Naomi Osaka, ¿explotada? 12 La resistencia palestina 12

Workers and oppressed peoples of the world unite! workers.org Vol. 63, No. 24 June 17, 2021 $1 Two faces of imperialism G7/NATO: Diplomacy Venezuela, Cabo Verde, among thieves the case of Alex Saab To grasp the essence of the a fledgling U.S. power present—​ By Sara Flounders and Roger D. Harris Otherwise, the U.S. would be sending meetings in Europe, in which Joe aimed to coordinate European colo- Venezuela aid instead of lavishing aid on the Biden has been talking nicely to nialism’s looting of Africa. France Facing the possible extradition to the U.S. apartheid state of Israel, the narco-state of Washington’s predatory imperial- and Britain had already seized the of a Venezuelan diplomat on bogus charges, Colombia and the absolute monarchy of Saudi ist allies, we should examine their lion’s share of the continent, with an emergency human rights delegation orga- Arabia. historical precedent: the 1884-1885 Portugal, Italy, Germany, Belgium nized by the International Campaign to Free The kidnapping of Alex Saab is a dramatic Berlin Conference to divide and and Spain taking most of the rest. Alex Saab on June 3 flew to Cabo Verde, where and far-reaching effort to enforce the illegal plunder the African continent. The conference drew bound- Saab is imprisoned. This island archipelago U.S.-decreed policy of economic sanctions. Armed with aries dividing nation off the west coast of Africa is one of the Washington is attempting to impose its will on this historical the colonies to smallest, poorest and geographically isolated a country by deliberately attacking the civilian perspective, it is mitigate the countries in the world. population. These illegal sanctions are a con- easy to debunk editorial interimperial- The international human rights delega- scious policy of imposing economic havoc to Washington and ist infighting, tion did not gain Alex Saab’s freedom. They “make the economy scream.” the corporate media’s whitewash of which slowed down the continent’s were even denied a visit with him. But they Saab, a Venezuelan diplomat abducted by these mid-June 2021 gatherings—​ conquest and had the potential made breakthroughs raising the visibility of the U.S. government a year ago, has been held construed to be “summits” of fellow to unleash a war in Europe. Its the case, which involves enormous political, under torturous conditions. The denial of dip- “democracies” that share “common other goal was to restrain compe- legal and moral issues with long-term political lomatic immunity by the U.S. is illegal, a viola- values,” opposed to “autocracies.” tition from the emerging empires consequences. tion of international law. What are those common val- Saab’s case involves the abduction of a dip- ues? The Berlin Conference—​with Continued on page 10 lomat by the world’s sole superpower, which International campaign to Free Alex Saab is locked in an unequal strug- The powerful corporate media, by omission, gle to destroy the formerly can render a news item invisible. The Saab case prosperous, oil-rich country of is virtually unknown in the U.S., even among Boston Venezuela. The U.S. attack on progressive political journalists, left organi- Venezuela is not motivated by zations and solidarity activists. Washington’s imperfections in Venezuelan demand for the extradition of Alex Saab is society, but on Venezuela’s past being covered more extensively in African and successes in fighting poverty, Latin American publications. In Venezuela, as promoting regional integra- expected, the case is well known. tion and acting like a sovereign Among some who are aware of the case, there nation. Continued on page 3

Second Annual Boston Trans Resistance March, Vigil and WW PHOTO: S. KIRSCHBAUM Pride Fest, from Roxbury to Dorchester, June 12. Page 2.

Reparations victory 2 Harvard workers battle layoffs 3 Colonial legacy: anti-LGBTQ+ laws 5 Worldwide tribute 4 Palestine & solidarity 7

LUMA protest 9 Mumia honors Ramsey Clark Editorial Life without parole Cuts punish jobless 10 Palestine’s twin activists 6

India 8 Greece 8 Honduras 9 France 9 ‘African Lion’ 10 Peru 11 Page 2 June 17, 2021 workers.org

December 12th Movement applauds reparations victory in New York State Assembly this week The Dec. 12th Movement International Secretariat ◆ In the U.S. issued the following press statement June 10, 2021. Reparations victory in N.Y. State Assembly . . . 2 Harvard dining hall workers resist layoffs . . . .3 The December 12th Trans resistance! ...... 3 Movement congrat- Life without parole ...... 6 ulates the New York State Assembly for its Mumia Abu-Jamal on Ramsey Clark ...... 6 passage of the historic Solidarity with Palestine — Seattle ...... 7 Reparations Bill authored Palestinian Youth Movement rallies ...... 7 by Assemblyman Charles Vigil at Tacoma migrant prison ...... 8 Barron. This “Reparations Remedy” bill, different ◆ Around the world from any others being considered around the U.S., provides for a Commission The Reparations bill complements our campaign to Venezuela, Cabo Verde, the case of Alex Saab . . 1 with majority representation of community members demand an executive order from President Biden pro- International tribute to Ramsey Clark . . . . . 4 who have a demonstrated expertise in and commitment viding for a $50 billion down payment on reparations to Western colonizers imposed anti-LGBTQ+ laws .5 to the demand for reparations. It also sets a timetable for be directed to the reform of health care delivery systems Palestinian youth defiant ...... 6 rapid implementation of a process which is long overdue. in Black communities. It is now up to the New York State Senate to act TODAY On this day, in this period between the commem- U.S. Empire deploys troops ...... 7 to complete this stage of the campaign. Any further delay orations of the George Floyd lynching, the Tulsa Race Indian farmers take actions ...... 8 is inexcusable. Massacre and Juneteenth, we celebrate this victory. It Workers battle austerity in Greece ...... 8 We, the December 12th Movement, who for over thirty is not a time for complacency; it must inspire all of us to Author of Berta Cáceres’ assassination on trial . .9 years have been waging the fight for reparations, locally, push forward with greater commitment, passion, resolve nationally and internationally, in the streets, in the class- and consistency. ‘LUMA out of Puerto Rico!’ ...... 9 rooms and in the courts, are honored to be one of the As we said at the 2001 United Nations World Protests against racism sweep France . . . . . 9 three community-representative organizations (along Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa: ‘African Lion 21’ hunts for new prey ...... 10 with N’COBRA and the Institute of the Black World) des- They stole us! They sold us! They owe us! Reparations Political earthquake in Peru ...... 11 ignated to the Commission. Now! ☐ Marxism, Reparations & the Black Freedom Struggle ◆ Editorial G7/NATO: Diplomacy among thieves . . . . . 1 Edited by Monica Moorehead An anthology of writings from Workers World newspaper. No work, no eat ...... 10

Racism, National Oppression & Self-Determination • Black Labor from Chattel Slavery to Wage ◆ Noticias en Español Slavery • Black Youth: Repression & Resistance • The Struggle for Socialism Is Key • Domestic Workers United Demand Passage of a Bill of Rights • Black & Brown Unity: A Pillar of Struggle for Human Rights Naomi Osaka, ¿explotada? ...... 12 & Global Justice! • Harriet Tubman, Woman Warrior • Racism & Poverty in the Delta • Haiti Needs La resistencia palestina ...... 12 Reparations, Not Sanctions • Alabama’s Black Belt: Legacy of Slavery, Sharecropping & Segregation • Are Conditions Ripe Again Today? Anniversary of the 1965 Watts Rebellion

