¡Acusamos de genocidio! 12 Crecientes amenazas 12

Workers and oppressed peoples of the world unite! workers.org Vol. 62, No. 49 Dec. 3, 2020 $1 India’s working class unites 250 million strike! By Martha Grevatt postal workers] observed a 100 percent strike.” (tinyurl.com/y4wsthaw) For the second time this year, a class- wide mobilization in an “All-India strike” A working-class united front brought out 250 million workers. With Strikers held sit-ins and mass rallies, one in four working-age people in India and blocked traffic and train tracks. They participating, this 24-hour work stoppage burned an effigy of right-wing President can again claim the status of “world’s big- Narendra Modi. There was massive par- gest strike.” The first record-breaking ticipation by the unemployed, unorga- general strike had taken place on Jan. 8. nized, self-employed and informal sector Ten of India’s labor federations took workers, as well as students. Women part, uniting under the “joint platform.” played a prominent role. Five states—Kerala,​ Puducherry, Odisha, The labor federations’ joint plat- Assam and Telangana—​were completely form put forth demands for a minimum shut down, while daily activity was cur- income, food for poor families, a guaran- tailed in many others. teed number of workdays, higher wages, News Click, a progressive Indian news pensions for everyone, and the end of source, reported on Nov. 26: “The strike Women were a major force in the All-India strike, Nov. 26. forced early retirements. It called for the saw stoppage of work in banks, financial government to stop privatizations and services, various government services, services and scores of other government schemes have also gone on strike.” also withdraw all “anti-farmer laws and transport, steel units, port and docks, tele- offices are also likely to be affected as Quoting from the joint union state- anti-worker labor codes.” communication services, plantations, power employees will hold solidarity demon- ment, it states: “Reports of successful Additional demands emerged around generating units, coal and other mines, oil strations. Several [hundred thousand] strikes in coal and copper mines, includ- a range of issues, from ending the out- and natural gas production units, and mil- women working as Anganwadi [rural ing other mineral resource mines, have sourcing of work to reimposition of the lions of other miscellaneous industries.” childcare center] workers/helpers, health been received. The employees of postal, 12-hour day. The provision of safety mea- The report continues: “Government care workers, mid-day meal cooks and telecom and steel sectors were also in sures to stop the spread of COVID was a offices, railways, post and telegraph those employed in other government-run action and gramin dak sevaks [rural key issue, as India has the second-highest coronavirus infection rate in the world. (Worldometers, Nov. 29) While 250 million workers struck, farm- ‘Thanksgiving’ myth busted on ers from all over the country attempted to march on Delhi, the country’s capital. They are protesting a new, pro-corporate 51st National Day of Mourning agribusiness “farm bill,” but the farmers are also in full solidarity with the workers. By Steve Gillis Over 3,000 people participated in per- Plymouth’s 350th founding anniversary Government forces blocked the farmers’ Plymouth, Mass. son or remotely. Attendees braved driving at the state’s request. paths with barricades and barbed wire, and rain to proclaim: “Land Back, Now!” at the fired tear gas and water cannons in the bit- November 26 marked the 51st National spot where the pilgrims’ “puritanical” mili- Truth about ‘Thanks-taking’ ter cold. But, anticipating government-im- Day of Mourning. The first was in 1970 tia posted Wampanoag leader Metacomet’s James read Wamsutta’s speech while posed obstacles, farmers packed a variety when Aquinnah Wampanoag elder head on a pike in 1676 and left it there for demonstrators occupied Plymouth Rock of supplies, from food and water to cell- Wamsutta Frank James called Indigenous 25 years to terrorize the population. for the 51st time. (tinyurl.com/y2lcn- phone chargers. These determined farmers peoples and their supporters to “America’s Kisha James, Wamsutta’s granddaugh- rcn) She said it told the true story of the refused to move, breaking through block- Hometown.” The crowd joined the United ter, opened the commemoration with a first “Thanks-taking,” refuting U.S. his- ades until they were allowed to proceed to American Indians of New England on history of UAINE’s militant response to tory books’ false mythology. These books Parliament and present their demands. Cole’s Hill in Plymouth, Mass., to expose Massachusetts Gov. Francis Sargent’s rac- replace the truth about the enslavement the truth about the 400-year history of ist attempt to suppress her grandfather’s of African peoples, mass killings of the Workers World newspaper will cover settler colonialism in this region. 1970 speech. He wrote it to deliver at Continued on page 5 more on the class struggle in India in its next issue, to be published on Dec. 10.

Remembering Stop deportations! 2 Leslie Feinberg 3 World AIDS Day 3 Class struggle surges 4-5 Diego Maradona International Day of ¡presente! 11 Persons with Disabilities 8 Addiction & harm reduction 8 Work stoppage in Alabama Pandemic working conditions Biden’s hawks 9 Opioid crisis COVID in nursing homes 9 Mumia: Lessons on abolition Editorial Philly: Free them all! 6-7 Companies lie, workers push back 10

Iran: U.S. role in assassination 10 Greek mass strike 11 Page 2 Dec. 3, 2020 workers.org Stop ICE’s rush to illegally deport families! this week ◆ In the U.S. By Marta Guttenberg Philadelphia 51st National Day of Mourning ...... 1 Stop ICE’s rush to illegally deport families! . . . 2 Around 50 people, including immigrant commu- Remembering Leslie Feinberg ...... 3 nity members, Shut Down Berks Coalition activists, and Attacks continue on LGBTQ2S+ youth . . . . .3 elected Pennsylvania State Reps. Chris Rabb and Joseph Philly nurses strike! ...... 4 Hohenstein, took part in an emergency rally outside Black Friday protests hit Amazon ...... 4 Philadelphia’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office on Nov. 25. Iowa workers win against wage theft ...... 4 Twenty-three Black and Brown families, including 28 Fed up with racism, COVID and exploitation . . 5 children, had come to the U.S. seeking asylum and fam- ‘Economic blackout’ on Alabama prison system . 6 ily reunification. Instead, they were imprisoned by ICE. Oregon prison laundry workers at greatest risk . 6 Some are being held at the Berks Family Detention Center How prisons contribute to opioid crisis . . . . .6 in Leesport, in nearby Bucks County. WW PHOTO: JOE PIETTE Mumia: Lessons from the abolition movement . .7 Having survived terrible events in their countries of Demonstrators tell ICE, “Don’t deport the 28,” Nov. 25. origin, they are now experiencing incarceration, medical Protesters call: release incarcerated workers . . 7 neglect and abuse, and violations of their human rights already, we spent our birthdays here and it’s very hard. International Day of Persons with Disabilities . 8 here in the U.S. ICE’s response during the COVID-19 pan- We don’t want to spend Christmas locked up here in this Harm reduction, not jails! ...... 8 demic has been not to release families from detention, as center. We can’t play freely or run because the guards yell Biden aims to restore pre-2016 Washington . . .9 recommended by public health officers. Instead, it is rush- at us not to. … Please, I don’t want them to separate us. My Capitalist crimes against nursing home seniors . 9 ing deportations of families back into danger, despite open sisters and I can’t go back to Ecuador either.” asylum cases and nearby sponsors. Katherin, 14, stated: “Our lives are also in danger ◆ Around the world On Nov. 24, just two days before the Thanksgiving because of so many people who are infected with COVID- India’s working class unites: 250 million strike! . 1 holiday, ICE had hastily deported several more Haitian 19. It hurts me to see that many kids like me are locked up families. It had already deported 1,300 families to Haiti even more because of COVID-19. They spend more time World AIDS Day ...... 3 in October, on what immigration advocates called “death locked up in their rooms. Please, I implore you, I beg you, Maher al-Akhras released after hunger strike . . 7 flights.” help us leave this place as soon as possible.” U.S. role in assassination of Iranian scientist . .10 Statements from some of the children inside the facility Berks Family Detention Center is a state-chartered insti- Diego Maradona ¡Presente! ...... 11 were read to the crowd. Eleven-year-old Juan David wrote: tution. ICE leases the facility from the county for uses that Greek workers respond to government attacks . 11 “I am detained with my mom. The 27th of this month we violate the charter. However, the governor has not revoked will complete 15 months of detention. They asked me why the charter. County officials claim they cannot do without ◆ Editorial I am afraid to return to my country. I am afraid that the the income. Companies lie, workers strike back ...... 10 gangsters will hurt me, that they will kill me and my mom. Speakers demanded that the families be released That's why I ask God to soften the hearts of the asylum together from illegal detention and pandemic risk to rela- ◆ Noticias en Español officers and that I can go live with my aunt and uncle in tives or sponsors. New York. … Here I always have a headache and anxiety.” Want to help? Contact Simona Flores, director of ICE's ¡Acusamos de genocidio! ...... 12 Jhoselyn, also 11, and his sisters Zoe, 8, and Emily, enforcement and removal operations in the Philadelphia Crecientes amenazas ...... 12 6, wrote: “We have been locked up here for 11 months office at 214-918-4822. Tell her: Don’t deport the 28. ☐

Workers World 147 W. 24th St., 2nd Fl. Join us in the fight New York, NY 10011 Phone: 212.627.2994 for socialism! E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.workers.org Workers World Party is a revolutionary Marxist-Leninist and trans people are gunned down by cops and bigots on Vol. 62, No. 49 • Dec. 3, 2020 party inside the belly of the imperialist beast. We are a mul- a regular basis. Closing date: Dec. 2, 2020 tinational, multigenerational and multigendered organiza- The ruthless ruling class today seeks to wipe out Editor: Deirdre Griswold tion that not only aims to abolish capitalism, but to build a decades of gains and benefits won by hard-fought strug- socialist society because it’s the only way forward! gles by people’s movements. The super-rich and their Managing Editors: John Catalinotto, Martha Grevatt, Capitalism and imperialism threaten the peoples of the political representatives have intensified their attacks on Monica Moorehead, Betsey Piette, Minnie Bruce Pratt world and the planet itself in the neverending quest for the multinational, multigender and multigenerational Web Editors: ABear, Harvey Markowitz, Janet Mayes ever-greater profits. working class. It is time to point the blame at—​and chal- Prisoners Page Editors: Mirinda Crissman, Ted Kelly Capitalism means war and austerity, racism and repres- lenge—the​ capitalist system. sion, attacks on im/migrants, misogyny, LGBTQ2S+ WWP fights for socialism because the working class Production & Design Editors: Gery Armsby, Mirinda oppression and mistreatment of people with disabili- produces all wealth in society, and this wealth should Crissman, Sasha Mazumder, Scott Williams ties. It means joblessness, increasing homelessness and remain in their hands, not be stolen in the form of capi- Copyediting and Proofreading: Paddy Colligan, impoverishment and lack of hope for the future. No social talist profits. The wealth workers create should be socially S. Hedgecoke problems can be solved under capitalism. owned and its distribution planned to satisfy and guaran- Contributing Editors: LeiLani Dowell, G. Dunkel, The U.S. is the richest country in the world, yet no one tee basic human needs. K. Durkin, Sara Flounders, Teresa Gutierrez, Joshua has a guaranteed right to shelter, food, water, health care, Since 1959, Workers World Party has been out in the Hanks, Makasi Motema, Gloria Rubac education or anything else—​unless they can pay for it. streets defending the workers and oppressed here and Wages are lower than ever, and youth are saddled with worldwide. If you’re interested in Marxism, socialism Mundo Obero: Teresa Gutierrez, Carlos Vargas seemingly insurmountable student debt, if they even and fighting for a socialist future, please contact a WWP Copyright © 2020 Workers World. Verbatim copying make it to college. Black, Brown and Indigenous youth branch near you. ☐ and distribution of articles is permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is preserved. If you are interested in joining Workers World Party contact: 212.627.2994 Workers World (ISSN-1070-4205) is published monthly by WW Publishers, 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl., National Office Boston Dallas Portland, Ore. New York, NY 10011. Phone: 212.627.2994. Subscrip- 147 W. 24th St., 2nd floor 284 Amory St. [email protected] [email protected] tions: One year: $36; institutions: $50. Letters to the New York, NY 10011 Boston, MA 02130 Durham, N.C. Salt Lake City 212.627.2994 617.522.6626 editor may be condensed and edited. 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Box 34249 Periodicals postage paid at New York, N.Y. Oakland, CA 94609 216.738.0320 Philadelphia, PA 19101 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 510.394.2207 [email protected] 610.931.2615 Workers World, 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl. [email protected] [email protected] New York, N.Y. 10011. workers.org Dec. 3, 2020 Page 3 Trans warrior, communist revolutionary Remembering Leslie Feinberg By Mirinda Crissman so much to hir. The only thing we can do at migrant workers.’ Because on the way in, this point to really honor Leslie Feinberg is ze had seen a flyer calling people together Six years since hir passing on Nov. 15, to continue the struggle against transgen- to protest in support of immigrant rights. 2014, Leslie Feinberg’s presence is still der oppression and continue the struggle That's exactly what Leslie always did. Ze unshakable. against capitalism. Anything else would always was showing working class solidar- The struggle against oppressions that simply be a disservice.” ity, always teaching and linking the compo- stem from capitalism rages on. That strug- On this webinar, Feinberg’s WWP nents of the revolutionary struggle.” gle for liberation has literally been pushed comrades paid tribute to hir passing. Monica Moorehead amplified, “There Leslie Feinberg speaks at a 1999 meeting to forward by one of our dear comrades, Now a managing editor of Workers World are so many inequalities and so many ‘Free Mumia!’ in New York City. freedom fighter, transgender warrior and newspaper, Monica Moorehead explained oppressions that feed off of capitalism and revolutionary communist, Leslie Feinberg. that Feinberg was largely responsible for imperialism, including LGBTQ2S+ oppres- The anniversary of hir death was marked encouraging and training her for that job. sion, and Leslie never allowed this to be by a Nov. 19 Workers World Party webi- That culture of encouragement and dis- seen in isolation. Because Leslie under- nar, “Leslie Feinberg: ‘Remember Me as a cipline in struggle very much still exists stood as a worker. Leslie was a worker! Revolutionary Communist.’” even in hir absence. First and foremost, hir message was: I'm Ze’s world building, in theory and in Although I never had the honor of meet- part of the working class, and there's noth- practice, has left such a mark on mate- ing Leslie, the way ze interacted with and ing more important than to be in solidarity rial conditions. Whether it’s hir still taught our comrades in action is a large with each other against a common enemy, widely popular and gripping work of fic- part of why I am now a co-editor of the which is capitalism and imperialism.” tion, “Stone Butch Blues,” or hir Marxist Tear Down the Walls prison pages in the Many heartwarming stories of Feinberg analyses like “Transgender Liberation: WW newspaper. These pages—​dedicated exist, as ze truly was treasured. Another A Movement Whose Time Has Come” or to the global prison abolition struggle—​ beloved transgender revolutionary, com- Leslie Feinberg with Workers World Party “Rainbow Solidarity in Defense of Cuba,” have been revitalized from Leslie’s legacy rade Renée Imperato, shared: “Whenever founding members Dorothy Ballan and Feinberg’s groundbreaking writing and of years of editing the WW prison section. Leslie got into a conversation with some- Sam Marcy in 1991. organizing have shifted the oppressive cap- Judy Greenspan, who co-moderated the one who used a wheelchair, Leslie never, italist culture they were introduced into. webinar discussion along with Ezra Echo, ever stood above them and looked down people, im/migrants, imprisoned people, As Devin C, president of Socialist Trans told of a speech by Feinberg at Sonoma on them and spoke. So I said to Leslie: disabled people—you name it—Leslie Initiative (STRIVE) and organizer of the State University. “Hir talk was entitled ‘The ‘I noticed that every wheelchair user that Feinberg understood and acted upon Workers World Party’s Central Gulf Coast Transgender Movement: Yesterday, Today you speak to, you crouch down to them.’ the knowledge that these oppressions Branch, explained in the webinar: “Tying and the Future.’ Ze went into this class- And Leslie replied, ‘We need to be equally have a common enemy. Those who study together the struggle against racism with room [where ze was asked to speak] on the on the same level, so that our eyes meet Feinberg’s legacy continue to fight back the struggle against transphobia, with the transgender movement. And the first thing on the same level.’ That is respect. Oh, I against capitalist, imperialist and colonial struggle against capitalism … You know, ze said was, ‘I am dedicating my talk to the never, ever forgot that.” structures of power. We are giving the rul- Leslie did this almost 30 years ago. We owe struggle of undocumented workers, of im/ Whether it is the struggle of LGBTQ2S+ ing class a run for their beloved money! ☐

