Arrest Killers of Breonna Taylor! by Monica Moorehead What Does This Mean Exactly? It Means That Officer Brett Hankison Was Charged Sept

Breonna Taylor 12

Workers and oppressed peoples of the world unite! workers.org Vol. 62, No. 40 Oct. 1, 2020 $1 Release the evidence and Arrest killers of Breonna Taylor! By Monica Moorehead What does this mean exactly? It means that Officer Brett Hankison was charged Sept. 28—​Protests erupted around only with endangering others, when bul- the U.S. on Sept. 23 when the announce- lets he sprayed into Taylor’s apartment ment first came down that no police offi- traveled into a neighboring unit, threat- cer would be charged in the murder of ening the lives of three neighbors, who Breonna Taylor. She had been shot to are white. Not one single charge was filed death in her bed in Louisville, Ky., on against the other two cops. Hankison is March 13. now out on $15,000 bail. These protests took place in the Kentucky Attorney General Daniel thousands over multiple days in both Cameron (R) made the announcement, Louisville and New York City. explaining that the three cops were justi- In New York, an interstate and a bridge fied in shooting multiple rounds—six​ of between Brooklyn and Manhattan were which hit Taylor as she was sleeping—in​ both shut down. “self-defense.” Taylor’s partner, Kenneth In Louisville, demonstrators defied Outraged by grand jury ruling, protesters shut down I-64 in Louisville, Ky., on Sept. 24. Walker, shot at the cops when they broke curfews and risked arrest as local police down Taylor’s door with a battering ram. and the National Guard attempted to coaches expressed anger and frustration a national outcry demanding police Cameron’s claims that Walker intimidate them with tear gas and swing- in the National Basketball Association accountability for the murders of Black wounded one of the cops turned out to be ing batons. Among those arrested were and Women’s NBA playoff bubbles. All and Brown women, men and children and false based on a recent ballistics report. state Rep. Attica Scott (D), the only Black the teams in the WNBA have devoted in defense of Black Lives Matter. (courier-journal.com, Sept. 27) woman state legislator in Kentucky, who their playoffs to Breonna Taylor. More than six months after the heinous They were carrying out a “no-knock” is facing one felony count for “rioting” and The University of Louisville men’s bas- March 13 murder of Taylor—​a 26-year- search warrant during an ill-advised drug two misdemeanor charges. ketball team led a protest on Sept. 25 in old African American emergency medical bust. Other protests took place in large Louisville. technician—​by three white Louisville, Walker stated that the cops never and small cities, including Philadelphia, The main political themes of these Ky., police officers, a secret grand jury on announced who they were, as he tried Seattle, St. Louis, Denver, Nashville, demonstrations, besides “Arrest the kill- Sept. 23 charged only one of those officers to defend Taylor and himself. Rep. Scott Tenn., Oakland, Calif., Boston, Detroit, ers of Breonna Taylor,” were also “Abolish with three counts of “wanton endanger- proposed a statewide law to negate the Eugene, Ore., Los Angeles, Chicago, the police!” and “Defund the police!” ment.” And this was after four months of “no-knock” warrant, which was recently Washington, and elsewhere. Athletes and The murder of Taylor has generated supposed investigation. Continued on page 6 The Left, the election crisis & ‘the elephant in the room’ By Larry Holmes right now to intervene in the event of any like pouring gasoline on a burning police their comrades: “How can the working fascist developments in November. station. class intervene in this crisis to defend its The writer is First Secretary of The political crisis in the ruling class that own class interests?” Workers World Party. is playing itself out in the presidential elec- What will the working class do? During the times when these noted tion is not really about Trump, any more The working class is the elephant in revolutionaries were active in Germany, The head of the U.S. Postal Service is than it’s about saving democracy, decency the room. In the past, when communist Italy, and the U.S., it was understood by sabotaging delivery of ballots through the and all the other stuff that Democratic and socialist political parties were strong, all the cadre and militants in the work- mail. Trump is acting like he won’t step Party leaders are shouting about. especially in developed imperialist coun- ing class that the working class was ulti- down even if he’s defeated in the elections. This crisis is about the capitalist system tries with large working classes, when a mately the only class that could change And it appears that right-wing and neo-fas- starting to break down and fall apart, and political crisis developed in the ruling the big equation—​and finally, end capi- cist forces, who have guns, are getting what must be done to rescue capitalism class, the response by a militant com- talism. Moreover, it was understood that ready to go into the streets after the elec- and U.S. imperialism from demise. munist would be: “What is the working if the working class did not intervene tions to support an attempted coup. Every This crisis has been building for a class going to do about this?” Communist during a political crisis, something very group and activist ready to fight fascism in long time. The COVID‑19 pandemic has leaders like Rosa Luxemburg, Antonio bad might happen, like the faction within the streets should be making preparations accelerated the course of the crisis; it’s Gramsci, or Harry Haywood would ask Continued on page 8

Editorial DeJoy’s den of thieves 4 Stop war on Black communities 10 Florida bill targets protesters 5 ENVIRONMENT ‘Journey for Justice’ 5 3,334 worldwide protests 11 Climate crisis & migration 11 ‘Proud Boys’ shamed in Portland 7 San Antonio confronts cop terror 7 Jalil Muntaqim Philly houseless victory 9 Palestinian and Irish jail solidarity Health workers win strike 9 Federal executions & racism 2-3 400,000 workers stuck at sea 10 Page 2 Oct. 1, 2020 workers.org Jalil Muntaqim scheduled this week for release­—Free them all! ◆ In the U.S.

By Judy Greenspan hostage for decades in U.S. prisons for their radical and Arrest cops who killed Breonna Taylor ...... 1 revolutionary activities against racism, police terror, Left, election crisis, and the ‘elephant in the room’ . 1 The New York State Parole Board has finally ordered occupation and U.S. military interventions. Jalil Muntaqim scheduled for release­ ...... 2 the release of Jalil Muntaqim, aka Anthony Bottom, a Leonard Peltier, Edward Poindexter, Mumia Abu- Federal executions paused, racism continues ...... 3 former member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Jamal, Sundiata Acoli, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, Jamil Liberation Army. Imprisoned for nearly 50 years, since Abdullah Al-Amin, and David Gilbert are only a few. For USPS: den of thieves behind DeJoy ...... 4 he was 19, Muntaqim is one of the longest-held political more information about U.S. political prisoners, check Florida: Launch of a ‘protester suppression’ bill . .5 prisoners in the world. out freedomarchives.org and thejerichomovement.com. ‘Journey for Justice’ caravan begins on West Coast 5 At the end of April, the New York State Supreme Court The Prisoners Solidarity Committee of Workers World Boston, Seattle: Justice for Breonna Taylor . . . .6 ordered Muntaqim released because both his age and Party welcomes the announcement of the release of Jalil serious medical conditions, including heart disease and Muntaqim. It is long overdue and every additional day Portland’s people out-organize fascist groups . . . 7 chronic respiratory conditions, made him vulnerable that he spends in prison is a threat to his life. Black community fights police terror ...... 7 to the coronavirus. Before he could be freed, however, The PSC demands the immediate release of all political Philadelphia: Direct action wins houseless victory .9 Muntaqim contracted COVID-19, became very ill and prisoners and the abolition of this entire prison system, Illinois: Health workers’ strike scores big win . . .9 was hospitalized. which only serves to oppress the working class, especially Sue Davis, ¡presente! ...... 10 Fortunately, he recovered and survived, no thanks to Black and Brown poor people of color. ☐ the murderous and unforgiving prison system. ‘Year of the Rich’ ...... 10 Muntaqim was born and raised in Oakland, Calif. He was arrested ◆ Around the world with Albert “Nuh” Washington Palestinian, Irish hunger strike in Ireland ...... 3 after a shoot-out with San 400,000 seafarers around the world stuck . . . .10 Francisco police in 1971, shortly after George Jackson was assas- People strike worldwide for the environment . . .11 sinated at San Quentin prison. How class oppression drives climate crises . . . . 11 Muntaqim was later charged with the shooting of two police officers ◆ Editorial in Harlem, N.Y. He was prosecuted Stop war against Black and Brown communities! . 10 with Washington and Herman Bell, both former Black Panther ◆ Noticias en Español Party members. Breonna Taylor ...... 12 Washington died in prison in 2000 and Bell was released on parole in 2018. There is still a group of political activists and revolutionaries like Muntaqim who have been held Jalil Muntaqim

Workers World Join us in the fight 147 W. 24th St., 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10011 for socialism! Phone: 212.627.2994 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.workers.org Workers World Party is a revolutionary Marxist-Leninist and trans people are gunned down by cops and bigots on Vol. 62, No. 40 • Oct. 1, 2020 party inside the belly of the imperialist beast. We are a mul- a regular basis. Closing date: Sept. 30, 2020 tinational, multigenerational and multigendered organiza- The ruthless ruling class today seeks to wipe out tion that not only aims to abolish capitalism, but to build a decades of gains and benefits won by hard-fought strug- Editor: Deirdre Griswold socialist society because it’s the only way forward! gles by people’s movements. The super-rich and their Managing Editors: John Catalinotto, Martha Grevatt, Capitalism and imperialism threaten the peoples of the political representatives have intensified their attacks on Monica Moorehead, Betsey Piette, Minnie Bruce Pratt world and the planet itself in the neverending quest for the multinational, multigender and multigenerational Web Editors: ABear, Harvey Markowitz, Janet Mayes ever-greater profits. working class. It is time to point the blame at—and​ chal- Capitalism means war and austerity, racism and lenge—the​ capitalist system. Prisoners Page Editors: Mirinda Crissman, Ted Kelly repression, attacks on im/migrants, misogyny, LGBTQ2+ WWP fights for socialism because the working class Production & Design Editors: Gery Armsby, Mirinda oppression and mistreatment of people with disabili- produces all wealth in society, and this wealth should Crissman, Sasha Mazumder, Scott Williams ties. It means joblessness, increasing homelessness and remain in their hands, not be stolen in the form of capi- Copyediting and Proofreading: Paddy Colligan, impoverishment and lack of hope for the future. No social talist profits. The wealth workers create should be socially S. Hedgecoke problems can be solved under capitalism. owned and its distribution planned to satisfy and guaran- The U.S. is the richest country in the world, yet no one tee basic human needs. Contributing Editors: LeiLani Dowell, G. Dunkel, has a guaranteed right to shelter, food, water, health care, Since 1959, Workers World Party has been out in the K. Durkin, Sara Flounders, Teresa Gutierrez, Joshua education or anything else—​unless they can pay for it. streets defending the workers and oppressed here and Hanks, Makasi Motema, Gloria Rubac Wages are lower than ever, and youth are saddled with worldwide. If you’re interested in Marxism, socialism Mundo Obero: Teresa Gutierrez, Carlos Vargas seemingly insurmountable student debt, if they even and fighting for a socialist future, please contact a WWP Copyright © 2020 Workers World. Verbatim copying make it to college. Black, Brown and Indigenous youth branch near you. ☐ and distribution of articles is permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is preserved. If you are interested in joining Workers World Party contact: 212.627.2994 Workers World (ISSN-1070-4205) is published weekly except the last week of December by WW Publishers, National Office Boston Durham, N.C. Portland, Ore. 147 W. 24th St., 2nd floor 284 Amory St. 804 Old Fayetteville St. [email protected] 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10011. Phone: New York, NY 10011 Boston, MA 02130 Durham, NC 27701 212.627.2994. Subscriptions: One year: $36; institu- Salt Lake City 212.627.2994 617.522.6626 919.322.9 970 tions: $50. Letters to the editor may be condensed and 801.750.0248 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] edited. Articles can be freely reprinted, with credit to [email protected] Workers World, 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl., New York, NY Atlanta Buffalo, N.Y. Houston San Antonio 10011. Back issues and individual articles are available PO Box 18123 335 Richmond Ave. P.O. Box 3454 [email protected] Atlanta, GA 30316 Buffalo, NY 14222 Houston, TX 77253-3454 on microfilm and/or photocopy from NA Publishing, 404.627.0185 716.883.2534 713.503.2633 West Virginia Inc, P.O. Box 998, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0998. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] A searchable archive is available on the Web at www.workers.org. Austin Cleveland Pensacola, Fla. [email protected] 216.738.0320 [email protected] A headline digest is available via e-mail subscription. [email protected] Subscription information is at workers.org. Bay Area Philadelphia P.O. Box 22947 Dallas P.O. Box 34249 Periodicals postage paid at New York, N.Y. Oakland, CA 94609 [email protected] Philadelphia, PA 19101 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 510.394.2207 610.931.2615 Workers World, 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl. [email protected] [email protected] New York, N.Y. 10011. workers.org Oct. 1, 2020 Page 3 Palestinian and Irish hunger strike in prisons in Ireland

