Fidel Castro defends THE Panama's sovereignty Pages 8-12

A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF WORKING PEOPLE VOL. 54/NO. 1 JANUARY 5, 1990 $1.00 U.S. troops out of Panama! Worldwide protests are needed Working people and other supporters of national sovereignty and democratic rights the world over must broaden and intensify protests against Washington's invasion and military occupation of Panama. Massive bombing and shelling have al­ ready taken the lives of thousands of Pana­ manians, primarily civilians in the poorest working-class neighborhoods of Panama City. Washington's pretexts for the invasion, anointed by top leaders of both the Demo­ cratic and Republican parties, are a fraud. An action allegedly aimed at "saving the lives of U.S. citizens" has already, according to government figures, led to the deaths of 25

EDITORIAL AP/Wide World Photos Following murderous bombardment and shelling of working-class neighborhoods, U.S. occupation forces have carried out sweeps of Panama City aimed at crushing resistance to the invasion and terrorizing the population. Nearly 5,000 Panamanians were in U.S. soldiers and civilians and the wounding detention as of December 28. of hundreds of others. In the name of democracy an occupation army has toppled a sovereign government and imposed a puppet regime at ceremonies held in hiding on a U.S. base. So flagrant was Thousands of civilians killed, wounded Washington's contempt for the most elemen­ BY CINDY JAQUITH saulted Panamanian army bases and work­ ber was more likely 2,000, explaining that tary norms of relations between sovereign ing-class neighborhoods. many of the victims are either in mass graves governments that it has been able to line up One week into the U.S. invasion of Pan­ Panama, a country of 2.3 million, has an or still buried beneath the rubble of the two only three of its allies so far to recognize this ama, thousands of Panamanians are dead, army of only 7 ,000, called the Defense working-class districts in Panama City flat­ new regime - Britain, Luxembourg, and wounded, or homeless in the biggest U.S. Forces. tened by U.S. bombers. Dominica. military operation since the Vietnam War. Outrage at. Washington's arrogance and A few minutes before 1 a.m. on Dec. 20, Washington reported that 23 U.S. soldiers Ambulances bombed 1989, U.S. officials declared Guillermo En­ and 2 U.S. civilians had been killed as of brutality was so widespread among the peo­ Doctors and health officials in Panama dara Panama's new president. The "swear­ December 27. ple of Latin America, that only the U.S. del­ charged that the prime victims of the invasion ing-in" took place at a secret ceremony at The Pentagon admitted to 297 Panamanian egate opposed a resolution against the inva­ were civilians and that U.S. troops prevented Fort Clayton, one of the 13 U.S. military soldiers killed but refrained from estimating sion at a December 22 meeting of the them from receiving emergency care. Organization of American States. bases in Panama's canal zone. the number of civilian casualties. ABC-TV The New York Spanish-language daily El In the United Nations Security Council Massive U.S. bombing of Panama City news reported December 28 that at least Diario was told December 21 by Jaime only the undemocratic setup whereby vetoes began moments later. An invading force that 1,000 civilians were dead. Aranifo, Panama City health director, that Continued on Page 14 eventually reached 26,000 U.S. troops as- Panamanian health officials said the num- hospitals "are attending to hundreds of wounded. They're all civilians." Aranifo expressed outrage that U.S. forces had bombed two Red Cross vehicles that tried Invasion ofPanama stirs protests, debate to pick up victims and had blocked other emergency vehicles from rescuing the BY PETER THIERJUNG hours' notice, took place in midtown Man­ many tourists and elegantly attired shoppers, wounded. "No one, not even the journalists, Washington's December 20 invasion of hattan December 20. heated debates over the invasion broke out. could get to the area" where the wounded Panama provoked protests in many cities "The Panamanian people will fight to de­ "Today is the beginning of days, months, were, he said. across the United States and has sparked a fend their land and their canal," Brown said. Continued on Page 3 Continued on Page 4 serious discussion among working people She urged everyone "to unite all of our forces over its goals and consequences. to create one voice to say 'No' to U.S. policy Several Panamanian students and local in Panama, Central America, and the Carib­ Panamanian community leader Esmeralda bean." A handful of onlookers joined the Popular uprising in Rutnania Brown carried the flag of their country as demonstration, while a few others heckled. they led a demonstration of almost 400 peo­ When demonstrators rallied at Rockefeller ple in New York. The action, called on nine Center amidst holiday crowds including brings down hated tyrant

BY FRED FELDMAN Ceausescu and his wife Elena, who served Help distribute the 'Militant' The Stalinist totalitarian regime in Ruma­ as deputy prime minister, fled the capital city, nia that was headed for 24 years by Nicolae Bucharest, on December 22 and their capture This special issue of the Militant has and demonstrations, on campuses, and in Ceausescu has been shattered by a popular was announced December 23. They were been published to help mobilize the working-class communities. revolutionary upsurge that developed in re­ executed two days later after a trial before a broadest possible opposition to U.S. Ifyou would like to help, contactMilitant cent weeks with lightning speed. Rumania is military tribunal that convicted the pair of imperialism's savage aggression against supporters in your area listed on page 12, a country of 23 million people located in responsibility for the killings of some 60,000 Panama. Our purpose is to provide or the Militant Business Office listed on Eastern Europe. It borders Hungary, Yugo­ people and other crimes. unionists, farmers, youth, political activ­ page 2. slavia, the Soviet Union, and Bulgaria. The trial and execution took place as police ists, and others with the truth about the This special issue will continue to be The fate of the Ceausescu regime was units backing Ceausescu were still carrying Panamanian people's struggle for sover­ useful in coming weeks, along with our sealed when spreading antigovernment pro­ out attacks on the national television station eignty. subsequent coverage of the Panamanian tests won support in the armed forces, and and gunning down many civilians in Bucha­ Although the Militant was on a two­ people's fight against U.S. aggression. impelled sections of the army's high com­ rest, Timisoara, and elsewhere. Their tactics week vacation shutdown when the De­ Bundles can be ordered from the Militant mand to back the toppling of Ceausescu. In included attacks on blood banks and on am­ cember 20 invasion occurred, we have Business Office. several days of bloody fighting, the army and bulances coming to the aid of wounded anti­ returned a week early for this reason. Because this is a special issue many of armed civilians appear to have defeated the Ceausescu demonstrators. Since the protests We urge all readers of the Militant to our regular features, such as "Learning Securitate, the hated political police. In some began December 15, thousands of people help us circulate this issue as widely as About Socialism" and "Great Society," cases civilian units, which sprang up in many have died at the hands of the Securitate and possible - on the picket lines and at plant are missing. They will return starting parts of the country, armed themselves with other government forces. gates and union meetings, at protest rallies next week. weapons captured from the dictatorship's se­ On December 23, Soviet President Mik­ curity forces. Continue·d on Page 15 .. _ Cuban magazine ...... _-­...- ,, - .....- features story -·-·-·..... on Curtis frame-up

The following article about Mark Curtis Like in the Sacco-Vanzetti case, one aspect appeared in the November 3, 1989, issue of the continuity of the U.S. ruling class' ofBohemia, the most widely read news and repressive policy could be clearly seen at literary magazine in Cuba. The article was Mark Curtis' trial. This was the policy of titled "History repeats itself: The U.S. sys­ falsely accusing fighters for social change of tem of justice shows its true face once committing common crimes. The aim of such again." The translation is by the Militant. a procedure is to cover up the use of repres­ Curtis is a young unionist and political sion. In this way they attempt to silence social activist from Des Moines, Iowa, who is and political struggles, thus masking the re­ serving a 25-year term at the state peni­ pressive character of the system...... - -­..fo .... tentiary in Anamosa on frame-up charges Intertwined with the Mark Curtis case are ...... of rape and burglary. Today he is fighting other, deeper conflicts that are worth thinking for his right and the right of other prison­ about. ers to be politically active and in contact The violation of human rights in the United with the world. The Mark Curtis Defense States is evident in the discrimination against Committee is leading an international the so-called national minorities, in the de­ campaign to win justice for Curtis. Since ceitful propaganda about the policy of "open his conviction, more than 6,000 organiza­ arms" toward immigrants, and in the Curtis Photos of Mark Curtis and the Des Moines, Iowa, protest against the Immigration and tions and individuals from around the case itself. Naturalization Service arrest of the Swift 17, a group of immigrant workers from world have endorsed his defense effort. In this respect, we cannot overlook some Curtis' plant, were featured with the November 3 Bohemia article on his tight. For more information, write to the Mark background events in the Curtis case, which Curtis Defense Committee, Box 1048, Des occurred just days prior to his arrest. onstrates the hypocrisy of the U.S. govern­ territory they fail to put into effect all these Moines, Iowa 50311; telephone (515) 246- In March 1988 the United States Immigra­ ment in condemning what is happening in doctrines and virtues they claim to be defend­ 1695. tion and Naturalization Service arrested 17 other countries around the world, while turn­ ing. This is something the ruling classes in workers from the plant where he worked. ing its back on what is going on in its own the United States refuse to admit. The repre­ BY MARTA G. SOJO These included 16 Mexicans and one house. sentatives of the U.S. government do not The United States of 1920, in broad tenns, Salvadoran. All were prosecuted as criminals, What is behind this whole case? We see a want to acknowledge that the case we have reveals a portrait of an expanding and inten­ under the pretext that they had falsified their deceitful country that shouts about riches, recounted above presents only a tiny picture sifying strike movement for wage increases, documents to obtain employment. This ac­ freedom, equality, and humanitarian senti­ of the intense exploitation and repression that reduction of the workday, and the right to tion contradicts the supposed basis of the U.S. ments, in order to present the image of what the capitalist system in the United States has fonn unions. This was the era marked by the immigration law's amnesty program for un­ they call a "perfect society." But in their own instituted against the workers. famous case of the workers Sacco and Van­ documented immigrants, under which immi­ zetti. Sacco was active in the labor move­ grants were not supposed to fear being pros­ ment, while Vanzetti was a mass agitator who ecuted for entering the country and obtaining dedicated himself to propaganda considered work without the necessary documents. Dismissal of disruption suit denied illegal and subversive. The raid was a challenge to the amnesty Both were tried and sentenced to capital program nationally and it provoked demon­ BY SANDRA NELSON fonnatory in Anamosa. His frame-up by the punishment for a crime committed against a strations in support of those being held. Curtis DES MOINES, Iowa- On December 20 Des Moines police stemmed from his defense paymaster and his guards in a shoe factory. was an active participant in these demonstra­ Iowa District Court Judge Arthur Gamble of immigrant coworkers arrested in an Im­ This was despite the fact that both Sacco and tions in support of the rights of these workers. denied a motion to dismiss a disruption law­ migration and Naturalization Service raid at suit filed against Mark Curtis in November. Vanzetti could prove they did not participate A few days later, Curtis was arrested, the Swift meat-packing plant. A hearing on the dismissal motion was held in the crime. beaten, and called a "Mexican-lover" and a "This lawsuit is a serious challenge to These murders - supposedly legal - two days earlier. "lover of Blacks." At the trial held at the end Curtis' defense campaign," said John Studer, were merely a means to intimidate workers - The suit, filed by Keith and Denise Morris, of last year, no evidence was presented that coordinator of the Mark Curtis Defense Com­ and the labor movement of that time. claims punitive damages for the "pain and Curtis had committed anY rape. The.medical mittee. "Significant resources will have to be Time has passed, but some historical epi­ suffering" allegedly inflicted on their daugh­ _examiner who examined the alleged victim diverted to fight this case. That is its central sodes are replayed, helping us to understand ter by Curtis and asks the court to assign to stated that "in my view, in tenns of rape, the that the repressive methods and policies of them "any monies" received by Curtis "as goal: to attack the defense effort. evidence does not link these two persons to the result of the commercialization of his old remain in use. At the end of the 1980s, each other." "The lawsuit will be used to conduct a an episode has been repeated in the traditional acts." smear campaign and disruption effort against In fact, Curtis' crime was that of being a manner of the 1920s. This is the case of Mark In a combined motion, Curtis' attorneys militant unionist and a defender of workers Curtis and his defense committee," Studer Curtis. William Kutmus and George Eichhorn asked explained. "It is consistent with the disruptive born in other countries. His crime was to the court to strike the commercialization Curtis, a packinghouse worker at the Swift march against racism and to oppose U.S. activities practiced by the Workers League, claim and dismiss the suit. The suit should processing plant in Des Moines, Iowa, was intervention in Central America. For these an antilabor group which has aggressively come to trial within 18 months, but the pro­ sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment on actions he was framed up on charges of rape. advanced the Des Moines police and charges of rape and burglary. Hidden behind cess can sometimes take longer, Eichhorn prosecutor's frame-up of Curtis and has at­ these charges, progressive forces in the The U.S. government has been denounc­ explained. tempted to undennine support for his fight." United States insist, is a flagrant coercive ing human rights violations in other coun­ Curtis, a longtime political activist and Studer said that funds to confront this chal­ maneuver aimed at silencing the social and tries. In reality, the case against Mark Curtis unionist, is serving a 25-year sentence on a lenge are urgently needed and should be sent economic struggles supported by this young proves that flagrant violations of human frame-up rape and burglary conviction. He to the Mark Curtis Defense Committee, P.O. man. rights continue in the United States. It dem- is incarcerated at the Iowa State Men's Re- Box 1048, Des Moines, Iowa 50311. THE MILITANT The Militant Closing news date: December 27,1989 Editor: DOUG JENNESS Circulation Director: NORTON SANDLER TELLS THE TRUTH Nicaragua Bureau Director: LARRY SEIGLE Business Manager: JIM WHITE Editorial Staff: Susan Apstein (Nicaragua), Seth Galinsky Subscribe today! (Nicaragua), Yvonne Hayes, Arthur Hughes, Susan LaMont, Roni McCimn, Greg McCartan, Selva Nebbia, Peter Thier­ jung. Published weekly except one week in August and the last 12 weeks for $4 - week of December by the Militant (ISSN 0026-3885), 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. Telephone: Editorial Of­ an $8 savings fice, (212) 243-6392; Fax 727-0150; Telex, 497-4278; Busi­ ness Office, (212) 929-3486. Nicaragua Bureau, Apartado The Militant covers the struggles of working peo­ 2222, Managua. Telephone 24845. ple around the world. It features: Correspondence concerning subscriptions or changes • Firsthand reports on worldwide protests against of address should be addressed to The Militant Business the U.S. invasion of Panama. Office, 410 West St., New York, N.Y.10014. • On-the-scene news of labor battles, from the Second-class postage paid at New York, N.Y. and at addi­ strike at Eastern Airlines to the fightback in the tional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes coalfields. 0 $4 for 12 weeks, new readers 0 $9 for 12 weeks, re­ newals to The Militant, 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. Sub­ • Regular coverage of advances being made by scriptions: U.S., Canada, Latin America: for one-year sub­ Cuban working people, and speeches by Fidel Castro 0 $17 for 6 months 0$30 for 1 year 0 $55 for 2 years scription send $30, drawn on a U.S. bank, to above address. and other Cuban leaders. 0 $1 .00 for An .Action Program to Confront tM Coming By first-class (airmail), send $65. Britain, Ireland, Continen­ • Coverage of protests in Eastern Europe and the Economic Crisis, a Pathfinder pamphlet. tal Europe, Africa: £22 for one year, £1 2 for six months, or £6 for three-month renewal. Send check or international Soviet Union. N~------~------• Regular reports on developments in southern money order made out to Militant Distribution and send to 4 7 Address ------The Cut, London SE I 8LL, England. Australia, Asia, Pacific: Africa, including mounting anti-apartheid protests in City______State ____ Zip ------send Australian $60 to Pathfinder Press, P.O. Box !53, Glebe, South Africa and the new stage in Namibia's freedom Phone______Union!SchooVOrganization ______Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia. fight. Signed articles by contributors do not necessarily represent • News and analysis of worldwide capitalist crisis. Send to THE MIUTANT, 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014 the Militant's views. These are expressed in editorials.

