Cuban Young Communists discuss challenges • S THE Supreme Court sanctions death penalty . . . • 7 Sandinistas' statement on women's rights • 8-9

A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF WORKING PEOPLE VOL. 51/NO. 19 MAY 22, 1987 • 75 CENTS Linders rip contra war Contragate hearings before House committee close in BY IKE NAIIEM WASHINGTON, D.C. -"I consider the United States government and its effec­ on Reagan tors-the contras- guilty of this crime," David Linder told a packed congressional hearing here May 13. BY FRED FELDMAN The contras' murder of his son Ben in In the face of testimony by a former top Nicaragua "was not an accidental result of Reagan aide to a congressional committee, U.S. policy," Linder said. "It is the es­ the president denied May 12 that he en­ sence of U.S. policy." couraged the Saudi Arabian monarchy to Linder was testifying before the House give $2 million per month to the contras in Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Western 1985 - shortly after Congress banned Hemisphere Affairs. The hearing room U.S. efforts to finance or raise funds for was entirely filled, with dozens of people the U.S.-organized bands. waiting outside to get in, as he described Just as implausibly, Reagan continues to . how U.S.-paid mercenaries gunned Ben deny having any notion that his CIA direc­ Linder down in northern Nicaragua, where tor and National Security Council appoin­ he had been a volunteer engineer for hydro­ tees had organized a network of allegedly electric projects. private fundraisers to purchase and ship The contra attack took place April 28. arms for the mercenary army. Reagan David Linder told the congressional panel claims that he knew only of efforts to raise what he had learned when he and his fam­ money for television advertisements in ily went to Nicaragua to bury their son and support of the contra war. join the protests there against his murder. Presidential news secretary Marlin Fitz­ "The killings took place in an isolated David and Elisabeth Linder at May 13 congressional hearing water conceded May 11 that Reagan had ravine one mile from any settlements," said told "anyone who would listen," including Linder. "Nothing was there to destroy "Ben and the others had been [in the re­ had been killed. She was one of four med­ his subordinates, that he wanted the contras other than the lives of Ben and his cowork- gion] long enough for the contras to know ical personnel who received and dressed supported. ers." who they were and what they were doing. his body after the autopsy. Reagan's credibility took another blow The contras first attacked with grenades, This was an ambush, not a chance en­ Ben Linder's mother, Elisabeth, ap­ when Robert McFarlane testified at con­ then moved in and shot Ben Linder "at counter. This is murder:· peared at the hearing as well. At one point, gressional committee hearings on the ltan · point-blank range as he lay wounded," said Mary Risacher, a U.S. nurse who had Rep. Connie Mack, Republican from contra scandals May 11 and 12. McFarlane his father. Two Nicaraguan workers were lived in Nicaragua for three and a half Florida, burst out, "Your son, he kind of was appointed by Reagan to be his national also murdered. years, also testified about how Ben Linder Continued on Page 3 security adviser in October 1983 and re­ signed the post in December 1985. He was the second witness to come before the com­ mittee, following retired air force ge11eral Richard Secord. 2,500 back S. Dakota meat-packers Secord described being recruited by Na­ tional Security Council official Oliver North to set up "the enterprise" - an BY TED LEONARD Electrical Workers, made the same point. We have to stand together." elaborate network for funding and arming SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -Protesting the "We need to begin by condemning the vio­ A 70-car caravan had come up from the contras after Congress in October 1984 violence of John Morrell & Co., 2,500 lence of tbe bomb threat against the Labor Sioux City,Iowa, for the rally, composed barred the government from "directly or in­ meat-packers, unionists, and supporters Temple," he said, "the police smashing mainly of UFCW Local 1142 members directly" providing such assistance. He tes­ rallied here May 11 ·to support striking windshields, the violence of the scabs and who are on strike against the Morrell plant tified that top U.S. officials like the late United Food and Commercial Workers company agents, the violence of Morrell." there. It was in response to 1142's roving CIA director William Casey collaborated (UFCW) Local 304A. Kingsley continued, "If the Morrell pickets that the Sioux Falls workers went with him, and that Vice-president George The rally was called on three days' execs in Chicago have decided to take on out. Bush had been informed of the operation. the working people of Sioux Falls, they Local 304A President Foster pledged notice to respond to the big-business Secord said that Rear Adm. John Poin­ have made· a mistake. We are not going to that "304A is respecting and honoring media's portrayal of the strike as violent. dexter, then serving as Reagan's national take it anymore." 1142's picket line until they receive a de­ The strike is being carried out in solidarity security adviser, had told him that Reagan This sentiment was displayed by many cent and honorable contract." with Morrell strikers in Iowa. The rally appreciated Secord's efforts and knew that signs reading, "Victory through solidar­ · The president of UFCW Local 1142 drew unionists from South Dakota, Iowa, proceeds from the arms sales to Iran had and Nebraska, including from locals of the ity," "John Morrell, go to hell," "Scabs go spoke briefly, thanking the members of been sent"to the contras. United Electrical Workers, Allied Industri­ home," "Nothing to lose by fighting," and 304A and telling them that it was "unbe­ al Workers International Union, United "An injury to one is an injury to all." Many lievable" bow ·much 304A had done for McFarlane provided further evidence of Paperworkers, UFCW, and others. workers wore T-shirts that read, "Scab­ them. Reagan's involvement in the operations. Local 304A President Dennis Foster buster." . Other speakers .included Lewie Ander­ , "The president repeatedly made it clear explained that the violent party in the con­ Jerome Jackson, president of the South son, head of the UFCW Packinghouse Di­ in public and in private that he did not in­ flict was the John Morrell company. This Dakota American Agriculture Movement, vision, and representatives from the Peace tend to break faith with the contras" after included, he said, its health and safety vio­ responded to attempts to pit farmers and and Justice Center, Family Farm Group, Congress cut off funding, he said. "He di­ lations, which have resulted in scores of in­ workers against each other. "The AAM has teachers' association, Allied Industrial rected that we make continued efforts to juries. always been for workers," he said. "Corpo­ Workers, and some Democratic Party poli­ bring the movement into the good graces of Bob Kingsley, an official of the United rate greed has put us where we are today. ticians. Congress and the American people, and that we assure the contras of continuing ad­ Tell Leonard is a member of United Food ministration support to help them hold and Commercial Workers Local 1149 in body and soul together until the time when Terry, Iowa. . / Continued on Page 2 Contras torch civilian barge

BY ROBERTOKOPEC bands have ambushed civilian boats in the MANAGUA, Nicaragua- A group of past. U.S. -sponsored mercenaries captured and Te6filo Martinez, one of the tugboat's destroyed a tugboat and barge traveling on crew members, told the May 8 Sandinista the Escondido River in southeastern Nica­ daily Barricada that the contras first fired ragua on May 1. The barge was carrying shots and ordered the boat to stop alongside seven truckloads of food, medicines, and the riverbank. other goods to the Atlantic Coast city of The mercenaries then ordered the crew B1uefields. off the boat and doused the barge and its There are no roads connecting contents with gasoline. The captain Bluefields with the rest of Nicaragua, so pleaded with the contras, asking them not cargo is trucked to the town of Rama and to bum the boat and explaining that the then put on boats for the trip down the Es­ cargo was just food, medicine, and soap, May 11 rally in solidarity with members of United Food and Commercial Workers on condido River. The river flows through a most belonging to private merchants in strikt against John Morrell & Co. For more coverage of strike, see page 4. sparsely.populated jungle where mercenary Coatiaued oa Pace 2 Testimony points to·Reagan's guilt

Contino~ from front page him that there would have to be a "shred­ tration resorted to secret operations. Congress would again · agree to support ding party" to destroy incriminating docu­ "People turned to covert action because them." ments as the scandal began to break. they thought they could not get congres­ McFarlane described Reagan's part in sional support for overt activities. But they Under questioning, McFarlane conceded raising funds from the Saudi Arabian were not forced to think systematically he had participated in p~oducing a fake monarchy for the contras. about the fatal risks they were running." chronology of the Iran arms deals. The McFarlane said that in 1984 he had told committee counsel also indicated McFar­ "Waging war with a Soviet proxy," as a top official of what he called "Country 2" lane had falsely testified to Congress about McFarlane slanderously described Nicara­ (Saudi Arabia) that the impending congres­ North's activities. These actions were part gua in his remarks, requires having "the sional defeat of contra aid "would represent of an attempted government cover-up. American people and the U.S. Congress a substantial loss for the president." The solidly behind you. Yet it's virtually im­ official "said he would like to think about No 'public support' possible . . . to rally the public behind a it," and a couple of days later told McFar­ McFarlane introduced his testimony policy you cannot even talk about." lane that the Saudi government would give with a statement that sheds light on some the contras $1 million a month until the end McFarlane failed to note an even deeper causes. of the crisis rocking the govern­ of the year. McFarlane then informed problem, indicated by the response of U.S. ment. He pointed to the war against Nica­ Reagan of this in a written note, and working people as some of the truth is re­ ragua as an example of "our recurring Reagan expressed "satisfaction and plea­ vealed about the dirty war Washington has troubles in foreign policy decision-mak­ sure." waged against Nicaragua, especially with ing." A key problem, he said, was the fail­ In early 1985 King Fahd of Saudi Arabia the murder of the frrst U.S. citizen, Ben ure of the executive branch and Congress visited Washington and met privately with Linder, at the bands of the contras. It is "to stimulate public support for deliber­ Reagan in the White House. "Within a day even harder to "rally public support" for That is one reason why Reagan is refus­ ately chosen policies;" or so," testified McFarlane, Saudi Arabian such a war when it is forced into the open, ing to come clean about his own role in officials stated that they were doubling Lacking public support for its war on facts become known, and the issues can be Washington's crimes- past and present their monthly contribution to the . contra Nicaragua, McFarlane said, the adminis- · debated openly. - against Nicaragua. war. When McFarlane told Reagan of this, the president's response was one "of gratitude and satisfaction, not of surprise." When the Honduran military held up an Bishop hits contra aid at Casey's funeral arms shipment destined for the contras, McFarlane testified, President Reagan suc­ The unpopularity of Washington's con­ church on Long Island - and with Presi­ wrought in Central America by support of cessfully pressed the Honduran head of tra war against Nicaragua was highlighted dent Reagan sitting in a front-row pew~ the contras. state to release it. when Roman Catholic Bishop John . McGann took issue with Casey's role in the "These are not light matters on which to A few months after McFarlane left his McGann spoke out against it at the funeral war against Nicaragua. disagree. They are matters of life and post, he admitted that he wrote to North of former CIA Director William Casey. He According to McGann, Casey's views death. And I cannot conceal or disguise my about finding "a way to get 10 Blowpipe died May 6. "made incomprehensible to him the ethical fundamental disagreement on these matters launchers and 20 missiles" for the contras. Casey was deeply involved in the gov­ questions raised by me as his bishop about with a man I knew and respected." McFarlane claimed that while he was na­ ernment's secret operations to organize and our nation's defense policies since the Jeane Kirkpatrick, former U.S. ambas­ tional security adviser he repeatedly arm the contras. A confidante of President dawn of the nuclear age." sador to the United Nations, responded by warned North against violating the law. Ronald Reagan, he was appointed to head eulogizing Casey for his support to the Yet when North told him about such viola­ the spy agency after having headed ''I'm equally sure," the bishop con­ "freedom fighters." And members of his tions, McFarlane made no objections. He Reagan's presidential election campaign in tinued, "that Bill must have thought us family called for donations to the William testified that North had told him of the di­ 1980. Casey was the first CIA chief to bishops blind to the potential for a Com­ J. Casey Fund for the Nicaraguan Freedom version to the contras of proceeds from the serve in the president's cabinet. munist threat to·this hemisphere as we op­ Fighters - yet another front for funneling sale of arms to Iran and that North had told At Casey's May 9 funeral at a Catholic posed and continue to oppose the violence arms and supplies to the terrorists. Crisis in Grenada? Atlantic Coast supply ship torched Continued from front page The mothers of the two kidnapped Threat of massive layoffs of public employees in Grenada has Bluefields. The contras replied that they teachers, along With a delegation from the fueled growing discontent. would carry out their mission, and set the Ciudad Antigua region, delivered a letter to boat afire. the Honduran ambassador in Managua Eight of the boat's cre'¥were later re­ May 9. The letter asks President Jose Az­ ' Hear leased, but one young mari"is still in their cona of Honduras to guarantee the lives of hands, reported Barricada. the kidnapped and assure their safe return Terry Marryshou; In another terrorist action, a few minutes to Nicaragua. It also demands that Hon­ General secretary of the after midnight May 10, mercenaries at­ duras cease being a base for the contras. "I tacked chemical storage tanks belonging to ask the government of Honduras to enable Maurice Bishop Youth Organisation of Grenada the plastics manufacturing company my daughter's return to Nicaragua. I ask POLYCASA, less than two miles west of them to save my daughter's life, she's a Sat., May 16, 7 p.m. Rama. People living near the plant had to minor, and I am very worried for her," one be evacuated because the tanks contained of the mothers explained. Medgar Evers College Cafeteria highly toxic and ,flammable chemicals. Haidee Siles Gonzalez, a young teacher 1150 Carroll Street, Brooklyn They later returned to ·their homes as the who volunteered to replace one ofthe kid­ situation was brought under control. napped teachers in Ciudad Antigua, was Sponsored by: Maurice Bishop Piitriotic Movement Support Group; Grenada Foundation, In another attack, on May 4, contras kid­ also part of the delegation. Asked what she Inc.; Student Government of Medgar Evers; Center for Women's Development of Medgar napped 10 people from the townofCiudad thought of her new assignment, she said Evers. Antigua, near the Hond!ll'an border in that her aim is to continue her colleague's Directions: Take No. 2 or 5 train to President Street stop, follow signs to college. For more information northern Nicaragua. The victims included work, "giving the bread of education, call (718) 629-2019 or 941-2087. two teachers, Sonia Albir, aged 17, and which is what they were doing, teaching Sandra Velazquez, aged 18. those who do not know how to read." Subscribe. today! The Militant The Militt!nt is written in the Closing news date: May 13, 1987 interests of workers and farm­ Coeditors: MARGARET JA YKO and DOUG JENNESS ers. Every week it tells the truth Circulation Director: MALIK MIAH about the war Washington and Nicaragua Bureau Director: CINDY JAQUITH Business Manager: JIM WHITE .- the .employers are waging Editorial Staff: Susan Apstein, Fred Feldman, Ernest . against working people at home Harsch, Arthur Hughes, Sam Manuel, Harvey McArthur ·. and ·abroad. 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2 t The Militant May 22, 1987 Protest. actions across- U.S. denounce murder. of Ben Linder BY HARRY RING bassador to the United Nations; three Meetings, marches, pickets, and vigils prominent clergy members; and a number have been held in many cities protesting of Linder's friends, most of whom .had the murder of Ben Linder, the U.S. en­ shared the Nicaragua experience with him. gineer slain by contras in Nicaragua. Icaza said Linder was the first North Almost 1,000 people participated in a American to join thousands of Nicaraguans march and memorial service for Linder in who have been tortured, kidnapped, and Seattle. The march assembled at the Uni­ killed by the contra "freedom fighters." versity of Washington, where Linl:!er had gone to school. Nicaragua, he said, has been pushed In a procession through the city's Uni­ deeper into poverty and has suffered much versity District to the University Christian hardship as the result of a war "organized, Church, marchers chanted "CIA out of funded, and directed" by the U.S. govern­ Nicaragua". and "Boycott South Africa, not ment. But; he emphasized, "we know very Memorial march for Ben Linder in Seattle drew a thousand people. Nicaraguan Nicaragua." Placards with Linder's picture well that this is not a policy supported by speaker denounced contra killers as ''Reagan's proxies." that said "Ben Linder presente" filled the the American people." rally. Various groups that organize aid pro­ To applause from the audience, he de­ Linder's friends had to say_ about him. We paid for the bullets that killed my son." jects in Nicaragua carried banners in the clared, "We know there are many Ben Lin­ They conveyed a picture of a person of "We must demand," she continued, "we march. ders in this country!" warmth and conviction who identified with must insist that Nicaragua be allowed to Mariano Fiallos, director of the Nicara­ Noting that Linder had worked in Nica­ Nicaragua's revolutionary process and had live free. We must stop all aid to the con­ guan Supreme Electoral Council, told the ragua for some $13 a month, lcaza said, greatly influenced them. tras now. We must stop the embargo gathering that it was "Reagan's proxies" "He became one of us : He shared our All of the speakers urged people to emu­ against Nicaragua now. The United States who killed Linder. hardships." late Ben's example in aiding Nicaragua and has no business dictating to a free and John · Linder described some of the de­ And, he added, Linder knew very well in opposing the aggression against it. sovereign country, and Nicaragua is a free velopment projects his brother had worked he was on the contra death list, but he was It was announced that veterans of the and sovereign country." on. He said that the hydroelectric project not deterred. Spanish Civil War, members of the Abra­ John Linder said his brother was the vic­ where his brother was killed was one of The U .S.-run war against Nicaragua was ham Lincoln Brigade, were· now sending tim of a crime and declared Washington the many targets specifically selected by the scored by Balfour Brickner, senior rabbi of their eleventh ambulance to Nicaragua. · criminal. CIA and contras. the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue; Paul And it was also announced that the New In Denver, 120 people gathered at the Linder called on people to help raise Moore, Episcopalian bishop; and William Jewish Agenda is organizing a Ben Linder Federal Building May 6 to protest Linder's funds to send more volunteers to finish the Sloan Coffin, minister of Riverside work brigade to go to Nicaragua. death. project his brother was working on and for Church. · In Chicago, Elisabeth and John Linder And in New Orleans, 50 people picketed other projects. Ben Linder, Brickner declared, "was the both addressed a May 9 meeting of Opera­ the Federal Building May 2, responding to Hal Thackery of TechNica, the organi­ freedom fighter, not Reagan's contras." tion PUSH (People United to Save Human- a call by the Movement for Peace in Cen­ zation sponsoring Linder's work on the A "deep rage" is growing among the ity). . tral America, a local coalition. project, told the gathering that since the people of this country over the war against Introduced by Jesse Jackson, Elisabeth news of the killing, the group's phone had Nicaragua, he continued, and there is the Linder declared, "Ben was murdered on This article is based on reports from Omari not stopped ringing, with calls from people feeling that "we've had enough." April28. You know who's responsible for Musa, Karen Ray, Lisa Hickler, Michael volunteering to help. The audience was deeply moved by what that? Your government. My government. Chamberlain, and Nels ]'Anthony. Other speakers included state represen­ tative Jesse Wineberry; Philip Boreano, a professor of Linder's; and lames Mirel, a local rabbi. Young fighters to meet at YSA conventiOn A message from Congressman Michael Lowry said he was calling for a congres­ BY ERNEST HARSCH likewise elect a new National Committee. struggles of working farmers in the United sional probe ofLinder's death. "This is an exciting political period that In addition, there will be a wide range of States. Among those taking part will be The city of Seattle, which is a sister city offers many opportunities for young fight­ special presentations and classes. Merle Hansen, a leader of the North Amer­ to Managua, declared May 10 Ben Linder ican Farm Alliance. ers." For that reason, says Sarah Button, On Saturday evening, the Political Day. The state government of Washington Tomas Villanueva, a leader of striking did the same. · young activists should attend the 25th na­ Rights Defense Fund is sponsoring a public tional convention of the Young Socialist farm workers in the Yakima Valley region rally to focus on defense of political and Alliance, which will be held in Chicago of Washington state, will be among the in­ Portland · democratic rights. Featured speakers in­ vited guests at the convention. So will a May 23-25. . . clude Hector Marroquin, who is fighting At Chapman Elementary School in Port­ representative of the Youth Section of the Button is a member of a special YSA against government efforts to deport him land, which Linder had attended, 500 team building participation in the. conven­ African National Congress of South Af­ people gathered for a tribute to him May for his political views, and David Linder, tion in the Midwest. rica. 10. Earlier, on the day after his murder, father of Ben Linder, the U.S. engineer In Chicago, Button says, "workers, stu­ The YSA convention is open to all those murdered by ~e Nicaraguan contras. 1,500 people had rallied in Portland for a dents, and farmers will be gathering from interested in revolutionary politics, espe­ protest vigil. all over the country." Roni Lerouge, One prominent theme of the convention cially to youths interested in a socialist The school meeting was sponsored by another YSA team member, stresses the will be to urge young workers and students youth organization. the Portland Central America Solidarity wide range of discussions those attending to emulate the example of Ben Linder by For more information, write to: YSA, 64 Committee and the Portland-Corinto Sister the convention will be able to participate participating in work brigades to Nicaragua Watts St., New York, N.Y. 10013, or con­ City Association. Both of Linder's parents in, including "on the importance of joining in the coming months. tact the YSA chapter nearest you. (See di~ spoke at the meeting .. work brigades to Nicaragua, how to fight A .panel discussion will be held on the rectory on page 12.). Activists announced plans to send more back against racist attacks, labor move­ volunteers to NiCaragua. ment struggles, and the way forward for The meeting closed a week of mourning women's equality." declared by the Portland City Council, CoDJ.e to a which also called for halting aid to the con­ ' Similar convention-building activities tras. are under way .in other parts of the country. Eight hundred people joined in a New As well, branches of the Socialist Workers York tribute to Ben Linder May 13. They Party are reaching out to at-large members Rally for Political Rights heard Julio lcaza, Nicaragua's deputy am- of the YSA and to other young activists to Chicago encourage them to go to the convention. For example, the Des Moines, Iowa, Sa~urday, May 23, 8:_00 p.ID. Linders rip contras SWP has organized activities in the campus towns of Ames and Grinnell to get out the at House hearing word about the YSA convention. This has Hear: included a barbecue to · raise funds for John S~uder~ executive director. Political Rights De­ Continued from front page transportation. fense Fund. which is backing landmark lawsuit against illegal asked-for it, didn't he?'' The New York City SWP has sent its or­ political spying by FBI and other govemment agencies • There were hisses and gasps from the au­ ganizer, James Harris, to Annandale-on­ dience. Hudson to speak at a forum organized by Hec~or Marroquin. fighting against govemment As Elisabeth Linder began to reply, the Mid-Hudson YSA. This branch is also efforts to deport him Mack interrupted her, saying, "You came reaching out to students at the Stony Br09k . here to blame this government, the presi­ campus of the State University of New David Linder~ father of Ben Linder. U.S. engineer dent, and those fighting for freedom ...." York. murdered by Nicaraguan contras "Sir, contras are not fighting for free­ The YSA convention will be held at the and others dom," Elisabeth Linder replied. Hyatt-Regency Hotel in downtown Rep. George Crockett, Democrat of Chicago. Registration begins Friday, May Michigan, said he had called the hearing 22. There will also be a YSA open house Grand Ballroom, Hyatt-Regency Hotel because he expected many young people reception from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and college students to go to Nicaragua this that evening at the hotel. The actual con­ Illinois Center, 151 E. Wacker Drive summer. "I see a direct parallel with the vention sessions will start at 9:00 a.m. volunteers that went into the state of Mis­ Saturday morning and last through 4:00 downtown Chicago p.m. Monday, May 25. sissippi," he said. "I remember the three Sponsored by Political Rights Defense Fund young men who were murdered." National leaders of the YSA will give He was referring to the 1964 murder in several major reports, which will be dis­ for more information. call: Political Rights Defense fund, (212) 691·3270 or Mississippi of three civil rights fighters, cussed and voted on by the elected dele­ (312) 326·5853 which provoked national protests. gates of YSA chapters. The delegates will South ,Dakota· meat-packers re~ist scabs, cops