By Christian Noakes It states: “Issam is being needlessly held repression, Dr. Hijjawi-Bassalat began a Sept. 24 to protest the appalling condi- in the filth and squalor of the occupation’s hunger strike on Sept. 16 to demand his tions, brutality and repression in Israel’s Issam Hijjawi-Bassalat, a Palestinian Foyle House in intense pain, unable to sit return to the jail’s Republican wing. He Ofer Prison in the Occupied West Bank. doctor and dedicated ant-imperialist, or lay down. …” has been joined in his strike by at least (Palestine Information Center, Sept. 22) was arrested on Aug. 24 along with nine The statement continues: “There is no 50 Irish Republican political prisoners in Solidarity actions with Dr. Hijjawi- members of the Irish Republican Party logic to Issam being held [there] ... as both Maghaberry Prison and Portlaoise Bassalat and the Republican political Saoradh, as a result of entrapment by the over the past two-week period, two loyal- Jail in County Laois in the Free State prisoners have been held in several cit- British police agency MI5. These arrests ist prisoners were taken to outside hospi- (commonly referred to as the “Republic ies in the north and in Dublin, as well are part of the ongoing repression of the tals and returned to loyalist Bush House. of Ireland”). as in Glasgow, Scotland and London. Irish Republican movement* by British They were not forced to endure the Women incarcerated at the Hydebank IRPWA is organizing a 24-hour solidar- military and intelligence forces. 14-day, 24-hour lock-up due to ‘COVID Wood Prison in Belfast began refusing ity fast of “activists from across Ireland” The prisoners were taken to British- isolation’. This is clear proof that the food on Sept. 23, and stated: “We unre- on Sept. 26. They will set up a camp out- operated Maghaberry Prison in Antrim, occupiers’ MI5-led jail administration is servedly support Issam in his hunger side Maghaberry jail, picket the Kennedy one of the Occupied Six Counties in using the isolation of Issam as a tool to strike and his demand for immediate Center in West Belfast, then travel by car Ireland’s northeast. After undergoing the persecute Republican Prisoners.” transfer to Republican Roe House.” (The caravan to the prison’s gates where they intial 14-day isolation now being prac- Cases of COVID‑19 have been reported Irish News, Sept. 24) will hold a rally. ticed during the COVID‑19 Activists on the outside pandemic, they were have also committed to How you can help! taken to Roe House at fasting in solidarity. The In addition to pressuring British Maghaberry, which is used hunger strikers are con- occupation forces, supporters from to detain Republican polit- tinuing the struggle of around the world can write letters to ical prisoners. Irish Republican hunger the hunger strikers. Contact Samidoun Due to persisting, strikers, such as Bobby Palestine Prisoners Solidarity Network numerous health prob- Sands. Thirty-nine years via Facebook or email at samidoun@ lems, Dr. Hijjawi-Bassalat, ago, this hero fought to samidoun.net. Also, see Irish Republican who is 62 years old, was the death for political Prisoner Welfare Association via taken to an outside hospital status and basic human Facebook. for an MRI scan. However, dignity. Anti-imperialists worldwide have a after the procedure he was Dr. Hijjawi-Bassalat’s responsibility to show solidarity with separated from his com- experience in Maghaberry political prisoners from Ireland to rades and placed in dilap- Prison is reflective of Palestine. They are imprisoned for us! idated Foyle House at the the common experience We are out here for them! same jail—​where non-po- of political prisoners— litical prisoners are held—​ whether in Ireland or Dr. Hijjawi-Bassalat was returned to instead of being taken back Occupied Palestine. This Republican Roe House and ended his hun- to Roe House. Authorities is true in regard to both ger strike, said Irish Republican Prisoners claimed that he had to the harsh and brutal con- Welfare Association on Sept. 28. undergo another 14 days PHOTO: TALIA LUX ditions in the jails and *Irish Republicans have fought for Irish-Palestinian Solidarity mural on Falls Road peace wall that separates of isolation to prevent the Belfast’s Catholic and Protestant communities. the prisoners’ means of centuries against British imperialism spread of COVID‑19. resistance. and for the right of self-determination. However, this claim is Much like Irish polit- The loyalists, on the other hand, support contradicted by the preferential treat- in Foyle House, too. Additionally, there ical prisoners, Palestinians have a long and protect Britain’s occupation of the ment given to loyalist prisoners. The is plenty of room in the Republican sec- history of demanding their humanity northeastern six counties in Ireland and Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare tion at Roe House to allow Dr. Hijawi- through tactics such as hunger strikes. London’s policies of global intervention, Association (IRPWA) Facebook page Bassalat to be in isolation, say Republican Like their anti-imperialist comrades repression and exploitation. posted a message from a Republican pris- activists. resisting oppression in Ireland, over 300 Kathy Durkin contributed to this oner on Roe 4 landing at Maghaberry jail. In response to such blatant, brutal prisoners plan to go on hunger strike article. Federal executions paused, racism continues By Gloria Rubac Several families of men on death row states that Black people remain overrep- prisoners to establish they are mentally Houston protested the two executions during the resented on death rows and that Black disabled and ineligible for the death week of Sept. 21, in Washington, D.C., people who kill white people are far more penalty. In the previous 56 years, the U.S. gov- and outside the prison in Terre Haute. likely to be sentenced to death than white ernment had executed just three prison- Rodrick and Wana Reed traveled from people who kill Black people. Abolish the death penalty! ers. But in 2020, seven federal executions Bastrop, Texas, to be with the families According to DPIC, of the 56 inmates Since the 1970s, there have been 1,526 have already taken place since July. of the two men about to be murdered. currently on federal death row, 26 are executions in the U.S. The vast majority The most recent was Christopher Vialva, Rodrick Reed, brother of Texas death row Black—​almost half—​while Black peo- have taken place in the former enslaving put to death Sept. 24 at the federal prison prisoner Rodney Reed, said it was time ple make up only about 13% of the U.S. Confederate states of the South—1,245. in Terre Haute, Ind. He was the first Black for families and those who want to stop population. Texas led in legal lynchings with 570. prisoner executed as part of the Trump all executions to get together to fight. No more federal executions are pres- But executions have continued to administration’s resumption of federal Joining them was Delia Perez Meyer of ently scheduled, though the Department decline over the last 20 years. Fourteen executions after a nearly 20-year pause. Austin, Texas, the sister of Louis Castro of Justice could change that at any time. executions have taken place in 2020, Perez, who has spent decades There is one more state execution set half by the federal government. Texas working to prove her brother’s for 2020—Purvis Payne, a man on has enforced three this year and there innocence. Eve Allen, the sister Tennessee’s death row. Payne may be both has been one execution each in Missouri, of Billie Allen, who is on fed- innocent and intellectually disabled. Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. eral death row, traveled to Terre Since 2002, it has been unconstitu- According to the DPIC, “The national Haute as well. She proclaims her tional to subject those with intellectual death-row population has declined for 18 brother is an artist, an author and disabilites to the death penalty. Payne consecutive years, as sentence reversals, innocent. (FreeBillyAllen.com) has sought an opportunity to present evi- executions and deaths by other causes are dence of his intellectual disability, but his outpacing new death sentences.” Racist injustice system effort has been denied by the Tennessee The criminal so-called “justice” system The issue of racism in the crim- state courts. can never be reformed. It needs to be abol- inal justice system has been out African American leaders in Tennessee ished, along with the cops and the courts front in the public view follow- are urging the governor and the courts and the prisons. Until that day, activists ing George Floyd’s murder by a to stop Payne’s execution. State legisla- can win some victories, abolitionists can Fighting for an innocent loved one on death row Minneapolis police officer in May, tors, legal associations, religious leaders chip away at the death penalty, and transi- can be a full-time job. Here at the Dept. of Justice, resulting in outrage and demon- and community activists are demanding tional demands can be made and won. Washington, D.C., the week of Sept. 21 is Eve Allen strations across the country. DNA testing. Their appeal includes post- But for the 2,500 men and women (middle), who is working to free her brother, Billie A Sept. 15 report by the ponement of the Dec. 3 execution date now on state and federal death rows, the Allen, from federal death row. Wana Reed and Washington, D.C.-based Death so the Tennessee legislature can amend only solution is abolition of the death Rodrick Reed, who are fighting to free Rodrick’s Penalty Information Center state law with a procedure for death row penalty. brother, Rodney Reed, from Texas death row. ☐ Page 4 Oct. 1, 2020 workers.org USPS: den of thieves behind DeJoy By Joe Piette Service. All six were appointed after the in his first PMG interview. His second for a second term starting in December release of the Task Force Report. talk with postal governors went so badly 2019, is chairperson of the Postal Board Many postal workers and the millions of Their backgrounds provide evidence on that Barger repeatedly intervened to help of Governors and the CEO of Inez Deposit people who support the U.S. Postal Service why they were chosen. clarify DeJoy’s responses. Williams later Bank. Duncan maneuvered the Board think its current problems began June 15, Roman Martinez IV, confirmed resigned in part to protest the new post- into hiring Louis DeJoy as Postmaster when Louis DeJoy took over as Postmaster by the Senate on Aug. 1, 2019, describes master general’s ascension. General. General (PMG). However, the initial himself as an expert in “public and pri- Ron Bloom, confirmed by the Senate Duncan is a 40-year RNC political assault dates back to April 12, 2018, when vate financings, mergers and acquisitions, on Aug. 20, 2019, is a Democratic Party strategist, past chairman of the RNC President Trump’s Executive Order 13829 corporate restructurings and overall cor- member of the Board of Governors. As and director of two conservative Super created the Task Force on the United States porate financial advice.” He worked for an investment banker, he participated PACs—​American Crossroads and the Postal System, with Treasury Secretary Senate Leadership Fund. He held high Steve Mnuchin as chair. positions in the George H.W. Bush White A Task Force participant, the White House, the Tennessee Valley Authority House Office of Management and Budget and the American Coalition for Clean (OMB), revealed its real purpose June 21, Coal Electricity (ACCCE), a coalition of 2018, with a preliminary plan to restruc- coal companies, railroads and electric ture the Postal System’s business model, utilities. before transforming it into a privately Duncan has a history of involvement held corporation. “USPS privatization USPS Chairman Member Member Member Member Member in racist disenfranchisement. Under his through an initial public offering (IPO) Postmaster USPS Board USPS Board USPS Board USPS Board USPS Board USPS Board watch, state Republican parties con- General of Governors of Governors of Governors of Governors of Governors of Governors or sale to another entity would require Louis Dejoy Robert Duncan John Barger Donald Moak Ron Bloom William Zollars Roman Martinez IV ducted “voter caging” operations to the implementation of significant reforms compile lists of voters of color who are prior to sale to show a possible path to 31 years at Lehman Brothers, retiring as in more than 100 bankruptcies and reor- vulnerable to having their registrations profitability,” the plan said. (Federal Managing Director in 2003. (tinyurl.com/ ganizations, including while serving challenged and denied. News Network, June 22, 2018) y383bs2h) as a special assistant to former United ‘Depose DeJoy’ The final Task Force report was released Lehman Brothers was implicated in Steelworkers (USW) President George Dec. 4, 2018. (tinyurl.com/y4egr4hm) It predatory lending in which Black and Becker and on the President’s Task Force Unanimously chosen as PMG by drew quick condemnations from postal Brown borrowers were steered to sub- on the Automotive Industry in 2009. Mnuchin’s team of governors, Louis workers, unions and supporters. prime mortgage lenders, while high- Bloom’s tenure with the USW included DeJoy is a former XPO Logistics execu- The National Association of Letter er-income, white borrowers were served negotiating almost 50 bankruptcies in the tive with a decades-long, antilabor record. Carriers (NALC) said the plan “would primarily by conventional lending insti- steel, rubber, aluminum and paper indus- (workers.org/2020/05/48913/) A mega dramatically raise mailing costs for ‘com- tutions. With $600 billion in assets, tries, in most cases recommending severe donor to the Republican Party, DeJoy has mercial mailers’ and shippers, slash the Lehman went bankrupt in 2008—​the labor concessions. Bloom served as senior $30 million invested in XPO Logistics, frequency and quality of delivery and gut largest bankruptcy in U.S. history—​trig- advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury a USPS contractor—​a clear conflict of the standard of living of postal employees gering the 2008 Great Recession and under President Obama. When the fed- interest. by outsourcing their jobs, stripping them massive numbers of home foreclosures. eral government bailed out Chrysler and Since his June 15 appointment, DeJoy of collective bargaining rights and reduc- Martinez is on the Board of Directors General Motors in 2009, Bloom promoted has reassigned or displaced 23 postal ing their retirement and workers’ compen- of CIGNA, making $336,440 annually, “shared sacrifice.” Wages for new workers executives, effectively removing decades sation benefits. These recommendations in addition to owning $7 million in com- were cut in half to $14.50 per hour, and of institutional postal knowledge from would weaken, not strengthen the Postal pany stock. He is also on the Boards over two dozen auto plants and warehouses top organizational positions. He brought Service—and​ threaten the most efficient of ORBITAL ATK INC, Bacardi Ltd., were closed, resulting in record corporate in four high-level people who previously and affordable universal postal system in Greenpoint Financial Corp. and New York profits, lost jobs and lower wages. worked for his businesses, each making the world.” (tinyurl.com/y2h7c9m3) Presbyterian Hospital. The National Association of Letter close to $200,000 in salary. The American Postal Workers Union Martinez’ family came to the U.S. when Carriers (NALC) hired Bloom as an advi- Most worrisome is that they may bring added: “The APWU also believes the Task he was 12, as part of the 1960 wave of sor from 2011-2012 to “help ‘save’ the with them the same record of sexual Force’s recommendations represent the wealthy and professional Cubans who postal service while avoiding drastic harassment, discrimination, speedups, first stage of getting the USPS ready for fled after the popular overthrow of dicta- cuts.” His advice to postal workers at the workplace injuries, excessive use of tem- privatization, the clear goal of the current tor Fulgencio Batista. 2012 NALC Convention was again “shared porary workers and other terrible work- White House. All told, the report has no William Zollars, confirmed by the sacrifice,” telling workers to accept place practices notorious in DeJoy’s three less than 20 attacks on workers’ rights, Senate on June 18, “led large organi- wage and benefit cuts. (youtube.com/ companies. 13 threats to service and 13 privatization zations in three different Fortune 500 watch?v=fqr43k05VAw) Thirty-eight percent of postal workers threats.” (Italics in original) (tinyurl.com/ companies (YRC, Kodak and Ryder) and Donald Moak, confirmed by the are Black, Latinx, Asian or Indigenous. y3bq6kt9) served on the board of directors of four Senate on June 18, is the other Democratic Forty percent are women. Over ninety Step two occurred after the report’s different Fortune 500 companies.” He Party board member. He is the founder percent of the 600,000 postal workers are release, when Mnuchin began recruiting was chosen even though YRC is being and CEO of The Moak Group, a business in unions. The antilabor, racist and gen- executives to fill vacant Postal Board of sued by the federal government for over- consulting firm whose website proclaims: der biases of USPS executives will inevita- Governors positions and then replacing charging the Pentagon millions of dollars. “Our team’s experience and expertise bly impact these workers negatively. then-PMG Megan Brennan with a new (tinyurl.com/yxoxuuz2) allows us to develop and execute innova- Weeks after taking over as PMG, DeJoy Postal leader, one whose opinions were Zollars also currently sits on the board tive strategies and campaigns that allow imposed several operational changes—​ more in line with the views of Mnuchin of directors of Prologis, where he owns our clients to achieve desired outcomes, including removal of hundreds of and the egotistical man in the Oval Office. over $1 million in shares. Prologis is a meet commercial objectives, launch tac- mail-sorting machines and blue mail col- Mnuchin assembled the Board of logistics multinational, which rents indus- tical executions and issue-advocacy cam- lection boxes and a crackdown on over- Governors with the Task Force’s agenda trial real estate to the Postal Service as paigns, build effective coalitions and time—​causing widespread mail delivery in mind. Governors were chosen for their well as to competitors such as UPS and more.” (moakgroup.com) slowdowns. specific skills, history of corporate practices FedEx—which​ should have been flagged As a former president of the Air Line DeJoy plans more extreme changes and their business and political ties—​ele- as a financial conflict of interest. Pilots Association, Moak negotiated com- after Nov. 3. These include raising pack- ments that would be required in forcing a John Barger, confirmed by the Senate plex union contracts, during a period of age rates when delivering the last mile transition to a privatized post office. on Aug. 1, 2019, is a managing director airline mergers and consolidations. He on behalf of big retailers and setting Board candidates were given the Task of Northern Cross Partners, LLC, a Los apparently became so comfortable work- higher postal rates for service in Alaska, Force Report to read before they appeared Angeles-based private investment firm ing with upper management, he ended up Hawaii and Puerto Rico. He has already at confirmation hearings in front of the that describes itself as specializing “in switching sides. announced holiday surcharges on com- Senate Committee on Homeland Security improvements of company operating While Chair of the Election Mail mercial customers. Discounts for non- and Government Affairs. Predictably, performance, restructuring and recap- Committee of the Board of Governors, profits and election ballots would be potential board members repeated some italizations, corporate governance and Moak was responsible for the storm of eliminated. of the Task Force’s recommendations management succession.” (tinyurl.com/ criticism and lawsuits stemming from DeJoy’s long history of financial sup- during their hearings, significantly on y4yka4mb) the misleading national USPS postcard port for the Republican Party totals over altering the Universal Service Obligation Barger played a large role in choos- mailing in early September on mail bal- $2.4 million since 2016. He was recently (frequency of delivery, processing and ing Louis DeJoy for Postmaster General. lot procedures, which conflict with actual accused of forcing employees in his for- other standards). Executive search firms Chelsea Partners vote-by-mail rules in many states. mer company to make political contribu- and Russell Reynolds Associates had rec- Moak spoke out against Eastern District tions to the RNC and then reimbursing Governors chosen to carry out ommended 53 PMG candidates but were of Washington Chief Judge Stanley them through “bonuses”—​a straw-donor Task Force recommendations ignored when DeJoy’s name was added as Bastian’s ruling on Sep. 18, which blocked scheme, illegal under federal and state Mnuchin brought forward six wealthy a late contender by Barger, acting on behalf DeJoy’s operational changes at the USPS. campaign finance laws. businessmen (four Republicans and two of the Board’s chairperson, Robert Duncan, Moak claimed “Any suggestion that there There have been many accusations Democrats), all of whom were approved former RNC chairperson. DeJoy, Barger is a politically motivated attack on the effi- that DeJoy is purposely degrading USPS by the Senate, as required by the Postal and Duncan are all prominent donors to ciency of the Postal Service is completely operations in coordination with Trump’s Accountability and Enhancement Act President Trump and other Republicans. and utterly without merit.” efforts to suppress voting rights—​all of 2006. None had experience as work- Former Postal Governor David Williams Robert Duncan, first confirmed by part of a naked attempt to illegitimately ers, managers or executives in the Postal said DeJoy gave a lackluster performance the Senate in August 2018 and confirmed Continued on page 5 workers.org Oct. 1, 2020 Page 5

