence of Viet­ "Black separatist" groups illegally accepted money from And both major parties have persistently tried to dis­ nam. Libya to influence U.S. politics. credit Black activists who have refused to blindly accept It was a major defeat for U.S. imperialism as well. Groups or individuals who accept money from another Washington's bitter hostility to the Palestinians and other Since 1946, Washington had been financing and arming government to promote their particular interests, and fail liberation forces in the Middle East. the French in their drive to crush the Vietnamese revolu­ to register as "foreign agents," can be subJected to crim­ The present attempt to link Black activists and Libyan tion. inal prosecution. "terrorism" is designed to intimidate Black activists with Viet Minh General Vo Nguyen Giap explained what What were the Libyans trying to accomplish with their threats of "foreign agent" prosecutions. motivated the Viet Minh fighters during the 55 days and alleged contributions? The planted Post story says the Libyan mission was nights the battle of Dien Bien Phu raged: "According to the officials," the Post advised, "the ap­ being used to pass money to .''Blac\( activists who exhi­ "Our party carried out the land reform in the middle of parent Libyan aim was to enlist the aid of these groups in bited sympathy for Libya's radical goals . ..." the war. Our soldiers were for the most part poor peas­ unspecified ways to help defeat Reagan's bid for reelec­ The Reagan ~,tdministration recently introduced legisla­ ants. During the study sessions, each was reminded of tion." tion which, among other things, would make it a felony According to the Post's anonymous officials, the Lib­ to "act in concert" with governments arbitrarily declared yan UN mission has been under "close" surveillance for by Washington to be "terrorist." three .years. Along with Cuba, Syria, Iran, and South Yemen, OUR There have been "interceptions of communications," Libya has already been formally classified with the false "wiretaps," and "observations of Treiki's contacts with label of "terrorist." Americans." · · The outline of the potential frame-up should be appar­ REVOLUTIONARY Ali Treiki headed the Libyan UN mission until last ent. HERITAGE

how he was exploited, oppressed by the feudal landown­ ers, what misery, what humiliations his fam ily had un­ Olympics and anti-Soviet barrage dergone, how the colonialists had ruined the country, commiting the worst crimes . . . . On May 8 the Soviet National Olympic Committee an­ One such outfit operating in Los Angeles under the "Our party always inculcated in our troops this dual nounced that the Soviet Union would not send a team to name of the "Ban the Soviets Coalition" includes ter­ consciousness, national and class consciousness. Our participate in the 1984 summer Olympic ·Games in Los rorists such as the counterrevolutionary Cuban group army is an army that serves the people , not the owning Angeles. Alpha 66 as well as a plethora of other anticommunist or­ classes as the bourgeois armies do." ganizations. This cabal held a meeting in mid-April "in a The Soviet statement pointed to "rude violations . .. of After the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu , which in­ fashionable Hancock Park mansion," according to are­ spired colonial independence fi ghters around the globe, the rules of the Olympic Charter and the anti-Soviet cam­ port in the Washington Post. There they planned a paign launched by reactionary circles in the United States the French· were forced to sign a peace agreement with $50,000 campaign aimed at harassing the Soviet Olym­ the Viet Minh. with the connivance of the official authorities." It pic delegation, including encouraging Soviet athletes to charged an "anti-Soviet hysteria [is] being whipped up in Under heavy pressure from Moscow and Peking, the defect. liberation forces accepted an agreement under which the the country." These have included threats of physical Washington hasn't lifted a finger to protect Soviet harm against Soviet athletes and officials. French withdrew from northern Vi(jnam but continued athletes. But it has set up an army of 17,000 cops to go occupying the south for an additional two years. · Reagan's charges that Moscow masterminds an "evil after opponents of U.S. war policy during the Olympics. With a well-armed puppet dictatorship installed in the empire," the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Olympics held in The Los Angeles police, aided by the CIA and FBI, have south, the French did withdraw. But they were replaced Moscow, allegations that the Soviet Union is responsible been spying on numerous organizations said to pose a by U.S. imperialism. A U.S. puppet dictator was substi­ for "terrorism" around the world, and countless other "terrorist" threat to the games. They include supporters tuted for the French one and U.S. arms poured in-soon baseless U.S. government claims have encouraged right­ of the Puerto Rican independence movement, Palestine to be followed by military "advisers." wing elements who have threatened to try to disrupt the Liberation Organization, Irish Republican Army, and After 15 yearsofb1oody struggle, the U.S. forces , too, Soviet Olympic team if it comes. Salvadoran liberation forces. ..- ., _ were driven oot -and a finally free Vietnam began the· process of reunification. The reunification brought an end to capitalism in the south, ~ process which had b

