‘Cerrar los campamentos’ 12 Vigilando-el-útero 12

Workers and oppressed peoples of the world unite! workers.org Vol. 61 No. 29 July 18, 2019 $1 Congresswomen condemn White House racism

On July 16, the House of Representatives passed a color—​Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Ilhan They have especially ratcheted up their criticisms resolution stating that Trump’s tweets were racist. All Omar (Minn.), Ayanna Pressley (Mass.) and Rashida of Trump following public visits of several politicians Democrats and four Republicans voted for the resolution. Tlaib (Mich.). They are, respectively, Puerto Rican, to extremely overcrowded detention centers where More to come. Somali, African American and Palestinian. Omar and migrants have been denied the right to shower, nour- Tlaib are also Muslim. All four are Democratic Party ishing and plentiful food, medical care and much more. By Monica Moorehead members. Trump told the women in his tweets to “go back and The four have been aggressively outspoken against the help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from The white supremacist and misogynist Trump has Trump administration’s xenophobic raids, deportations which they came. If they are not happy here, they can opened up another vicious, racist verbal war. This and detention of thousands of migrants, including chil- leave.” Ironically, Omar is the only one born outside the time it is against four progressive Congresswomen of dren, since they won their congressional seats in 2018. U.S. At a joint July 15 press conference, all four represen- tatives responded to Trump’s attacks. Rep. Omar stated, ‘We’re doing this for Sandra Bland’ “This is the agenda of white nationalists. This is his plan to pit us against one another.” She also connected Trump’s attacks on them to his attacks on Black athletes who have denounced social injustice, his objectification of women and his disparaging remarks about developing countries. A week prior to Trump’s attacks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), opened up an attack of her own on the same four representatives. The attack was in response to their opposition to a $4.6 billion House-sponsored border bill that Democrats were pushing in an attempt to appease Trump, who was threat- ening to shut down the federal government for a second time if building his new border wall was stalled again. In a New York Times interview, Pelosi remarked about the four: “All these people have their public whatever and their Twitter world. But they didn’t have any fol- lowing. They’re four people and that’s how many votes they got.” (July 6) In truth these four “no” votes represented the senti- ment of millions of people, who are adamantly opposed to building any new wall or any milder-sounding but still-restrictive immigration policy. Rep. Tlaib said in an ABC News interview, “We know what it feels like to be dehumanized. We know what it feels WW PHOTO: MONICA MOOREHEAD Continued on page 9 People’s Power Assemblies NYC organized its fifth annual rally and march in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 13 to demand justice for Sandra Bland. The 28-year-old African-American woman was found hanging in a Waller County, Texas, jail cell on the same date in 2015. Bland had been abused and then falsely arrested by a white cop during a traffic stop. Her case helped ignite the Twitter hashtag #SayHerName.

Global capitalist crisis 2 Solidarity with migrants 6-7 Reclaim Pride march 3 Women athletes fight for equality 3 Save Philly hospital! 4 Coffee shop workers’ union drive 4

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Growing signs of deepening this week global capitalist crisis Part 2 ◆ In the U.S. By Ben Carroll suggest[ing] companies have little ability to increase their Congresswomen condemn White House racism . . 1 bottom lines by expanding profit margins.” Queer Liberation March resurrects Stonewall . . .3 The aggressive posture of U.S. imperialism in decline, One of Karl Marx’s key discoveries about the capitalist coupled with the fracturing of long-standing imperialist system was a contradiction that leads to crises of overpro- Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe ...... 3 alliances, is contributing to concerns among ruling circles duction and the tendency of the rate of profit to fall. Hedge funds move to kill community hospital . . .4 of an impending economic contraction and revealing divi- This system is driven by competition among the owners Buffalo protests hit union busting ...... 4 sions among them. of capital to carve out wider markets for their commodities Buffalo anti-war protests ...... 4 In an effort to contain and undermine China, the U.S. and expand production. If they do not, they will be gob- has opened an expanding trade war, with tariffs targeting bled up and taken over by other capitalists who succeed in Toppling statues of the Confederacy ...... 5 key sectors of the world’s second-largest economy. doing so. This leads the capitalist class to invest more and Indigenous tell truth at Santa Maria display . . . 5 U.S. imperialism’s desperate attempts to recapture more capital into the process of production itself, includ- 700+ protests: No raids! Close the camps! . . . 6-7 markets and regain an advantage over China are reveal- ing more efficient machinery for the production of com- ing emerging divisions within the ruling class here. They modities while reducing the amount of labor needed. ◆ Around the world focus on Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese products But profits are derived from the value that workers pro- Growing signs of capitalist crisis, Part 2 . . . . . 2 and his continued threats to raise them even higher. These duce above and beyond what they are paid. efforts are causing fear among some sections of the ruling At first, the capitalists using the more efficient technology Seeking truth about Venezuela's food production . 8 class that a prolonged trade war may end up negatively get a competitive edge. But eventually the new technology, Review: 'Plot to Overthrow Venezuela' ...... 8 impacting their capitalist plunder of the world. requiring fewer workers, becomes the industry standard. Puerto Rico: Education overseer arrested . . . . .9 That is on top of the brutal and racist war Trump is wag- Marx called the capital invested in plant and machinery Elections in Greece ...... 11 ing on migrant workers, which has been accompanied by “constant capital.” Its cost is pretty much the same for all the threat of tariffs of up to 25 percent on imports from capitalists in the same industry and is incorporated into ◆ Editorial Mexico. the value of the commodities produced. The threat of U.S. war on Iran looms as the U.S. seeks to What the bosses pay out for the human labor consumed No 'forced pregnancy' ...... 10 expand its export of oil and natural gas. Nearly a third of in production, however, is called “variable capital” because it Wealth, sex work and sexual abuse ...... 10 the world’s tanker-carried oil and petroleum passes close varies depending on how much the bosses can squeeze out of to Iran through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Energy the workers by speeding up production and reducing wages. ◆ Noticias en Español Information Center describes the Strait as “the most The more the bosses spend on machinery, etc., in order to 'Vigilando el útero’ en Alabama ...... 12 important chokepoint for the world’s oil industry.” replace workers, the greater the ratio of constant capital to Acciones para 'Cerrar los campamentos’ . . . . 12 variable capital. But profits come from variable capital—​the Tendency of rate of profit to fall and exploitation of labor. So spending more on machines and capitalist overproduction less on labor eventually causes the rate of profit to fall. This An article in the June 11 New York Times pointed out: is a key contradiction of the capitalist system. “Corporate profits may be particularly vulnerable right While the quote from the New York Times does not in now. Revenue overall is growing faster than earnings. In and of itself indicate this phenomenon, it is an interesting the first quarter, sales rose about 5 percent from a year revelation when taken as a whole. Based on official his- earlier, while profits declined 0.4 percent … [and] that torical data compiled through 2017, the rate of profit in dynamic is expected to persist over the next two quarters … Continued on page 11 Workers World 147 W. 24th St., 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10011 Join us in the fight Phone: 212.627.2994 E-mail: [email protected] for socialism! Web: www.workers.org

Workers World Party is a revolutionary Marxist-Leninist people are gunned down by cops and bigots on a regular Vol. 61, No. 29 • July 18, 2019 party inside the belly of the imperialist beast. We are a basis. Closing date: July 17, 2019 multinational, multigenerational and multigendered orga- The ruthless ruling class today seeks to wipe out Editor: Deirdre Griswold nization that not only aims to abolish capitalism, but to decades of gains and benefits won by hard-fought strug- Managing Editors: John Catalinotto, LeiLani Dowell, build a socialist society because it’s the only way forward! gles by people’s movements. The super-rich and their Martha Grevatt, Monica Moorehead, Minnie Bruce Capitalism and imperialism threaten the peoples of the political representatives have intensified their attacks on Pratt world and the planet itself in the neverending quest for the multinational, multigender and multigenerational Web Editors: Ben Carroll, John Steffin ever-greater profits. working class. It is time to point the blame at—and chal- Capitalism means war and austerity, racism and repres- lenge—the capitalist system. Production & Design Editors: Gery Armsby, Sasha sion, attacks on im/migrants, misogyny, LGBTQ oppres- WWP fights for socialism because the working class Mazumder, Scott Williams sion and mistreatment of people with disabilities. It means produces all wealth in society, and this wealth should Copyediting and Proofreading: Paddy Colligan, joblessness, increasing homelessness and impoverishment remain in their hands, not be stolen in the form of capi- Sue Davis, S. Hedgecoke and lack of hope for the future. No social problems can be talist profits. The wealth workers create should be socially solved under capitalism. owned and its distribution planned to satisfy and guaran- Contributing Editors: G. Dunkel, K. Durkin, Fred The U.S. is the richest country in the world, yet no one tee basic human needs. Goldstein, Teresa Gutierrez, Betsey Piette, Gloria Rubac has a guaranteed right to shelter, food, water, health care, Since 1959, Workers World Party has been out in the Mundo Obero: Alberto García, Teresa Gutierrez, education or anything else—unless they can pay for it. streets defending the workers and oppressed here and Carlos Vargas Wages are lower than ever, and youth are saddled with worldwide. If you’re interested in Marxism, socialism Supporter Program: Coordinator Sue Davis seemingly insurmountable student debt, if they even make and fighting for a socialist future, please contact a WWP it to college. Black, Brown and Indigenous youth and trans branch near you. ☐ Copyright © 2019 Workers World. Verbatim copying and distribution of articles is permitted in any medium Contact a Workers World Party branch near you: workers.org/wwp without royalty provided this notice is preserved. Workers World (ISSN-1070-4205) is published weekly National Office Bay Area Durham, N.C. Philadelphia 147 W. 24th St., 2nd floor P.O. Box 22947 804 Old Fayetteville St. P.O. Box 34249 except the last week of December by WW Publishers, New York, NY 10011 Oakland, CA 94609 Durham, NC 27701 Philadelphia, PA 19101 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10011. Phone: 212.627.2994 [email protected] 919. 322 .9 970 610.931.2615 212.627.2994. Subscriptions: One year: $30; institu­ [email protected] 510.394.2207 [email protected] [email protected] tions: $35. Letters to the editor may be condensed and Atlanta Buffalo, N.Y. Houston Salt Lake City edited. Articles can be freely reprinted, with credit to PO Box 18123 335 Richmond Ave. P.O. Box 3454 801.750.0248 Workers World, 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl., New York, NY Atlanta, GA 30316 Buffalo, NY 14222 Houston, TX 77253-3454 [email protected] 10011. Back issues and individual articles are available 404 .627.0185 716.883.2534 713.503.2633 San Antonio on microfilm and/or photocopy from NA Publishing, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Inc, P.O. Box 998, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0998. Austin Charlotte Knoxville, Tenn. San Diego A searchable archive is available on the Web at [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.workers.org. Boston Cleveland Minneapolis Tucson, Ariz. A headline digest is available via e-mail subscription. 284 Amory St. 216.738.0320 [email protected] [email protected] Subscription information is at workers.org. Boston, MA 02130 [email protected] Pensacola, Fla. Washington, D.C. 617.522.6626 Periodicals postage paid at New York, N.Y. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Portland, Ore. West Virginia Workers World, 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl. [email protected] [email protected] New York, N.Y. 10011. workers.org July 18, 2019 Page 3 Queer Liberation March resurrects spirit of Stonewall