Available at major online booksellers. Free PDF at workers.org/books BARRON SAHU GRAPHIC: COVER Workers World 147 W. 24th St., 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10011 Join us in the fight Phone: 212.627.2994 E-mail: [email protected] for socialism! Web: www.workers.org Workers World Party is a revolutionary Marxist-Leninist and trans people are gunned down by cops and bigots on Vol. 63, No. 23 • June 17, 2021 party inside the belly of the imperialist beast. We are a mul- a regular basis. Closing date: June 16, 2021 tinational, multigenerational and multigendered organiza- The ruthless ruling class today seeks to wipe out Editors: John Catalinotto, Martha Grevatt, Deirdre tion that not only aims to abolish capitalism, but to build a decades of gains and benefits won by hard-fought strug- Griswold, Monica Moorehead, Betsey Piette, socialist society because it’s the only way forward! gles by people’s movements. The super-rich and their Minnie Bruce Pratt Capitalism and imperialism threaten the peoples of the political representatives have intensified their attacks on Web Editors: ABear, Harvey Markowitz, Janet Mayes world and the planet itself in the neverending quest for the multinational, multigender and multigenerational ever-greater profits. working class. It is time to point the blame at—​and chal- Prisoners Page Editors: Mirinda Crissman, Ted Kelly Capitalism means war and austerity, racism and repres- lenge—the​ capitalist system. Production & Design Editors: Gery Armsby, Mirinda sion, attacks on im/migrants, misogyny, LGBTQ2S+ WWP fights for socialism because the working class Crissman, Ted Kelly, Sasha Mazumder, Scott Williams oppression and mistreatment of people with disabili- produces all wealth in society, and this wealth should Copyediting and Proofreading: Paddy Colligan, ties. It means joblessness, increasing homelessness and remain in their hands, not be stolen in the form of capi- S. Hedgecoke impoverishment and lack of hope for the future. No social talist profits. The wealth workers create should be socially problems can be solved under capitalism. owned and its distribution planned to satisfy and guaran- Contributing Editors: LeiLani Dowell, G. Dunkel, The U.S. is the richest country in the world, yet no one tee basic human needs. K. Durkin, Sara Flounders, Teresa Gutierrez, Joshua has a guaranteed right to shelter, food, water, health care, Since 1959, Workers World Party has been out in the Hanks, Makasi Motema, Gloria Rubac education or anything else—​unless they can pay for it. streets defending the workers and oppressed here and Mundo Obero: Teresa Gutierrez, Carlos Vargas Wages are lower than ever, and youth are saddled with worldwide. If you’re interested in Marxism, socialism Copyright © 2021 Workers World. Verbatim copying seemingly insurmountable student debt, if they even and fighting for a socialist future, please contact a WWP and distribution of articles is permitted in any medium make it to college. Black, Brown and Indigenous youth branch near you. ☐ without royalty provided this notice is preserved. Workers World (ISSN-1070-4205) is published If you are interested in joining Workers World Party contact: 212.627.2994 monthly by WW Publishers, 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10011. Phone: 212.627.2994. Subscrip- National Office Bay Area Central Gulf Coast Philadelphia tions: One year: $36; institutions: $50. Letters to the 147 W. 24th St., 2nd floor P.O. Box 22947 (Alabama, Florida, Mississippi) P.O. Box 34249 editor may be condensed and edited. Articles can be New York, NY 10011 Oakland, CA 94609 [email protected] Philadelphia, PA 19101 freely reprinted, with credit to Workers World, 147 212.627.2994 510.394.2207 610.931.2615 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10011. 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Buffalo, NY 14222 Houston, TX 77253-3454 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 716.883.2534 West Virginia 713.503.2633 Workers World, 147 W. 24th St. 2nd Fl. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] New York, N.Y. 10011. workers.org June 17, 2021 Page 3 Harvard dining hall workers resist layoffs By mYia X and Phebe Eckfeldt backward Columbus Day. Cambridge, Mass. Local 26 Chief Shop Steward LaQuiesha Rainey told the crowd that during the June 3—​Members of UNITE HERE 2016 strike, all workers, even those work- Local 26, which represents Harvard din- ing for subcontractors, fought together ing hall workers, picketed the Harvard as one. The Law School workers shut the Law School cafeteria today to demand no dining hall down. Rainey assured them layoffs. The university has threatened to that Local 26 would fight alongside them lay off 15 workers when classes resume in in their struggle against layoffs. the fall. The doors to the Law School were closed Harvard wants to take advantage of and locked, but undeterred Chief Steward COVID conditions at the school and Gene Van Buren pulled out his cell phone summer period—​with most students and called Dean John Manning, telling not on campus. The bosses likely think Members of Local 26 UNITE HERE, representing Harvard dining WW PHOTO: PHEBE ECKFELDT him in no uncertain terms that layoffs this timing will limit participation in the hall workers, picket on June 3. were unacceptable, and Local 26 would struggle by union members and student fight them all the way. In the background supporters. families,” said Local 26 Shop Steward The majority of Local 26 workers who 50 workers chanted, “We’ll be back!” Nonetheless, 50 workers and their Willie Moore, as he addressed the workers. came out today are veterans of the 2016 “Harvard has hired people who have a supporters turned out. These included Negotiations are currently at a stand- strike, which won worldwide recognition reputation of union busting as negotia- maintenance workers and guards who still. Local 26 members strongly oppose for backing Harvard down and retain- tors for the university, including the chief are members of 32BJ Service Employees, layoffs and are fighting to prevent Harvard ing workers’ health insurance, plus win- press person and Dean of Law School. The Local 26 union staff, Harvard Union of from dividing workers between those at ning a wage increase. They fought for workers are sticking together and orga- Clerical and Technical Workers, and jobs which were subcontracted and those and won more protection from discrim- nizing for a struggle against the terrible members of Workers World Party. on Harvard's payroll. All have, word for ination for trans workers and immigrant conditions of this period of pandemic,” Ed “We feed the students. We feed the word, the same contract except for differ- workers. They proudly won recognition Childs, retired Local 26 chief steward told faculty. And, with this job, we feed our ent benefits. of Indigenous Peoples Day to replace the Workers World. ☐ Trans resistance! The Second Annual Boston Trans unified march through the community. Resistance March, Vigil and Pride The march ended at Franklin Park, Fest—​uplifting the global Black Trans Dorchester, for a festive celebration Lives Matter struggle and radical roots of LGBTQ+ resistance in the ongoing of LGBTQ+ Pride—gathered​ in Nubian struggle for full rights and legal protec- Square, Roxbury, on June 12. The rally tions for trans people, including an end was led by Athena Vaughn and Chastity to racism, misogyny, anti-trans violence Jamaria Bowick of Trans Resistance and discrimination. and the Transgender Emergency Fund Organizers pledged to keep fighting of MA. for the right to good-paying jobs and With chants and music pumping from benefits, safe affordable housing and the Dorchester Arts Project sound truck, inclusive health care for trans, nonbi- march organizers led a crowd of thou- nary and gender-nonconforming people. sands into the streets for a militant, —​ Report by Maureen Skehan WW PHOTO: S. KIRSCHBAUM Venezuela, Cabo Verde, the case of Alex Saab Continued from page 4 that he is not just a businessperson will- prime minister of Cabo Verde and to the Simply put, many progressive goals ing to sell to the highest bidder. U.S. president. Several webinars have been are thwarted under conditions of illegal is however an inordinate concentration on In Cabo Verde, the four-person human held, including one with Saab’s lawyers, sanctions—because​ that is the purpose of Saab the individual, obscuring the larger rights delegation knocked on government speaking from Cabo Verde and Nigeria. the sanctions. Self-defense by the victim- issues of sovereignty and human rights. doors, conducted interviews and spoke ized country is an obligation in the face Gathering information on what was with the media. They were supported by Role of solidarity activists of destabilization and constant sabotage. involved was no easy task. The U.S. an activist movement and a strong legal Solidarity and people’s movements At each step, keeping the focus on the charge of “money laundering” by a private team. The delegation was led by a Cabo working together can become a powerful criminal U.S. actions provides the ground- businessperson in a country wracked by Verde citizen, Bishop Filipe Teixeira, material force, breaking through silence, work for progressive solidarity. This is extreme shortages was meant to negate OFSCJ, a religious leader living in the fear and repression. The focus for inter- true not only in defending attempts at sympathy for Mr. Saab. It was only as the Boston area who has a congregation of national solidarity work in this period is revolutionary change, such as in Cuba or actual facts emerged that a support plan Cabo Verdeans and a history of participa- to strongly defend movements and even Venezuela. Even in Cabo Verde, the focus evolved for an international solidarity tion in social justice campaigns. Tweets, countries under relentless U.S. imperi- on the role of the U.S. was important. It campaign. Facebook links and news reports helped alist attack and destabilization, without was hardly a decision by the government The fact that Alex Saab has withstood penetrate the wall of silence. placing unrealistic expectations or creat- of Cabo Verde to pull Alex Saab from his a year-long arrest, torture and months of An international petition campaign has ing unrealistic images of how wonderful plane or to order him held. solitary confinement rather than comply collected thousands of signatures, which the internal situation is in the targeted Cabo Verde’s isolation and strategic with U.S. demands to cooperate indicates are being forwarded to the president and country. Solidarity is not a pass for inter- position simply made that country a con- ference, second guessing, criticism or venient location for the long arm of U.S. euphoric idealism. extraterritorial judicial overreach. It is essential to focus full attention on This case must become a global chal- the source of the problem—​U.S. impe- lenge to arrogant U.S. lawlessness. rialism—​and not get lost in the weeds of criticizing the victim. U.S. sabotage, Sara Flounders of the International imposed shortages, mercenary attacks Action Center and Roger D. Harris of the and fueling national antagonisms are Task Force on the Americas visited Cabo intended to create and intensify internal Verde the week of June 3-10 as part of an divisions. emergency human rights delegation orga- Shortages are intended to increase cor- nized by the International Campaign to ruption, side deals, privilege and resent- Free Alex Saab. ment. The targeted country may, thus, be wrongly blamed for the unfolding crisis created by the U.S. actions.