BY JOEY ROTHENBE.I,{G ference to radioactive material that got mixed in with really is looking out for us. On April 30 the Congressional Steel Caucus held a . some steel made in Mexico.) As a steelworker and the Socialist Workers candidate public hearing on the grounds of Bethlehem Steel's giant This patriotic jingoism went hand in hand with prowar for Congress, I suggested a different approach to my Sparrows Point plant in Baltimore. The site was sym­ remarks made from the podium. "How can we run a war union brothers and sisters. In a campaign statement dis­ bolic. It's where the deserted pipe mill stands. The com­ without a steel industry?" asked Democratic Con­ tributed at the hearing I pointed out that, despite union pany shut it down for good last June. gressman Clarence Long. sponsorship, the hearing was a company event from be­ The hearing, however, had nothing to do with inves­ Bethlehem invested plenty of money to ensure a good ginning to end. "When was the last time they were inter­ tigating Bethlehem's profit drive that led the corpora- turnout. Hundreds of workers were released to attend on ested in protecting our jobs?" it asked about Bethlehem. company time. Shuttle buses ran between the coke . "The companies," I pointed out, "say that our class ­ ovens, the blast furnaces, and the hearing site. Supervis­ the working class - has to protect the profits of their ory personnel from foremen to engineers were on hand class to save our jobs. What's next to save 'our' com­ UNION TALK and comprised a large part of the crowd. pany? More concessions? More job combinations?" Despite the Bethlehem stamp on the event, the official­ I also pointed out that the union's misguided support dom of our union, the United Steelworkers of America tion's owners to slam the doors on the pipe mill and for this protectionist campaign holds back the fight the (USWA), joined right in. The preheaTing publicity car­ throw hundreds of workers out of their jobs. labor movement needs to wage to defend our jobs. ried a double logo- Bethlehem's and the USWA's. Such a fight can't be conducted together with the cor­ Instead it was an elaborate event staged in an attempt A big chunk of time was taken up on the hearing at one porations - who exploit working people in the United to remove blame from the greedy company and place it of our local union meetings. This all fit right into a big States and around ·the world. Instead it requires solidar­ on the backs of our fellow steelworkers in other coun­ national campaign launched when Bethlehem arid the in­ ity, among all workers in all lands, who are victims of the tries. ternational USWA officials filed a joint anti-import peti­ employers' worldwide drive for profits. "As soon· as I saw they were holding it on company tion with the government. The idea of a hearing on what's behind the crisis facing property, I knew something wasn't right," one of my In the name of keeping "our" company profitable, the working people is not a bad idea. Sparrows Point coworkers told me. top union officials have joined ranks with the employers Such a union-sponsored hearing - without the em­ Company sound trucks decorated with balloons toured who are responsible for layoffs and unemployment. We ployers - might be a place to learn that imports are just the plant for days in advance. Posters appeared through­ saw the same thing happen a year ago when top union of­ one part of the worldwide competition among the em­ out the plant urging workers to attend to "Protect your ficiaJs signed the big concession contract that cut our ployers for the biggest share of the profit pie. job." Company personnel dotted the roads inside the wages and benefits to help "save" the steel companies. It might be a place to learn about the many ways that plant directing people to the hearing site. At the hearing "testimony" was presented by a parade the wealth-y families who own U.S. corporations exploit · As one approached the normally deserted pipe mill of congresspeople, union officials, and Bethlehem Steel and oppress our brothers and sisters in Asia, Africa, and area a banner