By Princess Harmony was used to insult and malign queer peo- Reagan’s staff derided people with HIV/ they do that? They allowed tenofovir diso- ple, specifically, a gay man named Gaetan AIDS, particularly ill queer people, and he proxil fumarate, a dangerous medication, December 1 is World AIDS Day, a day Dugas. The publisher, fearful that the book intentionally dragged his feet on acknowl- to be released and sold for years, until the when we reflect on those who have died— wouldn’t sell, leaked unverifiable stories edging the disease and pushing for afford- patent ran out. The drugs Viread, Atripla, and are, hopefully, supporting people liv- plucked from the book’s pages about a able treatments. Even when the actor Rock Complera, Stribild, and Truvada all con- ing with HIV and AIDS. This special day man who coldly and calculatedly had sex Hudson, a friend of Ronald Reagan and tained this dangerous medication, which was first declared by James W. Bunn and with men in bathhouses, and then disclosed Nancy Reagan, begged for intervention in could damage kidneys and bones. Thomas Netter in 1988. They chose Dec. 1 his HIV status (then called “gay cancer”) to his case so he could get experimental treat- The new, improved, and much safer as the date so it would avoid the elections partners afterward. This was all untrue. He ment in France, they denied it and allowed drug, tenofovir alafenamide, wasn’t and precede Christmas. wasn’t “patient zero.” him to die. Other supposed friends of the released until 2015. Medicines contain- World AIDS Day is an important day that People living in the U.S. had developed Reagans were mistreated for being queer ing this medication—​Genvoya, Odefsey, we, as radical queers or as revolutionary and died of HIV before Dugas was even and having AIDS. Descovy, Biktarvy, and Symtuza—​have communists, can use to remind ourselves of sexually active. The true “patient zero” is As the late Larry Kramer said in his come out since then. This should anger our duty to remember the lost and the queer unknown; that is a good thing as whoever legendary article, “March 27, 1983: 1,112 people, particularly those whose health was possibilities that fell apart. These queer it was would be maligned as he was. Finally, and Counting,” “Our continued existence harmed over a few dollars. possibilities are the contributions we give Dugas was involved in getting informa- depends on just how angry you can get.” On World AIDS Day, we must recall our to society in art, music and philosophical tion—and pushing scientists to get more (losangelesblade.com, May 27) This was history and observe our present in order to theory. There are even more queer possibil- knowledge—to queer people. He was a true in the 1980s; it was revolutionary and best serve people living with HIV/AIDS. We ities, with friendships, lovers and families. hero, not a villain. radical. It’s still true, revolutionary and must know about and remember the pow- All the things that are personal and public radical because the HIV/AIDS epidemic erful homophobes who caused our elders to that people could have been or could have ‘I hate Ronald Reagan’ is not over. suffer in a virtual inferno or turned heroes accomplished were wiped away by a then- In the pamphlet entitled “Queers Read Medical corporations have only pursued into villains. We must remind ourselves of novel retrovirus that was eventually named This,” anonymous queers wrote about the the goal of making money. This was true the businesses that knowingly produced the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). condition of queer people in the U.S. A por- when azidothymidine (AZT, zidovudine) and sold drugs that could harm people with- Queer people have been and still are tion of it reads, “I hate Ronald Reagan, too, was first discovered to have anti-retroviral out caring that a safer, more potent alter- blamed for the spread of HIV in the U.S. because he mass murdered my people for properties. Companies prioritized their native could be used. We must remember The book “And the Band Played On,” eight years.” (tinyurl.com/y6tqwjeq) goal of increasing profits above the health that these things happened. If we don’t, the although generally good, but outdated, This is a historical fact. President and safety of their customers. How did lessons our elders left us may be lost. ☐