BYDIANESHUR cused the strikers of "ignoring the courts, SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -The governor ignoring the police, and ignoring the rights of South Dakota, state troopers, city of other people." police, and the circuit court here have The next morning, hundreds of strikers joined John Morrell & Co. in attacking the gathered again at the plant gate to prevent rights of union meat-packers. scabs from taking their jobs. That evening, Members of United Food and Commer­ police went on a rampage, arresting strik­ cial Workers (UFCW) Local3o4A went on ers and injuring a passing motorist. strike May 1 after honoring a picket line set Company lawyer Jeremiah Murphy up outside Morrell's plant here by their complained, "The streets are not a place union brothers and sisters from Local1142 where a person can come· and go from his in Sioux City, Iowa. Local 1142 has been job. You have got to run the gauntlet when on strike at the Iowa plant since March 9. you come out of the plarit. Civil authority At issue in the Iowa strike is a demand doesn't have control of the situation." Striking Iowa Morren workers sent Oying pickets to South Dakota plant, where work­ by the company that Local 1142 members ers refused to cross line. This militancy has inspired solidarity from other unionists. take a $ 1.25-an-hour pay cut. When 'The buck stops here' negotiations stalled on April 29, Local The strikers are fed up with unsafe work­ 1142 extended its pickets to the South ing conditions and concession contracts. failing to control the union membership. During this important battle to protect Dakota plant. The "buck stops here" is a frequently heard Union members and officers were found their jobs, Local 304A members have been Morrell .ranks seventh in sales among expression from Local 304A members who in contempt of court. Hurd ordered a joined on the line by other area unionists. U.S. packinghouses. It kills the second­ see themselves as standing up for their $25,000-a-day fme for the UFCW if the Contingents of electrical workers from the largest number of hogs per year. Like the brothers and sisters in Sioux City as well as "violence" is not ended. He also ordered a Litton phint, as well as paper workers, other packers, Mortell is attempting to in­ themselves. fine of $100 a day against Local 304A have participated in strike support demon­ On May 6, ·Governor Mickelson told a crease its profits by driving down wages. President Foster and the Local's business strations. Nonunion workers at Citibank's The company also has a criminal safety news conference that he had ordered police national headquarters here have also ex­ to "restrict access to the plant to maintain agent if his order is violated. This ruling is record. On April 24 the Occupational a serious legal attack on the union and its pressed solidarity. Safety and Health Administration proposed peace." That night, cops hurled tear gas The union has contacted some farm or­ into a crowd of strikers protesting the arrest right to function without outside interfer­ that the company be fined $690,000 for fal­ ence. ganizations in South Dakota to make sure sifying injury reports. of a fellow union member. they understand that the pickets have no When Local 1142 members from Iowa On May 7, company lawyers demanded Union leaders were instructed to call a quarrel with farmers. And strikers have al­ set up their pickets at the South Dakota that Judge Hurd hold both Local 1142 and meeting of the Local 304A membership to lowed the stockyards across the street from plant on May 1 , at least 3 million pounds of Local 304A in contempt of his restraining inform them of the judge's ruling. The the plant to remain open so that farmers can fresh and processed meat were ~aiting in order. judge also ordered union officers to estab­ auction their hogs. But the tunnel from the the loading area ready for shipping. Mem­ In a courtroom packed with strikers, lish a schedule of patrols on major streets, stockyard to the plant has been closed off. bers of Local 304A honored the lines, and Morrell's lawyers grilled Local304A Pres­ ranging up to a mile from the plant, to Stockyard workers are also members of by 10:00 a.m., the company was advertis­ ident Dennis Foster and chastised him for break up crowds. Local304A. ing on radio and TV for scabs. Turning back scabs The following Monday, May 4, union­ A day with Sioux Falls strikers ists began lining the street leading to the p1antat 4:00a.m. They crowded in front of BY PIUL NORRIS roving pickets on duty outside the South 1986. . the gate to block traffic arid formed a SIOUX FALLS, S.D. ~ On May 4, I Dakota plant: They described how they had AnderSon went over the history of Mot­ human wall around replacement workers, spent the day here with striking meat-pack­ been tear-gassed by cops the previous convincing them not to enter. Each time a rell's attempt to win concessions from the ers from John Morrell & Co. plants in ev~ning. union. In the face of resistance by union scab was turned back, the Morrell workers Sioux City, Iowa, and Sioux Falls, South While we were there, the company suc­ members, the company started closing, cheered. Dakota. cessfully ran about 10 trucks out of the The same day, circuit Judge R.D. Hurd reopening, and reclosing plants like "turn­ plant under the protection of riot-clad ing a light switch on and off," said Ander­ issued a 10-day temporary restraining Workers at the South Dakota plant went police. These were the first trucks to leave son. order against the union, limiting pickets to on strike May 1, honoring roving pickets the plant in several days. Since the pla,nt I asked what unions had to do to protect 25. set up by striking members of United Food processes 1,100 hogs an hour,·these trucks themselves. Anderson pointed to the edu­ On Monday afternoon, Gov. George and Commercial Workers union (UFCW) . represented very little production. cation of the membership and the impor­ Mickelson responded to the city's request Local1142 from the Morrell plant in Iowa. I made my way to the Sioux Falls Labor tance of building coalitions between unions for support from the state troopers. He ac- I began the day visiting with some of the Temple where the 2,700-member UFCW and other community groups. Local 304A has its offices. Between 400 and 500 Local304A members are women. Do you know someone who reads Spanish? I spoke with two meat-packers in the ·Court upholds parking lot outside the Labor Temple. Cuban youth speak Larry explained that he also farms 200 trusteeship over acres. He said he was getting paid $11.82 Tens of thousands of Cuban an hour at Morrell in 1982. Now he gets Austin, Minn. youth take part in missions of in­ paid $9.25 an hour and takes home $100 meat-packers' union ternational solidarity around the less a week than he did five years ago. world. "If there is a country that Doc told me he had been president of a needs our technical or medical UFCW local in Memphis, Tennessee, but BY GREG McCARTAN skills, or . . . our help to defend 200 mil dicen 'no' a los had been forced to move to South Dakota AUSTIN, Minn.- A recent federal ap­ their sovereignty, it's a moral ob­ contras y al apartheid when Morrell shut down the Memphis peals court ruling has upheld the trustee­ ligation, even a privilege for us to plant. ship that top officials of the United Food do this," said Raul Castellanos Local 304A meat-packers at the infor­ and Commercial Workers union imposed Lage, outgoing member of the Na­ mation table in the union hall explained on UFCW Local P-9 in 1986. tional Bureau of the Union of that this was their fourth strike in a year and The trusteeship was imposed after Local Young Communists (UJC) in half. They struck in the fall of 1985 when P-9 refused to call off its militant strike at their contract expired. And twice last sum­ the Geo. A. Hormel & Co. plant here. Cuba. Local P-9 challenged the action at the For its May issue, Perspectiva mer Local 304A honored roving pickets set up outside the Sioux Falls plant by striking time but federal Judge Edward Devitt ap­ Mundial did an exclusive inter­ proved the trusteeship. The appeals court view with .Castellanos and meat-packers from Morrell's Arkansas City, Kansas, plant. has now upheld Devitt's ruling. another Cuban youth leader, FBI exige Como triunfo In a separate ruling, Devitt recently ap­ J:u,an Contino Aslaft, at the end of derecho de usar Ia huelga de Greg described what it ·is like working proved· the UFCW officials' seizure of the on a line slaughtering hogs. Your hands the recent UJC convention in arc~i~es Watsonville Austin Labor Center where Local P-9 and Havana. have to go through exactly the same motion other unions have offices. ·He ordered all every few seconds, which is the source of Contino .had just come back Subscriptions: $7 for one year; "books, records, and assets" of the Laboor repetitive-motion injuries such as carpal from an internationalist mission $4 for six months; Introductory Center handed over to UFCW~appointed in Angola, which is under attack tunnel syndrome. . trustee Joseph Hansen. · offer, $2.00 for five months. Pam is a secretary at the Morrell plant. by South Africa's apartheid re­ D Begin my sub with current After· the strike began, she was forced to gime. Castellanos served as a doc­ issue. work on the line without training. When tor in Nicaragua for 26 months. Labor news in the Militant Name she refused to work alongside scabs, the Perspectiva Mundial is the ------'-'--~--- company put her on indefinite suspension. The Militant stays on top of the most Spanish-language socialist maga­ Address ------­ She then came to the union hall to help with important developments in the labor movement. It has correspondents who zine that every month brings you the strike. the truth about the struggles of City/State/Zip ------work in the mines, mills, and shops working people ahd the oppressed Clip arid mail to PM, 410 West St., Lewie Anderson, head of the UFCW's where the events are breaking. You Packinghouse Division, described the ex­ won't miss any of it if you subscribe. See in the U.S. and around the world.. New York, NY 10014. tremely hazardous working conditions at the ad on page 2 of this issue for sub­ Morrell's Sioux Falls plant, where there scription rates. were 24 amputations between 1981 and Cuban·Young € '0mmunists discuss chaUenges Examine role of political leadership in solving economic problems

BY MARY-ALICE WATERS advance. HAVANA, Cuba- "At this meeting, The congress was opened by Roberto one feels the future," Armando Hart told Robaina Gonzalez, first secretary of the the delegates to the Fifth Congress of the UJC, and 30 minutes later, the delegates Union of Young Communists (UJC) here were already well into their first working in early April. Hart is the Cuban minister session. Over the next five days, they sys­ of culture and has been one of the leading tematically took up the main themes ofthe figures of the Cuban revolution for nearly report. Afternoon sessions were often ex­ 35 years. tended .several hours beyond their sched­ At other gatherings, Hart continued, he uled adjournment to allow more time for often felt that he was hearing the voice of discussion. The daily press carried exten­ the past. "Here it is the future calling and sive excerpts and summaries of the debate demanding that we listen." and Cuban television and radio broadcast Hart's remarks captured the most impor­ hours of the proceedings. tant aspect of the congress, which took Members of the Political Bureau of the place April 1-5. Originally scheduled for Cuban Communist Party were present for four days, the delegates voted during the the entire congress, often joining the dis­ congress itself to extend their deliberations cussion as they asked or answered ques­ another 24 hours. The discussion, during tions. Fidel Castro, president of the Cuban which more than 140 delegates took the Council of State and Council of Ministers, floor, was sometimes intensely serious and participa,ted in all working sessions of the sometimes humorous. More than anything, congress. however, it was a searching examination of There were also several hundred interna­ ·· Waters the successes, problems, and challenges tional guests representing youth organiza­ April congress of Union of Young Communists in Havana. Fidel Castrotold delegates facing socialist Cuba today. tions around the world. A number of them that socialism, unlike capitalism, is based on "conscience, solidarity, cooperation The 1,500 communist leaders gathered brought greetings to the delegates. and conscious discipline." · ' at Havana's modem conference center Discussion focused on one central theme were young. Their average age was Z5. - how can Cuban working people make established in the mid-1970s, there has member is working, it is not hard to get by . There was deep pride among them in what better use of their government, their state been a growing tendency to rely on the for an extended period of time without a the workers and farmers df Cuba have apparatus, their educational system, their planning mechanism as such to. automati­ job. Basic foods are guaranteed at sub­ accomplished in their 27 short years of mass organizations, and their industry to cally solve all problems. sidized prices, education and medical care governing - advances in health, educa­ accomplish more. are free, public transportation is virtually No 'mechanism' to build socialism free, and rent is generally no more than 10 . tion, industrial and technological .develop~ How can they develop and bring into percent of the income of the head of the ment, defense, sports, the arts; the historic their day-to-day work in Cuba the same As Castro put it at one recent meeting, progress in combating the legacies of rac­ kind of revolutionary consciousness and however, there is no "mechanism" that au­ family. ism and women's oppression; and the con­ spirit that has prompted millions of Cuban tomatically builds socialism. Socialism, The fact that large numbers of young tributions of Cuban men and women of all men and women to join the voluntary Ter­ unlike capitalism, "is not built by virtue of people prefer not to work at all constitutes ages as internationalist volunteers in coun­ ritorial Troop Militia, and has led hundreds blind laws.'' Socialism has its laws, he a collective loss to the entire society. tries such as Angola and Nicaragua. of thousands to participate in inter­ said, "but the subjective factor, the role of A related problem raised by delegates is nationalist brigades of doctors, teachers, the party, the role of the human being, is a frequent discrepancy between jobs avail­ The delegates were deeply aware that fundamental." Only free men and women able and the skills or professions for which such achievements have been possible only engineers, military personnel, and con­ struction workers in Africa, Central Amer­ can make the conscious decisions neces­ a young person has been trained. Too because the previous· generation of Cuban sary to lead others and to achieve the goals often, young people graduate from techni­ working people took the road of socialist ica, and elsewhere in the underdeveloped world? they have decided upon. ' cal schools, or even return from training revolution. They knew their gains had been Since the mid-1970s the emphasis in courses overseas, only to discover that · won only by standing up to the mightiest How can they improve the quality of life for all today, contribute more to the aid of Cuba has been to rely on material incen­ there are already too many other workers imperialist power in the world and un­ tives to increase productivity. Bonuses with the same skills, or that the equipment flinchingly defending their independence struggling peoples elsewhere, and prepare for the future by making better use of avail­ earned by producing more than a plant's they were trained to operate is not yet in and sovereignty through years of economic production quota often became an impor­ use in Cuba. Consequently, they ·cannot blockade, military aggression, and dip­ able technology and more efficient use of scarce human and material resources? tant part of anticipated wages. find employment in the field for which they lomatic isolation. The years of unbroken Both workers and management would trained. Working to reduce the frequency imperialist hostility to Cuba are unprec­ Correction process develop a stake in keeping production of such errors in planning, .and to eliminate edented in the 20th century. A deepening discussion of these ques­ goals artificially low in order to assure overspecialized training, which produces bonuses for "overproduction." While this needless frustration and unhappiness, was Focus on future tions has been taking place on all levels of Cuban society for more than a year now, as happened unevenly, the planning and man­ seen as a real priority. The attention of the Cuban youth agement system didn't. solve the problem . . the leadership of the country has promoted Transition in generations gathered at the congress was not on the what has come to be called the rectification To the contrary, under these conditions, it past, however, nor on the goals already or correction process. In a serious, ongoing operated to depress productivity, increase ' One of ·the most important challenges achieved. It was on the future, on chal­ educational campaign, Cubans at every inefficiency and waste, and give little or no facing working people in Cuba - older lenges still to be met. They seemed confi­ workplace, in every industry, have been impetus to workers to improve quality. It and younger alike - is a .transition in dent and eager to shoulder more responsi­ discussing the interrelated reasons why fostered all kinds of scams and petty frauds leadership and responsibility. Thirty-five bility for addressing and correcting exist­ labor productivity has not risen faster, so as social acceptance of maximizing percent of the work force is now under 30 ing weaknesses, errors, and problems. many shoddy goods are produced, services bonuses while minimizing productivity be­ years of age, up from 30 percent five years The political report presented to the del­ working people count on are so poor, con­ came more generalized. ago. A new generation is pushing forward, egates summarized the tasks before the struction projects are begun but not Through a process of political discussion one that is better-educated, better-trained, 600 , ~ members of the organization, who finished, absenteeism is high, and virtually with workers, management, trade union and with the energy and impatience of range m age from 16 to 30. It was unani­ all enterprises are overstaffed. representatives, and party and youth lead­ youth. As the discussion at the congress mously :,tdopted on the final day ofthe con­ Cuba's critics in Washington and else­ ers in virtually every work center, produc­ clearly showed, the young generation that gress. · where have pointed to such well-known tion norms are now being adjusted, quality has grown up within the revolution takes The report itself was the product· of problems as proof of the failure of of work controlled more carefully, and un­ the gains that have been made if not for months of discussion, both within the UJC socialism. But the Cubans themselves have warranted bonuses eliminated. Needless to granted, at least as its starting point. And it and in broad assemblies of young Cubans. pointed to a different source. The mistakes say, there is not always unanimous agree­ refuses, at the same time, to accept the cur­ It was published in Juventud·Rebelde, the and weaknesses they are now correcting, ment. rent weaknesses and errors. The youth are daily newspaper of the UJC, a couple of Castro has explained on repeated occa­ The "errors and negative tendencies" more and more taking leadership in acting weeks prior to the opening of the congress, sions, stem from a default in political being broadly discussed and corrected to correct these errors and weaknesses. enabling delegates (as well as the entire leadership. Since the system of economic today in Cuba are the product of underes­ One of . the most concrete discussions Cuban population) to read and study it in management and centralized planning was timating the necessity for political leader­ was around retirement provisions of the ship and developing communist conscious­ Social Security Law and seniority policies. ness. In Cuba, retirement age - when one can NEW FROM PATHFINDER! When the end result of production is no retire with full social security benefits - is I longer to put profits in a boss's pocket but 55 for women and 60 for men, but it is not to advance the well-being of society as a obligatory. Workers who are physically Fidel Castro's Political Strategy whole, the rules change. Socialism, Fidel able and want to continue working are en­ told. the youth congress in his closing re­ couraged to do so. Law and social poliq marks, unlike capitalism, "is based funda­ are based on the fact that continuing to be a From Moncada to Victory mentally on conscience, on solidarity, productive human being contributes to the cooperation among men and women, con­ health and happiness of older people. H~w did ~idel Castro forge a revolutionary strategy to scious discipline, the struggle against indi­ At the same time, delegates expressed bnng do~n the U.S.-backed Batista dictatorship in vidualism and selfishness .... It involves a the frustrations of young people at finding 1959? Tlus new book tells the story, using letters, tireless struggle ·against negligence, irres- no easy solution to the fact that many jobs documents, and speeches of Fidel Castro and other ponsibility, insensitivity." . and positions of responsibility are filled by leaders of the July 26th Movement. older workers who are often less qualified. Challenge to lead young workers One delegate's humorous contribution to a new book by Delegates to the youth congress took up this problem won him the title of "most some of. the challenges posed in leading popular delegate.'' But .the bottom line of Marta Harnecker young workers especially. the discussion was the recognition that Author of Cuba: Dictatorship or Democracy and The · ·One is the fact that a significant number such transitions can only be solved by con­ Great Challenge: An Interoiew with Jaime Wheelock of young people in Cuba are neither in scious, political, communist leadership. 160 pp., $7.95 school, nor in the armed forces, nor work­ Delegates rejected the idea that manda­ ing. In most cases, delegates explained, it tory retirement or eliminating seniority AVIIilllble June 1 from Pathfin~er, 410 West Street, N~w York, N.Y. 10014 (include $.75 for post­ is not because jobs are unavailable, but be­ provisions was an acceptable social policy. age) or from your local Pathfinder bookstore (see directory on p.12). Write for a catalog. , cause the preferred job in the preferred lo­ They concluded that no "blind law," no au- cation is not available. If some other family Continued on Page 13