could be seen that read, "Welcome Steel In­ muckamucks. - Latin America. dustry Friends." (My emphasis.) All blamed foreign steel for the crisis facing steelwork­ It might be a place to discuss how we - working , Thousands of miniature U.S. flags were distributed. ers. The idea that the union and its members might have people - can all get together to wage an effective fight­ Red, white, and blue banners proclaimed, "Foreign Steel concerns that are different from the bosses' profit-and­ back. Steals Jobs," "Keep America Strong - Keep Steel Trade loss sheets was completely absent. One could even have Of course Bethlehem wouldn't give us time off to at­ Fair," and "Mexican Steel is Radioactive." (This racist drawn the false - and dangerous - conclusion that we tend such a hearing. Maybe that's another good reason to banner, which included a picture of a sombrero, is are- don't really need a union anymore, that the company consider it. 'The Killing Floor': just part of the real story

"The Killing Floor," part one of the series "Made in agents south to recruit Black workers who had no experi­ this time to replace other workers going to war. U.S.A." Elsa Rassbach, executive producer; William ence with unions and strikes, promising high wages. This Samuel Gompers, head of the American Federation of Duke, director. Aired nationally over American action was a conscious attempt by the companies to pit Labor, proposed that a separate Local 65 I be set up for Playhouse on the Public Broadcasting System. newly-hired Black workers against the unions, which the newly-hired Black workers, thereby "protecting" the officially excluded Blacks from membership. At the all-white locals from the inclusion of Blacks. BY CAROL BURKE same time, the packers, along with the press and the pol­ The packers, of course, continued their campaign to The Killing Floor, produced in part by several trade iticians, launched a huge anti-Black "scare campaign'' to divide Black and white workers, even setting up an all­ unions, was shown on the Public Broadcasting System in increase white hostility to the arriving Black workers and Black company union. April. It traced the experiences of Frank Custer, a young their families. Those Blacks who joined Local 651, perhaps 30 per­ Even with the union's discriminatory policy, some Black farmer from Mississippi, who is hired into the cent to 40 percent of Blacks employed in the yards, were Chicago stockyards during World War I.. Custer joins. the Blacks were won to support the union's fi.ght. all given Butchers cards, no matter what an individual's However, the strike was defeated. The bosses cele­ trade was. Contrary to the union's promises, no Blacks brated the ·end of the strike by firing nearly all of the were allowed to transfer into thejr respective craft Blacks hired during the conflict. Of about 2,000 Blacks unions, which maintained their color bar. Many Blacks TELEVISION REVIEW hired during the strike, only 365 remained by 1910. gave up their union membership as a result. After the 1904 defeat, a section of the union leadership union, which is fighting for a contract, an eight-hour day' realized the necessity of organizing Black workers into While the 1917- I 919 organizing drive succeeded in and other benefits for workers in the giant meatpacking the unions. The United Meatcutters and Butcher Work­ winning some important concessions, including a shorter plants. men admitted those Blacks still in the stockyards, al­ workday, the union recognition fi ght failed - largely The Killing Floor only gives a glimpse of the real his­ though the rest of the craft unions in the industry kept due to the failure to organize Black workers. torical forces and issues that confronted Frank Custer and their whites-only policy. As the postscript to The Killing Floor men"tioned , seri­ thousands of other Black workers of that period. Reading At the time of the events in The Killing Floor, the stock­ ous attempts to organize Black workers on a large scale books such as Organized Labor and the Black Worker by yard unions were once again battling the packers. The dido 't begin until the rise of the CIO in the 1930s. Apply­ Philip Foner and Revolutionary Continuity: Birth of the government had· contracted with the packers for huge ing lessons of this period of labor history is a vital part of Communist Movement /918- 1922 by Farrell Dobbs amounts of beef to feed the soldiers, and the unions in the the challenges facing workers today. If the showing of helps provide a better understanding of the union strug- yards sensed a chance to reverse some of the worst abuses The Killing Floor encourages more of us to learn from the gles in the Chicago stockyards . · by the companies and try to rebuild the unions. history of the union movement, it