By Brenda Ryan Assemblies NYC and Shut It Down New York were part of the Abolition contingent, which called for the abolition of cops, At least 45,000 people joined the prisons and Immigration and Customs Queer Liberation March here on June 30 Enforcement. The WWP banner pro- in an exuberant and powerful celebration claiming “Queer As In—​Fuck the Police” honoring the legacy of queer liberation got an enthusiastic response from the struggles, past and present. crowd. Marchers reclaim Pride from corporations and cops. WW PHOTO: BRENDA RYAN Organized by the Reclaim Pride There were two moments of silence. Coalition, the march and following rally The first was to remember and honor wrote. “We are here for Layleen Polanco, Loan Tran, a queer trans organizer renounced the commercialization of the those lost to homophobia, transphobia, who just a few weeks ago was found dead from Durham, N.C., expressed solidarity annual Pride event, which has been domi- racism and sexism, to HIV/AIDS and vio- in solitary confinement at Rikers Island. with the Central Park Five, who in 1989 nated by corporations. There were no cor- lence in all its forms. The second was in We are here for Johana Medina León, were wrongly convicted and sent to prison porations, floats or police contingent in tribute to the trans women of color mur- a 25-year-old asylum seeker from El for crimes they did not commit, and with the march. Rather it expressed solidarity dered throughout the country. The march Salvador, who died in ICE custody on the migrants being forced out of their homes. with immigrants, the Black Lives Matter also honored all those killed by police or first day of Pride Month. We are here for “Don’t we think it’s time to shut down movement and all oppressed people. while incarcerated, as well as those who Ashanti Carmon, Zoe Spears, Muhlaysia those concentration camps at the bor- Held on the 50th anniversary of the have died by gun violence or by lack of Booker and the eight other trans women der?” Tran asked. “The crisis at the bor- historic Stonewall Rebellion, the march access to housing and medical care. who have been murdered this year alone.” der is a crisis of capitalism, it’s a crisis of followed the route of the first Pride The rally also ignited the spirit of As the thousands spread out on the imperialism, it’s a crisis of colonialism. march and captured its spirit. It began at fightback of the original marches. Great Lawn in Central Park, they con- The thousands who are being forced to Sheridan Square Park in the West Village Speakers included members of the Gay tinued to respond to the speakers with come to the fake U.S.-Mexico border are and went up Sixth Avenue to Bryant Park, Liberation Front and Larry Kramer, one cheers and applause all afternoon. coming as a direct result of the pillage where a second wave of participants of the founders of the AIDS Coalition to The majority of the speakers were and plunder and exploitation of their joined, and then continued to Central Unleash Power (ACT UP). A statement queer and trans people of color who resources and communities. The thou- Park’s Great Lawn. was read from Chelsea Manning, a trans reflect today’s wide diversity of strug- sands coming to the border are owed There were sit-ins along the route, one woman and Iraq war whistleblower cur- gles and issues. Powerful talks by Black reparations for the wealth that has been of which protested the confinement of rently incarcerated for refusing to testify and Latina trans women lifted up crucial stolen from them for decades and for people with HIV in immigrant detention before a grand jury. issues they face. LaLa Zannell and Cecilia centuries.” centers. A trans Latinx contingent and “We are here for trans women of color, Gentili led the crowd in the chant “Sex Tran called on the crowd to organize groups supporting abortion rights and who, despite leading the fight at Stonewall work is work!” They urged the movement to make their ancestors proud. “Open the Palestine marched, as well as contingents 50 years ago, continue to be attacked and for queer and trans liberation to defend borders, free Palestine, no war in Iran, opposing U.S. wars and militarization. killed on our streets, in jails and prisons, all workers against exploitation and down with imperialism, down with white Workers World Party, People’s Power and in our own communities,” Manning police repression. supremacy,” they declared. ☐

Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe Fighters for racial and gender equality

By Monica Moorehead The descriptions are so repulsive and hei- Following her loss to Simona nous they should never be repeated. They Halep at the Wimbledon champion- Powerful women athletes are using reflect how Black women have been and ship match on July 13, Serena was their popularity and influence to speak still are degraded as being hypersexual in asked during her press conference out against various forms of social injus- a society dominated by white supremacy whether she should concentrate on tice. Two of them are Serena Williams since the days of slavery. just playing tennis and not on activ- and Megan Rapinoe. During Serena’s pregnancy, Ilie ism. Serena replied: “The day I stop Serena, generally known by her first Nastase, a former grand slam winner fighting for equality and for peo- name, is regarded as the greatest wom- from Romania, referred to her unborn ple that look like you and me will en’s tennis player ever. Since 1999, child with the statement: “Let’s see what be the day I’m in my grave.” With Serena Williams with daughter, Alexis Olympia. when she was a teenager, the African- color it has. Chocolate with milk?” (New those words, Serena continues to American icon has won 23 grand slam York Times, April 25, 2017) Serena’s be a beacon of inspiration for all women matter-of-fact, wasn’t trying to convince titles—including​ the Australian, French, spouse, and father of Olympia, is white. athletes of all nationalities, ages and abil- anyone. Just, ‘This is what is happening, Wimbledon and U.S. Opens multiple Serena responded to Nastase’s rac- ities, especially those who are working this is what I’m willing to do about it.’ I times. In the Open era, only Margaret ist statement on Instagram: “It disap- mothers. found that extremely inspiring and con- Court of Australia has won one more points me to know we live in a society victing. Like, how can you not support?” grand slam title—for​ a total of 24. where people like Ilie Nastase can make Megan Rapinoe: another powerful (May 13) Now, just one month shy of her 38th such racist comments toward myself voice for social justice During the 2019 World Cup games in birthday, Serena has played her way into and unborn child, and sexist comments Black former San Francisco 49er quar- France she refused to sing the national three major finals since the birth of her against my peers. I am not afraid unlike terback Colin Kaepernick, during the anthem before each match, and says she daughter, Alexis Olympia, almost two you. You see, I am no coward. Does my 2016-17 National Football League sea- will continue to do so going forward, as years ago. She was in the first trimester sassiness upset you? Why are you beset son, began to take a knee while the U.S. a protest. Rapinoe stated her reasons for of her pregnancy when she won the 2017 with gloom? You may shoot me with your national anthem was played in order not singing the anthem in an essay for Australian Open. During her remarkable words, ... you may try to kill me with your to protest racist police brutality. That The Players’ Tribune in 2016: “I haven’t 20-plus-years span of playing tennis, hatefulness, but still like air I will rise.” inspired Megan Rapinoe, an openly les- experienced over-policing, racial pro- Serena has been outspoken against the Serena was referring to the International bian member of the U.S. Women’s Soccer filing, police brutality or the sight of a racist and sexist abuse she has endured Tennis Federation’s banning of Nastase Team, to take a knee for the same cause, family member’s body lying dead in the on and off the court, along with her older from their events for his verbal, sexist including for gender equality. street. But I cannot stand idly by while sister, Venus, who has won seven grand abuse of British women tennis players. She and Kaepernick took a lot of crit- there are people in this country who have slam titles. During her match with Naomi Osaka icism for their stance, including from had to deal with that kind of heartache. During the BNP Paribas Open in during the U.S. Open finals in August white-supremacist and misogynist “There is no perfect way to protest. I Indian Wells, Calif., which Serena won 2018, Serena was accused of cheat- Donald Trump, but neither one of them know that nothing I do will take away in 2001, she, as well as Venus and their ing by a male referee, who took away a wavered. Kaepernick has been denied the pain of those families. But I feel in father Richard Williams, were called the point and then a whole game, when she the right to play football since his heroic my heart it is right to continue to kneel racist N-word epithet repeatedly. In pro- protested the allegation. Serena has act. The attacks on Rapinoe include during the national anthem, and I will do test, Serena decided to boycott the event publicly accused referees of display- homophobia. whatever I can to be part of the solution.” until 2015. ing double-standard treatment toward Rapinoe told Yahoo Sports: “Colin Rapinoe and the rest of the U.S. soc- Serena has been viciously objecti- women tennis players, who are portrayed Kaepernick very much inspired me, and cer team rank No. 1 worldwide. The team, fied for many years, both racially and as hyper aggressive, while male tennis inspired an entire nation, and still does, which is multinational and multigen- sexually, for wearing tennis outfits that players receive only a slap on the wrist to actually think about these things. The dered, has put ongoing pressure on the proudly show her muscularly built body. under similar circumstances. way he spoke about them so clearly, so Continued on page 10 Page 4 July 18, 2019 workers.org

As workers demand ‘Health care, not wealth care!’ Hedge funds move to kill vital community hospital