For more information on the case of Alex Saab: AFGJ.org/Free-Alex-Saab

PHOTO: ROGER D. HARRIS Alex Saab petition: bit.ly/FreeAlexSaabVZ Solidarity delegation files habeus corpus papers in Cabo Verde Supreme Court. Twitter: @FreedomForAlexSaab Page 4 June 17, 2021 workers.org International virtual tribute honors Ramsey Clark's life By Monica Moorehead Johnson administration to later vehemently denounce U.S. imperialist policies, both at home and abroad, Ramsey Clark, human rights fighter and former U.S. starting with his opposition to the U.S. bombing Hanoi, Attorney General, who died April 9 at age 93, was memo- North Vietnam, in 1972. rialized by hundreds of people, from the U.S. and world- IAC co-director Sara Flounders, co-moderator of wide, who attended an international webinar June 13. the webinar, said in her opening remarks that Ramsey The program included 36 prerecorded tributes, 14 “inspired the political activists who used [the IAC] struc- written messages, at least 100 photos and recordings ture to defend liberation struggles, oppose U.S. wars of of Clark speaking at meetings and during humanitar- aggression and defend political prisoners. Ramsey never ian trips. made any of the work about himself. He seemed unfazed Clark, founder of the U.S.-based International Action by personal attacks. Center in 1992, was remembered for unapologetically “He was most engaged in focused, collective action and opposing the government that he once represented as the reminded us we were up against the greatest purveyor top lawyer from 1967-69, a most powerful imperialist. of violence on earth, the U.S. He had a deep respect for Representatives, both prerecorded and in print, spoke common people and a passionate interest in the cultures, about how Clark used his high-ranking position in the history and accomplishments of other peoples. PHOTO: WILLIAM CAMACARO Ramsey Clark and current Venezuelan president Nicolás “Ramsey reminded the whole movement constantly Maduro, 2006 in New York City. that every U.S. media demonization campaign, [while] targeting one individual leader, was always the excuse for a devastating war against a whole people.” Ramsey Clark’s younger sister, Mimi Gronlund, pro- vided personal insights on how her older brother influ- enced her. Her anecdotes helped explain how he became so principled in his convictions. Co-moderator Monica Moorehead, a founder of Millions for Mumia of the IAC and a Workers World managing editor, said, “It was the beloved hero of the Cuban Revolution, Ché Guevara, who stated: ‘the true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love.’ Ramsey Clark was a perfect example of what Ché meant. “The world’s oppressed peoples loved, admired and PHOTO: GLORIA LARIVA respected this extraordinary antiwar humanitarian. With three mothers of once imprisoned Cuban Five, With daughter, Ronda And the reason for this love by the people is because of Ramsey Clark receives the Solidarity medal in Cuba. Ramsey’s abiding love and admiration for people fight- ing for their liberation everywhere from the brutal yoke Workers World Party; Jose Maria Sison, International of an inhumane government that he used to believe in League of Peoples Struggles; Gavrielle Gemma, Workers and represent. Voice, Socialist Movement, New Orleans; Comrade “There will never be another Ramsey Clark, but we can Khalequzzeman, Socialist Party of Bangladesh; Gloria only hope that future revolutionaries will be as defiant, Rubac, Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement; as unflappable and as principled as he was.” Steve Kirschbaum, UAW Local 8751 Boston School Bus Drivers; and many more. Clark was beloved worldwide Written statements were read from the presidents The prerecorded messages had a common theme, no of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua: Miguel Díaz- matter what struggle they represented: Ramsey Clark’s Canel, Nicolás Maduro and Daniel Ortega Saavedra, selflessness—​even putting himself into life-threaten- respectively; Dr. Riyad Mansour, Minister, Permanent ing situations to be an important voice against racism, Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations; war and occupation—​was an inspiration to millions of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal; Rev. John Dear people. and Martha Hennessy, Plowshares movement; and Peter Speakers included Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Alice Woods, Asia Pacific Regional Committee for the Peaceful Walker; actor and activist Danny Glover; Palestinian Reunification of Korea. human rights lawyer and activist Lamis Deek; Million Those who viewed the webinar thanked the IAC for Worker March founder Clarence Thomas; William organizing the tribute to, as one admirer put in the chat, Camacaro, Bolivarian Circle; Veterans for Peace “a remarkable and very good man.” Video of memorial With Ramsey Clark in 2015 are Sara Flounders, left, and members Gerry Condon and Frank Dorrel; Dianne available at iacenter.org/ramseyclarktribute. To submit a Monica Moorehead, moderators for June 13 memorial Mathiowetz, IAC Atlanta chapter; Larry Holmes, tribute, please email [email protected]. ☐ tribute webinar. Support a Marxist voice for LGBTQ2S+ rights For over half a century, Workers World Feinberg performed civil disobedience For a donation of at least $75 a year—​ respectively, to give to friends. Members newspaper has covered the global strug- and wrote articles defending Black trans or $100, or $300 or more if you can—​ can receive a copy of the book: “What gle to end all forms of discrimination, woman CeCe McDonald, who was charged receive a year’s subscription to WW; Road to Socialism?” upon request. (Or persecution and violence against lesbian, with manslaughter after defending herself a regular letter about timely issues; read it at workers.org/books) gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and from a racist, bigoted attack. and one, two or three subscriptions, New articles are posted daily at work- gender-nonconforming communities. WW helps to build ers.org. Currently, one issue WW has consistently backed up our mass struggles, like a month is being printed activist coverage with analysis. In the what’s been going on in and mailed to subscrib- early 1970s, WW ran a series of arti- the streets from coast ers. As soon as it’s possible, cles that led to publication of “The Gay to coast. This righteous the newspaper will resume Question: A Marxist Appraisal” in 1976. outpouring of rage and more frequent printing and Then in 1993, WW published “The protest over the racist mailing. Roots of Lesbian and Gay Oppression: A cop murder of George Write monthly or annual Marxist View,” with the first book’s origi- Floyd came as the checks to Workers World nal text and a new preface and afterword. COVID-19 pandemic and mail them, with your (Read it at workers.org/books.) disproportionately name and address, to In 2004 WW managing editor and impacted Black, Latinx Workers World, 147 W. 24th globally recognized transgender leader and Indigenous peoples St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY Leslie Feinberg began the “Lavender & and immigrants. 10011. Or sign up at workers. Red” series, which ran until 2008 in WW. Please help us get org to donate each month. A group of 25 articles from that series was out the word. Join We’re grateful for your later published as the book, “Rainbow the Workers World help in building Workers Solidarity in Defense of Cuba.” In 2012 Supporter Program. Pride, New York City, 2019. WW PHOTO: BRENDA RYAN World! ☐ workers.org June 17, 2021 Page 5 Western, colonizing rulers imposed anti-LGBTQ+ laws By Leslie Feinberg missionary Father Pedro Correia, writing from Brazil, in places like Korea, asserts that same-sex eroticism among Indigenous women Singapore, Indonesia, This lightly edited article was originally published is quite common, in fact as widespread as in Africa, where Malaysia and the in 2007 as Part 112 in Workers World Party Comrade he was previously stationed. Native Brazilian women, Philippines are Leslie Feinberg’s “Lavender & Red” series on LGBTQ+ he observes, carry weapons and even form same-sex antique colonial laws and homophobic non-Asian religions issues and communism. Feinberg’s analysis continues marriages.” that bully citizens with skewed views of the natural world.” to be timely, explaining how, for instance, in 2019 in In 1646, Portuguese colonial overlords expanded their Historian Sanders notes, “This provision, or some- former British protectorate Brunei, “homosexual sex” laws against same-sexuality to include females, as well as thing very close to it, is presently in force in all former could still be punishable with death by stoning. While in males. The sentence was being burned alive at the stake. British colonies in Asia with the exception of Hong India in 2018, a broad coalition of women, trans people, Max Mejía [a founding member of the Grupo Lambda Kong.” He adds: “Sri Lanka, Seychelles and Papua New LGBTQ+ people, Muslims, Dalit people, union members de Liberación Homosexual in Mexico City in 1978] writes Guinea have the key wording from 377, but different arti- and other workers overturned Section 377 of the Indian that with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the cle numbers. Parallel wording appears in the criminal Penal Code. This was a British colonial-era law that Western Hemisphere, “An absolutist discourse envel- laws of many of the former colonies in Africa.” banned sexual acts, which the colonizers considered oped homosexuality in the concepts of ‘infamous sin,’ Historians Kevin Botha and Edwin Cameron write, “The “against the order of nature.” The entire “Lavender & ‘sin against nature,’ corruption of the soul and alliance systems of law the colonial powers (both Dutch and later Red” series is available free at workers.org/books. with the devil. They punished the practice without dis- English) introduced significantly influenced the customary tinctions, among both lay people and clerics. law of the African communities they subjugated.” Wherever class-divided societies overturned matri- “Furthermore,” Mejía concludes, “the conquerors The British “Queensland Penal Code” of 1899 was lineal communal groupings, laws began to punish sex- treated ‘sodomy’ as a special Indian sin and hunted it down “adopted in Northern Nigeria in the 19th century, later ualities, gender expressions and bodies that did not fit and punished it as such on a grand scale. They orches- becoming the basis for a uniform federal code in Nigeria the new patriarchal family models. The status of women, trated crusades like the Holy Inquisition, which began in 1916. The Indian Penal Code had been used in Kenya, who had played a pivotal role in pre-class societies where burning ‘sodomites’ at the stake as a special occasion, as in Uganda and Tanzania, but those laws were later replaced the bloodline was traced through females, not males, was the memorable auto-da-fé of San Lázaro in Mexico City.” by drafts based on the Nigerian criminal code. Sudan used degraded with the ascendancy During Vasco Núñez de the Indian Penal Code. In 1960, Northern Nigeria enacted of patriarchal class rule. European ruling classes also Balboa’s colonial expedition a separate criminal code based on the Sudan code.” The ruling class mandated across Panama, he “saw men Similar laws were forced on “British” Honduras (today adherence to a father-domi- exported and enforced laws dressed like women; Balboa Belize), Jamaica, Anguilla, the “British” Virgin Islands, nated family unit, rather than learnt that they were sodomites the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Bahamas, Tobago, the ancient mother-right gens, against same-sex love all over and threw the king and 40 oth- Turks and Caicos, and St. Lucia. because it assured the trans- the world as they established ers to be eaten by his dogs, a The British also imposed anti-“sodomy” legislation on mission of wealth to male heirs. fine action of an honorable Canada in 1892, New Zealand a year later, and Australia As ruling classes grew their colonial empires. and Catholic Spaniard.” The in 1788 and again in 1899. stronger and expanded their Spanish colonial authorities in territories by overthrowing European colonialism used Cuba castrated those they con- Capital offense in colonized North America neighboring communal soci- Inquisition terror to enforce sidered “sodomites.” Civil liberties historian Tom Head explained: “As eties by force of arms, they When the Spaniards invaded Spanish, French, Dutch and English colonists began violently enforced their legal these laws against same-sex the Antilles and Louisiana, to settle North America during the 17th century, they codes and social order on mili- “[T]hey found men dressed as brought with them a catalog of highly specific laws pro- tarily conquered peoples. love and sex/gender variance women who were respected by scribing various sexual acts. The purpose of all these European ruling classes also everywhere. This violent legal their societies. Thinking they laws was to enforce monogamous, same-race, heterosex- exported and enforced laws were hermaphrodites, or homo- ual marriage as a mandatory institution and to punish against same-sex love all over restructuring of Indigenous sexuals, they slew them.” any and all sexual activity outside of that institution.” the world as they established Wealthy Dutch merchants The earliest anti-“sodomy” legislation was passed in their colonial empires. European societies — which affected imposed pre-Napoleonic the Virginia Colony on May 24, 1610, and soon spread colonialism used Inquisition economic organization, Roman-Dutch common law, to all the colonies and later to all U.S. states. terror to enforce these laws which criminalized “sodomy” Historian John D’Emilio wrote: “In every colony, sod- against same-sex love and sex/ kinship, family/community and “unnatural sex offenses” omy was a capital offense—​at least five men were exe- gender variance everywhere. from Indonesia to South Africa. cuted during this era—and​ other homosexual acts, from This violent legal restructuring organization, sexualities, The colonial legislation that ‘sodomitical practices’ to lewdness between women, of Indigenous societies—​which gender and sex roles — served the Dutch merchants brought were punished with whippings and fines. affected economic organization, with them to the Cape of Africa “After the American Revolution, although the kinship, family/community enslavement, exploitation, in the 17th century still forms states reformed their criminal codes in the spirit of organization, sexualities, gender the basis of laws in Namibia, Enlightenment philosophy, revision of the sodomy and sex roles—​served enslave- oppression and profit. Zimbabwe and Lesotho. statutes and the ‘crimes against nature’ laws came very ment, exploitation, oppression slowly; North Carolina did not eliminate capital punish- and profit. Sun never set on British anti-sodomy laws ment [for sodomy] until 1869. Indigenous societies under siege were diverse. For The British imposed on the people of Ireland a 1634 “Thomas Jefferson proposed that death be replaced by instance, the Gay American Indians History Project, first law that made same-sex relations between males pun- castration. Moreover, as time went on, legislatures and published in the germinal 1988 book “Living the Spirit,” ishable by death. Later, the 1885 British Labouchère courts broadened the statutes to include a wider range lists 135 Indigenous peoples on the North American con- Amendment was the law under which feminine homo- of acts, such as oral sex between men and sexual activity tinent who made room for many more sex/gender roles sexual writer Oscar Wilde was sentenced to hard labor. between women,” D’Emilio concluded. than the European nations did. Laws criminalizing same-sex relations in India, In the U.S., anti-homosexual and anti-miscegena- Midnight Sun, Anishnabe, provides a historical Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Singapore, tion laws were also a weapon of state repression against materialist view of sex/gender systems in these varied Malaysia and Brunei all have the same name—​“Article African and Indigenous peoples, who became internal Indigenous societies in one of the book’s essays. Entitled 377”—because​ the same colonial power wrote the law: colonies. In 1898, U.S. imperialists also brutally enforced “Sex/Gender Systems in Native North America,” it Britain. The colonial-drafted legislation is misleadingly these laws in countries they subjugated militarily. explains: “Social, and specifically sexual, life is embed- named the “Indian Penal Code.” Hindu law had not pun- After seizing Puerto Rico as a colony in 1898, the U.S. ded in the economic organization of society—​an orga- ished consensual sexual relations. imposed a law against same-sex love on the island