Florida Attacks continue on LGBTQ2S+ youth

By Devin C Backed by right-wing religious and This fake “therapy” is often practiced organizers who have worked hard to ensure Occupied Seminole/Calusa/Taino land— political ideology, conversion therapy on youth who do not have any autonomy some protections do exist for youth and South Florida uses emotional manipulation, shaming, over themselves and are forced by hateful their communities of queer/trans people. mental abuse, and sometimes even phys- family members to attend the sessions. LGBTQ2S+ youth deserve a safe and On Nov. 20 the 11th U.S. Circuit Court ical abuse to “cure” an LGBTQ2S+ indi- Conversion therapy has been condemned stable life that encourages them to be of Appeals ruled 2-1 in favor of reaction- vidual. It is rooted in the fascistic belief across the U.S. as meaningless, harmful themselves and allows them to have full ary conversion therapists, striking down that queerness and transness are mental and a major contribution to depression, self-determination. In order for this to previous bans on conversion therapy in illnesses that are severe and need aggres- anxiety and suicidal ideation in youth. occur, hateful reactionary practices such Boca Raton and Palm Beach County, Fla. sive, abusive treatment. It is currently banned in 20 states and as conversion therapy must be done Conversion therapy, aimed primarily at Despite the continued horror sto- Washington, D.C. away with once and for all. A widespread LGBTQ2S+ youth, is a term that covers a ries about conversion therapy, countless As many cities, especially in Florida struggle is now being waged, including in range of dangerous and discredited prac- LGBTQ2S+ people have survived to testify where this writer lives, struggle to pass a Florida, to make this happen. tices that attempt to “fix” an individual’s that it doesn’t work and that they are still human rights ordinance to protect more queer sexual orientation or gender-non- queer or trans. That includes confirming LGBTQ2S+ people at work and in hous- Devin C is a transgender Marxist orga- conforming identity. revelations from some leaders in conversion ing, this attempt is often blocked by right- nizer and writer. They are the president The court ruling is a major step back in therapy themselves! Over 700,000 people wing religious politicians and their donors. of Strive (Socialist Trans Initiative) and a the LGBTQ2S+ liberation struggle, attack- in the U.S. have been subjected to conver- These same reactionaries work to chip member of Workers World Party—Central ing one of its most vulnerable groups: youth. sion therapy. (tinyurl.com/ydxdz7mn) away at what has been won by LGBTQ2S+ Gulf Coast branch. Page 4 Dec. 3, 2020 workers.org Philly nurses strike! By Marie Kelly hospitals when they are not turning a profit. St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is owned In early November, members of the Pennsylvania by Tower Health. Last year, Tower purchased St. Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals Christopher’s from Philadelphia Academic Health System, (PASNAP) in four Philadelphia area hospitals voted the same entity that sold Hahnemann Hospital to a private to walk out if hospital administrators did not agree to developer, thereby eliminating available health care for their contract demands. The 2,500 nurses at Mercy the most indigent in Philadelphia. And Einstein Medical Fitzgerald, St. Mary’s Medical Center, St. Christopher’s Center is part of the Einstein Healthcare Network. for Children and Albert Einstein Medical Center are uni- PASNAP nurses at three of the hospitals have union fied in their belief that patient safety, not profit margins, contracts. Mercy Fitzgerald’s four-year contract will Nurses strike St. Mary's Medical Center, Langhorne, Pa., should drive how hospitals are run. Negotiations have increase the number of nurses on call as the pandemic Nov. 18-19. centered around staffing ratios and retention. surges. This will aid in keeping staff-to-patient ratios at As the COVID-19 pandemic enters a dangerous upswing, a safe level. The contract also guarantees wage increases, refused to acknowledge the nurses’ paid time off accu- these nurses know that improving staff-to-patient ratios which are critical to retaining experienced nurses and mulated over the years under the previous ownership. saves lives. They have been at the frontline of the pandemic attracting newer nurses. Einstein Medical Center is in negotiations to merge with crisis from the beginning, caring for critically ill patients A balance of experienced and novice nurses ensures Jefferson Medical Center. infected with a deadly virus that no one had seen before, the transfer of knowledge and skill to a new cohort of let alone knew how to treat. Hundreds of nurses across the nurses and lessens the risk of veteran nurse burnout. 800 nurses stage two-day strike country have lost their lives providing care while wearing Contracts for St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and St. Mary’s Medical Center in Langhorne, Pa., is the insufficient personal protective equipment. Einstein Medical Center both include important succes- only hospital of the four where nurses are working Mercy Fitzgerald and St. Mary’s are owned by the sorship language, which will continue the contract in the without a contract. Nurses there held a two-day strike Michigan-based Trinity Health conglomerate, which event of a sale. This is a key victory in this volatile health Nov. 18-19. Bill Engels, one of the key strike leaders and owns 92 hospitals across the country. Despite their non- care market. contract negotiators, praised PASNAP for their support profit designation, Trinity has closed community-based When Tower Health acquired St. Christopher’s, they over the two years since St. Mary’s voted to join the union. “We were able to lean on their experience; they (PASNAP organizers) are altruistic as hell.” The nurses’ demands center around a reinvestment in Black Friday protests hit Amazon nurses as the main component of a successful hospital. Currently, on average St. Mary’s nurses make $5-6 per By Jim McMahan pandemic. Over 20,000 Amazon frontline workers hour less than their area counterparts, making recruit- Seattle have tested positive for the coronavirus. ment and retention difficult for this community hospital. Amazon boss, Jeff Bezos, is now worth $204 During the two-day strike, Trinity hired union-bust- On Nov. 27, “Black Friday,” workers rallied in front billion, due to the sweat and blood of Amazon’s world ing nurses with the help of anti-union firm Yessin and of Amazon world headquarters in Seattle to condemn workforce. Associates at an estimated cost of $3.6 million. After the Amazon’s exploitation of essential workers. Chris Smalls Speakers at the rally declared their solidarity with strike was over, Trinity locked out the union nurses for an and The Congress of Essential Workers (TCOEW) the organizing drive of Alabama Amazon warehouse additional three days. However, the St. Mary’s nurses had led the Seattle action. Smalls was fired March 30 by workers, who have now filed for a union election. One tremendous support from the community they serve. Amazon for leading a work stoppage in New York to former Amazon worker called for a union of all Amazon They are confident that they will win when they return protest Amazon’s failure to provide COVID protections. workers. to the bargaining table next month. Bill Engels likens the The Seattle rally and march were part of a global day The demonstrators marched across Amazon’s contract negotiation to raising children. “Having no union of protest, with demonstrations and work stoppages “world campus” to the company's giant spheres. is like a toddler-parent relationship. Union negotiations held at Amazon workplaces. These actions focused The TCOEW and supporters will march on Amazon require us to act like the teen asserting our rights and on Amazon’s neglect of essential workers laboring on CEO Jeff Bezos’ mansion in the ruling class town of independence.” With a contract, the nurses at St. Mary’s 10- and 12-hour shifts, during the galloping COVID-19 Medina, Wash., on Nov. 30. ☐ will be on equal footing as adults with their “parent” organization. ☐ Iowa workers win against wage theft By Mike Kuhlenbeck demands. Cedar Rapids, Iowa A rally in support of the workers scheduled for Nov. 20 was canceled after BluSky executives met with a dele- Nov. 24 — Six workers from Houston, Texas, hired for gation of community allies that morning. The executives essential repairs on storm-damaged buildings in Cedar agreed to expedite payments to the workers and cover Rapids, won their battle against wage theft with the sol- their wages for completed work and travel expenses. idarity of labor, faith and community allies. The following day, representatives from CWJ and the In August, Iowa was hit by a rare hurricane-like storm Carpenters’ Union served as witnesses as the checks known as a “derecho,” causing damage over thousands were delivered to the six workers. of miles. As part of the rebuilding efforts in Cedar Rapids, a crew of eight workers from Houston were hired ‘Workers should not have to fight for wages they earn’ by BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC, and Painting According to a Nov. 21 CWJ media advisory, “None and Demolition Ramirez Company to make repairs to of these actions should have been necessary. Workers impacted buildings. should not have to fight for the wages they have earned. Tasked with dangerous work in the aftermath of a BluSky workers after victory in wage theft struggle. But when employers break the law, it is inspiring to see storm, during a pandemic no less, the workers faced our community come together to make things right.” additional obstacles. The eight workers were housed in Laborers and Carpenters unions. The unions brought BluSky marketing manager Lisa Tran Franco told a cold apartment damaged by the storm for weeks. the workers food and put them in touch with local allies Workers World that “BluSky leadership has made the Their living conditions were described as “nightmar- who rushed to their support. decision to meet with individual crew members and pay ish” by the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, The resulting coalition was comprised of CWJ, State them for work completed.” However, Franco did not as they were forced to sleep on air mattresses instead of Rep. Art Staed, the Rev. Anthony Smith of New Creations comment on allegations that BluSky has been implicated beds, underneath plastic in place of a ceiling. Working International Church, the Rev. John Greve of Grace in what CWJ calls “a pattern of failure to pay minimum long hours and with their food supply running low, the Episcopal Church, Royce Peterson and Antonio Govea wage and overtime, unlawful deductions from pay and workers repeatedly asked for their pay, only to be denied from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, and Jesse fabricating timesheets.” In 2019, workers in Minneapolis and threatened with retaliation. Case from the International Teamsters, and Democratic filed an ongoing class-action lawsuit against BluSky CWJ organizer Mayra Hernandez told Workers Socialists of America. on behalf of employees and subcontractors across the World, “It has often been that in the aftermath of a nat- “Not paying wages does not just cause economic dam- country. ural disaster, companies rush in to fulfill repair work, age,” Hernandez said. “It robs families of many oppor- “The pandemic has shown the importance of work and there are increases in workers rights violations. tunities, such as being able to pay for schooling, food, done by underpaid workers,” Hernandez said. “Essential The storm has made housing difficult to access and electricity, housing. And it robs people of their time. workers are in a vulnerable position, every day they are increased the opportunity for people to be housed in Wage theft is all too common. It affects parents and out there doing a job that continuously puts them at risk. poor circumstances.” kids’ opportunities in life. Other states have strength- Some employers can take advantage of those vulnerabil- After 21 days without pay, the crew members walked ened their wage theft laws and increased penalties for ities and exploit them. Essential workers should be paid off the job and went on strike on Nov. 16. They were then violations, and we need to do that here in Iowa.” a premium, yet there are cases like this where employees fired and kicked out of their employer-funded housing. Grace Episcopal Church provided shelter, and the are fighting to just be paid.” Two of the workers went back to Houston, while the Coralville Food Pantry brought them food. And the six All eight workers, including the two workers who went other six remained in Cedar Rapids, stranded over 1,000 workers were supported by community actions demand- back to Houston, have now received their wages plus miles from their homes. ing they be paid the wages and travel costs they had been travel expenses. ☐ The six refused to give up, and they contacted the promised. In less than a week, BluSky agreed to these workers.org Dec. 3, 2020 Page 5 Migrant workers tell bosses: We’re fed up with racism, COVID and exploitation! By Tony Murphy no overtime pay, no paid sick days, and no COVID safety New York precautions. They work under atrocious health and safety conditions in a tiny basement with no ventilation, As so-called essential workers fight for their rights on no heat in the winter, no emergency exits and no PPE. the job, they continue to be the most reliable fighters The workers have even been forced to buy their own toi- for COVID safety, PPE and a rational response to the let paper just to use their workplace bathrooms. pandemic. Even taking an hour to eat lunch is a struggle, which is From health care workers in California and why the workers used their first full lunch hour on Nov. Washington State, to nursing home workers in Illinois, 25 to deliver to their bosses demands for a union, better to school bus drivers in Ohio, workers are striking, fight- conditions and better pay. ing back and organizing while COVID numbers increase After a raucous protest that met in a nearby playground exponentially and the White House ignores the crisis. and then marched to the front of Wash Supply, the work- In New York, the front lines of this fight include the ers, all wearing the same color T-shirts and aprons sten- ranks of laundromat workers, 95 percent of whom are cilled with the words WE ARE THE UNION, went into the women and migrants. Their fierce struggle against work- workplace to deliver their demands to the employers. They place racism and exploitation now includes demands for were joined by supporters from the rally, who jammed into PPE and proper ventilation. the tiny basement behind the workers, overflowing onto On Nov. 25, the International Day of the Prevention of the small stairway leading down to it. Violence Against Women, six migrant workers organized One by one, the workers approached and confronted by the Laundry Workers Center launched a union drive their boss to tell them they wouldn’t accept humiliation, at the Manhattan laundromat Wash Supply. abuse or exposure to COVID any more. One worker said Dozens of supporters came out to support the to her boss, “When I’m having lunch you come to us and launch of this campaign, including Workers Assembly WW PHOTO: TONI ARENSTEIN tell us to stop and get back to work. We’re sick and tired Against Racism, Street Vendors Project, Food Chain New York laundry workers and supporters rally on Nov. 25. of this and we don’t want to take it any more!” The sup- Workers Alliance, City University of New York (CUNY) porters standing behind her and her coworkers cheered. Internationalist Club and local clergy. protests. WAAR activists have asked: Why not unite the The turnout made it clear to the bosses that these six The Workers Assembly Against Racism (WAAR) anti-racist movement with the workers’ movement? workers had community support. The need for this was had pledged at their most recent meeting to support This focus includes supporting cutting-edge workers’ obvious. The manager held her cell phone up while being this campaign. Held on Nov. 21, the assembly included struggles. So on Nov. 25, WAAR sent ten of its mem- confronted by the workers, making it clear she was video- reports from workers active in the New York teachers’ bers, many of whom have participated in the Black Lives ing them. One of the main rally slogans, “The community struggle; an activist involved in a strike authorization Matter protests, to support the launch of the organiz- is watching” — on signs and chanted by the protesters — vote by CUNY teachers; an official with the Transport ing campaign at Wash Supply, a campaign for workers’ let the bosses know that any retaliation for the workers Workers Union; and a report on the upcoming Nov. 25 rights as well as a fight against racism and sexism. demanding their rights would be met with swift fightback. action by the Laundry Workers Center. The laundromat is located on the Upper West Side A rally announcement by Laundry Workers Center lead- WAAR was formed in October, in the wake of a righ- — one of the most expensive places to live in New York ers served to back up that promise. Rosanna Rodriguez teous call by trade unionists to conduct strikes and work City, the center of world capitalism. announced to the crowd that one of the LWC’s other cam- stoppages against racism, with the purpose of expanding That wealth does not translate into decent wages for paigns — the Justice for Beatriz Campaign, at the New that call from the ranks of organized labor -- about 10 laundry workers. In fact, the workers at Wash Supply, Giant Launder Center in Queens — resulted in victory, percent of the workforce -- to the rest of the workforce. all women, face intensified exploitation. They are paid with the worker involved recovering stolen wages and Many unorganized workers take part in Black Lives Matter below minimum wage. They work 60 hours a week with returning to her job with better working conditions. ☐