By Joe Piette and Colliers International. Philadelphia Hahnemann Hospital’s demise is being orchestrated by those hedge funds determined to make millions in Pressure is growing on Philadelphia and Pennsylvania profits by turning the medical properties into commer- officials to find a way to prevent hedge fund owners from cial or residential entities. It’s another layer of the gentri- shutting down Hahnemann Hospital. At the same time, fication that has forced out longtime residents from large hospital managers are moving to close down function- sections of the city’s many neighborhoods. ing units quickly, before a mass movement can develop. Many organizations, large and small, have developed Hahnemann’s lawyers claimed in bankruptcy court in over the last decade trying to fight gentrification. Anyone Wilmington, Del., that the hospital is losing money rap- who has seen their neighborhood gentrified should come idly, and this makes it harder to sell the parent compa- out into the streets to stop the equally destructive gentri- ny’s most valuable asset, St. Christopher’s Hospital for fication of Hahnemann. Children, near the Kensington section of Philadelphia. Hahnemann’s closing is an issue for all women. Nurses, doctors and other workers held several rallies Shutting down the maternity ward in the city’s first hos- last week to “Save Hahnemann” from being closed. A pital to give women a medical degree will increase deaths July 9 protest march targeted the offices of one hedge during childbirth, especially for the Black, Brown and WW PHOTO: JOE PIETTE fund owner, Colliers International. A July 11 demonstra- July 11 protest to save Hahnemann Hospital brought out impoverished women who depend on Hahnemann. tion of around 2,000 labor and community members unions, community. Historically, many LGBTQ2S+ people have faced featured Nina Turner, representing presidential con- obstacles in receiving adequate care. In a 2010 sur- tender Bernie Sanders. The protesters marched around (Philadelphia Inquirer, July 9) vey conducted by Lambda Legal, almost 56 percent of the block, encircling several hospital buildings. The Hahnemann announced plans July 10 to transfer its lesbian, gay or bisexual respondents had one or more central demand was posted on many of the picket signs: physician training programs to Tower Health, which will discriminatory care experiences, and 70 percent of “Gov. Wolf—Save​ Hahnemann!” Hospital staff, medical pay $7.5 million for Hahnemann’s 500-plus residency transgender and gender-nonconforming respondents students, patients and community groups rallied again and fellowship slots. Residents will be guaranteed a had one or more of them. Hahnemann University July 14, and Sanders planned a second rally for July 15. spot at one of Tower’s six hospitals, the largest of which Hospital’s Transgender Fellowship Training Program, (Philadelphia Inquirer, July 15) is the 716-bed Reading Hospital in Berks County. But a rare program focused on medical and surgical care for the Tower system has accredited residency programs transgender patients, was among the first of its kind in Services being shut down in only five of the 15 medical specialties available at the United States. In a July 3 order, Philadelphia Common Pleas Hahnemann. Hahnemann is an example of why “Medicare for All” Court Judge Nina W. Padilla wrote that Hahnemann is Other hospitals have also offered to take in is needed. Closing Hahnemann, a safety net hospital that “enjoined from closing, ceasing operations, or in any way Hahnemann’s doctors and residents: Main Line Health provides medical care to an already underserved com- further reducing or disrupting services at the Emergency said it expects to take 40 Hahnemann residents across all munity, will make it even harder for those with mini- Department of Hahnemann University Hospital” before specialties, primarily at Lankenau and Bryn Mawr hos- mum or no insurance to gain access to health care. a closure plan is approved by the city’s health commis- pitals. Penn Medicine has made offers to several dozen Workers represented by the Pennsylvania Association sioner and a bankruptcy judge. Hahnemann residents. Jefferson, Cooper and Temple of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP) and Nevertheless, hospital officials plan to completely have also said they will take Hahnemann residents. In District 1199C of the National Union of Hospital and shut down Hahnemann’s emergency room July 17. Most the meantime, residents continue to work with doctors Health Care Employees and community activists will Hahnemann admissions come through its emergency and the rest of the hospital’s medical staff to handle the need to turn up the heat if Hahnemann is going to department, so shutting the ER would rapidly reduce its patients still being treated. survive. patient population to nothing. The emergency depart- Hahnemann’s policies, if allowed to continue, will Individual members of the Communications Workers; ment has already stopped accepting critically ill patients, certainly empty the 170-year-old, 496-bed institution American Federation of State, County and Municipal and it gave up its trauma center designation just days within days or weeks. Employees; American Federation of Teachers; Service after the closing was announced. Sodexo Inc., which provides food services at Employees; Teamsters; and other unions have taken A large proportion of Hahnemann patients are Black Hahnemann, notified the state that it plans to lay off 106 part in Save Hahnemann rallies. A massive turnout of and Brown, many on either Medicare or Medicaid, the workers when the hospital closes. Many more workers the labor movement on a weekend, or better yet on a government health plan for the poor. who provide services to the hospital also stand to lose work day, would show the powers that be that organized Its maternity ward was closed July 11. Without their jobs. and unorganized workers are united to defend over Hahnemann, Philadelphia will have just five hospital If city and state officials fail to come to an agreement 3,000 Hahnemann workers and the additional hundreds maternity units, plus a special delivery center for high- with Hahnemann’s owners or the bankruptcy court to of workers who service the hospital. risk pregnancies at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. keep the hospital open, union and community organizers If all the diverse communities who have ever benefited That is down from 14 maternity wards in 1997. will be forced to come up with a Plan B. from Hahnemann Hospital shut down Broad Street and The closure “does concern us from the standpoint occupied the hospital grounds, wouldn’t local, state and of trying to reduce maternal mortality,” said Marianne Hedge funds call the shots federal officials find the necessary funds? Fray, the Maternity Care Coalition’s chief executive offi- So far, state and city officials have been unable to Health care, not wealth care! ☐ cer. “The more barriers to care, the more it increases come up with a fiscal alternative to CEO Joel Freedman the possibility that they’ll have adverse outcomes.” and his hedge fund backers, Apollo Global Management

Buffalo protests hit Downtown Buffalo scene of anti-war protest union busting By Ryan Lockwood now represents the Rochester shop. Buffalo Their first demonstration, on July 4, was attended by around 50 picket- The Western New York SPoT ers, including friends, co-workers, Coffee chain has become the center union activists and other comrades of a pro-union protest now in its sec- in the class struggle. The demon- ond week. stration was met with near-con- Following the successful union- stant enthusiasm from motorists ization of its Rochester location in and passersby, and the momentum May, SPoT fired Phoenix Cerny and carried to pickets at other SPoT loca- Phil Kneitinger for attempting to tions in the city. bring the union to Buffalo shops. “We’re here to tell our commu- As thousands of people gathered in down- and deportations! Close the concentration The company also fired store man- nity what had happened, and that town Buffalo July 13 for a food festival, camps now!” ager Lukas Weinstein for standing it was wrong,” said Cerny at the Buffalo AntiWar met them with chants call- Participating in the Buffalo AntiWar in solidarity with his co-workers and third picket, “and that we are going ing for an end to U.S. sanctions and threats group were activists from the Erie County refusing to give the names of those to continue to fight for our right of war against both Iran and Venezuela. The Green Party, U.S. Friends of the Soviet attending union meetings. The com- to organize.” In addition to get- protesters demanded: “No to another war People, Buffalo Democratic Socialists of pany has given no other pretext for ting information out, Cerny added for oil! No war on Iran, and no U.S. coup in America, Veterans for Peace, the Western terminations. that the workers were “collecting Venezuela! End the sanctions now! Bring all NY Peace Center, Workers World Party and The workers’ reaction has been signatures for a petition and con- the troops home now!” the International Action Center. swift. Picket lines at SPoT loca- tact information in the event that They also demanded the government tions around Buffalo were set up [they] decide to push forward with “Stop the war at home—​stop the raids — Report and photo by Ellie Dorritie by SPoT employees and the orga- a boycott with support from the nization Workers United, which community.” ☐ workers.org July 18, 2019 Page 5 Solidarity in the fight against white supremacy Part 2: Toppling statues of the Confederacy

The Sixth International Assembly of Black communities are going on five years the International League of People’s without clean drinking water. These are Struggles took place in Hong Kong June precisely the conditions needed to ensure 23-26. Founded in 2001, ILPS is a coa- that oppressed people do not rise up. lition of more than 200 anti-imperi- Those of us with alleged participation in alist mass organizations from around the toppling of the monument in Durham the world that “promotes, supports and waged a staunch campaign asserting that develops the struggles of the peoples of “fighting white supremacy is not a crime,” the world, including the workers, peas- as we faced felony charges for this nec- ants, women, youth, professionals and essary action. We organized a People’s other sectors of society against the ideo- Tribunal Against White Supremacy logical, political, military, economic, where community members were able to social and cultural domination and testify about the real crimes taking place; attacks of imperialism and reaction.” attacks on workers, attacks on Black Loan Tran, who attended as a repre- people, attacks on migrants, attacks on sentative of the International Action affordable housing, attacks on public Center, spoke at the assembly. Part 2 education, and more. of Tran’s remarks, slightly edited, are The law is not the last word presented below. For more information Tearing down a Confederate statue in Durham in August 2017. about ILPS, see ilps.info. So much of white supremacy is codified commander of the Confederate States benefit from capitalism. into the law. In this particular case, there With this context in mind, the struggle Army during the Civil War; a war not In a tremendous show of people power, was yet another preemption law that had against white supremacy is central to the about states’ rights—​as often told in that Confederate monument was literally been passed in 2015 preventing local class struggle being waged by workers and bourgeois history—but​ a war of Southern toppled in 2017 as hundreds chanted, government from removing Confederate the oppressed in the U.S. It’s not just that Confederate states to defend their right to “You can’t stop the revolution!” monuments. It had to be approved by the one cannot happen without the other; it’s own slaves. Even deeper than that, it was The days and weeks that followed the state general assembly. that, especially in the case of the U.S., these a war between the competing interests monument toppling saw statues being But just because something is law, struggles are one and the same. of the slave-owning ruling class and the torn down, removed, defaced and vandal- clearly, as we know, doesn’t make it real. There are some concrete examples increasingly finance-backed and industri- ized across the South—from Baltimore to If anything, it reiterates to us whom the from recent years I would like to lift up. alized ruling class. New Orleans. law is made for. Ultimately all the felony I would like to make a nod to the fer- Students from the university as well In response to this revolutionary wave charges were dropped, but only because vent efforts throughout the 1930s into as organizers and activists from across across the region, the KKK openly called we organized a mass movement that was the 1960s and 1970s, at the height of the the region showed up in Charlottesville for a demonstration in Durham, N.C. able to stand up and fight and draw on Civil Rights Movement and Black Power to confront these racists. As some may Their numbers were small compared to the decades and centuries of anti-racist Movement, where communists, and know, the daylong clashes between the thousands of oppressed people who organizing in the South against racism Black communists in particular, were anti-racist demonstrators and Klan mem- came out into the streets to confront and white supremacy. If you break the waging revolutionary struggle to build bers left one woman, Heather Heyer, them, while they were sheltered by the so-called law, you must have the political unions, Black-white worker solidarity, dead from a car that ran into the crowd, local police in the courthouse building. cover and solidarity of a mass movement. and of course beating back racist segre- along with many, many others who were We knew that this struggle was never There are many challenges, of course, gation efforts, confronting the Ku Klux brutally injured and hurt by Klan mem- just about statues: It was about using in building this kind of mass movement Klan and police alike—​who were and are bers and cops alike. white supremacy as a tool for bour- in the U.S. where more and more labor is merely evolutions of slave patrols. geois-class rule. It was never about cheap atomized. And workers are largely alien- In 2016, following the shooting of Direct action in Durham pieces of metal or copper, it was about ated from each other as the result of the Keith Lamont Scott, a 43-year-old Black Two days later in Durham, N.C., in sol- underscoring that there is a class which capitalist development of technology and father in Charlotte, N.C.—​the masses idarity with Charlottesville, our comrades benefits from the exploitation, degrada- an emerging “gig economy.” This mud- poured into the streets under the ban- organized a demonstration in front of a tion and murder of another class. And dies the role and responsibility of multi- ner of Black Lives Matter—​which really Confederate monument which stood in to be clear, the class that benefits is national corporations that are not seen as took off with the killing of Mike Brown in front of the old courthouse. The monu- very much the class founded by white, employers, but as simply service provid- Ferguson, Mo., in 2014. ment was erected in 1924—​a period in slave-owning men. The class that is ers—like​ Uber or Lyft, for example. Charlotte is the third-largest banking which the Black community of Durham, exploited is very much made up of nation- There is not a coherent worker iden- city in the U.S., behind New York and much like in other cities across the coun- ally oppressed workers. tity. Some of this incoherence is a result San Francisco. It is home to headquar- try, such as Kansas City, had made sig- We should consider the concentration of a weak, mainstream, bureaucratic labor ters for major banks like Bank of America nificant economic and cultural advances. camps at the U.S.-Mexico “border” a mon- movement that continues to fall behind on and Wells Fargo, which in the 1980s and The Confederate monument stood in ument to white supremacy. We should updating its understanding of the working ‘90s made most of their money off pred- front of the building that many Black consider the same of the prisons, of dilap- class and the need to integrate key strug- atory mortgages to Black homebuyers. people have to walk by each day. It stood idated public housing, of deadly man- gles for national and social liberation. Charlotte is often called the “Wall Street as a message that they were not welcome ufacturing companies, of underfunded Some of this is a result of the deepening of the South.” there and that despite their successes in schools, of outdated and unkept public capitalist crisis which is quite literally kill- When the masses poured into the that town, white supremacy was still law infrastructure from roads to the water ing people—whether the killers be politi- streets for Keith Lamont Scott, Charlotte and only white people would be allowed to pipes in Flint, Mich., for example. There cians, police, landlords or bosses. ☐ became the first southern city where a major rebellion against police terror took place. This in and of itself is significant. What makes it even more significant is Buffalo, N.Y. Indigenous tell truth at Santa Maria display that these demonstrations took place for weeks in the heart of downtown, in front of the banks and corporations that fortify A replica of the Santa Maria, one of the inherent relationship between white Christopher Columbus’ ships, was put supremacy and finance capital. on display in Buffalo’s Lake Erie har- Demonstrators took to fighting the bor July 13. Reacting to the occasion, police directly, despite the cops’ expen- Haudenosaunee activists and their sive military-grade equipment, and allies were present to tell the truth destroyed bourgeois private property of about the ship. They explained that the banks and hotels. It became clear—​ rather than just being an innocent when the National Guard was called into tourist attraction, its presence was a North Carolina and directed to protect commemoration of the genocide, slav- buildings by beating protesters and even ery and theft of Indigenous lands that killing another Black man, Justin Carr—​ began with Columbus’ original voy- just how effective a tool white supremacy age. As one spokesperson explained, is for capitalist interests. the arrival of the ship was not just a One year later in 2017, following the moment in history, but an attempted election of the racist, misogynist, fas- genocide that continues today. A del- cist pig Trump, hundreds of neo-Nazis egation from Workers World Party and white supremacists descended on attended in solidarity. Charlottesville, Va., in an alleged effort to defend the statue of Robert E. Lee, the — Report and photo by Ellie Dorritie Page 6 July 18, 2019 workers.org 700+ protests demand: No raids! Close the camps!