May~' 1987 Southern Illinois team talks politics,with miners"

BY JIM ALTENBERG main out of work. The coal weakened the union's power. As won their jobs back, though the in­ machine plant in Herrin, members EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. - operators hold the threat of layoffs · one miner put it, "We need to go jured .man was suspended for a of the International Association of "Things aren't bad here, but over those still working as the back to the old way" when nation­ month. Machinists have been hit' hard by they're not good either," .said a United Mine Workers of America wide strikes were conducted. The sales team sold 121 Mili­ layoffs. They make as little as miner as he bought a Militant at (UMWA) opens national contract At some mines serious attacks tants at six mine portals. An addi­ $4.77 per hour. Their contract ex­ the portal to Consolidation Coal's negotiations with the·operators. on the union have recently taken tional 23 copies and 10 subscrip­ pires in May, but many didn't place. At the Freeman-United tions were sold in nearby mining think Norge would demand further Orient No. 6 mine near Sesser, Il­ communities. concessions since it was making a SELLING OUR PRESS linois, workers staged a wildcat lot of money and is soon to merge strike in March when the company Southern Illinois has large, with-Maytag. But, as one said, stopped paying workers' medical · unionized manufacturing plants as "It's very quiet in here, maybe too quiet." Twenty-eight workers AT THE PLANT GATE insuran~::e bills. well as coal mines. We sold five Militants to members of the Inter­ bought the Militant. Rend Lake mine. He aptly The sales team held many dis­ Another wildcat took place at national Ladies' Gannent Work­ The Laborers' union waged a summed up the mood many other cussions with miners about the up­ the Ziegler mine near Coulterville. ers' Union at Bridal Originals. in strike three years ago at Tuck Tape miners and workers expressed to coming contract. Workers were al­ When an injured miner was taken DuQuoin, while the boss stood in Carbondale. This time around members of a Militant team that ready saving up for a strike. Some to the hospital the company de­ outside and screamed at .us not to there was no strike, but workers was selling in southern Illinois re­ miners supported the UMW A's manded that he take a drug test be­ talk to "my girls." won a small wage increase and cently. selective strike strategy, whereby fore allowing him to be treated. gave no concessions. "The 1984 Many coal mines and factories certain companies are targeted for He refused and was fired. Four Across the street, 10 more were strike showed that if we unite we here have been closed down. De­ a strike when the contract expires, others .were . . fired when they sold to Teamsters at a wire-rope can make some progress," one spite some callbacks at a few while the rest go on working. walked out in protest. The whole plant. worker explained. Seven people mines, thousands of miners re- Many more opposed it, and felt it shift followed. The five miners At the giant Norge washing bought Militants at Tuck Tape. Detroit supporters gear up to make·sales goal

BY MALIK MIAH ganize. Normally four come off each DETROIT - Supporters of the Militant week. These include a sale at a meat-pack­ and the Spanish-language monthly Per­ ing plant, two auto plants, and at the metro spectiva Mundial in this city are mapping airport. out plans to make their spring sales goal of "Although we are behind in the subscrip­ 190 Militant and 20 PM subscriptions. tion campaign," Mark said, "making sure The national target is to win 6, 700 Mili­ we have four regular plant-gate sales is a tant and 1,800 PM new readers as sub­ priority for us." scribers. As of this scoreboard (see below), The next day I joined a four-person team 3, 778 Militant and 1 ,242 PM subscriptions at Belle Isle - an island park on the east have been sold, or 59 percent of the goal. side of town that sits between Detroit and The drive ends June 6. Windsor, Canada. I came to Detroit May 8-10 to learn We sold at a "Legs Against Arms" firsthand about supporters' sales experi­ Walkathon, sponsored by the Detroit Area ences, and to discuss with them plans both Nuclear Weapons Freeze. Three of us sold to· make the subscription drive and to Militants and Pathfinder literature, and a broaden their ongoing sales at industrial fourth person talked to participants about work sites. signing up as sponsors of the Political · Mark Friedman, a baggage handler at Rights Defense Fund. (Four people did so.) Northwest Airlines and a inember of the In­ Some 25 Militants and 1 subscription ternational Association of Machinists, is were sold. The beautiful day helped, as did MilitanUHolbrook sales organizer in this area. We began our the Militant's front-page article on the con­ Washington, D.C., April25 antiwar march. Across the country, Militant supporters discussion on our way to sell at the gate of tra assassination of Ben Linder, the U.S. are mapping out plans to meet subscription goal. McClouth Steel in Trenton, which is down­ engineer who was working on a Nicara­ river from Detroit. guan rural electrification project. "We'll do the best we can to reach the tional volunteers. What Ben Linder did is fann workers,. reports team captain Frank At a discussion with sales supporters on goal," Mark said, "but it will be a chal­ what human beings should be doing." Forrestal. May 10, everyone was optimistic about lenge because many of our people have re­ Highlights include three very successful selling dozens more Militant and PM sub­ cently moved to other parts of the country Subscription teams workplace sales. At a Del Monte food pro­ scriptions - coming close if not making to build the socialist movement." There are This positive attitude toward making the cessing plant in Toppenish, Washington, the goal - especially in light of the new some 15 people in Detroit who regularly 8,500 goal has been bolstered by the re­ the three-person team sold at two shift · stage in the deepening government crisis sell the Militant and Perspectiva Mundial. sponse Militant and PM subscription teams changes. Eleven Militants, 26 PMs, and 2 around the Iran-contragate revelations. have been getting around the country. PM subscriptions were sold. Part of the weekly effort here is dis­ "We are going to make the goal," said At the Iowa Beef Processing (IBP) plant tributing the Militant and PM at important one warehouse worker, "because by doing After one week, theYakima Valley sales in the same town, 7 Militants, 33 PMs, and industrial sites. The McClouth Steel sale is this we'll be able to get more coworkers to team in Washington state sold 28 PM and 1 PM subscription were sold. one of six such sales supporters try to or- go to Nicaragua and meet other interna- 16 Militant subscriptions. Most were to "What people have been most interested in," Frank said, "was the Militant and PM coverage of the Ben Linder murder and ar­ ticles on the recent victorious strike by can­ Spring Subscription Scoreboard nery workers in Watsonville, California." Ninety-nine Militants and 2 PMs were sold to students at Washington State Uni­ Goals Sold Goals Sold versity in Pullman. Eleven students bought Perspectiva Perspectiva % Perspectiva Perspectiva % Militant subscriptions. Area Militant Mundial Militant Mundial Sold Area Militant Mundial Militant Mundial Sold Another three-person sales team is get­ New York 550 300 413 241 11 Toledo, Ohio 100 5 47 2 41 ting a good response from miners and their Phoenix 80 100 52 85 16 Capital Dist, N.Y. 110 12 47 9 46 families in the Arizona and New Mexico Milwaukee 100 25 86 7 14 Omaha, Neb. 100 15 45 7 45 coalfields. In two days the team sold 126 Baltimore 150 8 98 17 13 Oakland, Calif. 150 50 72 17 45 Militants, 10 PMs, and 2 Young Socialists, New Paltz, N.Y. 10 7 10 Philadelphia 150 50 67 22 45 newspaper of the Young Socialist Al­ Los Angeles 325 200 224 134 68 Birmingham, Ala. 130 2 58 0 44 liance, as well as 10 Militant and 2 PM Pittsburgh 90 10 58 8 66 Dallas 120 60 56 23 44 subscriptions. Chicago 250 100 171 58 65 Washington, D.C. 160 50 77 15 44 According to team member Susan La­ Seattle 180 50 119 J(J 65 Kansas City 120 20 58 3 44 Mont, the team sold 26 singles and 8 Mili­ Des Moines, Iowa 100 10 54 17 65 Oberlin, Ohio 5 2 40 tant subscriptions to miners and their Atlanta 110 10 69 7 63 Wilmington, De. 5 2 40 families in Kayenta, Arizona. Most were Twin Cities, Minn. 200 15 117 18 63 Cleveland 125 15 48 7 39 sold door-to-door and at the mine entrances San Jose, Calif. 180 100 102 73 63 Cincinnati 10 5 24 4 31 of the Black Mesa and Kayenta mines. Portland, Ore. 125 25 70 23 62 Houston 125 25 so 6 31 Both mines are in the Navajo Nation, with Boston 240 ' 60 124 60 61 Salt Lake City 100 30 36 6 32 most miners being Navajo. Stony Brook, N.Y. 10 6 60 New Orleans 90 10 26 1 21 . At the P&M McKinley mine in an area Newark, N.J. 315 175 220 93 51 Annandale, N.Y. 10 10 18 0 23 ·between Gallup, New Mexico, and Win­ Detroit 190 20 lOS 14 51 Ames, Iowa 5 0 1 20 dow Rock, Arizona, the team sold 76 Mil­ San Diego 85 55 51 25 54 Columbus, Ohio 25 5 4 2 20 itants at a shift change. The mine has about Denver 100 15 57 5 54 West Haven, Conn. 5 1 20 360 workers. San Francisco 100 60 56 J(J 54 Price, Utah 45 2 6 0 13 The biggest challenge before us is to use Charleston, W.Va. 100 51 2 53 Honolulu , Hawaii 15 1 1 the remaining weeks of the campaign - Morgantown, W.Va. 95 5 48 4 52 Clovis, Calif. 5 0 0 particularly the target 12 days following St. Louis 250 12 127 7 51 Edmond, Okla. 5 0 0 the end of the Young Socialist Alliance na­ Amherst, Mass. 10 4 1 50 Tucson, Ariz. 2 3 0 0 0 tional convention May 23-25 - to Greensboro, N.C. 115 10 60 2 50 W. Palm Beach, Aa. 5 0 0 mobilize all supporters to join subscription Austin, Minn .• · 80 10 42 2 49 Teams 322 93 teams two or more times per week, as well Mjami . 110 40 58 14 48 Other 64 47 as to talk up the Militant and PM to work­ Totals 6,700 1,800 3,778 1,242 59 ers on the job. To be on scbeWie 4,087 1,098 61 Through such efforts, we can meet our local and national goals on time.

The Militant May 22~ 19~1 ' ,·; _·,+:·.·, , ,-_:· ·. ::- Death penalty!' Supreme Cour't sanctions more legalized murder