will have served a use­ During a 1904 strike, the packing companies sent Once again, Blacks were being hired in large numbers ful purpose. -LETTERS------Thanks from prisoner ference between the beliefs of the tioned reason for Ring's fulmina­ the world market. It is a $4 billion­ agricultural producers in the I am a prisoner at a detention masses and the political . and tions against religion. a-year business based on the suf­ "Third World" that is trying to end center in South Carolina. I'm ideological machinations of the Marxism is based on an atheist fering of hundreds of thousands of the practice of using DDT and being held on a 1977 bench war­ church hierarchy. philosophy. But the dialogue with people. other dangerous chemicals that are rant for breaking a car window. But he fails to draw the practical people of other world-views U.S. coffee popularity dates banned in the United States, but I have no idea when I will go to conclusion: One should not dis­ should take a more tolerant, ur­ back to the days of our own anti­ which U.S. corporations continue trial. I have been here since March dain the struggles of the masses, bane tone. This would undercut colonial revolution when many to sell abroad . and the other inmates tell me I even if they assume a: religious religious red-baiting. revolutionary citizens rejected tea Militant readers who wish to have at least four to eight months form. Tim Knack in favor of coffee (and certain her­ order Nicaraguan coffee should to go before any action will be Lech Walesa, on the other Stanford, California bal mixtures) as a symbol of op­ contact Friends of the Third World taken. hand, displays the finesse of a position to British rule. It is there­ at 6 11 W. Wayne St. , Fort I would like to subscribe to the mass leader by sidestepping Cardi­ Drink Nicaraguan coffee fore appropriate, and ironic, that Wayne, Ind. 46802. Militant as I am very interested in nal Glemp's red-baiting and join­ Nicaragua is presently rebuild­ present-day revolutionaries should Peter J. Krala the truth about this corrupt system. ing the crucifix fight with the vow ing its economy. It is a valiant ef­ adopt coffee as a symbol of sol­ West Haven, Connecticut This experience has turned me into. that "there will be no compromise fort beset by seemingly insur­ idarity between U.S. workers and a militant. . in this case." mountable problems ranging from the workers and farmers of Nicara­ , The M ilitant special prisoner Thank you for making me a be­ W alesa has not fallen for the poverty of Nicaragua itself, to gua. fund makes it possible to send liever. I look forward to your Glemp's ploy to split Solidarity, illiteracy, economic backward­ Nicaraguan coffee is imported reduced-rate subscriptions to newspaper for the truth. and he recognizes that the reli­ ness, and the vicious war that to the United States by an Indiana­ prisoners who can't pay for A prisoner gious ideals of the masses also U.S. -backed contras are waging based group called Friends of the them. To help out, send your South Carolina contain the germ of true workers against the gains of the revolution. Third World (FTW). It sells for contribution to: Militant Pris­ democracy. Like all "Third World" nations, $1.90 an eight ounce pack, or oner Subscription Fund, 14 Religion in Poland After the setbacks for Solidarity Nicaragua is dependent on exports $45.60 per case. It is processed Charles Lane, New York, N.Y. · Harry Ring's article in the on more weighty issues, Polish to raise the monies needed tomod­ and vacuum-packed in Holland. 10014. March 30 issue on the influence of workers also benefit from this ernize and rebuild its economy. The coffee sold by FTW is a The letters column is an open religion in Poland, despite many small victory against the bureauc­ One of Nicaragua's chief exports first-rate blend, and certainly forum for all viewpoints on sub­ good points, displays an overly racy. is coffee. cheaper than most gourmet cof­ jects of general interest to our strident and grudging tone. Of course, history has put The United States is the single fees. A little goes a long way , un­ readers. Please keep your letters It borders on the insensitivity to America in a different· situation. largest coffee consumer in the less you like your- coffee strong brief. ~here necessary they will "popular religious beliefs" that Crucifixes, or prayers, in the world. Nearly all that coffee enough to stand a spoon in. be abridged. Please indicate if mars the image of many rexolu­ schools would be a definite set­ comes into the country through ENCAFE, Nicaragua's state you prefer that your initials be tionaries. Ring alludes to the dif- back here . .This· is the unmen- giant corporations that dominate coffee agency, is one of the few used rather than your full name.