By Martha Grevatt Japanese survivors of U.S. internment during World War II have also spoken With each shocking photograph, the out against the camps. reality becomes ever clearer: The U.S. government is holding migrants in con- Im/migrant communities face terror centration camps. After the Supreme Court recently The latest images came after Vice ruled against including a question about President Mike Pence himself toured citizenship in the 2020 U.S. census, two camps. Hundreds of men, so densely President Donald Trump promised to packed into a cell they cannot even lie either bring a new argument to SCOTUS down, cry out, “No shower!” Children are or overrule the high court via an execu- sleeping on concrete with only emergency tive order. On July 11, he retreated on the mylar blankets for bedding. question, a concession to the strength of Pence first tried to claim the detain- the im/migrant rights movement. ees were well-treated, but after seeing However, the xenophobe-in-chief is another camp even he acknowledged, waging war on migrants by other means. “This is tough stuff.” Reporter Josh Raids in 10 cities, aimed at apprehending Dawsey found the camps’ stench “horren- some 2,000 undocumented immigrants, dous.” Adults and children were denied were originally planned for June, but blankets, mats, pillows, food and hygiene delayed until July 14. Pending deporta- items. Mats were taken away from chil- tion, arrestees could find themselves in dren suffering with head lice after one of one of the same horrible concentration them lost a comb. Young children were camps housing asylum seekers. Aurora, Colo. WW PHOTO: VIVIANA WEINSTEIN caring for infants. (Washington Post, Mayors of nine cities—​Denver, July 12) Atlanta, New York, Chicago, San organized 160 community members into Meanwhile, the horrors at the border Images and stories have gone viral and Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Baltimore neighborhood brigades, while “ICE catch- continue. On July 14, Ohio Sen. Sherrod the horrors are public knowledge. U.N. and Houston—​are refusing to cooper- ers” roamed Metro Atlanta. Brown was denied entry to children’s High Commissioner for Human Rights ate with the raids. All of these mayors, With these preparations in place, detention camps in Texas by Customs Michelle Bachelet condemned the condi- with the exception of New York City’s where ICE cops did knock on doors, they and Border Patrol agents, while Trump tions, saying, “This should never happen Bill de Blasio, are African American or were ignored or turned away when they fired off blatantly racist tweets against anywhere.” (Al Jazeera, July 9) Latinx. (Planned raids in New Orleans failed to produce a warrant. Most of the Congresswomen of color Alexandria New York Congresswoman Alexandria were called off because of the approach nine cities reported no arrests; the latest Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Ocasio-Cortez initially came under fire of Hurricane Barry.) ICE tactics were reportedly a scaled-down Pressley and Rashida Tlaib, all of whom for characterizing detention centers as Immigrant rights advocates and attor- operation over the course of the week. call for closing the camps. concentration camps until progressive neys conducted a widespread, well-orga- Nevertheless, the threats of arrest, The masses speak: ‘Close the camps!’ Jews, including Holocaust survivors nized “Know Your Rights” educational detention and deportation created a cli- and descendants, defended the term campaign leading up to the announced mate of fear and intimidation among im/ The July 12 call for actions to close in protests outside Immigration and raids. Volunteers patrolled streets, moni- migrant communities. Immigrants stayed the camps brought out masses of out- Customs Enforcement offices. “Never toring ICE presence. Chicago City Council home from work, avoided shopping, raged people. Protests took place in 700 Again Is Now” has become a rallying cry. member Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez skipped church services, and in general to 800 U.S. cities and around the world. stayed inside on July The number of people participating ran 14. The atmosphere from the hundreds to the thousands. remains tense in the Homemade signs bore familiar slogans—​ nine targeted cities as “No human being is illegal,” “Close the ICE cops could return camps,” “Never again is now.” But many over the next week who brought signs were new to activism. with arrest warrants Here are just a few examples of the in hand. coordinated outrage that was replicated With no advance from coast to coast. Demonstrations warning, ICE agents continued through the weekend, build- knocked on doors ing momentum for grassroots efforts to in Immokalee, Fla. thwart the raids. The Coalition of The biggest banner at a vigil at the Immokalee Workers main intersection of the small town of has won successful Rhinebeck, N.Y., read, “Hudson Valley boycott campaigns Strong—​Power through action.” People against fast-food in the area turned out about 80 strong, chains and is currently many coming from a service in a local boycotting Wendy’s church. The handmade signs, more than for its refusal to a few written on the backs of signs sup- join the Fair Food porting Planned Parenthood, included Program. While no messages like “Our Line in the Sand: one was arrested, the Child Torture” and “Immigration is not attempted arrests were a crime.” While many of the cars passing a menacing act against by honked in solidarity, the best moment Cleveland, Ohio. WW PHOTOS: MARTHA GREVATT farmworkers. was when a large FedEx truck passed with

Buffalo, N.Y. WW PHOTO: ELLIE DORRITIE workers.org July 18, 2019 Page 7 700+ protests demand: No raids! Close the camps!

chants.

Growing section of working class in solidarity with im/migrants The massive turnout over the weekend shows a growing section of the working class is repulsed by the stench of racism and xenophobia emanating from the White House and is deeply concerned about the attacks on im/migrants. This in itself is progressive, despite the Democratic Party’s maneuvering to direct anti-racist senti- ment into electoral channels. Unions are taking a strong position against bigotry. The United Steelworkers explained in a July 6 statement: “This is about human decency. This is about rec- ognizing that many of the people coming to our borders seeking asylum are workers.” Referring to the campaign to get major hotel chains not to contract with ICE, UNITE HERE International President

Philadelphia. WW PHOTO: JOE PIETTE D. Taylor said: “We’ve gotta do action at every one of those hotels. We’ve gotta the driver leaning hard on a loud horn. House,” where the notorious Philly Police screamed, “Tear it down!” turn up the heat … we’ve gotta get off our A large crowd, demanding closure of Department is headquartered, linking the A young woman told Workers World asses and get off Twitter and get in the immigrant detention camps, blocked struggle of migrants and refugees to that how her husband was deported and she streets where this evil is going on.” (Daily traffic for over an hour and a half at a of prisoners and Black and Brown work- now has two children to provide for. It Kos, July 12) Marriott and Choice hotels busy intersection in downtown Buffalo, ers in the U.S. will cost $15,000 to try to bring him back, have announced they would decline any N.Y., on July 11. Trapped at the front In Cleveland, 1,000 people filled money she does not have. request from ICE to house detainees. of the line of traffic was a UPS truck Market Square Park for a nighttime can- Protesters in Portland, Ore., held Trump’s policies, designed to mobilize driver. While protesters refused police dlelight vigil where a multinational, mul- a “week of action,” rallying outside a racist base for his 2020 election cam- demands to let him through, this African- tigenerational crowd chanted, “Close and marching into Microsoft and four paign, have the unintended consequence American union member honked support the camps!” Homemade signs included, Portland banks to demand they divest of provoking widespread resistance. for the protest and gave demonstrators “Deport the racists” and “Queer as in from ICE. Bank of America and Suntrust high-fives. abolish ICE.” said they would divest, but that the pro- John Catalinotto, Julianna Cordray, Police arrested nine activists. Before About 30 people participated in a rally cess will take months to complete. Other Ellie Dorritie, Ted Kelly, Johnnie Lewis, the demonstration, a smaller group at Seville Park in downtown Pensacola, banks targeted were PNC and Bank of the Lyn Neeley and Viviana Weinstein con- occupied Senate Minority Leader Chuck Fla., on July 7. The protest was hosted West. tributed to this article. Schumer’s office and presented a list of by Strive, the local transgender advocacy Businesses were forced to shut and demands. group; Workers World Party; Party for lock their doors for hours. “We are here to demand action from Socialism and Liberation; and Dream Demonstrators told workers our leaders,” said protest organizer Defenders. Speakers, one for each group, to call their managers and Rachel Ablow. “As an American Jew, stressed the need for all protests against tell them to end their con- I am horrified to see history repeating ICE and its attacks on im/migrants to take tracts with ICE or the protests itself and feel compelled to join many an internationalist, proletarian approach would continue. ICE contracts others, including Holocaust survivors, to liberation. They urged looking beyond with Microsoft use Azure in demanding the closure of the camps.” reformist measures and insisted on Government software. (News release from Justice for Migrant the abolition of ICE. Participants dis- On July 12 over 1,000 peo- Families) cussed possible plans for future resis- ple gathered in front of the Nearly 1,000 demonstrators took to tance, including a bus trip to the Texas/ ICE detention center, then the streets of Philadelphia, shutting Mexico border and a fight to shut down marched through downtown down major roadways in the heart of the Pensacola’s local Border Patrol office. Portland demanding: abolish city. Workers World Party’s contingent In Aurora, Colo., over 2,000 people ICE, stop corporate profiteer- marched under the banner of “Abolish protested jailing immigrants, separation ing, reunite im/migrant fam- ICE, the Police, and the Pentagon,” draw- of families, deportations and the threats ilies and end the inhumane ing widespread support. that refugees are facing. They marched 2 conditions at the detention Chanting “Free the Families! Close miles to the Aurora Processing Center, a centers. the Camps!” and demanding the aboli- detention facility run by the private Geo The July 12 “Lights for tion of ICE and closure of the local Berks Group, east of Denver, where Lights for Liberty” actions were mainly Detention Center, activists marched Liberty was holding a vigil. initiated by Democratic Party- around City Hall and then to the local Cheers for the speakers could be heard oriented organizations such Department of Homeland Security head- inside the center where more than 1,500 as Indivisible, with the goal quarters, which is the most active and immigrants have been detained with- of activating voters ahead of aggressive ICE office in the country. They out bail for months and cannot get out. next year’s election. “Vote him also demonstrated outside the “Round Protesters banged on the doors and [Trump] out” was one of their Pensacola, Fla. WW PHOTO: JULIANNA CORDRAY