‘Thanksgiving’ myth busted on 51st National Day of Mourning Continued from page 1 Melanie Angel and Sharnell Cepa Seaboy traveled from North Dakota’s Great Plains to express solidarity. Indigenous population and land theft — which char- Tela LandBack Troge and Kelly Haddo-Namo acterized colonists’ warfare from early Jamestown to Jimoseyang-Tunuppasog of the Shinnecock Sovereignty Plymouth’s plantations in the Caribbean — with a story Camp called for an to end to economic genocide and for about a harvest dinner. the right to provide for their people, as they battle New James asked, “What did we get in return for kindness? York State to defend their sovereignty rights. Genocide, the theft of our lands, slavery, starvation and never-ending oppression.” Dozens of solidarity messages and songs Mahtowin Munro, UAINE co-leader, recalled activists Messages and prerecorded cultural performances climbing the fake replica of the Mayflower’s mast to hoist were interspersed throughout the program from elders the American Indian Movement’s flag. She told of years and supporters who were prevented from attending by of burying the rock, chasing “pilgrim progress” parades the pandemic. These included Melissa Harding Ferretti, off the street, occupying “pilgrim” churches and taking National Day of Mourning, Nov. 26. WW PHOTO: MAIREAD SKEHAN GILLIS Chair of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe; Frank over Main Street on Plymouth’s most lucrative holiday. Waln, singing “My People Come from the Land”; Wade They faced down dogs, teargas and a brutal 1997 police reclaim the homeland and autonomy Israel has denied Fernandez of the Menominee Nation, who sang “We riot that resulted in the arrests of the “Plymouth 25” — them for 70 years, when no person goes hungry or dies Wear Because We Care”; Skyler Williams, Six Nations UAINE elders, leaders and supporters. She led a shout- due to lack of quality health care, when insulin is free, of the Grand River; the Council of Maya Elders/Consejo out to Moonanum James, Wamsutta’s son and UAINE when union busting is a thing of the past. Until then the de Ancianos; Nick Estes, Lower Brule Sioux, and Elena co-leader, currently hospitalized. struggle will continue!” and Savannah Ortiz, Ohkay Owingeh, with The Red NDOM participants visited sites liberated by the treaty Munro noted the importance of the “thanksgiving” Nation; and Sheldon Raymore, Two Spirit, Cheyenne that a worldwide boycott and defense campaign forced myth to the current settler government in Washington, River Sioux. Plymouth’s town fathers to sign with UAINE in 1998. which attacks the Black Lives Matter rebellion and forcibly Also, Khaled Barakat, Palestinian writer; BAYAN The frame-up charges of assault of cops were dropped, as occupies Indigenous lands from Afghanistan to Palestine Philippines; Eli Pabon and #Bombantillana; Roberto were requirements for permits to march on Indigenous to Hawaii. Loud cheers greeted her salute to Evo Morales’ Borrero, Taino Kasike; Matt Remle, Lakota, Defund peoples’ own land. The town’s bankers and trinket sellers return to Bolivia from U.S. coup-imposed exile. Pipelines; singing by Jacinda Beals, Labrador; North had to erect plaques written by UAINE on Cole’s Hill and American Megadam Resistance Alliance leaders; Post Office Square, telling the Indigenous peoples’ truth Indigenous women on front lines Eldred Mesher, Labrador; Sarah Wunderlich, Oneida, about the genocide here and the Wampanoag Nation’s A program of powerful Indigenous women speakers on nephew Jonathon Tubby’s death in police custody; centuries-long resistance. (tinyurl.com/yxugn748) shone a spotlight on today’s struggles of Indigenous peo- Lucy Pagoada Quesada, Honduran Resistance Council ples, who are on the front lines fighting the ravages of the and U.S./Canada Coordinator of the Libre Party, closing ‘The struggle will continue!’ pandemic and capitalist greed. with the Maunakea movement’s anthem. Munro concluded, “We all know that racism is alive Chali'Inaru Smilez Dones, United Confederation of Bolstering NDOM’s liberation of stolen ground with and well. We are struggling under an oppressive capi- Taíno People, brought federal political prisoner Leonard 300 marchers was a solidarity force of thousands of talist system that forces people to make a bitter choice Peltier’s greetings: “We must unite and work together supporters worldwide on livestream, produced by between heating and eating. We will continue to gather every chance we can . . . and embrace all others who are hate5six.com’s brilliant Sunny Singh, backed up by soli- on this hill until corporations and the U.S. military stop of like mind and willing to work to correct this world- darity roadies from United Steelworkers Local 8751, the polluting the earth, until we dismantle the brutal appa- wide pandemic of greed and selfishness that has infected Dorchester Art Project and MIT’s WMBR. The record- ratus of mass incarceration. the whole earth and mankind.” (tinyurl.com/y3t3fkwz) ing with live ASL, posted at tinyurl.com/y2ngml22, has “We will not stop until the oppression of our Two Samantha Maltais, a young Aquinnah Wampanoag gotten 30,000 views. Spirit siblings is a thing of the past, when unhoused peo- activist, told of founding #MayflowersKill after dancing ple have homes, when children are no longer taken from at Pow Wows and being confronted with public schools’ Steve Gillis is the Financial Secretary of Steelworkers their parents and locked in cages. And when Palestinians racist curriculum. “Rename Custer Park” organizers Local 8751 and a Plymouth 25 defendant. Page 6 Dec. 3, 2020 workers.org Free Alabama Movement calls ‘Economic blackout’ on prison system By Devin C done on those incarcerated, with no expla- are young Black men [who] have been Securus establishes their video visitation, Occupied Muscogee Creek, Choctaw, nation given, amid many accusations that trapped inside the Alabama Department they plan to do away permanently with Cherokee, Shawnee, Yuchi lands test results are being tampered with and of Corrections for decades. all contact visits. So if you ever want to skewed. (tinyurl.com/y5fknj5y) These allegations made by the Free touch your loved one again, help and sup- The Free Alabama Movement, led pri- With a few exceptions, Alabama author- Alabama Movement were justified and port the brothers as we boycott Securus marily by Black men who are incarcerated ities remain steadfast in refusing to release verified by the Department of Justice’s and their phone services. We’re also in the state of Alabama, has declared a anyone due to the rising number of cases investigation into all male prisons in the boycotting Access Corrections, as they 30-day economic blackout—​a boycott within ADOC prisons, though Etowah Alabama prison system. Therefore, for continue to exploit the family members of for-profit prison services and a work County is releasing some incarcerated the last six months, we have been waiting and loved ones with exorbitant prices of strike—​to protest inhumane conditions workers in the coming on some type of accountability, somebody things they sell to those incarcerated. at prisons across Alabama. weeks. Those still incarcer- to have to pay some type of We’re asking you to join us and sup- consequence for the violations port us in calling for a 30-day eco- The Jan. 1-31 protest focuses on the ated are forced to sit by and inaction of the Alabama Department of of [the rights of] all prisoners nomic blackout of the entire Alabama wait, possibly infected, but Corrections in tackling COVID-19 state- in the state of Alabama, for Department of Corrections. (View video without knowing and not wide, as well as ADOC attempts to insti- the violations of their Eighth at tinyurl.com/y4gw574k.) being given an answer. tute video calls throughout its prisons. Amendment right [to have That would effectively end in-person vis- Why a blackout of prisons? “no cruel and unusual pun- Support resistance in the prisons! itation between those incarcerated and ishments inflicted”]. It is imperative that incarcerated peo- In a Nov. 16 video their family and friends. There have been no con- ple all across the Alabama prison system press release from FAM, During the January blackout, FAM is sequences forthcoming, and be supported in their economic blackout co-founder Kinetik Justice asking for a total boycott of the follow- no one has been accountable. and work strike of the cruel and inhumane Amun explained the rea- Kinetik Justice Amun ing corporations: JPay, Union Supply Therefore, we at Free Alabama Alabama Department of Corrections. The soning for the blackout: Company, Access Corrections, Securus Movement, in order to establish that we fascistic prison system must be abolished, In January of 2014, we made a lot of Technologies and Alabama Correctional will no longer accept being dehumanized and these comrades behind the walls are allegations under the banner of the Free Industries. These five companies are and we will no longer accept being victims leading the way in doing just that. Alabama Movement. We released over directly responsible for the worsening con- of white supremacy, we are calling for a For more, visit freealabamamovement. 60 videos showing the horrid conditions ditions for those incarcerated in Alabama. 30-day economic blackout of the entire wordpress.com. of what was going on inside the Alabama FAM is also calling for incarcerated Alabama Department of Corrections. Department of Corrections. We released people to refuse to go to work at the pris- We’re asking that all brothers [who] Devin C is a transgender Marxist orga- interviews and stories of people who are ons during January. are incarcerated in the state of Alabama nizer and writer. They are the president incarcerated to show how white suprem- The blackout is responding to the out- not to go to work January 1st through of Strive (Socialist Trans Initiative), a acy affects the criminal justice system right negligence of the ADOC in handling January 31st. We’re asking all fam- transgender advocacy organization, and throughout the state. How so many people COVID cases. Recently a spike in posi- ily members and loved ones to support member of the Workers World Party – were overcharged, and how many were tive cases occurred at Bibb Correctional these brothers in boycotting Securus, Central Gulf Coast (Alabama, Florida and over-sentenced, the majority of which Facility in Brent, Ala. Retesting is being with their video visitation, because once Mississippi) branch. COVID-19 in Oregon Prison laundry workers at greatest risk By Johnnie Lewis Salem, wrote that OCE bosses illegally These U.S. government agencies recog- in OCE’s prison workshops, about 1,500 Portland, Ore. removed biohazard labels from COVID- nize that prisoners are workers, and, as all are highly skilled and work as upholsterers, 19-infected laundry before workers han- workers, have the right to health and safety welders, ironworkers, metal fabricators, In November, three Oregon pris- dled it. Suspecting that this illegal practice on the job. As it is for all workers, though, carpenters, sewing machine operators, ons—​Two Rivers, Salem, and Snake was taking place in all OCE laundries, Zell enforcement is another matter. fabric pattern cutters, cabinetmakers and River—reported​ the state’s highest rate of warned that the coronavirus, already rag- For example, Oregon Corrections woodworkers, painters, and more. These workplace COVID-19 infections. ing in prisons, would increase. Enterprises posted a notice online and in workers are “paid” $7.25 an hour, the fed- By Oregon law, prisons are workplaces. Soon after, Two Rivers prison, the site its prison laundries that “all employees and eral minimum wage (the Oregon minimum All prisoners are forced to work a 40-hour of an OCE laundry with 168 workers, adults in custody (AICs) working in OCE wage is $11.25), but they actually “take week. On Nov. 23, Snake River reported reported 40 new infections. Jason Ellis, a laundry follow standard/universal precau- home” on average only $82 a month. The 518 infections among workers, and 157 prisoner at Two Rivers, said that in spite tions as defined by both OSHA and CDC, rest of their wage is taken by the state—​to among guards and staff. of the spike in COVID-19 infections, laun- to wear appropriate personal protective pay for their own imprisonment. ☐ Last year, imprisoned workers, who dry workers have to report for work. This equipment.” on average earn pennies an hour, made was confirmed by a prison spokesperson. However, the National Lawyers Guild $28 million for Oregon Corrections (streetroots.org) states that this contradicts reality; that Enterprises. OCE employs thousands of The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health workers in Oregon prisons handling workers in 10 prisons, including laundries. Administration (OSHA) regulates prison COVID-19-infected hospital laundry are These workers process 40,000 pounds, or laundries, workshops, factories, call cen- not provided PPE, neither gloves nor 20 tons, of laundry for at least 33 hospitals ters, and other work spaces, as well as the masks. That, in fact, face coverings OCE each day, every day, including laundry of working conditions for those who labor in provides are not PPE, but “utility masks, COVID-19 intensive care wards. They earn them. The U.S. Center for Disease Control made of 100% cotton,” and produced by on average $1 a day. provides COVID-19 protocols for work- OCE garment workers. In April, Michael Zell, a prisoner at places, including those in prisons. Of the thousands of workers employed Oregon prison laundry, 2017. How prisons contribute to opioid crisis By Princess Harmony disease pacified. Despite that, and despite A success rate of 50% might seem more likely to die of an overdose than the best interests of society, methadone troubling, but compare that to absti- patients who were maintained on meth- Prisons, which serve the purposes of the and buprenorphine are not distributed in nence-only methods that only have 5% to adone and buprenorphine. According capitalist bourgeoisie, are filled to the brim many prison or jail facilities. 10% “success” rates. to “Maintenance Medication for Opiate with people who suffer from addiction and Statistics show that in prisons where Of the thousands of jails and pris- Addiction: The Foundation of Recovery,” other substance use disorders. methadone maintenance is used, incar- ons in the U.S., only a handful offer over 80% of patients who received only Among them are opioid users. The cerated workers have great outcomes. evidence-based medication-assisted behavioral health interventions returned gold-standard treatments for opioid use They do not repeat offend; they do not treatment. Most recently, the state of to using, in turn risking fatal and nonfatal disorders (opioid addictions) are metha- overdose (fatally or nonfatally); they stick Rhode Island started to offer methadone overdose. (tinyurl.com/y55ogtbu) done (Diskets, Methadose) and buprenor- to the program in a structured way; and and buprenorphine-based treatment. The Many prisons and jails across the U.S. phine (Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade, they do not suffer adverse reactions to drop in post-release overdoses was a 12% are withholding important, lifesaving Zubsolv, Bunavail). There is a third drug illicit opioids like fentanyl (or its analogues decrease in the state’s overdose statistics! medications from people who need them, used to treat opioid addiction — naltrex- acetylfentanyl, butyrfentanyl, carfentanil). In other states, such as Kansas, Maine, not caring that methadone and buprenor- one (ReVia, Vivitrol), but it’s not a suc- Methadone and buprenorphine main- Massachusetts and Washington, it took phine both save lives and reduce the pos- cessful treatment in many cases and can tenance therapies are statistically and lawsuits on behalf of prisoners in order sibility of recidivism. cause fatal overdoses. scientifically proven to be a successful for them to gain access to methadone and But prisons in the U.S. are based on Since prisons do not rehabilitate peo- form of treating opioid use disorder. buprenorphine. On the regional level, punishment and capitalism, so anything ple — definitely not in the cases of drug Methadone has a success rate of between Philadelphia and Camden, N.J., both ini- that might hurt that bottom line is cruelly addicts — outside sources are needed to 60% and 90%. Contrast that with absti- tiate and maintain patients on buprenor- ignored. People on the outside who seek to treat them. Many of these people, when nence-only approaches to addiction, phine and methadone. be allies to people in, or seeking recovery they lived on the outside, were already which have a success rate of only 5% to A 2015 study in England showed that from, drug addiction should push prison on methadone and buprenorphine. They 10%. Buprenorphine also has a success patients who only received therapy or authorities into allowing the therapies. ☐ were already on maintenance, with their rate between 50% and 70%. counseling for their addictions were far workers.org Dec. 3, 2020 Page 7 Mumia Abu-Jamal on: Lessons from the first abolition movement This article is part of Abolition for the These men, some of the country’s intellec- and not part of the nation that was being convictions, abolitionists supported attacks People, a series brought to you by a part- tual elite, were scientists, writers, doctors contemplated. against the slave system, which they saw as nership between Kaepernick Publishing and thinkers, yet their claims of the new In October 1859, white abolitionist an unnecessary evil. and LEVEL, a medium publication for and nation’s ideals were thick with contra- leader John Brown, joined by 21 men, In 1858, a year before the Harpers Ferry about the lives of Black and Brown men. diction. They wrote and adopted a docu- raided the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry, raid, Lincoln opined that slavery would In 1981, Black Panther Party mem- ment that said, among other things, the Virginia, in an attempt to arm African last for at least 100 more years—​or at least ber Mumia Abu-Jamal was sentenced to following: captives in neighboring plantations so until 1958 or the 1960s. It is important to death by a “hanging judge” for the killing "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, they could strike out for freedom. Such an note that Lincoln’s prognostication was of a white police officer in Philadelphia. In that all Men are created equal, that they attempt had to face fierce logistical chal- meant to appease the slavocracy. It was not 2000, Amnesty International found that are endowed by their Creator with certain lenges, given the communications needed an assessment of the counterrevolutionary the case “was irredeemably tainted by unalienable Rights, that among these are to gain the ear and trust of a largely illiter- dynamic that would detonate after the war. politics and race and failed to meet inter- Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. ate and deeply repressed enslaved commu- Abolitionists brought forth another national fair trial standards.” Mumia That to secure these Rights, Governments nity, constantly subjected to white armed vision, and hence, another future. Harpers forms part of the generation of Black rad- are instituted among Men, deriving their militia surveillance. Ferry, Virginia, was a step in the fateful icals on whom the state tested law-and- just Powers from the Consent of the Abolitionists brought forth another march to war that, after earthshaking sac- order propaganda and lockdown in the Governed, that whenever any Form of vision, and hence, another future. Harpers rifice, led to the abolition of slavery. Thus, ’60s—a​ prelude to the carceral repression Government becomes destructive of these Ferry, Virginia, was a step in the fateful abolition was not a skip in the park. It is it would deploy against poor Black and Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter march to war that, after earth-shaking sac- a deep, committed movement of social Brown urban communities in the 1980s or abolish it." rifice, led to the abolition of slavery. transformation that seeks to bring down and 1990s. On death row, Mumia became These words emerge from the Abraham Lincoln, one of the most institutions that needlessly inflict pain a writer of great literary power, and we Declaration of Independence, adopted admired presidents in history, would upon the People. are pleased to present this piece as part of July 4, 1776, and celebrated throughout the describe the raid and the raiders as little Abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, Abolition for the People. U.S. annually on Independence Day today. better than lunatics and regicides, less than Harriet Tubman and John Brown forged a — The Editors, Kaepernick Publishing When people came together in the 19th a year after the attack failed. In February new America, one unimaginable to earlier From WW: To read Mumia’s essay in century to oppose the expanding slave sys- 1860, Lincoln spoke before a crowd at New generations. They saw farther than their its entirety, go to tinyurl.com/y3vvz4rm tem, they were called abolitionists. Among York’s Cooper Institute (now known as contemporaries, and even warned them of both the rulers and the press, such people Cooper Union) to distance himself and his problems threatening from the periphery. When one thinks of the term abolition, were regarded as oddballs at best, and nuts party (Republicans) from the Harpers Ferry there is a tendency to see it as a threat at worst. Despite present popular opinion, raid. Lincoln told his audience that Brown After coming close to execution twice in emerging from the left. Another perspec- slavery was the air that people breathed. wasn’t a Republican and that Republicans the 1990s, Mumia’s life was saved when tive understands, however, that abolition The nation was so deeply and openly had nothing to do with the raid. Indeed, a mass international movement mobi- is a natural response to a situation that has negrophobic and racist, that the idea of a Lincoln assured his northern audience lized in the streets on his behalf. In 2011, become untenable. multiracial group opposed to slavery was that neither he nor his party supported abo- after 28 years on death row, a federal What condition lay before the nation in considered aberrant. lition. And, truth be told, this is far from court ruled that Mumia’s death sentence its founding days? Slavery: human bond- Furthermore, the document, signed by a remarkable perspective, for the fact of had been obtained unconstitutionally; his age, which sat like an incubus upon the such luminaries as Ben Franklin, Thomas chattel slavery was one deeply normalized sentence was commuted to life in prison new nation’s foundation and transformed Jefferson, Dr. Benjamin Rush and John in American experience and history. without parole. Make no mistake: This is its stated aims and ideals into lies. After Adams, included platitudes like “all men Indeed, abolition was the exception, not not enough. Freeing political prisoners is some reflection, perhaps, we will see that are created equal,” while dark men, prop- the rule. the moral assignment of every emerging the notion of abolition has deep historical ertyless white men, and all women were What this means, of course, is that abo- generation of revolutionaries and freedom roots. Consider summer, 1776, when dele- neither able to vote nor be voted for posts litionists were truly remarkable people fighters. It’s time to bring Mumia—and​ all gates from the Continental Congress gath- of political power. Indigenous people who saw beyond the present into a time political prisoners—​home. ered in a sweltering room in Philadelphia. were seen as part of a distant wilderness not yet born. Spurred often by religious — The Editors, Kaepernick Publishing Protesters call for release of incarcerated workers Betsey Piette and are still pending trial. In April, the Public Interest Philadelphia Law Center filed a lawsuit seeking to cut down the jail population and allow those most at risk of COVID-19 Around 50 demonstrators gathered outside the complications to be released with remote monitoring. Federal Detention Center at Seventh and Arch streets However, rather than being released, the prisoners were on Nov. 28 to demand the release of those on the put under harsh restrictions: no visits, including from inside—where​ at least 200 new COVID-19 cases have attorneys; limited communications; limited access to been reported in less than a month. In the past week, legal research; and being allowed out of their cells only the detention center has reported between 17 to 28 three times a week for 30 minutes. additional positive cases each day. Speakers denounced these draconian measures as Protesters also called for the release of incarcerated cruel and unusual punishment that does nothing to workers in state and local jails across Pennsylvania, rais- stem the spread of COVID-19, since it is guards and ing up the cases of political prisoners Russell Maroon other staff who bring the disease into the prisons. Shoatz and Mumia Abu-Jamal in particular. There is now a full-blown resurgence of COVID-19 in Opening the rally, Ted Kelly with the Prisoners Pennsylvania prisons, with outbreaks in 21 of the 23 Palestinian prisoner Maher al-Akhras Solidarity Committee of Workers World Party stated that state facilities. With unlimited movement within the released after 103-day hunger strike! “The most dangerous place to be right now in the U.S. is prisons, the guards become super spreaders. prison. The pandemic is happening inside this building Statements from Russell Maroon Shoatz and his family Palestinian political prisoner Maher al-Akhras was and unless we do something, people will die. We need to were read by Megan Murray, also with Workers World. released from Israeli prison Nov. 26. He had staged a build a real abolitionist movement to do justice.” Shoatz, now 77 and incarcerated since 1972, has stage 4 hunger strike for 103 days in protest of his arrest and The vast majority of the 1,000 men and women incar- colon cancer. On Nov. 11 he tested positive for COVID‑19. incarceration. He was held by occupation forces under cerated at the federal facility have not been convicted Rather than give Shoatz compassionate release, prison “administrative detention” and was never charged with officials held him for 10 days in a gymnasium with a crime. Akhras, who was transferred to a hospital in 30 other COVID-19-positive prisoners, who all share Nablus, said, “My freedom is the freedom of my people, one toilet. He was eventually moved to the infirmary and we have won over the occupation with our will and after advocacy from family and supporters. determination.” He is pictured here being fed a spoonful Mumia Abu-Jamal, like most prisoners in of food by his daughter Tuqa. Pennsylvania, is kept in 23-hour lock-down in his — Report by Ted Kelly cell, with one hour to shower or make phone calls. Abu-Jamal continues to experience health prob- lems stemming from decades of untreated hepatitis C that have left him with sclerosis of the liver. Fermin Morales with the Philadelphia Boricua Committee stated: “Prisons are concentration camps for poor Black and Brown people.” Throughout the rally, prisoners inside the Detention Center could be heard banging on win-

