Un conflicto amargo amargo 12 Desafíos 12

Workers and oppressed peoples of the world unite! workers.org Vol. 62, No. 5 Jan. 30, 2020 $1 Iraqi protests demand U.S. troops get OUT! By John Catalinotto be considered “hostile to Iraq.” The New York Times of Jan. 24 reported Hundreds of thousands— ​maybe that many marchers carried signs in millions— ​of Iraqis demonstrated in English aimed at the U.S. public such as: Baghdad, Basra and other major Iraqi “To the families of American soldiers. cities on Jan. 24. They demanded the Insist on the withdrawal of your sons from U.S. pull its remaining 5,200 troops out our country or prepare their coffins.” of Iraq. U.S. imperialism has occupied The reasons for the hatred of the U.S. Iraq since the 2003 illegal invasion of the occupation should be easy to understand: country, carried out under the phony pre- From 1990 to 2003, strict U.S. sanctions text that the Iraqi government was devel- against Iraq caused the death of 1.5 mil- oping “weapons of mass destruction.” lion Iraqis, including 500,000 children The demonstrators, who approached the under the age of five. The 2003 U.S.-led “Green Zone” where the U.S. Embassy is invasion and occupation killed hundreds located, waved the Iraqi flag and shouted: Massive anti-U.S. outpouring in Baghdad, Jan. 24. of thousands more Iraqis and displaced “Out, out with the occupier!” and “Yes to millions. Also, the U.S. exacerbated reli- sovereignty.” Iraq Security Forces esti- took place three weeks after Washington opposition has grown stronger since the gious and ethic differences that virtually mated the crowd at 250,000. Other esti- murdered Iranian General Qassem assassination of the two leaders. The destroyed Iraqi society. mates reached as high as 2.5 million. Soleimani and Iraqi military leader Abu Iraqi people fear and resist having Iraq Parallel to the movement led by Organizations associated with the Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike. be the scene for a military confrontation Al-Sadr, a massive movement over the influential Shiite leader Muktada al-Sadr While the Iraqi population in general between the U.S. and Iran. In response to past months has been protesting cor- initiated and organized the protest. It opposes the U.S. troop presence, this the assassinations, the Iraqi Parliament ruption within the Iraqi government and voted to expel the U.S. troops from their demanding Iraqi sovereignty. Al-Sadr country on Jan. 6. withdrew his prior support for this 47 years after Roe v. Wade At the Jan. 24 demonstration in movement right after the Jan. 24 demon- Baghdad, a spokesperson for Al-Sadr read stration. Iraqi government forces then the Shiite leader’s statement demanding severely repressed anti-government dem- the withdrawal of U.S. troops, the can- onstrators on Jan. 25 and 26. Fight continues for cellation of “security agreements” with Despite the internal contradictions Washington and the closure of Iraqi air- in Iraqi society— ​which if underesti- space to military aircraft. He warned the mated would lead to political errors— a​ reproductive justice U.S. president not to be arrogant toward large majority of Iraqis share opposition Iraqi representatives, saying that if the to the ongoing U.S. occupation of their U.S. did not meet the demands, it would country. ☐ By Sue Davis racist, anti-LGBTQ2+ Trump in control of the state. The 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Trump took a bold step on Jan. 24 the Supreme Court decision that legal- by being the first acting president to We say NO to imperialist war! 2, 6-7 ized women’s right to choose abortion, address the so-called “March for Life” in was Jan. 22. While religious anti-abor- Washington, D.C. The reactionary, white tion forces have been trying to overturn supremacist march has been organized by it ever since, the threat has never been the Catholic Church-backed, misnamed greater— ​especially with woman-hater, Continued on page 5

Honoring King’s radical legacy

Seattle march 4

Oakland Moms win 7 Philadelphia, Jan. 25 Global Day of Protest. WW PHOTOS: JOE PIETTE

Editorial Delbert Africa Bolton, Trump & impeachment 10 speaks out 3 Subscribe to Workers World ☐ 4 weeks trial FREE ☐ 1 year subscription $36 ☐  Sign me up for the WWP Supporter Program: workers.org/donate Venezuelan Embassy Name ______Protectors head to court 9 Email ______Phone ______

Street ______City / State / Zip ______India 6 France 8 Workers World Weekly Newspaper workers.org 147 W. 24th St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011 212.627.2994 Puerto Rico 8 China 11 Page 2 Jan. 30, 2020 workers.org Buffalo, N.Y. Police, private security try this week to suppress antiwar rally ◆ In the U.S. State of struggle for reproductive justice . . . . . 1 By Nigel Bouvart National Lawyers Guild legal observer. Police, security try to suppress antiwar rally . . . 2 Buffalo, N.Y. Several protesters intervened when the guard attempted Following release: Delbert Africa speaks . . . . . 3 to place the NLG observer in a headlock and finally freed Delbert Africa: Free! ...... 3 In conjunction with actions in the U.S. and internation- them from the guard’s grasp. Around a dozen cars from ally, some 50 anti-war activists demonstrated Jan. 25 in the Buffalo Police Department soon arrived, including Houston: Fight for fair pay for construction workers 4 the Canalside district of the Buffalo harbor on Lake Erie. officers wielding billy clubs and lieutenants who ordered Seattle: 10,000 march to honor MLK ...... 4 The activists called for an end to U.S. aggression against protesters out of the street and off the adjacent Metro light Significant win for Clark College faculty . . . . . 4 Iran and for U.S. withdrawal of all military personnel from rail line. Women's liberation must be anti-capitalist . . . .5 the entire Middle East region. In the end, no arrests were made, and the Buffalo Protesters chanted “Iran wants peace, U.S. out of the AntiWar coalition is determined to continue demonstrat- Jan. 25: Protests against U.S. war ...... 6 Middle East,” “1 2 3 4, we won’t fight a rich man’s war” ing whenever and wherever necessary. UNAC Conference: Unite the antiwar movement! . 7 and “Not U.S. land, not U.S. oil, U.S. off Iraqi soil!” Several The successful demonstration was organized by the Oakland Moms 4 Housing win ...... 7 gave speeches against U.S. imperialism, the devastating Buffalo Antiwar Coalition, which includes WWP-Buffalo, Embassy Protectors speak in New York . . . . . 9 repercussions of U.S. wars abroad for people at home and IAC-Buffalo, Western New York Peace Center, Green of the desire for peace that the people of Iran share with Party of Erie County, Veterans for Peace 128, DSA-Buffalo, Embassy Protectors face court: A trial of our times . 9 people in the U.S. U.S. Friends of the Soviet People-Buffalo and U.S. Peace When protesters attempted to march around the block, Council-Buffalo. ☐ they were intercepted by private security forces employed ◆ Around the world by LECOM Harborcenter, Iraqi protests demand U.S. troops get out . . . . 1 the property of natural Worldwide protests slam Modi’s anti-Muslim law .6 gas billionaires, Terry and Kim Pegula. Activists were French say ‘No!’ to attack on retirement plan . . . 8 falsely informed that the Puerto Ricans protest undistributed 2017 supplies . 8 Harbor sidewalk was pri- China mobilizes to combat coronavirus ...... 11 vate property and told to immediately step into the ◆ Editorials busy street. Trump, Bolton and the impeachment process . . 10 While demonstrators attempted to determine Washington embraces Bolivia’s rightists . . . . .10 if this was a legal order, ◆ Noticias en Español a security guard pushed one protester, first into Un conflicto amargo ...... 12 the street and then into a Desafíos ...... 12 parked vehicle. The guard then began shouting at a Buffalo, N.Y. WW PHOTO: ELLIE DORRITIE Workers World 147 W. 24th St., 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10011 Join us in the fight Phone: 212.627.2994 E-mail: [email protected] for socialism! Web: www.workers.org Vol. 62, No. 5 • Jan. 30, 2020 Workers World Party is a revolutionary Marxist-Leninist people are gunned down by cops and bigots on a regular Closing date: Jan 29, 2020 party inside the belly of the imperialist beast. We are a basis. multinational, multigenerational and multigendered orga- The ruthless ruling class today seeks to wipe out Editor: Deirdre Griswold nization that not only aims to abolish capitalism, but to decades of gains and benefits won by hard-fought strug- Managing Editors: John Catalinotto, Martha Grevatt, build a socialist society because it’s the only way forward! gles by people’s movements. The super-rich and their Monica Moorehead, Minnie Bruce Pratt Capitalism and imperialism threaten the peoples of the political representatives have intensified their attacks on Web Editors: ABear, Harvey Markowitz, Janet Mayes world and the planet itself in the neverending quest for the multinational, multigender and multigenerational ever-greater profits. working class. It is time to point the blame at—and chal- Production & Design Editors: Gery Armsby, Sasha Capitalism means war and austerity, racism and lenge—the capitalist system. Mazumder, Scott Williams repression, attacks on im/migrants, misogyny, LGBTQ2+ WWP fights for socialism because the working class Copyediting and Proofreading: Paddy Colligan, oppression and mistreatment of people with disabilities. produces all wealth in society, and this wealth should Sue Davis, S. 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Subscription information is at workers.org. 284 Amory St. 216.738.0320 [email protected] [email protected] Boston, MA 02130 [email protected] Periodicals postage paid at New York, N.Y. Pensacola, Fla. Washington, D.C. 617.522.6626 Dallas [email protected] [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to [email protected] [email protected] Workers World, 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl. Portland, Ore. West Virginia New York, N.Y. 10011. [email protected] [email protected] workers.org Jan. 30, 2020 Page 3 Following release from prison Delbert Africa speaks By Betsey Piette on me, beating me. Their excuse was to Philadelphia claim I was armed, but I had removed my shirt and was naked from the waist up.” A historic press conference was held at the Kingsessing Library in West Supporters shout: ‘On the MOVE!’ Philadelphia on Jan. 21 to officially wel- “At the hospital they removed the shot- come home MOVE 9 activist Delbert gun pellet from my chest without using Africa from his over 41-year imprison- anesthesia,” Delbert stated. “But when ment. The room was packed with press, I finally got moved to the Round House MOVE supporters and several people [police headquarters], there were liter- who had witnessed the police siege and ally 20 or more people from the neigh- attack on MOVE’s Powelton Village home borhood yelling, ‘On the MOVE!’” that led to Delbert’s 1978 arrest. MOVE 9 members were sentenced col- Pam Africa, Minister of Confrontation lectively in connection with the death of for the MOVE organization, stated, Police Officer James Ramp, who was off- “While this was the first press confer- duty then and had not been assigned to ence we’re having concerning Delbert’s the scene. release, there will be more press con- “We thought he came there for the ferences as we have more people com- chance to kill some Black folks,” Delbert From left to right: Fred Hampton, Jr., Yvonne Orr-El, Delbert Africa, WW PHOTO: JOE PIETTE ing home.” Several speakers noted that Ramona Africa and Pam Africa speaking at Jan. 21 press conference. said. “On Aug. 9 and Aug. 10, newspapers MOVE 9 member Chuck Africa expects reported that firemen who were facing our to be released soon. Court appeals for good—any​ questions?” He contrasted his together. The judge who sentenced us in house complained about gunfire coming Mumia Abu-Jamal are in progress. experience of four decades of imprison- 1978 threatened us as a family. He gave in from behind them. None of the MOVE Pam Africa introduced MOVE members ment with being in the midst of family, us 30 to 100 years, and they kept denying people had any gun residue on our hands.” Consuela Africa, Carlos Africa and Sue friends, supporters and loved ones. “It us parole saying: ‘You have no remorse.’ Community activist Walter Palmer, Africa, noting the number of years each lifted me right up,” he said. But they had no remorse for what they did who was in the audience, backed this up: had been imprisoned by the state. With Delbert recalled his time in prison with to our family in 1985. We have no regrets “I was facing the MOVE house and heard them was Delbert’s daughter, Yvonne Phil Africa, who died while incarcerated. because we were innocent in 1978.” gunshots from behind me. I had to hit the Orr-El, and Ramona Africa, the sole living MOVE 9 member Merle Africa also died Delbert continued: “As a family and ground to avoid being shot. James Ramp survivor of the state’s infamous bombing in prison. Delbert said, “I wish Phil and organization we are still on the move. was standing outside by a corner of the of the MOVE family house in 1985—​who Merle could be here with us today. Once They claimed we were violent—​but we house. MOVE never killed officer Ramp, Pam introduced as “Fire Walker.” we get Chuck Africa out and free Mumia, were trying to eliminate violence in our and MOVE did not shoot first.” They were later joined by Fred Hampton, we’ll have all our MOVE family with us.” community, trying to stop the exploita- Several people who attended the press Jr., whose father, Fred Hampton, a leader Since being released from tion. You live over there with eight conference were residents of Philadelphia’s of the Black Panther Party, was murdered Pennsylvania’s State Correctional houses, yet I live here in a tent. We’re Powelton Village during the police siege by Chicago police on Dec. 4, 1969. Institution Dallas on Jan. 18, Delbert trying to stop that. The system wants to and shootout. All of them told of MOVE’s has yet to formally meet with his parole push people down, oppress you, but John support for the people in the community. ‘It lifted me right up’ officer. He addressed the issue of parole Africa taught us that we don’t have to take Those who spoke seemed to welcome Delbert began, “My name is Delbert restrictions: “The system always throws it anymore. It’s been a long time caught Delbert’s release as an opening for them to Africa and I’m out here free and feeling barricades onto people being and working up on somebody else’s schedule, but now finally tell their own stories. I’m back on MOVE’s schedule.” Yvonne Orr-El spoke about her mother who was an official in the Chicago chapter Constant police attacks on MOVE of the Black Panther Party. Orr-El told of Delbert told the audience about the the circumstances of her birth on the side confrontation with Philadelphia Police of a lake as her parents fled police threats Commissioner Frank Rizzo in May 1977: against BPP members in Illinois. When she “MOVE was peaceful, but we were suffer- was nine years old, she was traumatized in ing brutality at the hands of the police—​so school witnessing television coverage of brutal that they physically kicked a baby out her father being dragged from the MOVE of the womb of one MOVE member and house and brutally beaten by police. murdered Janine Africa’s baby, Life Africa. We made up what people thought were Palestinian solidarity with MOVE weapons so we could make an impression Palestinian activist and writer Susan on city officials who saw a bunch of primar- Abulhawa, who was in the audience, ily Black people rescuing animals and grow- welcomed Delbert home on behalf of ing our own food in an area of Philadelphia Palestinian people. She expressed solidarity where the University of Pennsylvania and from the people of Palestine to the MOVE Drexel wanted to expand. organization, stating: “The MOVE family Delbert Africa the day of his release, next to photo of Mumia. WW PHOTO: JOE PIETTE “Rizzo went nuts and started a block- is not just a local struggle. It is an interna- ade—​not so much to keep us in but tional struggle. My people in Gaza live in an to keep community supporters out,” open-air prison. We are with you.” Delbert Africa: Free! Delbert explained. “But the neighborhood Fred Hampton, Jr. said: “I’m honored responded and brought us food. The city and humbled to be here on our terms. The By Mumia Abu-Jamal thousands of shots into the structure tried to evict us. They got warrants nam- will of the people is greater than the man’s where men, women and babies huddled This column was transcribed from an ing people who never lived in the house. technology. We are the original victims of in the basement. Gunfire was joined by audio recording posted on prisonradio. But just because it’s legal, don’t make it terrorism: Dec. 4, 1969; Sept. 11, 1971; Aug. water cannons, deluging the MOVE peo- org on Jan. 20. right. Slavery was also ‘legal.’ ” 8, 1978; May 13, 1985. We have to acknowl- ple, who fought to avoid drowning in that Delbert related the events of Aug. 8, edge the war we are in and put this in war MOVE member, Delbert Africa, held in dark place. 1978: “Neighbors warned us that police terms. Prisons are concentration camps. prison since the Confrontation of August When Delbert exited the house, he were surrounding the house. We got the We have to make this part of every conver- 8, 1978, has walked out of a PA prison was beaten by several cops, rifle-butted, children and everyone into the base- sation in barber shops and more.” after 42 years. kicked and stomped viciously. ment. They emptied water cannons into Delbert, in the 69th year of his life, When several of the cops were charged the basement. At a press conference after Editor’s Note: Fred Hampton, a came out to meet other members of the with assaulting Delbert, they had nothing the attack, police bragged about empty- Black Panther Party leader, was killed MOVE Organization: Ramona, Pam, to worry about for the trial judge, Stanley ing rounds of machine gun fire into the in an assault by Cointelpro forces on Janet, Janine, Mo, Mary, Carlos and Kubacki, ignoring videotapes, acquit- house. During the attack I was shot in Dec, 4, 1969. On Sept. 11, 1971, leaders Consuela Africa, who greeted him with a ted them all, citing among other things, the chest, but was able to come out of the of the Attica Prison Uprising presented hearty chant: “Long Live John Africa!”—​ Delbert’s muscles as justification for the house through a window.” demands of the incarcerated men to the and a MOVE salute. beating. Delbert described the immediate police state of New York, which then launched Del was in a good mood and in Ironically, one of the cops charged attack on him when he went outside the a massacre of inmates. The Philadelphia high spirits, cracking jokes and eating might’ve been luckier if sent to prison, house: “One cop hit me with a steel helmet Police Department orchestrated the brutal sandwiches. for several weeks thereafter he was shot on one side of my face. Another cop used attack on the MOVE family and house on August 8, 1978, was a date of infamy, and paralyzed by his wife—who​ also hap- his shotgun against my head to break my Aug. 8, 1978. The state bombed the MOVE for it marked an attack on the MOVE pened to be a cop! jaw. One cop pulled me by my hair across house, killing 11 members of the family, house in West Philadelphia’s Powelton Delbert Africa, MOVE member, walks the street where they all started to jump including five children, on May 13, 1985. Village, when hundreds of cops fired free after 42 years in the joint. ☐ Page 4 Jan. 30, 2020 workers.org