May 18, 1984 The Militant 19 THE MILITANT Atlanta PUSH rally backs struggle to stop deportation of Marroquin

BY RICK CONGRESS "This brother is fighting for the rights of political asylum, now before the Supreme of Haitian and Central Ameri~an refugees ATLANTA, Ga.- The national cam­ our people in Latin America, Africa, and Court, be denied, he would have to leave lives up to the best traditions of solidarity. paign to force the U.S. government to stop all over the world. And just as important, the United States within 48 hours or face We need the same kind of unity of working deportation proceedings against Hector he is also fighting for our rights here in the deportation to Mexico, where his life people, Blacks, and Latinos in defense of Marroquin and give him a green c.ard re­ United States - for the rights of Blacks, would be threatened. Marroquin fled from our rights, and in order to stop the develop­ ceived a boost from a four-day tour by Latinos, and all working people- because Mexico in 197 4 to avoid persecution for his ing Vietnam-style war against our brothers Marroquin here May 2-5. we, too, are not free." activities in support of democratic rights. and sisters in Central America." The highlight of the tour was a May 5 At the rally, Dr. Bujung initiated a com­ In June, 1983, Marroquin applied for a Joe Beasley, deputy director of the Jesse rally sponsored by the Atlanta chapter of mittee to draft and circulate an emergency green card based on his marriage to a U.S. Jackson campaign in Georgia; Rev. Fred Operation PUSH. When leaders of PUSH support letter demanding that the Immigra­ citizen. Such cards are routinely granted, Taylor, from the Southern Christian heard that Marroquin, a Mexican-born tion and Naturalization Service (INS) give but the INS is stalling on Marroquin's ap­ Leadership Conference; and others also trade unionist and socialist, was going to Marroquin a green card based on his mar­ plication, hoping that he will have to leave spoke at the rally. be in Atlanta, they turned their regular riage to a U.S. citizen. PUSH members the country before they are forced to give That evening 25 people attended a recep­ Saturday meeting into a support rally for and other Marroquin ·supporters are cir­ him a green card. He would then have to tion for Marroquin at the house of two him and for Haitian refugees in Atlanta. culating this letter to prominent individuals reapply for it from outside the United PUSH leaders. In the course of the even­ Dr. A.M. Bujung, director of interna­ in Atlanta. States, a much more difficult procedure. ing, several more people volunteered to tional affairs for Atlanta PUSH, urged the Efforts such as this take on added impor­ The Political Rights Defense Fund . help circulate the letter to the INS initiated more than 40 people at the rally to become tance with the Supreme Court reconvening at the PUSH rally. actively involved in Marroquin's fight. on May 14 .. Should Marroquin's appeal for (PROF), which is coordinating Marro­ quin's defense, is asking supporters to fol­ Marroquin found a similar sense of sol­ low Dr. A.M. Bujung's lead and circulate idarity and desire to help among garment letters demanding that the INS grant Mar­ workers he met with during his tour. At the roquin his green card now. Letters or tele­ Zayre Corp., which is organized by the In­ grams should be sent to Alan Nelson, ternational Ladies' Garment Workers' Commissioner INS, Washington, D.C. Union, Marroquin spoke to workers as 20536, with a copy to PROF, Box 649, they finished their shift. More than a dozen New York, N.Y. 10003 workers from the largely Black work force stopped to talk with him. They readily Rev. Emory Searcy from the Coalition identified with Marroquin's fight and were of Conscience and Clergy and Laity Con­ particularly outraged at the openly racist cerned urged the audience to write the INS character of the INS's attacks against Mar- and added, "If the U.S. government has . roquin as well as refugees from Haiti and · been trying so hard and for so long to put Central America. ·the brother out of the country, and is trying Four of the garment workers accom­ so hard to portray him as a troublemaker, panied Marroquin to a nearby restaurant then he must be a good brother." where they carried on a political discussion In his remarks, Marroquin acknowl­ abqut the importance of the trade unions edged the solidarity shown fdf his case. taking on social struggles, the war in Cen­ Socialist Hector Marroquin (center) at May 5 rally sponsored by Atlanta chapter of "This example set by Operation PUSH in tral America, the invasion of Grenada, and Operation PUSH. . supporting my case and those of thousands racism and cop brutality. Racists attack Blacks' right to housing in Chicago

BY MAUREEN COLETTA They complained they were being '1un­ ter public housing projects around the city Black steelworker and member of the CHICAGO- Chicago, one of the most fairly branded as racists." Convention instead of concentrating them in Black United Steelworkers of America, pointed segregated cities in the country, was re­ speakers said they intended to instill a new neighborhoods. Washington stated that he out how this type of racist propaganda fuels cently the site of a racist convention op­ "pride" in the "European ethnic back­ intends to uphold this ruling. anti-Black violence, such as the recent posed to a federal court order requiring ground" of their organization's members, The convention called for a moratorium harassment of a Black family that was some desegregation of public housing, who are white. ·Those in attendance sat on the Chicago Housing Authority