that nization that gives rise to a variety of cultural forms. The Historian Douglas Sanders explains: “Article 377 of was a carbon copy of the California state legal language. cultural construction of gender and sexuality must be the Indian Penal Code of 1860 made ‘carnal intercourse And in 1938, in a Cuba under U.S. domination, an [anti- seen in terms of the sexual division of labor, subsistence against the order of nature’ an offence.” gay] “Public Ostentation Law” was enacted. ☐ patterns, social relations and male-female relations. The British imposed this legis- Within this context, ideology is not an arbitrary, dis- lation in the Straits Settlements crete force—​rather, it serves to reproduce and perpetu- of Singapore, Penang and Malacca Rainbow Solidarity in ate social forms, behaviors and individuals suitable to a in 1872. By the late 19th cen- particular mode of production.” tury, Britain also enforced the DEFENSE of CUBA law in Hong Kong, Fiji, the Malay By Leslie Feinberg, The roots of Abu-Ghraib Peninsula and Burma. European colonialism exported its domestic, coun- Korea Herald journalist Benjamin author of Stone Butch Blues terrevolutionary Inquisition around the world, starting Jhoty quotes Utopia-asia.com, with Portuguese expansionism around 1500 C.E. The which offers information about the This book is an edited compilation of chapters 86 early epoch of direct colonial rule reached its zenith same-sexuality scene in Asia: “Asia to 110 from the Lavender & Red series in Workers more than three centuries later with British domination has rich and unique homosexual tra- World newspaper that began June 3, 2004. of India in 1857. ditions almost everywhere you look. Queer Heritage reports that in 1551: “Portuguese The true enemy of homosexuality It is available online at: www.workers.org/books/ Page 6 June 17, 2021 workers.org Life without parole is ‘silent execution’ By Gloria Rubac without parole are in U.S. prisons. Alaska a lifetime behind bars, according to the is the only U.S. state that bans life with- nonprofit Sixth Amendment Center. Slow death row. A silent execution. out parole. Since 2007, 11 states have (tinyurl.com/2s9pzvzn) These are some of the names given a abolished the death penalty, but those all Most states have no standards for such relatively new sentence option in the issue sentences of life without parole. representation. Someone just out of law U.S. criminal legal system—​life without According to Witness to Innocence, school could represent a LWOP case parole. since the death penalty was reinstated in Illinois or Nebraska. In California, a LWOP sentences a person to spend in 1976, 185 men and women from 28 third of those imprisoned are serving 2008 to 2020. The number of men serv- the rest of their life incarcerated with states have been exonerated and freed some form of life sentence, but minimum ing such sentences went up 29% during absolutely no possibility of ever being from death row, through the intense qualifications apply only in death penalty that period. released. The person will never leave scrutiny which capital cases typically cases. In a 2018 Scalawag Magazine article, prison alive. receive. This raises questions about the In 2003, the American Bar Association Lyle C. May wrote, “Life without parole LWOP is now being used in record number of life sentences that may have updated its guidelines to say that lawyers is silent execution.” May is on death row numbers in the U.S. This type of sentence resulted from wrongful convictions. defending people facing the death penalty in North Carolina. He gives examples began in the 1980s, when the “war on (witnesstoinnocence.org/facts) should have extensive criminal trial expe- of crimes that resulted in life without drugs” was a popular ploy of racist politi- rience, have knowledge of death penalty parole: stealing a $159 jacket, shoplift- cians. The punitive sentence had no rela- case law and hire investigators and men- ing two cameras from Walmart, serving tionship to deterring crime or drug use. tal health experts. But the new standards as the middleman in a $10 sale of mari- As the use of the death penalty dra- do not apply to life without parole cases. juana. (tinyurl.com/vs9zp2v) matically decreased in recent decades, (tinyurl.com/2768x9bv) May emphasizes that whether it’s liber- life without parole has been used as the als who oppose the death penalty or pros- main alternative to sentencing people to LWOP heaviest on people ecutors or defense attorneys who favor death. LWOP is cheaper than a trial with of color, women life without parole: “All would rather a death sentence as the goal. It is easier When it comes to life without parole, wash their hands of and ignore the deeper for juries—who​ have become reluctant to “the idea that you would treat these cases societal problems rooted in crime—​rac- send people to death row—to​ approve a like you would treat other felonies is ism, poverty and mental illness—​main- sentence of life without parole. somewhat incomprehensible to me,” said taining that there are some prisoners who Unfortunately, many liberal anti- Pamela Metzger, director of the Deason deserve no mercy. death penalty organizations have fought ART BY ANNIE OTZEN Criminal Justice Reform Center. “The “LWOP obscures the more insidious for LWOP as a way to decrease capital sentencing stakes are so high and often issues of prosecutorial, judicial, jury and punishment. irreversible. People facing life have far police misconduct, as well as ineffective Life sentences without parole are “vir- Inadequate legal defense fewer chances to appeal than those facing counsel. Beyond a cursory direct appeal, tually unheard of elsewhere in the world,” The Death Penalty Information Center capital punishment, and their cases draw there is no indigent defense attorney said Ashley Nellis in her February 2021 reports: “Around 2,500 prisoners cur- far less scrutiny.” (themarshallproject. assigned to noncapital cases. Without the study for The Sentencing Project, a non- rently face execution in the United States. org, May 22) in-depth case analyses made by appellate profit advocating for shorter prison The national death row population has “Prosecutors have gone wild with defenders, as they are in capital cases, terms. (tinyurl.com/5a84xx9s) declined for 18 consecutive years, as sen- life-without-parole sentences—​but in many appealable issues are never discov- Nellis found that “imprisonment tence reversals, executions and deaths particular for marginalized people,” said ered or developed, including innocence.” beyond 20 years is a predominantly by other causes are outpacing new death Brandon Garrett, Duke University law pro- Life without parole is death. LWOP American phenomenon.” LWOP sen- sentences.” (tinyurl.com/2fntudct) fessor. Garrett’s study of North Carolina must be abolished along with the death tences are steadily replacing the death Though LWOP sentences are dis- found that more than 60% of the prison penalty and prisons. We can and should penalty across the U.S. Almost 56,000 placing capital punishment, the legal population serving life without parole make progressive changes in the cur- people countrywide are now serving sen- defense is weak for those facing such a were Black. (tinyurl.com/48a2fm8b) rent criminal legal system, while work- tences that will keep them locked up until sentence. Only 11 states have minimum The Sentencing Project revealed that ing for the abolition that will take place they die, an increase of 66% since 2003. qualifications for lawyers who represent the number of women serving life sen- once capitalism and all its ills have been Worldwide, 83% of those serving life working-class and poor people facing tences without parole increased 43% from overthrown. ☐ Palestinian youth defiant despite retaliation, mass arrests By Ted Kelly Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque Setback). Though carrying a pass from accept and respect its obligations as an in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Palestinians the Israeli Press Office and wearing a flak occupying power, it is a matter of time to Hundreds of Palestinians have been have engaged in mass protests, work vest clearly marked “Press,” Budeiri was go for the next escalation.” arrested in retaliation for the May stoppages and armed resistance. They detained for hours without being charged. At a June 2 rally in Gaza City, thou- 2021 uprising across Palestine, includ- are using every method at their disposal She later appeared on television with visi- sands of PFLP supporters marched along- ing prominent twin activists Muna and to fight the occupation of their homeland. ble injuries, including her arm in a sling. side fighters of that revolutionary socialist Muhammed al-Kurd. Now 23, they have Israeli military forces bludgeoned party’s armed wing, the Ali Abu Mustafa have documented Zionist aggression in Palestinian resistance in Gaza with pulver- Long-term struggle Brigades. The PFLP leader, Ahmad Palestine since childhood. izing bombardments. But military strikes “There are a lot of long-term issues,” Sa’adat, has been in Israeli prison since The two activists again showed the coordinated by the Islamic Resistance said Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim, 2002, and PFLP-elected official Khalida world the true face of the occupation with Movement (Hamas), as well as the Popular “the occupation, siege on Gaza, the Jarrar is currently in occupation custody. their viral videos of the struggle against Front for the Liberation of Palestine Al-Aqsa compound, the forceful eviction (See Workers World, March 18.) Israeli occupation in the Palestinian (PFLP), have exposed weaknesses in the of our people in Sheikh Jarrah. Jamil Muzer, a PFLP official in Gaza, neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah. The video Israeli occupation’s ability to shut down “If all these long-term issues are not exhorted the rally, “Our people have caught Jacob Fauci—a​ Long Island, N.Y., targets that actually return fire. tackled and fixed by the international fought for over 73 years and resisted in resident and Trump supporter—​saying Palestinian fighters, unlike the Israeli community, and if the international every possible form, including popular of the al-Kurd family house where he’s military and armed settler death squads, community is not able to oblige Israel to and armed resistance.” ☐ been squatting since 2009, “If I don’t take honored the subsequent May 21 ceasefire. it, somebody else will.” But since the “ceasefire” was announced, Nabil al-Kurd, the twins’ 77-year-old white mobs have attacked Muslims at father, said, “Israel will not be satisfied Al-Aqsa, while Israeli police have shot Mumia Abu-Jamal pays until it kicks me out of the house I’ve lived and killed a number of Palestinians. in almost my entire life.” Mass arrests, mass resistance tribute to Ramsey Clark Palestinian mass protest Israeli occupation forces have rounded The following June 3 statement was former head, Saddam Hussein. After the mid-May settler incursions up hundreds of young activists, many read at the June 13 webinar honoring Put another way, he served the State into Sheikh Jarrah and mob attacks on seized without any charges. The activists the life and legacy of the late Ramsey as attorney general (which occasioned remain defiant. Clark, founder of the International his father, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Across social media, many videos can Action Center. Prison Radio transcribed Justice Tom Clark, to step down for fear be seen of young Palestinians rolling their the audio message. of a conflict of interest), and [he] then eyes as handcuffs are slammed over their used the balance of his life opposing the wrists. Children righteously smile in the The life of Ramsey Clark took turns and legal excesses of the Empire by litiga- angrily contorted faces of their oppres- crossings that most people never see, let tions, exposés and protests through the sors. Activists flash the two-fingered “vic- alone experience. A tall, raw-boned fig- International Action Center. tory” sign as they are being dragged off ure, he used his expertise as an attorney He was, in many ways, a man of all sea- into custody. on both sides of the fence, working first sons, who stood on behalf of the world’s Al-Jazeera journalist Givara Budeiri was as the nation’s premier prosecutor only to oppressed for most of his days. Muna and Muhammed al-Kurd were violently arrested by Israeli soldiers during shift in his private life into an anti-impe- From imprisoned nation, Mumia Abu- 12-year-old Palestinian activists in protests marking the 54th anniversary of rialist litigator, who represented figures Jamal ☐ Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, in 2010. the 1967 War, referred to as Al-Naksa (the like Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi to Iraq’s workers.org June 17, 2021 Page 7 The U.S. Empire deploys its troops for battle By Manlio Dinucci Prime Minister Boris Johnson. It is a sig- to “stop its destabilizing behavior and The Summit opened a “new chapter” in nificant political document to which our malign activities, including its inter- the history of the Alliance, based on the Printed first in Notonato.org, June 15, media have given little importance. ference in other countries’ democratic “NATO 2030” Agenda. The “Transatlantic excerpted here. Dinucci is a renowned The historic Atlantic Charter—​signed systems.” And it accused China of “non- link” between the United States and Italian anti-militarist, expert on NATO. by U.S. President Franklin Delano market policies and practices which Europe is strengthened on all levels—​ Roosevelt and British Prime Minister undermine the fair and transparent oper- political, military, economic, technolog- The NATO Summit took place yester- Winston Churchill in August 1941, two ation of the global economy.” ical, space and others—​with a strategy day at NATO headquarters in Brussels, months after Nazi Germany had invaded With these and other accusations (for- that spans on a global scale from North at the highest level of state and govern- the Soviet Union—​enunciated the values mulated in Washington’s own words), and South America to Europe, from Asia ment leaders. It was officially chaired by on which the future world order would be the European powers of the G7—Britain,​ to Africa. In this context, the U.S. will Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, de based, guaranteed by the “Great democ- Germany, France and Italy, which are at soon deploy new nuclear bombs and new facto by U.S. President Joseph Biden, racies”: above all the renunciation of the the same time the major European NATO medium-range nuclear missiles in Europe who came to Europe to call to arms his use of force, the self-determination of powers—​aligned with the United States against Russia and in Asia against China. allies in the global conflict against Russia peoples and their equal rights in access to before the NATO Summit. Hence the decision of the Summit and China. resources. to further increase military spending: The NATO Summit was preceded and Later history has shown how little A veritable declaration of war The United States, whose expenditure prepared by two political initiatives that these values have been applied. Now the The NATO Summit opened with the amounts to almost 70% of the 30 NATO saw Biden as the protagonist—​the sign- “revitalized” Atlantic Charter reaffirms its statement that “our relationship with countries’ total, is pushing the European ing of the New Atlantic Charter and the commitment to “defend our democratic Russia is at its lowest point since the end Allies to increase it. G7—and​ they will be followed by President values against those who try to under- of the Cold War. This is due to Russia’s At the same time, the role of the North Biden’s meeting with the President of the mine them.” To this end, the U.S. and aggressive actions,” and “China’s military Atlantic Council is strengthened. It is Russian Federation Vladimir Putin June 16 Britain assure their Allies that they will buildup, growing influence and coercive the political body of the Alliance, which in Geneva. The final meeting’s outcome is always be able to count on “our nuclear behavior also poses some challenges to decides not by the majority, but always heralded by Biden’s refusal to hold the deterrents” and that “NATO will remain our security.” A veritable declaration of “unanimously and by mutual agree- usual final press conference with Putin. a nuclear alliance.” war that, by turning reality upside down, ment” according to NATO rules, that is, The New Atlantic Charter was signed The G7 Summit, held in Cornwall leaves no room for negotiations to ease in agreement with what is decided in June 10 in London by Biden and British from June 11 to June 13, ordered Russia the tension. Washington. ☐