Houston Seattle Students, community demand fair pay for construction workers

King Day in Seattle, Jan. 20. PHOTO: CHERYL MCARTHUR 10,000 march to honor Martin Luther King Student-worker rally at University of Houston, Jan. 23. WW PHOTO: GLORIA RUBAC By Jim McMahan Rufus DeVane King, a member of one Seattle of the largest slave-owning families in By Gloria Rubac We unequivocally condemn the university Alabama. He was also vice president for Houston administration, up to and including UH The 38th annual march celebrating the six weeks in 1853 in President Franklin President Renu Khator, for condoning legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Pierce’s administration. University of Houston students, profes- the conduct of those who have committed Jr. on Jan. 20 was larger than usual this Along with other members of the Black sors and community activists joined the wage theft.” year. The racism and hatred spewed by community, Gossett was a key organizer Workers Defense Project and construc- Ulow asserted, “We intend to continue President Donald Trump and his politi- in the struggle which pressured the gov- tion workers at a rally on Jan.23 to protest standing and fighting alongside the work- cal allies, and the crisis of poverty faced ernment to rename Seattle’s King County conditions faced by these workers at the ers for as long as it takes to bring about by so many people, no doubt motivated after Martin Luther King and to put University of Houston’s Quad Housing justice. It is an affront that workers are many demonstrators to participate. Dr. King’s picture as a logo on all Metro project. They have not received prevail- under a threat of retaliation if they speak There was agreement among the buses and other county properties. ing wages or overtime pay as required by about the conditions of their employment, crowd with this statement made from Hotel and hospital workers, state law. that students will be living in dorms built the podium: “We can make the Trump Machinists march After months of dealing with the general by workers who have suffered wage theft. era the final thrust of the beast of white contractor and subcontractors, the work- We urge the administration to respond, supremacy!” On the way to downtown Seattle for ers are taking their issue of unpaid wages not only to pay them in full their stolen The march and rally were part of an another rally, the multinational march, to the university administration. wages but to sincerely apologize to the all-day program, organized by the Seattle which included a large youth contin- Speaking at the rally during their workers and their families.” MLK, Jr. Organizing Coalition. There was gent, detoured to protest a new jail for lunch break, some construction work- Other speakers included representa- a morning job and opportunity fair at youth being built in the Black commu- ers appealed to students to support their tives of the AFL-CIO and the Workers Garfield High School in Seattle’s historic nity. Members of UNITE HERE, who efforts to pressure the administration to Defense Project. After the rally the crowd Black community, followed by 26 work- are fighting attacks on their livelihoods deal with thieving contractors. of over 50 people marched through cam- shops dealing with social justice issues and at the Edgewater Hotel, marched along- At the rally, student activist Natasha pus to UH President Khator’s office to then a midday rally in the gym. A youth side members of the Machinists union Ulow, representing the Young Socialists deliver their message. cultural rally was held the day before. who work at Boeing. of America, affirmed student support for The Duwamish Nation, the first peo- The marchers stopped at Swedish/ the workers: “We stand with the workers Rubac was a union carpenter in New ple of Seattle, welcomed demonstrators Providence Hospital to hear hospital work- of the Quads who have suffered wage theft. York and Houston for nearly 10 years. to the event. A representative of the ers speak. Members of SEIU Healthcare Muckleshoot Nation was thanked for 1199 NW appealed to demonstrators for a large donation to the march. Singer support in their struggle against severe Vancouver, Wash. Josephine Howell led the crowd in sing- staffing shortages and low wages. Some ing the Black national anthem, “Lift 8,000 workers from three unions are set to Every Voice and Sing.” Michael “Quess” strike from Jan. 28 to 30 at the giant hos- Significant win for Moor from Take ‘Em Down NOLA gave pital chain. It is anticipated that thousands a spoken word performance about their of workers from around Washington state grassroots struggle which led to the could join this unfair labor practice strike. Clark College faculty removal of four white supremacist mon- As the protestors continued on to the uments in New Orleans. King County Correctional Facility, a large Speakers also honored local veterans banner displayed near the front of the By Lyn Neeley salary that is 65 percent of the full-time of the Civil Rights struggle, including march read: “Cops and King County jail Vancouver, Wash. rate, based on their course load, with the late Jacquie Jones-Walsh, a “pillar guards are brutalizing womxn and girls: raises of 7 percent over three years. The of the community.” She was vice presi- Black Womxn’s Lives Matter!” On the third day of their strike, 96 per- union will push for the 65 percent to con- dent of the local Coalition of Black Trade Outside the penal facility, activist cent of the over 400 Clark College faculty tinue to rise until it reaches at least 85 Unionists and the Martin Luther King Nikita Oliver denounced the jail as “a voted to accept a new three-year contract percent. Celebration Committee and served on place where Black and Brown people are that gives full-time faculty raises up to This is the third successful strike by the executive board of the Washington disproportionately locked up for crimes $11,064 a year and awards adjuncts, who college faculty and adjuncts in the region. State Labor Council. of survival.” are part-time teachers, equal status and Portland Community College instructors Honoree Larry Gossett spoke at the The march ended at City Hall Park similar pay raises as full-time teachers. won a contract in December that will pay rally. He recently retired from his 25-year where Gossett explained: “The reason we The contract will prevent Clark College adjuncts 70 percent of the full-time rate stint as Martin Luther King County coun- are congregating here is because home- in Vancouver, Wash., from shifting course by Fall 2022. In June 2018, Washington’s cilperson. Gossett helped found the Black less people, our own people, hang out at loads to lower-paid part-time faculty. Evergreen State College in Olympia won a Student Union and worked on the strug- this park.” Instead of being paid a flat rate for each similar contract for adjuncts. gle that won affirmative action for stu- A community meal was provided for credit hour, adjuncts will be making a The strike came after 15 months of dents at the University of Washington. everyone at Garfield High School after the negotiations by the In 1983, community leaders exposed march. An atmosphere of solidarity and union, Clark College the fact that King County had been unity prevailed among those who partic- Association of Higher (outrageously!) named after William ipated in the day’s activities. ☐ Education, an affili- ate of the Washington Education Association. “I see this as much Marxism, Reparations and the Black Freedom Struggle bigger than just Clark An anthology of writings from Workers World newspaper. College,” CCAHE Edited by Monica Moorehead. President Suzanne Racism, National Oppression & Self-Determination • Black Labor from Southerland told Chattel Slavery to Wage Slavery • Black Youth: Repression & Resistance • Northwest Labor Press. The Struggle for Socialism Is Key • Domestic Workers United Demand “It will influence other Passage of a Bill of Rights • Black & Brown Unity • Harriet Tubman, colleges, and ultimately Woman Warrior • Racism & Poverty in the Delta • Haiti Needs Reparations, the education that stu- Not Sanctions • Alabama’s Black Belt: Legacy of Slavery, Sharecropping & dents are going to get.” Segregation • Are Conditions Ripe Again Today? Anniversary of the 1965 (nwLaborPress.org, Watts Rebellion Suzanne Southerland, president of Clark College Association for Jan. 17) ☐ Download it from workers.org/books. Higher Education, at strike rally Jan. 13. workers.org Jan. 30, 2020 Page 5 47 years after Roe v. Wade Fight continues for reproductive justice Continued from page 1 Institute for Reproductive Health: “[W]e’re writing a new playbook for “Right to Life” for the last 46 years abortion access by focusing on passing and since 2017 reinforced by white proactive laws to protect and expand evangelicals. access to abortion at the state level. … “Unborn children have never had a In 2019 alone, more states passed pro- stronger defender in the White House,” active protections for abortion rights Trump stated. Too true. Contrast and expanded access than in any pre- that with his administration’s plan to vious year.” reduce funding for food stamps, which Voto Latino spokeswoman Sandra means free school meals for nearly a Sánchez wrote in defense of abortion million poor children are in jeopardy PHOTO: CENTER FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY/NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY rights for people of color, low-income and up to 5.3 million people, includ- folks and the LGBTQ2+ community: Women Strike for Equality Day, Aug. 26, 1970, New York City. Women of Youth Against War and ing thousands of children, could be cut Fascism, including Sue Davis, were in the march. “[W]e’re … fighting to ensure that all from the program. (cbsnews.com, Dec. Latinxs have access to abortion. … 10) Other government services which Research shows 73% of Latinx voters Hampshire where there is a strong pro- Reproductive justice now! assist low-income children are at risk. want to see SCOTUS uphold the right to choice majority. In his attack, Trump made the prepos- While anti-abortion politicians and abortion, and 87% say they would support Another legislative anti-woman ploy is terously false claim that Democrats sup- activists cite blatant misinformation and a loved one who received one—​because passage of “abortion reversal” laws based port infanticide and bragged that he will outright lies that also stigmatize and slut- that’s what our community does, we sup- on the pseudoscience that medication-in- withhold federal money from California if shame to promote their views, Guttmacher port each other. … No politician should be duced abortions can be reversed and the it does not drop a requirement within 30 supplies facts to refute them: (1) Safe, legal able to take that away.” myth that people who have abortions often days that private insurers cover abortions. abortion is common and at its lowest rate Yamani Hernandez, executive direc- regret their decision. New research, pub- Both the Guardian and the New York since Roe in 1973. (2) State restrictions are tor of the National Network of Abortion lished the week of Jan. 13 by the journal Times called Trump’s appearance an elec- not driving the recent decline in abortion. Funds stated: “[H]elp end abortion stigma Social Science & Medicine on emotional tion appeal—​which ironically coincided The decrease is due to long-lasting, more by sharing loving and bold messages about responses post-abortion, shows that 99 with the final formal argument in the effective contraception. abortion. It’s up to us to break cycles of percent of women don’t regret their abor- Senate for his removal from office. The Many pro-choice groups, promoting shaming and oppression. When we envelop tions after five years. The Guttmacher Guardian, calling it “a sign of desperation,” medical, legal and civil rights for women people having abortions in the fierce love Institute, which conducts in-depth stated: “Trump is well aware, of course, and gender-oppressed people, issued state- and power that's built in community care, research on reproductive needs, corrobo- that evangelicals don’t seem to give a damn ments on Jan. 22 recognizing Roe: we bring the world one step closer to end- rated that no evidence shows abortion is about moral deficiencies—​just as long as Destiny Lopez, co-director of All* Above ing the harmful stigma that isolates us from responsible for mental health problems. he cracks down on women’s reproductive All denounced the Dec. 20 DHHS ruling each other—​and our collective power.” (rewirenews.com, Jan. 15) rights they’ll continue to support him. So mandating separate billing for abortion Kimberly Inez McGuire, executive