BY ERNEST HARSCH challenges to the death penalty. ·employed. Of the 158 Californians who With twoback-to-back rulings, the U.S. In other words, forget constitutional were sent to the gas chambers between Supreme Court has cleared the way for a niceties, the death penalty must remain at 1943 and 1963, half were unskilled work­ broader and more frequent use of the death all costs. ers. A 1974 government study found that penalty. In doing so it has not only sent a those prisoners working full-time before chill through many prisons, but has also 'Cruel and unusual punishment' their arrests had a median annual income of served notice on all working people that the Four of the Supreme Court justices dis­ only $4,639. rulers of this country intend to safeguard agreed. In a dissenting opinion, William And as in every other aspect of racist their system and laws through the most bar­ Brennan, supported by Thurgood Mar­ U.S. society, those working people who baric methods. shall, reaffirmed his general opposition to are Black or Latino get the worst deal of Nearly 2,000 prisoners are now sitting the death penalty, arguing that it is "in all all. Of the 1,874 prisoners on death row as on death row. In the past couple years, circumstances cruel and unusual punish­ of March 1, fully one-half were people of about 20 a year have been electrocuted or ment forbidden by the Eighth and 14th color. In addition, commented Tanya Coke injected with poisons. Amendments." of the NAACP's Legal Defense at].d Educa­ With the new Supreme Court rulings, Justices Harry Blackmon and John Ste­ tion Fund, "Ninety-nine percent of death the pace of these legalized murders is ex­ vens also dissented. But they did so on the row inmates are indigent and receive lousy pected to jump. In Florida, where no one narrower grounds . of the racially dis­ legal representation." has been executed for the past year, state criminatory way the death penalty is being In the decade since the Supreme Court's implemented. officials estimate that the electric chair will 1976 decision, nearly 70 prisoners have Electric chair at Georgia state prison. In be back in action by the fall. "Things are It was such objections to the specific ap­ been put to death. plication of the death penalty that underlay two rulings, Supreme Court has going to move much faster," commented In September 1985, Charles Rumbaugh broadened scope of death penalty, which Larry Spaulding, director of a state-fi­ the Supreme Court's 1972 decision striking became the first juvenile offender to be ex­ down all existing state death penalty laws is directed overwhelmingly against . nanced agency that represents death-row .ecuted in the UnitM States since 1964, working people. prisoners. at the time. It found that death penalties having been convicted on charges of mur­ were being meted out in a "freakish," "ar­ dering someone when he was 17. 'Barbaric and outrageous' bitrary," and "capricious" manner. in July 1979. There are now some 35 juvenile offend­ This was the case for all Nicaraguans, The first of the Supreme Court rulings This then spurred many state legislatures ers on death row in 16 states. In Indiana, came on April 21. to simply rewrite theirdeath penalty laws. including the former National Guardsmen someone can be sentenced to death if they who murdered, tortured, and raped under By a 5-to-4 majority, the court greatly To lessen the appearance of arbitrariness, were at least 10 years old at the time of the expanded the scope of the death penalty, most made death penalties mandatory for the old Somoza dictatorship. alleged crime. A few states have no mini­ In the days right after the triumph of the extending it to accomplices in crimes lead­ certain crimes (with so~e degree of discre­ mum age restrictions whatsoever. (The Su­ Sandinista revolution, some Nicaraguans ing to homicides, even if the accomplice tion still allowed to judges and jurors). preme Court has agreed to hear a· case in did not participate in the killing or intend to This satisfied a majority of the Supreme tried to exact revenge against members of which it will decide whether states may ex­ the National Guard. Sandinista leaders im­ kill anyone. This ruling cut back an earlier, Court justices, and in 1976 they once again ecute prisoners who were under 18 when 1982 decision that was widely viewed as approved usc:: of tlie death penalty. mediately stepped in to explain to the they committed the acts for which they people why such summary executions outlawing the imposition of the death pen­ were sentenced to death.) alty against such accomplices. Thirty-seven states have now adopted would be counterproductive and harmful. death penalty laws. And the Justice Depart­ The use of the death penalty is both a re­ "We were able to convince them not to Henry Schwarzschild, head of the ment is pressing for restoration of the death do it," Sandinista leader Tomas Borge said American Civil Liberties Union's capital flection of the barbarism of capitalist soci­ penalty for certain federal crimes. ety and an instrument of repression and ter­ in a 1980 speech. "We were able to con­ punishment project, called the ruling vince them by saying that we could not kill "ominous" bec.ause "it once again makes Linnas extradition ror in the hands of the capitalist rulers. It is in the interests of all working people to them because we had made this revolution the death penalty available for homicides Another form that capital punishment . in order to put a stop to killings." for which the defendant had no direct re­ fight to abolish the death penalty com­ can take was shown by the U.S. govern­ pletely. This policy has been maintained ever sponsibility." He said the Supreme Court ment's decision to extradite accused Nazi decision is "barbaric and outrageous." In the words of Amnesty International, since, even throughout the course of the war criminal Karl Linnas to the Soviet which has launched a campaign against brutal contra war imposed by Washington. Union, wh~ he had been sentenced to NAACP suit rejected capital punishment in the United States, Though it is an impoverished country vic­ death a quarter of a century ago. The very next day the court rejected a "There is no place in civilized society for timized by murder gangs who consciously Linnas, now 67 years old, had been liv­ the gas chamber, the gallows, or the elec- target civilians, Nicaragua has not budged major constitutional challenge to the death ing in the United States since 1951 . He was penalty. · tric chair." · from its rejection of the death penatty. In charged with heading a Nazi concentration fact, it has proclaimed a policy of granting The National Association for the Ad­ camp in Estonia (now part of the Soviet Nicaragua shows the way vancement of Colored People had filed a amnesty to those contras who tum them­ Union) during World War IT. The evidence Nicaragua provides an example of the selves in. suit on behalf of Warren McClesky, a is extensive that he participated in atroc­ death-row inmate in Georgia who is Black, kind of legal system, established in the in­ Opposition to the use of the death pen­ ities and mass murders. terests of working people, that seeks to do alty has been constitutionally codified. In arguing that the state's capital punishment Extraditing someone to a country where away with such barbarous practices. the Nicaraguan constitution ratified earlier system was unconstitutional because it was they are already under a death sentence is racially discriminatory. The death penalty was abolished in Nic­ this year, the very first article of the section little different than. if Washington carried aragua from the first days of the revolution Continued on Page 11 In support of its argument, the NAACP out the execution itself. That was the lawyers submitted a statistical study of grounds on which Amnesty International, death sentences in Georgia showing that which rejects all use of the death penalty, prisoners convicted of killing whites were opposed Linnas' April 20 extradition. Daniel Ortega reaffirms amnesty four times more likely to be sentenced to death than those convicted of killing The Linnas case also sets a dangerous policy toward Nicaraguan contras Blacks. And this disparity is even more precedent that the U.S. government could pronounced if the accused killers are them­ use against others who have sought refuge in the United States from death sentences BY HARVEY McARTHUR he continued. "Most likely that guy mur­ selves Black. MANAGUA, Nicaragua- At an April dered a relative, a son, a brother, or other McClesky was found guilty of shooting imposed by various right-wing dictator­ 25 news conference here, Gen. Humberto family member ofsomeone who is a neigh­ a white policeman to death during a store ships around the world. And by choosing a mass· murderer like Ortega, head of the Sandinista People's bor of his." When the ex-contra is returned rob~ry and was given the death penalty by Army (EPS}, called for "harsh measures" to his community, those family members a jury of 11 whites and one Black. Linnas, who would obviously. win little public sympathy, the rulers have sought to against the U.S.-backed.contras who carry will "see him there every day." The Supreme Court majority (the same reinforce acceptance of the death penalty. out terrorism against Nicaragua. But the Sandinista National Liberation five who voted to extend the death penalty For the same reason, the first prisoner ex­ According to the Sandinista daily Bar­ Front rejects a policy of revenge, said to accomplices the day before) basically ecuted after the Supreme Court's 1976 de­ ricada, "He reported that the EPS and all Ortega. accepted the Georgia statistical study as cision was Gary Gilmore, who publicly the people have been directed to carry out "What effect would it have," he asked valid. But they ruled that the existence of proclaimed that he wanted to be executed. revolutionary justice against all those who the meeting, "if today we said that from such racial discrimination was no grounds are caught carrying out terrorist acts now on, everyone who is directly or indi­ to overturn the death penalty as unconstitu­ Who sits on death row? against civilians and economic targets." rectly linked to the counterrevolution is tional. Government officials, legislators, and Speaking the same day as General going to die? Would it have a positive or The justices argued that for Black death­ judges try to make it appear that the death Ortega, however, Nicaraguan President negative effect?" row prisoners to escape execution, they penalty is part of a system of "justice" Daniel Ortega strongly reaffirmed the San­ "Negative," replied several people in the must prove that they were discriminated operating in the interests of society as a dinistas' policy of amnesty for contras and audience. against in their individual case, not on the whole. In fact, it is a weapon aimed at ter­ opposition to the death penalty. "It would mean that all those who were basis of a general statistical survey. rorizing the exploited and oppressed. The death penalty has been abolished in ready to give themselves up, to surrender As Jack Boger of the NAACP's Legal The entire legal system in this country is Nicaragua. Physical abuse of prisoners, in­ in combat, would not give themselvesup. Defense and Education Fund pointed out, an instrument of the capitalist rulers. The cluding contras, is prohibited. Contras who They would fight to the death, since they such direct and specific proof "is beyond cops, the courts, the prisons, and the elec­ lay down their weapons and tum them­ knew they. were going to die anyway," the power of lawyers to present," since it tric chairs are all designed to uphold the selves in to authorities are given amnesty Ortega said. would require "breaking the sanctity of the power and privileges of those few who own and allowed to return to their communities. On the other hand, what if we offer these jury room and entering the minds of the the productive wealth of this country. Daniel Ortega was meeting with some criminals a pardon, and 20, 30, 50, or 100 jurors to see if they were motivated by There are no bankers, landlords, or indus­ 200 local church leaders here. A woman accept it? What if we manage to have the race." trialists on death row - and hardly any in whose two sons had been murdered by the five or six thousand criminals that are out Justice Lewis Powell's majority ruling prison. Yet their class has carried out mur­ contras questioned the ainnesty policy. She . there organized by the CIA tum themselves also reflected how committed this coun­ derous wars and lives on profits stolen asked Ortega "not to take a soft hand with in? Would this be good or bad for the Nic­ try's rulers are to the death penalty. from working people. such thugs." araguan people?" McCiesky's arguments,· Powell wrote, As former Los Angeles mayor Sam Ortega explained that under the govern­ "Good," replied many in the meeting. "basically challenge the validity of capital Yorty quipped around the time of the Su­ ment amnesty program, a contra who turns "That is why the policy of pardon is punishment in our multiracial society" and preme Court's 1976 ruling, "If you have in his rifle ·and asks for amnesty "im­ worthwhile," Ortega concluded. "We "the principles that underlie our entire enough money, you'll be able to avoid the mediately receives it and then enjoys equal share · the pain· and the. feelings of the criminal justice system." If McClesky death penalty." rights and duties with any Nicaraguan citi­ mothers. But with this policy, we are try­ were upheld, the majority argued, the door The vast majority of those in prison, and zen." ing to save more mothers from the pain of would be opened to further constitutional on death row, are working people or un- This policy "is difficult to understand," . seeing their children die."

'May 22, t987 - •iif!volulion opens ·doorlo women's equality' Sandinista statement on fight for women's rights in Nicaragua

The following is the declaration pre­ family, schools, the church, and commer­ incorporation into the people's struggles. tensive agitation and political mobiliza­ sented by the National Directorate of the cial propaganda are among the most impor­ 2. Women participated in all the social tions that strengthened the general struggle Sandinista National Liberation Front of tant. Many aspects of discrimination and political struggles of our people in this of all the people and encouraged the par­ Nicaragua to the Third National Assem­ against women were also incorporated in century. This participation grew until it ticipation of a great many sisters who until bly of the Nicaraguan Women's Associa­ the laws and legal and political institutions · reached massive levels in the final stage of then had not participated. Thus, the tion Luisa Amanda Espinoza of the country, such as laws on divorce-and popular fighting against the Somozaist dic­ Patriotic Alliance and AMPRONAC (AMNLAE). The document is the firSt patria potestad [paternal authority within tatorship. Despite the adverse historical clearly· showed the great potential for programmatic statement on women's the family]. and cultural conditions - politics was pre­ mobilizing women in revolutionary tasks. rights by the Sandinistas since the July 4. The revolution is radically transform­ cisely one of those arenas reserved for men 4. One reflection of the outstanding par­ 19, 1979, revolution that overthrew the ing social relations and creating political - women of all ages broke taboos, left ticipation of women in the revolutionary U.S.-backed dictatorship of Anastasio conditions that make it possible to wipe out their homes, at times rebelling against their struggle is the fact that 38 percent of tl. Somoza. the ideological, legal, and social expres­ families or companions, and left to take militants of the Second Promotion [ 1981 Thousands of women - including in­ sions of these relations, which were aimed their positions in the battle. Their contribu­ membership campaign] of the FSLN are dustrial and farm workers, peasants, at perpetuating discrimination against tion was decisive for the cause of national women. market vendors, students, soldiers, and women. Progress in both aspects is an in­ liberation, and through this struggle they professionals - participated in the dispensable condition for achieving the full helped advance the fight to win their own III. Women after the revolutionary AMNLAE gathering, held March 8 in emancipation of women and guaranteeing demands. triumph Managua. The translation is by the MH­ true equality of opportunity. Women participated in the Sandinista re­ 1. After so many years of oppression, ltant. 5. Since 1969 the FSLN has taken a sistance against the Yankee invaders the revolutionary victory provoked a re_ . categorical stand opposed to discrimination [1927-1933]. They were strikers and fight­ explosion of activity among the people and I. Situation of women before the against women. In its program, the FSLN ers for the rights of the working class; As triumph of the revolution freed energies that had been repressed for wrote the following: peasants,-they were leading participants in centuries. With the overthrow of the 1. In examining the conditions facing "The Sandinista People's Revolution the struggles for land. They were student Somoza dictatorship, all sectors of the women before the revolution, particularly will abolish the odious discrimination that · activists and demonstrators against the people organized and mobilized actively to working women, we must begin with the women have been subjected to compared Somozaist oppression. They were mem­ win the fulfillment of their demands, which . ·exploitation, exclusion, and political op­ with men; it will establish economic, polit­ bers of the FSLN, collaborators, messen­ had been postponed for so long: workers pression that the immense majority of our ical, and cultural.equality between women gers, organizers of safe houses, under­ for their union and labor rights, poor pea:. people were subjected to for many years. and men. ground fighters, guerrillas in the moun­ ants demanding land, and the entire people Our workers, poor Nicaraguans in gen­ "a. It will pay special attention to the tains. They were political leaders and mili­ for the right to education and health care. · eral, men and women, suffered the sys­ mother and child. tary commanders. There was practically 2. Women participated and are par­ tematic violation of their most elemental "b. It will eliminate prostitution and not a single battlefield where our women ticipating as workers, peasants, students, rights. The right to a job, to education and other social scourges, through which the were not active. neighborhood activists, intellectuals, and culture, to a dignified and healthy life, to dignity of women will be raised. As mothers, they became symbols of so on in the creative work of the people, in organize politically ·and in unions, lttld the "c. It will put an end to the system of courage and integrity, representatives of the revolution, which for the first time in right to be treated as human beings were servitude women are subjected to, which is the spirit and dignity of our people. our history opens up the real possibility r" brutally denied by the regime of exploita­ reflected in the tragedy of the abandoned Mothers of political prisoners, mothers of resolving the discrimination against arid tion that was imposed on our country be­ working mother. the disappeared, mothers of those tortured, subordination of women. ginning in 1821. "d. It will establish for children born out mothers who carried their sorrow with dig­ In participating in all tasks, joining the Imperialist domination, dependent of wedlock the right to equal protection by nity, struggling in the streets, denouncing social and union organizations, and in join­ capitalism, the Liberal-Conservative the revolutionary institutions. the genocide committed by the National ing .AMNLAE, Nicaraguan women begin oligarchy, and the Somozaist military dic­ "e. It will establish day-care centers for Guard in the mountains, launching hunger to raise and advance the solutions to their tatorship were the pillars of the system that the care and attention of the children of strikes, or sheltering underground fighters specific problems. The revolution, led by condemned our people to these conditions. working women. as their own children. the FSLN, created the conditions in which This oppressive system was destroyed "f. It will establish a two-month mater- Many women were also victims of the that struggle could advance. forever on July 19, 1979, but it left us de­ 3. The revolutionary conquests of formations that we must eradicate. women and the people in general are al­ 2. Nicaraguan women were, in addi­ ready significant. These include: tion, victims of other forms of exploitation a. The discussion and enactment of and oppression, due to their subordinate laws to abolish discrimination against position in society as women. In fact, women and to generate new relations with­ women, particularly working-class wom­ in the family, ones based on equality, re­ en, bore a double burden of social discrimi-. spect, and solidarity. nation that oppressed them even more. b. The creation of a Women's Legal Of­ Women were relegated to housework fice, which has energetically defended and the care of the children; limited in op­ women's legal rights. portunities for cultural and social improve­ c. The multiple opportumtles for ment; denied access to certain posts and women's participation in all aspects of po­ jobs; .and restricted in their potential as litical, economic, and social life, in which human beings. Those who worked, both in women have begun to fill posts and posi­ the city and countryside, had to add to their tions from which they were. excluded unf' workday outside the home the burden of recently. · domestic tasks. In short, women were d. Education about the problems and treated and educated as second-class citi­ struggles of women has been unprec­ zens. edented, forging a greater consciousness Women's greater cultural backwardness about this question in society in general. compared to men, their concentration in e. The government has promoted the menial jobs, their limited participation in Militant/Harvey McArthur creation of Child Development Centers and political and social activities, their scant Members of an army antiaircraft unit. Incorporation of women into all revolutionary Rural Childcare Services, achieving bette­ representation in leading posts of any type, tasks, including military defense, is decisive for constructing new society, Sandinistas conditions for the active incorporation ot among other things, were just the visible explain. women with young children in all types of expressions of the social discrimination work in the countryside and city. they were subjected to. nity leave before and after birth for women repression against the people: raped, tor­ In addition · to this discrimination, f. Nicaraguan women are becoming who work. tured, murdered, or falling in combat more aware of their potential, and they are women faced physical and moral abuse, "g. It will raise women's political, cul­ against the Somozaist National Guard. without society condemning or punishing beginning to achieve their full capacities as tural, and vocational levels through their Lidia Maradiaga, Marfa Castil, Luisa human beings, with a renewed sense of those responsible for such conduct. Amanda Espinoza, the tortured women of participation in the revolutionary process." dignity~ 3. The subordinate social position of El Cua, Arlen Siu, Mildred Abaunza, Sil­ Nicaraguan women was reinforced in the This statement shows that from then on, via Ferrufino, Julia de Pomares, and Es­ The following are some statistics that re­ ideological, legal, and political arenas. the FSLN not only recognized the exis­ peranza Medina are only some of the in­ flect these advances to some extent: Machismo, the most relevant ideological tence of unjust conditions faced by women, numerable heroines who, with their self­ • Women occupy 31.4 percent of the expression in this sense, tried to legitimize but also took on the struggle for women's lessness and sacrifice, brought the people's leadership positions in the government. and perpetuate discrimination - against full emancipation as an integral part of its victory closer. • Women make up 26.8 percent of the women and to make the unfavorable situa­ political program and of the great social members of the Regional Commitees of the tion women found themselves in "accept­ and ideological transformations that the 3. It is also a historical fact that Nicara­ FSLN, as well as 24.3 percent of the total able" to society. Sandinista People's Revolution would guan women joined the revolutionary membership. Machismo exalts a supposed male have to carry out. struggle, not only as individuals or through • Women were 43 percent of the liter­ superiority. It excludes women from activ­ neighborhood, student, or union organiza­ acy brigade members. ities and jobs that are considered "for men II. Women and the people's struggles tions, but also through forming their own • Between 55 and 70 percent of the only." It claims the right of men to abuse 1. Despite the subordinate situation de­ organizations.· brigade members of the People's Health women, and establishes prerogatives and scribed above, it must be recognized that In the 1960s, the FSLN promoted the Days are women. · rights that women cannot enjoy. What Nicaraguan women took on their responsi­ creation of the Patriotic Alliance of Nicara­ • Women make up 40 percent of the machismo tries to pass off as immutable bilities as mothers and heads of families, guan Women to mobilize women in ·the members of. the unions of agricultural principles are the result of the deformations working selflessly to feed, clothe, educate, anti-Somozaist struggle. In 1977, the As­ workers and hold 15 percent of the Iocr· imposed. on our society by the system of and raise their children, even though they sociation of Nicaraguan Women Confront­ leadership positions. Women make up 67 exploitation of man by man. were abandoned in many cases by both ing the National Problem (AMPRONAC) percent of the members of the Sandinista As an ideological phenomenon, their husbands and by society. emerged under the leadership of the FSLN Defense Committees. machismo affects men and women equally It is undeniable that the courage and dig­ as a public, anti-Somozaist organization These figures, which reflect historic ad­ and has been perpetuated historically nity with which they met their family re­ with broad participation. AMPRONAC vances in the struggle to abolish discrimi­ through different ideological vehicles. The sponsibilities laid the basis for their gradual achieved national scope and developed ex- nation against women and signify revolu-