Rhinebeck, N.Y. WW PHOTO: JOHN CATALINOTTO Portland, Ore. PHOTO: JENNIFER DOWLING VIA TWITTER Page 8 July 18, 2019 workers.org Trip set for Aug. 18-29 Seeking truth about Venezuela’s food production

By John Catalinotto report by the Center for Economic Policy Research [April 25], that the U.S.-imposed sanctions are indeed An organization in the United States has scheduled a causing collective hardship and even death. 10-day trip to Venezuela in late August that could help “Join us for a special delegation (August 19-28, 2019) people find answers to important questions: Are there dedicated to studying the actual conditions on the ground shortages of food? What is responsible for such short- and the struggle for food security and food sovereignty in ages? What is the role of U.S. sanctions? How are the Venezuela, at a time when the Donald Trump’s adminis- Venezuelans responding to the challenge? tration has initiated a new series of sanctions against the These are essential questions for political activists in food programs that the Venezuelan state has created. this country, especially for those who want to remove “The Alberto Lovera Bolivarian Circle of New York, U.S. imperialism’s foot from the backs of the people of in partnership with Sustainable Agriculture of Louisville the world, including Venezuela. its spokesperson William Camacaro are organizing the (SAL), a U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance member, Since January, Washington has stepped up its aggres- August trip. Camacaro is well-known to Workers World invites historians, artists, videographers, writers, polit- sive campaign against the legitimate Venezuelan gov- readers as a long-term and consistent internationalist. ical analysts, health professionals, agricultural produc- ernment led by President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. The Bolivarian Circle pulled together a trip from April tion experts and other activists to join a delegation to propped up an ineffectual puppet, Juan Guaidó, who 26 to May 5 this year, which happened to coincide with Caracas, Venezuela this coming August. declared himself interim president. But the Trump the April 30 coup attempt. U.S. activists on the trip “Witness: communities organizing themselves in the gang’s repeated attempts to carry out a coup and break were able to send back eyewitness accounts of how the face of manufactured food shortages to grow and distrib- up the Bolivarian Armed Forces have failed miserably, Venezuelan people were coping with the emergency, ute their own food; participatory democracy in action due to the mass resistance of the Venezuelan people and rebutting imperialist lies. through community councils, ‘comunas’ and other forms the loyalty of the armed forces. of citizen organization; community-run art, media, edu- Washington appears to have moved toward long-term Plans for August trip cation, health and nutrition efforts; alternative markets subversion. The U.S. is disrupting Venezuela’s econ- The trip this August will provide an opportunity to and fairs featuring homemade products and agro-eco- omy through a virtual blockade and the actual theft of learn what is happening in Venezuela and to bring that logically produced foods; parks, natural areas, historic Venezuela’s wealth, which is held in imperialist banks. message back to the people of the U.S. Here are excerpts sites, and other reclaimed public spaces. A propaganda offensive has accompanied economic sub- from the Bolivarian Circle’s description of the coming “Come bear witness to the effects of the economic version. Media lies portray life in Venezuela as miserable trip: warfare and the sanctions against the Venezuelan peo- and chaotic while blaming the Caracas government for “What’s going on right now in Venezuela? Come see ple imposed by Donald Trump’s administration as well the difficulties. for yourself how Venezuelans are coping with U.S. eco- as the inspiring resistance to these, as Venezuelans push On July 6, for example, an article in the New York nomic sanctions designed to cause a social implosion. for food sovereignty in response to crisis. Come see the Times detailed the problems that fuel shortages have Sensationalized reports of Venezuelans eating zoo ani- real ‘threat’ posed by Venezuela—​as living proof that brought to an agricultural region of Venezuela. While mals and rotten garbage present a distorted picture of another world is indeed possible. As the Venezuelan peo- the article does mention that U.S. sanctions caused the what is happening in Venezuela. The media also omit ple assert, ‘Venezuela is not a threat—we​ are hope!’” fuel shortages, it nevertheless assaults the Maduro gov- serious analysis of the role of the food distribution pro- The trip will start and end in Caracas, with vis- ernment’s policies, blaming them for the crisis. gram known as CLAPs run through a government-com- its to the states of Miranda and Aragua. For more The media campaign makes it doubly important that munity partnership reaching millions of Venezuelans. information, email [email protected] or the Alberto Lovera Bolivarian Circle of New York and “There is no doubt, however, as indicated in a recent [email protected], or call 502-415-1080. ☐ book review ‘The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela’ By Mike Kuhlenbeck “a considerable advantage over the North even influenced some who oppose the American rival in terms of capital require- administration. The latest book by human rights attorney Dan Kovalik, ments and extractions costs,” according Stone touches on the media’s impact, “The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela,” is a critical primer on to worldatlas.com. This motive is what writing, “[I]f the U.S. is an Empire in the U.S. government’s efforts to sabotage the Bolivarian inspired the book’s subtitle, “How the this morality tale, then surely Venezuela Republic of Venezuela and the future of its people. U.S. Is Orchestrating a Coup for Oil.” and its people are the outgunned rebels. This is the fourth title in Kovalik’s “Plot” series, start- And yet, many Americans who should ing with “The Plot to Scapegoat Russia” (2017) followed Historical background know better, including many liberals and by “The Plot to Attack Iran” and “The Plot to Control the In 1998, Hugo Chávez was elected presi- self-proclaimed ‘leftists,’ find themselves World” (both 2018). This series exposes U.S. foreign pol- dent of Venezuela. He ran on a platform to rooting against them and for the Empire icy and acts of “humanitarian intervention” perpetrated uplift oppressed and marginalized peoples, and its culture of death.” by the Star-Spangled Empire with impressive clarity. oppose the imperialist entities robbing the Unlike many of those who repackage “The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela” features a forward country of its wealth and build a movement White House talking points as news, by filmmaker Oliver Stone, director of the documentary against neoliberal policies. Kovalik has been to Venezuela. Last year, “South of the Border” (2009). As Stone writes, “With its When Chávez assumed office in 1999, he witnessed the May 20 elections when one thousand or so bases around the globe, the U.S. is the wheels of D.C. think tanks and the Pentagon were Maduro won the presidency with 67 percent of the vote. an empire dwarfing all others that preceded it by a huge already in motion, devising ways to remove him. The election results were ignored by the Trump admin- magnitude, and yet, unlike all other empires, the U.S. The majority of U.S. media outlets often act as stenog- istration, which last January recognized an unelected, will never consciously admit to its imperial status.” raphers and mouthpieces for the State Department. For dubious Juan Guaidó as interim president. Washington has overthrown legitimate governments example, The New York Times referred to the April 12, through military invasion and more covert means, 2002, U.S.-backed kidnapping and attempted overthrow Why Venezuela matters investing in the leadership of oligarchs and military of Chávez as a “resignation,” calling him a “would-be Besides presenting a wealth of information and tyrants. “The Plot to Control the World” presented dictator,” and sided with businessman and would-be sources, the book describes the resilience of the “emblematic cases” of U.S. interference in Brazil, Chile, replacement Pedro Carmona Estanga. Venezuelan people and their collective strength in the Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, which “had cat- When the 2002 coup attempt failed, the New York ongoing struggle against external and internal subver- astrophic results for the people and their pursuit of Times backpedaled with a follow-up editorial, which sion aimed at their country. democracy and freedom.” read in part, “Forcibly unseating a democratically elected Venezuela has suffered devastating power blackouts, As this review goes to press, the Trump administration leader, no matter how badly he has performed, is never oil tanks catching fire, assassination attempts on govern- is trying to bestow such a cruel fate upon Venezuela. “The something to cheer.” (April 6, 2002) And yet, the Times ment leaders (most notably the attempt on Maduro via Plot to Overthrow Venezuela” investigates the crimes, cheered, as did most U.S. corporate media, accord- drone last Aug. 4) and other events that many believe the motives and historical context of the situation with intelli- ing to a report published by Fairness and Accuracy In U.S. either organized or at least supported. The people gence and insight. In Kovalik’s words, “This ‘humanitarian Reporting. (June 1, 2002) of Venezuela have stood their ground in the face of such intervention’ of the U.S. is nothing but an old-fashioned Once again, these same media push for the most tribulations. bank heist dressed up as something altruistic.” recent efforts to destabilize Venezuela. The current As Kovalik correctly emphasizes, “The battle for Washington has imposed barbaric sanctions upon administration appointed neocon ideologue and Iran- Venezuela has huge implications for all humanity. None Venezuela with deadly results. These sanctions have killed Contra convict Elliott Abrams to lead these efforts, as he of us can stay neutral on this issue. And given the nefar- thousands of people, weakened infrastructure, prevented had in Guatemala and El Salvador decades earlier. While ious designs of the U.S. upon Venezuela, the suffering medicines from reaching those whose lives depended on many journalists questioned Abrams’ appointment, few the U.S. is already bringing to the Venezuelan people them, and ended purchasing food from abroad. questioned his mission. through its regime change operations and the threat of There are several motives for U.S. interference. The Despite the media’s repeated attacks on the presi- global conflagration, it is incumbent upon us to resist the plundering of Venezuela’s natural resources, particularly dency of Donald Trump, when the Trump administra- latest intervention.” oil, is at the top of the list. tion sounded the shrieking trumpets of regime change Venezuela is home to the largest amount of proven in Venezuela, many in the press corps lined up to “The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela” is now available oil reserves in the world (opec.org), giving the country defend this potential call for war. Media coverage has from Hot Books, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing. workers.org July 18, 2019 Page 9 Puerto Rico U.S.-appointed education overseer arrested for corruption