But what cannot be quantified are that’s exactly what he’s doing.” The Times care. That ruling and Roe “remind us director of youth-focused and -led Unite the effects of Trump’s Department of reported that 80 percent of white evangel- abortion rights in theory are not enough. for Reproductive and Gender Equity, was Health and Human Services, stacked with ical voters helped crown King Trump in We must also fight [for] equitable access quoted in Truthout: “McGuire expressed anti-abortion, misogynist bigots who issue 2016. to … safe, healthy and autonomous deci- a frustration heard and repeated over and and promote anti-reproductive health Refuting Trump, Alexis McGill Johnson, sions about our lives, bodies and futures over by activists, advocates and social-jus- care rulings like “conscience clauses” and acting president and CEO of the Planned [which are part of] the fight for dignity and tice minded legislators and academics. In the “domestic gag rule.” The latter was Parenthood Action Fund, said in a coun- equity.” She added: “[R]esearch has shown real life, the ‘promise of Roe’ never reached designed to reduce access to reproductive terstatement: “[W]e’ll be standing with that someone who wants an abortion but is those who needed it most: the poor, youth, health care, particularly abortion, by exer- the nearly 80 percent of Americans who denied … leads to a significant increase in people of color, LGBTQIA people and rural cising state power over some of the most support abortion access. We’ll never stop household poverty. Health insurance that populations.” in-need, vulnerable people in this country: fighting for all the people in this country respects our decisions and upholds our the 4 million low-income women and gen- who need access to sexual and reproduc- health must cover abortion.” Followup article will discuss increase in der-oppressed people enrolled in Title X. tive health care, including abortion.” Andrea Miller, president of the National medication abortions. By significantly adulterating Title X of Right-wing attacks the Public Heath Services Act, passed in 1970 during the Nixon era, the revamped Meanwhile, there are at least four ways regulations do not allow Title X providers, the blatantly patriarchal Trump admin- as of Aug. 19, to conduct abortions along- istration is using state power to attack side other services or offer patients refer- women and other gender-oppressed rals for abortions. All Title X recipients are people. poor people of color, youth, rural residents, On March 4, the legal case, June Medical im/migrants, people with disabilities and Services LLC v. Gee, comes before the survivors of domestic violence. (For back- Supreme Court. The case is identical to one ground, see WW article, “While rate of plank of a Texas law the Supreme Court abortion declines/Title X gag rule will only ruled unconstitutional in 2016, Whole increase need for abortion.,” Oct. 4) Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. The dis- The primary target of these changes was puted Louisiana law, Act 620, would pre- Planned Parenthood, the largest private vent doctors from providing abortion care provider of comprehensive reproductive PHOTO: ALEXANDER REA in the state unless they have admitting health services, serving about 40 percent privileges at a local hospital. The goal of Pensacola Women’s March of more than 1.5 million women and gen- the law is to limit the number of abortion der-oppressed people who need contra- clinics (as happened in Texas) and restrict ception, testing for cancers, treatment for Women’s liberation must be access to surgical abortions. sexually transmitted infections and abor- The Center for Reproductive Rights is tions. Planned Parenthood stood up to the arguing against the Louisiana law—backed anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist! Trump-Pence assault by opting out of Title by dozens of medical, legal and other orga- X on Aug. 19. By Devin nizations promoting rights for women, genocide against Black trans women—​a The most important question is: How is Pensacola, Fla. LGBTQ2+, various nationalities and people large majority of all trans women killed the gag rule affecting Title X patients? The with disabilities. It seems the Fifth Circuit last year—​and the need for the women’s Guttmacher Institute cannot provide such Court of Appeals flouted the Supreme On Jan. 18 over 200 people took to the liberation movement to always bring data. It would be difficult, if not impossi- Court when it upheld the Louisiana restric- streets of downtown Pensacola to reaf- forward trans women of color and work ble, to get DHHS authorization to survey tion. Should the court overturn its own firm the struggle against capitalism and toward an anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist all 4 million Title X patients and clinics decision—​thanks to Trump appointees Trump—​a symptom of capitalism—​and front. that opted in. Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh—​the for women’s liberation. People of all races, Several socialist groups set up at How many clinics have been forced out of case could be used by anti-abortion state genders and backgrounds carried signs the rally, including Workers World Title X, denying convenient, timely, afford- legislators to limit access to surgical abor- demanding the end to the patriarchal Party-Pensacola, Strive (Socialist Trans able access to abortion and other medical tion across the country. ruling class that harms and kills women Initiative), Party for Socialism and services? How many patients are unable Anti-abortion state legislators intro- every day. They all marched slightly over Liberation, and Dream Defenders. to find licensed health centers that address duced a record number of near-total a mile to historic Seville Square where It was announced that MOVE polit- their needs, excluding abortion? How many abortion bans, so-called “reversal laws” multiple speakers spoke on Black libera- ical prisoner Delbert Africa had been patients can’t afford to travel for reproduc- and other restrictive legislation in 2019. tion, im/migration, LGBTQ2+ struggles, released from prison that morning in tive care? How many need an abortion but Undoubtedly emboldened by Trump’s environmentalism and other movements Pennsylvania, which drew thunderous can’t afford to travel? (That can cost hun- braggadocio, they are continuing to intro- against oppression. applause. dreds of dollars on top of surgical fees.) duce bans this year even in states like New This writer spoke on the ongoing A luta continua! ☐ Page 6 Jan. 30, 2020 workers.org January 25 Global Day of Protest rallies against U.S. war By Minnie Bruce Pratt economic war are called for March 13-15. (sanctionskill.org) Here are a few snapshots The U.S. state continues its war drive, of the many Jan. 25 actions in the U.S. pushed by ruling-class desperation to Joining protests around the world, maintain capitalist economic domination. hundreds of Boston activists rallied in While the U.S. has not carried out further the Commons near the Massachusetts military strikes on Iran, it has imposed Statehouse, an action initiated locally by even harsher sanctions in an economic war Answer. Brian Shea, a long-time disability that could claim untold numbers of Iranian rights leader with the IAC, said: “Four mil- lives. More than ever, “war by sanction” is lion people in Iraq [yesterday] served an the U.S. weapon of choice. eviction notice on U.S. empire and its occu- World resistance to U.S. aggression is pying troops. We need to follow the exam- Houston WW PHOTO: GLORIA RUBAC Atlanta PHOTO: AFSC ATLANTA Cleveland WW PHOTO: SUSAN SCHNUR Portland, Ore. WW PHOTO: LYN NEELEY growing. A Global Day of Protest on Jan. ple … and be hitting the streets!” 25 called for “No War on Iran! U.S. out of After the speakout, students, people of walkway. Then they marched down Market A crowd gathered at Market Square in Iraq!” Through international cooperation color, women, LGBTQ2S+ and disability Street for a speakout at a military recruit- Cleveland to keep the pressure on against and on short notice, actions were mounted rights activists, socialists, trade unionists, ment center, ending with a march to a sec- U.S. war. Many signs emphasized sanc- in 210 cities, with almost 200 groups families, veterans, clergy, anti-war and ond military center on Chestnut Street—​a tions as a war weapon, alerting protest- endorsing. (tinyurl.com/slchkue) peace activists then had a spirited march block from historic Constitution Hall. ers to watch for ever-present threats of Broad and deep organizing included the through downtown. Kristen Turgeon, a Participating groups included the IAC, imperialist intervention against oppressed International Action Center (IAC), Answer Workers World Party youth leader, gal- BAP, Young DSA-Temple, Korean Peace nations. Speakers included representa- Coalition, CODEPINK, Popular Resistance, vanized the crowd, belting out the union Now, PSL, Green Party, WWP, Socialist tives from Al Awda: The Palestine Right Black Alliance for Peace (BAP), National song, “Which Side Are You On,” reminding Alternative, Philadelphia Tenants Union, to Return Coalition, JVP, WWP, Cleveland Iranian-American Council, Veterans For everyone: “We’re on the side of the workers Poor People’s Economic Campaign, REAL State University Middle East/North Africa Peace (VFP), U.S. Labor Against the War worldwide!” Justice and Socialist Resurgence. Student Association, PSL, Cleveland Peace (USLAW), Women’s International League In New York City, people rallied at Global protest brought more than 100 Action and Inter-Religious Task Force on for Peace and Freedom, United National Columbus Circle in pouring rain and harsh people to Piedmont Park in midtown Central America. AntiWar Coalition (UNAC), Pastors for weather, demanding “No U.S. War and Atlanta. They took to the streets, marching A cacophony of honking horns rang out Peace/Interreligious Foundation for Sanctions on Iran!” Speakers mentioned on Peachtree Street, the city’s main thor- for two hours as Houston activists pro- Community Organization, International the march of millions in Iraq demanding oughfare, to the Georgia Tech Research tested. Responding to WWP signs, “HONK Workers Solidarity Network, United For “U.S. Out!” and called for an end to U.S. Institute. The lead banner declared, “No for No War!” drivers at a busy intersection Peace and Justice, FIRE (Fight for Im/ coups and sanctions, including those that Tech for War,” protesting the GTRI’s con- obliged, car after car, including almost all migrants and Refugees Everywhere), have killed more than 1 million Iraqis. The tracts for hundreds of millions of dollars METRO bus drivers. Zac of PSL chaired a Alliance For Global Justice, December rally was co-chaired by representatives of to develop drone and automated weapons militant rally that included speakers from 12th Movement, World Beyond War, the IAC and Answer. delivery systems. WWP, Answer, veteran antiwar activ- Catholic Worker Movement, Dominican In cold gale-wind conditions, Jersey Speakers focused on war machines in our ists and youth. Speakers were strongly Sisters-ICAN, Nonviolence International, City, N.J., grassroots activists from the midst—killer​ drones at a public educational anti-imperialist, demanding removal of No War on Venezuela, Food Not Bombs, Filipino, Latinx, and peace and social jus- institution and militarized cops occupying all U.S. military bases around the world, Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), Democratic tice communities marched. Members of neighborhoods of poor and working peo- including more than 800 in the Middle Socialists of America (DSA) Anti- Anakbayan - North Jersey, NJ Action 21, ple, especially those of color. Collaboration East. An Indian community representative Imperialism Network, NuclearBan.US, Jersey City Peace Movement and VFP among organizers included Georgia Peace announced a protest at the Indian consulate Roots Action, MADRE, U.S. Peace Council, Chapter 021 took part. and Justice Coalition, IAC, American Friends Jan. 26 to condemn recent India citizenship Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), Around 100 people braved heavy rain for Service Committee Atlanta, Answer, Metro laws discriminating against Muslims. People’s Opposition to War, Imperialism a Philadelphia day of protest. A rally at Atlanta DSA, Georgia Detention Watch, Elsewhere in Texas, a spirited rally and Racism and many more. City Hall started the demonstration, with KSUnited (Kennesaw State) and Housing against U.S. war was held in San Antonio. Further actions against sanctions and participants sheltering under a covered Justice League. Over 500 people marched in Denver