2 The Militant January 5, 1990 Panama invasion stirs protest, debate

Continued from front page knife, and was dragged away by police and debate at his job. Two aircraft cleaners who even years of resistance" to Washington's arrested. are Black argued strongly for Panama's sov­ invasion of Panama, said Andres Gomez of ereignty, he reported. the Antonio Maceo Brigade at a December The U.S. government has created a "cli­ 23 rally of 50 people in downtown Miami. mate of terror" in Central America, said Mac 'Another broken treaty' "The United States is making the same mis­ Charles Jones, a minister and national chair "Another broken treaty, U.S. troops out of take in Panama it made in Vietnam," Gerard of the Social Justice Commission of the Na­ Panama," read an American Indian Move­ Jean-Juste, director of the Haitian Refugee tional Baptist Convention of America. Jones ment placard at a protest of 125 people in Center, told protesters. A representative of joined a news conference of civil rights lead­ Washington, D.C., December 20. The action LaCasa, a Latin American and Caribbean ers and Central America solidarity activists was initiated by the Committee in Solidarity solidarity group, announced a meeting to plan December 20 in Kansas City, Missouri. with the People of El Salvador. "No troops, further actions. "We stand in solidarity and unity with our no war- from Panama to Salvador!" the brothers and sisters in Latin America and demonstrators chanted. 'Vietnam yesterday, Panama today' Panama. Unless they are free to determine Fifty people picketed the offices of U.S. A contingent of Panamanians opposed to their destiny, we are not free to determine Sen. Dennis DeConcini in Thcson, Arizona, the invasion joined a December 20 protest ours," said Nelson Thompson, president of on December 21 . They demanded the with­ against U.S. aid to El Salvador at the Los the Kansas City Southern Christian Leader­ drawal of U.S. troops from Panama. That Angeles federal building. More than 500 ship Conference. same day two workers at Sunland Beef, a people participated and almost 150 were ar­ On December 20 representatives from a packinghouse in Phoenix, circulated a state­ rested in civil disobedience actions blocking range of political, religious, and solidarity ment among coworkers condemning the in­ entrances to the building. Two days later 200 groups formed a coalition in Chicago and vasion. Fifty-two workers signed the state­ protesters marched outside a theater showing called for protests the following day and on ment and sent it to the local media. Pedro "Born on the Fourth of July," a film about December 23. Marching up and down State Montes, an initiator of the protest, was then antiwar Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic. "Viet­ Street, the commercial center of the city, the invited by a Spanish-language radio station nam yesterday, Panama today," they chanted. protesters distributed statements opposing to explain his opposition. Some 500 people marched through the the invasion to holiday shoppers. The coali­ Several packinghouse workers in Omaha, Union Square shopping district of San Fran­ tion is planning more activities. Militant cisco on December 20. The action was called December 24 protest in Miami Nebraska, reported a range of reactions to the by El Salvador and Nicaragua solidarity Some 20 people opposed to the U.S. inva­ invasion at two United Food and Commercial groups. Participants reported many observers sion of Panama picketed the Federal Building Workers-organized plants in that city. At one were friendly and several drivers honked in Atlanta, December 21. About a dozen dicated initial support for the invasion, others slaughterhouse many Mexican workers were their horns in support. A few hecklers argued people who supported Washington's action opposed it. One Machinists' union member angry that a country as large as the United with demonstrators and one man tried to ram held a counterpicket. Several Atlanta union­ at Northwest Airlines' maintenance hangar States would invade a small country the size the crowd with his car, jumped out with a ists reported that while many coworkers in- said that the invasion had caused a heated of Panama. At another meat-packing plant where workers are older and many are Anglo, the sentiment was overwhelmingly in favor of Washington's intervention. Political activists in Birmingham, Ala­ lnt'l actions hit U.S. aggression bama, organized a December 22 news con­ ference calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Panama. The event was covered BY PETER THIERJUNG Pizarro of the Puerto Rican Socialist Party. Panama. by two local TV stations, two radio stations, Within hours of the U.S. government's More than 500 demonstrated in West Ber­ and a local newspaper. December 20 invasion of Panama, the Cana­ Iran lin and actions also took place in Heidelberg dian Labour Congress issued a statement Thousands of people, many of them stu­ and Cologne. Protests were also reported in Alabama miners debate invasion condemning Washington's action and theCa­ dents, protested in Tehran December 26. Switzerland and Austria. Miners at the No. 5 mine in Brookwood, nadian government's support for it. "We en­ They called for the U.S. military to get out Alabama, reported the invasion was a hot dorse the principle of citizens of a sovereign of Panama and protested the British and Canada, Australia topic of discussion among the United Mine nation working out their own problems," said French governments' support for the inva­ In addition to the Canadian Labour Con­ Workers of America members there. Many CLC President Shirley Carr. "The United sion. gress statement issued December 20 some 50 workers followed the events closely as they States is not the town sheriff for the Americas people gathered outside the U.S. consulate in unfolded in the media and tended to accept Western Europe and the Americas are not Dodge City." Montreal that day. "Yankees out of Pan­ Washington's explanation that the invasion Some 100 people protested outside the Carr called the invasion "vigilante justice." ama," "Bush murderer- Mulroney accom­ was to get a "drug dealer." A few argued U.S. embassy in London on December 22. She said she feared Canada would become a plice," and "Quebec, Panama- solidarity!" against this, comparing the U.S. govern­ Ron Todd, general secretary of the 1.2-rnil­ rubber stamp for U.S. foreign policy with the they chanted. Organizers condemned the Ca­ ment's actions with Pittston Coal Group's lion-member Transport and General Workers Canadian government's recent decision to nadian government's support for the U.S. treatmel}t of striking miners in Virginia and Union, condemned the U.S. military assault, join the Organization of American States. The invasion. West Virginia. Some compared the media's calling it "a significant escalation of tension CLC is the national union federation in Can­ The Ontario Central America Solidarity history of violence-baiting against miners in the region." ada, with more than 2 million members. Committee organized an action of more than with the media's unfavorable coverage of Protests in other countries also greeted the In Frankfurt, West Germany, Central 50 people at the U.S. consulate in Toronto, Gen. Manuel Noriega's government in Pan­ news of the U.S. assault. America solidarity groups and the Frankfurt also on December 20. Another protest is ama. University student government mobilized planned for December 30 at the headquarters Protest actions ranging from 20 to 100 Central America and the Caribbean 100 people in a rally outside the U.S. con­ of the ruling Conservative Party. people also occurred in Greensboro, North sulate. "When has this year been peaceful?" On December 21 and 23 Vancouver ac­ "The terrorist invasion constitutes a mortal Carolina; Salt Lake City, Utah; Northfield, asked Christa Weber, a representative of the tivists took to the streets outside the U.S. Minnesota; Baltimore; Seattle; Portland, blow to the peace process in Central Amer­ El Salvador Solidarity Committee. "On the consulate. ica," said a statement issued by the F arabundo Oregon; Philadelphia; Louisville, Ken­ warships off Malta maybe." Weber scored More than 70 people picketed the U.S. tucky; and Cleveland. Marti National Liberation Front of El Salva­ the U.S. war in El Salvador and against consulate in Sydney, Australia. An action dor. "We call on the North American people Nicaragua, and condemned the invasion of was also held in Melbourne. Farm leader denounces intervention to stop the military intervention of the Bush administration, which is forcing a new Viet­ "The attitude the U.S. government has nam on you not far from your borders, where taken by invading Panama is the same atti­ North American youth have already begun Havana youth support Panama tude the lynchers in the South used against to die," it concluded. Black people," Merle Hansen, president of BY MIGUEL PENDAS noticed how many people were hanging the North American Farm Alliance, told the Almost 3,000 unionists, students, and rep­ Militant. resentatives from peasant and women's or­ HAVANA- When I turned on the radio Cuban flags from their balconies. A few on the morning of December 20, the station thousand people, mostly students, had gath­ "The National Congress for Puerto Rican ganizations marched to the U.S. embassy in Rights does not support the invasion," said Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, was broadcasting in urgent tones the news of ered in the plaza-like area in front of the old the U.S. invasion of Panama. embassy, a tall building right on the Malec6n, Zoilo Torres, cochair of the New York chap­ on December 21. "The Dominican people ter. "It is a violation of sovereignty." know firsthand the aggressive and disrespect­ Programs were interrupted frequently to the boulevard that runs along Havana's sea­ ful attitude of the United States, having ex­ carry live reports from the scenes of battle in wall. Police shut down the Malec6n to ac­ "Like the criminal U.S. invasion of Gre­ perienced three military interventions in this Panama City. Workers in the hotel where I commodate the growing number of protest­ nada in October 1983 and the invasion of the century," said Fafa Taveras, general secretary was staying had radios turned up to listen ers. Dominican Republic in 1965, this is an attack of the Bloque Socialista, in a statement con­ while they worked. The crowd was emotional, angry and joy­ against the people of the entire Caribbean demning the U.S. action against Panama. At the comer newsstand, I was lucky to ful at the same time. Representatives of each and Latin American region," said Don Rojas Taveras said further protests are planned, get a copy of Cuba's main daily, Granma. Its student contingent came up to a makeshift in a statement released in New York Decem­ banner headline read "Yankee Troops Invade podium to declare their support for Panama ber 20. Rojas was the press secretary to The invasion of Panama "is reminiscent Panama." They were sold out by late morn­ and to condemn U.S. President George Bush. Maurice Bishop, the late prime minister of of the criminal U.S. invasion of Grenada six ing. A popular chant was, "Fidel, for sure, hit the Grenada, and was himself a victim of the U.S. years ago," said Terry Marryshow in a state­ Before noon I saw my flTSt demonstration Yankees hard." One student delivered her intervention in Grenada. ment by the Maurice Bishop Patriotic Move­ protesting the invasion. A group of about 200 message in English so that those inside the "Far from a 'surgical strike,' Washington's ment of Grenada. "We call on all govern­ young people from the nearby University of Interests Section could understand it. The invasion will lead to large-scale slaughter and ments in Latin America and the Caribbean, Havana campus marched past with makeshift Cuban students- many of whom study En­ destruction in Panama," a December 20 state­ trade unions, workers, and all freedom­ banners and Cuban flags, shouting slogans glish - showed by their applause that they ment from the National Committee of the minded people all over the world to condemn denouncing the U.S. aggression. A few understand just as well. Socialist Workers Party said. "We urge all in the strongest possible manner the violation blocks away another group of 300 adults was Directly across from the former embassy opponents of U.S. intervention, Black rights of the Panama Canal treaties." marching down La Rampa, one of the widest, a huge Cuban flag was draped over a balcony, activists, trade unionists, and others to imme­ In Puerto Rico pro-independence groups busiest streets in Havana. Turning the comer, a sign that the immediate and spontaneous diately let their voices be heard through demonstrated outside the Federal Building in a group of 40 schoolchildren in uniform reaction of many Cubans was that the attack picket lines, demonstrations, and speakouts Hato Rey, San Juan, on the day of the marched down the sidewalk, apparently on Panama was an attack on Cuba. This demanding 'U.S. troops out of Panama invasion. The protest was called to "make headed in the same direction. brought out their national pride and interna­ now!"' certain that the Puerto Rican National Guard A couple of Cuban friends told me that the tionalism at the same time. The Young Socialist Alliance, the War not be used to massacre innocent Panamanian crowd was marching on the U.S. Interests Students wore paper signs with slogans Resisters League, the Communist Party civilians and to see to it that Puerto Rican Section, housed in the former U.S. embassy. like, "For Panama and the Americas, we USA, and the Socialist Party USA also re­ soil is not used as a jumping-off point as it I grabbed my camera and we headed for would shed our blood the same as we would leased statements condemning Washington's was in the invasion of Grenada," said Doris where the action was. Along the way we for Cuba." attack on Panama.

January S, 1990 The Militant 3 Thousands of Panamanians killed, wounded by U.S. invasion force

Continued from front page of recruitment to the Panamanian Public quarters December 17. the invading force consisted of infantry, ma­ "This criminal attack by the U.S. forces Force. U.S. Defense Secretary Richard Cheney, rines, paratroopers, navy, air force, and mil­ on our country has gotten to the point where Panamanian radio, television, and news­ on the other hand, told reporters that the itary police. They simultaneously attacked there's not the most minimal concern for papers were shut down by the U.S. troops for invasion plan "had been in existence for some targets in Panama City, the city of Col6n on human life," Aranifocharged. "In our morgue a week. The only television station broad­ time. It was one of the first items I was briefed the country's Atlantic Coast, the international we have around 80 bodies that haven't been casting in the country was the U.S. military's on when I became Secretary of Defense last airport, and several military facilities. buried and we can't get out to bury them. Southern Command Network. Seized Pana­ spring." The first target in Panama City was the This poses another danger for the population manian television networks displayed a "De­ Bush administration officials subsequently headquarters of the Defense Forces, located that is still alive." partment of Defense" shield for the first hours told theNew York Times that specific invasion in the working-class district ofChorrillo. U.S. Directors of the Santo Tomas hospital in of the invasion. preparations had been in the works ever since officials say they thought they would capture Panama City told El Diario there was des­ Noriega there. 'Restoring democracy' a coup attempt against Noriega failed last perate need for the most basic medical sup­ October 3. Tanks and helicopters were grad­ Pounded for hours by U.S. artillery, the plies: antibiotics, gauze, and plaster for mak­ On December 20 White House spokesman ually moved to U.S. bases in Panama in headquarters was destroyed and many of the ing casts. "The number of people wounded Marlin Fitzwater announced that the violation of the canal treaties. wooden frame tenements around it burned by explosives and bullets is incredible," said invasion's goals were "to protect American Dress rehearsals for the operation were down. U.S. troops prevented ambulances one hospital worker. lives, restore the democratic process, pre­ from entering the area. Noriega was not cap­ serve the integrity of the Panama Canal trea­ conducted right in Panama, under the guise U.S. troops in full combat gear had occu­ of "maneuvers." The maneuvers were also tured. pied Santo Tomas hospital, El Diario was ties, and apprehend Manuel Noriega." carried out in violation of the treaties and had 'Mopping up' told. A few days later, the doctors who had Noriega, head of the Defense Forces and become almost daily occurrences by the time informed the paper of the carnage were fired the Panamanian government, had been in­ of the actual invasion. Powell told reporters six hours later that and a new staff installed in the hospital. dicted by Washington in 1988 on drug-traf­ the troops who assaulted the Defense Forces Provocations by U.S. forces had also in­ ficking charges. The indictments came after headquarters "have accomplished their mis­ Thousands under arrest creased in recent months. Panamanians sion." He added "there will still be a need for he refused to let the Defense Forces be used charged the incident that resulted in Paz's As of December 28, U.S. forces admitted in the U.S.-sponsored contra war against Nic­ mopping up and stability operations in sup­ death was one such example. Paz and three to holding 4,810 Panamanians prisoner. aragua. Noriega also demanded that Wash­ port of the new government." other Gis had driven up to the Defense Forces ington live up to the canal treaties, which Although the Endara government has an­ headquarters and begun firing, wounding a Massive bombardment of another work­ require all U.S. military bases to be off Pan­ nounced the formation of a new army, the child. Panamanian troops responded in self­ ing-class neighborhood, San Miguelito, amanian soil by the year 2000. Panama is to Panama Public Force, U.S. troops are carry­ defense. began. Only after the heavy bombing did U.S. ing out all the arrests of supporters of the gain control of the canal that same year. troops enter the neighborhood. toppled government. Former Foreign Minis­ President George Bush claimed he was Razing of Chorrillo San Miguelito had been a stronghold of ter Leonardo Kam was arrested December compelled to order the invasion after Pana­ At a briefing about eight hours into the supporters of Panama's right to the canal. 27. manian troops shot and killed a U.S. officer, invasion, Gen. Colin Powell, chairman of the Many civilian residents were mobilized in U.S. intelligence agents are also in charge Robert Paz, outside Defense Forces head- U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the media that the popular militias called "Dignity Battal­ ions," set up two years ago to prepare for a U.S. invasion. The Stealth bomber was used to drop two Nicaraguans denounce U.S. assault on Panama 2,000-pound bombs on the Rio Hato military school. BY SUSAN APSTEIN against any move U.S. imperialism makes freely elected government of President Late in the afternoon of December 20, U.S. MANAGUA, Nicaragua-Some 20,000 against Nicaragua." Guillermo Endara." forces destroyed Radio Nacional, the govern­ people turned out for a December 23 rally in Roberto Martinez marched in the demon­ When U.S. troops and tanks surrounded ment station. In one of its last broadcasts, it Chinandega to protest the U.S. invasion of stration along with most ofhis fellow workers the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City the transmitted a message from Noriega to his Panama. Originally scheduled as a campaign at an auto repair business. "The invasion morning of December 21, Ortega told the supporters: stop for Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, shows U.S. imperialism won't leave any peo­ ambassador to prepare to defend the building "We're going to maintain the resistance. the event was transformed into an action in ple in peace that resists its domination," with arms as Nicaraguans would protect any Congratulations to the Dignity Battalions. piece of their country's territory. solidaritY with Panama. Martinez said. ''They will use any pretext to Congratulations to my comrades in arms and "We cannot accept on our continent, or annul the Torrijos-Carter treaties and defend Foreign Minister Miguel D'Escoto an­ the Defense Forces and to all the Panamanian anywhere in the world, a power that acts as the military bases that are the launching pad nounced at a news conference here that Nic­ people. We must resist and advance. Our the United States does, invadiJ.lg countrie,s for anacks on other Latin Americans." aragua will respond to any move against its slogan is win or die." wherlever it feels like it," Ortega 'said. · embassy in Panama by taking identical action Forums of solidarity against the U.S. embassy in Managua. Fifteen Within hours after the first U.S. soldiers Cuban radio jammed tanks and other armored vehicles soon encir­ landed in Panama, the Nicaraguan govern­ Many year-end factory assemblies When Radio Nacional was silenced, that cled the U.S. compound. ment ordered a mobilization of troops and throughout the country became forums of eliminated the last of the Panamanian air­ That evening the tanks were removed in declared a state of military alert. Before dawn solidarity with Panama. At the Pepsi-Cola waves loyal to the Defense Forces. U.S. response to the lifting of the U.S. military on December 20 tank units were deployed bottling plant in Managua, 500 workers heard troops began distributing leaflets urging Pan­ encirclement of Nicaragua's embassy in Pan­ and antiaircraft batteries put in place to de­ Sandinista National Liberation Front leader amanians to stop fighting, falsely reporting ama. Later, when one U.S. tank reappeared fend against a possible U.S. attack. M6nica Baltodano. "Imagine 30,000 Yankee that the resistance had ended. soldiers in the streets of Managua, and bombs in front of the embassy in Panama, a similar At the same time, Nicaragua immediately falling on the city," she said. "Many people vehicle was deployed in Managua. But Cuban radio stations that reach Pan­ called for an emergency session of the United were skeptical that as we approach the year D'Escoto also stressed the importance of ama by shortwave continued broadcasting Nations Security Council to demand the im­ 1990 the U.S. would use its traditional meth­ the response of Latin American governments reports of the ongoing resistance. The U.S. mediate withdrawal of U.S. troops. ods. But it is interested in an atmosphere of to the invasion. "If we are united, we can The people of the United States, Ortega domination, not of peace." undoubtedly defend our rights. Unfortu­ told the Chinandega rally, "Do not support One isolated voice in Nicaragua spoke up nately, a number of supposedly great demo­ .----from Pathfinder this kind of criminal action and are paying in favor of the invasion, that of the U.S.­ cratic statesmen issue statements 'lamenting' for it with the lives of their youth, who are backed National Opposition Union (UNO), the situation. This isn't a time for wailing, returning horne in body bags." which is running against the Sandinista Front but for clearly and categorically condemning The U.S. invasion, the president said, is in the February elections. "I regret that the the U.S. invasion, and not for bringing up proof that Nicaragua must remain prepared U.S. military action has violated the principle totally irrelevant arguments --:- about what ONE to defend itself militarily, and that it has the of nonintervention," declared UNO presiden­ Noriega did or didn't do, for example." right to do so. tial candidate Violeta Chamorro, "but I take In Washington, the Nicaraguan represen­ PEOPLE comfort from the result of the episode - the tative to the Organization of American States Unions, farmers respond coming to power of the representative and Continued on Page 13 As soon as news of the invasion came over the radio, unions, farmers' organizations, and ONE professional groups began issuing statements denouncing the attack. DESTINY The National Union of Farmers and Ranchers (UNAG) demanded that the U.S. $6.95 government "cease its aggression against the people of Panama." The Association ofRural Workers (ATC) announced that its members "are prepared to join the Dignity Battalions The Caribbean and--· ' ~ and go to Panama if necessary." Central America Today ·~ Three thousand people, mostly factory workers, marched on the U.S. embassy here the day the invasion began, demanding the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Gathering after Edited by Don Rojas, press secretary to work at the regional headquarters of the Grenada's late Prime Minister Maurice Bishop Sandinista Workers Federation (CST), they The struggle in Nicaragua and El Salvador, impact of the Grenada revolution, U.S. militarization of raised the banner "Aqui, alla, el yanqui Puerto Rico, Panama's struggle for sovereignty, morira." (Here, there, the Yankees will die.) and the region's crushing foreign debt. These topics are discussed in speeches and resolutions drawn At a rally outside the embassy, CST leader from the Anti·lmperiallst Organizations of the Car· Damaso Vargas called on workers and all ibbean and Central America. 115 pp. $6.95. Sold Nicaraguans to be prepared to defend the at bookstores listed on page 12 or by mail from country. Ajax Delgado from the Sandinista Militant/Larry Seigle Pathfinder, 410 West St., NY, NY 10014. Please add $1 youth organization JS-19 declared that the December 20 march against U.S. invasion of Panama in Managua, Nicaragua, drew for postage. country's youth are prepared to "take up arms 3,000, mainly workers. The banner reads, "Here, there, the yankees will die!"