By Betsey Piette Puerto Rico. She is in lockstep normal—​until Keleher struck. Teachers with the destructive policies pro- were laid off, hundreds of schools were In the fall of 2018 a peo- moted by Trump-appointee Betsy closed, and children, including those ple’s wanted poster surfaced in DeVos, now U.S. Secretary of with special needs, were packed tightly Philadelphia, describing city Education with a mission to pri- into classrooms. When they protested native Julia Keleher as a “ruth- vatize education. these “reforms” in street demonstra- less mercenary hired to kill In April 2018, Puerto Rico tions, teachers and students were brutally public education; proven to be Gov. Ricardo Rosselló responded attacked by police. completely ignorant about the to a question by a reporter from Without ever visiting them, Keleher Puerto Rican values, culture, his- the University of Pennsylvania’s closed and consolidated nearly 300 tory, literature and language of Penn Gazette magazine asking schools, many of which were in good the children under her mandate.” why Keleher was hired: “Very shape despite Maria. Several included Keleher had been appointed bluntly, we asked her to break classrooms to accommodate special Puerto Rico’s Education the system and rebuild it again.” needs students—​over 40 percent of Secretary in January 2017 under (thepenngazette.com, April 23, Puerto Rico’s student body. the Puerto Rico Oversight, 2018) One top public school was sold for $1 to Management and Economic During her tenure Keleher a for-profit private Christian foundation. Stability Act (PROMESA). introduced an unpopular strategy The wanted poster was pro- of closing public schools. The local Why now? phetic. On July 10, Keleher and DoE budget was cut by half a bil- A key question remains about why the five others—​including Angela lion dollars. In 2018 PROMESA indictments, first rumored in April, were Ávila-Marrero, the former demanded an additional $200 delayed until now. head of Puerto Rico’s Health million in cuts, including $80 The arrests appear to coincide with Insurance Administration million from special education. efforts by Puerto Rico to obtain more (ASES); and Fernando Scherrer- Rosselló continues to champion federal money for post-Hurricane Maria Caillet, managing partner of Keleher and her push to devas- reconstruction. A congressional vote on the prominent accounting firm tate the island’s education sys- an additional $12 billion in Medicaid as “the only company not qualified for the BDO—​were arrested for conspiring to tem, leading to calls for his resignation. funding over four years was originally contract, and the worst applicant.” channel more than $15 million in federal When Hurricane Maria struck, Keleher scheduled for July 11 but has not taken Keleher and two others were charged funds to organizations with which they used the disaster to push for more pri- place. with conspiring to defraud more than $13 had personal ties. vatization and charter schools. She fol- The Financial Control Board is also million in federal funds through educa- BDO consultant Alberto Velázques lowed a pattern established in 2005 in under a U.S. Appeals Court order from tion department contracts to BDO from Piñol was indicted for receiving a 10 per- the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when February 2019 to have its members reap- January 2017 to April 2019. The indict- cent commission on contracts he secured New Orleans fired most teachers, closed pointed or replaced after creditors chal- ment charges that BDO then subcon- for the firm. BDO has amassed over $63 almost all public schools and replaced lenged members’ appointments. When tracted with other companies to perform million in government contracts since them with charters. appointed by then President Barack the services, in violation of the contracts 2012, including $16 million linked to the Following Hurricane Maria, parents Obama in 2016, the process did not and also inflating the costs. Department of Education. (Latino Rebels, and teachers came together to repair require Senate confirmation. The appeals Ávila-Marrero is charged with using July 9) schools and juggle classroom lineups court’s order set a July 15 deadline for her post as administrator of the health Since Hurricane Maria devastated the as many families left for the mainland. that process to be completed. ☐ insurance administration to channel island in September 2017, Puerto Rico has Things were slowly moving back toward more than $2.5 million to BDO. Under been under the thumb of the U.S. neoco- PROMESA, health care on the island is lonial Fiscal Control Board—​established already facing over $1 billion in debt, and by PROMESA on behalf of Wall Street residents are denied access to vital drugs bondholders—to​ restructure $120 billion usually covered by Medicaid. in bankruptcy debt. Island activists have Down with imperialism! As news of the federal investigation rejected the FCB, calling it the “Junta,” began to surface in April, Keleher and and holding many protests against it. Up with Workers World! Ávila-Marrero both resigned their posts. The six named in the grand jury indict- Keleher’s attempt, at the time, to por- The U.S. has been white-suprema- ment face 32 counts, including money tray herself as a “heroic fighter against the world’s No. 1 cist capitalist U.S., laundering and wire fraud. Keleher and the island’s anti-reform forces” was met imperialist bully for while at the same Ávila-Marrero are accused of using their with derision by opponents, who stormed years. That fact has time using the government positions to fraudulently her office and voiced opposition with the been carefully covered U.S. Armed Forces award contracts involving federal funds, hashtag #JuliaGoHome. up with self-righteous to threaten Iran while depriving Puerto Ricans of educa- bourgeois language by striving to main- tion and health service. ‘Hired to break the system’ the corporate media. tain its indepen- The indictments allege that Keleher Despite her lack of education experi- Now, led by emper- dence surrounded and others schemed to direct $95,000 in ence, Keleher was paid $250,000 annu- or-wannabe Trump, by global capital- education department funds through a ally to serve as Puerto Rico’s “Education the soft-sell bullying ism. The corporate contract to Colón & Ponce. The company Secretary.” Her monthly salary was has become in-your- media are willing was described by one education depart- 9 times that of the average teacher in face ultimatums, with co-​conspirators ment official, who refused to okay the job, Venezuela, Cuba and in covering up the Iran the latest targets. real threat—​U.S. The New York WW PHOTO: BRENDA RYAN imperialism. Reclaim Pride march, June 30, NYC. Times and other big We know you business media are read Workers World Congresswomen condemn not reporting on criminal U.S. sanc- to get the real story, free of imperialist tions as outright attempts at regime lies and crimes. But Workers World change via a ruling-class imposter in needs your help to do our job. White House racism Venezuela. Rather, they are cheering Join the WW Supporter Program, U.S. plots to take over Venezuela’s oil founded 42 years ago to help build the Continued from page 1 degrees of rhetoric or tone of the political deposits, valued as the world’s largest. only revolutionary socialist weekly in attacks, the Republican and Democratic Trump is using his bully pulpit the U.S. that’s printed, as well as on the like to be brown and black in this country. parties represent the interests of big busi- against Cuba, this year celebrating 60 web. And I’ll tell you right now, we’re not going ness. The fact that these four women are years of socialist power. Not only has For a donation of at least $75 a year—​ to stand by and sit idly by and allow brown not afraid to speak out against injustice Trump set up tough restrictions on U.S. much more if possible—​members and dark-skinned children to be ripped against Black and Brown people—​like visits to Cuba, he has authorized U.S. receive a year’s subscription, a monthly away from their parents to be dehuman- the chokehold death of Eric Garner, companies, whose imperialist holdings letter about timely issues and five free ized.” (July 7) She also stated in the same whose killer cop was exonerated July were nationalized after the revolution, subscriptions to give to friends. Write interview, “It is very disappointing that 16; or the reportedly 24 migrants who to sue Cuba for “reparations.” There’s checks, either monthly or once a year, the speaker would ever try to diminish our have died in Immigration and Customs no corporate media coverage of what to Workers World and mail them, with voices in so many ways.” Enforcement custody, including seven socialist Cuba has accomplished to your name and address, to 147 W. 24th These four representatives must children—​has helped empower many uplift its people in 60 years. St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011. Or be defended against racist and sexist women of color, other working women Trump ordered this year’s super-​ sign up to donate online at workers.org. attacks, whether coming from the Trump and workers in general to cheer them on militarized July 4th celebration of the We’re grateful for your help in building administration or from within their own and to be in the streets to protest these origins of the genocidal, enslaving, Workers World—sign up today! ☐ Democratic Party. No matter the varying inhumane policies. ☐ Page 10 July 18, 2019 workers.org

editorials No ‘forced pregnancy’

“The right to control what happens to Now, this new domestic gag rule pro- expand them. groups now refusing Title X funds is the your own body and to make medical deci- motes a theologically based, anti-com- This blatant attack has garnered oppo- Community Healthcare Network, which sions for yourself” is one of humankind’s prehensive-health-care program that sition from many arms of the medical, received $700,000 in 2018. CEO Robert universal rights, established in 1948 by prohibits all Title X-funded health care legal, civil and human rights communi- Hayes told the website Jezebel, “We’re not the United Nations. clinics from discussing abortion options. ties and at all levels of government. going to commit malpractice here. We’re But as of July 11, 4 million poor U.S. And those providing abortions must set Washington state is among those with- not going to lie to patients.” (July 11) women and nonbinary people, predom- up prohibitively expensive separate facili- drawing from Title X. It will use “only This is a turning point in U.S. society—​ inantly those of color, are being denied ties with different accounting procedures. state funds for its family planning pro- for individuals and organizations. It’s a that human right. According to a Ninth In addition, for the first time this gram to minimize any uncertainty of which-side-are-you-on moment during Circuit Court of Appeals decision, the revision opens up funding to “crisis whether doctors could make abortion this criminal, hate-filled, anti-human Trump-Pence revised rules for Title X pregnancy centers” and faith-based orga- referrals.” (Politico, July 11) Trump-Pence power drive—​at the bor- can go into effect in 49 states (except nizations so they can more easily promote Dr. Leana Wen, CEO and president of der and in the bedroom. Maryland) until cases against the rules their backward anti-abortion, pro-“natu- Planned Parenthood, the primary target There is only one side in this rul- are resolved in various states. ral-family-planning,” anti-feminist, anti- of the revised rule, noted that the orga- ing-class war. Are you for full human This is the first attempt to turn the LGBTQ2S+ programs. nization will not apply for Title X fund- rights for all women and gender-noncon- Title X health care program, designed in Nationally known Black politician ing. It has set aside funds to cover that forming people? If so, will you link arms 1970 to promote gender- and class-equal- Stacey Abrams coined the term “forced contingency. at the barricades to fight as we’ve never ity for Medicaid patients, totally into its pregnancy” to describe the anti-abortion In a statement Wen said: “This is dev- had to before? opposite. law recently passed in Georgia. It aptly astating news for the millions of people That is required to take down this The first change to Title X was in 1976, applies to the Trump-Pence attack on who rely on Title X … for critical primary capitalist system that rests on genocide, when the Hyde Amendment placed a huge Title X recipients. and preventive care. [W]e … will keep racial violence and profound wage theft, burden on Title X patients by prohibiting This deeply reactionary move by the fighting to block this dangerous rule that systemic misogyny and class oppression. federal payment for abortions for any- patriarchal, anti-working-class state—​ allows the government to censor our doc- It’s time to recognize the intersection- one except survivors of rape and incest with its right-wing, white-supremacist, tors and nurses from doing their jobs.” ality of oppressions and show solidarity or women whose health was endangered anti-woman and anti-gender-noncon- [Wen has since been ousted from her in the united fight for a world where the by pregnancy. Currently 17 states elect to forming agenda—​is establishing rules position.] human rights of all people are promoted cover Title X abortions with state funds. that deny rights, rather than affirm or Among many clinics and health care and honored. ☐ Wealth, sex work and sexual abuse