scatter­ forced to move out of their home situated Putting forward what they called a through a videotape of area residents talk­ site housing until the program is "im­ in a predominantly white Chicago neigh­ "white ethnic agenda," nearly 1,000 mem­ ing about how they had watched their plemented fairly and justly." It called for borhood. bers of the Save Our Neighborhoods/Save neighborhoods "collapse like dominoes" tighter controls on Federal Housing Ad­ "My campaign supports 100 percent de­ Our City Coalition gathered at the down­ - racist code words for Blacks moving ministration home loans, which would segregation, not only in public housing, town Hyatt Regency Hotel April 30. Coali­ into previously all-white neighborhoods. make it harder for Blacks to buy homes in but in the schools and in employment as tion organizers presented themselves as The convention accused the city's predominantly white neighborhoods. well. I reject the notion that racism- or mayor, Harold Washington, who is Black, 'white ethnic pride' as it's called in this "victims" of neighborhood integration, The meeting also called for no reduction claiming that "reverse discrimination" by of being unsympathetic to "middle-income city today - is the same as the nationalism neighborhoods." in the number of cops in the Northwest and of the oppressed Black' community, which the city government meant that Black Southwest sides of Chicago - two predo­ neighborhoods were being built up at the The mayor responded that the real issue is waging a just struggle for equality," said minantly white areas. This demand is de­ Warren. , expense of segregated white neighbor­ is opposition to a federal court order requir­ signed to fuel racist fears that Blacks com­ hoods. ing the Chicago Housing Authority to scat- "The underlying conflict in Chicago," ing into these neighborhoods means an in­ he continued, "is not between Blacks and crease in violence. whites fighting over neighborhoods. The The meeting proposed the setting up of fundamental division in this city and in this tOO.arrested in Dominican Republic an "Institute for Neighborhood Stability" country is between two classes: the work­ to study problems of neighborhood change ers- Black, Latino, and white- and the BY MOHAMMED OLIVER the International Monetary Fund, which from a "white ethnic perspective." They employers and their government. Racism MAY 9 - In the last several days the mandated the. austerity measures; and the also demanded the right to examine indi­ is fostered by the employers because it Secret Service of the Dominican Repub­ release of political prisoners. vidual school budgets and special program keeps working people divided and cripples lic's National Police arrested more than funding to public schools, no doubt with an their ability to advance their class interests On May 8 three more union leaders were eye toward making sure that predominantly 100 pqlitical, trade union, and student arrested just after calling a news confer­ against those of the employers. Ttie fight leaders. The crackdown is aimed at pre­ Black and . Latino schools remain for Black equality has exactly the opposite ence to announce that the general strike hopelessly underfunded. venting any organized protest to the U.S.­ would begin at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, May effect - it advances the status of working imposed austerity measures announced by 9. As the Militant goes to press there was The convention call drew a response people because the goals of the Black com­ the government April 19. no news of the response to the strike call. from some 130 business, religious, and munity- decent jobs, housing, and edu­ Dominican Pres. Salvador Jorge Blanco community leaders who signed a covenant cation and an end to war and racism - are The New York daily E/ Diario-La Pren­ had raised prices of imported goods and es­ protesting "the injection of racial an­ goals that benefit all working people," said sa reported May 9 that Dominican police sential foods by as much as 200 percent. tagonisms into politics and the struggle for Warren. Dominican workers and farmers responded battled students at the Autonomous Uni­ neighborhood improvement." Another let­ "In Illinois, supporters of the socialist with three days of rebellion that began versity of Santo Domingo. The cops sur­ ter expressing "grave concern" about the campaign are fanning out across the state to April 23 . Brutal government repression, rounded the campus, and were preventing meeting was signed by 30 white, Black, discuss _this and other aspects of the students from leaving. which left more than 60 dead and hundreds and Latino community organizers. Catho­ socialist program with working people. We wounded, squelched the protest. Among those arrested by the Dominican lic priests from the Northwest and South­ will be collecting thousands of signatures On May 7 leaders of the General Work­ poliCe were Rafael Taveras, a central west sides rescinded their support to the to get the socialist ticket on the ballot in ers Federation and four other trade union leader of the Socialist Bloc and the convention.· November. Our campaign is active in the federations were arrested as they began Dominican Left Front, and Lidio Cadet, Socialist Workers Party candidate in the fight against racism and stands for a united plans for a one-day general strike to de­ general secretary of the Dominican Libera­ 1st Congressional District, Ed Warren, working-class ,response to the employers' mand the lowenng of prices; breaking with tion Party. blasted the racist convention. Warren, a attacks." ·

20 The MHitant May 18, 1984