4 The Militant January 5, 1990 U.S. invasion force in Panama - a country of 2.3 million people - reached 26,000 troops in the largest U.S. military operation since the Vietnam War. In addition to thousands of Panamanian casualties, Washington reports that 25 U.S. soldiers and civilians had been killed as of December 27. forces sought to jam the Cuban broadcasts to The same day, four top officers of the cember 21 at the initiative of the Nicaraguan Black people. Defense Forces surrendered to the U.S. mil­ government, which called for immediate prevent Panamanians from finding out what The Amsterdam News, New York's main itary. One of them, Col. Luis del Cid, was withdrawal of the U.S. troops. was happening. Black newspaper, recalled the 1983 U.S. in­ In Panama City, U.S. troops surrounded quickly flown to the United States, where he Cuban UN Ambassador Oscar Oramas vasion of Grenada and charged that "Presi­ had been indicted along with Noriega on both the Cuban and Nicaraguan embassies Oliva told the Security Council, "What's dent George Bush has repeated what Ronald drug-trafficking charges. Del Cid was re­ December 21, on the pretext that Noriega really being decided in Panama is not the Reagan did .. . ambush another Black coun­ ported to have sworn allegiance to the Endara might attempt to enter their facilities seeking situation of U.S. citizens, not their property, try." The News called for "the withdrawal of asylum. government following his surrender. nor their interest in restoring democracy, but the troops from the sovereign soil of Pan- In San Miguelito, the Defense Forces com­ the intent of the United States to not carry ama." 'Pretty well wrapped up' mander, Capt. German Gonzalez Pitti, also out the canal treaties and not give authority The December 24 "Like It Is" television reportedly swore loyalty to the new govern­ Bush declared December 21 that the mil­ over this facility to a government that is the show hosted by Gil Noble interviewed New ment and was placed back in command of itary operation in Panama was "pretty well legitimate continuator of the aspirations of York Assemblyman Roger Green, who rep­ the post. wrapped up." General Omar Torrijos." resents a district in Brooklyn made up of many Panamanian immigrants and other The next morning, however, he announced Military threats to Cuban embassy The Organization of American States, Blacks. Green had returned from a fact-find­ that another 2,000 troops were being rushed which had strongly approved the 1965 U.S. U.S. troops encircled the Cuban ambas­ ing trip to Panama shortly before the inva­ to Panama as reports mounted of guerrilla invasion of the Dominican Republic, met and sador's home December 24. Armored vehi­ sion. actions against the U.S. occupation. Bush told cles and troops in combat gear surrounded adopted a resolution December 22 to "deeply Congress he could not predict "the precise both the Cuban embassy and the regret the military intervention in Panama," "We saw a nation that's very proud of its scope and duration of the military operations ambassador's house and dismantled the tele­ "call for the withdrawal of the foreign history, that strongly believes in self-deter­ or how long the temporary increase of U.S. vision that monitors the street from the resi­ troops," and support "full respect for the right mination and national sovereignty," said forces in Panama will be required." dence. The U.S. soldiers told embassy per­ of the Panamanian people to self-determina­ Green. _, · In a series of attacks, snipers fired on U.S. sonnel anyone leaving would be arrested. tion without outside interference and faithful Green explained that the conflict was iiirplanes landing at Howard Air Force Base. Inside the facilities were diplomatic per­ adherence to the letter and spirit of the Torri­ rooted in U.S. violations of the canal treaties Mortars and machine-gun fire hit a building sonnel and families, including children. Peo­ jos-Carter treaties." and in the severe economic sanctions Wash­ ple in neighboring buildings were evacuated ington has imposed on Panama, which are The vote was 20 to I. The United States ,, ______by the troops. ''hitting hardest' the poor, the working })09r, Interviewed by El Diario December 26, delegate cast the one opposing vote. The throughout the country." governments of six countries - El Salva­ This criminal attack by Cuban ambassador Lazaro Mora said the Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) also spoke dor, Honduras, Venezuela, Antigua and Bar­ children "can't even go out in the backyard on the program, denouncing the invasion as U.S. forces on our country buda, Costa Rica, and Guatemala - ab­ because soldiers who have occupied the ad­ illegal and disputing the claim that the pur­ stained. is to the point where joining houses have guns pointed at them." pose was to fight drugs. "I really think the canal is the basis of the whole thing," Rangel there's not the minimal UN debate 'Ambush of Black country' said. "Certainly there's no one saying there concern for human life. At the United Nations a debate on the Within the United States, reaction against will be one ounce less of cocaine on the streets ______,, invasion began in the Security Council De- the invasion came quickly, especially among of New York." near the Southern Command headquarters where Panamanians were being recruited for duty in the new U.S.-run police force. Ri­ Statement from Cuban embassy in Panama cardo Arias Calderon, Washington's newly installed second vice-president, was shot at The following statement was released to For Cubans accustomed as we are to more mored vehicles still surround the buildings when he left the downtown National Assem­ the international media by the Cuban em­ than 30 years of U.S. barbarities and atroc­ and the danger remains. bly building. bassy in Panama City December 28 in re­ ities, the gringo invasion of the neighbor­ The ambassador's residence houses 15 sponse to the seige of the embassy by U.S. hood only increased our fury and anger. At people seeking asylum, people who came Dignity Battalions continued resistance military forces. the same time, however, we maintained our to our embassy seeking protection from the against the occupation army in San Migue­ serenity and equanimity, which were now invading army. None of them are high gov­ lito, especially by night. In the midst of the disaster created by the needed much more than ever. We knew that ernment officials. They are individuals per­ Thousands of working people poured into U.S. invasion of Panama, U.S. troops have the entire people of Cuba stood behind the secuted in their country by an army opposed shopping malls to seize food, clothes, medi­ not only occupied the country but also con­ few dozen embassy staff members and our to their interests. Cuba will never turn its cines, and other goods. ducted an attack against the security and families. back on them. If any high officials had Lt. Gen. Thomas Kelly, at a briefing in territorial integrity of Cuba, Nicaragua, and We did not remain silent in face of this presented themselves, Cuba wouldn't have Washington, denounced the Dignity Battal­ the Papal Nunciature. brutal interference in the functioning of the hesitated a moment to offer them protection ions. "They're looting, sniping," he said. Both the Cuban embassy and the Cuban embassy and complete violation of interna­ as well. "They are lawless." ambassador's residence in Panama have tional norms and diplomatic accords. We It is infuriating to witness the U.S. army's been encircled by more than 200 soldiers denounced it before the entire world. brutal aggression, its attack with all its mil­ At the same time, Kelly conceded the and dozens of armored vehicles. Their With reason and justice on our side, we itary might against the people of Panama. Panamanians "fought a little bit harder than weapons are pointed in a threatening man­ stand on full alert. Under no circumstances More than 30,000 soldiers have been sent we thought they would." He said that U.S. ner toward the installations and diplomatic will we acquiesce before such gross, fla­ here to massacre without a second thought troops had taken control of the main govern­ personnel, including family members total­ grant, and illegal interference by U.S. the poorest sectors of the population. Their ment buildings in downtown Panama City ing 19 children and 22 women. troops. massive bombing has drenched the country three days after the invasion began. It was infuriating to witness how, on Those "defenders of human rights," with with blood and sorrow. Endara came out of hiding and, under December 24, after plunging the Panama­ their illegal encirclement, at first refused to It would be good if this arrogant army heavy U.S. guard, addressed a group of leg­ nian people into grief and sadness, U.S. allow deliveries to the ambassador's resi­ would explain to its people how much blood islators. He was then whisked back to his troops burst into the neighborhood where dence. They cut off supplies of medicine, has been shed in Panama, and what its own hideout. the embassy is located. Through loudspeak­ food, and other necessities required by the losses will be if it continues on the course ers they told the neighbors to leave the area personnel housed there, including women of seeking to impose a U.S.-style "democ­ Noriega seeks asylum because there was going to be heavy fight­ and children. But this didn:t frighten any­ racy" here. Panamanian witnesses say that After eluding U.S. troops for five days, ing with the Cubans within a few hours. one. Many friends mobilized despite the U.S. deaths surpass 200, and that more than Noriega took refuge at the Vatican embassy Terror and panic spread through the neigh­ violence and solidarity managed to carry 500 U.S. soldiers have been wounded. Op­ December 24. He asked for asylum in a borhood. Well aware of the violence the the day. eration "Cold Beer" wasn't over in the mat­ foreign country. Bush demanded Vatican of­ U.S. troops were capable of, residents left Nonetheless the situation at the embassy ter of minutes predicted by Gen. [Marc] ficials hand the general over to U.S. troops their homes to seek safer places, if such and the ambassador's residence remains Cisneros. It has lasted more than a week who quickly surrounded the embassy, but the were to be found in an occupied country. critical and highly charged. Troops and ar- and it is still not over. Vatican refused.

January S, 1990 The Militant s .Why the Panamanian people are fighting for national dignity Background to struggle for control of the Panama Canal

BY CINDY JAQUITH maintaining the U.S. presence with some "General Thurman, with the way things cosmetic changes. Opposition to the treaty are going, don't you think it's optimistic to was so great that Panama's National Assem­ say U.S. troops will be out ofPanama in one bly was unable to ratify it. month?" The political crisis deepened with the 1968 Ted Koppel presidential elections. Arnulfo Arias declared ABC Nig)zt/ine himself the winner, but 11 days after taking office, he was overthrown by a group of "Well, you'll recall when we went into young officers in the country's National Detroit. We said it would be for 10 days and Guard led by Omar Torrijos, th~n a colonel. then it took us a while .. .." The National Guard, made up overwhelm­ Gen. Maxwell Thurman ingly of peasant and working-class youth, Head of U.S. Southern Command many of them Black, had been affected by Panama, December 22, 1989 the anti-imperialist upsurge sweeping Latin America, as had some of its officers. The Three days into the U.S. invasion of Pan­ young troops had no desire to continue al­ ama- Washington's biggest military oper­ lowing their country to be a base for U.S. ation since the Vietnam war- Gen. Max­ military operations in the region. well Thurman could only think of Detroit, Torrijos came increasingly into conflict where 4,700 U.S. paratroopers and 8,000 with Washington, particularly as he pressed National Guardsmen invaded in 1967 to for control of the canal and an end to crush a rebellion by Blacks against police Panama's colonial status. brutality. "We will never be an associated state, a The U.S. Army's occupation of Detroit left colony, or a protectorate," Torrijos told the 43 Blacks dead, 2,000 wounded, 5,000 ar­ United Nations Security Council in 1973. rested, and 5,000 homeless. "Nor will we add another star to the flag of The invasion of Panama by 26,000 U.S. the United States." troops has so far taken thousands of Panama­ In 1974 Torrijos recognized the govern­ nian lives and left thousands more homeless ment of Cuba, breaking with Washington's and wounded. The first body bags of U.S. long-standing policy barring relations with Gls are arriving in the United States, along the revolutionary government of Fidel Cas­ with hundreds of wounded U.S. troops. tro. "Every minute of isolation suffered by Washington says it has occupied this coun­ the brother people of Cuba constitutes 60 try of only 2.3 million people to "restore any Panamanian who was Black from enter­ tory. Sugar and banana workers in Panama minutes of hemispheric shame," Torrijos democracy." But the bombing of working­ ing the Zone's white neighborhoods. spearheaded a battle for a minimum wage in said. class neighborhoods in Panama City, the re­ The struggle against this discriminatory the early 1960s. There were urban protests fusal to permit Red Cross workers to evacuate system was waged partly through the trade against high rents. Panamanian students or­ Changes in countryside the wounded, and the rounding up of thou­ unions that grew up among canal workers. ganized demonstrations against the U.S. oc­ Big changes came to Panama's country­ sands of Panamanian youth reveal the real Many of the labor leaders who fought to end cupation of the Zone. side under the Torrijos regime, to the distress target of this operation. segregation were expelled from the country. of the landowning families who had exploited 'Heroes of Our America' The "gold-silver" system, while not in Shot for flying flag the rural work force for decades without government interference. The invading troops have met resistance force in Panama proper, nevertheless set the In 1964 a group of students tried to raise The new government launched agro-in­ from the Dignity Battalions. These are armed tone for racist policies throughout the coun­ the Panamanian flag next to the U.S. flag at dustrial civilian units of Panamanian workers and try. Blacks, whether they spoke Spanish or Balboa High School in the Zone. U.S. troops projects aimed at overcoming Panama's dependence on U.S. consumer peasants, many of them Black. The battalions English, suffered discrimination in jobs, intervened, setting off rebellions in the Zone, goods. Torrijos also set up peasant coopera­ have been branded "terrorists," "thugs," and schools, and housing. Panama City, and Colon. tives to increase production. "looters" by the likes of General Thurman. The legal segregationist system in the Zone More than 20 Panamanians were shot dead About 5 percent Cuban President Fidel Castro has praised began to fall apart, however, in the 1950s. and over 450 wounded. The bulk of the of the nation's cultivable land was distributed to poor peasants. Torrijos them as "heroes of Our America, who are With the first victories in the U.S. civil rights protesters were slain in Chorrillo, one of the opposed extensive nationalization of capital­ fighting for the dignity, honor, and sover­ movement against "separate but equal" facil­ poorest working-class neighborhoods in Pan­ ist farms, however, arguing that a mixture of eignty of our peoples." ities, certain U.S. policies in the Canal Zone ama City. Who are the men and women of the Dig­ were no longer constitutional. Twenty-five years later, when the U.S. private, state-owned, and cooperative enter­ prises was the road to Panama's develop­ nity Battalions and why are they standing up military invaded on Dec. 20, 1989, Chorrillo Cuban revolution ment. to the most powerful military force on earth? was the first neighborhood to be destroyed In 1959 the people of Cuba overthrew the as U.S. bombers pounded the Defense The government instituted social projects The battle of the Panamanian people for Fulgencio Batista dictatorship, ending de­ Forces' headquarters located in the heart of that benefited above all the impoverished freedom from U.S. tyranny stretches back to cades of U.S. domination. Working people Chorrillo. rural population. From 1968 to 1986, for the beginning of this century. In 1903 the throughout Latin America were inspired by While most strongly rooted in the working example, the number of public schools in­ United States bought rights to build the Pan­ the new Cuban government's resolute action class, the demand for the United States to get creased from 1,851 to 3,187. The infant mor­ ama Canal. A treaty was drawn up giving the to distribute land to poor peasants, nationalize out of Panama had also won support among tality rate dropped from 40 per 1,000 live U.S. government rights to the canal "in per­ U.S.-owned companies, drive out the gam­ middle-class layers and from a section of births to 19.4, a lower rate than that today in petuity," including the right to administer the bling and prostitution houses, and defend the Panamanian capitalists who resented the spe­ Harlem. Roads were built and electricity 650-square-mile Canal Zone, to run the Pan­ revolution arms in hand. cial privileges granted to U.S. businesses in brought to remote parts of the countryside. ama Canal Company, and to use U.S. soldiers Labor and youth struggles in Panama, as the Canal Zone. Social Security was extended to more than a to maintain "order" in other parts of Panama. in many other Latin American countries, In 1967 Washington offered the Panama­ million Panamanians who had never received Washington didn't even bother to ask the began to intensify following the Cuban vic- nian government a new canal treaty aimed at it before. Panamanian government, which it had just installed, to sign the document. Tens of thousands of workers from the Caribbean, most of them Black and English­ speaking, migrated to Panama to work on the canal. Thousands died from the slavelike working conditions or from disease. Of those who survived, many stayed in the Canal Zone working for the U.S. Army or private U.S. companies once the canal was completed. 'Gold' and 'silver' Jim Crow The decades following completion of the canal were marked by repeated struggles of Panamanians against U.S. domination of their economy and government and for an end to the occupation of the Canal Zone. Intertwined with the fight for Panamanian sovereignty was the struggle against the racist policies of the U.S. government. In the Canal Zone, Washington had set up the same kind of Jim Crow system that existed at that time in the U.S. South. Whites shopped at "gold" commissaries and lived in "gold" neighborhoods, while Blacks went to "silver" commissaries·, drank out of "silver" water fountains, and could only find housing in "silver" neighborhoods. One Black neighborhood was even called Gen. Omar Torrijos visiting with Kuna Indians on Panama's San Bias islands. Under the Torrijos government, Indian communities "Silver City." U.S. police were quick to stop entered politics for the first time with demands for protection of their culture, languages, and territory.