8 The Militant May 22, 1987 Left, Miskito woman from Atlantic Coast addresses Third National Assembly of Nicaragua Women's Associ­ ation in Managua. (Translator on left.) Above, tobacco factory workers. Sandinista document notes that growing participation of women in work force in countrys\de and cities produces deep ideological and social Militant/Roberto Kopec changes. tionary conquests of the Nicaraguan ocratic power has opened up the real possi­ various tasks of the revolution, respond to must promote the incorporation of women people, also point to a situation that in bility of overcoming this unjust situation their specific demands, and struggle into the tasks of the revolution; advance the many ways is still far from just. for the first time in Nicaragua's history. against all forms of oppression and dis­ struggle of women and all society against The deep socioeconomic transformations crimination. sexual discrimination through all institu­ 4. Our people, however, have not had promoted by the FSLN create the basis for 7. The family is the basic unit of society tions and organizations; educate about the one moment of peace since the triumph. eradicating all forms of oppression and dis­ and guarantees social reproduction, not gains and problems of Nicaraguan women; After the overthrow of the Somozaist die­ crimination and for establishing new types only from the biological point of view, but and represent them internationally. ••· Jrship, Yankee imperialist aggression of social and personal relations. also of the principles and values of society. However, AMNLAE should not try to imposed new challenges on us, which 3. As part of the goals of our revolution, Women have been the fundamental pillar become a mass organization of women women have once again responded to with the FSLN has fought and will continue to of the Nicaraguan family, defending and counterposed to or parallel to existing mass determination and firmness. They have not fight to eliminate discrimination against sustaining it even in the most difficult cir­ organizations. On the contrary, it should hesitated to take up arms when it was nec­ women and achieve their full integration cumstances, for which they deserve the promote the incoporation of women into essary. They have participated in fulfilling into the social life of the country. highest respect and admiration. the unions, [farm] cooperatives; Sandinista all tasks. In city and countryside, they have The special interests of Nicaraguan 8. The FSLN reaffirms its determina­ Defense Committees, professional and stu­ readily taken over the jobs of men women are promoted principally through tion to continue struggling to abolish all dents associations, and so on, so that as 'Jilized in the war. They have coura­ defending and consolidating the revolu­ those laws and institutional policies that workers, peasants, neighborhood resi­ geously given their sons to carry out the tion. In tum, the defense of the revolution still maintain some forms of discrimination dents, professionals, and students they can SMP [Patriotic Military Service, Nicara­ will be strengthened with new contingents against women. W~ will continue to strug- participate in the great tasks of the revolu­ gua's military draft]. in short, they have of fighters, workers, teachers, profession- tion, educate about their problems, and been a principal force in the defense of the ' gle against all forms of machismo, which .. als, etc. , to the degree that we are able to constitute backward ideological survivals promote action by all society to win full revolution. continue eliminating the obstacles of all that are unacceptable for revolutionaries. equality. the war and the necessities it imposes types that impede·the integration of women We are going to continue investing ef­ In sketching these reflections and posi­ have forced an accelerated abandoning of and keep them in a discriminatory position. forts and resources into supporting the fam­ tions about the conditions of women in the Qr ::te prejudices, and women have had the 4. On the other hand, the struggle ily in the care of children, especially for revolution, the FSLN reaffmns its confi­ opportunity of taking, under equal condi­ against discrimination against women can­ abandoned mothers, and to create condi­ dence that Nicaraguan women will con­ tions, jobs previously reserved for men. not be separated from the struggle for the tions that facilitate their incorporation into tinue to dedicate their best efforts and ener­ Because of this, there is a growing partici­ defense of the revolution, which consti­ social and productive tasks. gies to the defense and consolidation of the pation of women in the work force in the tutes the fundamental task for all our We are going to struggle so that women revolutionary process that has created and countryside and in the cities, which, even people in this historic moment. guarantees the conditions for the complete though imposed by the objective situation can fulfill their maternal function and fam­ The massive incorporation of women attainment of their human potential. the country faces, produces deep ideologi­ ·ily responsibilities in even better condi­ into all the tasks of the revolution is deci­ tions, and without these responsibilities be­ The ·FSLN is convinced that this per­ CI'l and social changes. sive for sustaining the people's power and coming insuperable obstacles to their own spective will be · adopted by men and To the degree that women participate in constructing a new society. development and personal fulfillment. . women, by all Nicaraguans, with the same The solution to the specific problems the tasks of the revolution, they advance 5. We are going to continue struggling determination with which working people the struggle for their own demands and of women; the struggle against discrimina­ against irresponsible fatherhood and the and youth have taken up the tasks of mili­ help raise the consciousness of men and tory political ideas; and the social and eco­ physical and morai abuse of women and tary defense and production. women. · nomic conditions that guarantee women children, promoting a firmer attitude by so­ Carrying out this perspective will real equality of opportunity are questions 5. Despite important gains, negative ciety and by government institutions to­ strengthen our moral and material forces in that concern not only women but all of so­ conditions prevail in our society with re­ ward those responsible for such conduct. the battle that we are waging against for­ n ...... ct to women, conditions that are rein­ ciety. Therefore, it is society's resj>onsibil­ We are going to promote real solidarity eign occupation today. IOrced by the underdevelopment and eco­ ity to struggle to overcome these problems between couples, with respect to domestic Long live Nicaraguan women! nomic limitations of the country. Laws and once and for all, in accordance with the tasks and family responsibilities. ·Here, no one will surrender! labor or social practices that discriminate principles we have established in the new We are going to continue to call for and Free homeland or death! against women still exist. Criticism of Constitution of the Republic. encourage the mobilization and participa­ machismo and its consequences is barely· We reject tendencies that propose the tion of women in all revolutionary tasks. beginning. Prostitution has not been eradi­ emancipation of women as the result of a cated. struggle against men and as an action ex­ 9. The mobilization of women has been For the FSLN, therefore, the struggle for clusively by women, since this type of pos­ strengthened since July 19, 1979. We must Women and the tL specific demands of women is a battle ition divides and distracts the people from step up that mobilization today to add new Nicaraguan Revolution that we must continue to wage even in the their fundamental tasks. It is the task of the strength to the defense and consolidation of difficult conditions we are living through. FSLN, of all revolutionaries, of all the the revolution. The Sandinista National Speech by Nicaraguan leader This means energetically fighting dis­ most advanced sectors of society, men and Liberation-Front must lead the struggle, the Tomas Borge criminatory laws and policies, the subordi­ women together, to wage the ideological, education, and the consciousness-raising 30 pp., $.75. In English or Spanish. nate position of women in society and the political, and socioeconomic battles that of men and women and of society as a family, paternal irresponsibility, physical lead to the elimination of any form of dis­ whole in opposition to discrimination Nicaragua: The Sandinista and moral abuse, and machismo. All of crimination in Nicaragua, including that against women, which blocks their full in­ People's Revolution !~ . .>e obstacles and attitudes must be ov.er­ suffered by women. corporation into the revolutionary process. · come by men and women. 6. The definitive eradication of all To carry this struggle forward, we also Speeches and writings of forms of discrimination against women is a need specific vehicles through which revo­ Sandinista leaders IV. The position of the FSLN on historical objective tied to our long-term lutionary women can help mobilize all 412 pp., $8.95 paper conditions faced by women economic and cultural development. But women, identify women's most pressing 1. Historically, Nicaraguan women the battle we began with the revolutionary problems, the obstacles to their emancipa­ Sandinistas Speak struggle must continue, consciously aim­ have been subjected to social discrimina­ tion, and propose practical actions to over­ Early speeches, documents of the tion, which has placed them in a subordi­ ing our efforts at this objective and advanc­ come such problems. The Association of Sandinistas. Includes 1969 Sandinista ing each day in the struggle against the - ·~ position in society. In addition to this Nicaraguan Women- Luisa Amanda Es­ program. discrimination, the majority of them also ideological, legal, and social factors that pinoza is this specific vehicle and therefore 160 pp., $5.95 paper suffer discrimination as a part of the discriminate against women. must promote a series of activities to iden­ exploited and oppressed classes of the All the bodies and members of the tify women's specific problems, so that Available from Pathfinder bookstores listed on page 12 people. FSLN, all the social, union, and mass or­ these are taken up as questions facing the or by mail from Pathfinder, 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 2. The triumph of the Sandinista revolu­ ganizations, are obligated to promote the revolution. 10014. Add 75 cents for postage and handling. tion and the establishment of people's dem- massive incorporation of women into the As its fundamental goal, AMNLAE

May 22, 1987 The~tant 9 • Socialists: memorandum replies to agencies' arguments in court case

On Aug. 25, 1986, federal Judge­ and supporting materials, the defendants Thomas Griesa ruled that the FBI's de­ cannot avoid the record in this case. Thus, cades-long spying and disruption operation contrary to the assertions of the OPM against the Socialist Workers Party and the today, at trial [in 1981 of the SWP suit] Young Socialist-Alliance was unconstitu~ Joseph Knazik testified that infonnation at tional and illegal .. This decision came in re­ least 11 years old is considered stale, that sponse to a lawsuit the SWP and YSA filed the OPM does not consider that even active against the FBI and other government de­ current membership in the SWP poses a fendants in 1973. "loyalty issue," that information concern­ Griesa stated that a further hearing ing SWP or YSA membership would not would decide the scope of an injunction prompt even a request from the OPM for a barring the government from using mate­ full field investigation by the FBI even if rial obtained by such methods. The SWP the job opening was a "sensitive position," and YSA presented the -judge with their and that as far as he knew the situation was proposal, which would forbid any use of no different with respect to any other the files by the government. agency. The Justice Department and 11 other Equally damaging to the defendants' ar­ government agencies filed affidavits argu­ gument is the testimony and judicial find­ ing that barring the use of illegally obtained ing that the asserted need rarely arises. ftles on the SwP and YSA would seriously Joseph Knazik from -OPM testified at trial hamper their work. that between June 1974 and September 1976 he could not recall a single security On April 21 Leonard Boudin, attorney clearance case involving SWP member­ for the SWP and YSA, filed a memoran­ ship. Indeed, the court noted that only once dum replying to the affidavits. The since 1976 has another agency requested memorandum dissects the Justice Depart- the FBI to conduct a full field investigation . ment's argument that the use of illegally of a member of the SWP or YSA, a request obtained materials on the SWP and YSA is "which was rejected by the Department of Militant/Diane Jacobs vital to national security. Government Justice. INS official Glenn Bertness testifying at 1981 trial of socialist lawsuit lawyers say that these materials are neces­ sary for "loyalty" investigations of indi­ Disingenuous presentation viduals and for the protection of the presi­ lished legal principles which obviously Socialist Workers Party during the pro­ The disingenuous nature of the defen­ must be applied in dealing with loyalty-se­ posed time period could adversely affect dent, other government officials, and for­ dants' presentation is apparent in the af­ ·eign dignitaries. curity problems in the context of the issues the ability of INS to make informed deci­ fidavit of Thomas O'Brien of the DIS. Mr. in this case," including the careful holding sions about an individual's political Two weeks ago the Militant began O'Brien rests his claim of need on the dis­ that "where information about the SWP or views." Mr. Domell offers no explanation serializing the memorandum. The intro­ qualifying organizational membership YSA is considered relevant there must be a of the relevance of such information to duction and Part A of the first section, criteria of Executive Order 10450 which he rigorous regard for the facts about these or­ whether an individual will be deported, ex­ which argued that the spy files were ob­ quotes in paragraph 4. However, he quotes ganizations. Any indication that the SWP cluded, or naturalized. tained illegally, appeared in the May 8 an outdated version of the order.* He ig­ or YSA has a current program of carrying As the court noted, "The record shows issue. Part B of the first section, which re­ nores the current amended definition of po­ out violent revolution or acts of violence or only one instance of an adverse action by futed the Justice Department's claim that it tentially disqualifying organizational mem­ terrorism would not reflect the presently the INS based on SWP ·membership, and needs the ftles for "national security" bership which [was quoted] in this court's known facts." that was the Scythes deportation order 25 opinion [Judge Griesa's August 1986 rul­ .reasons, appeared in last week's issue. Moreover, the defendants' attempt to as­ years ago. That matter was resolved by the ing]: This week we are publishing Part C of sec­ sert some overreaching interest in using the Seventh Circuit in Scythes' favor in 1962. tion one. Knowing membership with the specific intent illegally obtained information is weakened There is no indication .of any present or of furthering the aims of, or adherence to and by the FBI's own willingness to circulate to contemplated adverse action by the INS * * * active participation in, any foreign or domestic federal departments and agencies a state­ against any SWP member." organization, association, movement, group, or ment including the declaration that "receipt Further, at trial, Glenn A. Bertness, Act­ C. The Defendants' Claim of Need Is combination of persons (hereinafter referred tq ing Associate Commissioner -of Enforce­ as organizations) which unlawfully advocates or Of· an allegation that an individual is a Contradicted by the Record in This member of the YSA/SWP would no longer ment and Acting Commissioner for Inves­ Case. practices the commission of acts of force or vio­ lence to prevent others from exercising their warrant an FBI investigation." Perhaps the tigation in the central office of the INS, tes­ The [government] defendants' claims of rights under the Constitution or laws of the defendants expect the court to believe that tified that the INS does not consider SWP need fall into three categories. First, they United States or of any State, or which seeks to ·the government draws a line between past membership or affiliation to be relevant to assert a need to use the illegal records in overthrow the Government of the United States affiliation - which warrants.investigation deportation or exclusion, and that it is not "loyalty security" programs. Thus, the af­ or any State or subdivision thereof by unlawful - and current affiliation - which does relevant to discretionary relief such as the fidavits submitted on behalf of the Defense means. not. granting of political asylum. Investigative Service (DIS), the Office of In light of the record, and the amended In addition, the Department of Justice Mr. Bertness was further asked by the Personnel Management (OPM), the FBI, version of Executive Order 10450, this has "informally" instructed the FBI to per­ court if a negative answer by an SWP the Secret Service, and the National Secu­ court forcefully _ reaffirmed "well-estab- form "a full field investigation on a mem­ member to the question of whether he or rity Agency all claim a need to utilize the ber of the SWP or YSA only if requested she is "connected with an organization records illegally obtained in their loyalty by another agency, and then only after con­ which is dedicated to the overthrow of the security programs. *The Executive Order was amended in 1974 sultation with the Department." The Attor­ government by force or violence or Try as they might to use generalities and when the "Attorney General's List" was ney General was evidently satisfied that in­ whether he ·is a member of an international sweeping strokes in their memorandum abolished. formation that an employment applicant communist organization" would be consid­ was a member of the SWP or YSA created ered false. Mr. Bertness testified that it no need for an investigation. would not. Hence, the claim that affiliation The second claimed need to use illegally with the SWP is relevant to the INS is flatly Court orders Seattle group obtained documents relating to the SWP or contradicted by the trial testimony. YSA is asserted by the defendants Secret The remaining affidavits make no claim , Service and Department of State. They as­ at all of any need to use the illegally ob­ to turn over internalininutes sert their need with respect to their mission tained ·records. The declaration submitted of protecting various government officials by Lee E. Carle, on behalf of the CIA, BY MICHELLE FIELDS FSP emergency relocation headquarters and/or foreign dignitaries. makes no claim of any need to use records SEATILE - A serious blow to demo­ fund. Three years after resigning from the The Secret Service claims a need for the obtained by the FBI, and no claim of need cratic rights was dealt by the courts here. party, he filed suit against it, demanding files to anticipate the actions of those who to use any information which was gathered On AprillO, King County Superior Court the donation back, plus interest and attor­ "on the basis of their past history, ideol­ unlawfully. Mr. Carle asserts only an "ad­ Judge Warren Chan ordered the Freedom ney fees. ogy, or avowed goals, may constitute a ministrative hardship" in identifying which Socialist Party to tum over internal minutes Snedigar claimed the money was mis­ possible threat to the physical safety of the records fall within the scope of the pro­ of its meetings to the court within 20 days used. He charged the party with fraud, individuals receiving Secret Service pro­ posed injunction. or pay a default penalty of more than undue influence, violation of charitable tection." Somewhat similarly the declaration of $22,500. solicitation laws, unjust enrichment, and The Department of State asserts that pro­ Colonel Anthony J. Gallo, Jr., of the De­ Party spokespeople declared that as a abuse of trust. He claims that in order to es­ hibiting its access to information about partment of the Army makes no claim of matter of principle they would not comply tablish his case he needs extensive FSP in­ "any hostile organization which has consis­ any need to use any information or records with the judge's order. ternal records, including the minutes. tently posed a threat to free governments" on the SWP or YSA or their members, re­ At the same time, the party filed a mo­ In the three years since the case began, would inhibit the State Department from gardless of whether the information is in tion asking for reconsideration of the deci­ this fight to defend the right to voluntary fulfilling its assigned role. the possession of the FBI or the Army. In political association has won broad, signif­ much the same manner, both Cathal Flynn, sion. This was denied. The judge is ex­ Refuted by court pected to award damages to former mem­ icant support. This includes both the Wash­ Rear Admiral (lower half) of the United ber Richard Snedigar on the basis of de­ ington State and Seattle area labor councils The claim that members or supporters of States Navy and Robert McCormick of the fault, that is, the refusal of the Freedom of the AFL-CIO, several locals of the the SWP or YSA pose a threat to the phys­ Air Force make no claim of any need to use Socialist Party to tum over its minutes. American Federation of State, County and ical safety of government officials or for­ information illegally obtained by the FBI Municipal Employees and the Communi­ eign dignitaries is refuted by the court's whether the records are in the possession of FSP attorney Valerie Carlson charged cations Workers of America, and the New findings. The FBI's files gathered over a the FBI or the Navy or Air Force. that Chan's ruling would "grievously im­ York Hotel and Motel Trades Council. 35-year span do not reflect a single item of No affidavits were submitted by the De­ pair the ability of all political minorities Other endorsers include the Seattle evidence supporting . such a proposition. partment of Justice (as distinct from the and labor organizations to function pri­ NAACP, Northwest Chapter of the Na­ The government, at trial, submitted no evi­ FBI), the Secretary of the Treasury, the vately, effectively, and without fear of tional Conference of Black Lawyers, Seat­ dence supporting such a proposition. Postmaster General, or the President of the harassment." tle Committee to Defend Immigrant The defendant INS asserts a third type of United States, or anyone on their behalf. The order to tum over the minutes stems Rights, Seattle and Everett chapters of the need. Acting Assistant Commissioner In sum, the government has not shown a froni a suit ftled against the FSP by National Organization for Women, Edwin W. Domell of the INS asserts that need to use the records and its present pro­ Snedigar. Socialist Workers Party, and Leonard Pel­ "an inability to receive information from testations are contradicted by the trial rec­ In 1979, Snedigar donated $22,500 to an tier Defense Committee. the FBI regarding .membership in the ord.