Solidarity with Palestine at Port of Seattle By Jim McMahan Seattle

In response to the U.S.-backed Israeli bombing of Gaza and the ongoing dis- possession of people in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood and across Palestine, Palestinian unions have called for global labor solidarity to disrupt apart- heid Israel’s trade. Global uproar against the Israeli regime’s war, occupation and acts of terror and exploitation is growing. A ship belonging to Israeli shipping company ZIM has been anchored in the Port of Seattle for 11 days—​June 2 to June 13. Facing community pickets from the pro-Palestine Block the Boat move- ment, it hasn’t had any cargo loaded or unloaded. On June 12, 250 Block the Boat activ- ists shut down Pier 18 after the ZIM ship made a move and came into the SSA Marine Terminal. They had the cooper- TWITTER: @SHAKSPEAK ation and solidarity of the International Block the Boat! International Week of Action called for protests June 2-9, including in Seattle, Oakland, Los Angeles and New York, to Longshore and Warehouse Union. prevent Israeli-operated cargo ships owned by shipping giant ZIM from unloading on U.S. soil, as part of the Boycott, Divestment and Block the Boat held a rally June 13 next Sanctions (BDS) campaign. ZIM transports Israeli weapons as well as consumer goods. to the port to demonstrate its continued vigilance, and still no move was made to “We want the Israeli ZIM ship out of Falastiniyat, a Palestinian feminist orga- Struggle and End the Deadly Exchange. load or unload the ship. But ZIM refuses Seattle, because we don’t tolerate com- nization coordinating local actions. Other The struggle continues, as the Block to leave Seattle, even after losing millions panies that profit from human rights leading organizations include Anakbayan the Boat solidarity activists have shown of dollars in trade. violations,” said Aisha Mansour of Seattle, International League for Peoples resiliance.” ☐ Palestinian Youth Movement rallies By Dianne Mathiowetz Hundreds of law officers, particularly high-rank- Atlanta ing management, from throughout Georgia’s state, county, city, university and college police forces, June 12—​The Atlanta chapter of the Palestinian have traveled to Israel to learn crowd control, high- Youth Movement, along with other members of the tech surveillance and counterinsurgency methods. Demilitarize Atlanta 2 Palestine Coalition, held a spir- The history of U.S. policing certainly reveals ited rally on the steps of City Hall to present a series of no lack of racist, illegal and deadly practices. demands. Nevertheless, the city government’s collusion with The demand to end the city’s participation in the the repressive and brutal policies of the militarized Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange Israeli occupation forces has drawn strong oppo- program, which sends police to Israel for “counterter- sition from Atlanta social justice groups for many rorism training,” was highlighted by all the speakers. years. GILEE was founded in 1992 by Georgia State When Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was cam- University Professor Robert Friedman in prepara- paigning, she promised to look into ending the tion for the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta. relationship between Atlanta and GILEE. With Friedman is a staunch defender of Zionism, who read- that promise broken, this revitalized campaign led ily shares his Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian views. by Palestinian youth is pushing to sever ties with Housed at Georgia State University, GILEE is largely GILEE—​in the city promoted as the cradle of the DEMILITARIZE ATLANTA 2 PALESTINE funded by corporate and private donors. Civil Rights Movement. ☐ Atlanta, June 12 Page 8 June 17, 2021 workers.org India Farmers continue coordinated militant actions By Tania Siddiqi guise of concern for the people’s health, the incident, the police arrested 350 governors of India, across the country Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister demonstrators and charged them with on June 26. This day commemorates the June 14 marks 200 days of the Narendra Singh Tomar requested that the attempted murder for allegedly attacking farmers’ seven months of continued and Farmers’ Protest at the Delhi border of farmers end their protests to diminish the law enforcement officials. Afterwards the committed acts of resistance against the India. Farmers remain steadfast in their threat of COVID-19 outbreaks. farmers blocked all highways in Haryana state. goal to have the state repeal three oppres- The farmers refused and remained for two hours and protested outside of the The farmers’ movement in India sive farm bills. Since Workers World last determined to continue their campaign Hisar police station until police released remains strong and has kept momentum, reported on the protests in February, until the state gives in to their demands. all who were arrested. (Sandeep Singh, due to the incredible organizational strat- there has been important movement Additionally, protests have taken COVID- Twitter, May 24) egies and tactics led by those who dare to work taking place throughout India. 19 precautions by providing masks to resist state terror. Moreover, the farmers’ Farmer unions called for a 12-hour demonstrators, disinfecting protest sites Farmer militancy continues movement in India provides a blueprint nationwide shutdown of India’s rail- and establishing handwashing stations. On June 11, Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an of possibility, steps by which to work ways March 26 to commemorate four In May, after India’s government umbrella body of over 40 farmer unions, towards revolution on a massive scale. months of protest against the farm bills. received severe backlash for how it is han- announced they will organize sit-ins at Solidarity with the farmers in India! Demonstrators in Haryana and Punjab dling the COVID-19 crisis, India’s leading Raj Bhavans, official residences of the Build a workers’ world! ☐ successfully blocked railways at 32 loca- political party, the fascist Bharatiya Janata tions and caused the cancellation of at Party (BJP), issued a misleading statement least four passenger trains. (Alarabiya claiming the farmers’ protests were respon- News, March 26) sible for the pandemic’s second wave. The farmers’ crucial organizing strat- BJP stated that the “[l]atest data actu- egies extend beyond direct-action mea- ally suggest that Punjab, the epicenter of sures and are evident in their capacity to ‘farmer protest’ was the origin of the sec- maintain protest camps while tending to ond wave!” (BJP Twitter, May 13). The their harvests elsewhere. Amreek Singh, state’s governmental apparatus is not the an organizer based at the Singhu border, only sector attempting to diminish and informed Reuters that farmers are keep- weaken the farmers’ movement. ing rosters to “ensure that every time Farmers organized a protest May 16 a group of farmers goes to harvest the against Chief Minister Manohar Lal wheat crop, a group of similar size joins Kattar, a member of BJP, while Kattar the protests.” Singh mentioned that sim- was in Hisar to inaugurate a new COVID- ilar efforts are taking place in Punjab and 19 hospital. As demonstrators made their Uttar Pradesh. (Reuters, Apr. 29) way to Hisar, police set up barricades and attempted to prevent demonstrators from Protest and COVID-19 protesting. Police attacked farmers with While farmers continue to put pres- batons and tear gas. sure on the state to repeal the farm bills, The farmers were able to breach the the state persists in trying to squash barricades and threw stones at the police the farmers’ movement. Under the in self-defense. (Scroll.in, May 17) During June 14 marked 200 days of protest by farmers in India. PHOTO: CHITWAN GODARA Greece Austerity measures threaten the 8-hour day By G. Dunkel second and third largest cities, along with Piraeus, the port of Athens, Heraklion and The 8-hour day is a bedrock gain of the other major cities. world’s working class; the 8-hour day was About the only part of the Greek econ- won through intense battles during the omy functioning on June 10 was the hos- later part of the 19th century and the first pitals. The ferries, which are essential in half of the 20th. Like any advance fought Greece’s transportation system, were shut for and achieved by workers’ struggles, it down completely. has been under unceasing attack. The final vote on the labor bill is set for In Greece, where austerity programs June 16, and the unions intend to shut the imposed by the big imperialist banks country down then. have devastated the working class, and General Secretary of the Greek wages and pensions have been cut and cut Communist Party Dimitris Koutsoubas again, the New Democracy government spoke in Athens June 10. He said: “No of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis matter what the government does, this bill has announced it will “modernize anti- is condemned in the workers’ conscious- quated laws” regulating hours of work. ness. The working men and women, the Athens, June 10. Workers condemn proposed regulations. PHOTO: PAME But Mitsotakis actually plans to massively young people have now the last say. If regress working conditions. they understand and realize their power, The regulations Mitsotakis is propos- the right of unions to bargain a contract. of workers came out in an enormous they can cancel this bill and consign it ing would let bosses impose a 50-hour In response, the struggle of Greek work- demonstration in Athens. Similarly large where it belongs, to the dustbin. They week for 40-hours pay. They would make ers to maintain the 8-hour day is inten- demonstrations and marches were held must not be living like slaves in the 21st going on strike more difficult and abolish sifying. On June 10, tens of thousands in Thessaloníki and Patras, Greece’s century.” (tinyurl.com/yel83muq) ☐ Monthly vigil: Demand human rights at Tacoma immigration prison!