Florida Launch of a ‘protester suppression’ bill By Devin C hold the driver not liable for injury or death, if they “flee justice group organizes a rally which police declare Occupied Creek/Muscogee territory—​ for their safety.” There have been scores of incidents “disorderly,” the state could arrest everyone in the Pensacola, Fla. during the recent uprisings where racists intention- organization under a RICO liability, making all mem- ally drive into crowds bers liable to crimi- In a Sept. 21 press conference, Florida far-right to harm and kill pro- nal charges. This is an Governor Ron DeSantis launched a new attack against testers. This bill would [The proposed bill also means attempt to crush entire the continuing protests for Black lives with the announce- allow these attackers to that] if a social justice group organizations that are in ment of a reactionary legislative bill, the “Combating avoid charges, if they the streets fighting white Violence, Disorder and Looting and Law Enforcement use the same racist organizes a rally which police supremacy. Protection Act.” The bill would drastically intensify crim- excuse that killer cops The Florida bill would inal charges against protesters, and it would allow civil- give for shooting Black declare ‘disorderly,’ the state also increase the manda- ians to harm protesters with few to no repercussions. people: “I feared for my tory minimum jail sen- The bill is part of an accelerating wave of neo-Nazi, life.” could arrest everyone in the tence for “striking a law white-supremacist assault—​both legal and vigilante—​ In addition, the bill organization under a RICO enforcement officer,” on protests which have flooded the country after the would make destroying mandating anyone con- Minneapolis police murder of George Floyd in May. or toppling any monu- [Racketeer Influenced and victed of that crime to Right-wing Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a ments a second-degree remain incarcerated for set of similar legislative bills Sept. 24. felony. This is a direct Corrupt Organizations Law] at least six months. Of Workers World Party-Central Gulf Coast branch met attack on protesters course, activist video doc- the threat by DeSantis with a “Fightback Against Protest after several years of liability, making all members umentation shows that Suppression” rally of staunch activists in downtown them pulling down racist liable to criminal charges. This cops are most often vio- Pensacola on Sept. 26. In the aftermath of Hurricane Confederate statues. It is lent aggressors at pro- Sally, with communication networks down, representa- no surprise to anti-rac- is an attempt to crush entire tests—​and then later tives of Socialist Trans Initiative, Black Voters Matter ist, anti-colonialist pro- charge protesters who and the WWP branch denounced the governor’s attempt testers that statues and organizations that are in the defend themselves with to suppress protest and called for “Justice for Breonna monuments to colonial- “striking a law enforce- Taylor!” Taylor was killed as she slept, when cops ism and white suprem- streets fighting white supremacy. ment officer.” invaded her Kentucky residence in March. acy are being protected, In an attack on the while thousands of peo- “Defund, Disarm, Abolish A new ‘Protester Suppression Act’ ple—​the majority Black, Brown and poor people—​are the Police” movement, the DeSantis bill would prohibit DeSantis’ bill would make blocking traffic during an dying from COVID‑19 because of medical malpractice state grants or aid to any local government that slashes “unpermitted protest” a third-degree felony and would by the state. the budget for law enforcement services. Masses of Perhaps one of the people in many communities are now demanding most egregious addi- police budgets be cut in order to fund community proj- tions made in the pro- ects and services. The bill’s far-right message is clear: posed law is assigning Community programs must suffer—and​ communities RICO liability to anyone must suffer under a police state. who organizes a protest Finally, the bill directly attacks jail support for pro- or assembly deemed “dis- testers who are arrested. It denies bail or bond until the orderly” or “violent”—​a first appearance in court, if a person is charged with a designation solely in crime related to “disorderly or violent assembly.” In the the hands of police or last several months, there has been an increase in pro- other state entities. The testers being thrown in jail and kept in jail indefinitely Racketeer Influenced and while they await a hearing. This bill would solidify that Corrupt Organizations approach, with the arrested person forced to remain law enables prosecution in jail indefinitely until a hearing is scheduled, days or of all individuals involved weeks later—​effectively incarcerating people to keep in an organization ruled them from rejoining protests. “criminal.” Activists in Florida are mobilizing more actions This means, for against this “Protester Suppression Act”—​to say NO to Activists rally against suppression of protest, Pensacola, Fla., Sept. 26. WW PHOTO: DEVIN C instance, if a social a police state! ☐