The U.S. Secretary of Labor resigned difficult economic conditions. In Epstein’s The 2018 historic strike by McDonald’s facilitated at the highest levels of U.S. last week, July 12. Maybe you didn’t capitalist logic, the girls were getting a workers against sexual abuse emphasized government. notice? Just another turnover in the fair bargain for some short-term work. how bosses can make sexual demands as The vast majority of those being revolving door of scandal that’s the But there is no fair bargain, or level a required part of the “job description” for exploited are women, gender-non- Trump administration. playing field, between a man who can any kind of work. The #MeToo movement conforming and gender-fluid people, The wrongdoing that sent Labor offer his private jet as bail bond security, surged in the millions to resist this kind LGBTQ2S+ people and people of color. Secretary Alexander Acosta out the door and young girls, some simply isolated and of exploitation. (Workers World, Sept. 17, Sexual exploitation is an added, special might not, at first glance, seem to be lonely, some merely trying to feed and 2018) oppression they face as workers. related to labor or work or workers. clothe themselves. Now the Epstein-Acosta link shows Working-class solidarity means fight- When Acosta was U.S. Attorney for Epstein’s actions, and the protection how profit making from sexual coer- ing to protect these oppressed workers southern Florida over a decade ago, given him by Acosta as a U.S. Attorney, cion and abuse is hidden, protected and from both capitalist profiteering and he brokered a deal for multibillionaire show the old hand-in-glove of capitalist Jeffrey Epstein to escape some federal power sheltered by state power in order charges. Epstein’s crime? Recruiting hun- to exploit workers to the maximum. dreds of underage girls into sex traffick- Epstein’s trading on the vulnerability of Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe ing at his luxe Miami mansion. young girls is despicable—and​ Acosta is Epstein was controversially sentenced, equally complicit. Continued from page 3 on the lesser state charge of “solicit- In the 2020 fiscal budget Acosta issued ing women,” to 13 months in a Florida in April, he proposed an 80 percent U.S. Soccer Federation, minimum-security jail—​which he was reduction in funding for the International demanding pay equity for allowed to leave six days a week to run his Labor Affairs Bureau. The ILAB is a sub- women and gender-op- business handling investments for other agency of the Department of Labor that pressed players. Their male super-billionaires. investigates and prosecutes human traf- counterparts make much On July 8, Epstein was arrested ficking, including sex trafficking. Experts more money and receive and indicted on sex trafficking counts were clear the proposed reduction would more benefits. All 28 by federal prosecutors in New York’s effectively end many federal efforts to women players filed a class Southern District. Negative publicity curb trafficking. (tinyurl.com/yyg3f2f5) action lawsuit against the about Acosta’s original deal with Epstein The ILAB is a U.S. state agency. Its mis- federation this past March, ignited, and Acosta resigned, with a push sion statement may say one of its goals is charging gender bias and from Trump—​who still praised him as a “to promote a fair global playing field for demanding equal pay. “great, great secretary.” workers.” But that means the ILAB will The lawsuit states that News stories about Epstein’s wealth promote “workers’ rights” only to facili- between 2013 and 2016, Megan Rapinoe takes a knee in September 2016. emphasize its “mysterious origins,” and tate U.S. capitalist profit making. women soccer players say he is a man “of nearly infinite means.” We know that the exploitation of could earn a maximum of $4,950 per opportunity, Rapinoe said she would ask His current defense lawyers argue he women and others in sex work reaps “friendly,” or nontournament, victory, Trump: “Do you believe that all people “never used violence or coerced” the untracked hundreds of billions in prof- while male players earned an average of are created equal? Do you believe that underage girls. (Associated Press, July 14) its for capitalists worldwide. Meanwhile, $13,166 for the same type of game. A new equal pay should be mandated? Do you But there’s really no mystery where the supposed government “protection” collective bargaining agreement with the believe that everyone should have health those millions and billions came from. against sex trafficking has meant that USSF signed in 2017, which has not been care? Do you believe that we should treat The phrase “without coercion” actually sex workers of age have actually been made public, reportedly saw a spike in everyone with respect? I think there’s exposes the violent truth of the connec- prosecuted and jailed for supposedly women’s salaries, but the pay for male some feelings of disrespect about the tion between labor and wealth and the trafficking—​themselves. and female athletes is still not equal. (The anthem protests or things I’ve said in exploitation of women and other workers At the same time, Acosta’s proposal Atlantic, March 19) The disparity between the past, but ultimately I think I am here by capitalist bosses. to end ILAB efforts against exploitation men and women athletes is relegated not open and honest. I think he is trying to Epstein’s very wealth gave him the of women and other gender-vulnerable just to soccer, but to all professional team divide so he can conquer, not unite so power of coercion, which he used, his vic- people in sex work flashes a green light sports, reflecting the entrenched patriar- we can all conquer.” (Washington Post, tims assert, to both exploit and also vio- to capitalist big-business networks to go chal-dominated U.S. society. July 14) lently assault and rape. after more sex-trafficking profits. That’s Rapinoe has refused to visit the White Rapinoe says she drew inspiration Most of us would surely guess that a green light to the shadowy businesses House, as most championship teams, pro from Serena, quoting verbatim from one the young girls Epstein coerced for his that delivered young girls to the back or amateur, are invited to do. When asked of her press conferences on fighting for use were trying to survive on the edge of doors of Jeffrey Epstein’s mansions. what she would tell Trump if she had the equality “until she is in her grave.” ☐ workers.org July 18, 2019 Page 11 Elections in Greece What happened and what’s next

By G. Dunkel might have been the reason for a sharp right among Greek workers. increase in abstentions, which reached The victory of Syriza in the New Democracy, which the big busi- 42 percent, Syriza appears to have ben- 2015 election had been hailed ness press calls a center-right party, efited from workers and progressives both in Europe and North won the July 7 election in Greece with choosing it as the “lesser of two evils.” America as a victory of the left, 39.8 percent of the vote. It has 158 seats However, it has lost a great deal of credi- as a big step forward for social in parliament—​a comfortable majority bility by at first running as an opponent of democracy. Besides numerous that let it form a majority government. austerity and then, when it was in power, articles in newspapers and Greece 2019 election results. IMAGE: BBC The leader of ND, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, adopting very harsh policies. magazines and numerous sym- took over as prime minister on July 8. The ND was also able to win because it posia, there was even a book, “The Syriza 400,000 and 600,000 of Greece’s edu- Syriza, a social democratic party picked up votes from some right-wing par- Wave” by Irish leftist Helena Sheehan, that cated and skilled workers, unable to that describes itself as the Coalition of ties, like ANEL and POTAMI, which had described “the surging and crashing” of the find decent jobs, have left in the past the Radical Left, came in second with lost so much support they didn’t even run Greek left. 10 years. The economy has shrunk by a 31.5 percent. It had been running the gov- in the election. The ND votes were concen- quarter during that time. Unemployment ernment since January 2015 when it was trated in the petty bourgeois and bourgeois Serious economic challenges is at 18 percent and poverty—​already at elected on an anti-austerity platform. areas around Athens. But there does not The ND government is going to face 35 percent—is​ increasing. Greece’s bail- There are reasons for Syriza’s decline. appear to have been a major shift to the serious economic challenges. Between out creditors have rejected a call to ease Its prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, held strict budget targets. a referendum July 5, 2015, in which ND’s economic “solution” is obviously 61 percent of the voters rejected the going to increase misery for Greek work- draconian conditions that the Troika—​ ers. That means it will have to confront the International Monetary Fund, the the Greek Communist Party (KKE)—​ European Central Bank and the European which for over 100 years has consistently Commission—​had imposed on Greece opposed Greek capitalism—​as well as for it to qualify for a third bailout loan. the powerful and militant Greek trade Just 10 days later, the Tsipras govern- unions. ment reached an agreement with the The KKE came in fourth in the elec- Troika for a three-year bailout, with even tions, with 300,000 votes (5.3 percent) harsher austerity conditions than the and 15 seats in parliament. That is very ones rejected by the voters. close to what it has received in the past For the election this July 7, Syriza had few elections. The KKE is closely tied to to run on its record. The center-right ND, PAME, the All Workers Militant Front, however, could rely on promises to make a union with 800,000 members, and life better, even though Greeks know that has participated in many of the general ND was involved in the first two bailouts; strikes and other labor actions over the and that Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the son of past five years. a reactionary, anti-working-class prime A KKE July 8 statement on the elec- minister and the brother of a former tion contains this pledge: “The votes of right-wing mayor of Athens. Mitsokakis the KKE will be utilized from tomorrow wants to “improve” the job market by morning in every workplace, neighbor- making the work week seven days long, hood, in the schools, in the universities privatizing hospitals and health care, and to organize struggles in order to block cutting social security. IMAGE: WIKIPEDIA new measures, in order to bring relief to While disgruntlement with Syriza Location of Greece (dark grey) in relation to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. all who suffer.” ☐ Growing signs of deepening global capitalist crisis Continued from page 2 It can also be a time of explosive and at least once, and perhaps several times, migrants, LGBTQ2S+ people, women and the U.S. has declined substantially over dynamic struggles of the working class before the end of the year. 2020 is a pres- people of color, or other drastic measures the last few decades. After the capital- as the depravity and inhumanity of the idential election year, and Trump will do to distract from an economic crisis. ist economic crisis in 2007-08, as jobs capitalist system are on stark display in all he can to prevent an economic crisis The capitalist system is on life support, were slashed and the means of produc- these crises. Elevating global solidarity on before then, which would certainly van- and has relied upon intervention from the tion destroyed, the rate of profit recov- a class basis, which rejects and confronts quish his chances of re-election. central banks to keep it afloat. A new cri- ered somewhat and peaked in 2014. It the many ways the ruling class attempts Trump plans to hold the Republican sis of the system is not a question of if, has been on a relative decline ever since. to divide workers with racism, sexism, National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.—​ but when. (tinyurl.com/y5e2vgg5) anti-LGBTQ2S+ bigotry and other walls the city with the second-largest concen- The impending capitalist crisis threat- That contradiction leads to the crisis of oppression, will be key. tration of finance capital in the U.S., also ens to be violent and devastating for of overproduction—​which is where the It’s up to communists and revolutionary known as the “Wall Street of the South.” workers and oppressed in the U.S. and capitalist system on a worldwide basis is forces to lay the foundation to raise revolu- Despite the fact that sections of the around the world, who already face a bat- currently heading. The anarchic nature of tionary class consciousness and organiza- ruling class may be forced to reluctantly tery of attacks every day. production under capitalism and the need tion to intervene in these crises and to help admonish Trump for his more odious As in every previous crisis, Wall Street to expand in order to increase profit leads point the way forward for struggle that can comments and policies, he has brought will do all it can to place the burden of to the overproduction of commodities—​ resolve the contradictions of the capitalist them lavish profits and most will likely the crisis onto the backs of workers. The not more than what people need, but more system by prosecuting the class struggle be happy to oblige him to undertake any 2020 elections will be (and already are) than can be sold—which​ in turn causes the and socialist revolution. measures to safeguard his re-election and used to demobilize the struggle. We must system to eventually fall into depression. their profitability. be prepared to mobilize on a global basis Capitalism at a dead end: What will Trump do, however, if a con- in our class interests to direct the fury of Workers and the oppressed know all too Struggle orientation needed well what this means: mass layoffs, cut- traction occurs before the election? The the workers and the oppressed against backs, austerity and a wholesale attack on There is widespread speculation that dangers are very real of war, increased the capitalist system itself. ☐ our class, particularly the most oppressed. the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates attacks on the most oppressed, including

High Tech, Low Pay Low-Wage Capitalism A Marxist Analysis of the Describes in sweeping detail the ­drastic Changing Character effect on the working class in the United States of new technology and Capitalism of the Working Class the restructuring of global capitalism in at a Dead End the post-Soviet era. It uses Karl Marx’s Job destruction, overproduction By Sam Marcy with an updated law of wages and other findings to and crisis in the high-tech era introduction by Fred Goldstein, show that these developments are not author of Low Wage Capitalism. only continuing to drive down wages For more information on these books and other but are creating the material basis for writings by the author, Fred Goldstein, go to future social upheaval. Books are available at major online booksellers. LowWageCapitalism.com 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. 61 Núm. 29 18 de julio 2019 $1

FOTO: WHITE, ARNOLD AND DOWD ‘Vigilando el útero’ en Alabama Marshae Jones, Alabama.