By Jim McMahan The Department of Homeland Security passed state legislation ban- Seattle manages the largest immigration deten- ning for-profit prisons. tion system in the world with 200 immi- Demands include: End Since the Northwest Detention Center gration detention centers in the U.S. the transfer of ICE prisoners PHOTO: LA RESISTENCIA in Tacoma, Wash., opened in 2004, And the privately run NWDC Northwest released from Washington and Protest outside Northwest Detention detainees and their families, civil rights Detention Center is the third largest Oregon state prisons to the Center, Tacoma, Wash., March 30, 2020 activists and the community have pro- detention center of 200 in the U.S. Northwest Detention Center! tested the inhuman conditions from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Stop sending prisoners to the Center from regime! Open up visitation rights to prison- use of solitary confinement to tainted detainees there have been unnecessarily the border and throughout the country! ers’ families and supporters! meals. The monthly demonstration and exposed to COVID-19. GEO Group oper- Shut down the NWDC before its contract For more information, contact vigil will be held there at 1623 E. J St., ates the detention center, which is slated expires in 2025! No to a failed immigration Seattle International Action Center at Sunday, June 13, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. to be shut down by 2025 under recently policy that follows the policies of Trump’s (206) 218-4417. workers.org June 17, 2021 Page 9 Honduras Author of Berta Cáceres’ assassination on trial By Martha Grevatt a recent web meeting, there is “a lot of the conversation” by smearing Berta through acts of violence and corruption, impunity” in Honduras. Cáceres as a “narco-trafficker.” In an atmo- and without the free, prior and informed Berta Cáceres, beloved leader of the Since the U.S.-backed coup June 28, sphere of corruption, threats and intimida- consent of the affected Indigenous and Council of Popular and Indigenous 2009, that overthrew progressive tion and a “sold out” media, the judges may rural communities.” (copinh.org) Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), President Mel Zelaya, hundreds of ignore the mountain of evidence against A feminist encampment erected May 4 was assassinated March 3, 2016. COPINH Indigenous, Afro-descendant, labor Castillo and acquit him. in the capital, Tegucigalpa, under the was engaged in a battle with the DESA com- union, LGBT, environmental and human There is widespread concern in theme “Berta vive” (Berta lives), will be pany, whose plans to construct a hydro- rights activists have been assassinated in Honduras about the trial’s outcome. As up until the trial concludes. Solidarity electric dam threatened the water supply Honduras. Prosecutions of the perpetra- COPINH states: “Victims and their allies activists outside Honduras plan to have of the Lenca Indigenous community. tors are extremely rare. of the deadly Honduran extractive model actions and send letters to demand While seven participants in the killing Berta Cáceres was one of over 120 envi- took to the streets of the country’s capital Castillo not be acquitted for the brutal were convicted and sentenced in 2018, ronmentalists murdered in Honduras, [May 17] to demand an immediate halt to murder of a heroic fighter. Visit Honduras it is only now, five years later, that a key the most dangerous country in the world the energy, mining, tourism and forestry Solidarity Network on Facebook or author of that tragic event is on trial. for water and land protectors. projects that private companies are imple- hondurassolidarity.org. To send a letter In 32 days of testimony, overwhelming menting with the full support of the State go to bit.ly/bertasigue. ☐ evidence has come to light implicating Solidarity activists hear from COPINH Roberto David Castillo Mejía, former On the call with Zúñiga Cáceres, General Manager of DESA and a for- Camilo Bermudez, a member of COPINH mer military intelligence officer. This who is assisting in preparing evidence includes eyewitness accounts, documents against Castillo, explained the existence and communications among Castillo, his of a network that “set up the logistics” for co-conspirators and the hit men who car- the assassination. He called it “a great ried out the murder. advance” that Castillo is even on trial, Castillo’s attorneys are now presenting but pointed to many others who colluded their side, and the trial is expected to con- with him as still at large. These include clude in June. Despite the preponderance members of the Atala Zablah family, of evidence against him, COPINH and Honduran oligarchs who control DESA other human rights defenders are con- and the Agua Zarca hydroelectric project. cerned that Castillo will be found “not For those seeking to bring additional cul- guilty” by the panel of three judges hear- prits to justice, a not guilty verdict “would ing the case. As Cáceres’ daughter Bertha put us back to zero,” said Bermudez. The Tegucigalpa, Honduras, May 17. ‘Truth and justice, no more impunity.’ PHOTO: COPINH “Bertita” Zúñiga Cáceres explained on Honduran media is “trying to circumvent Protesters say: ‘LUMA Energy out of Puerto Rico!’ By Lorraine Liriano in Puerto Rico and in the United States attempts to privatize our public services. LUMA also possesses 68% of Puerto took to the streets protesting LUMA and Puerto Rico’s working class recognizes Rico’s water reservoirs, not only privatiz- Puerto Ricans in the diaspora pro- the privatization plan. that this contract represents an enormous ing energy but also water, two things that tested June 11 against the private LUMA Since taking effect, there have been threat to our island’s electrical grid, our should be basic human rights. In addi- Energy company’s June 1 takeover of widespread power outages throughout economy and our livelihoods. tion, the company has eliminated many the operations of the Puerto Rico Energy the archipelago. According to one of the “Our demands are not to simply oust of the jobs of a highly trained and union- Network to provide electricity in their spokespeople, Gabriela Malespin from LUMA in order for another corporation to ized workforce to hire replacements with homeland. This privatization is backed New York Boricua Resistance: “LUMA take over. Rather, we want public control lower wages or unqualified people from by the U.S.-created and appointed is the latest in decades of neoliberal of our utilities and the proper resources the United States. Financial Control Board. The following needed to restore our grid and transition The diaspora joins with the people is the protesting organizations’ news towards renewable energy. This issue rep- in the archipelago in denouncing and release. resents an intersection between environ- demanding that the LUMA contract be mental racism, neoliberal privatization canceled. “This is the advancement of the New York, N.Y., June 11—​Grassroots and working-class oppression. plan for the displacement of the people Puerto Rican organizations and people “Boricuas in both the archipelago and of Puerto Rico, in favor of the yankees and their allies demonstrated in New York the diaspora must stand united against who have already begun to turn it into City, demanding that the government of this threat and continue to fight until their paradise island at the expense of Puerto Rico withdraw from the contract LUMA and other vulture companies are our people. We cannot continue to allow with the company LUMA Energy. out of Puerto Rico.” our people to suffer. This contract must On June 1, the government of Puerto The LUMA contract is exorbitant, cost- be canceled, and there must be public Rico, with the approval of the Financial ing over $1.5 billion, at a time when the renewable energy for the people now!” Oversight Dictatorial Board, officially dictatorial fiscal control board is imposing says spokesperson Eric Ramos, from the handed over Puerto Rico Energy Network austerity measures on the people of Puerto Puerto Rican Independence Party in New to LUMA, a U.S.-Canadian private joint Rico. With the sole objective of obtaining York City. company, formed by the companies ATCO federal funds, LUMA may withdraw, leav- and Quanta Services and created specifi- ing the archipelago at the mercy of any Contacts: cally to take advantage of a million-dollar disaster if such transfers do not material- Gabriela Malespin (787) 501-9528 contract to administer the public corpora- ize at the level or on the schedule provided. [email protected] tion Authority of Electric Power. LUMA promotes the continuous use of fos- Eric Ramos (917)200-2637 In the months leading up to the contract sil fuel consumption and natural gas as the [email protected] ☐ taking effect, workers and organizations PHOTO: LORRAINE LIRIANO main source of energy. Protests against racism sweep France By G. Dunkel left-leaning parties came out, including Syndicale Unitaire), the main education The U.S. press, including the New York France Unbowed (France Insoumise), union, and the largest student union, Times, Washington Post and Associated Marches and rallies against racism, French Communist Party, Green Party, UNEF (National Union of Students of Press, gave short shrift to these import- the far right and police violence took Génération.s (a left-split from the Socialist France/Union Nationale des Étudiants ant demonstrations. They only covered place in over 140 communities in France Party), New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA), de France). an incident in Paris where a neofascist June 12. These “Marches for Liberty” Socialist Party and the Party of the Left. The General Confederation of Workers threw flour on Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the were scheduled to be held a few weeks The coalition included a number of col- (CGT), the largest union of public sector leftist leader of France Unbowed, and before regional elections, where the far- lectives and groups of activists who are workers and the second largest union in they ignored the national character of this right National Rally (RN/Rassemblement concerned with issues facing immigrants the private sector, played a major role in anti-racist protest. National, Marine Le Pen’s party) will try and asylum seekers. Housing activists building the protests. In Marseille, the CGT Prior to June 12, Mélenchon, who came to position itself as an electoral force for were there. So were those involved with marched behind a banner which read: “We in fourth in the 2017 presidential election, next year’s presidential election. climate change, including France Nature must remain united in order to dissolve had warned of the increasing boldness of What was most impressive was the Environnement. capitalism that leads to fascism.” Their the ultraright and the possibility of vio- diversity of organizations that mobilized for Building these protests were French national call emphasized that racial dis- lence during the elections. ☐ these protests. As expected, all of the largest labor unions, like the FSU (Fédération crimination is sharply felt in the workplace. Page 10 June 17, 2021 workers.org

editorials G7/NATO: Diplomacy among thieves

Continued from page 1 these organizations during the Cold War involve the same big powers. exploded soon enough into World War I. period to maintain its leadership. The G7 and NATO summits won’t Biden’s trip to Europe is a venture by a of Czarist Russia, Japan and the United defend human rights. They may do lit- seasoned imperialist diplomat to resume States. Break with Trump no break tle to soften rivalry among the imperial- Washington’s role as head of a plutocracy, with imperialist goals In 1885, Washington’s ongoing geno- ist states. The Berlin Conference results nothing more. ☐ cide of Indigenous peoples concentrated During Trump’s xenophobic, racist and on its expansion in North America; the thoroughly reactionary administration, year predated U.S. seizures of Hawai’i, he pushed the “America first” button so Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Philippines. hard that Washington’s allies feared At the Berlin meeting, Washington still they would be denied their “share” of the played a role, being the first country to spoils. Trump publicly insulted Europe’s recognize Belgian King Leopold’s seizure government leaders. of the Congo. Leopold oversaw the geno- Ruling-class strategists here feared cide of the Congolese peoples. Trump’s tactics would break up Cold Fast forward 136 years to the current War structures and harm U.S. imperial- G7 summit in Cornwall, Britain and the ist interests. When Biden said, “America NATO summit in Brussels. From 1885 to is back,” he meant that the U.S. is ready to 1945, the U.S. became the world’s lead- again lead the imperialist alliance. Biden ing imperialist power and remains so. implied that Washington would respect During 1921-1991, when the Soviet Union the demands of the European ruling countered imperialist domination, many class—​and of the Japanese, Australian African and Asian nations won political and Canadian imperialists. independence, which is now under attack. Biden is attempting to mobilize those Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, allies against China and Russia. The “val- Belgium Washington and its imperialist junior ues” the billionaires and bankers Biden Germany partners have destroyed other existing represents hold in “common” are the mar- Spain socialist states such as Yugoslavia and ket values of coltan, uranium, petroleum France re-subjugated or destroyed nations that and other essential natural resources that Britain had gained some sovereignty includ- this plutocracy plans to monopolize. Italy ing Sudan, Libya and Iraq. The U.S. did To underline the connection between Portugal this using supranational organizations the 1885 and 2021 meetings, right now Independent such as NATO, the World Bank, the two joint U.S.-led military exercises are International Monetary Fund and the underway: Defender Europe in Eastern European claims in Africa, 1913. Today's boundaries, which MAP: ERIC GABA – WIKIMEDIA COMMONS G7. Washington designed the structure of Europe and African Lion in Africa. They which are largely a legacy of the colonial era, are shown. Ye who shall not work (for low wages) shall not eat