WW PHOTO: JOE PIETTE dows in response. Several drivers, passing by, also Protesters gather outside Federal Detention Center Nov. 28. honked car horns in support. ☐ Page 8 Dec. 3, 2020 workers.org International Day of Persons with Disabilities

By Edward Yudelovich their enhanced sense of belonging and in racism, misogyny, cisheterosex- New York, N.Y. significant advances in the human, social ism impact people with disabili- and economic development of society and ties. Also essential to our dialogue The worldwide struggle by people with the eradication of poverty.” are conversations by folks who are disabilities for equal rights led the United Both the ADA and the ADAAA limit the neuro-divergent and the struggles Nations to establish the International disabled person to seeking access to an of people with hidden disabilities. Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. accommodation that is “reasonable” and Finally, disability rights vs. dis- 3, 1992. The Convention on the Rights does not constitute an undue hardship ability justice and in-community of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was upon the individual landlord or employer. conversations about resistance adopted by the United Nations in 2006. They place the stressful financial burden strategies and building disability Some 177 countries have ratified it—​ of litigation, with rigid deadlines, on the justice within our movements.” but not the United States, which has disabled person. The CRPD treaty, on On Dec. 3, 2015, PPA/NYC- also failed to ratify human rights treaties the other hand, guarantees all accessible led protesters rocked New York Inside Macy’s Dec. 3, 2019. defending women, children and migrant accommodations—​unless they present City’s Penn Station during rush workers. an undue burden on the entire state and hour to protest the murder of Jeremy Square, Macy's and Penn Station to In 2019 the U.S. Senate once again not just the individual employer or land- McDole, a 28-year-old African-American demand fully accessible transportation for refused to ratify the CRPD. In the arti- lord. No obligation is placed on the dis- paraplegic who had been shot and killed all New Yorkers and real affordable hous- cle “Let’s Try Again: Why the United abled person to litigate. by police in Wilmington, Del., that Sept. ing and health care. Their flier read: “We States Should Ratify the United Nations Finally, the CRPD affirms the right of 23, while in his wheelchair. PPA/NYC fight, each to their ability, against the mur- Convention on the Rights of People with all people with disabilities to live in the leader and activist Terrea Mitchell, a der, mass incarceration, warehousing and Disabilities,” human rights attorney and community and have sufficient support woman with disabilities, led protesters institutionalization of people with disabili- professor Arlene S. Kanter explains why to guarantee such independence. Both through all the sections of Penn Station ties, especially Black and Brown folks.” the U.S. government continues to deny the ADA and the ADAAA, and many court with chants of “Jeremy McDole! Say his All these International Day of Persons equal rights and justice to disabled people. decisions diluting ADA/ADAAA rights, do name!” “Disabled people need decent jobs with Disabilities protests were supported Kanter notes that the Americans with not sufficiently protect this right. and quality health care, not police terror!” by many disabled individuals and orga- Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans and “Disabled Black lives matter!” nizations. Our allies include Workers with Disabilities Act as Amended International Day of Persons In 2017, PPA/NYC led activists who World Party and its Disability Justice and (ADAAA) limit the rights of people with with Disabilities Webinar streamed through the Macy’s depart- Rights Caucus, which has included Terrea disabilities by using a legal definition of On Dec. 3, the Peoples Power ment store on ramps between the floors Mitchell as a guest speaker on July 30 and disability that requires someone to have Assemblies/NYC is hosting a webinar for and through the aisles. When they Oct. 22 webinars. (tinyurl.com/y52pxv3m a “physical or mental impairment” that the International Day of Persons with reached a sizable clear space, they held an and tinyurl.com/y48u2dla) “substantially limits a major life activity,” Disabilities, the sixth annual action on impromptu indoor rally to make people Because of the COVID-19 pandemic or “a record of such an impairment.” that day. PPA’s Facebook post reads: aware of the difficulties faced by people and new restrictions on outdoor gather- This places the burden on the disabled “Over 50% of people murdered by with disabilities. ings for the disability justice and rights person to provide medical evidence to police are disabled, and a high percentage The next year, PPA/NYC targeted the movement, PPA/NYC will host a webinar prove disability. By contrast, the U.N.’s of those disabled people are neuro-diver- renovated subway station at 23rd Street on Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m. Contact PPA/NYC CRPD does not include any limited spe- gent Black and Brown folks. PPA is dedi- and 6th Avenue to protest the Metropolitan at [email protected] cific definition of disability nor require cated to fighting the oppression of people Transit Authority’s “tradition” of spending to get access information. To attend the medical proof. with disabilities. money on cosmetic renovations without PPA webinar: fb.me/e/fcvfzbk3F. The stated purpose of the ADA and “In this infamous year of 2020, we will spending a penny on accessibility for des- the ADAAA is to prohibit discrimination discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the perately needed elevators and more “eco- Yudelovich is an organizer with the against disabled people, one individual at a disabled community, white racism within nomical” use of wheelchair ramps. Only 20 Disability Justice and Rights Caucus time. The CRPD, however, goes beyond the disability community, the effects of rac- percent of New York City’s transit system is of Workers World Party with neu- anti-discrimination ADA model of equality ism on Black and Brown disabled folks, accessible for riders who are disabled, the rodivergent and auditory disabili- and acknowledges that “full participation who may also be GNC and/or LGBTQIA—​ worst in the U.S. ties. Our caucus can be contacted at by persons with disabilities will result in intersectionality and how capitalism, In 2019, PPA/NYC returned to Herald [email protected].

WW Commentary Harm reduction, not jails! By Princess Harmony The disease of addiction drives peo- Suboxone), methadone, naltrex- ple to use drugs in the most dangerous one (products such as Vivitrol), In addressing addiction, harm reduc- ways. That’s where safe injection sites and diacetylmorphine (commonly tion comes in many forms. Some include come in. Safe injection sites have nalox- known as heroin; heroin-assisted drug decriminalization, safe injection one (Narcan, Evzio), fentanyl test kits, treatment is legal in Canada and sites, spreading of Narcan and other and clean needles on hand. They per- elsewhere)—​it’s also important forms of naloxone, distribution of med- mit the user to use drugs safely, in a way for them to have access to steady icines for medication assisted treatment that keeps them from dying of an opioid supplies of pure drugs not tainted along with pure drugs, fentanyl test kits, overdose. with toxic fentanyl. In Canada, distribution of clean needles, and the A safe injection site was planned for Vancouver to be specific, organiza- diversion of methadone and buprenor- Philadelphia—a​ city singularly impacted tions dedicated to supporting and phine. We should examine every form of by the opioid epidemic. However, neigh- helping drug users have distrib- harm reduction, because understanding borhood complaints, and an outcry from uted pure drugs to their clientele. These simple overdose reduction CREDIT: PREVENTION POINT them is key to defeating the scourge that people who either don’t know or don’t With a supply of medications and kits, when used properly, save lives. is the disease of addiction. care that opioid use disorder (opioid pure drugs, people who use drugs It is important to remember that addic- addiction) is a disease, shut the project are at lesser risk for overdose and death. illegal, though the practice still continues tion is indeed a mental illness. Without down. In addition, the group behind the If pure drugs aren’t available, like in underground. understanding this, by treating it like a site is struggling with legal barriers that the United States, then the next best thing The most controversial harm reduction personal choice, it is impossible to have a impact its opening. is to test all drugs—​regardless of what activity is the diversion—​meaning the correct position on the subject. type they are—​for fentanyl. Fentanyl share and spread of “illicit” methadone Drug decriminalization is the most Lives can be saved! and fentanyl analogues (such as butyrfen- and buprenorphine. This harm reduction potent form of harm reduction. Under Narcan and Evzio save lives. This is just tanyl, acetylfentanyl, ohmefentanyl and activity is controversial because it breaks the current system, the “War on Drugs” a fact. By acquiring and sharing them—​ carfentanil) are often responsible for fatal the law and potentially could backfire, rightly frightens people into hiding their typically they can be acquired without the and nonfatal overdoses. When drug users although the practice is still a necessity drug use and into hiding completely. use of a prescription—these​ medications are given the ability to test their drugs, it for the survival of some drug users. Forcing people who use drugs to hide get into the hands of people who would saves them from overdose, complications Methadone, a very potent opioid ago- means they won’t take the steps necessary benefit from them. There are people who from overdose and death. nist, could cause some who do not have to keep themselves safe. are overdosing in the streets. Nonprofits and community collectives—​ the tolerance to go into a state of over- The War on Drugs is a failed system, It’s so important for people to know such as Project SAFE and Prevention Point dose. But the distribution of “illicit” but it is “successful” for the for-profit how to use Narcan/Evzio in case they Philadelphia—​are starting to embrace the methadone allows for people to avoid the prison owners. It gives them a steady encounter someone in that state of dis- idea of distributing fentanyl testing strips. pain of withdrawing, and opioid with- supply of people to cruelly enslave. Drug tress. The 2016 and 2017 deaths of the These strips may or may not be legal every- drawal can, infrequently, cause death. decriminalization, on the other hand, musicians Prince and Lil Peep, among where, but the reward of saving lives is well Buprenorphine has the benefit of having provides drug users the opportunity to the most recent deaths of celebrities to worth the risk. a ceiling effect, making it hard for people use drugs but also seek treatment with- addiction, could have been prevented if to overdose on it. Buprenorphine diver- out fear of imprisonment. The money that the people around them had, and knew Many tools are necessary sion is easier, too, as it’s prescribed like a has been used for imprisonment could be how to use, naloxone kits. The distribution of clean needles saves normal medicine and not distributed at a put towards drug treatment programs, People must have access to medica- people from getting illnesses like HIV clinic like methadone. where people would be able to turn away tion assisted treatment—​which includes and Hepatitis B and C. In some states To put it simply, methadone and from drugs. buprenorphine (products such as distribution of clean needles may be Continued on page 9 workers.org Dec. 3, 2020 Page 9 Biden’s appointees aim to restore pre-2016 Washington