6 The Militant January 5, 1990 known as the Dignity Battalions. These mi­ litias were trained by the Defense Forces to prepare for a possible U.S. invasion. Devastating economic sanctions Washington stepped up the pressure with stiff economic sanctions against Panama, aimed above all at making life miserable for its working people. The U.S. government froze $56 million in Panamanian funds in U.S. banks. Panama's quota for sugar exports to the United States was eliminated. All U.S. aid to the country was ended, including funds for medical pro­ grams such as anti-malaria programs. U.S. companies were prohibited from paying taxes to Panama and also stopped paying Social Security for their Panamanian em­ ployees. The sanctions had a devastating effect. By 1989 unemployment had nearly doubled, to 17.5 percent officially. Some 50,000 workers were laid off. Among the hardest hit were construction workers. Their union, which had 20,000 people working in 1987, had only 1,200 on the job by 1989. U.S. soldiers with rifles and bayonets threaten youth trying to place Panamanian flag in the Canal Zone during 1959 popular The percentage of the population living upsurge demanding national sovereignty. under the official poverty line had jumped to 44 percent by late 1989, up from 33 percent in 1987. Panama's labor movement began demand­ By this time Washington's contra war leave power. They sought to organize dem­ May 1989 elections ing a new labor code that would permit against Nicaragua was under way. The U.S. onstrations and strikes to rally working peo­ greater organization of the working class. Southern Command, based in the canal zone, ple to their side. It was in this context that presidential Under the 1947 code, bosses had 30 different directed the mercenaries. To Washington's The Panamanian labor movement had lit­ elections took place in May 1989. Washing­ ways to legally fire a worker. The employers irritation, the Panamanian government called tle sympathy for the rabiblancos, despite ton openly gave $10 million to the Demo­ used this to crush organizing drives. Between for a political settlement to the war and sharp clashes that had occurred a year earlier cratic Alliance for Civil Opposition ticket (the 1947 and 1972 only 29 new labor contracts opposed the deepening U.S. military inter­ between the Panamanian government and the old Civic Crusade), headed by presidential were signed. vention. unions. candidate Guillermo Endara. In 1972 the labor movement won a new Opposing Endara was the Coalition for By 1985 the Sandinista army had begun In 1985 and 1986, President Nicollis Ardito National Liberation ticket, which united par­ code that permitted workers to join the union to drive the contras back. The mercenaries Barletta sought to impose austerity measures after just two weeks on the job. Unions were ties that favored implementation of the canal were finished unless Washington could demanded by the International Monetary treaties and rejected Washington's arrogant organized at many more work sites and nearly breathe new life into the war. Fund, Barletta introduced new restrictions in 200 contracts were signed the first· year.~ demand that Noriega resign. Then national security adviser John the labor. code, . closed some of the state­ The race itself was close, but before all the Ainong those organized for the first time were Poindexter paid a visit to Noriega in 1985. owned enterprises set up by Torrijos, and tried the many public employees in the country. votes could be counted the results were an­ He demanded that Panama's Defense Forces to lay.off 30,000 public employees. A series nulled by the Panamanian government be­ The advances won by working people directly aid the contras in Nicaragua. Noriega of general strikes protested the measures and cause of the· provocative U.S. interference. during these years opened the door to greater refused. Defense Forces troops were called out to U.S. President George Bush responded by participation in society and the government Suddenly a campaign began in Congress break the strikes. The public employees sending 2,000 more U.S. troops to Panama. by Panamanians who were Black. For the denouncing Noriega as a double agent - union, however, was successful in blocking In the fall of 1989 Washington made its first time Panama's Indian communities en­ said to be working for the CIA and the Cuban the layoffs of its members. last attempt to use Panamanians to overturn tered politics, bringing to national attention government at the same time. Charges of drug Whatever opinions workers had of the the legitimate government of Panama. On their demands for protection of their culture, trafficking were leveled at Noriega a few government and Defense Forces in 1987, October 3 U.S. troops provided backup for a languages, and territory. months later. virtually the entire labor movement opposed coup attempt against Noriega by a group of 1977 canal treaties Inside Panama, Washington turned to the the Civic Crusade, and what some jokingly officers in the Defense Forces. The coup was very forces overthrown by Torrijos in 1968, called the "Mercedes Benz revolution," be­ smashed within hours. In 1977 U.S. President James Carter was popularly known as the rabiblancos (white cause the well-to-do Civic Crusaders arrived Two and a half months later, the biggest forced to sign historic treaties relinquishing asses) because of their light skins, wealth, at demonstrations in the latest model sedans. U.S. invading force since Vietnam is attempt­ Washington's control of the Panama Canal and ties to the U.S. government. These busi­ Working people did respond, however, to ing to occupy a country whose working peo­ to Panama by the year 2000. The Torrijos­ nessmen and landowners established a "Civic a call by the Panamanian government in 1988 ple have fought long and hard for national Carter treaties stipulated that total control of Crusade" in 1987 to demand that Noriega to set up civilian defense units, which becam~ dignity and self-determination. the canal and the administration of the zone would revert to Panama. The U.S. military bases - which numbered 14 at the time - would be dismantled. Between 1977 and 2000, control would be turned over step-by­ U.S. violations of Panatna Canal treaties step to the Panamanian government. The treaties signed in 1977 between tration of the canal during the period lead­ determines the surplus to which Panama is On Oct. 1, 1979, a quarter of a million Gen. Omar Torrijos and then U.S. Presi­ ing up to the year 2000; entitled; Panamanians demonstrated to celebrate the dent James Carter call for the complete • transfers of canal assets to other U.S. formal turning over of the Canal Zone to • direct payment to the Panamanian withdrawal of the U.S. presence from agencies, thus decapitalizing the water­ Panama. U.S. Vice-president Walter Moo­ government of revenues from the canal Panama by Dec. 31, 1999. This would was begun; way; dale, who addressed the ceremony, was mean turning over the canal to Panama • maintenance by the United States of greeted by banners demanding "Yankees out • Panamanians got the right to conduct and dismantling the 13 military bases it a special police force in the enclave, of Panama" and "Sovereignty or death." commercial activities in the area served has on the 650 square miles that make up whose presence is designed to provoke The victory for Panamanian self-determi­ by the canal; the canal zone. violence; nation was the product not only of decades • special privileges for U.S. citizens The 1977 treaties registered significant • denying Panamanian workers in the of battle by the Panamanian people, but big and canal workers were ended; advances won by the Panamanian people zone the right to celebrate their national struggles-taking place around the world that • Washington agreed to tum over to in their struggle for sovereignty - ad­ holidays; had weakened Washington's grip on the lives Panama educational and sporting facili­ vances that Washington is trying to re­ • nonpayment to Panama of millions and destinies of worldng people. ties, housing, the railroad, and other real verse through its military occupation and of dollars in revenues owed from the use estate in the canal zone. In 1979 alone, the Iranian masses had establishment of a puppet regime in Pan­ of the canal; During the last two years, U.S. viola­ overthrown the shah's monarchy; the people ama. • the Dec. 6, 1989, unilateral appoint­ of the Caribbean island of Grenada had es­ Under the 1977 treaties: tions of the treaties - which began after ment by Washington of a new administra­ tablished a popular revolutionary govern­ • a timetable for the termination of the agreements were signed - have esca­ tor of the canal, following the U.S. rejec­ ment; and in Nicaragua, the workers and U.S. control over the canal was set; lated sharply. Since 1977 U.S. violations tion of Panama's appointee; peasants had toppled the Anastasio Somoza • the laws of Panama became applica­ have included: • leading up to the invasion, an ·in­ dictatorship, one of Washington's strongest ble within the canal zone for the first time; • placing decision-making power over crease in the provocative staging of "ma­ allies in the region. The Torrijos government • Panama regained control over .some canal affairs in the hands of the U.S. pres­ neuvers" by U.S. troops in Panamanian had given considerable material aid to the territory within the canal enclave; ident, State Department, amt ambassador villages and on major highways near the Sandinista guerrilla forces who led the revo­ • the principle of no U.S. intervention toPanama; · canal zone without permission of Panama­ lution to bring down Somoza and place the in Panama's internal affairs was reaf­ • discriminating against Panamanians nian authorities. U.S. units held such ma­ toilers in power. firmed; in job opportunities, wages, training, and neuvers directly in front of at least one In 1981 Torrijos died in a mysterious air­ • provisions were agreed to for the working conditions on the C<\1lal; Panama Defense Force base and staged plane crash. Gen. Manuel Noriega assumed joint participation' by Panama and the • excluding the Panamanian govern­ exercises in the streets leading up to Pana­ control of the National Guard in 1983, chang­ United States in the defense and adminis- ment from the audit of canal income that manian government buildings. ing its name to the Defense Forces.

January ~' 1990 The Militant 7 'The resistance of Panama's people is of truly historic significance' Cuban President Fidel Castro denounces U.S. invasion of Panama around August or September. We also ener­ been spread throughout the world by way of We have expressed our willingness to co­ getically denounced them at the Nonaligned their powerful mass media. operate. We have expressed our willingness summit meeting.2 We know the enemy and The fact is that they invaded Panama. How to send our plasma, our doctors, our equip­ we know the enemy's moral character. There­ did they do it? They did it in the manner that ment, our surgeons. We have done this many fore, what they did could not surprise us. the peoples were familiar with not so long times over the years of the revolution, helping But even though we anticipated these ac­ ago, in 1939. They did it in the manner of countries that suffered natural catastrophes tions and denounced them, we could not but the Nazis and the fascists, looking for similar such as hurricanes or earthquakes. We have feel deeply indignant to the bottom of our pretexts to initiate their aggressions. They did done this even in cases where the govern­ hearts, deeply angry, deeply bitter. Because it in the manner of the Nazis and the fascists, ments were enemies of ours, as in Nicaragua it is not possible to react to such a crime in attacking by surprise, without any kind of under Somoza, or as in Honduras. We also any other manner. warning. did this with governments that we had no This time they did it in the early morning relations with, as happened on one occasion Pretexts for savage action hours, at 1:00 a.m., when it was assumed that following a major earthquake in Peru. Now Once again, we have been witness to how the population was asleep, that the workers we are facing the reality that it is not possible imperialism acts. We have seen or heard - were asleep, and even that the soldiers were to assist Panama's wounded, because U.S. in one way or another, through television asleep. And this was not an attack against one troops are there and do not want Panama's footage or radio broadcasts -the pretexts position. It was a simultaneous attack on all wounded to receive assistance. and justifications used to carry out this savage the military units and important strategic How much barbarity and abuse have we and uncivilized action. We have listened to points in Panama. come to in this world? How much cruelty the spokespersons of imperialism, from the In this way they have brought death and have we come to in this world? Thus, while president of the United States to the secretary destruction to this sister country of Latin the empire's wounded soldiers travel imme­ of state, as well as the secretary of defense diately to the best hospitals over there, Pan­ and the Pentagon chiefs. We find loathsome ,, ______amanians lie bleeding in the streets. and disgusting the way they try to justify the That's why I say that the events are suffi­ deeds, the lies, and the ridiculous pretexts We know the hundreds of ciently sad and sufficiently harsh as to make used for it. anyone angry and bitter. I'm no longer think­ They say that the Panamanians murdered times that U.S. troops ing just of the brutality, the illegality, and the an unarmed soldier. Everybody knows how have violated unjustifiable action of the United States. they go around there, how they go around in Militant/Selva Nebbia Panama drunk. Who doesn't know what U.S. Panamanian sovereignty, Resistance of the people Fidel Castro soldiers do when they're drunk? Once they Alongside this, there is something else that even climbed atop the statue of the hero of humiliating and trampling has occurred that is truly historic, that is truly The following speech by Cuban Presi­ our national independence, Jose Marti, in on the people. significant. This is the resistance ofthe people dent Fidel Castro was delivered December Central Park.3 There are photographs of it. ______,, of Panama, the resistance of the units of the 21, the day after the U.S. invasion of Pan­ These soldiers, armed and in a state of Defense Forces and the civilians organized ama. It was given at a ceremony called to intoxication, fired on a military installation in the Dignity Battalions and other units. America. In a few hours they have shed the present awards to the most outstanding and wounded some Panamanians. One of The empire believed the resistance would blood of thousands of Panamanians, the ma­ Cuban athletes of the year held at the these soldiers died as a result of the provo­ last minutes, perhaps hours. They thought jority of them civilians. Sports City complex in Havana. The text cation. What could the Panamanian soldiers that when they dropped paratroopers at night of the speech was published in the Decem­ there do, being attacked while at their post? But they didn't attack fearlessly, that is, or attacked with planes and helicopters, not ber 22, 1989, issue of Granma. The trans­ What the imperialists are saying is that an fearless of the death of imperialism's own a single soldier or a single civilian combatant lation, subheadings, and notes are by the "innocent" and "unarmed" U.S. soldier was mercenary soldiers. Quite the contrary. They would remain at his post. That is the concep- Militant. murdered. killed as.many persons as nece~y to ~void , ;~f9R~~Y,h~.v.e ofl.,~tiP. 1\Jnyrip~ ~: lllt¥.~fill It seems that in the party they' were fiaving their own losses. Wherever there was resis­ nave not learned enough. tii.eir conception A few days ago, we projected holding this they brought along a North American tance they didn't send soldiers. They used is of a people no longer able to put up ceremony here today. In the past few hours, woman. So what do the U.S. spokespersons planes and helicopters to drop bombs, and resistance. In this they also aim to deceive we thought about whether or not to suspend say? That not only did the Panamanians mur­ they "flattened" areas with artillery. Then the world. it, owing to the developments you know der a soldier, but there was also an attempt they attacked. Whenever they encountered Yesterday we witnessed how in the morn­ about. We had also planned a reception with to sexually abuse a North American woman. resistance, they would retreat again and "flat­ ing, six hours after the attack had begun, they the athletes, which had been promised some These things have been said and repeated ten" the area, using air power and artillery. were already telling the world that all resis­ time ago. Obviously, however, that has been hundreds of times. The goal is to present as This is the type of war they have waged in tance had ended. suspended until a more suitable time. the most natural and justified thing in the the capital of Panama, in the most densely For more than 15 hours yesterday, the In any case, we wanted to go ahead with world the act of committing genocide against populated communities. That is what has Panamanian national radio network - the ceremony, although I believe that our the people of Panama. created thousands of civilian victims. which was being relayed to other transmitters hearts are not exactly into talking about These are the methods of imperialism and - broadcast news of what was occurring, sports. Sports are deserving of every honor Streets covered in blood summoning the people to the struggle. It did and glory. Victories in sports are one of the this is how it acts. We know it well, and not only through our own long experience. We Imperialism's mercenary soldiers who are this until the invaders were able to silence it most legitimate products of the revolution. wounded receive immediate attention. They through direct attacks by helicopter gunships. This has been a year of great successes, of also know the number of lies used in this whole sad episode of aggression against Pan­ are picked up in modem ambulances, taken But Panamanians have also been listening great satisfaction for our people, and of glory to hospital planes, and flown to the best for Cuban sports. And these are a precursor ama. We have seen the videos, we have seen to international radio. They have been listen­ these things on television. And we know the hospitals in the United States. Meanwhile, ing to Cuban radio, to Radio Havana Cuba, of even greater glories in the future. But our they don't even permit ambulances to pick intention is not to speak about sports. dozens and hundreds oftimes that U.S. troops Radio Rebelde, and other stations. These have violated Panamanian sovereignty, hu­ up wounded Panamanian combatants. And stations were in regular communication with Fighting for sovereignty miliating and trampling on the people of they don't even permit them to pick up the Panama yesterday, informing the people of wounded civilian population. Thus people It is more fitting to devote a few words to Panama. This was occurring virtually every Cuba and the world of what was happening. day, and now we have the scenes, we have are dying, and the streets of the capital of Today these stations continue reporting, al­ the heroes of Our America who at this mo­ Panama are covered in blood. ment are fighting in Panama for the dignity, the televised shots of these events, which our though the U.S. was attempting to intercept honor, and sovereignty of our peoples. It is people can observe. There were some wounded Panamanians their broadcasts in Panama. They were trying more fitting to recall those who are dying at who the people themselves, in one way or to jam the broadcasts because they did not No respect for Panama this moment. We should recall those who at another, were able to bring to the hospital. even want the Panamanian people to know this very moment are being massacred by They showed no respect for Panama's Owing to the number of victims, however, what was going on through listening to Cuban bombs and imperialism's most sophisticated streets or avenues. From their military bases there was not adequate medical attention, radio. weapons of war. in the canal zone they carne with their heli­ despite the extraordinary efforts by Panama­ Dignity Battalions copters, their tanks, their armored personnel nian doctors. There wasn't enough plasma, We must think about the fact that they are What is it that they fear like the devil carriers, and their mercenary troops. With the medical supplies, hospital beds, equipment, fighting at this very moment. Thus, our event himself? What is the fear that all the spokes­ look of murderers that characterizes them, or surgical instruments. And thus we have is occurring at one of the most painful, dra­ persons of the empire now express? The fear they would go into any part of the Panama­ seen photographs and television footage of matic, and difficult times in the contemporary is that the resistance will continue. The fear nian capital or any other town, violating all dozens of civilians - men, women, chil­ history of what Marti called Our America.1 is that the Defense Forces and the Dignity international laws. And now they are saying dren, and old people - whose dead bodies To a greater or lesser extent, we have Battalions and all Panamanian patriots will that those who provoked it were the Pana­ filled the hospital corridors. witnessed and received information about continue the war in the country's interior. manians. They are saying that the United Cuba addressed itself to all the most au­ everything that began occurring yesterday, Because they know that it is possible, over a States had to invade a small country in our thoritative international bodies. It called on December 20, during the early morning greater or lesser period of time, to control the hemisphere to defend the security of the the United Nations. It called on the Move­ hours. capital with this overwhelming accumulation United States. ment of Nonaligned Countries and all orga­ It's not that these developments took us by of force. But they are panic-stricken that the I repeat once more: This is loathsome and nizations that could participate in the strug­ surprise. It's not that we considered imperi­ patriots will get organized in the country's disgusting. And these pretexts and lies have gle, in the effort to halt U.S. imperialism 's alism incapable of such a crime. It was pos­ interior, in the wooded and mountainous ter­ sible to anticipate these acts. act of barbarism. Cuba spoke with many friends throughout the world. rain, and continue the war of resistance. All the steps they are now taking are inspired by Our country had denounced these acts in 2. The Movement of Nonaligned Countries But in addition, it also addressed itself to our press three or four months ago, and in held its Ninth Summit Conference in September the International Red Cross, to the highest this panic. particularly strong terms. We 're now in De­ 1989. At that meeting Cuba's First Vice-presi­ authorities of that institution, explaining to Their hope is to prevent this from happen­ cember and these denunciations were made dent Raul Castro made a vigorous call for world­ them what was occurring in Panama with the ing and to present the aggression to the world wide solidarity with Panama. 3. In 1949 some drunken U.S. sailors climbed victims of the invasion. We explained the as being over. For this reason they are using I. Jose Martf is considered Cuba's national on top of Martf's statue in Havana and urinated need for an urgent mobilization to attend to all possible means today to confuse the Pan­ hero. He initiated Cuba's final war for indepen­ on it. This act of desecration provoked a wide the wounded Panamanians, who the empire's amanians, telling them that all resistance has dence from Spain in 1895 and was killed in public outcry and protest demonstrations among mercenary soldiers were preventing from ended. battle that same year. Cuban patriots. even receiving assistance. They are afraid of getting bogged down