10 The Militant May · ~~' 1987 PLO groups unify at council meeting

BY HARRY RING to the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and The meeting of the Palestine National the accompanying genocidal assaults on Council held in Algeria April 20-26, Palestinian refugee camps by Lebanese marked a unification of the contending· right-wing forces aligned with the Israeli groups within the Palestine Liberation Or­ invaders. ganization. Along with Lebanese independence Delegates to the 18th session of the Pal­ fighters, PLO guerrillas engaged the Israeli estine National Council (PNC) included forces for 88 days. But finally over­ various groupings, among them the Popu­ whelmed, the PLO acted to end the lar Front for the Liberation of Palestine bloodshed by agreeing to leave Lebanon (PFLP) and the Democratic Front for the for other Arab countries. Liberation of Palestine (DFLP). Led re­ It was during this period that ·the fac­ spectively by George Habash and Nayef tional struggle reached explosive heights, Hawatmeh, these had been the principal including armed attacks against Arafat' s base of opposition within the PLO to the Fatah forces. These attacks were promoted PLO leaders Yassir Arafat, George Habash, and Nayef Hawatmeh. "We now aU movement's major force, al Fatah, led by to a great extent by the regime of Hafez al­ stand together, united until fmalliberation of Palestine," Arafat said. · PLO Chairman Y assir Arafat. Both the Assad of Syria. Popular Front and the Democratic Front In addition, other currents within the had boycotted the 1984 session of the PLO, like the PFLP and DFLP, raised United States, and Jordan. eluding the PLO, will participate on equal PNC. sharp criticisms of aspects of the Arafat The PLO approach tQ this was outlined footing with the other parties.·: At the recent meeting, Arafat told a leadership's political course. in a closing PNC statement. It said: Numerous resolutions solidarized the cheering crowd of 1,200 delegates and In the period since, many PLO guerrillas "At a time when the National Council PLO with liberation struggles internation­ guests, "We now all stand together, united made their way back to Lebanon and began stressed our people's right to exercise the ally, including one, "Supporting peoples until the final liberation of Palestine ~ " reassembling their forces in the refugee armed struggle in confronting the bated struggling against imperialism and rac­ camps. Zionist, racist occupation of the Palestinian ism . .. especially in southern and south­ Dissolution of rival group In response, Amal, a Syrian-backed homeland, the National Council would like west Africa, Central America, and Latin At a press conference, Habash an­ Lebanese militia force, carried out a to reaffirm the Palestinian people's desire America." nounced the dismantling of the Palestine · bloody siege against the camps. to reach a just and permanent peace that de­ The resolution condemned the "aggres­ National Salvation Front formed in 1985 Responding to that savage attack, which pends on its firm national and unnegotiable sive alliance between the racist regimes in by political opponents of Arafat. It in­ took an estimated 800 Palestinian lives, the rights, including the right to refttrn, self­ Tel Aviv and South Africa." cluded the PFLP, Palestinian Communist various PLO forces in Lebanon --"- includ­ determination, and the estl!.blishment of the Another resolution called for "develop­ Party, Saiqa, PFLP-General Command, ing some that had been pro-Assad - independent Palestinian state on its na­ ing relations with Israeli democratic forces Popular · Struggle Front, and dissidents united to resist the assault. That armed tional soil within the framework of an ef­ supporting the Palestine people's struggle within Fatah. (At the PNC session, for the unity in action paved the way for the re­ fective international conference in ~hich against Israeli occupation and expansion, first time, a representative of the Palestin­ knitting of the movement. the permanent members of the UN Security and the inalienable national rights of our ian Communist Party was elected to the ex­ Council and all the concerned parties, in- people." ecutive committee.) PLO-Jordan pact scrapped Jamil Hilal of the DFLP told reporters, Reunification negotiations included agreement to scrap a pact between the PLO "There is unity here because of political realism - the failure of alternatives in the and the government of Jordan. That pact -WORLD NEWS BRIEFS-- had provided that Jordan and the PLO past three years. The major groups realized as we would with any other country." more clearly that the PLO's position and would seek joint negotiations for a peace El Salvador guerrillas settlement with Israel. The pact had al­ Sports and cultural exchanges with standing were being eroded and the split hit key army base Cuba have recently increased. And Cuba among us being used to weaken the PLO." ready been frozen by Jordan. In another unity concession, Arafat has agreed to help build a high school in Arafat told reporters that the unity agreed to a resolution, which was ap­ Several hundred Salvadoran guerrillas the Dominican city of Bani, the birth­ achieved within the PLO was a reflection proved, redefining the PLO's stand toward attacked the main army base in the place of Cuban independence leader of unity built among the Palestinian people the government of Egypt'. In 1979, Egypt northeast May 2, killing 34 government Maximo Gomez. in, til~, ~sieg~. •~~$~~. pamp~ . o~.Le,baJ}on broke ra.Qks. with the other Arab states. ,and troops and wounding 42 others. Balaguer stated that there were no and in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the PLO by signing a separate peace agree­ Participating in the attack were three plans to resume diplomatic relations Gaza Strip. ment with Israel. Since then, however, regular battalions of the Farabundo with Cuba. "We are conscious that our The deep divisions that wracked the Egypt allowed the PLO to set up offices in Marti National Liberation Front destiny is linked to that of the United PLO stemmed m~ly from events relating that country and the Arafat leadership (FMLN) and one irregular militia unit. States," he said, "and we follow U.S. sought to maintain. a working relationship Using artillery and mortars, they shelled policies to the letter." with the Egyptian government. the army base and police station in the center of San Francisco Gotera, the cap­ Nevertheless, U.S. officials have ex­ The PNC resolution referred to the PLO ital of Morazan Province. pressed some displeasure with the ex­ Executive Committee "the task of redefin­ Gen. Adolfo Blando~. the Salvadoran pansion of unofficial Cuban-Dominican ing the basis for Palestine-Egyptian rela­ army chief of staff, acknowledged the relations. tions," with the governing criteria being attack. But Salvadoran officers claimed the extent to which Egypt moves away casualties were lower than those cited by from the agreement with Israel. the FMLN's Radio Venceremos. U.S. troops in Zaire The Egyptian government responded by This assault came in the midst of a shutting down the PLO offices in Cairo. major army counterinsurgency drive in on military exercise The government of Morocco also closed Morazan. It also came just a little more down PLO offices in that country after the Reflecting an overall increase in U.S. than a month after FMLN fighters killed military ties with the Zairian dictatorship PNC heard an address by Mohamed Ab­ 70 troops, including a U.S .. military ad­ of Mobutu Sese Seko, nearly 150 U.S. delaziz, general secretary of Polisario. viser, in an attack on an army base in Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel Polisario, a guerrilla movement, is fight­ Chalatenango Province. ing for the liberation of the Western Sa­ took part in joint military maneuvers in hara, which was annexed by Morocco after that Central African country during the Spanish colonial troops withdrew from the Dominican-Cuban last two weeks of April. territory in 1975. Code-named Flintlock-87, the exer­ trade ties may resume cise was centered on the Kamina air base A focus of the council meeting was the in Zaire's Shaba Province. That is the current proposals for ari international con­ President 'Joaquin Balaguer of the same base that the CIA has been using to ference to explore a Mideast peace settle­ transship some of the Reagan adminis­ ment. Those involved in the discussion and Dominican Republic declared in an in­ The 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. terview in late April that his government tration's $15 million in covert assistance Factional divisions in PLO foUowed that debate surrounding this include the govern­ to the UNITA terrorist group operating ments of Israel, the Soviet Union, the was seriously considering reopening setback. trade ties with Cuba. against neighboring Angola. The Dominican Republic broke dip- The Pentagon is also considering a . lomatic and most other ties with Cuba in plan to refurbish the base, as a possible Death penalty and Supreme Ct. June 1959, just a few months after the staging area for U.S. military operations victory of the Cuban revolution. And ex­ in southern Africa. Continued from Page 7 one can be sentenced to more than 30 cept for some cultural and sports ex­ on the rights and duties of the Nicaraguan years. Of the 7,000 members of the Na­ changes in the mid-1960s, there have people declares, "The right to life is invio­ tional Guard jailed right after the revolu­ been few contacts between the two Israeli jets raid lable and inherent to all persons. In Nicara­ tion, 5,000 have since been freed. countries since then, despite their pro- southern Lebanon gua there is no death penalty." Speaking in September 1986, Borge ximity. · This approach is linked to the Nicara­ proclaimed, "We, Nicaraguan revolution­ This move by the Dominican govern­ As part of a series of ongoing attacks guan government's overall stance of seek­ aries, make a real and sustained effort to be ment comes in the wake of Washing­ against Palestinian sites in southern ing to rehabilitate those who commit social deeply human, respectful of life, and of the ton's decision to slash by 40 percent the Lebanon, Israeli fighter jets bombed the infractions. The prison system's goal is to natural pride that a human being feels in amount of Dominican sugar that can Ain el-Hilweh refugee camp outside show prisoners why their behavior was being human. This is expressed through enter the United States, a move that is Sidon May 6. harmful and to teach them new skills and a every aspect of the revolution, and in par­ expected to cost the Dominican Repub­ The camp houses 50,000 Palestinians. new outlook on life so that they can return ticular in the philosophy and practice of the lic $60 million in lost income this year. Ten people were killed in the attack­ to the outside world as productive members Nicaraguan penal system." Balaguer indicated that his govern­ all of them civilians - and as many as of society. Explaining again why the death penalty ment. was interested in exchanging 15 buildings were destroyed· or dam­ Many prisoners in Nicaragua are paroled is outlawed in Nicaragua, Borge said, "A Dominican coffee for Cuban cement. "If aged. early, as they make progress in their social society that shows contempt for and harms this barter deal can be made," he said, Just a few days earlier a similar Israeli rehabilitation. The elderly and infirm are a human being is only showing contempt "we would do it with great pleasure, just assault killed 15 Palestinians. not kept in prison; and constitutionally no for and harming itself."

May 22, 1987 The Militant 11 ..,. - · THE GREAT~. SOCIETY--··. --=------____,;.,--_;__------:--

And the end is not yet - ''I the American way. If little kids naval vessels, two planes, and a Porous? _- WASHINGTON traffic, wasting 1 A billion gallons can't remember. a time when don't aspire to make money like I helicopter to insure that a U.S. (AP)- The Army acknowledged of gasoline, according to a· new young people driving trucks, talk­ did, what the hell good is this barge didn't dump 3,000 tons of that 12 Bradley Fighting Vehicles study. And, according to the first ing on CBs and sitting in restau­ country? You gotta give them a garbage in its waters. The barge have sunk during amphibious test­ nationwide study . .. . things will rants were having such a heyday role model, right?"- Lee Iacocca had headed for Mexico after being ing, nearly double the number pre­ only get worse."- News item. ridiculing all that is Christian. Na- on why it was justified for him to tunied down by North Carolina, viously reported, but it denied a draw $20.6 million last year while Alabama, Mississippi, and Lou­ congressman's assertion that the The march of science - A pa­ Chrysler was cutting wages and isiana. combat carrier "leaked like a tent has been issued for a robot benefits. sieve." with which a race horse can be No respect - A Phoenix rug driven by remote control, elimi­ Even worSe than that- ARe- company advertises, "We've been Just reporting the facts - nating the jockey. Harry . publican Party survey, mailed to involved in more coverups than We've never been into trying to an Oakland socialist, wants to the CIA and FBI combined." scare people into kicking the cof­ Thought for the week - "I Ring know how Ron is doing i~ Califor­ fin-nail habit, but Canadian re­ haven't thrown my money away. nia. In addition to the usual searchers say preliminary evi­ My equipment is old. I haven't categories of choice - excellent, Hey, hey - Rev. Jim Bakker dence indicates smoking may con­ partied. All I do is stay here and tional credibility for the cause of good, fair, and poor - it now in­ denies indulging in homosexual tribute to male impotence. work. And what good has it done Christ, in my opinion, is.at an all­ cludes "terrible." activity, being involved with pros­ me?''- Herbert Gill Jacobs, win­ time low."- Rev. Jerry Falwell. titutes, or engaging in spouse­ Capitalism makes things ner of three Georgia com-growing Must think they have some swapping. He also sayshe's think­ work - "Americans spend 1.2 championships, who just filed for No finer example - "That's rights - Mexico mobilized four ing about writing a book. billion hours a year delayed in bankruptcy., -CALENDAR------NEW YORK ARIZONA Alabama director of Committee in Solidarity NEW YORK Manhattan with the People of El Salvador (CISPES). Sat., Contragate-Vietnam: What's the Con­ Phoenix May 16, 7:30 p.m. 3640 Magazine St. Dona­ Manhattan nection? Speakers: Bui Xuan Nhat, am­ Who Killed Ben Linder? Speakers: Ku~ tion: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For Youth Speak-out Against the War in Central bassador to United Nations, Socialist Re­ Johnson, Socialist Workers Party; others. more information call (504) 895-1961. America and Against Apartheid in South M­ public of Vietnam; Barry Romo, national Translation to Spanish. Sat., May 16, 7 p.m. Eyewitness Report from Nicaragua. George rica. Speakers: Mojaki Thulo and Bongi coordinator, Vietnam Veterans Against 1809 W Indian School Rd. Donation: $2. Spon­ Paris, land development chief of Federation of Maseko, students from Solomon Mahlangu the War; Eddie Demrnings, National sor: Militant Labor Forum. For more informa­ Southern Cooperatives. Sat., May 30, 7:30 Freedom College, members of African National Conference of Black Lawyers. Sun., tion call (602) 279-5850. p.m. 3640 Magazine St. Donation: $2. Spon­ Congress Youth Section; Maria Cruz, member, May 17, 2 p.m. Casa de las Americas, sor: Militant Labor Forum. For more informa­ Project Sister University of El Salvador; Bill 104 W 14th St. Donation: $5. Sponsor: CALIFORNIA tion call (504) 895-1961. Spencer, national youth organizer of Democrat­ Committee · in Solidarity with Vietnam, ic Socialists of America; Rob Jones, project di­ Kampuchea and Laos. For more informa­ Los Angeles rector, American Committee on Africa; Eric tion call (718) 643-0201. Protest the Murder of Ben Linder: Join the MARYLAND Sheflin, representative, Anti-Nuclear Group Brigades to Nicaragua. Speakers: Dave Baltimore Representing the Young; Long Island High Brown, Southern California coordinator for Burkina Faso: Eyewitness Account of an Af­ School Students (ANGRY); Tricia Feely, mem­ brigades to Nicaragua; others to be announced. · rican Revolution. Speakers: Jean Diasso, ber, Hunter College Central America Solidarity People's Fair Housing Committee; Susie Riv­ Sat., May 16, 7:30p.m. 2546 W Pico. Dona­ charge d'affaires, Burkina Faso embassy. Er­ Committee; Lisa Ahlberg, garment worker, Na­ ers, associate director, Cuyahoga Plan of Ohio; tion: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For nest tJ.arsch, staff writer for the Militant, re­ tional Committee member, Young Socialist Al­ Nick Gruenberg, Socialist Workers Party, more information call (213) 380-9460. cently returned from three-week trip to Burkina liance. Fri., May 15. Dinner, 6:30p.m.; speak­ member United Auto Workers. Sat., May 16, The New Immigration Law: Why It Is an At­ Faso. Sat. , May 16, reception and dinner, 6 out, 7:30p.m. Party to follow. 79 Leonard St. 7:30 p.m. 2521 Market Ave. Donation: $2. tack on All Working People. Speakers: Olga p.m.; program, 7:30p.m. Donation: $2, dinner, Donation: $2. Sponsor: N.Y. Young Socialist Sponsor: Militant Forum. For more information Rodriguez, Socialist Workers Party; Alejandro $3: Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For more Alliance. For more information call (212) 226- call (216) 861-6150. Molina Lara, representative, United Electrical information call (301) 235-0013. 8445. Workers Union; Eduardo Estevez, representa­ TEXAS tive, Guatemalan organizations. Sat., May 30, From the Mrican National Congress: How to Win Democracy in South Mrica. Speaker: Houston 7:30p.m. 2546 W Pico. Donation: $2. Sponsor: MINNESOTA Fred Dube, spokesperson for African National Issues in the "Baby M" Case: What Positions Miltiant Labor Forum. For more information St. Paul Should Working People Take? Speakers: Tom call (213) 380-9460. Congress, professor at Stony Brook campus of Clouded Land. Celebrate Minnesota Indian State University of New York denied tenure be­ Kincaid, Socialist Workers Party, member San Jose month. Film by Minnesota filmmaker Randy cause of his political views. Translation to United Transportation Union Local83; others to Watsonville: How the Strikers Won. Sat., Croce on Indian land rights. Speaker: John Spanish. Fri., May 29. Dinner, 6:30; forum, be armounced. Translation to Spanish. Sat., Morin of Anishinabe Akeeng of White Earth May 16, 7:30p.m. Translation to Spanish. 461f2 7;301p.m-79. Leonard St. Donation:.$2. Spon.­ May 16; . 7:30 p.m. 4806 Almeda. Donation: Race St. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor Reservation. Sat., May 16, 7:30 p.m: 508 N sor: Militant Labor Forum/Foro Perspectiva $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For more Forum/Foro Perspectiva Mundial. For more in­ Snelling Ave. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Mundial. For more information. call (212) 226- information call (713) 522-8054. formation call (408) 998-4007. Forum. For more information call (612) 644- 8445. 6325. WEST VIRGINIA ILLINOIS NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA Charleston Chicago Greensboro Imperialism and Revolution in the Middle Youth Say No to U.S. War in Central Amer­ Newark Protest Attack on Immigrant Workers: Gov­ How to Fight Racism: Protesting the ·Klan East. Speaker: Barry Sheppard, Socialist ica and Support to Apartheid. Translation to March in Greensboro. Speakers: to be an­ Workers Party. Sat., May 16, 7 p~m. 116 Spanish. Class: "Malcolm X: Lessons for Revo­ ernment's Phony "Amnesty" Bill. Speakers: Hector Marroquin, Socialist Workers Party noun~ . Translation to Spanish. Sun., May McFarland St. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant lutionaries Today." Wed., May 20, 5:30p.m. 17, 5 p.m. 2219 E Market St. Donation: $2. Labor Forum. For more information call (304) Youth Speak Out: Young Socialist Alliance member fighting deportation for his political views; others to be announced. Translation to Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For more infor­ 345-3040. Forum. Sat., May 16, 7:30p.m. 3455 S Michi­ mation call (919) 272-5996. gan Ave. Donation: $2. All events sponsored by Spanish. Sat., May 16, 7:30p.m. 141 Halsey Morgantown Young Socialist Alliance. Rides provided. For St. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor Eyewitness Reports and Slideshow from El more information call (312) 326-5853. Forum. For more information call (201) 643- Salvador. Speakers: Dave Evans, Vietnam vet­ 3341. omo eran and director of the prosthetics program of Issues in the "Baby M" Court Case. Speaker: Cleveland Medical Aid for El Salvador; Kipp Dawson, Alicia Merel, Socialist Workers Party. Transla­ Fair Housing and Racist Discrimination. Socialist Workers Party, member United Mine LOUISIANA tion to Spanish. Sat., May 30, 7:30p.m. 141 Speakers: Clarence Bolden, overcame racist at­ Workers of America. Sat., May 16. Dinner, New Orleans Halsey St. (1 block from Broad). Donation $2. tempt to deny him housing in Lakewood; 6:30p.m.; program, 7:30p.m. 221 Pleasant St. Eyewitness Report from El Salvador. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For more infor­ Dominic Ozanne, chairperson, National As­ Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. Speaker: Steve Schaeffer, regional and mation call (201) 643-3341. sociation for the Advancement of Colored For more information call (304) 296-0055.