By John Catalinotto some of the same advantages in a slightly different way. Blinken was one of the founders of WestExec in 2017, Even as #45 continues to bring lawsuits in a desperate along with Michèle A. Flournoy, who is on Biden’s short attempt to reverse the vote that should eject him from list for secretary of defense. WestExec’s website offers the White House on Jan. 20, the government office con- “unique geopolitical and policy expertise” to companies trolling expenses released funds allowing President-elect seeking to navigate “external factors and relationships Joe Biden to appoint staff and nominate officials. that affect businesses” in Washington and around the Biden’s earliest nominees and first appointments world. (New York Times Nov. 28.) brought few surprises to anyone who has followed his Haines also has worked as a consultant for WestExec, career or listened to his campaign speeches. The records as do other possible appointees being considered by the of the cabinet nominees, for example, show that the new Reps. Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez signed Biden administration. One of the companies WestExec administration will attempt to restore the pre-2016 role a petition to stop Biden from appointing ‘deficit hawk’ had as a client, Shield AI, makes surveillance drones. of U.S. imperialism. Since the decline of U.S. world hege- Bruce Reed as OMB head. The same Times article reports on this “revolving door” mony has accelerated, they are not likely to succeed. connecting government appointees with the military-in- It’s true that the Biden/Harris “team” will look more diplomat-talk into straight talk, this means U.S. imperi- dustrial complex. diverse than #45’s gang. alism has lost its former predominant position and needs Some of the more progressive elements in the The nominations point to a continuation of Obama to share some of the pillage with other imperialist powers Democratic Party are already raising opposition to these administration policies on domestic questions, which if it wants to keep the rest of the world subdued. appointments from WestExec. Also, Reps. Alexandria were pro-business and anti-immigrant – except for the Blinken called Europe “a vital partner” and has dis- Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar have signed a petition DACA program. missed the Trump administration’s plans to remove U.S. calling on Biden not to appoint an old crony, Bruce Biden’s foreign policy indicates a renewed attempt to troops from Germany, especially because “it weakens Reed, to head the the Office of Management and Budget include Washington’s imperialist allies in its plans to main- NATO, it helps Vladimir Putin, and it harms Germany, (OMB). Under Obama, Reed led demands for cuts in tain control of the world’s resources and the exploitation of our most important ally in Europe.” In other words, he Social Security and Medicare. workers worldwide. While more consistent than Trump’s thinks if the U.S. dismisses and disrespects German Another questionable nominee is Alejandro Mayorkas, policies, the new administration’s goals will be to recon- imperialism, it might push the German government into whom Biden has chosen to head the Department of quer areas of the world that had wrested some sovereignty making deals with Russia. Homeland Security. This nomination caused a stir in from imperialism during the period from about 1945 to the media, which emphasized Mayorkas’ background as 1991, when the Soviet Union existed. Avril Haines, DNI a Latinx immigrant who came to the U.S. as a young child Biden himself, first as a senator from Delaware and Biden named Avril Haines, a former deputy director and grew up in Los Angeles. later as vice president, supported the wars against of the CIA, as director of national intelligence (DNI). A Mayorkas’ Romanian mother took refuge in Cuba soon Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq, which is why his cab- recent article by CNN national security analyst Samantha after World War II. Talking of his father, the owner of a inet appointments should be no surprise. Vinograd described Haines as a reliable expert who steel wool factory who left Cuba with his family in 1960, wants to “depoliticize intelligence.” This is in reaction “He did not want to raise the family in a communist Antony Blinken, State Department to Trump’s dismissal of intelligence that doesn’t support country. He believed in democracy, and he understood Biden has nominated Antony Blinken, his longtime his choices and his appointment of cronies to top posi- the perils and the challenges of living otherwise.” (Los aide in the Senate, as secretary of state. According to tions in the spy agencies. Angeles Times, Nov. 23) Politico (Nov. 29), “In his roles in the NSC [National According to the Nov. 23 New York Times, Haines was While Mayorkas is expect to play a “centrist” role Security Council] under Obama and as deputy secretary “the architect of the Obama administration’s program tar- in the NSA, that statement positions him as a strong of state, Blinken advocated for more robust U.S. involve- geting terrorists with drones, some of which killed civil- anti-communist. ment in the Syria conflict, and notably broke with his ians.” The Times described her as having lots of experience Biden also nominated former chair of the Federal boss, Biden, to support the armed intervention in Libya. working with covert programs. Haines also strongly sup- Reserve Janet Yellen to be secretary of the treasury. He was also a close aide to Biden when the then-senator ported Trump’s CIA director, Gina Haspel, who carried out Yellen is known to be a “financial hawk” – someone ready supported the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.” and justified torturing prisoners during interrogation. at any time to cut social benefits. Politico says Blinken is a fierce believer in the trans- Many of the other appointees to staff positions that atlantic alliance and considers U.S. leadership in mul- Revolving doors of the MIC don’t need congressional approval worked in govern- tilateral institutions essential. In 2016 Blinken said, The Trump administration is notorious for using its ment under the Clinton, Bush or Obama administra- “Put simply, the world is safer for the American people role running the U.S. to enhance its business opportuni- tions. So far, anyone from the left has been frozen out. ☐ when we have friends, partners and allies.” Translating ties. Democratic Party officials have found a way to gain Capitalist crimes against seniors in nursing homes By Jim McMahan 100% of the poverty rate, and nearly half live below 200% of the federal poverty level income, according to As we are hit by a second wave of the pandemic, the PHI, a nonprofit that works to improve long-term care. causes of the 266,000 U.S. deaths of COVID-19 must (tinyurl.com/yyar6rwh) The median wage for direct- be exposed. It is not because of the virus alone that the care workers is only $20,200 a year. U.S. has become the world’s leader in number of deaths. Many more nursing and other health care work- It is the capitalist system and its for-profit health care ers need to be hired. Their wages need to be greatly industry. increased. We need support and solidarity for these This is especially true in the country’s nursing essential workers who daily put their lives on the line. homes, where 77,000 workers and residents have All the nursing homes that have been shuttered in recent died of COVID-19 this year. Nursing homes and other years need to be reopened and new facilities built. long-term care facilities house about 1% of the U.S. COVID-19 is a deadly disease, but the deadly disease population but have about 40% of COVID-19 deaths. of capitalism is worse. We need to fight for the Socialist (tinyurl.com/y423a84p) More than 1,300 nursing Demands of Workers World Party for the COVID-19 homes reported having three or more cases as of the first Health care workers—the majority Black and Latinx crisis, including “Free healthcare for all” and “Nationalize week of November. New cases are especially rising in the women--went on strike at nursing home and other long- the health care system under community control. Build Midwestern states with 1,473 in Illinois, 1,399 in Ohio, term care facilities at 11 Illinois locations on Nov. 23, here at emergency hospitals.” ☐ 1,353 in Texas and 1,206 in Missouri. Oak Lawn Rehabilitation Center. Large numbers of nursing homes report staff short- ages and are still struggling to get personal protective where a majority of nursing home residents were Black equipment and have workers and residents tested. The than if a majority were white. At 250 predominantly national stockpile for PPE is running low. Black homes, more than 2,200 residents have died from Harm reduction, not jails! Victoria Richardson is a staff assistant earning $14 COVID-19. Continued from page 8 an hour at Forest View Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, On top of the 77,000 COVID deaths caused by this run by Infinity Health Management in the Chicago area. ageist attack against seniors and workers in nursing buprenorphine diversion—despite​ their risks—are​ nec- Richardson lost her husband to cancer in September and homes, tens of thousands more have died because over- essary parts of a harm reduction model, because it saves struggles to pay her bills. burdened workers can’t give the care they need. For the user from going through overdose where the chances COVID-19 has killed 18 residents at Forest View. every two in long-term care who die consistent with of a fatal overdose on opioids like fentanyl are highest. After owners took away hazard pay and were not supply- the normal rate of death, it is estimated that one more Harm reduction is a set of tools—and​ a philosophy—​ ing adequate PPE, Richardson and 700 other members dies prematurely due to other causes. These are “excess that saves lives, especially the lives of opioid users. of the Service Employees union recently went on strike deaths.” (tinyurl.com/y46wjvuu) Marxist-Leninists, striving for a better society, should and won the hazard pay back and PPE! Since early in the pandemic, nursing home visitors support harm reduction, because it saves members of and government inspections have been halted — in nor- the proletariat from death and things like brain damage. Causes of death include racism, ageism, capitalism mal times nursing home residents have regular contact We should oppose laws that hold back harm reduction The epidemic has hit Black and other communities with people who can advocate for their safety. and put pressure on authorities to allow such tools to of color especially hard. A Washington Post study of two On top of that, nursing homes are extremely short- be used. ☐ dozen states found that the death rate was 20% higher staffed. At least 15% of direct-care workers live below Page 10 Dec. 3, 2020 workers.org

editorial Companies lie, workers strike back We are in the middle of an epic and health workers. The report found “employ- opportunities to make even more money 20 because of safety and pay issues relat- escalating pandemic in the U.S. There ers did not report more than one-third of out of people dying. ing to the company’s COVID-19 policies, are 200,000 new cases almost daily, and them to a state or federal OSHA office, Of course, the capitalist tendency to including workers being docked hun- deaths are accelerating. many based on internal decisions that sacrifice workers’ lives for the bottom dreds of dollars for time missed due to We all know this. What’s missing is the deaths were not work-related—​con- line occurs across all industries, not just quarantine. how to at least slow, if not stop, the tragic clusions that were not independently healthcare workers. And at an Amazon warehouse in losses that are hitting hardest the people reviewed.” (tinyurl.com/y393ndr2) For example, a retired autoworker told Bessemer, Ala., workers filed notice with in poverty, communities of color, people The report noted: “In California, pub- WW that autoworkers still on the job the National Labor Relations Board of their who are disabled, seniors, LGBTQ2S+ lic health officials have documented about report that their companies attribute plant plans to unionize the 1,500 full and part- people, and anyone marginalized in 200 healthcare worker deaths. Yet the cases to “community transmission”—​even time employees there. One of Amazon's accessing health care. state’s OSHA office received only 75 fatal- though close contact between thousands of newer warehouses, it has ramped up busi- As we the ordinary working people face ity reports at healthcare facilities through workers must be spiking infection. ness during the pandemic shopping surge, the crisis, what is Big Business doing? Oct. 26.” But workers everywhere are mobilizing adding to the company’s record-setting Making more money than ever by can- Health care bosses refuse to report against the murderous neglect and deliber- profits—​and setting up even more poten- celling hazard pay, refusing to supply PPE deaths, despite the certainty that front- ate sacrifice of their lives by Big Business. tial for COVID infection at the workplace. or virus tests to workers, docking work- line health care workers have a high risk In Puget Sound, Wash., a group of 200 (tinyurl.com/y2z76aa3, NPR, Nov. 25) ers’ pay for time lost in quarantine and of contracting COVID-19 at work. doctors and nurse practitioners went on The workers’ “Why a Union?” state- illness—​and pushing off blame for the Meanwhile, according to Axios, “a strike Nov. 23, for the first time, against ment on bamazonunion.org said: “With spreading illness onto workers. vast majority of health care companies increasing caseloads without proper PPE. a union contract, we can form a worker A Nov. 27 Guardian article reported are reporting profits that many people (Pay Day Report, Nov. 24) safety committee, and negotiate the high- a Kaiser Health News study showing a assumed would not have been possible On the same day in Oaklawn, Ill., and est safety standards and protocols for our deliberate pattern by business owners as the pandemic raged on.” (tinyurl.com/ 11 other locations across that state, 700 workplace.” of refusing to take responsibility for pre- yxolpjfg) certified nursing assistants, aides, house- Big Business is out to make profit from venting workplace transmission, in part Actually, Marxist economists and keepers and other workers struck over workers’ lives—​and deaths. Marxist eco- by not reporting COVID infections in communists could have predicted this unsafe working conditions and the can- nomics explains why this will always hap- their companies. (tinyurl.com/yxcq8jqt) spike in profits, as capitalists are legend- cellation of COVID hazard pay. pen—unless​ workers resist. “Lost on the Frontline” investigated ary for their ruthlessness in using crisis In rural Austinburg, Ohio, 200 ware- And during this pandemic emergency, over 240 deaths in tracking 1,413 frontline conditions—​like war or pandemic—​as house workers walked off the job on Nov. workers are striking back! ☐