In 2017, to justify changes to the their regular benefits. These payments Democratic governors are not exactly than what they made working 40 hours, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance were part of Biden’s American Rescue clamoring to have the benefits extended that means they earned no more than $15 Program, Rep. Jodey Arrington Plan, passed by Congress earlier this year. past September—​meaning in a few more an hour before the pandemic. Many made leaned on the scriptures—​specifically Set to run out in September anyway, months, unemployed people in their states a lot less. 2 Thessalonians 3-10: “If a man will not the supplements will be terminated in will also have to choose between a low-pay- And if they worked for a fast food work, he shall not eat.” (Washington Post, June or July in all but two Republican-led ing job and even lower jobless benefits. chain, their boss made a whole lot more. March 31, 2017) states. Gig workers—​who are generally McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski made The Republican Congressperson was misclassified as self-employed but were Cuts to benefits based on myth almost $11 million last year. The poor CEO arguing for making recipients work for granted unemployment compensation in Facts do not support the position that of Wendy’s made a mere $6.7 million. But their benefits—or​ face cutoff. the recent COVID relief bills—​are losing “paying people not to work”—​i.e., giving Jose Cil, CEO of RBI—​the parent com- Some Biblical scholars argued that this their benefits altogether. jobless workers enough money to sur- pany of Popeye’s, Burger King and Tim was a misinterpretation of St. Paul’s intent. Why? vive—​discourages people from seeking Horton’s—has​ a salary of $20 million! But the intentions of Arrington and “In Arizona, we’re going to use federal employment. A February study by JP This is pocket change compared to other right-wing officials could not be more money to encourage people to work … Morgan Chase Institute disproved that Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, a centibillionaire clear. Their appeal is really not to devout instead of paying people not to work,” said claim, finding that even after seeing their (worth $100 billion) twice over. Christians, but to racist stereotypes that Gov. Doug Ducey, whose state is giving weekly unemployment checks increase by Now these filthy rich bosses and their people of color “don’t want to work.” This returning workers a one-time bonus. “The $600 at the pandemic’s onset last year, political stooges have a message to work- attack hits millions of white workers too; Texas economy is booming, and employ- many workers returned to work before ers: If you shall not submit to our ruthless about half of SNAP recipients are white. ers are hiring in communities throughout the benefits expired. (CBS News, June 2) exploitation and work for low wages, you The attacks have resurfaced, accom- the state,” Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed. These politicians are really trying to shall not eat. Or have health care. Or keep panied by regurgitated arguments, with Their sentiments were echoed by other force people to work for low wages. If a roof over your head. announcements by 25 Republican gov- governors opting to decline federal funds $300 combined with their regular unem- Enough is enough! Triple the mini- ernors that unemployed workers in their rather than pay unemployed workers extra ployment check—​at most 50% of their mum wage! No cuts in unemployment states will lose the $300 weekly boost to benefits. (CBS News, June 2) average weekly pay—​adds up to more benefits—now​ or in September! ☐ U.S.-led ‘African Lion 21’ hunts for new prey By Manlio Dinucci 80 U.N. states, and whose existence Morocco has denied over Western Sahara and invites Algeria and Spain to and fought against by every means possible. abandon their hostility toward the territorial integrity of Published June 8 in Il Manifesto; translation by John The Moroccan regime declared that by holding the exer- Morocco. Morocco accuses the Spanish government of Catalinotto. cise there, Washington recognizes Moroccan sovereignty supporting Polisario (Western Sahara Liberation Front), and the Spanish army is not participating in African Lion The African Lion, the largest military exercise on the this year. African Continent planned and led by the U.S. Army, Washington reaffirmed its full support to Morocco, began June 7. The exercise includes land, air and naval which it has on its list of countries that are major non- maneuvers in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal and adja- NATO allies and partners of the U.S. (state.gov) cent seas—​from North Africa to West Africa, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. U.S consolidates forces to dominate Africa With half of the 8,000 soldiers deployed coming from The African exercise takes place this year for the first the United States, the exercise will deploy about 200 time within the framework of a new U.S. command armored cars, self-propelled cannons, planes and war- structure. Last November, the U.S. Army Europe and the ships. African Lion 21 is expected to cost $24 million and U.S. Army Africa were consolidated into a single com- has particularly important implications. mand: the U.S. Army Europe and Africa. This political move was fundamentally decided in General Christopher Cavoli, who heads the command, Washington: The African exercise is taking place for the explained the reason for this decision: “European and first time this year in Western Sahara. That means it’s in Imperialist military interventions in Africa force migration, African issues are inextricably linked. The close geography the territory of the Sahrawi Republic, recognized by over leading to the deaths of thousands of people in shipwrecks. Continued on page 11 workers.org June 17, 2021 Page 11

Peru presidential election Castillo’s victory unleashes political earthquake By Jorge Martín success is no accident. It is an expression 2017 teachers’ strike. To of the deep crisis of the Peruvian regime. the workers and peas- Excerpts from an article published in Decades of anti-working class privatiza- ants, he is one of their rebelion.org, June 10. Translation by tion and liberalization policies in a coun- own—​a humble rural Michael Otto. try extremely rich in mineral resources teacher with peasant have left a legacy of extreme wealth dis- roots, who has vowed to The victory of Pedro Castillo in the parity and widespread corruption rotting live off his teacher’s sal- Peruvian presidential elections unleashed its bourgeois democracy. ary when he assumes the a political earthquake, reflecting the enor- Five former presidents are in jail or presidency. His appeal is mous social and political polarization in accused of corruption. All the institutions precisely that of being a the Andean country. The masses have of bourgeois democracy are extremely leftist against the system. inflicted a resounding defeat upon the rul- discredited. The mass demonstrations of The entire Peruvian ing class, thanks to the militant teachers’ November 2020 were an expression of ruling class closed ranks union leader at the head of Peru Libre, the deep anger accumulated in Peruvian behind Keiko Fujimori in a party that describes itself as Marxist, society. the second round, even Leninist and Mariateguist. To this must be added the impact of though she was not their [José Carlos Mariátegui (1894-1930) the COVID-19 pandemic and the crisis favorite candidate. Her was the founder of the Peruvian labor and of capitalism. The country suffered one campaign was vicious. Castillo nears official victory in Peru's presidential elections. communist movements and among the of the worst economic contractions in Billboards in Lima pro- most renowned Latin American Marxists Latin America with an 11% drop in Gross claimed “Communism is poverty.” The opposition coup were in Lima to support of the first half of the last century.] Domestic Product. Peru has recorded the seven plagues were threatened if Castillo Fujimori before the elections, and that The recount was a slow and painful worst percentage of excess deaths and the won the election. is no accident. They will use Congress process, and the decisive result was not worst mortality rate worldwide, while the He was accused of being “the candidate and the other bourgeois institutions, the clear until the very end, three days after wealthy and government politicians were of the violent Shining Path”—​a label that media, the state apparatus (up to and the polls closed June 6. By June 9, with vaccinated before anyone else. failed to stick. Nobel laureate in litera- including the army) and economic sab- 99.8% of the votes counted, Pedro Castillo ture Mario Vargas Llosa, who in the past otage, to limit Castillo’s ability to imple- has 8,735,448 votes (50.2%), giving him a A vote for radical change opposed Alberto Fujimori’s government ment his policies. small but irreversible lead over his rival, The masses of workers and peasants from a bourgeois liberal point of view, Defend victory: Prepare for battle right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori, who want radical change, and that is precisely wrote furious opinion pieces claiming got 8,663,684 votes (49.8%) [almost 75% what Pedro Castillo represents in their that a victory for Castillo would mean the Castillo’s program, despite references to voter turnout]. eyes. His campaign had two main politi- end of democracy. Marx, Lenin and Mariátegui in Peru Libre Official results have not yet been pro- cal pillars: the renegotiation of the terms Despite all that, or perhaps precisely documents, is one of capitalist national claimed. Fujimori’s team alleges fraud of the contracts with the mining multi- because of the hatred he provoked among development. He proposes to use the and is preparing dozens of appeals. The nationals (and if they refuse, they would the ruling class, Castillo started the runoff country’s mineral wealth for social pro- masses are ready to defend the vote in be nationalized); and the convening of a campaign with a 20-point lead over his grams (mainly education) and to work the streets. There are reports that 20,000 Constituent Assembly to do away with the rival. That lead narrowed as election day with “productive national entrepreneurs” ronderos (members, as is Castillo, of the 1993 constitution drafted during the dic- approached. to “develop the economy.” His models are peasant self-defense militias created tatorship of Alberto Fujimori (the father Rafael Correa of Ecuador and Evo Morales during the civil war in the 1990s) are of candidate Keiko Fujimori). Class contradictions of Bolivia. traveling to the capital to defend the will His main electoral slogans: “no more However, the narrow victory masks The problem is that these so-called of the people. Today, June 9, a massive poor people in a rich country” and the country’s acute class polarization. responsible “national productive” capi- demonstration has been called in Lima, “word of the teacher” resonated with the Fujimori won in Lima (65 to 34), and talists do not exist. The Peruvian ruling where people have gathered for three oppressed, the workers, the poor, the even here, her best results are in the rich- class, the bankers, landowners and capi- nights in a row in front of Castillo’s elec- peasants, the downtrodden, the Quechua est districts. Castillo has won in 17 of the talists are closely linked to the interests of toral headquarters. and Aymara Indians, particularly in the country’s 25 provinces, with massive vic- the transnational corporations and impe- Castillo advanced to the final elec- working-class and poor areas far from tories in the poorer Andean and southern rialism. They are not interested in any tion with only 19% of the vote in the first Lima’s light-skinned high-class circles. regions. “national development,” but only in their round, due to the extreme fragmenta- Castillo’s authority comes from having In the final days of the campaign, Keiko own enrichment. tion of [parties]. However, his electoral defied the union bureaucracy to lead the Fujimori, in classic populist style, prom- Castillo will now face a dilemma. On the ised direct transfers of money from min- one hand, he can govern in favor of the ing company profits to the people of the masses of workers and peasants who have towns where the mines are located. This elected him, which would mean a radical was an attempt to turn voters away from break with the capitalists and the trans- U.S.-led ‘African Lion 21’ Castillo’s proposal to change the contracts national corporations. That can only be to benefit all the people. Voters elected accomplished through carrying out a mass Continued from page 10 as a strategic base. The exercise in Africa is directed by the U.S. Army’s Southern Castillo massively in all mining towns. mobilization outside the electoral arena. and economic ties between the two conti- Europe Task Force from Vicenza in Italy, The masses of workers and peas- Or Castillo can give in, soften his pro- nents means that regional security issues, and the participating forces are supplied ants supporting Castillo were ready to gram and adapt to the interests of the left unchecked, quickly spread from one through the Port of Livorno, with war take to the streets to defend his victory, ruling class, which means he will be dis- area to another.” (state.gov, Feb. 23) materials coming from Camp Darby, the while Fujimori shouted fraud and then credited among those who voted for him, Hence the decision of the U.S. Army nearby U.S. Army logistics base. The par- appealed the results. In the days leading paving the way for his own downfall. If he to consolidate the European Command ticipation in African Lion 21 is part of the up to the elections and immediately after, tries to serve two masters (the workers and and the African Command, so as to “shift growing Italian military commitment in there have been rumors of a military coup. the capitalists) at the same time, he will forces dynamically and move forces from Africa. Prominent Fujimori supporters called on please neither. one theater to another, from one conti- The mission in Niger is a typical exam- the army to intervene to prevent Castillo Castillo himself declared: “I have just nent to another, which really improves ple. Formally, Italy participates as part of from taking power. had conversations with the national busi- significantly our regional contingency a joint European and U.S. effort to sta- There is no doubt that a sector of the nessmen, who are showing their support response times.” bilize the area and to combat illegal traf- ruling class in Peru is in a panic and used to the people. We will create a government In this context, African Lion 21 was ficking and threats to security. In reality, every means at their disposal to prevent respectful of democracy, of the current consolidated with Defender-Europe 21, it’s for control of one of the richest areas Castillo from winning the elections. They Constitution. We will have a government which employs 28,000 soldiers and over in strategic raw materials (oil, uranium, see him as a threat to their power and with financial and economic stability.” All 2,000 heavy vehicles. Basically, a single coltan and others) exploited by U.S. and privileges and the way they have gov- experience shows that what the ruling class series of coordinated military maneuvers European transnational corporations, erned the country since its independence describes as “financial and economic sta- is taking place from Northern Europe to whose oligopoly is endangered by Chinese 200 years ago. bility,” in reality means making the work- West Africa, planned and commanded by economic presence and other factors. So far, it appears that the more cautious ers and the poor pay for the crisis of their the U.S. Army Europe and Africa. Hence the recourse to the traditional elements of the ruling class have pre- system by guaranteeing the best possible The official purpose of these maneuvers colonialist strategy: Use military means to vailed. An editorial in the leading bour- conditions for the realization of capitalist is to counter an unspecified “malign activ- guarantee the colonialist interests, includ- geois newspaper La República described profits. ity in North Africa and Southern Europe ing support for local elites who base their Fujimori as irresponsible for crying fraud. The payment of the debt is in direct and increase interoperability between power on their armed forces behind the All this gives an idea of what Castillo contradiction with implementing a policy U.S., African and international partners pretext of fighting “jihadist” militias. These will face once he takes office. The ruling of social spending. Castillo should oppose to defend the theater from adversary mil- military interventions reinforce exploita- class and imperialism will resort to any this concession and act in support of the itary aggression.” (Africom.mil) There is a tion and subjugation of the local popula- means necessary to prevent him from general interests of the workers and peas- clear reference to Russia and China. tions, destroying their living conditions, actually governing. We have seen the ants. There is no middle road. Italy participates in African Lion 21, as which in turn force migrations and increase same script in the past against Chávez in For now, the Peruvian masses celebrate well as in Defender-Europe 21, not only the consequent human tragedies. ☐ Venezuela. and remain on guard to defend their vic- with its own forces but with its territory Prominent members of the Venezuelan tory. The struggle has just begun. ☐ Correspondencia sobre artículos en Workers World/Mundo Obrero pueden ser enviadas a: [email protected]