-IF YOU LIKE THIS PAPER, LOOK US UP--~----- Where to find the Socialist Workers Party, St. NW, 2nd Floor. Zip: 30303. Tel: (404) 577- St. Louis: SWP, YSA, 4907 Martin Luther PENNSYLVANIA: Edinboro: YSA, c/o Young Socialist Alliance, and Pathfinder 4065. King Dr. Zip: 63113. Tel: (314) 361-0250. Mark Mateja, Edinboro .University of Pa. Zip: bookstores. ILLINOIS: Chicago: SWP, YSA, 3455 S. NEBRASKA: Omaha: SWP, YSA, 140 S. 16412. Tel: (814) 398-2574. Phlladelphia: Michigan Ave. Zip: 60616. Tel: (312) 326- 40th St. Zip: 68131. Tel: (402) 553-0245. SWP, YSA, 2744 Germantown Ave. Zip: ALABAMA: Binningham: SWP, YSA, 5853 or 326-5453. NEW JERSEY: Newark: SWP, YSA, 14f 19133. Tel: (215) 225-0213. Pittsburgh: SWP, 1306 lst Ave. N. Zip: 35203. Tel: (205) 323- IOWA: Des Moines: SWP, YSA, 2105 For­ Halsey. Zip: 07102. Tel: (201) 643-3341. YSA, 402 N. Highland Ave. Zip: 15206. Tel: 3079. est Ave. Zip: 50311. Tel: (515) 246-1695. NEW YORK: Capital District (Albany): (412) 362-6767. ARIZONA: Phoenix: SWP, YSA, 1809 W. KANSAS: Lawrence: YSA, c/o Rob Binns, SWP, YSA, 114E Quail St. Zip: 12206. Tel: TEXAS: Austin: YSA, c/o Mike Rose, 7409 Indian School Rd. Zip: 85015. Tel: (602) 279- 1039 Rhode Island. Zip: 66044. (518) 434-3247. Mid-Hudson: YSA, Box 650, Berkman Dr. Zip: 78752. Tel. (512) 452-3923. 5850. Tucson: YSA, c/o Ursula Kolb, P.O. LOUISIANA: Baton Rouge: YSA, 4264 Annandale. Zip: 12504. Tel: (914) 758-0408. Dallas: SWP, YSA, 336 W. Jefferson. Zip: Box 853. Zip: 85702. Tel: (602) 795-5810. Oxford Ave. #4, Zip: 70808. Tel: (504) 766~ New York: SWP, YSA, 79 Leonard St. Zip: 75208. Tel: (214) 943-5195. Houston: SWP, CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles: SWP, YSA, 0510. New Orleans: SWP, YSA, 3640 Maga­ 10013. Tel: (212) 219-3679 or 925-1668. Path­ YSA,4806 Almeda. Zip: 77004. Tel: (713) 2546 W. Pico Blvd. Zip: 90006. Tel: (213) 380- zine St. Zip: 70115. Tel: (504) 895-1961. finder Books, 226-8445. Stony Brook: YSA, 522-8054. ' 9460. Oakland: SWP, YSA, 3808 E 14th St. .MARYLAND: Baltimore: SWP, YSA, c/oJordyRockowitz, Wagner 120, Stony Brook UTAH: Price: SWP, YSA, 23 S. Carbon Zip: 94601. Tel: (415) 261-3014. sait Diego: 2913 Greenrnount Ave. Zip: 21218. Tel: (301) College. Zip: 11794. Ave., Suite 19, P.O. Box 758. Zip: 84501. Tel: SWP, YSA, 2803 B St. Zip: 92102. Tel: (619) 235-0013. NORTH CAROLINA: Greensboro: SWP, (801) 637-6294. Salt Lake City: SWP, YSA, 234-4630. San Francisco: SWP, YSA, 3284 MASSACHUSETIS: Amherst: YSA, P.O. YSA, 2219 E Market. Zip: 27401. Tel: (919) 767 S. State, 3rd floor. Zip: 84111. Tel: (801) 23rd St. Zip: 94110. Tel: (415) 282-6255. San Box 1383 Hampshire College. Zip: 01002. Bos­ 272-5996. . 355-1124. Jose: SWP, YSA, 461f2 Race St. Zip: 95126. ton: SWP, YSA, 107 Brighton Ave., 2nd floor, OIDO: Athens: c/o Jake Hiles, 1891f2 W. WASHINGTON, D;C.: . .SWP, YSA, Tel: (408) 998-4007. Seaside: YSA, P.O. Box Allston. Zip: 02134. Tel: (617) 787-0275. Washington, Apt. A. Zip:45701. Tel:(614)594- 3.106 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. Zip: 20010. Tel: 1645. Zip: 93955. Tel: (408) 394-1855. Stock­ MICIDGAN: Detroit: SWP, YSA, 2135 8450. Cincinnati: SWP, YSA; 494'5 Paddock (202) 797-7699, 797-7021. ton: YSA, c/o Ted Barratt and Gustavo Men­ Woodward Ave. Zip: 48201. Tel: (313) 961- Rd. Zip:45237. Tel: (513)242-7161. Cleveland: WASHINGTON: seattle: SWP, YSA, doza, 825 N. San Jose St. Zip: 95203. Tel: 0395. SWP, YSA, 2521 Market Ave. Zip: 44113. Tel: 5517 Rainier Ave. South. Zip: 98118. Tel: (~Q9) 941-8544. . MINNESOTA: Austin: SWP, YSA, 407112 N. (216) 861-6150. Columbus: YSA, P.O. Box (206) 723-5330. COWRADO: Denver: SWP, YSA, 25 W. Main. Zip: 55912. Tel: (507) 433-3461. North­ 02097. Zip: 43202. Toledo: SWP, YSA, 1701 WEST VIRGINIA: Charleston: SWP, 3rd Ave. Zip: 80223. Tel: (303) 698-2550. field: YSA, c/o Heiko Koester and Pat Rombero, W . . Bancroft St. Zip: 43606. Tel: (419) 536- YSA, 116 McFarland St. Zip: 25301. Tel: (304) FLORIDA: Miami: SWP, YSA,· 137 NE Carlton College. Zip: 55057. Tel: (507) 663- 0383. 345-3040. Morgantown: SWP, YSA, 221 54th St. Mailing address: P.O. Box 370486. 4000, ext. 4570 or 4563. Twin Cities: SWP, YSA, OKLAHOMA: Edmond: YSA, c/o Ricky Pleasant St. Zip: 26505. Tel: (304) 296- Zip: 33137. Tel: (305) 756-1020. Tallahasseoe: 508 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul. Zip: 55104. Tel: Garcia, 1308 N. Blvd. F-46. Zip: 73033, Tel: 0055. YSA, P.O. Box 20715. Zip: 32316. Tel: (904) (612) 644-6325. (405) 340-3868. WISCONSIN: Milwaukee: SWP, YSA, 222-4434. MISSOURI: Kansas City: SWP, YSA, OREGON: Portland: SWP, YSA, 2732 NE 4707 W. Lisbon Ave. Zip: 53208. Tel: (414) GEORGIA: Atlanta: SWP, YSA, 132 Cone 4725 Troost. Zip: 64110. Tel: (816) 753-0404. Union. Zip: 97212. Tel: (503) 2,87-7416. 445-2076.

12 The Militant May 22, 1987 Cuban Youitg Communists discuss chatfenge~

Continued from Page 5 are women and 32.3 percent are Black and tomatic mechanism would eliminate the mestizo. Fifty-four percent are members of need for leaders to lead, in each factory, the party, or are in the process of becoming farm, workplace, and industry to find the members. · best, most productive use of all available The National Committee also elected a human resources. There is no substitute for new Political Bureau of 18 members, of different generations of conscious workers whom one-third are Black and mestizo and collaborating to solve these problems. one-third are women. The number of One of the interesting contributions to Blacks and women on the new bureau is the discussion on this point was made by double that of the outgoing leadership. The Roberto Veiga, secretary-general of the average age of Political Bureau members is Cuban Workers Confeder-ation (CI'C) and 28. member of the Political Bureau of the Roberto Robaina Gonzalez and Pedro Communist Party. He noted that since the Saez Montejo were reelected first and sec­ CTC began taking up the questions posed ond secretary of the UJC, respectively. by the correction process a year ago, there The significance of the advances regis­ has been a significant change in the compo­ tered in the social and sex composition of sition of the ere leadership. Today, he the new national leadership bodies is best said, more than half of the trade union judged in comparison with the party leader­ leaders around the country are under 30; sHip and the discussions that took place at 46,000 union leaders are members of the the third party congress a year ago. UJC. There, the delegates decided on and im­ plemented a policy of affirmative action. In Other issues addition to the conscious attention given to advancing workers ·to leadership responsi­ Other questions discussed at length by bilities, the party congress sharply in­ the delegates included: · creased the numbers of Blacks and mes­ Photos from • The new prograni of family doctors tizos, women, and youth on the new Roberto Robaina (left), was reelected rU"St secretary of Union of Young Communists. being established throughout the country, leadership bodies. Pedro Saez was reelected second secretary. and how to improve medical services, as The renewal of the party leadership with well as the quality of medical education. younger m~tmbers, and the affirmative ac­ vade and overthrow the popular revolution­ ganization be openly called the Union of • Health and social problems posed by tion policies, Castro emphasized in his re­ ary government had been defeated on Playa Young Communists." . pregnancies among very young adolescent port on the electionofthe Central Commit­ Giron at the Bay of Pigs. The socialist At the time, Castro noted, our youth women and the need for expanded and im­ tee, were decisive for the advance of the character of the revolution had been un­ "was patriotic, revolutionary, zealous and proved sex education programs in the revolution~ Eliminating the legacy of race abashedly affirmed. The U.S. government, heroic, but did not have the political educa­ schools. and sex discrimination, he told .the dele­ headed by President John Kennedy, was tion of our youth today. They did not have • The need for more rigorous standards gates, does not occur spontaneously; that tightening the economic blockade and or­ the communist awareness, they were not in passing students ·from one grade to effort has to be consciously led. ganizing further military assaults on the is­ strong on theory although their willingness another and selecting students for special Of the Central Committee elected by the land. Cuba, with .the help of the Soviet and determination was unshakable." educational opportunities. third party congress, however, 18.2 per­ Union, was strengthening its defenses in an By contrast, Castro commented, "this • The importance of improving teacher cent are women. That represents a signifi­ attempt to .prevent a new invasion. The congress that has· just concluded can be training, with emphasis on the need for cant increase over the 12.4 percent women 1962 October Crisis - during which the called a congress of genuinely communist teachers to have greater practical work ex­ on the previous Central Committee elected U.S. rulers pushed the world to the brink of youth." perience in their field before beginning to in 1980. nuclear annihilation over the issue of · Many of those elected delegate~ to the teach. Women are 40.3 percent of the UJC Cuba's right to defend itself by installing Fifth Congress of the UJC were not born • The challenge of leading young membership and 28.4 percent of its leader­ Soviet missiles - was only a few months when the organization was founded, Castro people to volunteer for resettlement pro­ ship cadres. They are 21.5 percent of the ahead. noted. Today they are already the back­ jects in rural areas where the population de­ party membership. In his speech to the closing session of the bone - the cadres and leaders - of many cline has threatened important agricultural The difference clearly represents the congress, Castro mentioned these cir­ organizations, schools, factories, rural pro- production, such as coffee. profound changes in consciousness among cumstances in which the UJC was founded jects, and military units. . e The responsibilities of the UJC to im­ young women who have grown up with all and measured the distance traveled. The seriousness and depth of revolution­ prove the quality, quantity, and accessibil­ the educational advantages opened to them Recalling "the occasion when it was de­ ary consciousness and commitment ex­ time . activitie~ . di~cos ity. .of leisure from by • tbe~revoltttion : There' has been a: mas­ cided to adopt the name Communist," Case pressed by the delegates clearly had an im­ and video clubs to sports, art centers, and sive incorporation of young women into tro remarked, "That may seem very easy pact on Castro and others who have led the camping facilities. the work force in a range of occupations now. 'Communist' is a respected, presti­ Cuban revolution for 35 years. • The material problems limiting the unthinkable in any other underdeveloped gious and beloved word among our people. Speaking for himself and other Political quality of and facilities available for art country. Child-care facilities are increas­ But in the early years of the revolution, the Bureau members of his generation, Castro students in all fields, but especially music ingly available. Life expectations and per­ youth organization adopted various remarked that the congress left them with a and dance. sonal relations have been profoundly names," one of which was Association of "feeling of security." Of all the issues taken up, however, changed, and women have developed Young Rebels. "This new generation -. which is a none received more sober and serious con­ greater leadership confidence. "When the first congress was held on product of the revolution, a fruit of the rev­ sideration than the proposal adopted by the Blacks and mestizos make up 28.4 per­ April 4, 1962, after Giron and before the olution, child of the revolution - is more ~elegates to make military service univer­ cent of the Central Committee elected by October Crisis," Castro continued, "the at­ revolutionary, more profoundly revolu~ sal for all young men. The delegates were the third party congress, a figure which is titude of our people was one of total de­ tiortary than the generation that carried out also favorable to the idea of expanding vol­ close to the proportion in the party mem­ fiance toward imperialism. So when young the revolution. Its ideas are more advanced untary military service for women. (One of bership as a whole. people gathered in that month and year, and more profound." the women newly elected to the UJC Polit­ The one place where the composition of knowing how much that word annoyed the In the world of today and tomorrow, ical Bureau is the 22-year-old UJC or­ the newly elected youth leadership is imperialists, how much it annoyed there­ Castro concluded, . "being revolutionary ganizer in the First Female Artillery Regi- noticeably weaker than the membership as actionaries, we proposed, in keeping with means and will increasingly mean, to be a ment.) · a whole is in young workers. Twenty-six our ideals and objectives, that the youth or- communist." Currently, a significant proportion of percent of the 600,000 members of the young men are exempt from military ser­ UJC are industrial workers. Another 35 vice, including all medical students and percent are teachers, medical personnel, -10AND25 YEARSAGO--­ those studying to be. teachers. technicians, and other service workers. Al­ In the past such exemptions were jus­ together, only 30 percent of the new na­ tified on the basis of the urgent need to ac­ tional committee are production workers, celerate the education of more teachers and teachers, and service workers combined. TH£ MILITANT medical personnel. Those who did not do No breakdown for industrial workers was May 20,1977 active military service were organized into available. · the reserves and the Territorial Troop Mili­ In his speech to the closing session of the Last month union officials joined hands tia, however, and received military train­ May 21,1962 Price lOc youth congress, however, Castro made the with corporate heads of the shoe and textile ing. The fact that military service does not most important point about the leadership include all young men equally, however, industries to lead public demonstrations for that was elected by the congress. Com­ higher prices· on these essential consumer President John Kennedy's sending of has a negative impact. menting on the fact that there were so many goods. 4,000 U.S. troops to Thailand and air and As the political repor:t explained, "For qualified candidates to choose from, he The stated purpose was to protect U.S. naval forces into Indochinese waters risks· many youth, military service is synony­ noted that those selected were not the best. producers against foreign imports. They involving this country in one or more mous with falling behind academically or "They are undoubtedly among the best," he said it was to "save American jobs." Korea-type wars in that area. at work. Fostered to a g~at extent by continued, but those selected are "a com­ families and institutions, there is a growing The largest of these demonstrations was The occasion for this bnnkmariship was mittee and leadership in w~ich the great in New York City's garment center on a military reverse suffered by right-wing opinion that only those with educational or majority, with their tremendous virtues and social problems do military service." April 13. The sweatshop proprietors closed forces in Laos. These military forces were revolutionary spirit, feels that they are rep­ down for a few hours and sent an estimated built up at vast expense by the United The importance of eliminating the grow. resented. The comrades who were elected 10,000 underpaid workers to stand in States. Their leaders, Gen. Phoumi Nasa­ ing social inequality between those who are represent a means of expression for a large Herald Square and hold up signs while pol­ van and his political front Prince drafted and those who are exenipt was man, mass of worthy young people." iticians and labor leaders made speeches Boun Oum, were handpicked by U.S. mil~ strongly emphasized by the delegates, who about low wages in other countries. itary and CIA officials who had big plans also recognized that not all Cubans would Historic advance, historic challenge The case of the U.S. textile industry was for Laos because borders China and · be happy about the change. They mandated tt The Fifth Congress of the UJC marked argued in expensive full-page ads that ap­ North Vietnam. the incoming leadership of the UJC to work the 25th anniversary of the founding of the peared in major daily papers, financed by together with the Revolutionary Armed Despite lavish U.S. financial aid, the organization on April 4, 1962. The Cuban Burlington ·Industries of Greensboro, Forces to implement a system of universal corrupt and reactionary rightist regime communist youth organization was born North Carolina. Burlington Industries is military service for all young men. could win no support am