U.S. role in assassination of Iranian scientist By Sara Flounders of conflict in the region. Powerful forces in the vast military and intelligence The targeted assassination of top Iranian physicist infrastructure are committed to the strictest form of U.S. and nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on Nov. 27, sanctions, hoping to unleash a wider war which would and Donald Trump's immediate approving Tweet, con- enormously profit the military-industrial complex. firm the determination of U.S. and Israeli rulers to sab- otage every possible effort for peace or normalization of Israeli role in attack relations with Iran or other countries in the region. The U.S. corporate media is crediting Israel with this The multi-pronged attack involved at least one explo- latest criminal attack. sion and small-arms fire by a number of assailants. The Zionists have always been more than willing to play Regardless of who the media blame, whether Israel the role of U.S. imperialism’s attack dog in the region. or the Washington-supported Iranian terrorist group In fact, Israel could not survive without the endless People's Mujahedin Organization, this latest act of stream of U.S. military, economic and diplomatic support. state-sponsored terrorism follows decades of U.S. sanc- Iranians mourn Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Tehran, Nov. 28. The U.S. has used its veto power against U.N. resolu- tions, sabotage, and assassinations against Iran, plus tions on Israel at least 43 times in recent decades. Total invasions and occupations of surrounding countries. scientific capabilities and development. U.S. aid to Israel from 1946 to 2018 amounted to $236 Almost a year ago, on Jan. 3, a U.S. drone assassinated Iran’s High Council for Human Rights denounced the billion. Almost all current U.S. aid to Israel is in the form a highly respected Iranian general, Qasem Suleimani, as atrocity as an outright violation of the country’s right to of military assistance. (“U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel,” Nov. he was traveling to Iraq with a peace proposal involving have access to science and technology in order to progress. 16, Federation of American Scientists, Congressional countries throughout the region. U.S. intelligence agencies U.S. violated nuclear agreement Research Service) were well aware of the peaceful purpose of his trip. U.S. agencies may claim little advance knowledge of Suleimani’s assassination confirmed that U.S. leaders Iran demonstrated the peaceful nature of its nuclear the assassination of Fakhrizadeh, but the Israeli and felt threatened by the possibility that the countries of program in 2015 by signing the Joint Comprehensive U.S. governments are the closest of allies and have long the region might arrive at peace or reconciliation among Plan of Action with six world powers — the U.S., Germany, shared intelligence regarding Iran. themselves. This new assassination of a top Iranian scien- France, Britain, Russia and China. Israel is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non- tist is a criminal provocation and a desperate attempt to The International Atomic Energy Agency has acknowl- Proliferation Treaty and has refused to either confirm lure Iran into a response leading to a wider war. edged Iran’s compliance with this onerous agreement, or deny the existence of nuclear weapons in its arse- Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program after subjecting its nuclear work to extensive and recur- nal. But according to the Center for Arms Control and is strictly for peaceful purposes, not weapons. Nuclear rent examinations. Non-Proliferation, “Israel is widely believed to possess technology today is a crucial part of industrial develop- After Iran kept its part of the agreement, the Trump 90 plutonium-based nuclear warheads and to have pro- ment and even medical progress. administration violated it in May 2018 and re-imposed duced enough plutonium for 100-200 weapons.” unilateral sanctions on Iran. Washington then demanded Thus it is sheer hypocrisy to lambaste Iran for its U.S. effort to block development that every other country also violate the agreement and peaceful development of nuclear energy. Never mentioned in the U.S. media is that Fakhrizadeh impose sanctions on Iran. This illegal unilateral action was a pioneer in Iran’s effort to combat the novel coro- outraged even other imperialists who conduct profitable Will Biden be different? navirus. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif business with Iran. Michèle Flournoy, apparently President-elect Biden’s described this crucial role: “One of the latest services The incoming Biden administration wants to revive top choice for Secretary of Defense, is a well-known of Martyr Fakhrizadeh was his outstanding role in the the agreement – but not to end attempts to strangle Iran. war hawk. As a Defense Department official in both the development of the first indigenous COVID-19 test kit, Rather, it aims to restore relations with imperialist allies Clinton and Obama administrations, Flournoy had a key which is a great contribution to our national efforts in who have been snubbed and insulted by Trump. role in the criminal U.S. wars in Libya and Syria and the curbing the COVID-19 pandemic at a time when Iran is U.S. imperialists are also concerned that Iran’s continuing war in Afghanistan. under inhumane sanctions of the United States, strictly expanding trade with China and Russia is undermining Flournoy has written countless policy papers promoting preventing our access to humanitarian goods includ- U.S. dominance in the region and limiting the impact of higher military spending, renewed military threats against ing medicines and medical equipment.” (tinyurl.com/ sanctions. Iran, and larger plan for transforming the U.S. military y259rl9f) A staged provocation through trillion-dollar long-term investments in new Fakhrizadeh headed the Iranian Defense Ministry’s weapons technology, Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research. He The latest attack is understood internationally. Both the outgoing Trump administration and the trained many researchers to find ways to scientifically Mark Fitzpatrick, former State Department nonpro- incoming Biden administration are determined to con- advance Iran, especially for defense. He helped apply liferation official, tweeted: “The reason for assassinat- tinue the sanctions and war against Iran. The only differ- lasers to the detection of invading aircraft. ing Fakhrizadeh wasn’t to impede Iran’s war potential, ences revolve around how best to proceed. Four other senior Iranian scientists have been assas- it was to impede diplomacy.” (New York Times, Nov. 29) It is up to anti-imperialist forces in the U.S. and around sinated over the past decade. Others were injured in Even former CIA Director John O. Brennan said the the world to challenge this continuing assault against Iran. assassination attempts. Targeted assassinations and assassination of the Iranian scientist was “an act of The sanctions, assassinations and military encirclement economic sanctions are meant to deprive countries of state-sponsored terrorism” that could ignite a new round are a threat to both Iran and the people of the world. ☐ workers.org Dec. 3, 2020 Page 11

General strike Greek workers respond to government’s attacks

By G. Dunkel Greece held infections low during the first COVID-19 wave in Europe, In big cities like Athens and with just hundreds of cases and doz- Thessaloníki, and smaller ones like ens of deaths. However, starting at the Larissa and Patras, workers in Greece end of October, cases and deaths began struck and marched by the thousands to spike. As of Nov. 29, Greece, whose Diego Maradona, wearing Che Guevara shirt, referred to Fidel Castro as a “second father to Nov. 26 to defend workers’ wages and population is just over 10 million, has him” following Fidel’s death in 2016. benefits. Their actions defied govern- 104,722 cases and 2,321 deaths, accord- ment restrictions, made under the pre- ing to the Worldometer website. text of responding to COVID-19, which Videos and pictures, as posted on the Argentinian Diego Maradona ¡Presente! limit gatherings of more than three PAME website and Flickr albums, show people. that the Nov. 26 protests complied The Greek government has intro- with proper COVID-19 precautions. Bolivarian soccer genius duced bills into parliament, at the Protesters were masked and, except behest of big business, which require those carrying banners, observed By Danny Shaw and William Camacaro These heroic acts sealed Diego’s destiny workers to accept a 10-hour work day proper distances. as an enormously popular figure combatting while only getting paid for 8 hours, PAME is calling on all workers to react This excerpted article first appeared on neocolonialism. To beat England in Latin along with substantially lower wages to the government and employer attack, Council on Hemispheric Affairs on Nov. 26. America was to exact revenge on the invad- and Sunday work. Social security will to leave no one out of this struggle, to dis- (tinyurl.com/coha-diego) ing enemy. be privatized, along with public facili- miss all fear, intimidation and pessimism ties such as transportation systems. and let the strike message reach every- The fighting peoples of the world lost a The front lines in the battle of ideas A decade of austerity imposed by the where, every workplace! (tinyurl.com/ humble legend on Nov. 25. Diego Armando In 2000, an overweight and beleaguered IMF and the big European and U.S. yylcnkoj) Maradona was 60 years old. Arguably the Maradona travelled to Cuba to treat his drug banks has shrunk Greece’s economy by In November before the general greatest soccer player to ever grace the addiction. Fidel Castro visited him in his at least 25%. The impact of COVID-19 strike, a struggle broke out around pitches, the spirited striker combined unpar- worst moments and helped take care of him. has produced a 10.5% drop in its GDP in commemorating the 1973 occupation alleled skills in his sport and an unflinching The Cuban president took off his military coat 2020. The Greek capitalists need every of Athens Polytechnic University. At outspokenness before oppression. No other and gave it to the patient. Maradona said he euro they can extort from Greek workers. that time, a coalition of students and sports figure’s public statements and trans- adored Fidel, because he was “genuine and Dozens of union federations, formation have equally captured the chang- cared about human problems that others labor centers and trade unions ing momentum across Latin America. brushed aside.” across the country went on He embraced the peoples of Cuba, The down-and-out “wretched of the strike, responding to the call Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Nicaragua, earth” was not rejected in Havana; he was from the All Workers Militant Argentina and more, by developing deep accepted, treated like a dignified human Front (PAME). Among them friendships with Fidel, Raúl, Lula, Evo, being and loved. are federations of hospital doc- Hugo, Nicolás, Daniel, the Kirchners and The same year, Japan denied Maradona tors and other medical workers, many more. a visa because of strict laws barring any- construction workers, workers Maradona was for the people of South body from the country who had a history in the pharmaceutical industry, Greek demonstrators, maintaining social distance, America what Muhammad Ali was for Black with drugs. Today, however, past and pres- and the labor centers of Athens, commemorate the 1973 Greek student revolt America. ent Japanese soccer players pay tribute to Piraeus, Patras and dozens of against the former military dictatorship. Maradona. other cities. The Falklands War The Bolivarian Revolution was advancing The unions representing marine work- workers was protesting the military When a Spanish player hurled racist across Latin America and had recently paid ers — particularly important in a country dictatorship led by army colonels, who epithets at him because of his Indigenous off Argentina’s foreign debt. Hugo Chávez with so many islands — held a 24-hour had acted in a U.S.-NATO plot to seize ancestry, Maradona headbutted him, lead- traveled to Argentina to contest the inter- nationwide strike in all ship categories, power in April 1967. ing to a brawl that was broadcast before ventionist and free trade agenda of the U.S. while the workers of the Athens urban The military used tanks then to crush King Juan Carlos, in front of 100,000 leader. La Plata river divided the two coun- transport also participated in the strike. the university occupation, which had fans in the stadium, and with half of Spain tries and the two sides of history. PAME has demanded benefits — gained a tremendous amount of popu- watching on television. Rising to the historical occasion, with without terms and conditions — for all lar support. The reaction to this mas- Maradona, 22 years old at the time, was Diego by his side donning a “Stop Bush” unemployed workers, revoking all ille- sacre led to the fall of the Colonels’ radicalized by England’s 1982 Falklands War T-shirt, the Venezuelan leader famously gal layoffs during this COVID-19 period dictatorship in 1974. assault on his homeland, known in Latin chanted: “El que no brinca es yankee.” (If you and ending any further job furloughs. The commemoration of the America as “la guerra de las Malvinas” and don’t jump you’re an imperialist.) Maradona PAME and the unions supporting its Polytechnic occupation has drawn “la guerra del Atlántico Sur.” gave credence to Evo Morales’ catch phrase: call also demand no cuts in employ- thousands of supporters in past years, Causing untold agony and trauma, hun- “the empire stands with the right wing, foot- ment rights and a moratorium on bank but the current right-wing government dreds of soldiers died on both sides, and ball stands with the left.” payments, along with free electricity, tried to ban the traditional march from numerous veterans committed suicide for This was the battle of ideas Castro spoke of. gas, water and communication services the Polytechnic to the U.S. embassy. years after. Reagan’s U.S. claimed to be The mainstream press is also remember- for workers in quarantine. A coalition of the social-democratic a “mediator,” but stayed faithful to their ing the football titan but consciously shy- Syriza, which led the government from junior colonial partner led by the ultracon- ing away from his political commitments. Health workers’ demands 2015 until July last year, the Greek servative Margaret Thatcher. Like the political leaders he so admired, Protesting health workers have Communist Party (KKE) and Mera25, This was the backdrop of the 1986 [quarter­ Maradona never expressed ire towards demanded more hospital beds, includ- founded by former finance minister final] showdown between the two countries, the people of the United States, but rather ing intensive care units, additional Yannis Varoufakis, put up such a storm without diplomatic relations, at the World towards its political elites who thought they diagnostics and laboratory centers, as of protest that even the conservative Cup in Mexico City. Argentina was South were “the county sheriff.” well as the mass recruitment of doctors Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotaki had America, and South America was Argentina. Through the years of the Pink Tide, of all specialties and nursing staff. A key to lay a wreath at the Polytechnic. Maradona famously scored a crafty goal, Maradona was a regular on television pro- demand is that the government ensure Greek workers continue to protest for where slow motion highlights show he grams and at rallies with Luiz Inácio Lula sufficient infrastructure and personal their rights and lives despite the reac- illegally used his hand to redirect the ball da Silva, Daniel Ortega, José “Pepe” Mujica protective equipment. tionary regime and the pandemic. ☐ into the English net. When the English and other anti-imperialist figures of the team accused him after the game at the continent. press conference of cheating by using his Last year, following a coaching win in hand, he responded that “sería la mano de April, he stated, “I want to dedicate this vic- Crecientes amenazas contra dios,” “it must have been the hand of god.” tory to Nicolás Maduro and all Venezuelans, (tinyurl.com/y4zfrdjo) Sports analysts who are suffering. These Yankees, the sher- hogares de los obreros applauded the “picardía” or Argentine cun- iffs of the world, think just because they Continúa de la página 12 por mantenerse a flote y evitar las catás- ningness behind the maneuver. The second have the world’s biggest bomb they can trofes que traería la falta de vivienda, la goal was a miracle of human athletic skill. push us around. But no, not us.” Hay predicciones de que se presenta- gran burguesía de este país lo está bien. Maradona made a full sprint, starting on rán hasta 4,1 millones de casos de des- Business Insider (30 de octubre) estima the Argentinian side, far from the English Danny Shaw and William Camacaro alojo en el primer mes de 2021. Y la orden que los multimillonarios estadouniden- goalkeeper, and clearing a path through are the senior research fellow and senior de los CDC y la Ley CARES simplemente ses aumentaron su riqueza en medio a minefield of English defenders, to exe- analyst, respectively at the Council on pospusieron la fecha de vencimiento del billón (millón de millones) de dólares en cute a stunning goal that went down in Hemispheric Affairs. Fred Mills and Patricio alquiler; las medidas no perdonaron la 2020, mientras que 40 millones de tra- sports history as “the goal of the century.” Zamorano contributed as co-editors. deuda de alquiler. bajadores estadounidenses solicitaron (tinyurl.com/yxkg6gn7) Mientras muchos inquilinos luchan un seguro de desempleo. ☐ Correspondencia sobre artículos en Workers World/Mundo Obrero pueden ser enviadas a: [email protected]