USPS: den of thieves ‘Journey for Justice’ caravan begins on West Coast By Lyn Neeley and Judy Greenspan Enforcement (ICE), and then moved to the VOZ Worker behind DeJoy Education Project center. The windows of the ICE facil- The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area and Portland, ity have remained boarded up for more than a year, Continued from page 4 Ore., were the first two stops on the TPS (Temporary following Occupy ICE demonstrations that lasted from Protective Status) workers’ “Journey for Justice” cara- June 17 to Aug. 1, 2019. reelect this openly racist, misogynist, antilabor, right- van tour, which left Los Angeles on Sept. 21. Traveling Portland is the first U.S. city where Occupy ICE pro- wing administration. in their bus, “La Libertad,” members of the two-month tests were held against Trump’s “Zero Tolerance Policy,” DeJoy denies his actions are meant to help Trump’s tour will stop in 46 cities to raise awareness and get which has led to the arrests of thousands of im/migrants reelection, claiming Trump “is incorrect” when he repeat- support for the 300,000 TPS workers who have been from Mexico while crossing into the U.S. and separated edly rails against mail-in voting and falsely claims the stripped of their right to “legally” work in the U.S. more than 2,300 children from their undocumented postal service will be unable to deliver ballots in a timely On Sept. 22, TPS workers held a press conference parents. During the protests, windows were smashed manner, and that it will lead to widespread voter fraud. and rally in front of the new San Francisco Federal with rocks and dumpsters were set on fire. ☐ DeJoy’s comments resemble those of a person fixing a Building, where House few things and cleaning their car or home—​before put- Speaker Nancy Pelosi has ting it on the market. Privatization of the postal service an office. They want the fed- has been a goal of its competitors for decades. This may eral government to reverse be the most serious and organized assault on its existence its decision to end TPS for ever put together. 40,000 immigrant workers, Whether Trump and DeJoy are working closely some of whom have been together or not, their actions cause people to lose con- working in the U.S. for nearly fidence in the post office’s ability to deliver their letters, 40 years. Most recipients, like medicines, parcels and voter ballots on time. Claudia Lainez of Oakland, Postal workers and Black and Brown communities, a national TPS organizer people with disabilities, veterans, nonprofits, small busi- who is on the bus trip with nesses, seniors and other members of the working class, Stephanie, her 20-year-old who depend on the USPS, can stop privatization if we rise U.S.-born daughter, are long- up as one strong body and replace DeJoy and the USPS term residents with deep ties Board of Governors with people who actually believe in in their communities. a people’s postal service. The future of this vital and his- In Portland, a TPS press toric public service is in our hands. conference and rally were held Sept. 23 in front of Joe Piette retired from the USPS after 30 years as the boarded-up building of a letter carrier and is a member of the NALC. He wel- Immigration and Customs WW PHOTO: LYN NEELEY comes responses at [email protected]. Page 6 Oct. 1, 2020 workers.org Release the evidence and Arrest killers of Breonna Taylor! Continued from page 1 death but the whole rigged, bigoted system of oppression. Abuses by the police, the courts, the prisons and the passed. She was recently arrested. laws targeting Black and Brown people like George The fact that not one cop was charged with murder, Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland and countless oth- not even manslaughter, for taking the life of this young ers are not isolated instances. These institutions reflect Black woman, is but another tragic but important rea- bigoted, irreconcilable differences when it comes to race son why the Black Lives Matter struggle deserves broad and class. classwide solidarity. Under capitalism—​a particular form of society that It took the public lynching of George Floyd in divides people into haves and have nots, the ruling class Minneapolis on May 25 to help bring national and inter- and the multinational working class—​the lives of Black, national awareness to Taylor’s murder, which had hap- Brown and Indigenous people are devalued by a repres- pened more than two months earlier. Louisville protest, Sept. 23. sive state apparatus resting on the centuries-old founda- Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump commented fol- tion of white supremacy. lowing the ruling: “This is outrageous and offensive! If How else can it be explained that a Louisville cop can Brett Hankison’s behavior was wanton endangerment to be held accountable for destroying walls, but not for tak- people in neighboring apartments, then it should have ing the life of a human being? been wanton endangerment in Breonna Taylor’s apart- Or that a 17-year-old neofascist, Kyle Rittenhouse, can ment, too. In fact, it should have been ruled wanton mur- shoot to death two anti-racists in Kenosha, Wis., while der.” (Washington Post, Sept. 23) the police look the other way—​but a 12-year-old Black child, Tamir Rice, can be fatally shot on the spot by police Family demands ‘open the books’ in Cleveland for playing with a BB gun? The family of Breonna Taylor, including her mother, The police, the U.S. Border Patrol and other agencies Tamika Palmer, and Walker were present at a Sept. 25 exist to keep social order—​that is, to use any repres- press conference in Louisville, along with family attorn- sive means to protect the private property of the bosses ies Crump and Lonita Baker. The lawyers and family stolen from the collective wealth and labor of the global are demanding that the secretive grand jury reveal the Philadelphia protest, Sept. 23. WW PHOTO: JOE PIETTE working class. entire transcript to the world that led to their shocking This order is why it is so difficult to get justice for the ruling. They are also calling for a special prosecutor to be the healing of this city. [He] helped me realize ... it will victims of police violence. The laws provide immunity appointed to present evidence on behalf of Taylor before always be us against them. That we are never safe when it for the police, who act as an armed agent of the bosses a grand jury. comes to them.” She went on to say that she has “no faith against the workers. Crump commented, “What did Kentucky Attorney in the legal system, in the police, in the laws that are not The clarion call to abolish the police, not just as indi- General Daniel Cameron present to the grand jury? Did made to protect us Black and Brown people.” viduals but as a militarized oppressive force that is dia- he present any evidence on Breonna Taylor’s behalf? Or Palmer said Cameron “alone didn’t fail her,” and that metrically opposed to the interests of the workers and did he make a unilateral decision to put his thumb on the her daughter was also failed by “the judge who signed oppressed, will continue to grow louder. scales of justice to help try to exonerate and justify the the search warrant ... the terrorist who broke down her In the end, the only way to abolish the police is to abol- killing of Breonna Taylor by these police officers? And in door ... [and] the system as a whole.” ish the system that has sustained this force since the days doing so, make sure that Breonna Taylor’s family never One of the grand jurors has filed a motion on Sept. 28. of U.S. slavery. And that system is capitalism—​a system got their day in court. The motion demands that the recordings of the grand that prioritizes profits and private property before meet- “Release the transcript so we can have transparency. jury proceedings be released to the public. It states that ing the basic human needs of the workers, who need jobs, And if you did everything you could do on Breonna’s the jurors were not given proper instructions to include housing, health care, education and much more. Only a behalf, you shouldn’t have any problems whatso- the option of indicting Sgt. Jon Mattingly and Detective socialist revolution can ultimately win these demands—​ ever, Daniel Cameron, to release the transcript to see Myles Cosgrove for firing the bullets that killed Taylor. not an election, that does not change class relations. you fought for all of Kentucky’s citizens.” (ABC News, The juror also asks to speak publicly on this matter. Waging a global, classwide struggle to help empower Sept. 25) the working class through workers’ assemblies, workers’ In a written statement read by Taylor’s aunt, Bianca Police and capitalism are intertwined defense committees against right-wing fascists and other Austin, Tamika Palmer stated that Cameron “had the Palmer’s statement rings so true, not only with the sustained, organized formations will win real justice for power to do the right thing. He had the power to start individuals responsible for her daughter’s senseless the Breonna Taylors and George Floyds of the world. ☐

Seattle Justice for Breonna Taylor Boston Justice for and Black lives Breonna Taylor

By Jim McMahan In retaliation, the cops used blast balls At least four actions demanding reopening of nine recent local cases Seattle and pepper spray, and even ran people Justice for Breonna Taylor took place where cops have gotten away with over with their police bikes. The cop vio- in Boston over the Sept. 26-27 week- murders officially classified as “jus- Demonstrators marched here on Sept. lence tended to anger people even more. end, drawing thousands of marchers. tified.” The MAAPB marchers ulti- 24 to protest the previous day’s decision by Thirteen anti-racists were arrested. Mass Action Against Police Brutality’s mately joined a Party of Socialism and a grand jury in Louisville, Ky., not to bring Black Lives Matter protests have now Sept. 26 rally demanded Taylor’s Liberation march on Boston Police charges against the cops who murdered continued in Seattle for at least 117 days Kentucky case be reopened, after headquarters—a force of occupation Breonna Taylor. Hundreds took to the straight. There’s a morning march, a day none of the three killer cops who mur- in the heart of the city’s Black commu- streets for hours, until after midnight, and march and a night march. Black people dered her on March 13 were charged nity. The racist system fails to value marched on the Capitol Hill precinct, which lead the marches, which are held in dif- with causing her death. For six years, Black lives from Louisville to Boston: is bunkered behind huge cement blocks. ferent neighborhoods all over the city. The MAAPB has provided essential sup- Reopen the Cases Now! Justice for anti-racists sometimes disrupt status port to families who have suffered at Breonna! quo events and are sometimes attacked the hands of Massachusetts police by the police. They are also holding officers. And the group demands the — Workers World Boston bureau trainings and educationals. The Seattle City Council had voted for a budget proposal that would reduce police positions and invest the money saved in community-based programs. It would also cut the “navigation teams” that evict houseless people from their encampments. Mayor Jenny Durkan vetoed the pro- posal. But on Sept. 22, feeling the pres- sure of the oppressed working class, the City Council voted 7-2 to override Mayor Durkan’s veto. The groups King County Equity Now and Decriminalize Seattle, which repre- sent oppressed communities, said in a statement: “The council’s move marks an urgent break from the decades of

IMAGE: STAT THE ARTIST votes to expand racist policing.” ☐ WW PHOTO: G.CARENS workers.org Oct. 1, 2020 Page 7 Portland’s people out-organize fascist groups By Joshua Hanks pro-fascist participants onto the freeway Portland, Ore. and out of the state.

People in this city—​the scene of many ‘Proud boys better hide’ past rallies by violent fascist groups—​ The New York Times spoke with one of squared off once more against far- the counterprotesters, who was with mem- right groups, led by the Proud Boys, on bers of Workers World in a group called Sept. 26. Pro-fascists organized under the Portland Labor for Black Lives Matter: banner of combatting the mass anti-rac- “Doreen McGrath, a 63-year-old activist, ist movement, which has persisted in said she had driven in with a group of about this city and across the country since 25 people from Seattle. Their group stood Minneapolis police murdered George on the outskirts of the gathering, chanting Floyd in late May. Anti-racists won and waving signs. ‘Hey there, Proud Boys, today’s confrontation. you better hide,’ they chanted. ‘We can see The right-wing rally took place just your fascist side.’’’ (Sept. 26) weeks after an anti-fascist activist, in Anti-fascist and anti-racist activists defense of a Black friend under deadly had organized yet another successful WW PHOTO: LYN NEELEY attack, gunned down a far-right aggressor Portland’s anti-fascists outnumber Proud Boys on Sept. 26. show of force against far-right agitators at a similar event downtown. Police and in what has become an all-too-common federal forces later summarily executed demonstrators. anti-fascists and cause chaos in order to event in Portland and other cities. the anti-racist shooter in a raid south of The Trump administration has advance their far-right ideology, which As soon as the Sept. 26 event was Seattle, Wash., without even the pretense attacked Brown and Wheeler, both they disguise as free speech. These called by fascist groups, Portland leftists of a fair trial before a judge. Democrats, calling them too soft on demonstrations have become more fre- began coordinating and organizing their Only 200 people attended the Sept. 26 protesters. Nevertheless, after unprec- quent and more violent over the years, response. While many centrist liberals fascist gathering, which had been pro- edented amounts of tear gas were used with the White House now fanning the argue that far-right groups should just be jected to bring thousands of far-right- against anti-racist protesters over the flames of violent racism. ignored, or even accommodated for their ists to a historically Black neighborhood summer, Oregon’s state and local leaders Portland, along with Seattle and New “freedom of speech,” time and again the in Portland’s north quadrant. Wide sec- faced a barrage of criticism from anti-rac- York, was recently declared an “anarchist workers, students and oppressed peoples tors condemned the fascist mobilization. ists for their complicity in the irresponsi- jurisdiction” by the Justice Department. of this city have turned out in massive Portland’s Mayor Ted Wheeler, who is ble, repeated tear gassing of crowds and Trump has built his re-election campaign crowds to stand united against fascism also police commissioner, released a neighborhoods in the state’s largest city. on a “law and order” platform that paints and denounce racism. They know the fas- statement condemning the rally, as did To tamp down the outrage, Oregon’s a distorted portrait of cities under siege cists use their speech to freely mobilize to Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown. Brown leaders have issued orders restricting the by allegedly violent leftists. The presi- repress others. declared a state of emergency in Portland, use of tear gas and other repressive police dent and federal officials have targeted The police protect far-right groups positioning herself as an ally of those methods, yet persistent loopholes allow Portland in particular, as they attempted and coordinate with them. Leftists opposed to racism and fascism. the police to continue on, much as before. to quash the anti-fascist movement, with- know that the people must keep each Yet Brown’s declaration was welcomed out success. other safe and must always fight fas- by the Proud Boys. A state of emergency Fascists target Portland The relatively weak Sept. 26 fas- cism whenever it arises. The future will allows police to deploy tear gas against For several years violent fascist dem- cist mobilization drew over a thousand surely bring more fascist rallies and protesters, and the police have shown onstrators, who see the city as a left- counterprotesters at two separate parks. violent escalations. With Sept. 26 as time and again that they will cooper- ist stronghold, have targeted Portland. The event remained mostly calm, and an example, the left has shown it will ate with far-right groups against leftist The fascists aim to provoke conflict with as it concluded, the police directed the abandon no battlefield to the enemy. ☐