Por Minnie Bruce Pratt de National Advocates for Pregnant Women, Alabama prejuicio individual, desde la negativa de los estados encabeza a los Estados Unidos en acusar a las muje- a ampliar la cobertura de Medicaid para las personas El ataque intensificado contra las mujeres, la justicia res por delitos relacionados con el embarazo. También pobres, hasta el racismo médico no probable pero real de género oprimida y la justicia reproductiva, denun- señaló que las mujeres en todo el país han sido proce- como el que experimentó Myra Powell en Montgomery, ciada como “vigilancia policial” por la activista y defen- sadas por homicidio o asesinato por haber tenido un Alabama. Perdió fetos gemelos a causa de un aborto sora de los derechos reproductivos Michelle Goodwin, aborto o haber sufrido un aborto involuntario. espontáneo a las 26 semanas, y empapados de sangre ha alcanzado un nuevo nivel de violencia en Alabama. El 15 de mayo, el gobernador de Alabama promulgó la y con dolor, fue llevada al hospital por conductores de El 3 de julio, Marshae Jones, una joven afroamericana ley más represiva contra el aborto en la historia reciente ambulancia que nunca encendieron la sirena o las luces embarazada, fue arrestada tras ser acusada por un gran de los Estados Unidos, que prohibía los abortos en casos de emergencia, se sentaron en cada señal de alto y luces jurado de Alabama por homicidio involuntario, porque de violación o incesto. Otros estados, como Georgia, rojas y nunca excedieron los límites de velocidad. abortó a su feto espontáneamente después de que un Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri y Ohio, han La acompañó un paramédico que revisaba su telé- atacante le disparara en el estómago. El tirador, otra aprobado leyes casi punitivas en los esfuerzos por crimi- fono durante el viaje terriblemente lento y luego se negó mujer conocida por Jones, no fue acusada y fue puesta nalizar y vigilar los derechos reproductivos. a autorizar su traslado a un hospital con una unidad en libertad. Se ha prestado mucha atención a la interpretación de neonatal. La acusación contra Jones se basó en la declaración estas leyes reaccionarias como un intento de la derecha La evaluación del estado de Texas de sus muertes de la policía arrestada de Pleasant Grove, Alabama, para obtener un argumento ante el Tribunal Supremo que maternas mostró que el riesgo para las madres negras cuyo portavoz dijo: “La única víctima verdadera” fue el podría permitir el fin del acceso al aborto en los EE. UU. era alto independientemente del estado civil, el nivel de feto, dependiente de su madre para evitar que sufriera De hecho, estas leyes son solo la última iniciativa desa- educación o el acceso a un seguro privado. Las mujeres “daño”. (Washington Post, 28 de junio) rrollada y desplegada contra los derechos reproductivos negras económicamente acomodadas mueren a tasas El bufete de abogados que representa a Jones pre- ganados en los últimos 46 años desde la decisión Roe v. más altas que las mujeres blancas de su misma clase. sentó una moción para desestimar los cargos, pero su Wade de la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos que Obviamente, si los defensores de las leyes reacciona- argumento se basó en motivos legales relacionados con legalizó el aborto. rias contra el aborto y contra el aborto involuntario que homicidio involuntario, no un desafío al concepto de Ha habido un ataque ininterrumpido de leyes de se están aprobando con sinceridad se preocupan por las persona asignada a un feto que el gran jurado había uti- “derecho a la vida” a nivel estatal, basadas en creencias madres y los niños, estarían presionando sobre todo por lizado para acusar. religiosas y no científicas. Estos castigan despropor- un sistema de atención de salud materna más receptivo, Después de una protesta internacional y de Estados cionadamente e intentan controlar la autonomía de las accesible y asequible. Se enfrentarán y combatirán el Unidos, incluida una manifestación en el Centro de mujeres de la raza negra. racismo que causa muertes desproporcionadas en comu- Justicia de Bessemer, así como el apoyo del Fondo Aquellos que defienden las leyes no declaran abier- nidades de color, desde la falta de atención médica hasta Yellowhammer, una organización de derechos de aborto tamente ni admiten su intención prejuiciada, sino que la brutalidad policial. de Alabama, la fiscal de distrito local anunció el 4 de julio enmascaran el odio del racismo con el pretexto de defen- Con un examen cuidadoso, la acusación de Marshae que había decidido “no procesar” a Jones. der el “derecho a la vida”. Jones muestra, en cambio, que los impulsores de leyes reaccionarias vinculadas a la reproducción buscan la cri- Criminalización del aborto/aborto involuntario Dirigido a mujeres pobres de la raza negra minalización de las mujeres pobres, las mujeres de color, La declaración policial original refleja la ola de leyes La hipocresía de esa posición fue desenmascarada, las personas sexualmente independientes. Buscan conti- racistas anti-mujer, anti-pobres que ahora definen y ata- una vez más, a través de la información explorada exten- nuar el dominio de la supremacía blanca y el patriarcado can a las personas embarazadas como simples recipien- samente en una columna del 3 de julio en Birmingham capitalista. tes o portadores de un feto. En Alabama, cientos han sido News, “The Reckon”: las madres negras tienen casi cuatro Marshae Jones fue liberada solo a través de organi- procesados con el estatuto estatal de “peligro químico de veces más probabilidades de morir en el parto y el emba- zaciones locales, nacionales e internacionales. Esa es la un niño” por supuestamente exponer su embrión o feto razo que las madres blancas. Esta es la disparidad racial respuesta que pondrá fin a la “vigilancia policial” y en a sustancias controladas. más amplia en la salud de las mujeres en los EE. UU. cambio, afirmará la justicia reproductiva. ☐ Según Lynn Paltrow, fundadora y directora ejecutiva Las razones van desde el racismo estructural al Acciones para ‘Cerrar los campamentos’ se aceleran en Houston

Por Gloria Rubac Pero la indignación palpable de los manifestantes de Central es demasiado largo para enumerar aquí. Houston en la protesta del 2 de julio fue mucho más allá Ed E SomiSek, miembro del pueblo indígena Esto’k Desde que las familias de inmigrantes empezaron a ser de la política demócrata. Las cuatro esquinas de una inter- Gna que ha vivido en lo que hoy es Texas y México destruidas en la frontera en 2018, han habido docenas sección de la calle estaban llenas de personas que gritaban: durante siglos, habló: “Nuestra gente ha vivido históri- y docenas de protestas, marchas y mítines en Houston “¡Cierren los campamentos!” Llegaron cientos de familias, camente en ambos lados del río, se movió por el área contra las políticas racistas de la frontera de Trump. veteranos activistas, grupos religiosos, activistas por la paz y ahora nos están haciendo extranjeros. Están constru- Pero ahora que las condiciones brutales dentro de los y muchos que nunca habían protestado antes. yendo un muro en las tumbas de nuestros antepasados”. campos de concentración de inmigrantes finalmente han El líder de Black Lives Matter, Ashton Woods, con- estado ampliamente expuestas al mundo, la gente se ha ¿Qué hay para celebrar? siguió que la energía de la multitud fluyera mientras indignado aún más. Los eventos para cerrar los centros Luego, el 4 de julio, cuando algunas personas estaban dirigía los cánticos y hablaba: “Estoy aquí como un de detención se llevan a cabo a un ritmo acelerado. listas para la barbacoa o pensando en los fuegos artificia- descendiente de un esclavo, una persona LGBTQIA Houston FIRE (Lucha por los migrantes y refugiados les posteriores, el Carnalismo Brown Berets de Houston con SIDA. Personas como yo están en esos campos en todas partes) ha protestado recientemente en la ofi- celebró el evento “Un Cuatro de Mentiras”. Como dijo la de concentración. Estas personas están huyendo de cina del Senador estadounidense John Cornyn, participó organizadora Elizabeth Lozano, “tenemos niños en cam- la violencia creada por este gobierno. ¿Qué tenemos en un discurso en contra del cuatro de julio contra los pos de concentración. ¿Qué hay para celebrar?” que celebrar hoy? ¿El encarcelamiento en masa, la campamentos y se manifestó en un centro de detención Uno de los primeros oradores recordó a la gente: Decimotercera Enmienda, los campos de concentración federal en el centro de la ciudad. “América Central ha sido colonizada y saqueada por y las mujeres trans que son asesinadas y brutalizadas?” La protesta del 2 de julio en la oficina de Cornyn fue los Estados Unidos. Ahora la gente está huyendo de las [La Decimotercera Enmienda a la Constitución de los parte de una campaña nacional para “Cerrar los campa- horribles condiciones que se han creado. Matarán a estos Estados Unidos incluía la legalización de la esclavitud mentos” convocada por MoveOn.org en las oficinas cen- refugiados en los campos de concentración si no lucha- en las cárceles] trales de congresistas que regresan de Washington, DC mos por ellos”. Sema Hernández, activista y retadora del senador para el feriado del 4 de julio. Decenas de miles en todo Las instancias citadas de acciones colonizadoras de los Cornyn de Texas, dijo a la multitud: “Necesitamos des- el país acudieron a estas protestas. Estados Unidos incluyeron su derrocamiento en 2009 mantelar este sistema imperialista basado en el capi- Algunos de los demócratas que se postulan para la del presidente democráticamente electo de Guatemala, talismo y la supremacía blanca. Tenemos que acelerar presidencia han aparecido en Houston para protestar. poniendo en su lugar a un dictador vicioso que permitió nuestro trabajo para abolir ICE [Inmigración y Control El 29 de junio, el candidato Beto O’Rourke convocó una que los estudiantes que protestaban fueran asesinados y de Aduanas] y cerrar estos campos de concentración”. manifestación en el centro de detención Casa Sunzul, asesinatos de activistas y organizadores indígenas. Antes La pancarta de Houston FIRE y los letreros de color que alberga a menores no acompañados. Casa Sunzul de eso, en la década de 1980, el gobierno sandinista en amarillo brillante fueron muy bien recibidos. La indig- está dirigida por Southwest Key, una organización sin Nicaragua fue atacado por contras respaldados por los nación sobre los campos de concentración ha reavivado fines de lucro notoria que recibió cientos de avisos de Estados Unidos que cometieron crímenes horrendos: ase- la indignación que comenzó el verano pasado cuando infracción por parte de los reguladores estatales durante sinatos, violaciones y terror. El número de invasiones mili- las familias se separaron por primera vez. ¡FIRE tiene la las inspecciones realizadas durante los últimos tres años. tares y “intervenciones” de los Estados Unidos en América intención de mantener ese fuego encendido! ☐