Boston PHOTO: HOWARD ROTMAN New York WW PHOTO: BRENDA RYAN San Antonio WW PHOTO: TERESA GUTIERREZ Denver PHOTO: VIVIANA WEINSTEIN Worldwide mass protests slam Modi’s anti-Muslim law By Martha Grevatt Jan. 26 is celebrated in India as Republic Day, marking the day the coun- Hundreds of thousands of people pro- try’s constitution went into effect. tested on Jan. 26 across India and in many There were huge demonstrations cities abroad to oppose the Citizenship in 30 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Amendment Act and National Citizens where 1,000 marched from CNN to the Registry that Prime Minister Narendra National Center for Civil and Human Modi is pushing. The CAA would deny cit- Rights. Another big protest took place in izenship to India’s 200 million Muslims, Washington, D.C., while the largest was and the NRC would create a national reg- reportedly in Chicago, where participants istry. Those who do not register would formed a huge human chain. not be considered citizens. The newly formed Coalition to Stop Tens of thousands of protesters formed Genocide initiated the U.S. demonstra- “human chains” that stretched for miles tion. It includes the Indian American in several Indian cities. A protest in Muslim Council, Equality Labs, Black Mumbai, the financial hub of India, drew Lives Matter, Jewish Voice for Peace and 20,000. Women led many of the actions, Hindus for Human Rights. including an all-woman demonstra- Thousands of demonstrators marched tion of 20,000 in a suburb of Mumbai. in London, organized by United Against In the midst of another mass protest in Fascism in India, despite efforts by the New Delhi, Modi held a military parade Modi regime to get the British govern- Members of the Mumbra-Kausa Women’s Association shout slogans during a protest and feted Brazil’s fascist President Jair ment to ban the protest. ☐ against the Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens and National Bolsonaro. Population Register on the outskirts of Mumbai on Jan. 26. workers.org Jan. 30, 2020 Page 7 Oakland Moms 4 Housing win January 25 Global Day of Protest rallies against U.S. war Reclaiming King’s radical legacy By Judy Greenspan Oakland, Calif.