As poverty deepens Black community fights police terror By Shelley Ettinger Backed by Mayor Ron Zirenberg, a lib- SAPD is waging a petition drive to show afternoon and waited there for three San Antonio eral, the SAPD has refused to release the mass public support for its demands. hours until she arrived home. video footage. The demands aim to (1) repeal two Whatever the truth—or likelier, false- After summer-long mobilizations Celeste Brown, a local BLM leader who chapters of the state government code hood, considering the source—of the dep- against racism, white supremacy, and told reporters Zemault was “like a second that basically immunize police from any uties’ claims about the state of the activist’s killer cops, activists in San Antonio con- father” to her, challenged every part of the accountability for their actions; (2) elimi- household and children, the sheriff’s office tinued fighting on several fronts as fall SAPD’s story. nate disciplinary barriers enshrined in the focused on identifying her as a BLM orga- arrived. Brown said, “I’m out marching and city’s contract with the cop union; and (3) nizer and making sure that was highlighted Outraged protests have been ongoing organizing and fighting for policy change significantly cut the SAPD budget while in news reports on the arrest. since Sept. 15, when officers of the San and you never think that it’s going to hit reallocating the funds to human services. All this takes place in the context of Antonio Police Department shot and home, and it should never have to hit How has the city government responded? steeply rising hunger and houselessness, killed Darrell Zemault Sr., a 55-year-old home. On Sept. 18 the majority-Democratic City hitting the Black and Brown communities Black man, at his home in southwest “Let me make one thing very clear, and Council passed a $2.9 billion budget for hardest. The U.S. Census Bureau reported San Antonio. The SAPD has repeatedly I’ve said this already, they messed with 2021 that not only did not reduce police one year ago that San Antonio had the changed its story, trying to justify the the right ones because we don’t play this,” funding—it increased it. The budget highest poverty rate of any major U.S. city, killing. Zemault’s neighbors, who actu- she added. “I’m a community organizer, I boosted the SAPD by $8 million. at 20 percent. No new statistics are in yet, ally witnessed the event, call it outright do this work by day, and now that they’ve It was a slap in the face to the Black but it’s fair to speculate that this year’s murder. hit my family, if they thought that we were community and the fight against white twin crises of pandemic and unemploy- According to these witnesses, plain- bugging City Council for policy change supremacy and killer cops—​so clearly ment have made things much worse. The clothes cops arrived in an unmarked before, if they thought we were marching that arch-reactionary Texas Gov. Greg San Antonio Food Bank reports 125,000 van, dragged Zemault from his house, too much before, they messed with the Abbott tweeted his congratulations to the new recipients of its food aid since March assaulted him, and shot him. Cops refused right ones because Darrell Zemault was City Council. of this year. ☐ to allow a neighbor, who is a nurse, to not the man they are already painting him Fix SAPD organiz- attend to her friend while they huddled for out to be.” (NEWS4SA, Sept. 15) ers say they will keep 10 minutes in what witnesses character- Vigils, marches and rallies have fighting and gathering ized as an obvious effort to get their story demanded justice for Darrell Zemault signatures to demand straight. Meanwhile, Darrell Zemault bled Sr. Hundreds have also contributed to a structural change. out. When he was finally taken to a hos- fund to help his family. On the hot, sunny Meanwhile, cops pital by ambulance, he was pronounced afternoon of Sept. 26, hundreds of people appear to be targeting dead on arrival. stood in a long line to buy plates at a bar- individual BLM leaders. Police claim they were trying to serve beque fundraiser. On Sept. 9, they arrested Zemault with a two-month-old warrant, a young Black woman on and that Zemault resisted arrest, initiated Cops versus community felony child-abandon- a physical struggle, and grabbed a cop’s Here in San Antonio, a key focus of the ment charges. Claiming gun. With eyewitnesses disputing that as upsurge that has swept the country in the they were acting on an a patent lie, Zemault’s family and Black wake of the murder of George Floyd in anonymous tip, Bexar Lives Matter activists charge a coverup Minneapolis last May 25 has been a drive County sheriff’s depu- and demand that the SAPD release the to cut the police budget and weaken statu- ties arrived at the wom- cops’ bodycam footage. tory police protections. A group called Fix an’s house in the early Youth pay homage to police victim, Darrell Zemault Sr. Page 8 Oct. 1, 2020 workers.org The Left, the election crisis & ‘the elephant in the room’ Continued from page 1 to replace her. When the working class is not organized conservative top leadership of the AFL-CIO and the as a class to defend its own class interests, who else can unions that formed Change To Win. the capitalist class prevailing that was considering the the people turn to in order to defend themselves but pol- This is good news, and it’s about time. These develop- desperate option of turning to fascism. iticians and important individuals? ments in the labor movement must be supported, joined, On the other hand, there was the prospect that if the and pushed strongly by everyone who considers them- working class intervened in the political crisis in a cor- How did this happen to the working class? selves progressive. It is nothing less than scandalous—​ rect and strong way, the political crisis could be turned Over a long period that began after the U.S. estab- and unacceptable—​that the AFL-CIO’s top leadership into a revolutionary crisis, meaning that the working lished itself as the dominant imperialist power in the has done little more than release a statement or two in class would exploit the differences within the capitalist world, generally speaking, the leaders of the labor move- response to the worldwide uprising sparked by the police class, as well as its instability and weakness, to make a ment—​who were once relatively militant, and some murder of George Floyd in May, and the murders of oth- socialist revolution. even anti-capitalist—​underwent a transformation that ers like Breonna Taylor and Elijah McClain. The expression “the elephant in the room” means rendered them in many cases little more than append- How is it possible that millions of people could be that people are talking around the real issue because ages to the capitalist system. marching in the streets day after day on every continent, they don’t know what to do about that issue. Very few Explaining how this happened over the course of the and yet the leaders of the U.S. labor movement cannot revolutionaries are asking what the working class will past three-quarters of a century is too much to go over bring themselves to organize a one-hour nationwide do about the current election here. But make a note: How work stoppage in support of this uprising? crisis because the question this happened should be No matter how long it takes, or A strategy to fuse all movements into seems irrelevant. studied and discussed. It’s a new working-class movement Notwithstanding the how many obstacles there may important for every militant amazing work stoppages to know what happened. The scope of the election crisis is too big. The scope that many pandemic front- be, it is imperative that a fusion Also important to know of the COVID‑19 pandemic is too big. The scope of the line workers have engaged of the mass movement in the is that appearing to become capitalist crisis is too big. And the scope of the racist in to protect their safety, an appendage to the system attacks, whether by the police, FBI, or fascists, is too and the many other signs streets develop against racism and the status quo is neither big to be addressed without a serious strategy towards that militants in the working a natural nor a permanent the development of a revitalized working-class move- class are pushing back and and fascism, and that it include state for the organized labor ment. The attacks on the working class that are already carrying out more strikes, all sectors of the working class movement. It is an aberra- underway—​with much more to come—​are too big for the working-class move- tion that must—​and will—​ anti-capitalist radicals not to have such a strategy. ment as a whole in the U.S. that are either not organized or be reversed. The conditions No matter how long it takes, or how many obstacles is weak organizationally and that led to the conservatism there may be, it is imperative that a fusion of the mass politically. are under-organized: migrant of the labor movement no movement in the streets develop against racism and Thus, the expectation is workers, incarcerated workers, longer exist, and as such, fascism, and that it include all sectors of the working that the working class is not their conservatism is going class that are either not organized or are under-orga- going to intervene in defense workers with disabilities, gig to be replaced with revolu- nized: migrant workers, incarcerated workers, workers of its class interests beyond tionary class struggle. with disabilities, gig workers, street vendors, sex work- voting for the Democrats, workers, street vendors, sex It should be noted that by ers, the unemployed, the homeless, the most oppressed with some even voting for workers, the unemployed, the and large, most of the left, people—and​ the organized labor movement. Trump. Militants should be including organizations It should be understood that the global uprising neither angry nor frustrated homeless, the most oppressed that consider themselves against racism this past spring and summer was, at its with workers for voting for Marxist and even revolu- root, a working-class uprising. The participants may not Biden. The way that they see people — and the organized tionary, have tended to base have been conscious of this—​and the uprising was not it, they don’t have any other labor movement. themselves on movements called in the name of the working class. But that does choice. and struggles that were not change the fact that it was the multinational work- For revolutionaries, incorrectly seen as separate ing class protesting in the streets. Going forward, future the main political battle regarding support for the from the working class and the labor unions. The reason uprisings will be more class-conscious, with more of the Democratic Party is with other forces on the left who for this is that the labor movement seemed dormant. many sectors of the working class in motion. say that they are socialists and are opposed to capital- Organizing and activity that seemed friendly to anti- This fusion must come from below, and must not be ism, but will find some rationale, mostly fear, for sup- capitalist views and organizational recruitment existed led by the Democratic Party, or any other organization porting the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party’s in the antiwar movement—​and to some extent in the that is tied to the status quo and is an obstacle to real abandonment of the working class to globalization, aus- anti-racist movement and the women’s and LGBTQ2S+ struggle. It is not necessary, and, in fact, it would be a terity and pauperization, paved the way for Trumpism. movements. In truth, all of these movements are differ- mistake for the movement in the streets, or any other The Democrats will not change, cannot change, and ent fronts of the working-class movement, although that section of the working class that is not in the organized exist these days mostly to co-opt movements and then is not how they are viewed in most cases. labor movement, to subordinate itself to conservative kill them. This unfortunate view is a product of the political labor leaders. The only way that the working class is going to find weakness of the existing working-class movement. It’s The goal of fusion is to expand the working-class a way out of being held hostage to the Democrats is to time for such narrow and exclusionary views to give way movement, to tear down the boundaries and antiquated begin learning how to organize as a class and act like a to more inclusive and revolutionary views of who and conceptions that limit and divide the working class, class that is independent of the capitalist political par- what make up the working class today. and to push the entire working class in a revolutionary ties. This is true, not only in relation to the electoral To some extent, the origins of these narrow and false direction. struggle, but even more importantly, to the full rebirth ideas about what the working class is and who is in the The formation of Workers Assemblies and a Workers of the class struggle against capitalism. This rebirth is labor movement are products of a tacit (and sometimes Assembly movement may prove very helpful in this already underway. However, it will not advance to the not so tacit) agreement that union officials and leftists process. next level without the intervention of revolutionary made after the anti-communist witch hunt—​which Whatever happens on or after Nov. 3, organizing the class-conscious militants. forced many communists and socialists out of the working class is the prize we must work for and stay There’s no end to the questions surrounding the elec- unions—began​ to lift somewhat in the early 1960s. focused on. We should be confident about our victory. ☐ tion crisis. What’s going to happen before the elections? The agreement was this: Radicals must stay out of What’s going to happen during and after the elections? the labor unions and refrain from trying to influence How can progressives and revolutionaries respond to the working class with their radical ideas. In exchange any development? From the perspective of a Marxist- for agreeing to stay away from the working class, pro- What Road to Socialism? Leninist, the biggest question is still: What can be done gressives and radicals could organize against the war in A new Workers World anthology, confronting the to insure that the U.S. working class begins to do all that Vietnam and around other issues, but apart from obtain- burning questions and key contradictions during this ing some labor endorsements and having a few labor is necessary to intervene in a crisis? Not now when it’s deadly pandemic and global capitalist meltdown. too weak, but soon, and the sooner the better. speakers at a rally, antiwar organizers were to stay away Even in countries where the labor movement is close from the workers. Topics include: to one of the capitalist political parties, or there is a social • COVID‑19 and the deepening crisis of capitalism Opening of struggle over need for strikes democratic party that mostly supports what the capitalists • Reform or revolution? What Road to Socialism? a workers world anthology Confronts the burning questions what want it to support, if an attempted coup or a fascist attack The examples of professional athletes protesting rac- • The state and buildingand key contradictions for during this deadly pandemic and global capitalist meltdown. Workers can road to win socialism through collective occurs, the labor movement calls a general strike. ism by refusing to play, and health care workers, Whole revolution struggle. Long time and new activists discuss winning strategies in • The centrality of fightingorganizing against capitalism. racism socialism? The election crisis should serve as a wake-up call. Yes, Foods and Amazon workers, and other workers walking a workers world anthology • Covid-19 and the Deepening Crisis of Capitalism Larry Holmes et. al.Larry • The working class• Reform will or Revolution? make larry holmes makasi motema the working-class movement is weak. But revolutionaries off the job to protest being forced to work in unsafe con- • The State and Building for Revolution teresa gutierrez • The Centrality of Fighting Racism monica moorehead history • The working Class Will Make History sara flounders • Fighting All Forms of Oppression: deirdre griswold can no longer afford to use that as an excuse to remove ditions, have ignited a new struggle within and outside Gender, Sexuality, Disability & Age scott williams • Fighting all forms• Socialistof Countries Lead the Way to the Future and others the working class from the discussion. Once we do that, the organized labor movement over the need to carry • What is Socialism? oppression: gender,World View sexuality,Forum WVF out more and bigger work stoppages, and bring back the workers.org/books we have surrendered. Whatever ideas or demands rev- disability, and age olutionaries put forward, they are of only symbolic and general strike. • Socialism or death: socialist educational value if there is no army capable of fighting Around Labor Day, a group of about 40 regional labor countries lead the way to the future and defeating the enemy. That army is the working class, unions representing millions of workers issued a state- • What is socialism? and the battlefield is the class struggle. ment calling for conducting mass, nationwide work It should come as no surprise that many people, espe- stoppages in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. While Download free ebook or PDF formats. cially women, are saddened by the death of Ruth Bader no concrete plans or dates for these actions have been Also available in paperback. Ginsburg, and are worried about who Trump will choose announced, this development is a clear challenge to the Visit workers.org/books to get your copy. workers.org Oct. 1, 2020 Page 9 Direct action wins houseless victory By Betsey Piette the houses being transferred are slated for auction or sale and finally get them to give up these vacant homes that Philadelphia and would not be taken from other low-income housing have been blighting our communities for decades. We will stock or jump people ahead of the PHA’s waiting list. continue to pressure the city to transfer more houses to The Philadelphia Housing Action coalition and the This tentative and partial victory comes after house- be designated as permanent low-income housing, stabilize City of Philadelphia reached a tentative agreement on less activists at the two camps for months resisted our communities and combat the displacement caused by Sept. 25 to give homeless activists 50 vacant, viable repeated threats by the city to forceably evict them from market-rate development and gentrification.” homes, and allow 50 homeless mothers and children to the camps. Camp JTD was a particular focus, as it sits in remain in 15 additional vacant city-owned homes taken the middle of one of the wealthiest areas of Philadelphia, No national shortage of vacant homes over earlier this year. surrounded by high-rise buildings with expensive rents. There are an estimated 5,700 houseless people in The agreement comes after six months of a direct Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Housing Authority cur- action campaign—​including housing takeovers, pro- ‘This is only the beginning’ rently manages 6,000 housing units. One of the demands test encampments and eviction resistance—​to force the Sterling Johnson, a member of the Black and Brown of the Philadelphia Housing Action coalition is that city to relinquish the vacant homes to a community land Workers Cooperative, stated: “It’s a good start but it’s also the city put a moratorium on the Housing Authority, trust. The Philadelphia Housing Action coalition was not enough. There was already a major housing crisis in the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the formed over the winter of 2019-2020 by the Black and Philadelphia, and we anticipate a wave of mass evictions Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation in order Brown Workers Cooperative, Workers Revolutionary on top of that, due to COVID‑19. The scale of the housing to prevent auctioning or selling off properties to private Collective and OccupyPHA. crisis would require thousands of new units of low-income entities until all PHA waiting lists applicants have been The most visible part of this fight has been two encamp- housing, but we feel that with this agreement we can at housed. ments involving hundreds of tents—Camp​ James Talib least get started moving people off the streets and into While activists in Philadelphia have put the spotlight Dean (JTD) on 22nd St. and the Ben Franklin Parkway, homes before winter. This is only the beginning.” on the crisis, it is by no means just a local problem. The and Camp Teddy at Ridge Ave. and 21st Street in North #OccupyPHA organizer Jennifer Bennetch said: “This National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that the Philadelphia, across from the Philadelphia Housing will be a landmark agreement. Not only has a group of number of homeless people in the U.S. is around 552,930. Authority (PHA). poor and homeless organizers managed through direct At the same time, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, James Talib Dean was an organizer with the Workers action to win an agreement that will set a precedent for there were 17 million vacant homes in October 2019. Revolutionary Collective who cofounded that encamp- the entire country, but we have also forced the city to exer- The problem is clearly not the lack of homes, but who ment. He died during its first week and would have cele- cise its power over the Philadelphia Housing Authority controls them and the lack of affordability. brated his 35th birthday on Sept. 25. Following the mortgage crisis of 2008, many of the Under the agreement, the vacant city-owned houses vacant housing units now on the market were homes that will be transferred into a community land trust set up were foreclosed and taken by banks to sell for profit. by Philadelphia Housing Action—​a coalition of housing Houseless activists and their supporters in Philadelphia activists who have all experienced either homelessness have demonstrated that they will take whatever action is or institutionalization. The properties will be designated needed to obtain housing—​whether it be more encamp- permanently for use for extremely low-income housing ments or families occupying vacant homes. They have ($25,000 and below). A press release from Philadelphia also shown the capability to defend themselves against Housing Action notes: “A recent Pew report states that state attacks. 140,000 Philadelphia households earn $30,000 or less.” This first agreement marks a battle won for houseless The agreement will also allow 50 mothers and children, people in Philadelphia, but it will take a much broader who took over 15 city-owned houses, to remain in the prop- WW PHOTO: JPE PIETTE war by the working class and oppressed against the cap- erties until the land trust can find other accommodations. Philadelphia activist Sterling Johnson addresses italist system to fully secure safe and affordable housing Philadelphia Housing Action spokespeople noted that rally at houseless Camp James Talib Dean on July 13. for all who need it. ☐