8 The Militant January 5, 1990 there. It is one thing to control a city, given OAS to approve a resolution to also send in the means at their disposal. It is quite another troops. to try to eliminate resistance throughout the This time, despite many maneuvers in the country if the Panamanians make use of the OAS to get it to support U.S. plans for rich experience of irregular warfare. political aggression against Panama, it did This is something we have studied exten­ not succeed. And when it came to sending in sively. It is something we have educated our troops, the United States won no support in combatants in from one end of Cuba to the the OAS for its action, let alone agreement other, through what we call the concept of by OAS members to send in troops of their war of the entire people. We have studied the own. experience the revolutionary movement has accumulated in recent years, as well as our Aggressor and victim own experience. Because when all is said and What happened this time is that the OAS done, we did not begin our struggle for lib­ condemned both the aggressor and the vic­ eration in the capital of the republic. We tim. It condemned the aggression by the began in the mountains of the Sierra Maestra, United States and it condemned the govern­ until our guerrilla struggle extended itself ment under attack. This is a novel approach. across the entire country. But it is one that, despite everything, repre­ sents a step forward. In fact, we might say it Learn what we are capable of is a considerable step forward. That's what the powerful imperialist gen­ Many governments around the world have tlemen are afraid of now, and that's what they Thousands of Panamanians are being held prisoner by the U.S. military. "In a few condemned this crime, including a number are trying to avoid at all costs. They are afraid, hours," said Castro December 21, U.S. military forces "have shed the blood of thou­ of capitalist governments, a number of West­ and well they should be! Little by little they sands of Panamanians, the majority of them civilians." em governments. They know it is an act of will be forced to learn what we are capable savagery, an act of barbarism, which strikes of, we whom they have scorned, we the it. But as you know, the United States enjoys sufficient for a single member, among those a blow against peace in Central America, peoples of Latin America! the sacrosanct right of veto, which it has who enjoy the irritating and antidemocratic against stability in Central America, where They have had to be taught a number of utilized on countless occasions. privilege of the right to veto, to overturn the there are so many serious unresolved prob­ lessons. They were taught something at the election of any leader of the United Nations. lems. Bay of Pigs, a number of years ago.4 They The United Nations secretary-general has They know this action strikes a blow were taught something in Nicaragua, by the said he regrets the acts of violence. But in all The Organization of American States, al­ against stability in Latin America, where Sandinista fighters. And just recently they sincerity I believe that this is a time not for though not the same rotten mess it was 30 there are so many serious unresolved prob­ were taught something in a spectacular fash­ regretting acts but rather for condemning years ago, is still far from being a model lems. They know it is a blow against stability ion by the heroic actions of the Salvadoran them. In the past I have expressed the hope institution. This time the United States was in world politics, and that it is a humiliating revolutionaries and patriots. that peace can be attained. But this is not the not able to secure the complicity of the OAS. slap in the face to the Soviet peace policy. time for expressing the hope that peace can This was something truly extraordinary. This time the United States was not able We have been sounding the alert for more be attained. Rather, it is the time to demand For ten years the United States has constantly to accomplish what it did in the case of Cuba, than a year, since the meeting with the militia the withdrawal of the invading U.S. troops. provided financial resources, training, and where it gained OAS support for its aggres­ members of Havana held in the Plaza of the arms to the genocidal government of El Sal­ sive measures. Revolution, and on numerous occasions since vador. For ten years they have provided tech­ U.S. right to veto then. Just a few days ago, at the ceremony nical means, helicopters, planes, the most Of course it is not easy to carry out impor­ This time it was not able to accomplish for the burial of the comrades who lost their modem infantry ·weapons, communications tant functions in the United Nations, because what it did in the case of the Dominican lives in internationalist missions, ·we said equipment, everything. For ten years! those elected to posts there depend on the Republic in 1965, where, after staging a cun­ what we thought about the imperialists' in- And yet the number of Salvadoran fighters backing of the Security Council. And it is ning military strike, it managed to get the Continued on next page has grown. They have proved they can pen­ etrate the streets of the capital and remain there for weeks at a time, holding in check an army that is armed to the teeth, financed, Castro calls on UN to condemn U.S. aggression and trained by the United States. This was just five or six weeks ago. And Havana, Cuba lessness of those who, themselves guilty the main leader of the Atlantic alliance now we have seen what has happened to them December 20, 1989 of aggression, try to pass themselves off as [NATO] , has trampled on the sovereignty, in Panama. They know that if the Panamanian victims. independence, and territorial integrity of patriots are able to take into account the Enrique Pei'ialosa Today the blood of hundreds of Pana­ another nation. It has done so under the experience of Nicaragua, of the FMLN President manian patriots waters the generous land transparent pretext of defending democ­ [Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front] United Nations Security Council that the Liberator, Simon Bolivar, chose racy and defending itself from a fabricated in El Salvador, then they are going to get as the site of the Anficti6nico Congress and nonexistent aggression. If it can take bogged down- for who knows how long Javier Perez de Cuellar more than 100 years ago.* It is timely and these steps with impunity, without this - in this small country. Secretary -General fitting to recall Bolivar's historical dictum body doing anything to prevent it, without United Nations at a time when the United States once this body demanding a halt to the aggres­ Insufficient response New York again "plagues with miseries" an Ameri­ sion and unconditional withdrawal of the The Yankee imperialists have in one way can nation "in the name of democracy and invaders, then statements by this body's or another been rebuked by world public Mr. President; freedom." Because of the firm resistance members concerning their adherence to opinion. But in our opinion they have not yet Mr. Secretary-General: they have mounted, the sons and daugh­ the principles of international law and to received a sufficient response. I have the unavoidable duty of address­ ters of this people are and always will be the ideals of the founders of the United There is still a great deal of hypocrisy in ing your excellencies regarding the brutal viewed as worthy successors of the Nations would be meaningless. and treacherous aggression the govern­ the world. Europe, which boasts of its civi­ Liberator's spirit. Cuba is prepared to share the responsi­ lized character, has seen some governments ment and armed forces of the United The people of Cuba have endured im­ bilities of this high body beginning next States of America are conducting against applauding the aggression against Panama. perialist pressure, harassment, and aggres­ year in its capacity as a nonpermanent the people and government Others have expressed their "understanding" of Panama. sion for more than 30 years. We whole­ member. However, it cannot fail to state at for U.S. actions. This is not the first time that a small heartedly stand by the side of the the outset that for our people and govern­ Of course, there are also governments in nation in Our America has had to face the Panamanian people in their fight for inde­ ment the United Nations Charter is not Europe that have forcefully condemned these interventionist claws of the U.S. govern­ pendence, sovereignty, and territorial in­ and cannot be simply a scrap of paper. It acts. In terms of the European socialist coun­ ment. The Dominican Republic, Grenada, tegrity. We know that the only peace and cannot become a rhetorical reference that tries - as far as we know right now - the and Nicaragua are recent wounds in a con­ security our peoples can hope for is that the great powers violate as they see fit, Soviet Union has condemned the U.S. action tinent that, since the end of the past cen­ which we ourselves are capable of con­ trampling over peoples' rights and stain­ and called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops tury, has been trampled on repeatedly by quering with our heroism. ing their dignity, sovereignty, and inde­ from Panama. But in some European socialist the naval and ground forces of imperial­ For that reason, the only path to victory pendence. countries we haven't heard so much as a word ism. lies in the resistance to the invaders that is We expect the Security Council, its spoken concerning the aggression against Today imperialism has not hesitated to today rising in Panama. invade the sister republic of Panama, with president, and the secretary-general of the Panama. The Security Council is meeting to con­ the declared aim of overthrowing its gov­ United Nations to take the resolute action In Latin America the immense majority of sider the aggression by the United States ernment and imposing a puppet regime. demanded by the peoples of the United countries and political leaders have in one - which is one of its permanent members The real and unspoken motive behind the Nations in support of the besieged Pana­ way or another condemned these acts - and therefore bears special responsibility aggression is to install a regime that is manian people who are firmly defending some energetically, others more tepidly. for the maintenance of peace and interna­ prepared to accept continued occupation their right to freely decide their own des­ International institutions - above all the tional security - against a country with of the Panama Canal beyond the terms tiny. Movement of Nonaligned Countries- have barely 2.5 million inhabitants. agreed to in the Torrijos-Carter treaties. I would like to take this opportunity to forcefully condemned these acts. The United The president of the United States has A permanent member of the council, renew to your excellencies the assurances Nations Security Council has not said its final of my deepest consideration. word on the matter; they are still discussing sought to justify this gross violation of international law and the United Nations * In 1826 Simon Bolfvar, the leading histor­ Fidel Castro Charter by invoking nothing less than Ar­ ical figure in Latin America's liberation from President of the Spanish rule, organized the Anficti6nico Con­ 4. In April 1961, in an action organized and ticle 51 of that same charter, which recog­ gress in Panama. Representatives of the newly Council of State directed by the U.S. government, some 1,500 nizes each state's "right to legitimate de­ independent republics of Latin America dis­ and of the Cuban-born mercenaries invaded Cuba at the fense." Such an insult to the intelligence cussed plans for regional cooperation and fed­ government of the Bay of Pigs. The invaders were defeated within of the member states matches the shame- eration. Republic of Cuba 72 hours.

January 5, 1990 The Militant 9 Panamanian people's historic resistance Continued from previous page I have seen them in battle. I admire the way terpretation of peace and what we thought in which Latin Americans today are prepared about the dangers of the present situation.5 to fight. I am referring to the peoples, because We said what we thought about the evo­ there are governments that are still not suffi­ lution from a bipolar to a unipolar world, ciently courageous to challenge the actions under U.S. hegemony. And we said what we of the imperialist power. But any country, no thought about the stepped-up role by the matter how small, can fight. United States as a policeman that does not The Grenadians fought. The Nicaraguans stop at any hemisphere, that intervenes in fought the genocidal army of Somoza, cre­ Asia and Africa as well as in Latin America, ated by the United States. They fought the and that takes upon itself the right to decide mercenary invasions, the war imposed by the what government a country can and cannot United States, just as in the past Sandino have. fought the Yankees. The Salvadorans have We said that the only guarantee and secu­ fought with unequaled heroism. The Pana­ rity that our people can have is that which manian patriots have fought with equally we are capable of conquering with our her­ extraordinary heroism. Without a single ex­ oism. ception, the peoples are losing their fear of It is difficult to place much confidence in the imperialist soldiers! international law when we see such things. I have not spoken of Cuba; there is no need In 1965, the U.S. government ordered the invasion of the Dominican Republic in order It is difficult to place much confidence in to. We know very well what will happen if to quash a popular revolutionary upsurge. The action had the backing of the Organi­ one day they dare to invade our homeland! I zation of American States. "The United States won no support in the OAS" for its 1989 ______invasion of Panama, Castro noted December ,, think they know this too - and if they don't, 21. Their fear is that the they should - because we have not wasted time. We have confronted this empire for 30 weapons, and I don't think a single person in is no can:tpaign of lies that can force them to Defense Forces and the years, and the more aggressive it becomes this country lost any sleep over it.6 deviate from this. Not even all the gold in the the more we prepare ourselves to confront it It doesn't matter what they have! It doesn't world would be enough to buy them off. I Dignity Battalions and all with our own forces, which are sufficient to matter how sophisticated their weapons may speak to these athletes today and I express Panamanian patriots will defend our homeland. be, because what a man carries inside himself, these sentiments, these thoughts, because this in his breast, in his consciousness, in his mind, is not the time to speak of anything else. Defense of Cuba continue the war in the is worth far more than any advantages offered You athletes know that the better trained Our homeland will be defended not only by their sophisticated weapons. country's interior. with unequaled heroism but also with the best you are, the better prepared you are, the more technical means that our science can provide, We know this from our own history and certain you are of victory. Inner courage, intelligence, and thought are important and ------'' with the best military and political concep­ from more than one experience. In fact we tions, with the best strategy, with the best began our war of liberation virtually without decisive, but so too is training. That is why international institutions when we see these weapons. And with the enemies' weapons - in recent years our party and our revolution­ events and the other things we have seen. It tactics. And we didn't just start to work on this today, we didn't just start 30 years ago with which had been provided by the United States ary government have devoted so much en­ is difficult to place much confidence in the - we carried out and won the war. The ergy, so much time, and so many resources United Nations when we see such things. this revolution. We began more than 120 years ago during our first war of independence. situation today is different. Today, we have to preparing the people for a war of the entire It is difficult to place much confidence in millions of weapons - millions! - and we people. Because if the difficult hour arrives, the Security Council, which ended up not One single municipality, even the smallest even produce our own. But in addition we it's good to know how to shoot for the heart, even issuing a resolution, even a mediocre in our country, could wage a long war against can also count on the weapons of the invad­ how to shoot for the head, how to shoot with one, expressing a judgment on the events. the same number of troops the imperialists ers, because we know how they can be taken whatever weapon you have. And if the in­ Instead it discussed who represents Panama have employed in Panama. So we are pre­ and used against them. [Applause] vaders come wearing bulletproof vests, we -the representative of the puppet placed in pared and we are trained. We have hundreds I think that the best guarantee is a correct can make mines that will blow them I 00 power there or the representative of the gov­ of thousands of trained military personnel; understanding of the power of our peoples, yards into the air. That's the only way they'll ernment under attack, which is recognized we have an experienced and seasoned party; of the courage of our men and women, of the break the records set by Sotomayor!? by dozens of countries around the world. This and we have an exceptionally courageous and courage of our nations. We have arms of all calibers and penetrat­ is what they have been discussing! patriotic people. Even the OAS proved capable of declaring Hackneyed phrases of law ing power. And we will have the marksman­ Our people have always been patriotic, but ship to shoot where we have to shoot, even that the representative it would accept is the More than in hackneyed phrases of inter­ never like today. They have always been if they come equipped with armor heavier representative of the government of Panama, nationallaw, more than in discredited inter­ revolutionary, but never like today. This than that worn by the Spanish knights during of the Torrijist government 9f Panama, of the . national institutions, we believe in the peo­ stems . from years of real-life experience in their conquest of this hemisphere or in their anti-imperialist government of Panama. And ples and in their courage. We believe in the the revolution and in the international field. wars of the medieval era. this is something that has not yet been decided It stems from the constant observation of ability of man to continue marching on the by the "brilliant" Security Council of the phenomena and of the evolution of the world. path of progress, on the path of independence, Let us make use of this additional experi­ United Nations! Let the imperialists do what they will! on the path of genuine freedom and dignity! ence to deepen .our understanding that we I am speaking here to athletes, but we know must be ever more prepared and ever more From this we have to draw lessons that They will never force Cuba to surrender and that our athletes are also soldiers of our organized; so that the barbarians, the savages, even wise men should continually reflect they cannot keep Latin America in submis­ homeland. For they are ready, as has been the monstrous imperialists never again dare upon. I am not a pessimist, because I believe sion indefinitely. Each time they will have to confront a people who are increasingly con­ said many times, to defend their country not to commit a similar act of aggression against in the peoples. And I believe particularly in our homeland. They will have to pay a very the peoples ofLatin America - peoples who scious, increasingly tired of suffering abuses, only in the field of sports but also in the field of battle. high price if they dare try it! have been so humiliated, plundered, ex­ injustices, and plunder. Imperialism will in­ We know the patriotism with which our ploited, and attacked. I believe in this mixture creasingly fail to force the Third World into I salute you, our athletes, for the honors athletes fight. We know the moral values and of Indians, Blacks, Spaniards, Europeans, submission, no matter what political maneu­ and trophies you have won. honor with which our athletes fight. We know and even Asians who make up our peoples! vers or conspiracies it employs, and despite Let me finish today the way Sotomayor, the love with which they defend our beautiful Or who make up the Cuban people in partic­ its successes against certain countries in the the glory of our sporting world, did in his flag in any corner of the world. We know the ular, and to a greater or lesser degree those socialist camp. remarks today: honesty and integrity of their conduct. There of Latin America. Let them do what they will! I am convinced Socialism or death! that these aspirations to be the policeman of Patria o muerte! [Homeland or death] Latin Americans prepared to fight the world, to be owners of the world, to be 6. This refers to the October 1962 Cuban Venceremos! [We will win] I believe in these peoples not as an article masters of the world, will be unsuccessful no missile crisis. At that time, Washington threat­ [Ovation] of faith but because I have seen them fight, matter what weapons they employ, including ened a nuclear attack and invasion against Cuba nuclear ones. We have already learned that after it had acquired missiles from the Soviet this is nothing to be afraid of. We know this Union to defend itself from threatened U.S. ag­ 7. Cuban athlete Javier Sotomayor is holder 5. This speech appears below. because they once threatened us with those gression. of the world high jump record. 'Our heroism alone can achieve peace' Castro pays tribute to Cuba's fallen internationalist fighters

When the Cuban Ministry of Foreign changes have been made in the English Their remains lie here in this sacred corner being laid to rest in their hometowns all over Affairs issued its initial statement Decem­ translation done by Cuba's Council of of our homeland. Cuba right now. ber 20 condemning the criminal U.S. in­ State. By choosing this day for laying to rest the The imperialists thought we would conceal vasion of Panama that day, it opened by remains of our heroic internationalist fighters the number of our men killed in Angola citing a speech given two weeks earlier by Comrade President Jose Eduardo dos Santos who have died in different parts of the world during that complex, 14-year-long mission Cuban President Fidel Castro. and other guests; - mainly in Africa, the land of birth of - as if it were a dishonor or a discredit for Below is Castro's speech, presented at Relatives of our fallen comrades; Maceo's ancestors and many of our forebears the revolution. For a long time they dreamed ceremonies at the El Cacahual Mausoleum Members of our armed forces; - we make it a day for honoring all Cubans that the lives that were lost had been to no in Havana Province honoring the 2,289 Fellow countrymen: who gave their lives while defending their purpose, as if those who died for a just cause Cubans killed while carrying out interna­ December 7, the date on which Antonio country and all humanity. Thus, patriotism had died in vain. Even if victory were the tionalist missions - both civilian and mil­ Maceo, the most illustrious of all our soldiers, and internationalism - two of man's most only way to measure the value of men's itary - in Angola, Ethiopia, and else­ and his young aide-de-camp were killed, has treasured values - will be joined forever in sacrifices in their legitimate struggle, they where in the world. Angolan President always been very meaningful for ali'Cubans.1 Cuba's history. also returned victorious. Jose Eduardo dos Santos was present for Perhaps, someday, a monument will be The Spartans used to tell their fighters to the ceremony. erected not far from this site to honor them. return with their shields or on them. Our 1. Antonio Maceo was a leader of Cuba's troops are returning with their shields. Footnotes and subheadings have been battles for independence from Spain in the late The remains of all internationalists who a dded by the Militant. Some editorial 19th century. died while carrying out their missions are Still, it is not my intention, on this solemn