¡Proletarios y oprimidos de todos los paises unios! workers.org Vol. 63 Núm. 24 17 de junio 2021 $1 Naomi Osaka, ¿explotada? ¿Son los deportistas profesionales editoriales trabajadores explotados? En el Manifiesto Comunista, Karl Marx castiga cuando priorizan su bienestar per- fueron condenados al ostracismo por su discrepancias salariales entre hombres y y Friedrich Engels describen el carácter sonal sobre el negocio de la competencia valiente protesta con puño negro en los mujeres en el fútbol profesional. degradante del trabajo en el capitalismo, deportiva. Juegos Olímpicos de Verano de 1968 en La diferencia salarial es más evidente según el cual los trabajadores “son una Este es el caso más notable de los atletas Ciudad de México. Colin Kaepernick y en el baloncesto profesional. El salario mercancía” y el trabajador “se convierte negros y otros atletas de color. LeBron James han sido vilipendiados por mínimo base en la Asociación Nacional en un apéndice de la máquina”. Osaka se retiró de la competencia por su activismo por la justicia social. de Baloncesto Femenino es de $58.710 Esto se escribió en 1848, pero la des- completo “para proteger mi salud mental”. Recientemente, aficionados blancos dólares, frente a los $925.000 dólares de humanización sigue existiendo. Un traba- agredieron físicamente a los jugadores la NBA. jador se convierte en un apéndice de su Más de un siglo de indignidades racistas de baloncesto negros Kyrie Irving, Trae Las jugadoras de la WNBA se han desta- trabajo, ya sea un hotel, un restaurante de El trato racista a Osaka forma parte de un Young y Russell Westbrook durante las cado por su activismo. Sus protestas en la comida rápida o un almacén de Amazon. hilo conductor que recorre toda la historia eliminatorias de la NBA. cancha a favor de Black Lives Matter han Los capitalistas sólo ven valor en lo que del deporte profesional en Estados Unidos. Pero la solidaridad siempre está pre- inspirado a atletas de todos los géneros—​y un trabajador puede producir, no su valor En los primeros años del deporte pro- sente. Destacados atletas negros se unie- generaciones—​a adoptar posiciones más como persona humana completa. fesional, jugadores indígenas como ron a Ali, y jugadores de todas las razas firmes contra la supremacía blanca. En consecuencia, los jefes del complejo Jim Thorpe (fútbol americano) y Louis han emulado el “tomar la rodilla” de La cultura patriarcal generalizada en deportivo-industrial tratan a un atleta pro- Sockalexis (béisbol) fueron objeto de abu- Kaepernick. Las estrellas del baloncesto los deportes profesionales hace que sea fesional como un mero apéndice del juego. sos racistas. Los equipos adoptaron nom- Stephen Curry y Kyrie Irving, la gimnasta difícil, incluso en 2021, que los jugadores Esto fue subrayado recientemente por bres y crearon mascotas denigrantes para olímpica Laurie Hernández, el corre- LGBTQ+ se revelen. Un estudio de marzo el trato de la superestrella del tenis Naomi los pueblos y la cultura indígenas. Estos dor olímpico Usain Bolt, la gran tenista de 2020 muestra que la mitad sufren bur- Osaka. Desde su victoria en el Abierto de nombres sólo están empezando a abando- Serena Williams y varios atletas japoneses las o insultos. (salon.com, 8 de abril) Estados Unidos de 2018, un aluvión insen- narse, mientras que algunos equipos, espe- han apoyado a Osaka. Las mujeres, las personas con proble- sible—​y peor—​de comentarios de los cialmente el de béisbol de Atlanta y el de mas de género y los jugadores LGBTQ+ periodistas ha agravado sus luchas contra fútbol americano de Kansas City, se aferran El patriarcado impera de color son doble y triplemente maltra- la depresión y la ansiedad. Osaka—​cuya firmemente a sus nombres ofensivos. La golfista Michelle Wie West ha dado tados en la cloaca de la intolerancia que es madre es japonesa y su padre es haitiano—​ Los valientes atletas que “rompieron la marcha atrás en sus planes de jubilarse de el deporte profesional. ha sido cuestionada sobre todo, desde su línea del color”—​como Wataru Misaka la compentencia, impulsada por los comen- A fin de cuentas, incluso con salarios raza, nacionalidad, edad y desafíos de salud (1947, NBA), Earl Lloyd (1950, NBA), tarios descaradamente sexistas y racistas elevados, los deportistas siguen siendo mental hasta su desempeño en la cancha Jackie Robinson (1947, MLB) y Marion del abogado de Trump Rudy Giuliani, que trabajadores y se espera que generen contra Serena Williams y su solidaridad de Motley y Bill Willis (All-America Football trivializan su capacidad deportiva. beneficios—​lo que los marxistas llaman principios con Black Lives Matter. Conference, más tarde NFL)—​soporta- Las mujeres y los atletas con problemas plusvalía—​para los propietarios de los Osaka fue multada con $15.000 dóla- ron burlas, insultos e incluso amenazas de género son tratados como jugadores equipos. res tras negarse a participar en las entre- de muerte a lo largo de sus carreras. de segunda clase. No solo se les insulta, Aplaudimos la valentía de Naomi Osaka vistas con los medios de comunicación Una postura audaz en cuestiones políti- se les disminuye, se les margina y se les y de todas las personas que se han enfren- después del partido durante el Abierto de cas rara vez queda impune. A Muhammad sexualiza, sino que se les paga muy poco. tado a la supremacía blanca, a la misoginia, Francia. Esto pone de manifiesto, por ené- Ali se le prohibió boxear y se le declaró Megan Rapinoe, capitana de la selección al fanatismo anti-LGBTQ2S+, al capaci- sima vez, la mercantilización de los atletas culpable de evasión del servicio mili- femenina de fútbol de Estados Unidos, tismo y a la mentalidad de que los bene- profesionales, incluso los mejor pagados tar por negarse a luchar en la guerra de encabeza una demanda colectiva por dis- ficios están por encima de las personas, y los más capacitados. Se les reprende y Vietnam. Tommie Smith y John Carlos criminación sexual en relación con las dentro y fuera del campo de juego. ☐

Por todos los medios necesarios ¡Defender la resistencia palestina!

Partido celebró su primera manifestación supremacía blanca utilizada para deshu- durante, y antes, de la Segunda Guerra a favor de Palestina en 1967. manizar a los palestinos y a todos los pue- Mundial. Esta maniobra imperialista fue Esta autodeterminación incluye que las blos árabes. Este estado racista y blanco de un esfuerzo por desviar a los judíos para masas palestinas puedan elegir su repre- colonos fue codificado con la Declaración que se establecieran en Palestina, para con- sentación política, que en Gaza ha sido Balfour por los colonos colonialistas britá- vertirlos en ocupantes antes de 1948. MO FOTO: JOE PIETTE Solidaridad con Palestina, Hamás desde 2006. Durante décadas, los nicos el 2 de noviembre de 1917. Malcolm El pueblo palestino no ha tenido más Filadelfia, 15 de mayo. palestinos se han enfrentado a dos opre- X equiparó el sionismo con el colonialismo remedio que luchar contra sus opresores, sores -los fascistas ocupantes israelíes que en septiembre de 1964. utilizando todo lo que tiene a su disposi- En la víspera de su 96º cumpleaños, el los desplazaron violentamente de su tierra ción, desde hondas hasta cohetes, con- 19 de mayo, el gran revolucionario negro, natal el 15 de mayo de 1948, con horribles Robo de tierras, de Colón al sionismo tra las Fuerzas de Defensa israelíes, que Malcolm X, será siempre recordado por masacres- y el principal patrocinador de Lo que le ha ocurrido al pueblo pales- están entrenadas y armadas con el arma- la cita: “Por cualquier medio necesario”. Israel, el imperialismo estadounidense. tino desplazado -ya sea en los Territorios mento más sofisticado suministrado por Utilizó esta frase para justificar que los Sí, es el deber de cualquier persona que Ocupados de Gaza y Cisjordania o en toda el Departamento de Defensa de Estados negros tienen derecho a defenderse de se considere revolucionaria y socialista la diáspora- puede compararse con lo que Unidos. todas las formas de violencia de los supre- dentro de cualquier país capitalista supe- le ocurrió a las miles de naciones origina- La heroica resistencia demostrada por macistas blancos, incluso mediante el uso rrico, exigir que se corte toda ayuda que rias de este hemisferio durante el robo al los palestinos ha contribuido a aislar aún de las armas. apuntale el apartheid israelí en Palestina. por mayor de las tierras indígenas a par- más al ostracismo del régimen israelí, Justo una semana antes de su asesinato Ese es un paso importante para construir tir de Cristóbal Colón. La diferencia es que especialmente desde la primera Intifada en 1965, Malcolm X declaró: “Hoy esta- la solidaridad antiimperialista. el robo genocida de América del Norte por o levantamiento que comenzó en 1987, mos asistiendo a una rebelión global de Este estado guarnición no podría existir parte de Gran Bretaña condujo al estable- seguida de la segunda Intifada en 2000. los oprimidos contra los opresores, de los ni un día si no fuera por los 10 millones cimiento del país imperialista más pode- Por eso es fundamental que los movimien- explotados contra los explotadores”. de dólares que la administración esta- roso del mundo, que hoy se beneficia de la tos exijan el fin inmediato de los bombar- Estas dos poderosas declaraciones son dounidense proporciona diariamente, lo región rica en petróleo de Asia Oriental o deos sobre Gaza y el fin de toda la ayuda aplicables al terror genocida que se está que supone casi $4.000 millones de dóla- “Oriente Medio”. estadounidense a Israel—​y que defiendan produciendo actualmente en Gaza. El res anuales. Este apoyo refleja por que Ser antisionista NO es lo mismo que ser el derecho a la autodeterminación del pue- partido Workers World Party/Partido Israel ha sido un estado ilegítimo desde antisemita. El apoyo del gobierno estadou- blo palestino para ganar su liberación “por Mundo Obrero defiende el derecho del su creación. Utiliza una falsa tapadera de nidense a Israel no se basa en un apoyo cualquier medio necesario”—​lo que debili- pueblo palestino, como pueblo oprimido ser un “Estado judío”, pero en realidad genuino al pueblo judío. De hecho, los ata- tará al imperialismo en todas partes. y explotado, a rebelarse contra el régimen es un Estado sionista construido sobre la ques antisemitas son cotidianos en Estados Workers World Party/Partido Mundo sionista racista de Israel “por cualquier sangre, el sudor y las lágrimas del pueblo Unidos e incluyeron el cierre de sus fronte- Obrero saluda el heroísmo del pueblo medio necesario”. Nuestro punto de vista palestino. ras a un cierto número de personas judías palestino. ¡Haz que Israel vuelva a ser no ha variado ni un ápice desde que el El sionismo es una ideología de que intentaban escapar del Holocausto Palestina! ☐