'· -EDITORIALS---...... ;,__-~----~- Does codifying rights in to law Deportation moves backfire make a difference? its·constitutionality. BY DOUG JENNESS The First Amendlnent right of all people in this coun­ Some readers may be wondering why I have devoted The INS was forced to retreat. On February 17 an im­ try, citizens or not, to read and speak as they please was so much space the past few weeks to the struggles to de­ migration judge ordered the eight released from jail. strengthened May 11 when a Los· Angeles immigration fend and extend the Bill of Rights and other democratic judge was forced to drop all charges against seven Pales­ On April 28 the INS judge ruled that she would hear guarantees in the Constitution. tinians and a Kenyan. The Immigration and Naturaliza-. arguments on whether the immigrants had been targeted Why is it important to get democratic rights accepted tion Service had sought to deport the eight on charges that for their political views and nationality. The INS dropped as part of the law of the land and then continue to defend they were members of the Popular·Front for the Libera­ charges of "subversion" against six, and modified its tion of Palestine. charges against the other two. On May 11, the acting dis­ The INS has indicated it will refile the charges. So the trict director of the INS in Los Angeles did not appear in fight to block the deportations continues. court in response to a subpoena, and the judge had to dis­ LEARNING ABOUT Dismissal of the charges marks the latest stage in the iniss the charges. government's retreat in this case. Why isn't its case far­ On the other side of the country, the INS has beaten a SOCIALISM . ing better? retreat in another case. On May 5 INS officials granted a The attack on the immigrants was launched with great temporary work permit to Hector Marroquin, a Mexican­ fanfare January 26 as cops raided their Los Angeles them? Don't the employers and government officials dis­ born socialist who has been waging a 10-year fight regard these laws and violate them as they come into con- homes in the early morning hours and rounded up seven against deportation for his political views. His struggle of the eight at gunpoint. . flict with working people? , against deportation has won considerable support in the It's true that no democratic rights, including those in The arrests were initially portrayed in the big-business union movement and elsewhere. media as a major blow against terrorism. While in prison, the Constitution, are permanent conquests. They are .con­ the eight were often shackled, held in solitary confine­ Marroquin, who has been living in this country since tinually being challenged by the. bosses and government ment, and denied medical care and visitation rights. 1974, now has legal status for the first time. This places leaders. But the government quickly had to concede that after him in a much stronger position to fight for and win his Striking meat-packers in the Midwest, for example; three years of FBI surveillance against the eight - in­ fight to reside here permanently. are learning that the courts are stacked against them as cluding renting a nearby apartment - it had no evidence It's no coincidence that these two attempts to push they exercise their democratic right to organize a fight to whatsoever that they were involved in any terrorist acts. back democratic rights are being stymied. The crisis in defend their union and make a decent living. That is why the FBI turned the case over to the INS. The Washington, reflected in the hearings currently taking Farmers fighting farm foreclosures are also well aware sole charge against them was political support to an or­ place on Capitol Hill, has been caused precisely by the . that the cops have often denied them their democratic ganization opposed to U.S. government policy in the inability of the U.S. ruling class to either crush the Nic­ rights to peacefully assemble. Mideast. This charge was based on their possession of araguan revolution or to roll back the standard of living Groups organizing against U.S. aid to the contras in "certain magazines," such as Pqlestine Focus, Demo­ and rights of working people here at home to the degree Nicaragua have been subjected to illegal FBI harassment. · cratic Palestine, and the Palestine Bulletin. that the employers need and want . . So, what difference does it make to have laws on the books if they are continually flouted? Shouldn't we con- ' As the facts came out, opposition to the FBI-INS at­ These two cases illustrate what Attorney General tack mushroomed across the country. Demonstrations of Edwin Meese and his cronies have not been able to centrate our energies on winning the social and political fights we're involved in instead of on winning and de­ hundreds protested the arrests. accomplish. And they show how much support exists fending democratic rights? The Committee for Justice, which organized support among the U.S. people for defending democratic rights for the eight, attracted a wide range of sponsors. A - including rights for those against whom the rulers try The problem with this is that the fight for democratic number of Republican and Democratic political figures to whip up tremendous prejudice, such as Mexican work­ rights and the struggle against imperialist war, worsening spoke out against the arrests, and several major dailies ers and Palestinians. working conditions, farm foreclosures, and racial and sexual discrimination are inseparable. criticized the INS's actions against the eight. Much to the INS 's surprise, they couldn't simply Across the country, working people who heard about throw Marroquin out, and they can't simply get rid of the The need for free speech, privacy, right to assemble, the case were outraged by the cops' high-handed be­ eight from Los Angeles. Instead of winning popular sup­ and other rights arises out of the struggles working havior. port for deporting "commies" and ''terrorists," the gov­ people are involved in. They become necessary weapons for helping to advance these struggles. The issue was .a simple one. Do immigrants have First ernment has a fight on its hands. A fight that we can win. All big social struggles- the war of independence, Amendment rights? Can they speak, write, read, and as­ The gains won in these cases will also benefit others sociate as they please, or does the government have the threatened with deportation for their opinions - such as the Civil War and Reconstruction, organization of the in­ dustrial unions, and the civil rights. movement- have right to deport those it disagrees with? Margaret Randall, who has been ordered deported for the led to significant advances in democratic rights. The INS is attempting to enforce the antidemocratic "crime" of writing books sympathetic to the Nicaraguan, McCarran-Walter Act, which authorizes deportation by Cuban, and Vietnamese tevolutions. The·codification of democratic guarantees in constitu­ the government of those whose views are deemed subver­ Further gains can be won by taking these and other tional amendments, laws, and court rulings reflects the sive. But the arrests of the eight, far from bolstering sup­ cases to the millions of unionists and others who increas­ favorable advance workers have made in relation to the port for this thought-control legislation, unleashed a ingly recognize their life-and-death stake in defending capitalist rulers, advances won through struggle. wave of criticism of the act, including a legal challenge to basic democratic rights. Millions of people have incorporated into their think­ ing the idea that they are entitled to these rights. This is true even long after the struggles that led to their adoption are over and few people, if any, h~ve first hand experi­ ence or direct knowledge of them. This awareness of le­ gally guaranteed democratic rights, and the expectations flowing from it, are themselves a potent political force. Mayor Koch's latest racist smear Employers and government officials have a more diffi­ cult time abridging democratic rights if they ·are written A .tireless apologist for racism, New York's Mayor Ed­ Indeed, in his smear attack on the Black community, into law or court injunctions and when millions of people ward Koch made a new, scurriious attack on Blacks, Koch deemed it necessary to say that Hasidic leaders had strongly believe they are entitled to those rights. The rul­ again trying to tag them as perpetrators of racist vio­ been warned that the city would not tolerate "vigilan­ ers have to move more cautiously, testing the waters as to lence, not victims of it. tism" by the patrols. He proposed not that they be . how far and how fast they can go. This tinle his target was the Black community in the abolished, but that they be "integrated." When the exploiting classes and their political spokes­ Crown Heights area of Brooklyn. · Koch's argument in Crown Heights was not new. In persons do begin to violate legally guaranteed rights, Crown Heights is overwhelmingly Black and Latino. the wake of the December 1986 racist lynching in How­ they face the difficulty of being lawbreakers. Of course, There is also a white enclave of some 20,000 Hasidic ard Beach, Queens, which took the life of Michael Grif­ they try to cover this up with lies and excuses and attempt Jews. · fith, the mayor asserted that in order to deal with the to make it appear that striking workers, protesting farm­ Last month hundreds of Crown Heights · Blacks problem .of racism, it was necessary to consider "white ers, or antiwar fighters are the lawbreakers. But if work­ marched in a protest against racist attacks and discrimina- fear of Black crime." ing people wage an aggressive campaign to show that the tion. · At that time he rhetorically enquired that if three law is on their side, they can make this ploy hard to stick. On May 10 Koch went to a Black Crown Heights whites were walking in Harlem at night, "Do you believe Exposing the bosses and politicians as lawbreakers can church to declare his support for complaints by the they would be absolutely safe?" be an effective element in winning broader support for Jewish Lubavitcher sect that its members were the vic­ That, of course, deliberately twists the problem inside struggles 6f working people. tims of Black violence. out. Koch does not and cannot cite a record of antiwhite Wresting guarantees of democratic rights and getting Blacks, the mayor charged, are the source of violence. violence by Blacks. But if he cared to, he could offer them written into law or registered in court rulings can be Whites are assaulted by Blacks he asserted, and Blacks quite a record of systematic anti-Black violence by a powerful weapon for working people. The August 1986 are assaulted by Blacks. whites- and cops. ruling by federal Judge Thomas Griesa that the FBI ille­ To angry protests from the Black parishoners, Koch In 1982 Willie Turks, a Black transit worker, was gally conducted a 40-year campaign to spy on and disrupt declared that if you are a Lubavitcher, "it's hardly likely beaten tci death by a Brooklyn racist gang. the Socialist Workers Party is an example of just such a that you're going to be assaulted by a white in this com­ In 1983 Michael Stewart, a Black youth, was clubbed weapon. munity. If you're Black and you're living in this commu­ and stomped to death by city transit cops. This view is very different from the notion that con­ nity, it's hardly likely that you're going to be physically In 1984 Eleanor Bumpurs, an elderly Black woman, centrating on getting a lot of the "right" legislation assaulted by a white Lubavitcher." was gunned down in her apartment by city cops. adopted and right court decisions made is the road to ad­ And in February of this year Nicholas Bartlett was sur­ The mayor apparently chose not to address himself to vancing the interests of working people. That legalistic or rounded by eight cops on a Harlem street. They then the real issue in Crown Heights --'- the systematic raCist parliamentary trail is a dead end for working people. victimization of Blacks. pumped 10 bullets into him. A grand jury has found this wanton use of force was justified on the basis that he al­ Legislation that gives more rights or social benefits Residents have complained of a pressure campaign to will only be won as the byproduct of workers and farmers push Black homeowners and tenants from the area. legedly threatened them with a pipe. Currently, racist · vigilante Bernhard Goetz is being organizing and mobilizing to fight as hard as they can. In February a Black home was firebombed. No arrest Supreme Court rulings that register an a

one who has researched his or her at the Capitol. .), own genealogy is more likely to N:S. h~ve emerged. three Blacks have managed big­ cost for justice. recognize the importance ofeach NewYork, New York There were Black major league league ·teams, Frank Robinson; We are making an all-out appeal person. . . player!\ before Jackie Robinson .. Maucy Wills, and Larry Doby. · to support the rights of visual .arL. Haven't you frequently . read (Jew size With the end of slavery following (All three were frred.) Of 879 top The destruction of this mural· must newspaper accounts of btothers or My ..."Union . T~k" article, the Union's victory in 1865, a lim­ administrative positions in base­ be overturned•so the historical bat­ sisters who were· separated in "Chicago rail bosses. try to divide ited desegregation of baseball ball, only 17 (1.9 percent) are held tles of all workers· can remain in childhood arid found eacli other union~>," in the May 8 Militant,in­ occurred.,By the early 1880s there by Blacks. Of the 26 pro-ball view for generations to come. No decades lat¢r? These accounts are correctly stated the current crew were approximately · 20 Blacks clubs, · 16 have no Blacks in the corporation should be allowed to always joyful ones, as are those of sizes on the Chicago & Northwest­ earning a living playing profes" front office. destroy art. long-separated parents·· and chil­ ern. Most crews are still one en­ sional b~eball, all but two in the Bill Kalman We need your help! dren, even when there had been a gineer, one conductor, ·and two minor leagues. Cleveland, Ohio Contributions can be made to: complete loss of contact since in­ brakemen. But the end of Radical Recon­ Austin Mural Cc;>mmittee, P.O, fancy. · · · Only a few trains on branch struction ·10 years earlier signaled Austin Mural Box 891, Austin, Minnesota, Richard Winger lines, some unit trains, and certain Arising out of the fight against San Francisco, California the beginning of the end for Black 55912. 'yard jobs have one engineer. one Geo. A. Hormel & Co. in Austiri, · . conductor, ahd one brakeman. pro-bailers. Racist Klan-type out­ Denny Mealy_ fits linked up with right-wing Minnesota, a 16' x SO' mural was Ben Linder ' · There are no crews smaller. than Austin-Mural Committee players like Cap Anson ·(all-star created~ Artists arid supporters Ausiin,.Min,nesota · On the morning Ben Linder's this on the Northwestern. player on the Chicago team) to from across the nation··merged to - murder was rep()rted, . we were The .two-person ci:ew composi- drive Blacks out of baseball. express their opinion of. .the prob- able to pull· together a'·press con- tioif given for the Wyoming Coal CorreCtion Using boycotts, petitioning cam­ ' lerils facing the working class ference within four ho\rrs that was line 'was also incorrect, and was Through an editing error, the paigns, and outright terror, they throughout the world. attended by ·most of the print ab.d-· my ·mistake. · size of the antiwar pl:Otest at CIA ·succeeded in making ·baseball a In October 1986this controver­ TV media . .·· . · · · Jim Miles headquarters in Langley, Virginia, protected. enclave for white sial work of art was totally defaced Chicago, Illinois on April 27 was incorrectly re­ On Sunday several of us who playerS, forcing Blacks to form by friends of Hoimel. These same ported in the May 8 Militant. It knew Ben spoke at Christ Church their own leagues. From the late friends· petitioned a federal judge was 1 ,500, not 3,000. · Presbyterian at a service to honor Baseball and racism 1880s to 1947, the only way a to dismiss a [court order halting his memory. This church is quite a The racist coiillllents by Dodger Black could play in the majors was the sandblasting]. The judge found group of people. The pastor is a official AI Campanis on ABC's to try to pass as a Cuban. this claim rightfully belonged in The letters column is an open woman who is ·a · follower of Er­ · "Nightline" come almost 40 years state courts, totally agreeing with forum for all viewpoints on sub­ nesto Cardenal' s Gospel of Solen­ to the day Jackie Robinson broke A number of relevant statistics our counsel. jects of general interest to our tiname. Many of the members baseball's color line. have been reported in the .after­ Since it was a state judge who readers. Please keep your letters have been to Nicaragua. I've had a number of discus­ math of Campanis' remarks, espe­ issued a restraining order to halt brief. Where necessary they will Anti-contra feeling is now gen­ sions with both Black and white cially since Hank Aaron has been any further destruction, we intend be abridged. Please indicate if uinely widespread among the mass coworkers about ba8eball and ra­ publicizing them. There are no to refile the claim in the state court you prefer that your initials be of ordinary people. This enabled cism, and several important points Black owners in baseball. Only system. Unfortunately, there is a used rather than your full name.

Mayll, 1987 The MilitaDt 15 THE MILITANT Gov't dealt setback in attempt to deport Palestinian activists

BY NELSON BLACKSTOCK LOS ANGELES - An immigration judge dropped all charges against seven Palestinians and one Kenyan facing depor­ tation. Her action was taken at a hearing here May 11. The eight were arrested January 26 and held for almost three weeks in solitary con­ finement on charges of violating the McCarran-Walter Act. This law turns con­ stitutionally protected political activities into grounds for deportation if the govern­ ment deems the activities subversive. The government claimed the eight are members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Judge Ingrid Hrycenko abruptly .termi­ nated all proceedings and stormed out of court when Gilbert Reeves, acting district director of the Immigration and Naturaliza­ tion Service (INS), failed to appear in re­ sponse to a subpoena. Reeves had signed the original deportation order against the eight last January. . Militant photos by Nelson Blackstock Hrycellko returned to the courtroom to Immigration judge dropped charges against Khader Hamide (center); Julie Mungai, a Kenyan (left); Michel Shehahdeh (right); announce that INS officials could appeal and five others. No evidence of any illegal activity was produced. the decision within 10 days and to reaffirm that she was dropping the charges. gai, the Kenyan national. When no crimi­ On May 8 Edgar Chamorro, former written testimony from a former FBI agent, hearing opened, INS officials nal charges could be put together, the FBI leader of the Nicaraguan contras, appeared a former state department official, and ·'i:Jftt:•••e "" ·e' into the courtroom with fresh charges turned the case ovet to the INS for deporta­ at an INS hearing on the case. He testified others outlining U.S. policy of sponsoring against all eight, identical to those now tion proceedings. that not only did the contras both advocate counterrevolutionary Cuban immigrants. pending, but signed by a different official. Hamide told the Militant, "I feel tre­ and engage in the destruction of properly Since the 1960s such individuals have ad­ This was an apparent move to avoid ques­ mendous outrage at what's happened. without fear of deportation, they did so at vocated and engaged in acts aimed at de­ tioning of Reeves. They hold us in maximum security for the instigation of the U.S. government. stroying property - without fear of depor­ three weeks, call us terrorists,. try to de­ Chamorro told the hearing that after he tation. 'Contingency Plan' stroy our lives; and now refuse to tell the quit the contras and published an article "Reeves had no evidence when he American people why they did this to us. critical of Reagan administration policy, The INS dropped McCarran Act charges signed the original order," defense attorney "This shows the government had a weak government officials initiated deportation against six of the eight April 23, at the Dan Stormer said. "All he had was the case from the beginning," Hamide added. proceedings against him, although they same time initiating deportation proceed­ Contingency Plan, and he would have to There's been an outpouring of protest later backed off. ings on alleged minor visa violations. The admit that or lie." around the country against the govern­ Chamorro described how U.S. officials defense holds the deportation actions re­ The secret INS Contingency Plan, which ment's attempt to deport the eight. picked him to be director of the major con­ main politically motivated and unconstitu­ surfaced after the eight were arrested, out­ tra organization. As a contra spokesperson, tional. lines a series of steps to be taken against Selective prosecution he "personally took credit for property de­ Hamide and Michel Shehahdeh, perma­ Arabs and Iranians, culminating in impris­ The government has sought their depor­ struction in the media," Chamorro tes­ nent resident aliens not subject to visa vio­ onment in mass internment camps. tation on McCarran Act charges of associa­ tified. lation charges, continued to face deporta­ ·The defense maintains the plan proves tion with an organization that advocates Barnett Rubin, a professor at Yale and a tion under provisions of the McCarran Act. the Palestinians are being singled out for "destruction of property." Not one shred of leading authority on the Afghan rebel The government claims the two are central selective prosecution because of their na­ evidence of any illegal activity on the part movement, testified that representatives of leaders of the Popular Front for the Libera­ tionality. of any of the eight has been produced. several right-wing Afghan groups openly tion of Palestine, which they deny. The FBI admits to more than three years The defense is also seeking to prove that operate in this country, advocating destruc­ Support for the eight is being organized of spying in the case, which included rent- · the proceedings are illegal because they tion of property, with U.S. government en­ by the Committee for Justice, P.O. Box ing an apartment next to two of its targets violate constitutional guarantees against couragement and no fear of deportation. 4631, Los Angeles, Calif. 90051. Tele­ - Khader Hamide and his wife Julie Mun- selective prosecution. Defense attorney Stormer introduced phone (213) 413-3232. Settlement in 75-day New Mex. miners' strike BY SUSAN LAMONT Other contract provisions include a.$750 violence on the picket line. pany. GALLUP, N. M.- On May 6, the 361 "ratification bonus," a $500 bonus next On April 24, P&M President Richard The Tribal Council also voted to ask members of United Mine Workers of year, and a 30 cents an hourraise the third Holsten said the union was using "stone P&M to return to negotiations, a position America Local 1332 at Pittsburgh & Mid­ year. age tactics" and that the miners were being the UMW A praised. way ·(P&M) Coal Co.'s McKinley mine incited by out-of-state union organizers, The miners' union in this area has long ratified a new contract ending . their hard­ Cops protect scabs who he dubbed "imported goons." fought for preferential hiring of Navajos. fought 75-day strike ~ The· strike began February 20. Negotia­ It fully supports the Navajo Preference in The McKinley mine is northeast of here tions broke off on April 6. On April 24 Navajo Tribal Council Employment Act which mandates pref­ halfway between Gallup and Window P&M issued an order to the strikers tore­ The Navajo Tribal Council, · the local erential hiring by all employers doing busi­ Rock, Arizona. It is one of three mines on turn to work by April 27. governing body for the Navajo Nation, was ness in or near the boundaries of the land belonging to the Navajo Nation that On that day, as hundreds of chanting pressured by both the company and the Navajo Nation or having contracts with the have been hit by strikes. The majority of strike supporters stood by the entrance to union to take a side in the strike. On April nation. Local 1332 members are Navajo Indians. the mine, some 75 union members crossed 25 Stan Milford of Navajo Tribal Council A bumper sticker you see on many min­ They maintained the strike in the face of a the picket line protected by over 100 state Chairman Peter MacDonald's office issued ers' pickups around here expresses the vicious antiunion campaign by the com­ cops, McKinley County Sheriff deputies, a statement that said in part, "We applaud unity between the union and the Navajos: pany. and Navajo Tribal police, all outfitted in P&M's actions and their decision to open "Navajo Coal is UMW A coal." A central issue was job security. The riot gear and backed up by fire department the mine and would support each striking UMW A International Vice-president union was seeking guarantees that further water hoses. employee who decides to exercise their Cecil Roberts and other UMW A officials expansion of P&M's mining operation The company then threatened to hire re­ right to return to work." came out here to 'speak at an April 24 news would mandate hiring of laid-off union placements for the strikers beginning on "The strike," Milford added, "has con­ conference and rally in support of the strik­ members who had worked for P&M. May 4. The company also offered a bounty tinued too long, it is the Navajo people that ers. According to the May 5 Albuquerque of $250 to every striker who returned to have been most affected and it is now time Roberts said these are "highly produc­ Journal, P&M agreed to add over 3,500 work. to return to work." tive and profitable companies . . .. It's not acres to McKinley's current boundaries. If The Navajo Division of Labor began the Miners responded angrily to this attack right for the company to take millions of this new land is opened up for mining it process of accepting applications and the and several days later the chairman's office dollars off this reservation and refuse to would be considered part of the existing company reported that it had hundreds of issued a statement saying Milford's quotes give anything to the people who made mine and therefore organized by the union. applications on hand. were not representative of MacDonald's these profits, and we won't stand for it." P&M maintains, however, that the new During the strike P&M issued a series of administration. The Tribal Council then Also attending the rally were women contract has no bearing on hiring in any crude attacks· on the union, including began hearings on the strike, taking state­ from the UMW A Women's Auxiliary in new mines outside of McKinley. charges that the lqcal was responsible for ments from both the union and the com- Decker, Wyoming.

16 The Militant May ll, 1917