10 The Militant January 5, 1990 has been achieved with honor, and their sac­ situation of everybody for himself. rifices and efforts have been amply rewarded. In the social sphere, capitalism implies Our sleep is no longer disturbed by constant many more things: prostitution; drugs; garit­ concern over the fate of our troops fighting bling; begging; unemployment; abysmal in­ thousands of kilometers from their home. equalities among citizens; the depletion 'Of natural resources; the poisoning of the air, Plenty of work to be done seas, rivers, and forests; and especially tl'le The enemy thought that our troops' return plundering of the underdeveloped nations by would cause social problems, that it would the industrialized capitalist countries. In the be impossible to provide jobs for them all. · past, it meant colonialism; now, it means Most of those men -aside from those who neocolonizing billions of human beings, have made the military a career- had jobs using the most sophisticated - and the here in Cuba and will go back to their old cheapest, most effective, and most ruthless jobs or be given better ones. None of them -economic and political methods. have been forgotten. Many of them already knew where they would be working even Capitalism is no solution Nebbia before returning home. Capitalism, its market economy, its Namibians celebrate SWAPO's victory in the November elections. Cuba's internation­ val~, Of all the young men in military service its categories, and its methods can never pull alist volunteers "had the honor of fighting alongside the courageous sons and daugh­ who shortly after being graduated from high socialism out of its present difficulties or ters of Namibia" in the battle to win that country's independence from South Africa, school volunteered for the honor of going to rectify whatever mistakes have been made. Castro explained in December 7 speech. Angola on an internationalist mission, not a Most of those difficulties are the result not single one has had to wait before going back just of errors, but also of the tight blockade occasion, to boast of our achievements or to and requested our cooperation.2 to school or joining the ranks of our working and isolation imposed on the socialist coun­ humiliate anyone - not even those who Every just African cause received our people. tries by imperialism and the major capitalist were our adversaries. Our country sought people's support. Che Guevara and a large Our country is working hard, implement­ powers. These powers have monopolized neither glory nor military prestige. We always group of Cuban revolutionaries fought ing ambitious programs of social and eco­ most of the world's wealth and the most applied the principle of achieving our goals against white mercenaries in the eastern part nomic development. The irrational laws of advanced technologies by plundering the col­ with the lowest possible number of casualties. of what is now Zaire, and doctors and teach­ capitalism do not guide our actions, and every onies, exploiting the working class, and pro­ To do this, we had to be strong, cool-headed, ers are working in the Sahraoui Republic man and woman in our country has a place moting a large-scale brain drain from under­ and always willing to do our utmost. now, helping its people, who are fighting for in education, production, or the service sec­ developed countries. All of our soldiers knew that the whole their freedom. 3 tor. Devastating wars were unleashed against country supported them and that all of us All of these countries were then or are now No close relatives of those who died while the first socialist state, taking a toll of millions were concerned about their health and safety. independent, and those that have not yet won fulfilling their mission or who suffered seri­ of lives and destroying most of the means of their independence will do so, sooner or later. ous injuries have been forgotten. They have production. Like a phoenix, the first socialist When it became possible to use political In just a few years, our fighters wrote an received, are receiving, and will continue to state had to rise more than once from its ashes. and diplomatic efforts to attain the final goals, outstanding chapter of solidarity our people receive all the care and consideration due It has performed great services to mankind we did not hesitate an instant to use political can be proud of. Men from other countries them for the sacrifices made by their loved by defeating fascism and decisively support­ and diplomatic channels. And while we al­ also fought at our side in our own struggles ones and for their own devoted, selfless, ing the liberation movements in countries still ways employed the necessary firmness, at no for independence. Maximo G6mez,4 who generous, even heroic behavior. under colonial rule. Now all this is being time during the negotiation process were we was born in the Dominican Republic, was The hundreds of thousands of Cubans who forgotten. arrogant or boastful. We were flexible when­ the most outstanding of all and due to his carried out military or civilian internationalist ever flexibility was advisable and fair. It's disgusting to see how many people, extraordinary merits, became the chief of our missions have earned the respect of present even in the USSR itself, are engaged in The final stage of the war in Angola was Army of Liberation. In the years prior to our and future generations. They have honorably denying and destroying the history-making the most difficult. It demanded all of our revolution, a thousand Cubans organized by upheld our people's glorious fighting inter­ feats and extraordinary merits of that heroic country's determination, tenacity, and fight­ the first Communist Party fought in Spain to nationalist traditions. people. That is not the way to rectify and ing spirit in support of our Angolan brothers. defend the republic. They wrote memorable Tremendous struggle for development overcome the undeniable errors made by a In fulfilling this duty of solidarity, not only . chapters of heroism that Pablo de Ia Torriente revolution that emerged from tsarist author­ to Angola but also to our own troops fighting Brau recorded for history until death put an On their return, they have found their itarianism in an enormous, backward, poor under difficult conditions there, the revolu­ early end· to the life of that brilliant revolu­ country engaged in a tremendous struggle for country. We shouldn't blame Lenin now for development as it continues to confront the tion did not hesitate in risking everything. At tionary journalist. having chosen tsarist Russia as the place for a time when the imperialist threats against That was how our internationalist spirit criminal imperialist blockade with exem­ the biggest revolution in history. our own country were very serious, we did was forged. It reached its zenith with the plary dignity. This is in addition to the current Thus we didn't hesitate to stop the circu­ not hesitate in sending a large part of our socialist revolution. crisis in the socialist camp, from which we lation of certain Soviet publications that are can expect only negative economic conse­ most modem and sophisticated military Wherever Cuban internationalists have full of poison against the USSR itself and equipment to the Southern Front of the gone, they have set examples of respect for quences for our country. socialism. You can see that imperialism, re­ People's Republic of Angola. Over 50,000 the dignity and sovereignty of those coun­ People in most of those countries aren't actionary forces, and the counterrevolution Cuban troops were in that sister nation - a tries. The trust that those peoples have placed talking about the anti-imperialist struggle or are responsible for that tone. Some of those truly impressive figure, in view of the dis­ in them is the result of their irreproachable the principles of internationalism. Those publications have already started calling for tance and our country's size and resources. behavior. Their exemplary selflessness and words aren't even mentioned in their press. an end to the fair and equitable trade relations It was a veritable feat by our Revolutionary altruism is remembered everywhere. Such concepts have been virtually removed that were established between the USSR and Armed Forces and our people. Such chapters A prominent African statesman once said from political dictionaries there. Meanwhile, Cuba during the Cuban revolutionary pro­ of selflessness and international solidarity in a meeting ofleaders of the region, "Cuban capitalist values are gaining unheard-of cess. They want the USSR to begin practicing have seldom been equaled. fighters are ready to give their lives for the strength in those societies. unequal trade with Cuba by selling its prod­ liberation of our countries. The only thing Capitalism means unequal terms of trade ucts to us at ever-higher prices and buying We greatly appreciate the fact that Jose Eduardo dos Santos is attending this cere­ they will take back with them, in exchange with the peoples of the Third World, the our agricultural produce and raw materials at exacerbation of individual selfishness and ever-lower prices, just as the United States mony. It was an entirely spontaneous gesture. for that assistance to our freedom and our "I want to be with you on this occasion," he peoples' progress, are the bodies of those who national chauvinism, the reign of irrationality does with other Third World countries - in died fighting for freedom." That continent, and chaos in investment and production, the short, they want the USSR to join the U.S. said. Also spontaneously, as soon as they learned of this ceremony, only a few days which has experienced centuries of exploita­ ruthless sacrifice of the peoples on behalf of blockade against Cuba. ago, the leaders of Ethiopia, SWAPO [South tion and plunder, recognizes the full extent blind economic laws, the survival of the Imperialism's actions to undermine and West Africa People's Organisation of Nami­ of the unselfish nature of our internationalist fittest, the exploitation of man by man, a Continued on next page bia], and other countries and revolutionary contribution. organizations stated that they wanted to send Now our battle-seasoned troops are return­ representatives to be here with us today when ing victoriously. The joyful, happy, proud we laid to rest our internationalists who died faces of mothers, wives, brothers, sisters, Get the news every week from Cuba! in Africa and in other lands. sons, and daughters -of all our people - There are historic events that nothing and welcome them with affection and love. Peace no one can obliterate. There are revolutionary examples that the best men and women of future generations, both within and outside 2. Cuban troops fought alongside Namibian combatants in Angola to drive out invading our country, will always remember. This is South African armed forces; alongside freedom one of them, yet we should not be the ones fighters in Guinea-Bissau in the 1960s and early to judge it; history will do so. 1970s to overturn Portuguese colonial rule; in WEEKLY REVIEW We will never forget that the soldiers of Ethiopia to help defend that country's revolution the Angolan armed forces were our comrades against a 1977-78 invasion by the Somalian Granma Weekly Review is Cuba's international newspaper, with army; in Algeria to help defeat an invading force in arms. Tens of thousands of the best sons speeches by Fidel Castro and other Cuban leaders, and important and daughters of that nation lost their lives from Morocco in 1963; in Syria to help defeat in the struggle. Our unity and close cooper­ the invasion by Israeli troops in 1973. public statements from Cuba's government and Communist Party. ation made victory possible. 3. Che Guevara led a contingent of Cuban Granma Weekly Review also includes news and features on volunteers who fought in 1965 alongside sup­ • Building socialism in Cuba Solidarity with Africa's freedom fight porters of the murdered Patrice Lumumba in the Congo (now Zaire). The Saharan Arab Demo­ • The freedom struggle in southern Africa We also had the honor of fighting along­ cratic Republic of Western Sahara declared its • Latin America and the Caribbean side the courageous sons and daughters of independence in 1976 to counter invasions by • Art, music, literature, and sports Namibia, the patriots of Guinea-Bissau, and Morocco and Mauritania. Since that time, the the unmatched Ethiopian soldiers. Years ear~ government of Morocco has sought to maintain Available in English, Spanish, and French (specify). One year: US$16. lier, in the difficult period immediately fol­ its domination over the Sahraoui people, whose Make checks payable to Pathfinder. lowing Algeria's independence, our interna­ struggle has been led by the Polisario Front. tionalist fighters were at her side - as later 4. Maximo Gomez was a leader of Cuba's PATHFINDER they helped defend Syria, another sister Arab 1868-78 and 1895-98 wars of independence 410 WEST ST., NEW YORK, N.Y. 10014 nation that was a victim of foreign aggression from Spain.

January 5, 1990 The Militant 11 Castro honors internationalists Continued from previous page were enslaved; their gold, silver, and other world. What kind of peace and security can systematically destroy the values of social­ mineral resources were exhausted; they were our peoples have other than that which we ism, combined with the mistakes that have pitilessly exploited; and underdevelopment ourselves achieve through our own heroism? been made, have accelerated the destabilizing was imposed on them. Underdevelopment The elimination of nuclear weapons is an process in the Eastern European socialist was the most direct and clearest consequence excellent idea. If it were more than simply countries. 1be United States designed and of colonialism. utopian and could be achieved someday, it implemented a long-term policy of treating Now those nations are being squeezed dry would be of unquestionable benefit and each country differently and undermining by means of interest payments on an endless, would increase world security -but only for socialism from within. unpayable debt. And while ridiculously low a part of humanity. It would not bring peace, Imperialism and the capitalist powers can­ prices are paid for their commodities, they security, or hope to the Third World countries. not hide their glee over the way things are are forced to pay ever-higher prices for the Imperialism doesn't need nuclear weapons turning out. They are convinced - not with­ industrial goods they import. Financial and to attack our peoples. Its powerful fleets, out reason - that, at this point, the socialist human resources are constantly being drawn which are stationed all over the world; its bloc has virtually ceased to exist. Groups of away from those nations through the flight military bases everywhere; and its ever more U.S. citizens, including U.S. presidential ad­ of capital and the brain drain. Their trade is sophisticated and lethal conventional weap­ visers, are helping plan capitalist develop­ blocked by dumping, high tariffs, import quo­ ons are enough to ensure its role as the world's ment in some of those Eastern European tas, synthetic substitutes produced through master and gendarme. countries right now. A recent news dispatch advanced technological processes, and sub­ Moreover, 40,000 children who could be reported that they were fascinated by that sidies for the developed capitalist countries' saved die every day in our world because of "exciting experience." One of them, a U.S. products when they aren't competitive. underdevelopment and poverty. As I've said government official, favored the application Today, imperialism is inviting the Euro­ before- and this is worth repeating- it's in Poland of a program similar to the New pean socialist countries to join it in this co­ as if a bomb similar to the ones dropped on Deal, with which Roosevelt tried to alleviate lossal plunder - an invitation that seems Hiroshima and Nagasaki were dropped every capitalism's Great Depression. This would be three days on the poor children in the world. not to displease the theoreticians of capitalist Guerrilla fighters in El Salvador. Cuba to help the 600,000 Polish workers who will If these developments continue on their reforms. Thus, in many of those countries no refuses to bow to Washington's demand lose their jobs in 1990 and half of the one speaks about the tragedy of the Third present course and the United States isn't "that no one help the Salvadoran revolu­ country's 17.8 million workers who will have World, and their discontented multitudes are forced to renounce these concepts, what new tionaries," Castro said. to be retrained and change jobs as a result of ,, ______way of thinking can we speak of? Following the implementation of a market economy. this course, the bipolar world that emerged Imperialism and the NATO capitalist pow­ They speak of peace, while in the postwar period will inexorably become sovereignty would be lost forever. We would ers are persuaded -not without reason - a unipolar world under U.S. domination. be an extension of Miami, a mere appendage imperialism reserves of U.S. imperialism. The prediction that a that, at this point, the Warsaw Pact exists in Cuba's rectification process name only and that societies that are corroded U.S. president made in the 19th century when the right to overtly In Cuba, we are engaged in a process of and undermined from within will not be able that country was considering the annexation rectification. No revolution or truly socialist of Cuba-that our island would fall into its to resist. intervene in and attack rectification is possible without a strong, dis­ It has been stated that socialism must be hands like a ripe fruit- would be proved ciplined, respected party. Such a process can­ improved. No one can deny this principle, Third World countries. true. Our people are and will always be ______,, not be advanced by slandering socialism, willing to give their lives to prevent this. which is inherent and permanently applicable destroying its values, casting slurs on the to every human endeavor. But can socialism Here, at Maceo's tomb, we recall his immor­ party, demoralizing its vanguard, abandoning be improved by forsaking Marxism-Lenin­ guided toward capitalism and anticommun­ tal phrase: "Whoever tries to seize Cuba will the party's guiding role, eliminating social ism's most basic principles? Why must the ism - and, in one country, toward Pan­ win only its blood-soaked soil, if he doesn't discipline, and sowing chaos and anarchy so-called reforms be along capitalist lines? If Germanism. Such developments may even perish in the struggle first." everywhere. This may foster a counterrevo­ those ideas are truly revolutionary, as some lead to fascist trends. The prize promised by lution, but not revolutionary changes. 'Socialism or death!' claim, why do they receive the imperialist imperialism is a share of the plunder wrested The U.S. imperialists think that Cuba leaders' unanimous, enthusiastic support? from our peoples, the only way of building We Cuban communists and the millions won't be able to hold out and that the new In an amazing statement, the president of capitalist consumer societies. of our people's revolutionary soldiers will situation in the socialist community will in­ the United States described himself as the Right now, the United States and the other carry out the role assigned to us in history, exorably help them bring our revolution to number one advocate of the doctrines cur­ capitalist powers are much more interested not only as the first socialist state in the its knees. rently being applied in many countries in the in investing in Eastern Europe than in any Western Hemisphere, but also as staunch Cuba is not a country in which socialism socialist camp. other part of the world. What resources can front-line defenders of the noble cause of the the Third World - in which billions of peo­ came in the wake of the victorious divisions destitute and exploited of the world. History's most greedy empire ple live in subhuman conditions - expect of the Red Army. In Cuba, our people created We .have never aspired to taking custody our socialist society in the course of a legit­ History has never recorded an instance of from such developments? of the banners and principles that the revo­ imate, heroic struggle. The 30 years in which a truly revolutionary idea's receiving the en'­ lutionary movement has defended through­ What kind of peace? we hav~ stood finn against the most powerful thusiastic support of the leader of the most out its heroic and inspiring history. However, empire on earth, which sought to destroy our powerful, aggressive, and ·greedy errii'fre . :rhey speak to us of peace, but what kind if fate were to decree that one day we would revolution, bear witness to our political and known to mankind. of peace? Of peace between the major pow­ be among the last defenders of socialism in moral strength. During Comrade Gorbachev 's visit to ers, while imperialism reserves the right to a world in which U.S. imperialism has real­ Those of us in our country's leadership Cuba in April this year - a visit during overtly intervene in and attack Third World ized Hitler's dreams of world domination, we aren't a bunch of bumbling upstarts, new to which we had a frank, in-depth exchange of countries. There are many examples of this. would defend this bulwark to the last drop of our positions ofresponsibility. We come from views - I publicly expressed my opinion to The imperialist government of the United our blood. the ranks of the old anti-imperialist fighters the National Assembly that, if any socialist States demands that no one help the These men and women whom we are who followed Mella and Guiteras;7 who at­ country wants to build capitalism, its right to Salvadoran revolutionaries. They are trying laying to rest today in the land of their birth tacked the Moncada8 and came on the do so should be respected, just as we demand to blackmail the USSR into ending its eco­ gave their lives for the most treasured values Granma; who fought in the Sierra Maestra;9 complete respect for any capitalist country's nomic and military assistance to Nicaragua of our history and our revolution. in the underground struggle and at the Bay right to build socialism. and Cuba because we express solidarity with They died fighting against colonialism and of Pigs; JO who were unshaken by the October I believe that revolution cannot be im­ the Salvadoran revolutionaries, even though neocolonialism. crisis; 11 who have stood firm against imperi­ ported or exported; a socialist state cannot be we abide strictly by our commitments con­ They died fighting against racism and cerning the weapons supplied by the USSR, alist aggression for 30 years; who have per­ apartheid. founded through artificial insemination or by formed great feats of labor; and who have means of an embryo transplant. A revolution in accord with the agreements signed be­ They died fighting against the plunder and carried out glorious internationalist missions. requires certain conditions within society, tween our sovereign nations. Meanwhile, the exploitation to which the Third World peo­ same imperialist government that is demand­ Men and women from three generations of ples are subjected. and the people in each individual nation are Cubans are members and hold posts of re­ the only ones who can create it. These ideas ing an end to solidarity with the Salvadoran They died fighting for the independence revolutionaries is helping the genocidal sponsibility in our battle-seasoned party, our and sovereignty of those peoples. don't run counter to the solidarity that all marvelous vanguard young people's organi­ revolutionaries can and should extend to one Salvadoran government and sending special They died fighting for the right of all combat units to El Salvador; supporting the zation, our powerful mass organizations, our peoples in the world to well-being and de­ another. Moreover, a revolution is a process Revolutionary Armed Forces, and our Min­ that may advance or regress, a process that counterrevolution in Nicaragua; organizing velopment. istry of the Interior. may even be frustrated. But above all, com­ coups in Panama; sending military aid to They died fighting so there would be no UNITA in Angola6- in spite of the success­ In Cuba, the revolution, socialism, and hunger or begging; so that all sick people munists must be courageous and revolution­ independence are indissolubly linked. ary. Communists are duty-bound to struggle ful peace agreements in southwestern Africa would have doctors, all children would have under all circumstances, no matter how ad­ - and continuing to supply the rebel forces We owe everything we are today to the schools; and all human beings would have verse they may be. The Paris communards in Afghanistan with large amounts of weap­ revolution and socialism. If Cuba was ever jobs, shelter, and food. struggled and died in the defense of their ons, ignoring the Geneva Accords and the to return to capitalism, our independence and They died so there would be no oppressors ideas.5 The banners of the revolution and of fact that the Soviet troops have withdrawn. or oppressed, no exploiters or exploited. socialism are not surrendered without a fight. Only a few days ago U.S. Air Force planes They died fighting for the dignity and freedom of all men and women. Only cowards and the demoralized surrender insolently intervened in the internal conflict 7. Julio Antonio Mella, a founding leader of - never communists and other revolution­ in the Philippines. Regardless of whether or the first Cuban Communist Party, was assassi­ They died fighting for true peace and se­ aries. not the rebel forces had good cause for their nated in 1929 by agents of Cuba's Machado curity for all nations. Now, imperialism is urging the European action - which it is not our place to judge dictatorship. Antonio Guiteras, minister of the They died defending the ideals of Ces­ socialist countries to become recipients of its -the U.S. intervention in that country is a interior in the government brought to power by a pedes and Maximo Gomez. very serious matter. It is an accurate reflection revolutionary upsurge in 1933, was ousted by They died defending the ideals of Martf surplus capital, to develop capitalism, and to the Cuban armed forces and later assassinated. join in plundering the Third World countries. of the current world situation, showing that and Maceo. 8. The Moncada army garrison was attacked They died defending the ideals of Marx, the United States has taken upon itself the by Fidel Castro and more than 100 fighters on It is a well-known fact that a large part of Engels, and Lenin. the developed capitalist world's wealth role of gendarme, not only in Latin America July 26, 1953, signaling the opening of the - a region it has always considered its pri­ struggle against the U.S.-backed Batista dicta­ They died defending the ideals of the Oc­ comes from the unequal terms of trade it tober revolution and the example it set maintains with the Third World countries. For vate preserve - but also in any other Third torship. The attack was defeated and many of the fighters were captured and executed. Castro throughout the world. centuries, those nations were plundered as World country. himself was imprisoned. They died for socialism. colonies. Millions of their sons and daughters Consecration of the principle of universal intervention by a major power spells an end 9. The Sierra Maestra mountains along They died for internationalism. Cuba's southeastern coast was where the Rebel to independence and sovereignty in the They died for the proud, revolutionary Army under Castro's leadership was based dur­ homeland that is today's Cuba. 5. The Paris Commune was a government ing the 1956-58 revolutionary war against the We can follow their example. Batista dictatorship. established in March 1871 by the armed work­ Eternal glory to them. ing people of that city. Crushed militarily in 6. UNITA (National Union for the Total In­ 10. The Bay of Pigs was the location of the May 1871 by the French bourgeois government, dependence of Angola) is an organization of U.S.-backed invasion of Cuba in 1961. Socialism or death! more than 30,000 of its supporters were exe­ mercenaries backed and supplied by the U.S. 11. This refers to the Cuban missile crisis of Patria o muerte! [Homeland or death] cuted. and South African governments. October 1962. Venceremos! [We will win]