Illinois Black and Latinx women health workers lead strike to victory By Kathy Durkin reported the union’s bargaining committee on Sept. 24. in solidarity, as did individual union members. These SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer said the settle- courageous workers showed that even in the anti-labor They won! ment “is a victory for all working people in Illinois and Trump era, a strong, united strike force can win. The historic 10-day strike by workers at medical facil- shows what’s possible when workers unite and demand ities in three Illinois cities resulted in an all-out victory, that employers respect us, protect us and pay us. I am Women organize! with every demand met. Black and Latinx women work- so proud of the Black and Brown women who led this Many union organizing drives and job actions have ers played a decisive role in organizing the strike and strike, who convinced their co-workers striking was been led by women this year in defiance of the antilabor, steering it to its successful conclusion. worth the risk. pro-corporate Trump administration. Trump’s appoin- Over 4,000 members of Service Employees (SEIU) “They never gave up,” stressed Palmer. “They were out tees to the so-called Department of Labor and National Local 73 launched an unfair labor practice strike on there at dawn every day demanding justice for essential Labor Relations Board, as well as the Supreme Court, have Sept. 14 at University of Illinois medical facilities in workers. UIC called them heroes, but their pay and ben- attacked and weakened unions’ and workers’ rights. Chicago, Peoria and Rockford. After working without efits didn’t reflect that, but UIC now understands what it In July, in a historic, landslide vote, childcare provid- a contract for over a year, the workers had enough! means to be ‘essential.’” (seiu.org, Sept. 24) ers in California voted to unionize—​a stunning victory Moreover, as a threat, the bosses brought in strikebreak- for the U.S. labor movement. They voted to establish and ers from out of state in advance of the strike. ‘We are loud and proud!’ be represented by Child Care Providers United, a collab- This job action demonstrated the determination and Alicia Uwumarogie, physical therapist and SEIU bar- oration among United Domestic Workers of America/ unity of medical center workers: maintenance, custodial, gaining committee representative, said, “We are leaving American Federation of State, County and Municipal technical and clerical workers, occupational therapists the picket lines victorious in so many areas! We have Employees Local 3930 and SEIU Locals 99 and 521. and other professionals. It pressured the UI-Chicago gained the confidence and strength to take on man- This workforce is composed primarily of women—​ bosses to give in. agement. We have demonstrated our collective power Black, Latinx and immigrant—making​ this victory even The negotiated, tentative, multi-year contracts guaran- through the execution of this strike. Our members will more significant as part of the overall fight for racial, gen- tee pay increases for all workers, including a $15 minimum be loud and proud about this win and what we did in der and economic justice. wage in Chicago for those on the lowest-paid scale, safety this past few weeks.” The workers will “continue fight- Nurses at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., voted to measures to deal with COVID‑19, adequate staffing and ing until justice, fairness, equity and respect become the unionize in an NLRB election Sept. 16, in what National protection against management outsourcing of union jobs, norm at UIC.” Nurses United called the “largest hospital union victory Striking nurses at UIC Hospital joined SEIU Local 73 in the South since 1975.” workers on the picket lines and at a Sept. 18 rally in And registered nurses at Alameda Hospital and San downtown Chicago. They struck for seven days begin- Leandro Hospital in California plan a five-day strike ning Sept. 12, with demands including a prohibition starting on Oct. 7 to demand management protect on outsourcing of union nurses’ jobs to inadequately patients’ safety and provide sufficient staffing and PPE trained, nonunion nurses. Although hospital manage- during the pandemic, reports the NNU’s website. The ment obtained an injunction to bar nurses from striking, California Nurses Association said Sept. 26 that man- 800 UIC nurses defied the bosses and picketed. agement has bargained in bad faith and taken punitive The Illinois Nurses Association reports a tentative actions against nurses. agreement has been reached, granting pandemic hazard These righteous struggles show that workers are pay, hiring of more nurses and provision of more PPE. strong collectively and can fight and win, despite gov- The 1,400-person bargaining unit will vote Sept. 28 on ernment and corporate hostility to the multinational whether to approve the contract, the same day as Local working class and their organizations. These bold actions 73’s contract vote. (Chicago Sun-Times, Sept. 24) boost all workers—organized​ and unorganized. PHOTO: SEIU LOCAL 73 Teamsters and Electrical Workers (IBEW) locals hon- Chicago health workers in the ‘Strike for Our Lives.’ ored the SEIU Local 73 picket lines and joined strikers Additional sources: AFSCME, National Nurses United Page 10 Oct. 1, 2020 workers.org

editorial Stop the war against Black and Brown communities!