¡Proletarios y oprimidos de todos los paises unios! workers.org Vol. 62 Núm. 49 3 de diciembre 2020 $1 Las trabajadoras están al frente de la huelga de todo India de 250 millones de trabajadorxs, 26 de noviembre. Crímenes de lesa humanidad: ¡Acusamos de genocidio! El viernes 20 de noviembre, se diagnos- misericordia, para las personas que viven más grandes: las personas negras, indíge- racista: tinyurl.com/y63w2fzc) ticaron más de 200.000 casos nuevos de aquí. No hay plan para millones de perso- nas y latinas en los EE.UU. tienen una tasa La petición de la CDC definió el geno- COVID-19 en los EE.UU. ¡En solo ese día! nas sin trabajo, que enfrentan el desalojo de mortalidad por COVID-19 del triple o cidio de EE.UU. como “la creación deli- Desde que el o la ejecución hipotecaria, más que los estadounidenses blancos, que berada de condiciones que provocan la virus comenzó a que pasan hambre e incluso experimentan las tasas más bajas ajustadas muerte prematura, la pobreza y la enfer- viajar por el país que mueren de hambre en por edad”. (tinyurl.com/y9l4v9xm) medad, incluido el asesinato de personas a fines de enero, editorial este momento. En un artículo de Workers World/Mundo negras desarmadas a manos de la policía y al principio sin Y no hay plan para dete- Obrero del 15 de septiembre, “COVID y la linchamientos, y la falta de la misma cali- ser detectado, más de 260.000 perso- ner la pandemia, excepto una vacuna aún gente de color: ¿es un genocidio todavía?”, dad de atención médica, trabajos, educa- nas han muerto en los EE.UU. y más de no disponible que sin duda irá primero a Teresa Gutiérrez conecta los ataques mor- ción y vivienda como los blancos”. 12.250.000 personas han contraído la quienes pueden pagarla y tal vez nunca a tales del capitalismo: “Sustituya el ‘corona- Archivada en virtud de la Convención de enfermedad. (worldometer.com) los más oprimidos, que morirán antes de virus’ con la mayoría de las enfermedades las Naciones Unidas sobre el Genocidio, la Reportes se han extendido de que las que llegue a su vecindario. u otras condiciones sociales nefastas como petición definía “genocidio” como “actos morgues de la ciudad estaban abruma- el desempleo, la gentrificación, el hambre cometidos para destruir, total o parcial- das por los cuerpos y los hospitales que La guerra contra los oprimidos o calamidades sociales más amplias como mente, un grupo nacional, étnico o reli- se quedan sin espacio para tratamiento, y los trabajadores el cambio climático, y allí también las per- gioso”, incluido “matar a miembros del ya que las tasas de infección aumentan en Estamos en medio de una guerra a sonas de color serán las más afectadas. En grupo”, “causar graves daños corporales casi todos los estados. muerte que va en contra de la gente opri- otras palabras, las personas de color son las o daño mental a los miembros del grupo”, Estamos en medio de una carnicería mida y trabajadora en los Estados Unidos. más afectadas por cada maldita calamidad e “infligir deliberadamente al grupo con- mucho, mucho más mortal que la que Nombrar este genocidio no es una exage- capitalista. COVID-19 ha expuesto el hecho diciones de vida calculadas para provo- sufrieron los soldados estadounidenses ración, como lo expone el foco de atención de que la actual infraestructura global del car su destrucción física total o parcial”. durante las guerras del siglo XX. En 11 de estos números. capitalismo, bajo la cual vive la mayoría de (tinyurl.com/y3lmtfvv) meses, le cifra de muertes por COVID en El mayor peso de la pandemia en los la gente, no solo es incapaz de abordar la La Convención tipifica el genocidio los Estados Unidos es cuatro veces mas que EE.UU. está recayendo sobre los afroa- pandemia, sino que la agrava”. como un delito punible según el derecho los soldados muertos durante los 11 años de mericanos, latinos e indígenas. Y los que internacional, ya sea que se cometa “en la guerra contra Vietnam. Y las muertes por se enferman, mueren y se ven afectados Los crímenes de la clase tiempo de paz o en tiempo de guerra”. coronavirus en el país pronto superarán las de manera desproporcionada también dominante estadounidense A través y durante la epidemia de 290.000 muertes de soldados estadouni- son aquellos que tienen problemas para Acusamos al gobierno de los Estados coronavirus, la clase dominante de los denses en batalla durante los cuatro años acceder a la atención médica en cualquier Unidos, y a su clase dominante, de geno- EE.UU., junto con su gobierno capitalista, de conflicto de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. circunstancia: personas discapacitadas, cidio y crímenes de lesa humanidad por está librando una guerra no declarada y (Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos personas pobres, personas en prisión, negarse a dar una respuesta efectiva a la muy real contra los oprimidos y los tra- de EE.UU., “America’s Wars”) personas queer y trans. pandemia de COVID-19. bajadores de este país, incluido el uso de Estas cifras son una acusación con- APM Research Lab en su informe del 12 Volvemos a plantear las acusaciones la policía y el terror de ICE. denatoria de la llamada “democracia” de noviembre, “El color del coronavirus”, contra Estados Unidos formuladas en 1951 ¡Así que acusamos de genocidio! estadounidense que supuestamente se documentó: “Los afroamericanos conti- por el Congreso de Derechos Civiles (CDC), ¡Acusamos crímenes de lesa humanidad! libraron para defender esas guerras. Las núan experimentando las tasas reales de afiliado al Partido Comunista de Estados Decimos “¡Adelante!” en el camino cifras revelan los continuos crímenes de mortalidad por COVID-19 más altas en Unidos. Dirigido por ilustres activistas hacia el socialismo, donde las muertes un gobierno creado para gobernar, desde todo el país, aproximadamente dos o más afroamericanos, incluido el Dr. W.E.B. de los trabajadores y los oprimidos no se sus inicios, a través del colonialismo, el veces más altas que la tasa de los blancos... DuBois, Claudia Jones, Paul Robeson y juzguen inevitables, donde el gobierno capitalismo y el imperialismo. que tienen las tasas reales más bajas”. Mary Church Terrell, el CDC presentó: no se estructura para lucrase con la gente Ahora, en medio de una crisis de salud Cuando APM ajustó las tasas de mortalidad “Acusamos de genocidio: la petición histó- sino para satisfacer nuestras necesidades. mundial, vemos que esta empresa esta- para las diferencias en la distribución por rica a la ONU para el alivio de un crimen de Avancemos paso a paso implacable, hasta dounidense con fines de lucro no tiene edad de las poblaciones, encontró “dispa- los Estados Unidos contra el pueblo negro”. llegar al lugar donde el poder del pueblo ayuda organizada, eficaz y oportuna, ni ridades de mortalidad documentadas aún (Advertencia de activación, violencia crea un mundo sano y liberado. ☐ Crecientes amenazas contra hogares de los obreros

Por G. Dunkel encima de 743.000, un salto con respecto Hubo mucha confusión sobre estas a la semana anterior, y hubo 320.000 restricciones. Los propietarios e inqui- En marzo y abril, más de 22 millones reclamos presentados ante los programas linos tuvieron problemas para encon- de trabajadores en los Estados Unidos federales de desempleo. Esto no indica una trar información; Se requirió un papeleo perdieron sus trabajos. Hasta ahora, la recuperación económica real con la crea- complejo para demostrar que la imposi- tambaleante recuperación económica ha ción de más puestos de trabajo. bilidad de pagar estaba relacionada con traído retornado a 12 millones, pero 10 El tiempo que un trabajador desem- COVID. Algunos propietarios recurrieron millones de trabajadores, el 90% de ellos pleado recibe los beneficios y lo que les a desalojos “privados” (cambiar cerradu- en el sector de servicios mal remunera- sucede cuando se agotan, varía de un Un edificio de apartamentos, de alquiler ras, quitar la puerta principal, detener el dos, todavía no tienen trabajo. estado a otro. La prioridad del gobierno controlado, Washington, DC. mantenimiento, contratar matones), la La mayoría de estos trabajadores son es evitar que los trabajadores obtengan mayoría de los cuales son ilegales porque mujeres. La pérdida de empleos en el sector beneficios estatales de manera fraudu- director gerente del centro. Este es otro conducen a conflictos y violencia. de servicios y la educación a distancia han lenta, no garantizar que los trabajado- reflejo del racismo sistémico en la socie- Los Centros para el Control de tenido un impacto importante en las muje- res obtengan lo que les corresponde. En dad estadounidense. Enfermedades intervinieron y restrin- res negras y latinas; al menos 824.000 algunos estados, los beneficios de los tra- Habrá consecuencias económicas gieron los desalojos con el argumento de mujeres latinas han dejado la fuerza labo- bajadores se han retrasado cuando sus importantes de esta crisis. El Banco de que contribuirían a la emergencia sanita- ral desde febrero. (NYT, 3 de noviembre) reclamaciones se marcan erróneamente la Reserva Federal de Filadelfia ha esti- ria actual. Varios estados e incluso algunas Es difícil tener una imagen real de lo como fraudulentas. mado que los inquilinos de EE.UU. debe- ciudades aprobaron restricciones similares. que está sucediendo en el mercado laboral rán aproximadamente $7,2 mil millones Incluso en estados como Arizona y y la economía en general porque las con- Desalojos masivos en el horizonte en alquiler para diciembre. Si bien los Arkansas, donde las protecciones para diciones y las políticas están cambiando Una cosa está clara. Esta pandemia desalojos no compensan los alquileres los inquilinos son escasas, los desalojos muy rápidamente. No está claro cuántos está afectando mucho a los inquilinos atrasados, sí les dan a los propietarios un supervisados por la corte se redujeron desempleados a largo plazo, (más de 26 de bajos ingresos. El Centro Conjunto de atisbo de los ingresos futuros. drásticamente y, en ocasiones, los des- semanas) hay, porque la tasa de partici- Estudios de Vivienda de la Universidad Existe una gran posibilidad de que alojos “privados” se revirtieron. Aún así, pación en la fuerza laboral (el porcentaje de Harvard informa que más de la mitad comience un tsunami de desalojos en el Laboratorio de Desalojos de Princeton de la población en edad de trabajar que de los inquilinos que ganan menos de enero del 2021. La Ley CARES, el pro- ha contabilizado más de 100.000 solici- trabaja o busca activamente empleo) es $25.000 al año perdieron sus salarios yecto de ley de alivio de la pandemia que tudes de desalojo durante la pandemia en muy baja, incluso más baja que durante entre marzo y septiembre. “Mientras que el Congreso aprobó en marzo, prohibía las 25 ciudades que rastrea. Sin embargo, la Gran recesión del 2008. el 15% de los arrendatarios blancos en los desalojos en edificios con una hipo- estas prohibiciones contra los desalojos Para la semana que finalizó el 14 de ese nivel de ingresos están atrasados, el teca garantizada por el gobierno federal: están programadas para expirar el 31 de noviembre, los reclamos iniciales por des- 25% de los arrendatarios negros e hispa- aproximadamente la mitad del mercado diciembre. empleo estatal estuvieron ligeramente por nos están atrasados”, dijo Chris Herbert, de inquilinos estaba cubierto. Continúa en la página 11