12 The Militant January 5, 1990 'We remember well the U.S. invasion of Grenada' BY DON ROJAS For the U.S. rulers the lives of U.S. citizens in Panama the world who stand as equals in their insistence on dignity. For those of us who survived the horrors of the Grenada and Grenada are said to be priceless and must be protected It is a lawless act of aggression that flies in the face of invasion six years ago, observing the Panama invasion at all costs. The lives of innocent Panamanian and Grenadian even the internationally accepted legal norms and principles evoked a chilling deja vu. civilians, however, are expendable, less important, less that Washington claims to abide by. In truth nothing more Over the past days we have relived the terrifying, familiar valuable. Such is the double standard of imperialist morality. is involved than the defense of Washington's self-defined sights and sounds of war as one unforgettable image after The parallels between Panama and Grenada abound. The "vital interests" around the world. another was broadcast by the television networks: the thud similarities in military, political, and diplomatic terms be­ In a speech on July 26, 1989, Cuban President Fidel of heavy artillery, the staccato of machine guns, the deadly tween the two invasions are striking and instructive. Castro noted that in response to recent developments in helicopter gunships belching rockets from their underbel­ First, both were enormous human tragedies wrought by Eastern Europe, the imperialist powers, and in particular lies. the U.S. imperialist rulers on small, powerless peoples the United States, are riding a wave of "euphoria and As in Grenada, here again we saw young, heavily armed whose only "crime" was to stand up for their national triumphalism" that poses a deadly danger to Cuba, Nicara­ U.S. soldiers- white, Black, and Latino- the sons of coal independence, sovereignty, social gains, and their inalien­ gua, and other countries whose governments have taken miners, steelworkers, auto workers, farmers. Their eyes able right to self-determination. progressive stands or whose peoples are fighting for their were barely visible under the makeup of military camou­ As with Grenada in 1983, what we have witnessed in liberation. flage, eyes of fear and confusion, some bewildered about Panama in 1989 is the racist rape of a nation of color, the "Never has any administration, not even the Reagan unforgivable assault on a defenseless people who had the administration, taken such a triumphalist stance.. . . That is nerve to march along an anti-imperialist road and to express solidarity with their struggling brethren throughout the why we now see the empire more insolent than ever, more Americas. criminal than ever, more threatening than ever," Castro CARIB NOTES Like the criminal invasion of Grenada and the invasion warned. of the Dominican Republic in 1965, this was an attack So far thousands of brave Panamanians have resisted against the peoples of the entire Caribbean and Latin Amer­ such imperialist insolence arms in hand, defending their Don Rojas ican region. It was also a special threat to the freedom-loving country and their dignity. The militia forces whom the U.S. peoples of Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Cuba. media has contemptuously described as "thugs," "ruffians," The massive military onslaught by Washington - six "criminals," and "rabble-rousers" are in fact patriotic, na­ their orders to kill the sons and daughters of Panama's times the size of the Grenada operation - was a gross tionalistic workers, peasants, and youth who were part of working people with whom they have no quarrel, many violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pan­ or deeply affected by the growing movement for self-deter­ fearing they would be killed or wounded needlessly in a ama. The invasion was an abuse of international law as mination in Panama. country that posed absolutely no threat to the security of enshrined in the United Nations Charter and a blatant Resistance to this latest aggression against Panama's the United States. contravention of the 1977 Panama Canal treaties. Both the sovereignty did not come from the local capitalist class and Images of carnage in the name of capitalist democracy Grenada and Panama invasions were planned and rehearsed its allies, represented by the U.S. puppet President Guillermo in Central America flashed across the screen: wanton de­ well in advance, contrary to allegations that Washington Endara. On the contrary, they welcomed the invading forces struction of American and Panamanian lives, ordered by a acted quickly and decisively in response to "threats and just as their counterparts did in Grenada. The resistance is U.S. president who put a $1 million bounty on the head of provocations," and both were eventually carried out on the corning from working people who remember well what life Gen. Manuel Noriega, who a few years ago refused to go basis of flimsy pretexts and outright lies. Both were immoral was like under the string of U.S. puppet governments that along with Washington's plans to overthrow the Nicaraguan acts in the odious tradition of Washington's "big stick" dominated Panama from 1903 to 1968, when Torrijos came revolution and who upheld the right of Panamanians to diplomacy. Both invasions have been condemned by forces to power. control their canal. Images of the U.S. ruling class closing inside the United States as violating the U.S. Constitution During this long period most workers were denied unions. ranks behind their president in a bipartisan consensus sup­ itself. Peasants lacked schools, electricity, running water, and basic porting the illegal invasion. Like his predecessor Ronald Reagan said about Grenada, medical care. Blacks were segregated into the worst jobs And how heartrending it was for us to relive those scenes U.S. President George Bush claims the invasion is justified and poorest housing. Panamanians as a whole were denied of state-sponsored terror, to see once again as we did in in order to defend democracy in Panama and protect U.S. national dignity and control of their natural resources - the Grenada, the pain and misery, the expressions of grief and citizens' lives. False. canal above all - and their destiny. despair etched on the faces of mothers and wives who lost The real objectives are to impose by military force a U.S. I know that resistance in one form or another will continue their sons, husbands, brothers, and fathers, as well as their client regime on the people of Panama; to restore the political in Panama in the weeks and months ahead just like it has homes and all their modest possessions in the latest of U.S. rule of the racist Panamanian oligarchy; to eradicate the continued in Grenada over the past six years. The Panama­ imperialism's dirty wars around the Third World. nationalist movement identified with Omar Torrijos; and to Looking at the violent treatment of the captured Pana­ maintain control of the canal and the U.S. military bases on nian masses will discover, like the Grenadian people have already, that the legacy of the U.S. invasion will not be a manian patriots at the hands of the U.S. military throws our Panamanian soil. recollections back to when we were forced out of our homes The whole world, save a handful of Washington's Euro­ legacy of liberation and prosperity but rather a legacy of at gunpoint by U.S. soldiers on Oct. 28, 1983. We were pean allies, recognizes this to be the case. As they did in political instability, denial of democratic rights, social in­ taken against our will to makeshift concentration camps at the Grenada debates of 1983, the globe's major international justice, and deepening economic inequality. the site of Grenada's incomplete international airport and bodies such as the United Nations, the Movement of Non­ And it is precisely on these similar bitter legacies of interrogated for hours with M -16 rifles trained at our heads. aligned Countries, and the Organization of American States imperialist aggression that a new mass movement for na­ Like our Panamanian brothers and sisters, Grenadian patri­ have condemned the invasion of Panama. tional liberation will be constructed by both the Panamanian ots too were bound and blindfolded, some of us put into · The peoples and the majority of governments in the and Grenadian peoples. cages like animals for several days, our democratic rights Americas have creditably reiterated that neither Panama nor' , · ,.···, ·In· time Panama,nian · ~ Grenadian patriots alike will trampled beneath the boots of an invading imperialist army. any other country in our region is in the so-called U.S. have internalized the most fundamental common lesson We remember well what it means to be the victims of an backyard or in any "sphere of influence" as defined by from both invasions: that with all its awesome military invasion. As in Panama, no distinction was made between Washington. This unbridled imperialist arrogance which might, imperialism is not invincible, that it can never be military and civilian targets by the U.S. invaders in Grenada. ascribes to Washington the "right" to interfere in the internal strongerthan the spirit of a united, determined, revolutionary Hospitals were bombed and destroyed, private homes rock­ affairs of Latin America and the Caribbean and the "right" people, and that neither domination by imperialism nor eted and machine-gunned including those of the assassi­ to hunt down foreign nationals as "fugitives" from U.S. coexistence or "pragmatic" compromise with it can guar­ nated prime minister Maurice Bishop and his family. justice is a colonialist and racist affront to the peoples of antee peace, justice, and social progress. Meeting scores media attacks on Pathfinder Mural

Continued from back page or support for either man -during their bishop Oscar Romero in the mural. Mata is newspapers. Take petitions with you. Draw Truth on the mural, responded to the Daily lives, or their assassinations." being held on charges of "political sedition." in the broadest forces to make clear that this News editorial, which said that Malcolm X Rudolf Baranik, a prominent artist and Laura Kaplan of the Venceremos Brigade, mural will stay, and put the responsibility on and Martin Luther King, Jr., had been "li­ leader of a newly formed artists' group op­ which organizes people to visit and learn the city government to protect it." beled" and "don't belong" in the mural. These posed to censorship, Censorship Emergency, about Cuba and whose goal is to end the U.S. men were leaders, Byard said, "in the fight slammed the editorials' attack on the mural blockade of that country, said that "the mural for human rights and Black empowerment," for "totalitarianism." serves as an inspiration to us." She explained Nicaraguans protest but the News editors had "no understanding "The issue is the fight to defend a work of that "the same undemocratic forces that at­ public art. Artistic freedom is the question," tack Cuba are trying to suppress freedom of Continued from Page 5 Baranik explained. artistic expression and the free flow of ideas." successfully demanded a recorded vote on Vandals deface mural Some artists, including himself, would John Connolly, an actor and member of the resolution condemning the invasion. Continued from back page have done aspects of the mural differently, the National Board of the American Federa­ The invasion of Panama, the foreign min­ damage. The New York Daily News featured Baranik said. But most importantly, "artists tion of Television and Radio Artists, ad­ ister said, makes it clear that "U.S. imperial­ a large photo with a caption showing the choosing their own styles painted what is dear dressed the meeting, as did William Kunstler, ism is as perverse as ever. Even though the the well-known attorney and vice-president damage to the portrait of Castro. New York's to them, and dear to us. We welcome it. Don't U.S. government praises the openings in the Spanish-language daily El Diario ran a prom­ let anyone erase it!" of the Center for Constitutional Rights. Eastern European countries, here they insist inent article and photo. The Miami Herald More than $600 was raised at the door and on imposing their own solutions. The big Messages were also received from Susan through a fund appeal by Ellie Bernstein, an picked up a wire-service report. problem for the stability and development Wyatt, executive director of Artists Space artist and member of Ventana, a cosponsor not only of our economies but of democracy After repeated calls from the media press­ gallery, which was recently victimized by of the meeting. and independence continues to be the U.S. ing New York police department officials for pro-censorship forces in the government; Speaking on behalf of the Pathfinder their response to the vandalism, Pathfinder government. Kathy Andrade, education director of Inter­ Mural, Andrea Morell explained that defense representatives received a call from the police national Ladies' Garment Workers' Union of the mural has become part of the "national "Some say the hour of Yankee-stroika has reporting that the area surrounding the Path­ Local 23-25; artist Dumile Feni; mural de­ fight against censorship of the arts. arrived, but all the evidence shows that the fmder Building would be more closely pa­ Monroe Doctrine is what guides imperialist signer Mike Alewitz; and Maureen Holder, "Censorship of the arts is part and parcel trolled. vice-president of Machinists' union Local conduct." Mural supporters are urging all those who of the attacks on democratic rights and civil 2656 at British Airways. Activists from the At the rally in Chinandega, Ortega said support freedom of speech and artistic eJS­ liberties that have typified the last ten years. Center for Cuban Studies, the Movement in people are taking goods from stores in Pan­ pression to join in calling on New York It is part of the growing capitalist crisis," she Solidarity with the Salvadoran People, and ama City because "they are hungry and be­ authorities to fully investigate this crime, said. "But what is new today is the deepening the Mark Curtis Defense Committee had cause they go without." Washington, he said, apprehend those responsible, and prosecute resistance to these attacks. tables at the event. is responsible for bringing chaos and insta­ them to the fullest extent of the law. Messages "It is inevitable that art will become a bility not only to Panama but to all Central should be sent to Mayor Edward Koch, City The meeting voted to telex a message target, especially political art - art on the America. Hall, New York, N.Y. 10007. Copies of mes­ protesting the November 19 arrest and deten­ side of working people - and art that is "I invite the governments and peoples of sages, as well as urgently needed donations, tion in San Salvador's Mariona prison of antiauthoritarian." Latin America to be true to our words," should be sent to the Pathfinder Bookstore, Salvadoran painter Isafas Mata. He painted Morell urged participants to get involved Ortega said, "and to demand the immediate 191 7th Ave., New York, N.Y. 10011. the portraits of Farabundo Martf and Arch- in defending the mural. "Write letters to the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Panama."

January 5, 1990 The Militant 13 -EDITORIALS U.S., Cuban youth demand 'U.S. out Int'l protests of invasion needed of Panama now!'

Continued from front page in the 1980s: Don't rebel as your resources and the fruits The Young Socialist Alliance, a revolutionary youth or­ can be cast by any of the five "permanent members" of your labor go to pay off the staggering debt to imperialist ganization in the United States, and the Union of Commu­ blocked adoption of a condemnation of the invasion; the banks. nist Youth in Cuba both issued emergency statements U.S., British, and French representatives vetoed the motion, The U.S. invading forces are also carrying out a direct condemning the U.S. invasion of Panama December 20. and the Canadian delegate voted with them. military threat against Cuba through their seige of the What of Washington's claim that the aggression was Cuban embassy in Panama City. U.S. troops and armored The Young Socialist Alliance demands that the U.S. necessary to defend the Panama Canal? That is a flat lie. The vehicles have ringed the embassy and home of the Cuban government immediately halt its criminal invasion of Pan­ Panamanian government had made no threats and taken no ambassador. Similar actions have been taken against the ama. We call on all young people to oppose this brutal war action whatsoever to endanger operation of the canal. Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City, as well as the on a sovereign nation. But the question of the canal does begin to get at the real Vatican's embassy, where Noriega has sought asylum. This war tramples on all international laws and guide­ reason for the U.S. assault. Despite the treaties signed with But the Cuban government's only "crime" is to have lines upholding self-determination and independence, and Panama in 1977, Washington has. no intention of granting been the most consistent voice opposing Washington's is in violation of all treaties concerning the United States control of the canal to the Panamanian people in December campaign against Panama. Since the U.S. invasion Cuba and Panama. 1999. has taken the lead in getting out the truth about this criminal The U.S. government claims that the invasion will install To ensure its continued domination, Washington needs a action and in seeking to mobilize the broadest possible a democratic government, protect U.S. citizens, apprehend government in Panama that is compliant with U.S. interests. international opposition to it. an international drug trafficker, and uphold the Panama When Uncle Sam shouts an order, it expects its subordi­ The "heroes of Our America ... at this moment are Canal treaties. nates to salute. fighting in Panama for the dignity, honor, and sovereignty Democracy can never be "installed." Until some 20 years ago, Washington had a government of [the Latin American] peoples," Cuban President Fidel We see the lives of U.S. troops and Panamanians, espe­ in Panama that saluted. Castro said in his December 21 speech reprinted elsewhere cially youth, being lost in horrifying numbers. That regime was based on a thin layer of wealthy, capi­ in this issue. Despite its claims, Washington invaded for one reason talist families in Panama. In the early and mid-1960s, how­ It is only such resistance and struggle, Castro said, that and one reason only: to prevent the Panamanian people ever, Panamanian working people and youth began to in­ can stay the hand of U.S. imperialism from its "stepped-up from regaining control of all of Panama, especially the tensify their struggles against U.S. domination. They were role ... as a policeman that does not stop at any hemi­ canal and the canal zone. inspired by the rise of anti-imperialist movements through­ sphere, that intervenes in Asia and Africa as well as in Latin The U.S. "drug war" plays no role in resolving the out Latin America and the Caribbean in the wake of the America, and that takes upon itself the right to decide what problem of drugs. It only victimizes and harasses workers victorious Cuban revolution of 1959. government a country can and cannot have." and farmers in the United States and internationally. Influenced by these developments, a group of officers in Washington speaks of peace, Castro said in another Young people have no interest in supporting Washing­ Panama's National Guard overturned the U.S.-backed re­ speech given a few weeks earlier (also reprinted in this ton's assault on the Panamanian people. The YSA calls on gime in I %8. The new government, headed by Omar Torri­ issue). "But what kind of peace? Of peace between the all young people to organize emergency actions demanding jos, sought to respond to some of the demands of Panama­ major powers, while imperialism reserves the right to that the U.S. troops leave Panama. It is young people who nian workers and farmers. Doors previously shut tight to overtly intervene in and attack Third World countries." bear the brunt of the death and suffering from this unjust Panamanians who were Black or Indian began to be Castro's point is a particularly important one, since it war. We must be in the forefront of all activities condemn­ opened. Union rights were expanded. The government car­ would be wrong to assume that Washington's decision to ing the invasion and demanding, "Stop the U.S. war on ried out social projects benefiting working people. invade Panama was inevitable once its other efforts to Panama now!" Most galling of all to Washington, Torrijos pressed to topple Noriega had failed. fulfill the long-held national aspiration to win control of the In fact two world and regional events in recent months National Executive Committee canal and the Canal Zone. In 1977 the U.S. government was lowered the political price anticipated by the U.S. rulers for Young Socialist Alliance forced to sign treaties relinquishing control to Panama, in such aggression, emboldening them. New York several steps, by the year 2000. When Torrijos was killed in a plane crash in 1981, he was Fruits of Malta summit soon succeeded as chief of the National Guard (later re­ One was the summit meeting between U.S. President named the Panama Defense Forces) by Manuel Noriega. George Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev in Washington's initial efforts to curry favor with the new PDF early December off Malta. As a condition for progress on leadership were sharply reversed in 1985, when General arms agreements and economic and trade concessions Noriega refused a U.S. demand to join in direct support for sought by the Soviet government, Bush demanded- pub­ the contra war against Nicaragua. licly, as well as behind closed doors - that Gorbachev From that point forward Washington and the superrich acknowledge the Americas as an exclusive arena of U.S. U.S. ruling families it represents have been detelinined to interests. smash the PDF, get rid of Noriega, and reimpose a subser­ The fruits of Malta became clear when U.S. forces vient regime. To accomplish this bipartisan goal the U:S. invaded Panama. The Soviet government issued a state­ rulers have sought to brand the Panamanian government as ment condemning the U.S. action. But a Soviet Foreign an international outlaw against which any action is justi­ Ministry spokesperson stressed that "the time has come to fied. get accustomed to the idea that any event in any area of the Washington issued drug-trafficking indictments against world should not necessarily be regarded from the position Noriega and other Panamanian figures. U.S. officials of East-West confrontation, as was characteristic during the launched a worldwide smear campaign to ease the way for Cold War." future aggression. In other words, the U.S. invasion of Panama would not Over the past few years Washington has sought every stand in the way of what Washington hopes to achieve in its possible means to bring down the Panamanian government: dealings with the Soviet government, or vice versa. military threats, economic sanctions, orchestrating a do­ The U.S. invasion of Panama, Castro said in his speech mestic opposition movement, and support to coup attempts on December 20, was not only "a blow against peace in and assassination plots. All these attempts failed. Central America," but also "a humiliating slap in the face to the Soviet peace policy." Dignity Battalions The second event emboldening Washington was the In the face of Washington's escalating hostile acts, Pana­ agreement signed December 12 in Costa Rica by five Cen­ manian working people began in 1988 to step up efforts to tral American presidents expressing "decisive support of defend their country against U.S. aggression. They formed Salvadoran President Alfredo Cristiani and his Govern­ militia units, called "Dignity Battalions," organized and ment." The statement was signed by the presidents of Costa trained by the Panama Defense Forces. Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Militant/Miguel Pendas Since the U.S. invasion Washington and the big business Condemning this declaration the same day, El Salvador's Cuban youth demonstrate in Havana December 20 to media have portrayed these civilian defense forces as "rov­ Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front pointed out that protest U.S. invasion of Panama. "For Panama and ing gangs of thugs," terrorizing the Panamanian people. the declaration's support to the Cristiani regime, far from the Americas, we would shed our blood the same as we These smears are a classic case of what Malcolm X called advancing prospects for peace, "permits the slaughter that would for Cuba," read paper signs worn by many turning the victim into the criminal. In truth, the Dignity is now taking place in El Salvador to worsen." Two weeks students. Battalions have organized the Panamanian people to resist later, it is obvious that the declaration also gave a green light to Washington to extend that slaughter from San Sal­ the terror from the U.S. armed forces. U.S. imperialism has launched a criminal military attack Aiming to block this popular resistance, the U.S. forces vador to Panama City. against Panama. It is conducting an operation of savage unleashed massive bombing and shelling on working-class The Panamanian people who are fighting and dying to murder against this sister nation, which is resisting coura­ neighborhoods such as Chorrillo and San Miguelito. defend the sovereignty of their country deserve stepped-up geously. worldwide solidarity from trade unionists, Black rights Thousands of civilians were killed. The U.S. military has Once more the United States has violated all norms of fighters, students, and all opponents of U.S. military ag­ sought to cover up the truth about this slaughter. Red Cross international law and ignored principles of respect for the gression. Protest picket lines, demonstrations, and volunteers and ambulances were prevented by U.S. forces independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and self-de­ speakouts have already begun to take place throughout the from treating the injured and transporting them to hospitals. termination of the peoples - thereby demonstrating that its The aerial bombing and shelling have been followed by United States and elsewhere in the world. More are ur­ basic nature remains unchanged. gently needed. sweeps of working-class neighborhoods aimed at crushing In the name of the young people of Cuba, the Union of We should demand emergency medical aid for the thou­ resistance and terrorizing the population. Thousands of pa­ Communist Youth calls for urgent actions expressing soli­ sands of Panamanians wounded by the U.S. assault. Stop triotic Panamanians have been rounded up at gunpoint. darity with the Panamanian people, energetically condemn­ the cover-up of the slaughter! This U.S. show of force is aimed not at the Panamanian ing this brutal and unjustifiable aggression, and demanding We should demand that all Panamanian patriots held in people alone. both an immediate halt to the intervention and the with­ Nicaragua today faces a greater danger of U.S. aggres­ detention be immediately released. drawal of the invading forces. Washington must drop its trumped-up charges, and its sion than at any time since its military victory over the The young people of the world cannot permit such events kidnapping and assassination threats, against Manuel contras in late 1987 and early 1988. or stand silent before them, for they endanger world peace Noriega and other Panamanian government officials. It Washington is reaffirming its support to government-by­ as well as the independence and freedom of all peoples. The must grant them the right to travel and live wherever they death-squads in El Salvador, where the regime of President aggression imperialism has launched against Panama today Alfredo Cristiani depends on U.S. arms and financial aid choose. can be directed tomorrow against any other country in the for its very survival. Washington must immediately halt its provocative mili­ Third World. More generally, Washington's message is to hundreds of tary threats against Cuban and Nicaraguan diplomatic per­ millions of Latin American workers and peasants who have sonnel in Panama. Union of Communist Youth seen already wretched social conditions deteriorate further U.S. troops out of Panama now! Havana, Cuba