Following the 2014 police murders of but filed no charges connected to Taylor’s down his throat while he was handcuffed. promoted bills intended to criminalize Eric Garner and Michael Brown, activists murder. They repeatedly hit him and pinched his protesters, in clear violation of the First raised concerns about an “epidemic” of The resulting community outrage and nose for nearly two minutes. Police later Amendment. police brutality. Six years later it is clear protests were expected. Taylor’s family claimed Lurry died from “a drug over- For all too long, the failure of the judi- that Black and Brown communities, living has launched an important campaign dose” and buried a video of the incident cial system to hold police accountable under police occupation, are confronting to demand the release of the grand jury for months. for brutality against people of color has a very real war. reports, including police video. An updated list of Black and Brown vic- emboldened them. Coupled with a polit- The numbers do not lie. Documented Taylor’s case, following Floyd’s, opened tims of police brutality can be found at ical system in which police organizations police killings of people of color since the flood gates for reports of long buried #SayTheirNames. can pressure or prompt judges to rule in 2014 have averaged three or more per cases of police brutality to surface. The These reports come in addition to the their favor, police have been given impu- day. Police officers charged for these Taylor family’s courageous stance against murders of two Black men—​Ahmaud nity to murder people of color. murders remain in the single digits. Only the grand juries’ refusal to bring charges Arbery in Georgia and Michael Williams The increased militarization of domes- a handful have been convicted. against police is encouraging families of in Iowa—​at the hands of racist white tic police forces has exacerbated the This year the video-recorded police other victims of police brutality to speak vigilantes. problem. Residents of Black and Brown murder of George Floyd, who was choked up. Increased attempts to suppress the communities are treated much like occu- to death under the knee of a Minneapolis Unlike Floyd’s murder, Taylor’s was votes from Black and Brown communi- pied people in Iraq, Afghanistan, and police officer, rocked the world. Protests allegedly not captured on video, a situ- ties must also be seen as part of this war. Palestine. U.S. police departments are erupted in U.S. cities, coast-to-coast, ation all too prevalent for many police increasingly using tanks, bayonets, rub- leading to global protests against police brutality victims. But even when there is Attacks on First Amendment rights ber bullets and grenades—​weapons of brutality and historic white supremacy. recorded evidence of police misconduct, Encouraged by Trump, in recent weeks war. In a serious challenge to systemic racism, it is often buried. News of Daniel Prude’s police have been supported by right-wing In the 1960s, Workers World Party people tore down monuments to historic murder by police in Rochester, N.Y., also forces, including the Proud Boys and popularized the slogan “Stop the war slave traders and Confederate advocates. in March, surfaced only in September. individuals like Kyle Rittenhouse, who against Black America” in response to Following the outrage over George opened fire on unarmed protesters. Since assaults on the Black Panther Party, Civil Floyd’s death, news surfaced about Now more cases are being aired. George Floyd’s murder, there have been Rights activists, and other Black commu- the earlier police killing of emergency In February, Boston police shot 31 66 reported incidents of white suprem- nity leaders. We need to revive this slo- medical technician Breonna Taylor in times in three seconds, killing 41-year- acists driving vehicles into protests to gan as “Stop the war on Black and Brown Louisville, Ky. Taylor was murdered old Juston Root, who was on the ground, intentionally injure or even kill demon- communities!” and “Stop the war on when police invaded her home in March unarmed and seriously injured after a car strators. The most recent were in Los Black Lives Matter!” But beyond raising on a ‘no-knock’ warrant, firing numerous chase. This case is now being reviewed. Angeles, Buffalo, N.Y., and Albuquerque, a slogan, workers must organize to ele- rounds of bullets at her and surrounding The Joliet, Ill., police department faces N.M. Now Trump wants a bill to protect vate class solidarity against this racist war neighbors. This week a grand jury charged a wrongful death lawsuit involving Eric people who attack protesters. and the corrupt capitalist economic sys- one police officer involved in her murder Lurry, a 37-year-old Black man who died Trump is not alone. Since 2017, legis- tem that profits from it. ☐ with “endangering [white] neighbors,” on Jan. 28 after police shoved a baton latures and governors in nearly 20 states

400,000 seafarers around the world stuck on board ships By G. Dunkel broken every one of these steps. Airlines conditions on board some of the 60,000 The ITF has said it will support any have canceled flights; consulates have vessels that transport 90% of world trade. crew that strikes. An unjust hardship faces 800,000 work- closed; countries like the Philippines The ITF found that some crews shaved Back in March, Cuba showed how ers worldwide. Some 400,000 seafarers have closed their borders even to their their heads, because they couldn’t get off it was possible to move passengers whose work contracts have expired are still own citizens. the ship to buy shampoo. On another ship and crew from a cruise ship which had stuck on their ships in the COVID‑19 pan- At a conference at the U.N. General the captain had to pull teeth, even though COVID‑19-infected people on board. The demic. Another 400,000 workers are stuck Assembly, which the International he had no dental training. Social distanc- MS Braemar had been going from port to on shore, unemployed, waiting to replace Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) ing was generally impossible. Around port, trying to disembark its passengers, the workers on the ships. helped organize, Captain Hedi Marzougui 70% of the seafarers said their contracts and had been repeatedly refused. Getting off a ship and going home said his crew “had to work every day, for had expired. Almost all said they faced Finally, when Cuba made it known it requires more than just disembarking. It 12 hours, with no weekends, without see- serious mental health issues. would accept the ship, the MS Braemar usually involves multiple border cross- ing your loved ones, and trapped at sea. Seafarers whose contracts have expired docked in Havana. The Cuban authori- ings, flights with at least one connection, Now add that you have to do that with have the legal right to stop working. ties, following World Health Organization certificate after certificate, specialized no idea of when you will be repatriated.” Countries have the right to inspect ships guidelines, loaded over 1,000 passengers visas and more. A crew member’s replace- Marzougui was in command of a vessel to make sure they are properly crewed and crew on special buses and took them ment has to go through the same steps. between December 2019 and May 2020. and the crews have been properly paid. to Jose Martí airport for chartered flights In response to the COVID pandemic, (Hellenic Shipping News, September 26) The Australian Maritime Safety Authority back to Britain. (tinyurl.com/y62w84jy) corporate and government entities have Earlier the ITF conducted a survey of has been aggressive in its ship inspec- If Cuba can do this, why can’t tions and support of seafarers, ensur- the big countries of the world, who ing that they are being treated fairly by make so much money from world the shipowners. At least four ships have trade, solve the problems of 800,000 Sue Davis, ¡presente! been detained in Australian waters. seafaring workers? ☐ (tinyurl.com/yx8kgzkm) ‘Year of the Rich’

Deirdre Griswold Global Wealth Report 2020, “Year of the Rich”) You hear it over and over again. We And this was before the COVID‑19 epi- live in the “land of opportunity,” where demic hit, which has made things even hard work rewards those who apply worse for the working class, with massive themselves. shutdowns and layoffs.

WW PHOTO: BRENDA RYAN What, you don’t believe that? You’re What the Wealth Report didn’t say, right, it’s a myth. And the figures prove it. but should be obvious, is that racism is a We are very sad to announce Sue also wrote articles on wom- It’s not hard work that makes you huge contributing factor to inequality in that Sue Davis, a long-time mem- en’s and gender-oppressed issues, rich—it’s​ being rich in the first place that the U.S., with its horrific history of slav- ber of Workers World Party, died especially the fight for reproduc- makes someone even richer. ery. The brutal crimes of the state against on Sept. 26 from complications of tive justice. She was a highly-skilled North American households led the people of color reinforce inequality, a stroke. Sue was the coordinator of WW copyeditor. Sue will be deeply world last year in growth of financial which is deliberately used to keep work- the Workers World/Mundo Obrero missed. A full obituary on her assets: almost 12 percent. But that’s just ers from uniting and fighting more effec- Supporter Program, a decades-long remarkable life will appear in WW an average. Did you get any of that extra tively in their own interests. fundraiser for WW. For many years in the near future. money? As it turns out, almost all that The moral of this story: The struggle she wrote “On the picket line,” a col- growth in wealth went to those already against racism is an indispensable part of umn of pro-labor, pro-union news. -Workers World Managing Editors well-heeled. In fact, the U.S. is actually the struggle of all workers to take back the most unequal of all the developed the mind-boggling wealth that is stolen countries in wealth distribution. (Allianz from us by the bosses every day. ☐ workers.org Oct. 1, 2020 Page 11 People strike worldwide for the environment By G. Dunkel broad coalition called StrikeWithUs also explicitly linked environmental justice to Over 3,334 protests against the cli- the movement for Black lives. mate crisis—​marches, school walkouts, In the Philippines, marchers raised the blockaded bridges and roads, swarms of issue of imperialist exploitation of the small boats and canoes impeding huge country and its mineral wealth. Protests coal haulers—​occurred in 150 countries highlighted the way laws against terror- on Sept. 25. ism are used to outlaw protests. Mitzi These protests were part of Fridays for Jonelle Tan, an activist, told the Guardian the Future, which began with massive (Sept. 25): “We Filipinos are among the turnouts a year ago to the day. Numbers most impacted [by climate crisis], rank- this year were impacted by the COVID‑19 ing second in the latest global climate pandemic. In some countries, gatherings risk index, yet our contributions to green- are limited to 50 people. In some German house gas emissions are so little.” cities where COVID‑19 is spiking, govern- In India, where the poorest workers ments forbid gatherings of any size. have to do heavy work outside in the heat But there were still protests and of the day, protesters emphasized the pos- school walkouts in almost every major sibility of hundreds of thousands of peo- European city and many smaller ones. ple dying from the heat, if global warming Where schools are totally virtual, school continues to rise at current rates. walkouts didn’t physically take place, In the cities of Nairobi to the east, Cape Capetown, South Africa, Sept. 25. but other social media outlets were used. Town to the south and Lagos to the west, There was a 24-hour Zoom call, which there were big marches highlighting the are threatening nations from Mauritania ice loss in the Arctic ocean—​all point let activists speak about local issues and climate changes which are inundating to South Sudan with famine. to the climate crisis growing ever more their relationship to the climate crisis. Africa. All across the Sahel, the southern The world’s changing weather is creat- deadly. Some groups participating in Fridays edge of the Sahara desert, there is cur- ing greater problems. The inundations in The youth of the world see their future for the Future, notably the British group rently major flooding in an area gener- the Sahel, a windstorm in Alaska of hur- evaporating. As they say, “There is no Extinction Rebellion (XR), explicitly ally threatened with drought. Hundreds ricane-force strength, a record number of planet B.” More and more, their signs and linked their struggle to achieve environ- of thousands of people have lost their Atlantic hurricanes, forest fires devastat- banners proclaim the need for a system mental justice to supporting the struggle homes, and much of the crops awaiting ing vast areas in the western U.S., heat change to combat climate change. ☐ to make Black Lives Matter. In the U.S., a harvest has been destroyed. These floods waves of 100 degrees in Siberia, a record

How class oppression drives climate crises By Mirinda Crissman University’s Costs projects is the way forward. And we can of War project look to those who had successfully begun Climate emergen- conservatively to do so, like Thomas Sankara. cies and U.S. imperi- estimates that alism have quite a bit U.S. wars since of overlap. Both are 9/11 have forci- increasingly displacing bly displaced at the living at home and least 37 million abroad on an almost people in and unbelievable scale. from Afghanistan, These conditions Iraq, Pakistan, are creating migrants Yemen, Somalia, Thomas Sankara and agroecology and refugees who the Philippines, Dr. Amber Murray explains, “The rev- have to stay on the Climate change refugees, Bangladesh. Libya, and Syria. olutionary transformation of the West move to survive. To This exceeds those African country Upper Volta to Burkina stave off climate annihilation induced by class can perhaps make another dollar. displaced by every earlier war since 1900, Faso (what is known as the August rev capitalist crisis, priority must be given to Also increasingly displacing those with the exception of World War II. Other olution of 1983) occurred during a pre- Indigenous land stewardship, food sov- living at home and abroad are climate data suggest that the total number dis- vious neoliberal crisis, that of the 1980s ereignty for the masses, and abolishing emergencies. Rising global tempera- placed by U.S. post-9/11 wars could be African debt crisis. Sankara vehemently debts. tures from capitalist production on sto- closer to 48 million to 59 million people. and publicly denounced odious debt and Displaced people, and migrants in gen- len land—​particularly overproduction Deaths from imperial intervention, in rallied African political leaders to do the eral, are falsely blamed for much of the and over-reliance on fossil fuels like coal, addition to direct combat, have been cal- same. world’s scarcity. But there are more than oil, and natural gas—have​ led to extreme culated to be as high as 3.1 million, with “Sankara’s politics and political leader- enough resources to go around to take weather. Wildfires and hurricanes are injured and traumatized folks extending ship challenged the idea that the global care of everyone. Scarcity exists because a becoming more and more frequent in dis- into the tens of millions. (tinyurl.com/ capitalist system cannot be undone. handful of people own, hoard and amass placing the living. CostsOfUSWarOnTerror, Sept. 8) During four years as the president of wealth at the expense of the people who Native people successfully practiced The greed and violence of a few is Burkina Faso, he worked with the peo- created it. While this small ruling class is stewardship of these lands for thousands hurtling us all toward environmental ple to construct an emancipatory politics the source of much suffering, hundreds of years with controlled burns and sus- collapse. More and more of us will find informed by human, social, ecological and of years of individualistic social condi- tainable agriculture. Their forced dis- our situations resembling the struggle planetary wellbeing.” (Pambuza News, tioning in capitalist society obscure the placement was also a driving if not the of migrants globally. There are millions, May 5, 2016) fact that more people are closer to pov- major factor in producing misery in order even billions of us whose collective sur- One of the many successful projects erty than they will ever be to becoming to profit the few. vival depends on our ability to remake the spearhead by Sankara in Burkina Faso millionaires. Land mismanagement and rising tem- world. What has been built by colonizers included the centering of food sover- The violence displaced migrants face peratures have led to drier forests and can be dismantled. eignty through a system of agroecology. includes food insecurity, unemployment, deserts primed for fire and dust storms Capitalists have been stewards of the Agroecology encourages “power-dispers- homelessness, and lack of adequate as well as an increase in heat energy planet by force only in recent history. ing and power creating” communal food health care, water, electricity, and sani- released via hurricanes. Excessive cap- Indigenous peoples were stewards of the cultivation that enhances “the dignity, tation, among other issues. During the italist oil production pollutes and heats land, living in harmony, for thousands of knowledge and capacities of all involved” COVID pandemic an estimated 40 million up not just the air—​which has no bor- years before all of this destruction. And and the regeneration of the environment. people in the United States—supposedly​ ders—but​ also water and land. Fractured they know how to do it again. (From the documentary “Sur les traces de the richest country in the world—​find earth, ruined natural springs and aqui- Abolish private property on stolen Thomas Sankara,” 2013) Other successful themselves on the brink of homelessness fers, inland flooding, melting ice and ris- land! The earth is a collective space that projects included the planting of 10 mil- and facing many of the exact same condi- ing sea levels are all “gifts” from colonial can provide for everyone’s basic human lion trees across the Sahel as a means of tions migrants face globally. land mismanagement. needs. Given all that we are facing with beginning to repair colonial suffocation The U.S. military is one of the world’s the many crises of capitalism, there is that made the land more arid. Military, police and climate emergencies largest consumers of oil. This armed body much work to be done. As long as work Sankara met an untimely demise, due What the U.S. military does abroad, is guilty of displacing the living by driving is dictated by what makes bosses and the to his revolutionary ideas and ways to internal law enforcement like police do climate crisis in its consumption of fossil ruling class money, peoples needs won’t remake the world. His spirit and ideas to people at home. They will forcibly dis- fuels—in​ addition to displacing the living be met. And we will see more forced live on in revolutionary struggle that place people, whether through armed through violent, antagonistic conflict. migration and misery. dares to win a world beyond the confines force or eviction notice, so that the ruling A recent report put out by Brown Engaging in explicitly anti-colonial of capitalist-induced death. ☐ Correspondencia sobre artículos en Workers World/Mundo Obrero pueden ser enviadas a: [email protected]