January 20 was not only the day to honor the radical legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was also a day to acknowledge a victory for a group of Oakland mothers (#MomsHouse), who had been brutally evicted Jan. 14 from a house they “repossessed” in November. A press conference at Oscar Grant Plaza Portland, Ore. WW PHOTO: LYN NEELEY San Francisco WW PHOTO: JUDY GREENSPAN turned into a celebration for the Moms 4 Housing battle a half hour before the under the slogans “No justice, no peace! U.S. people in San Francisco for housing justice. sixth annual MLK event. out of the Middle East!” and “No War on Nearly 200 people demonstrated in Moms 4 Housing organizers had Iran!” A broad spectrum of speakers, includ- Portland, Ore., for immediate withdrawal announced the win in a text: “Huge news: ing independent socialists as well as members of U.S. troops from the Middle East. A large We have reached an agreement to pur- of the Green Party, Poor People’s Campaign, grouping of left, progressive, anti-imperialist chase #MomsHouse. Wedgewood will Denver Peace Council and Answer, detailed and peace groups organized the protest and negotiate in good faith with the Oakland how the cost of war hurts all working peo- plan to continue together as the Portland Community Land Trust (OCLT) to pur- ple, wasting money needed for the environ- Anti-War Coalition. Its next event is a panel chase the Magnolia Street home for ‘a WW PHOTO: JUDY GREENSPAN ment and infrastructure, and cutting funds on the impact of U.S. sanctions, invasions price not to exceed the appraised value.’” Moms 4 Housing press conference, Jan. 20. for housing, education and health care. and coups. Some groups involved are WWP, Wedgewood is the multimillion-dollar The anti-war protest brought almost Portland DSA, Gabriela-Alliance of Filipino investment firm that owns the previously supporters held pictures of their deceased 1,000 people into the streets of downtown Women, the International League of People’s vacant house. loved ones during the rally. San Francisco. Though the morning rally Struggles, Sanctions Kill PDX, VFP and the The text continued: “This isn’t just a win A moving statement was read by two had to be moved due to the annual right- All-African People’s Revolutionary Party. for us. We fought for all of Oakland.” The LGBTQ2+ disability rights activists. “Our wing anti-abortion parade down Market Communications Workers Local 7901 passed organizers said Wedgewood Properties disabled kinfolk are queer, trans, Black, Street, a broad coalition of activists gath- a resolution endorsing the Jan. 25 rally. had promised to work with the Oakland Indigenous, people of color. Family mem- ered and marched to Union Square, a very Housing Department and OCLT to “nego- bers are dying. The cops are killing us. busy shopping district. The demonstra- Contributing to this article were Judy tiate a right-of-first-refusal program on We are in detention centers, institutions, tion was primarily organized by USLAW, Greenspan, Teresa Gutierrez, Michael [all] properties owned by the company.” jails, prisons. We are thrown away on the CODEPINK, Answer and the Arab Resource Kramer, Dianne Mathiowetz, Violet Carroll Fife, director of Oakland’s streets.” The activists spoke about Kayla and Organizing Center. A speaker from BAP, Millhauser, Lyn Neeley, Betsey Piette, ACCE Action (Alliance of Californians Moore, a transgender person murdered Yahne Ndgo, tied the fight against the U.S. Gloria Rubac, Brenda Ryan, Susan Schnur, for Community Empowerment), said by the Berkeley police. Their parents war machine to the struggle of unhoused Maureen Skehan, and Viviana Weinstein. this means Wedgewood will give the and the community are still fighting for city, the land trust or other community justice. groups the first chance to buy the homes, A 17-year-old “Oakland born and “so they remain permanently affordable.” raised” young woman from Youth vs. (tinyurl.com/udupoz2) the Apocalypse told the crowd, “Climate The well-attended press conference change is fueled by the same systems of UNAC 2020 Conference featured the Moms and their support- white supremacy, racism, colonialism ers. Oakland City Councilmembers and greed that are running concentration Rebecca Kaplan and Nikki Fortunato camps at the border, closing our schools Unite the antiwar movement! Bas announced the agreement with here in Oakland, enabling police mur- Wedgewood Properties. Fife berated the der and brutally throwing people out to By Scott Williams sheriffs for brutally evicting the Moms live in the streets and fueling American in the first place, “It is important to not imperialism.” With protesters marching in hundreds criminalize women who are trying to Following this rally, the crowd of cities around the world against the U.S. bring attention to justice and humanity marched to the office of Alameda County empire’s war plans against Iran and Iraq, for everyone. They are not the criminals.” Sheriff Gregory Ahern to protest his use including millions in Baghdad, the need Dominique Walker of Moms 4 Housing of AK-47s, a tank and a battering ram for a unified anti-imperialist movement said in a statement, “Today we honor Dr. against the Moms. Ahern is the top sheriff in the U.S. has grown. Central to orga- Chapman (National Alliance Against King’s radical legacy by taking Oakland responsible for police terror against Black nizing of hundreds of demonstrations Racism and Political Repression) and back from banks and corporations.” and Brown communities in Alameda against U.S. wars, sanctions and occu- Glen Ford (Black Agenda Report) will County. pations has been the United National connect the struggles workers and the March honors MLK legacy A large and vibrant group of children Antiwar Coalition. One of the largest oppressed face here and abroad. The sixth annual MLK march began led the march chanting, “Housing is a progressive alliances in the U.S., UNAC Makasi Motema (Peoples Power immediately after the press conference. human right.” The disability rights con- works with hundreds of organizations Assemblies-NYC), Sara Flounders Denver PHOTO: VIVIANA WEINSTEIN The event was organized by the Anti tingent followed the children. At a rally across the country. (International Action Center), Bahman Police-Terror Project, a group that has in front of the Sheriff Ahern’s office in UNAC will hold its first national con- Azad (U.S. Peace Council) and others been working for more than 10 years the Alameda County Courthouse, speaker ference since 2017 from Feb. 21 to 23 in will address the devastating impact of to counter police terrorism and vio- after speaker criticized the brutality and New York City at The People’s Forum. U.S. sanctions and the new campaign, lence against Black and Brown people in racism of the sheriff’s department and UNAC drew over 350 activists to Sanctions Kill (sanctionskill.org). Oakland and around the country. APTP conditions at Santa Rita Jail, the county its 2017 conference in Richmond, Va. Joe Lombardo, a coordinator of also supported the struggle of Moms 4 prison for women. They continued to cel- Since then, UNAC has sent delegations UNAC since its founding 10 years ago, Housing. ebrate the victory of the Moms in winning to Venezuela, Ukraine, Syria and Cuba Medea Benjamin (CODEPINK) and The march in downtown Oakland a home for their families and reminded and has organized conferences on U.S./ Margaret Flowers (Popular Resistance began with a rally on a flatbed truck the crowd that the struggles for housing NATO military bases in Baltimore, Md., and Venezuelan Embassy Protectors) will next to Oscar Grant Plaza—​renamed by and the fight against police violence and and Dublin, Ireland. UNAC has actively be among those speaking on the growing the community to commemorate Oscar terrorism in Oakland will continue until opposed AFRICOM, the militarization of movement against U.S. regime-change Grant, who was killed 11 years ago by justice is won for all. ☐ police departments and punishing sanc- wars. BART transit police at Fruitvale Station. tions against 39 nations. Members of This conference promises to han- A large banner on the UNAC, as part of the Embassy Defenders dle tough questions on how the antiwar truck read, “We stand Collective, face charges for fighting to movement should view developments with the Moms. Housing prevent the illegal Venezuelan coup gov- in the Democratic People’s Republic of is a Right.” ernment from taking over Venezuela’s Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, the People’s The first speakers Embassy in Washington, D.C. Republic of China, Syria, Yemen, among were parents and family The theme of the 2020 conference is other countries. members of young peo- “Rise Against Militarism, Racism and Workers World Party has been part ple murdered by police. the Climate Crisis—​Building Power of UNAC since its founding, bringing an The mother of Shaleem Together.” UNAC has always linked the understanding of the critical need for a Tindle reminded the struggle against racism, oppression and united front against imperialism that crowd that it had been repression in the U.S. to imperialist plun- focuses first and foremost on the crimes two years since her son der and devastation abroad. of the U.S. was killed by BART Speakers including Ajamu Baraka For more information and to register, police in West Oakland. (Black Alliance for Peace), Frank go to unacconference2020.org/. ☐ Family members and Oakland MLK Day march. WW PHOTO: JUDY GREENSPAN Page 8 Jan. 30, 2020 workers.org Workers in France say ‘No!’ to government attack on retirement plan By G. Dunkel for “nonperformance.” Sewerage workers, the “Rosie the Riveter” per- whose life expectancy is 17 years less than formances at protests and In France 1.3 million workers and their the French average, also get to retire early. marches that began in early supporters struck, marched and protested Transportation workers, who are outside January. YouTube videos, some Jan. 24 against the Macron government’s in difficult weather conditions, get specific receiving tens of thousands plan to create a single, point-based retire- protections in their retirement plan. of views, document groups ment plan to replace the current system. The unions, which have been leading of women dancing, punching In Paris, 350,000 to 400,000 people the struggle against the government’s plan and kicking in chorus, dressed came out, and there were big marches since Dec. 5 with massive political strikes in workers’ blues with yellow in most major French cities; these and six national demonstrations, assert gloves and red bandanas. They French women workers march, dressed as iconic events were generally militant but not that the current system—​though it needs move to the song, “A cause de female worker ‘Rosie the Riveter,’ in Paris, Jan. 24. confrontational. improvement—is​ based on solidarity, not Macron,” which demolishes Yellow Vest protests on Jan. 25 were individual performance. Macron’s plan as promoting “fake” equal- employment, unemployment insurance attacked by the cops with baton charges, While the exact percentage varies, all ity and diminishing financial protections and minimum payouts. tear gas and arrests. A number of protest- public opinion polls on this issue say a solid for women. (tinyurl.com/tvyvcoe) Attac There will be a new national protest/ ers were injured. French police have come majority in France support the unions’ France has an organizing kit on its website strike Jan. 29, the day before a government under increasing criticism for their bru- position. The government has bet on split- with the words, choreography and direc- conference on funding the new retirement tality, documented in widely seen inter- ting “reformist” unions, like the CFDT tions for costumes. plan. The ongoing dock strike, which has net videos. (French Democratic Confederation of A Conseil d’Etat, a government advisory shut down all of France’s major ports, will The current retirement system has 42 Labor), from the more militant unions like panel which goes over proposals the gov- still be in force, along with the strike of specific plans for groups of workers who the CGT (General Confederation of Labor). ernment submits to parliament, met Jan. electricity workers, which has led to scat- face difficult conditions on the job. So bal- Some sections of the CFDT, however, have 24 to examine the government’s retirement tered outages. Workers at some transpor- let dancers, who start performing at age resisted accepting the government’s plan. proposal. It found serious problems with tation hubs have decided to strike one day 10 and whose bodies are exhausted by age A sign of strong popular support for its “financial projections,” especially with a week as long as the struggle against the 40, get to retire then, rather than be fired the strikes and union participation are respect to the age of retirement, senior government’s plan continues. ☐ Quakes unearth undistributed supplies Puerto Ricans protest By Betsey Piette mountain of lost supplies, and people are anti-government protests on the island in entire neighborhoods and destroying suffering.” Gonsalez expressed certainty July 2019 forced the resignation of for- much of the island’s infrastructure. With Still grappling with the aftermath of that the Ponce warehouse may be one of mer Puerto Rican Gov. Ricardo Roselló. the population still in recovery, the Dec. devastating earthquakes, Puerto Ricans many holding critical unused supplies. Millions participated in protests at that 28 magnitude 4.7 earthquake, followed reacted with protests when they learned (Buzzfeed, Jan. 21) time, and a general strike shut down one by a swarm of some 950 quakes so far Jan. 19 that massive amounts of vital Puerto Rico’s current Gov. Wanda of Puerto Rico’s major highways, which this year, have terrorized residents and material aid have been warehoused since Vazquez announced on Twitter that she made it impossible for Roselló to stay in compounded recovery problems. (tinyurl. 2017. The aid arrived after two major hur- had fired top emergency official Carlos office. com/voktjjx) ricanes struck the Puerto Rican archipel- Acevedo and others after news of the hid- The government of Puerto Rico was Yet it was Wall Street’s intentional ago that year. den supplies surfaced. Meanwhile, mas- then in chaos, as elected officials scram- economic destruction of this U.S. colony, The donated aid included genera- sive protests erupted denouncing the lack bled to find a successor to Roselló. In less purposely underfunding and causing the tors, emergency radios and batteries, of aid from the U.S., the island govern- than 20 days, two newly appointed gov- mismanagement of much of the island’s portable stoves, mounds of blue tarps ment’s corruption and calling for Vazquez ernors were also forced to resign, leaving infrastructure, that must be understood to replace lost roofs, baby diapers and and Puerto Rican Senate President Vazquez next in line. as the underlying reason why the phys- more. Pallets of water and food, includ- Thomas Rivera to resign. ical destruction has rendered the island ing “Ready Meals” with signs “FEMA, Not Acevedo publicly stated that Vazquez, PROMESA: unrelenting austerity ungovernable. The struggle in Puerto for Resale”—​much of it held past due the head of the National Guard and other The rapid and sloppy secession of the Rico is a struggle against imperialism. dates—were​ also uncovered. Puerto Rican officials were aware of the island’s governors brought no benefit The impact of hurricanes, earthquakes The warehouse in Ponce holding these warehoused supplies. Buzzfeed reported for the people, but was instead a con- and Wall Street bankers may seem insur- goods suffered structural damage. Ponce that since 2017, Puerto Rico’s emergency cession to the Puerto Rico Oversight, mountable. But in the end, the power of is one of several cities in the main island’s management agency has rented facilities Management and Economic Stability Act the people is extraordinary and, when southeastern region that was hardest hit to stock supplies at the cost of $890,000. (PROMESA), a Wall Street-driven auster- concentrated, its force can overturn any by the earthquakes. Gregory Gonsalez, ity program the Obama administration empire. ☐ mayor of Peñuelas, whose city was ‘Where is Wanda?’ forced on Puerto Rico in 2016. impacted by the quakes, said, “We have a Demonstrators have been massing out- Beginning earlier in 2019, side the governor’s mansion and in scandals resulting in arrests of front of the Capitol building in San several officials appointed by Juan since Jan. 20 to demand an PROMESA left colonial pup- end to corruption. Carrying mod- pets of the capitalist class in els of guillotines, waving flags and complete disarray. PROMESA banging on pots, protesters chant: was designed to restructure “Where is Wanda?” “Wanda! Turn the debt acquired by the over the disaster supplies” and Puerto Rican government “Let them rot in jail.” (AP, Jan. over the last several decades. 20) On Jan. 23, police used tear The plan was simple—​unre- gas to disperse demonstrators lenting austerity. gathered in downtown San Juan. PROMESA board mem- Earlier in January, Puerto bers, all unelected, unleashed Ricans in the diaspora held a plan of crushing budget demonstrations in cities around cuts resulting in school clo- the globe. The protests criticized sures and underfunding, the Trump administration for cuts in pensions and health refusing to release $18 billion in care, a severe reduction in post-hurricane aid slated for the hourly wages, destruction of U.S. island colony. Without cit- the island’s infrastructure—​ ing a valid reason to deny the including its power grid—and​ Congress-approved aid, Trump more. Driven by PROMESA, has delayed upgrades that would the island’s debt continued repair the island’s infrastructure, to pile up. Its economy never which is still severely damaged by recovered. hurricanes Maria and Irma. The two devastating 2017 Protesters carried a guillotine aloft as they marched All these demonstrations come hurricanes killed over 3,000 in Old San Juan Jan. 23. roughly six months after intense people in Puerto Rico, leveling workers.org Jan. 30, 2020 Page 9 Embassy Protectors speak in New York City The four American peace activists who protected Sara Flounders, co-director of the International the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, D.C., for Action Center, and Margaret Kimberley, editor and 37 days during the attempted coup, spoke at The senior columnist of Black Agenda Report, who are People’s Forum in New York City Jan. 24. The event members of the Protectors’ Defense Committee, was part of a speaking and fundraising tour by the co-chaired the event. Flowers explained that the four. Margaret Flowers, Kevin Zeese, Adrienne Pine four stayed at the embassy to try to stop the U.S. and David Paul face trumped-up charges of “inter- from violating international law, noting the Vienna fering with certain protective functions” of the Convention states that embassies are inviolable. “We government for their effort to prevent the transfer were there to try to hold that space while the U.S. of the Venezuelan Embassy to Juan Guaidó, ille- and Venezuela negotiated for a mutually protecting gally appointed president of Venezuela by the U.S. power agreement.” She noted that when there is a government. breach in diplomatic relations between countries, The trial will begin Feb. 11 at the federal court- they are to find a third country to be a protecting house in Washington. The four are each charged power for the embassy. with a misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment and $100,000 fine. WW PHOTO: TYLER WOODSMALL — Workers World New York City bureau Margaret Flowers speaking at The People's Forum.