14 The Militant January 5, 1990 CAlENDAR U.S~ Troops Out of Panama Now! Listed below are some of the activities being GEORGIA St. Louis OHIO held to protest the U.S. invasion of Panama. Speakers: Walle Amusa, organizer National Al­ Cleveland Unless otherwise indicated, meetings are Atlanta Speakers: Beatriz Morales, Georgia State Uni­ liance Against Racist and Political Repression; Speakers to be announced. Sat., Jan. 6, 7:30 sponsored by the Militant Labor Forum, versity professor; Miguel Zarate, Socialist Pete Brandli, Socialist Workers Party, member p.m. Donation: $2.50. New International Forums, or Forum Lotte Workers Party, member United Auto Workers United Steelworkers of America Local 67; Ouvriere in each city. Locations of the events Local 882. Sat., Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m. Donation: Peggy Moore, coordinator Pledge of Resis­ and telephone numbers for more informa­ $2.50. tance; Eldora Spiegelberg, president Women's OREGON tion are listed in the directory at the bottom International League for Peace and Freedom. Portland of the page. Sat., Dec. 30,7:30 p.m. Donation: $2. Speaker: John Linder, brother of Ben Linder IOWA who was slain by Nicaraguan contras. Sat., Jan. Des Moines 6, 7:30p.m. Donation: $2. ALABAMA Speakers: Nan Bailey, Socialist Workers Party, NEW JERSEY Birmingham member United Food and Commercial Workers Newark Panel of activists. Fri., Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m. Do­ Local 431; Lavonne Cooper, chairperson Speaker: Don Rojas, former press secretary to WASHINGTON nation: $2.50. Women's International League for Peace and slain Grenadian prime minister Maurice Bi­ Seattle Freedom. Sat., Dec. 30, 7:30p.m. Donation: $2. shop. Sat., Jan. 6, 7:30p.m. Donation: $3. Speaker: Robbie Scherr, 1989 Socialist Work­ ers Party mayoral candidate. Sat., Dec. 30, 7:30 ARIZONA p.m. Donation: $3. Phoenix MARYLAND NEW YORK Speakers: Francisca Cavazos, participant Pan­ Baltimore Brooklyn • ama City International Conference Against In­ Speakers: Peter Melberg, Central America Sol­ Speaker: Cindy Jaquith, Militant correspondent tervention in Central America- The Panama idarity Coalition; Enrique Codas, chairperson on Panama. Sun., Jan. 7, 6 p.m. Donation: $3. Issue; Harvey McArthur, Socialist Workers Task Force on Latin America of Justice and BRITAIN Peace Commission of Archdiocese of Balti­ Manhattan London Party; representative, Central America Solidar­ March from Times Square to 59th and 6th Ave. ity Committee. Sat., Dec. 30, 7 p.m. Donation: more; George Lach, member executive board Speakers: Victor Amaya, representative $3. . American Federation of State, County and Mu­ Sat., Jan. 6. Assemble 12 noon. Sponsors: Ad Farabundo Martf National Liberation Front/ nicipal Employees Local 2203; Rashaad Ali, hoc coalition of antiwar, Central American, Revolutionary Democratic Front of El Salva­ Socialist Workers Party. Sat., Dec. 30, 7:30 Caribbean, and Panamanian organizations. dor; Celia Pugh, Communist League. Fri., Jan. CALIFORNIA p.m. Donation: $2. 12, 7:30p.m. Donation: £1. Speaker: Cindy Jaquith, Militant correspondent Los Angeles on Panama; David Ortiz, Bloque Socialista; Es­ Speaker: Leonardo Sidnez, Ninth of January MISSOURI meralda Brown, coordinator Women's Work­ CANADA Panamanian Committee. Video showing. Sat., shop in the Americas. Sat., Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m. Montreal Dec. 30, 7:30p.m. Donation: $3. Kansas City Speakers: Rev. Mac Charles Jones, St. Stephen Donation: $3. Panel discussion. Sat., Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m. Dona­ Oakland Baptist Church; Rev. Sam Mann, chairman tion: $3. Speakers to be announced. Fri., Dec. 29, 7:30 Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Katie Toronto p.m. Donation: $3. Neely, representative Central America Solidarity NORTH CAROLINA Demonstration at Conservative Party headquar­ San Francisco Coalition; Don McClain, Interfaith Peace Alli­ Greensboro ters, 121 Richmond St. W. Sat., Dec. 30, 11 Speakers to be announced. Fri., Dec. 29, 7:30 ance; Arlene Rubinstein, Socialist Workers Party. Speakers to be announced. Sun., Jan. 14,7 p.m. a.m. Sponsor: University Students Committee p.m. Donation: $3. Fri., Dec. 29, 7 p.m. Donation: $2. Donation: $3. Against U.S. Intervention in the Americas. Popular revolt in Rumania topples hated tyranny Continued from front page Some denounced the new government as teet the vast privileges of a bureaucratic caste. near the Hungarian border. hail Gorbachev said that he would confer continuing the rule of the CP, whichis widely All independent political activity was barred These moves were coupled with an official with Warsaw Pact countries about providing discredited. A popular sign of the revolt has and a political police network spread fear and cult of Ceausescu -proclaimed a "genius" "some help" to the new regime, while Soviet been the country's flag, with the symbol of intimidation throughout society. in the program adopted by the CP in its last Prime Minister Nikolai Ryzhkov ruled out the CP ripped out of the center. congress in November- and his family. In military intervention In an interview aired December 27 on Brutality peaked with Ceausescu addition to Ceausescu and his wife, some 40 WCBS radio in New York City, a Rumanian Totalitarian brutality and economic mis­ family members held high posts in the re­ - Tile following day, U.S. Secretary of State worker who had participated in the fighting management reached a peak during the reign . gime. While.the country was in the grip of )ainis"Baker said that the U.S. government expressed fear that party officials were at­ of CeauseSC\l, wl;lo became general secretary scarcity, they lived like royalty. would not oppose a Soviet military interven­ tempting to "hijack" the anti-Ceausescu of the party in 1965 and president of. tb(!. . The revqlt that tqppled the dictator began tion in Rumania by Warsaw Pact forces to struggle by placing themselves at the head of country in 1974. December 15 in Timisoara, a city of some mop up pro-Ceausescu forces and stabilize the government. During the 1980s the living standards of 350,000 people near Transylvania. Hundreds the situation. The widespread antagonism to continued Rumania's working people plummeted as the of Hungarians gathered to bar the eviction rule by the CP is rooted in the repression, regime went all out to repay its debts to and deportation of a clergyman who was Council of National Salvation mismanagement, and corruption that have banking institutions in capitalist Europe and active in promoting ethnic rights. The dem­ After the former dictator fled the capital, characterized the party during more than 40 the United States. onstration grew to tens of thousands the next a Council of National Salvation was formed years in power. More than $21 billion was turned over to day as ethnic Rumanians joined the Hungar­ to govern the country. While it included other The CP has governed Rumania since the the imperialist bankers, in part by severely ian protesters. figures opposed to Ceausescu, it was led close of World War II. Soviet troops occupied rationing fuel and electricity and increasing Although police and the armed forces primarily by former prominent Communist the country shortly after the overthrow of a exports of agricultural produce at the expense killed many hundreds of protesters, with es­ Party officials who had either openly opposed fascist dictatorship that had backed Hitler's of food consumption at home. Today Ruma­ timates running from 2,000 to 4,500 dead, or quietly fallen out with the dictator in the invasion of the Soviet Union. nian homes, apartments, and other buildings the protests in Timisoara continued. Workers later years of his rule. In the first years after the war, the party lack sufficient gas for cooking, heat, and hot seized a petrochemical plant, threatening to The new governing council promised to organized tightly controlled mobilizations of water. Food shortages are common. blow it up if Ceausescu remained in power. hold free elections in April and to eliminate workers and peasants that expropriated and Ceausescu had also announced plans to A crowd that had gathered in Bucharest totalitarian legal provisions such as those nationalized capitalist industry and abolished raze 8,000 rural villages and concentrate the on December 21 to hear Ceausescu shouted guaranteeing rule by the CP. landlordism. peasant inhabitants in new urban develop­ him down after a group of young protesters On December 26 Ion Iliescu -a former While these progressive changes had sig­ ments. Among those threatened by this move in the crowd were attacked by police. Police high official under Ceausescu who was nificant popular support, they were accom­ were the estimated 2 million ethnic Hungari­ killed at least 13 youths, but massive dem­ ousted in the 1970s - was named interim panied by the imposition of a regime that ans, an oppressed minority concentrated onstrations continued and culminated in the president. denied all democratic rights in order to pro- mainly in rural areas ofTransylvania, a region dictator's downfall. -IF YOU LIKE THIS PAPER, LOOK US UP

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January 5, 1990 The Militant 15 THE MILITANT Vandals deface Pathfinder Mural Unionists, artists, and activists speak out against attack

BY PETER THIERJUNG and pledging to join restoration efforts was NEW YORK- Five soda bonles filled read at the conference. The statement was with white paint were smashed against the released to the press by Dinkins' office. lower portion of the Pathfinder Mural here Several artists who contributed to the sometime during the night of December 20. mural, including some who had their efforts The "paint bombs" splattered across large marred by the vandals, attended the news portions of the mural. Shards from the bonles conference. They were Carole Byard, who were marked with swastikas and "SS" insig­ paintedMalcolmXandHarrietTubman;Rob­ nia. ert Coane, who contributed several portraits, Several portraits in the mural were dam­ including civil rights figures Rosa Parks and aged, including civil rights leader Martin Medgar Evers; and Phyllis Yampolsky,creator Luther King, Jr., and antislavery activists of a scene about the Chinese revolution. Cliff Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. A scene Joseph, who painted Martin Luther King, Jr., of the Chinese revolution was marred; and and Steve Biko, sent a message. one of the Haymarket martyrs, leaders of the Renowned Brazilian composer and musi­ 19th century fight in the United States for the cian Thiago de Mello attended the confer­ eight-hour day, was completely obliterated. ence. De Mello, a member of Musicians' The portrait of Cuban President Fidel Cas­ union Local 802, is a leader of Ventana, an tro painted by Aldo Soler was also hit. Soler, organization of cultural workers in solidarity a prominent Cuban artist, recently toured 12 with Nicaragua. Ventana was a cosponsor of U.S. cities speaking on contemporary Cuban the mural project. art. "In the midst of so many lies, fabrications, Militant/Jon Hillson and misinformation, it is sad to see that the The mural, painted by an international Press conference protesting mural vandalism. From left to right, Brazilian composer truth is a dangerous thing to be seen and read team of artists from more than 20 countries, Thiago de Mello, Pathfinder Mural representative Meryl Lynn Farber, Ventana mem­ by anyone," de Mello told the Militant later. is located on the side of the six-story Path­ ber Anson Seeno, artist Carole Byard, and Sam Manuel, former director Pathfinder Anson Seeno and Mike Alewitz, representing finder Building in lower Manhattan. The ar­ Mural Project. Ventana, also participated in the news con­ tistic landmark, which took two years to ference. complete, has at its center a printing press churning out giant sheets of paper with por­ of forces who destroy synagogues and assault ity racist attacks are said to be given by city "We decry the horrible defacement of the traits of communist and other working-class Blacks in Howard Beach or Bensonhurst. A police. mural and call for the perpetrators to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," leaders whose speeches and writings are pub­ mural like this- a wall of the world's free­ Miriam Thompson, editor of United Auto Laura Kaplan said. Kaplan is a member of lished by Pathfinder Press. Surrounding the dom fighters, many of whom are women and Workers Local 259's Unity News, deplored the Venceremos Brigade, a group that orga­ press are portraits of other revolutionary, an­ men of color- is anathema to them." He the "media-assisted defacement" of the tiracist, and national liberation fighters from announced that mural supporters have begun mural. She was referring to the campaign nizes activities in solidarity with the Cuban revolution. around the world. organizing volunteers to maintain a 24-hour­ conducted by the editors of the New York Post a-day watch over the mural. and New York Daily News against the mural. Pathfinder Mural representative Meryl Mural is anathema to rightists Manuel was joined by artists, unionists, On November 19, the day the mural was Lynn Farber also reported that a bomb threat "The signature of racists and fascist­ civil liberties supporters, and Central Amer­ dedicated, the Post carried an editorial head­ had been phoned to Pathfinder on December minded thugs is literally written all over this ica and Caribbean solidarity activists at a lined "Off the wall -that's where it be­ 11. attack," said Sam Manuel, former director of December 22 news conference called by longs." It concluded with a provocative call Good Day New York, a local TV news the mural project. "These are the same kinds mural project coordinators to protest the van­ which said, "The mural should be removed." program, broadcast a segment of its program dalism. "The New York Post asked for this. They live from the mural site on the day of the "I consider this to be bias-related violence deliberately went out and encouraged this," news conference. WBAI radio, WABC-TV, against an artistic representation," said Wil­ William Kunstler said. Kunstler, an attorney and WPIX-TV covered the event. New York officials liam Henning, Jr., second vice-president of and civil liberties defender, was an early The New York Times ran a major story in Communications Workers of America Local supporter of the mural project. its metropolitan section December 23, with speak out against 1180. He called on New York police to in­ A statement from New York's mayor-elect photos of the mural and a close-up of the mural vandalism vestigate the vandalism and give it the prior- David Dinkins denouncing the vandalism Continued on Page 13 The act of vandalism against the Pathfmder Mural depicting prominent figures in the struggle for social justice Meeting scores media attacks on mural merely demonstrates the unbalanced mentality, pointless venom, and cow­ BY DOUG COOPER outraged that self-appointed guardians of mo­ Marti and Antonio Maceo to Che Guevara ardice of the anonymous perpetrators. NEW YORK - "They are acting out of rality would try to deprive us of this hard-won and Fidel Castro, on a wall that pays no The mural, which is a result of the fear. That's why they're treating us and our democratic right." respect to the antidemocratic U.S. trade and dedicated efforts of artists from more art the way they do," said New York artist economic blockade that wrongly keeps our than twenty countries, was two years Sandy Boyer, director of New York's Irish Cliff Joseph. He was welcoming some 120 Arts Center, told the meeting that although two peoples apart." in the making. Its desecration points to people to the Westbeth Gallery on December Carole Byard, who painted· portraits of a lack of respect for the diversity of opponents of the mural want to "create a 16 to protest recent threats against the Path­ climate to encourage vandals, we can create Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner opinion and creative expression that finder Mural. Behind him was a large banner Continued on Page 13 characterizes what it means to be a climate that says 'Hands off our mural!'" that read "No to censorship! Defend artistic He called on participants to take the fight American. freedom!" I urge law enforcement officials to "out of this room, to your unions, to commu­ The meeting was organized to protest re­ do everything possible to apprehend nity groups, every place you go." cent editorials in the New York Post and the the responsible person or persons and Daily News that called for the defacement The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Def­ I call on New Yorkers of good will to and removal of the just-completed mural, amation also sent a statement. GLAAD "sup­ join in rejecting acts of racial hostility, attacked the public funding it received, and ports the Pathfinder Mural in its struggle especially in this holiday season. I will slandered it as "totalitarian." against would-be censors. Public funding for try to assist in the restoration of this the arts should not be limited to projects that important work. 'Guardians of morality' reflect current, supposedly majoritarian so­ cial values, but, on the contrary, should be David Dinkins "Protest letters and petitions keep pouring in" to the News, the Post, and the mayor's consciously provided on an equitable basis Manhattan Borough President to artists who give voice to historically un­ Mayor-elect of New York office, explained Meryl Lynn Farber, coordi­ nator of the defense effort here. Farber, who heard, possibly unpopular, ideas," the mes­ sage said. The recent acts of vandalism against chaired the meeting, read a message from the Pathfinder Mural are unconsciona­ William Henning, Jr., second vice-president 'No respect for U.S. blockade' of Communications Workers of America ble. We understand and accept the right Joel Schwartz, president of Civil Service of citizens to protest, but to destroy a Local 1180. "I'm glad that working people have the Employees Association Local 4446 and co­ work of art is unacceptable. We are chair of the union's statewide anti-apartheid rapidly moving into an environment opportunity to enjoy public art, like the Path­ finder Mural," Henning said. "Murals such committee, also sent a message. "As a union­ where visual images are being policed ist involved in the struggle against apartheid, as these can be an inspiration to working in a way that is anathema to democracy I am proud to see an outstanding fighter like and free expression. people, like the mural on the wall of United Food and Commercial Workers Local P-9 in Nelson Mandela portrayed so prominently in Mary Schmidt Campbell Austin, Minnesota, during their 1985-86 New York City," he said. Commissioner strike at Hormel. It was a desecration when "And as someone who has exercised an­ Department of Cultural Affairs that mural was removed. other right under attack -the right to travel City of New York "As citizens, we have the right to both like - and has visited Cuba, I am glad to see Portrait of Harriet Tubman damaged in and dislike what we see. That's why I'm such an array of Cuban leaders, from Jose vandal attack.

16 The Militant January 5,1990