¡Proletarios y oprimidos de todos los paises unios! workers.org Vol. 62 Núm. 40 1 de octubre 2020 $1 San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2 de junio. Entregue la evidencia y Carcel para los policías que mataron a Breonna Taylor Por Monica Moorehead otros no son casos aislados. Estas insti- tuciones reflejan diferencias intolerables 27 de septiembre: Las protestas estalla- e irreconciliables cuando se trata de raza ron en todo Estados Unidos el 23 de sep- y clase. tiembre cuando se anunció por primera Bajo el capitalismo, una forma particu- vez que ningún oficial de policía sería acu- lar de sociedad que divide a las personas sado por el asesinato de Breonna Taylor. en ricos y pobres, la clase dominante y la La habían matado a tiros en su cama en clase trabajadora multinacional, las vidas Louisville, Ky., el 13 de marzo. de los negros, morenos e indígenas son Estas protestas se llevaron a cabo por devaluadas por un aparato estatal repre- miles durante varios días tanto en Louisville sivo que descansa sobre los cimientos cen- como en la ciudad de Nueva York. tenarios de la supremacía blanca. En Nueva York, se cerraron una inter- ¿De qué otra manera se puede explicar estatal y un puente entre Brooklyn y que un policía de Louisville sea responsa- Manhattan. ble por destruir muros, pero no por qui- En Louisville, los manifestantes desafia- tarle la vida a un ser humano? ron los toques de queda y se arriesgaron a O que un neofascista de 17 años, Kyle Cierre de la I-64 en Louisville el 24 de septiembre para protestar contra el fallo del gran ser arrestados cuando la policía local y la jurado de Breonna Taylor. Rittenhouse, pueda matar a tiros a dos Guardia Nacional intentaron intimidar- antirracistas en Kenosha, Wisconsin, los con gases lacrimógenos y blandiendo resultaron ser falsas según un informe de de que la familia de Breonna Taylor nunca mientras la policía mira para otro lado, porras. Entre los arrestados se encontraba balística reciente. (courier-journal.com, llegue a la corte. pero un niño negro de 12 años, Tamir la representante estatal Attica Scott (D), la 27 de septiembre) “Que se publique la transcripción para Rice, puede ser muerto a tiros en el acto única legisladora estatal negra en Kentucky, Estaban llevando a cabo una orden de que podamos tener transparencia. Y si por la policía en Cleveland por jugar con que enfrenta un cargo de delito grave por registro “sin anunciarse” durante una hiciste todo lo que pudiste en nombre de una pistola de aire comprimido? “disturbios” y dos delitos menores. redada de drogas desacertada. Breonna, no deberías tener ningún pro- La policía, la Patrulla Fronteriza de los Otras protestas tuvieron lugar en ciu- Walker dijo que la policía nunca anun- blema, Daniel Cameron, para publicar la Estados Unidos y otras agencias existen dades grandes y pequeñas, incluidas ció quiénes eran, ya que trató de defender transcripción y ver que luchaste por todos para mantener el orden social, es decir, Filadelfia, Seattle, St. Louis, Denver, a Taylor y a sí mismo. El representante los ciudadanos de Kentucky”. (ABC News, para usar cualquier medio represivo Nashville, Oakland, Boston, Detroit, Scott propuso una ley estatal para negar 25 de septiembre) para proteger la propiedad privada de los Eugene, Los Ángeles, Chicago, Washington la orden de “sin anunciarse”, que se En una declaración escrita leída por la tía patrones robados de la riqueza y el trabajo y otros lugares. Los atletas y entrena- aprobó recientemente. Recientemente de Taylor, Bianca Austin, Tamika Palmer colectivo de la clase trabajadora global. dores expresaron enojo y frustración en fue arrestada. afirmó que Cameron “tenía el poder de Esta orden es la razón por la que es tan los playoffs de la Asociación Nacional de El hecho de que ningún policía haya hacer lo correcto. Tenía el poder de iniciar difícil hacer justicia para las víctimas de Baloncesto y la NBA Femenina. Todos los sido acusado de asesinato, ni siquiera de la curación de esta ciudad. [Él] me ayudó la violencia policial. Las leyes otorgan equipos de la WNBA (NBA Femenina) han homicidio involuntario, por quitarle la a darme cuenta ... inmunidad a la poli- dedicado sus playoffs a Breonna Taylor. vida a esta joven negra, es otra razón trá- Seamos siempre noso- El hecho de que ningún cía, que actúa como El equipo de baloncesto masculino de gica pero importante por la que la lucha tros contra ellos. Que agente armado de los la Universidad de Louisville encabezó una Black Lives Matter merece una amplia nunca estamos segu- policía haya sido patrones contra los protesta el 25 de septiembre en Louisville. solidaridad de clase. ros cuando se trata acusado de asesinato, trabajadores. Los principales temas políticos de estas Tomo el linchamiento público de George de ellos”. Ella conti- ni siquiera de homicidio La llamada de aten- manifestaciones, además de “Arrestar a Floyd en Minneapolis el 25 de mayo para nuó diciendo que “no ción para abolir la los asesinos de Breonna Taylor”, también ayudar a crear conciencia nacional e inter- tiene fe en el sistema involuntario, por policía, no solo como fueron “¡Abolir a la policía!” y “¡Eliminen nacional sobre el asesinato de Taylor, que legal, en la policía, en quitarle la vida a esta individuos sino como fondos a la policía!” había ocurrido más de dos meses antes. las leyes que no están una fuerza opresiva El asesinato de Taylor ha generado un El abogado de derechos civiles Benjamin hechas para prote- joven negra, es otra militarizada y diame- clamor nacional que exige que la policía Crump comentó luego del fallo: “¡Esto es gernos a los negros y razón trágica pero tralmente opuesta a rinda cuentas por los asesinatos de muje- indignante y ofensivo! Si el comporta- morenos”. importante por la que la los intereses de los res, hombres y niños negros y morenos y miento de Brett Hankison fue un peli- Palmer dijo que trabajadores y oprimi- en defensa de Black Lives Matter. gro injustificado para las personas de los Cameron “solo no le lucha Black Lives Matter dos, seguirá creciendo. Más de seis meses después del atroz apartamentos vecinos, entonces también falló a ella” y que a su merece una amplia El hecho de que asesinato el 13 de marzo de Taylor, una debería haber sido un peligro injustificado hija también le falló “el ningún policía haya médico de emergencias afroamericana de en el apartamento de Breonna Taylor. De juez que firmó la orden solidaridad de clase. sido acusado de ase- 26 años, por tres oficiales de policía blancos hecho, debería haberse dictaminado un de registro ... el terro- sinato o incluso de de Louisville, Ky., un gran jurado secreto el asesinato sin sentido”. (Washington Post, rista que derribó su puerta ... [y] el sistema homicidio involuntario por quitarle la 23 de septiembre acusó a solo uno de esos 23 de septiembre) en su conjunto”. vida a esta joven negra no es más que otro oficiales con tres cargos de “peligro injusti- Uno de los miembros del gran jurado ejemplo trágico pero importante de por ficado”. Y esto fue después de cuatro meses La familia exige ‘abrir los libros’ presentó una moción el 28 de septiembre. qué la lucha Black Lives Matter merece una de supuesta investigación. La familia de Breonna Taylor, incluida su La moción exige que las grabaciones de los amplia solidaridad de clase. Que significa exactamente? Significa que madre, Tamika Palmer, y Walker estuvie- procedimientos del gran jurado se hagan Al final, la única forma de abolir a la poli- el oficial Brett Hankison fue acusado solo ron presentes en una conferencia de prensa públicas. Dice que los jurados no recibieron cía es abolir el sistema que ha sostenido a de poner en peligro a otros, cuando las balas el 25 de septiembre en Louisville, junto con las instrucciones adecuadas para incluir la esta fuerza desde los días de la esclavitud que disparó en el apartamento de Taylor los abogados de la familia Crump y Lonita opción de acusar al sargento Jon Mattingly estadounidense. Y ese sistema es el capita- viajaron a una unidad vecina, amenazando Baker. Los abogados y la familia exigen que y al detective Myles Cosgrove por disparar lismo, un sistema que prioriza las ganancias la vida de tres vecinos, que son blancos. No el gran jurado secreto revele la transcrip- las balas que mataron a Taylor. El miem- y la propiedad privada antes de satisfacer se presentó ni un solo cargo contra los otros ción completa al mundo que condujo a su bro del jurado también pide hablar públi- las necesidades humanas básicas de los tra- dos policías. Hankison ahora está en liber- impactante fallo. También están pidiendo camente sobre este asunto. bajadores, que necesitan empleo, vivienda, tad con una fianza de $15.000. que se nombre a un fiscal especial para que atención médica, educación y mucho más. El fiscal general de Kentucky, Daniel presente pruebas en nombre de Taylor ante La policía y el capitalismo Solo una revolución socialista puede final- Cameron (derecha), hizo el anuncio, y un gran jurado. están entrelazados mente ganar estas demandas, no una elec- explicó que los tres policías estaban justi- Crump comentó: “¿Qué presentó el fis- La declaración de Palmer suena tan ción, que no cambia las relaciones de clase. ficados en disparar múltiples rondas, seis cal general de Kentucky, Daniel Cameron, cierta, no solo para los individuos res- Librar una lucha global y de clase para de las cuales golpearon a Taylor mientras al gran jurado? ¿Presentó alguna prueba ponsables de la muerte sin sentido de su ayudar a empoderar a la clase trabajadora dormía, en “defensa propia”. El compa- en nombre de Breonna Taylor? ¿O tomó hija, sino para todo el sistema de opresión a través de asambleas de trabajadores, ñero de Taylor, Kenneth Walker, disparó una decisión unilateral de poner su pul- manipulado e intolerante. comités de defensa de trabajadores contra a la policía cuando derribaron la puerta de gar en la balanza de la justicia para ayudar Los abusos de la policía, los tribunales, fascistas de derecha y otras formaciones Taylor con un ariete. a tratar de exonerar y justificar? el asesi- las cárceles y las leyes contra personas de organizadas sostenidas ganará justicia real Las afirmaciones de Cameron de nato de Breonna Taylor por parte de estos raza negra y morena como George Floyd, para los Breonna Taylor y George Floyds que Walker hirió a uno de los policías agentes de policía y, al hacerlo, asegúrese Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland y muchos del mundo. ☐