Embassy Protectors face court A trial of our times By Lauren Smith against imperialist aggression from case is no accident as she inside the belly of the beast—​literally is the chief judge of the Smith is an independent journalist. from within Washington, D.C. For 37 U.S. District Court and days, the Trump administration was co-author of the unconsti- On Feb. 11, four American peace activ- powerless against the guile and guts of tutional Patriot Act. Under ists, known as the Embassy Protectors pediatrician Margaret Flowers; medical the Patriot Act, protections Collective, will be tried before the U.S. anthropologist Adrienne Pine; attorney against unreasonable search empire for “interfering with certain Kevin Zeese; and activist David Paul as and seizure are waived, protective functions” of its federal gov- they bravely upheld Article 22 of the 1961 and incarceration can be ernment for their occupation of the Vienna Convention. indeterminate and with- Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, The four were aided by a strong coa- out charge. So, it’s no sur- D.C., to prevent it from being handed lition of activist groups. In solidarity, 70 prise, with her intelligence over to coup leaders sponsored by the members of the various groups, includ- community background, Trump administration. ing journalists, took turns staying inside that Judge Howell referred Their occupation ended on May 16, the embassy with them. As conditions to the embassy protectors 2019, when federal agents broke into the worsened, or for personal reasons, they as a “gang,” stated facts in PHOTO: EMBASSY PROTECTORS COLLECTIVE Banner hangs from Venezuelan Embassy before protec- sealed embassy, against international law, disbursed prior to the raid. However, a way that supported their tors were evicted May 16, 2019 by U.S. federal agents. and arrested them in a SWAT-style raid. many remained outside the embassy guilt, and made it clear that The government’s accusation against protesting the siege conditions faced by a trial will result in their them is merely a pretext used for their their comrades inside and delivered food conviction. had stated that they would leave vol- arrest and prosecution, since they haven’t despite facing assault and arrest. Even Among the issues the Trump admin- untarily when that agreement was broken any laws. Matter of fact, their true the veteran civil rights defender, the Rev. istration is asking to not be discussed reached. crime in the minds of the Trump admin- Jesse Jackson, personally took part in a in the Embassy Protectors’ trial are the Additionally, the day before the four istration is just the opposite—​it’s their food delivery to the Embassy Protectors. following: were arrested, Samuel Moncada, the brilliant defense of international law and Fortunately, unlike the 72-year-old •That Nicolás Maduro is the dem- Venezuelan ambassador to the U.N., held Venezuela’s sovereign right to self-deter- president of Veterans for Peace, Gerry ocratically elected president of a press conference where he discussed the mination against Yankee imperialism. Condon, he was not assaulted by police Venezuela. More than 300 election negotiation for a protecting power agree- Although the Trump administration and arrested in this process. observers for the 2018 election agreed ment and reconfirmed that the Embassy didn’t want President Maduro to win a It is this grassroots collective that pro- that the election met international Protectors were in the embassy with second term, 67 percent of Venezuelans tected the Venezuelan Embassy from standards. Additionally, more than Venezuela’s permission. did. This stands in stark contrast with seizure by Trump’s federal agents, local 150 governments around the world •That they were surrounded by a President Donald Trump’s own expe- police, and an Astroturf fascist, racist and recognize him as the President of coup mob that was blocking food from rience, since he lost the popular vote in sexist mob—​making their united act of Venezuela as does the United Nations. coming into the embassy. 2016 to former Senator and Secretary resistance epic and their prosecution a •That Juan Guaidó has no legit- •That the electricity and water were of State Hillary Clinton, a candidate trial of our times. imacy to represent the Venezuelan turned off on them. despised by her own Democratic Party Despite the best efforts of the biased government. Also, he is under investi- •That the Vienna Convention was base—​who only managed to secure her judge who ruled on Dec. 13 against their gation for his role in the “humanitar- violated by federal agents, who had no place as a presidential nominee due to the right to critical information needed for ian aid” corruption scandal. legitimate right to enter the embassy fraud perpetrated by the party’s elite. their defense, their acts of bravery can- •That Carlos Vecchio, whose to arrest them. Even the Republican Party’s use of not be silenced—​as activists will ensure demand that the Embassy Protectors •That the Embassy Protectors were targeted racist and classist voter sup- their story is told. On Jan. 29, Judge Beryl leave the embassy was the basis for acting within their First Amendment pression and purge techniques could not Howell will hear pretrial arguments con- their eviction, is not an ambassador rights. secure Trump winning numbers at the cerning a recent motion filed by govern- from Venezuela but part of Guaidó’s The Embassy Protectors face federal polls. In the United States of America, ment lawyers that even more severely failed coup. Additionally, Vecchio, a charges punishable by up to one year in as demonstrated by Trump, a loser can restricts what can be discussed during former Exxon oil executive, is charged prison, a $100,000 fine each, and resti- win the presidency. Compare this with their Feb. 11 trial. with fraud, embezzlement and money tution to the government for police time former President Jimmy Carter’s 2012 If Judge Howell grants the govern- laundering to the tune of U.S. $70 and damages, which is considerable given declaration that “the election process ment’s motion, it will leave the Embassy million through CITGO, Venezuela’s the duration of their occupation and the in Venezuela is the best in the world.” Protectors virtually defenseless. The gov- U.S.-based subsidiary of the state oil absurd amount of armed forces used in (VenezuelaAnalysis.com, Sept. 21, 2012) ernment wants the prosecution to be lim- company PDVSA. the embassy raid—​as they remain four Nonetheless, the Trump administra- ited exclusively to three things: (1) the •That they were in the embassy with unarmed senior and middle-aged peace tion set its heart on Juan Guaidó, a man four were in the embassy, (2) they were the permission of the elected govern- activists. who was not even a candidate in the given a notice of eviction by the police, ment of Venezuela. Since their charges are unjust and any- 2018 election. Yet, with the superpow- and (3) they refused to leave. Essentially, •That they received advice that they thing can happen in prison, especially er’s backing, what would be a farce in any the government wants the jury that were in the embassy legally. to dissidents, people of conscience must other context still remains a threat—​as decides their fate to be blindfolded. This •That negotiations were ongoing ensure all charges are dropped. So, let us Guaidó, left to his own devices, is merely will ensure the Trump administration’s between the U.S. and Venezuela for stand on the right side of history with the a self-appointed president as well as desired outcome—​which is to con- a mutual protecting power agree- Embassy Protectors and show solidarity being a self-appointed leader of a self-ap- vict the Embassy Protectors and make ment which would have resulted by attending their trial in Washington, pointed assembly. them a model for how it intends to deal in Switzerland protecting the U.S. D.C., which begins on Feb. 11, donating to What elevates this trial in our collec- with challenges to its illegal foreign and embassy in Caracas and Turkey pro- their legal fund (tinyurl.com/v2q8sfx/), tive consciousness is the fact that these domestic policies. tecting the Venezuelan Embassy in and spreading the truth widely of what’s brave activists struck a successful blow The fact that Howell is assigned the D.C. And that the Embassy Protectors really happening. ☐ Page 10 Jan. 30, 2020 workers.org Trump, Bolton and the editorials impeachment process

As the process to impeach Donald Bolton is reported to have voluminous that some of the most hawkish insiders in Why isn’t he being impeached for all Trump moves forward in the U.S. records showing what Trump did to pres- the establishment want Trump out. this? Congress, it raises important questions sure Ukraine to investigate Hunter Biden, The Washington Post on Jan. 17 pub- We don’t have a pipeline to the inner that need to be addressed by the progres- son of Joe Biden, a potential Democratic lished an article called “ ‘You’re a bunch of circles of the Pentagon or the White sive movement. candidate in the upcoming U.S. election. dopes and babies’: Inside Trump’s stun- House. We don’t know all the struggles Which political grouping within the So who is John Bolton? As we wrote ning tirade against generals.” The article that may have taken place over the attack U.S. ruling class has the upper hand at this in an editorial last November: “Bolton is adapted from the book, “A Very Stable on Iran—​whether Trump eagerly backed point? Is it those who favor liberalism, that is a notorious foreign policy hawk. Prior Genius: Donald J. Trump’s Testing of the assassination of Iran’s leading general is, the politicians who want to dampen the to his resignation, Bolton was calling for America,” published Jan. 21 by Penguin or carried it out under pressure from the class struggle by making economic and a ‘tougher line’ against Iran, Venezuela Press. military brass. Probably, at some point, political concessions to the people? and the Democratic People’s Republic The book is misnamed. Trump’s “test- someone will write a book on that. Or is the impeachment process being of Korea (north Korea). He is credited ing of America” detailed in this article is It was clearly a war crime, one car- used to push a more militarist agenda by with having torpedoed the talks between actually his testing of the military estab- ried out by the Pentagon and Trump those more aggressively hawkish than Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un lishment. Even the president isn’t sup- with absolutely no authorization from Trump? And are mainstream Democrats in held in Vietnam last February.” posed to call the generals and admirals Congress. The U.S. Constitution says only an opportunistic alliance with those forces? Before Trump forced him out, “dopes and babies,” as the book says he Congress can declare war. So the mili- Yes, it’s tempting to view favorably Bolton got the administration to freeze did in one of his first meetings with the tary-industrial complex doesn’t bother to anyone in conflict with the odious bil- Venezuela’s assets, boasting: “This is the Pentagon chiefs. ask Congress to declare war any more—​ lionaire real estate tycoon in the White first time in 30 years that we are imposing The military brass are not used to this. and hasn’t done so since 1941 when it House. But we can’t. Evidence suggests an asset freeze against a government in They expect and demand the utmost ser- authorized U.S. entry into World War II. that Trump has burned his bridges with this hemisphere.” vility toward their power. No surprise They just make it happen. many hard-liners in the military-indus- This former Trump administration if they would be furious and want him Thus, flanked by all the generals, trial complex, who see him as incompe- official is now reported to have written gone—​impeached or even court-mar- Trump went on TV to announce the tent, unpredictable and lacking in the a book that “presents an outline of what tialed, if possible. attack. Whether he wanted it is moot. He slick political skills needed to keep the Mr. Bolton might testify to if he is called Trump’s real “testing” of the people in has learned to carry out their orders, and people in line when the Pentagon decides as a witness in the Senate impeachment this country has been through all his hor- not vice versa. it needs a war. trial,” according to a front-page article in ribly reactionary, racist and sexist acts That’s what the movement needs to John Bolton, the president’s for- the Jan. 27 New York Times. It describes and statements, which are legion. His take away from all this. Getting rid of mer National Security Adviser, whom his revelations as “explosive.” murderous policy against migrants. His Trump may be popular with lots of peo- Trump forced out last September, has Bolton’s reemergence in the impeach- assaults on the environment. His equat- ple, even if it means Vice President Mike reemerged, announcing that he is eager ment process should set off alarm bells in ing Nazis with progressive protesters. His Pence becomes president, but it will not to testify in the impeachment hearings. A the progressive movement. stacking of government departments with get rid of the oppressive imperialist state. former deputy to Bolton, Fiona Hill, has appointees chosen by his corporate bud- Only the struggle of the masses of people ‘A bunch of dopes and babies’ already appeared as a damaging witness dies—although​ this is certainly not a crime can bring about real change. ☐ against Trump. And there is more, much more, to show unique to Trump. Washington embraces Bolivia’s rightists The Jan. 23 announcement that the the 2009 overthrow of democratically return to Bolivia from exile. The MAS is enthusiasm by many MAS activists. U.S. would resume diplomatic relations elected President Mel Zelaya. In 2019, running other candidates. Not only in Bolivia, but also in other with Bolivia’s government—​after break- the Trump gang backed ultra-rightist Yet despite the repression and the Latin American and Caribbean coun- ing them with Evo Morales’ progressive Jair Bolsonaro’s “lawfare” in Brazil. It loss of MAS' most popular leaders, the tries, popular movements are supporting government 11 years ago—​should come has repeatedly tried to overthrow the ultra-rightists have no guarantee that the progressive governments like those in as no surprise. The current regime in Bolivarian government in Venezuela. MAS will lose—​unless the elections are Venezuela and Cuba. They are also trying the Andean country was established by It was also no surprise that within days rigged. The struggle continues. to eliminate repressive neoliberal govern- a right-wing coup, carried out by racist, of the U.S. Embassy announcement on Meanwhile, Morales made a pub- ments, like in Colombia, Haiti and Chile. anti-Indigenous forces and backed by the Bolivia, the coup government broke rela- lic comment in mid-January that gives In both cases, the question of which military and police. All this makes it a tions with Cuba. The new Bolivian regime insight into the problems facing Bolivian class controls the armed forces and the good friend of U.S. imperialism. had already expelled hundreds of Cuban workers and farmers and MAS supporters police has been central. Morales hit that Breaking relations with popular gov- doctors who had been providing health in general. central question right in the bull's-eye ernments and supporting fascist and/ care to Bolivia’s poor and Indigenous Morales called in from exile in with his original remark. or military coups are the standard communities. The new right-wing regime Argentina on Jan. 13 to a radio station U.S. imperialism and its representa- Washington ploy when U.S. corporate has no plans to replace them. located in Chapare, a MAS stronghold in tives, in both major parties and in the and financial interests are threatened, Now the coup government, whose mil- Bolivia. He said that if “I or anyone [from bureaucracy and state apparatus, under- even if the threat is only lower profits. itary and police fired live ammunition at the MAS leadership] were to return to stand this perfectly. That’s why, alongside And this strategy is shared by U.S. impe- protesters and killed dozens, is attempt- Bolivia, someone would have to organize the occasional fig leaf praising democracy, rialism’s two major political parties, the ing to give a face lift to its brutal rule by armed popular militias” such as those in they rely on the police club at home and Republicans and the Democrats. holding elections. However, Evo Morales Venezuela. (Lahaine.org, Jan. 13) the U.S. Armed Forces abroad to keep the That shared strategy was shown when and some other very popular leaders of Apparently under pressure from his imperialist class on top—​while reinforc- the Obama administration quickly rec- his Movement for Socialism (MAS) are Argentine hosts, Morales walked back ing brutal regimes like the one currently ognized and supplied aid to the reac- banned from running—​and de facto those remarks—​but not, according to running Bolivia. ☐ tionary coup regime in Honduras after threatened with assassination if they reports, before they were heard with Start 2020 right! Invest in WW!

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The China Banking and On Dec. 31, China alerted the World Health Regulatory Commission announced it is freezing pay- Organization that it had detected a pneumonia-like ment obligations on mortgages, loans and credit cards illness in Wuhan, a city of 11 million people in central for those who do not have an income due to the out- China’s Hubei province. break. This is unheard of in Western capitalist countries, By Jan. 7 the cause was identified as a novel coronavi- where every flu season many are forced to go to work rus, dubbed 2019-nCoV, which is in the same family as sick or face deep debts and even homelessness. the common cold and SARS. Two days later the Chinese Over a thousand civilian medical workers have been Center for Disease Control had sequenced the entire sent to Wuhan from around the country, along with genome of the virus, a rapidly achieved feat that will help hundreds of medics from the People’s Liberation Army. scientists around the world more fully understand it. Another 12 teams with more than 1,600 medical workers PHOTO: XINHUA For comparison, during the 2014 outbreak of Ebola in are preparing to go there. As a whole in Hubei province, A medical team from 51 medical institutions in Shaanxi West Africa, it took scientists two months to completely over half a million medical workers have been mobilized leaves Xi’an for Wuhan. sequence that virus’ genome. for epidemic prevention, control and treatment of patients. Data from Chinese scientists have been published in The government plans to complete two entirely new acting swiftly enough. That doesn’t sound like the central international medical journals, such as the New England hospitals in six to seven days to deal with patients, beating government is trying to cover up the outbreak; yet it has Journal of Medicine and the Lancet, as well as in the a previous record set in Beijing during the 2003 SARS out- been a major talking point in Western reporting. domestic journal China Science Life Sciences. break. Using prefabricated buildings and an army of work- Despite the rapid and massive measures China has ers—who​ are being paid three times the usual wage—​the taken—only​ possible in a country with large amounts of Huge government effort to contain the virus Leishenshan Hospital will have nearly 1,500 beds, while public ownership, economic planning and leadership of China’s response to the outbreak has been swift and the Huoshenshan hospital will have up to 1,000 beds. the Communist Party—​the Western media seem largely massive. In cooperation with WHO and the interna- The two new hospitals are being built by state-owned devoted to only criticizing China. tional scientific community, it is taking this outbreak firms and financed by China’s public banking system, It should be remembered that the Reagan adminis- very seriously. allowing for a swift and coordinated response that can tration not only ignored the AIDS crisis in the 1980s but “Party committees and governments at all levels must focus on meeting the public’s needs instead of extracting mocked and ridiculed the tens of thousands of people take novel coronavirus outbreak prevention and con- short-term profits. Unlike capitalist companies, state- dying from that deadly disease. And during the 2017-18 trol as the top priority of their work,” said President Xi owned firms can operate at a loss. flu season in the U.S., more than 60,000 people died—a​ Jinping at a Jan. 25 meeting of the Central Committee of State-owned Telecom China Mobile has set up a spe- fact rarely mentioned—which​ puts China’s current out- cial 5G network in a Wuhan hospi- break into perspective. tal to facilitate telemedicine, which The current U.S. flu season has already seen over will reduce exposure of medical 6,000 fatalities, presenting a much greater threat at workers to the virus. Factories have present to public health than the coronavirus. Yet the been ordered to massively increase Western corporate media, driven by an endless need for production of medical supplies, more viewers and more advertising revenue, choose to like masks and gloves, after some put forward a sensationalist narrative regarding China—​ shortages of these items were ini- to grab people’s attention and generate more clicks. tially reported. Prices for these items spiked, but e-commerce giant Resurgence of diseases in U.S. Alibaba announced it would work to There has been a resurgence in the U.S. of leprosy and eliminate price hikes. typhus in Los Angeles’ homeless population and measles and mumps in unvaccinated people. Two very different responses The U.S. actually has a lower vaccination rate than the No response to an outbreak like Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which has a much smaller this will be perfect, but on-the- population and economy so it can spend much less on ground reports attest to the effi- health care. A 2016 study published by the National PHOTO: CGTN ciency and seriousness with which Institutes of Health investigated vaccination rates of Construction began on the second coronavirus hospital in Wuhan on Jan. 26. The it is being handled. This reporter children living below the poverty line in four states and Leishenshan Hospital will be 30,000 square meters and house 1,300 beds. The spoke with Victoria Sinclair, a U.S. found that 40 percent had not received a single dose of hospital will open in a week and a half. citizen living in the city of Dalian the vaccine for rotavirus. Before introduction in 2006, in northwest China. She said, “I’ve rotavirus caused 20 to 60 deaths a year among children the Communist Party, which set up a high-level task force always been impressed with how quickly Chinese con- and up to 70,000 hospitalizations. to combat the virus. Led by Premier Li Keqiang, the task struction workers manage to work. Our highway was Racism is also apparent in how little concern Western force arrived in Wuhan on Jan. 26 to coordinate efforts done in a few weeks, and I have no doubt the new hos- reports seem to have for the well-being of non-Western to contain the outbreak. As of Jan. 27, the Ministry of pitals they are building in Wuhan will be done quickly.” people hit by a deadly viral outbreak. While the acci- Finance has allocated $8.74 billion to combat the virus. Sinclair added, “The buses and subway are still running dental burning of Notre Dame in Paris and the massive Wuhan and several other cities have been put under in our city, but they [workers] are taking extra precau- wildfires in Australia both brought out public displays partial quarantine, shutting down public transit and tions and sanitizing them twice daily.” of sympathy and huge donations from Western corpora- restricting travel by private cars, even as Chinese New Coverage in the Western media has been largely neg- tions and billionaires, China’s coronavirus outbreak has Year/Spring Festival celebrations kicked off what is the ative, portraying China’s response as inept and lacking not garnered the same sympathy and support. largest annual human migration in the world. transparency, despite the central government calling on This is the inevitable result of a new Cold War being This is an unprecedented response to a viral outbreak. all cases of the virus to be immediately reported and sev- waged against China as the imperialist West attempts Free-market capitalist countries have been inhibited eral local officials in Wuhan facing repercussions for not to hold on to its position as the global power center. ☐

Desafíos al movimiento progresista en Nuestra América

Continúa de la página 12 muertos, heridos, presos y desaparecidos tradicional y de intereses extranjeros, a popular alcance sus objetivos. que no se registraba desde hace décadas tal punto que al parecer Washington y Grandes reformas en el continente han en sus varias vertientes, la dignidad de los (a excepción quizás de Colombia, un país sus aliados europeos parecen haber desis- sido impulsadas por grupos de militares pueblos aborígenes, la dignidad nacional, “democrático” en el cual la represión se tido de sacar a Maduro por la fuerza de nacionalistas en Argentina (Perón), Brasil etc.) ha mantenido desde siempre y los milita- las armas y proponen ahora una “salida (Vargas), México (Cárdenas y Calles) o Pero ni la amplitud de estos movi- res funcionan no solo al margen de la ley pactada”. Perú (Velasco Alvarado), a pesar de la mientos ni su evidente legitimidad han sino con total independencia del poder Este es un desafío de enormes dimen- suerte posterior de estas revoluciones conseguido poner fin al reinado del neo- gubernamental). siones. Mientras no se consiga al menos que, en el fondo pusieron de manifiesto liberalismo. Ni en Chile ni en Colombia Solo Venezuela parece haber resuelto neutralizar a militares y policías, siem- la débil constitución de una verdadera o Haití –donde las protestas no cesan–, este dilema limpiando literalmente las pre existe el peligro de la derrota aunque burguesía nacional y la insuficiencia del ni en Ecuador que parece estar en un filas de militares y policías de elementos el movimiento popular cuente con una movimiento popular. momento de indecisiones los gobernantes reacios a todo cambio y carentes de cual- dimensión considerable, altos grados de Han sido casos excepcionales, sin duda, de turno parecen dispuestos a ceder, y en quier inspiración realmente nacionalista, consciencia y organización y plena legi- pero su impacto en la historia de la región sus momentos más críticos, cuando todo de cualquier sentimiento de lealtad nacio- timidad. Sin embargo, aunque difícil, la es inmenso y demuestra que no siempre parecía indicar que les había llegado la nal. Por eso allí han fracasado hasta ahora tarea no es imposible y no sería la pri- desde los cuarteles, necesariamente, se ha hora, una voz clara y enfática puso el sis- los muchos intentos de golpe de Estado, mera vez que desde los cuarteles un grupo de regar con sangre la protesta popular y tema a resguardo: la voz de los cuarteles y de intervención de los cuarteles en defensa de militares y policías nacionalistas y los deseos de cambio. ☐ el garrote de la policía, con un balance de de los intereses de la clase dominante progresistas permitan que el movimiento Correspondencia sobre artículos en Workers World/Mundo Obrero pueden ser enviadas a: [email protected]

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Un conflicto amargo en el seno de la clase dominante EE.UU.

Por John Catalinotto Representantes, Nancy Pelosi, una de las tenía un cómodo empleo en una empresa 17 de diciembre en decenas de ciudades principales demócratas, dice que enviará ucraniana. Trump hizo esto para obtener apoyando el proceso de destitución. En Traducción: María Piedad Ossaba, las órdenes de destitución al Senado sólo estrechas ventajas electorales. otras ocasiones durante los últimos tres Lapluma.net. cuando los líderes republicanos de allí Al escoger este crimen, los demócratas años, estas o similares fuerzas protesta- garanticen un “juicio justo”. Pelosi se están tratando de demostrar que son más ron por millones contra la misoginia del 1 de enero − Un amargo conflicto entre refiere a un juicio en el que los demócratas eficaces para representar los intereses presidente, expresaron su solidaridad los dos principales partidos políticos que pueden llamar a los antiguos colaborado- imperialistas. También lo hicieron dando con los migrantes o defendieron el medio representan al imperialismo usamericano res de Trump a testificar bajo juramento. un apoyo casi unánime al nuevo presu- ambiente en diferentes momentos. se perfila en el horizonte para el próximo ¿Y a quién quieren los demócratas llamar puesto del Pentágono, que fue aprobado Para estas personas, la dirección año. Lucharán en su primera ronda en como testigo? A nada menos que al hal- por la Cámara de Representantes por la del Partido Demócrata sólo ha dado la el Senado, en el juicio que seguirá a la cón John Bolton. friolera de 738 mil millones de dólares en opción de ponerse del lado del reaccio- votación de la Cámara de Representantes Antes de 2016, los estrategas imperialis- diciembre. Al mismo tiempo, un decreto nario régimen de Ucrania y el imperia- para destituir al presidente. La segunda tas –incluyendo a Bolton– habían basado presidencial estaba a punto de expulsar de lismo usamericano contra Rusia. Fue el ronda será la elección presidencial de la dominación mundial de EE.UU. en una los cupones de alimentos a casi un millón Partido Demócrata bajo el gobierno de noviembre. alianza con otras potencias imperialistas de personas, incluidos muchos niños y Barack Obama el que derrocó al ante- Tanto el partido republicano como el (Europa Occidental, Japón, Australia). Al ancianos, y y sumergirlos en la hambruna. rior gobierno de Ucrania, permitiendo demócrata son enemigos de los trabajado- igual que en la OTAN, EE.UU. es la poten- Una de las pocas demócratas progresis- incluso a las fuerzas profascistas entrar res del mundo. Ambos son enemigos de la cia hegemónica y hace el trabajo mili- tas que se opusieron a este regalo al com- en el nuevo régimen. Tomar partido en clase trabajadora de EE.UU.. Sin embargo, tar pesado y se lleva la mayor parte del plejo militar-industrial, la representante este esfuerzo no tiene nada que ver con el mundo entero estará observando este saqueo imperialista. Trump antagonizó a Rashida Tlaib, de Michigan, declaró que los verdaderos intereses del pueblo traba- conflicto. Afecta a todo el mundo. estos estrategas cuando pareció amenazar “no puede apoyar un proyecto de ley que jador de EE.UU.. ¿Este conflicto –interno de la clase a la OTAN. proporciona 738.000 millones de dóla- No sólo las personas de la pequeña dominante imperialista usamericana– res para guerras y contratistas de defensa, izquierda antiimperialista, sino incluso tendrá lugar de una manera que permita El odio del pueblo mientras que este año sólo proporciona- algunos miembros del Congreso del a la gente trabajadora común y corriente Por razones completamente diferentes, mos 190.000 millones de dólares en fondos Partido Demócrata, como el represen- de EE.UU. intervenir en sus propios Trump se ha ganado el odio de grandes discrecionales para la atención de la salud, tante demócrata Al Green de Texas, un intereses? Esto parece improbable en la sectores de la población usamericana – y la educación y la creación de empleos”. africano-americano, han instado a que actualidad, pero han ocurrido cosas más del mundo. Ha hecho incesantes comenta- La diputada Tlaib, una de las cuatro Trump sea acusado en el proceso de des- sorprendentes. rios insensibles y groseros, calumniando representantes femeninas de color cono- titución por incitar a la violencia con base Según la Constitución de los EE.UU., a los latinoamericanos y a los africanos, cidas como “la escuadra” (The Squad), en sus comentarios racistas. para destituir a un presidente, la Cámara insultando a las mujeres. Provoca la vio- también criticó la guerra financiada por La presidencia de Trump ha desatado de Representantes debe votar, por mayo- lencia ultraderechista. EE.UU. contra Yemen, la nueva Fuerza protestas progresistas en EE.UU. con- ría simple, para presentar cargos contra En sus programas políticos ha hecho la Espacial y las nuevas armas nucleares tra la agenda de odio del presidente. Las un presidente en ejercicio, acusaciones guerra a los pobres. Ha nombrado jueces previstas en el proyecto de ley. personas con discapacidades han lide- que ella considere lo suficientemente federales anti-mujeres. Mientras tanto, rado la lucha por la atención médica; los graves como para destituirlo del cargo. El ha concedido la reducción de impuestos Políticos imperialistas y racistas maestros de los Estados que votaron por Senado organiza posteriormente un jui- a los ricos, al tiempo que ha abierto las Trump presta apoyo político a los polí- Trump han realizado huelgas desafiantes. cio basado en esos cargos. Para condenar tierras indígenas y los recursos naturales ticos imperialistas y racistas de todo el Las mujeres han encabezado las protestas y destituir al presidente de su cargo se al saqueo por las empresas; para ello, el mundo, como Boris Johnson en Gran contra el abuso sexual y por su liberación. requiere el voto de por lo menos dos ter- 0,001% de los más ricos siguen vertiendo Bretaña, Marine Le Pen en Francia, Las personas de origen latinoamericano cios de los miembros del Senado. sus contribuciones en la campaña política Matteo Salvini en Italia, que trastocan han encabezado manifestaciones en soli- En la historia de EE.UU., el presidente de Trump. la solidaridad de la clase obrera. Con sus daridad con los migrantes. Los pueblos Andrew Johnson fue sometido a juicio De todos sus crímenes, la dirección tuits racistas, el presidente ha envene- indígenas han liderado protestas contra político en 1868 y Bill Clinton en 1998. del partido demócrata escogió a propó- nado la atmósfera política, dividiendo a la crisis climática y para proteger la tierra. Ni Johnson ni Clinton fueron condenados sito uno en el que Trump enfrentó a los los trabajadores usamericanos sobre la ¿Será posible que la dirección del por el Senado. Los republicanos controlan estrategas de la Guerra Fría. Rechazó la base de la raza, el género y la religión. Partido Demócrata frene la lucha contra el Senado de hoy. No hay indicios en el ayuda militar al régimen derechista y anti Hay muchas personas en los EE.UU. Trump y la limite a atacar su crimen de presente de que estos republicanos con- ruso de Ucrania. Trump (presionó al pre- que odian –y algunos que temen– a buscar ventajas electorales estrechas? ¿O denen a Trump. sidente ucraniano para que investigara a Trump por buenas razones. Miles de per- el pueblo romperá estos límites y comen- La presidenta de la Cámara de Hunter Biden, el hijo de Joe Biden, que sonas en todo EE.UU. se manifestaron el zará a luchar por sus propios intereses? ☐ Desafíos al movimiento progresista en Nuestra América

Por Juan Diego García de Estado, emprender la construcción de América contra el neoliberalismo acontecimientos en el área latinoameri- un orden económico esencialmente dife- Por fortuna para estos países de la cana y caribeña se constata cómo, unos Publicado en lapluma.net el 1 de enero. rente que permita superar la condición de periferia del sistema siempre habrá fór- regímenes políticos y un orden social pro- economías de complemento, prescindi- mulas intermedias que permitan superar fundamente deteriorados, que han per- Para los movimientos populares de bles y secundarias en el complicado entra- las limitaciones y hacer frente a las ame- dido toda su legitimidad (caso reciente América Latina y el Caribe no es suficiente mado del mercado mundial. Cuando se nazas internas y sobre todo externas. Sin de Chile, Ecuador, Haití y Colombia) y con alcanzar un alto grado de consciencia tienen recursos naturales abundantes el embargo y de forma inmediata, hay un registran enormes movilizaciones popu- política y organización mientras las clases país se convertirá en objetivo prioritario desafío que no es posible descuidar: el lares exigiendo cambios radicales de todo dominantes, de una u otra forma, manten- de las agresiones imperialistas en lucha poder militar. el orden. Se exige la salida de los actua- gan el control de las fuerzas armadas. por asegurarse materias primas, merca- No le basta a estos movimientos popu- les gobernantes, se apuesta por un nuevo Cuando el sistema político tradicional dos y zonas de influencia; y este peligro lares, democráticos y nacionalistas contar orden constitucional, se rechaza enfática- colapsa y ve agotadas sus energías es posi- no es pequeño en absoluto; pero cuando con un movimiento de masas organizado y mente la política económica neoliberal, se ble ganar a esas clases dominantes el con- los recursos (materiales y humanos) son consciente ni con un programa de reformas condena sin paliativos la represión policial trol del gobierno (total o parcialmente). escasos o muy limitados, el desafío es aún adecuadas que le den solidez al proyecto. y la manipulación mediática impulsada por Es el caso de Venezuela y Bolivia, sin mayor. Tampoco es suficiente con una vanguar- el mismo gobierno y por grupos de intere- duda. Cosa bien diferente es arrebatarles Solo naciones muy ricas en recursos dia política de suficiente garantía, de una ses económicos nacionales y extranjeros (la el poder económico (y el mediático, vin- o de dimensiones continentales (como dirección a la altura de los desafíos. Todo intervención imperialista solo es negada culado estrechamente a éste último) aun- Brasil o China) tienen la ventaja de con- esto, junto, resulta incompleto, y tal como por quienes quieren y necesitan hacerlo) y que las formas de capitalismo de Estado tar con condiciones materiales adecuadas señalaba el poeta y estratega chino, quie- se levantan banderas nuevas que recogen (en manos populares) permiten márgenes para el empuje de un proyecto al menos nes emprendan procesos de cambios radi- las reivindicaciones populares más recien- bastante amplios para emprender refor- nacionalista (en el sentido sano del tér- cales nunca deben olvidar que “en última tes (la defensa del planeta expoliado por mas políticas y sociales de fondo. mino) y –mejor aún, aunque no necesa- instancia el poder nace de la boca de los el capitalismo, la reivindicación de género Por supuesto, siempre queda el desafío riamente- de un proyecto de amplias y fusiles”. Continúa en la página 11 mayor que es, a partir de ese capitalismo profundas reformas sociales. Si se repasan los recientes