Birmingham Six frame-up TH£ discredited Page 7

A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF WORKING PEOPLE VOL. 55/NO. 10 MARCH 15, 1991 $1.50 End the occupation of Iraq! Lift the criminal embargo! Washington using occupation, blockade, in drive to establish protectorate in Iraq

BY GREG McCART AN ade, and bring as much political pressure to Washington has now entered the fifth stage bear as it can in order to set up a regime in of its war drive against the Iraqi people. The Baghdad that is as close to a protectorate as goal of U.S. imperialism remains what is has possible. been since early August: the establishment U.S. government demands include fulfill­ of a protectorate in Baghdad that can defend ment of United Nations Security Council imperialist interests in the region. resolutions establishing "peace and security The war drive is not over. It continues with in the region," and making Iraq pay enor­ bipartisan support in Washington. Despite mous - and as yet undetermined - war reparations. Bush announced these imperial rights and News Analysis demands following the slaughter of tens of thousands of Iraqi troops during the invasion. Rejecting Hussein's decision to withdraw his some tactical differences, senators and mem­ forces from Kuwait, the administration or­ bers of Congress in the Democratic and Re­ dered the bombing, rocketing, and shooting publican parties have accepted and promoted of the retreating troops. Unable to politically each step toward war since August. sustain such a one-sided bloodbath Bush The first stage of the war drive opened with the initial response by Washington to Continued on Page 8 Children in Baghdad collecting water at spot where their homes once stood intervene with troops in response to the Au­ gust 2 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. This was intertwined with the second stage - pub­ licly announced on November 8, two days Students organize March 16 events after elections for U.S. Congress- when Washington said it was doubling the number of forces sent to the region, including the heaviest armored divisions and substantially to oppose U.S ..war in the Mideast more war planes. Stage three of the war drive began January BY PETER THIERJUNG President George Bush declared a temporary ipant in the conference. Ruby represented the 16 with the day-and-night bombing of Iraqi A Chicago conference of some 500 high halt to the offensive. National Student and Youth Campaign for soldiers and cities. The fourth stage came six school and college students endorsed by ac­ "The discussions at the conference re­ Peace in the Middle East at the conference. weeks later, on February 23, when Washing­ clamation a call for March 16 nationally flected the desire of activists to continue the He is also a leader of the Young Socialist ton ordered the invasion of Iraq. coordinated activities to demand the with­ struggle against Washington's intervention in Alliance. The fifth stage began with the suspension drawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and the the Middle East," said Aaron Ruby, a partie- Continued on Page 10 by Washington of the invasion-offensive be­ Middle East. fore it had achieved its goal of replacing the The date had been chosen by meetings of regime of President Saddam Hussein. With the National Campaign for Peace in the Mid­ each stage of the war drive- including Hus­ dle East and the National Student and Youth A BOOK FOR THE FACTS sein's August invasion of Kuwait- terrible Campaign for Peace in the Middle East at ON WASHINGTON'S MIDEAST WAR blows have been dealt to the oppressed and meetings February 23-24. exploited peoples of the region. The March 1-3 Chicago gathering was U.S. Hands Off the Mideast! Cuba Speaks Out at the United Nations, also For the U.S. rulers this final stage is the sponsored by the National Network of Cam­ available in Spanish, is now in its third printing. It is an irreplaceable tool in most difficult one in their seven-month as­ puses Against the War and involved many the fight against the U.S.-Ied war against Iraq. An introduction by Mary-Alice sault. Through it they seek to inflict greater student activists from colleges in the Mid­ Waters outlines the stakes for working people in the imperialist war. The book blows on the Iraqi people, the Palestinian west. Students from as far away as California, contains a useful chronology of the U.S.-Ied war preparations since early people, and other oppressed peoples in the New York, and North Dakota also attended. August and 10 UN resolutions adopted on the Gulf crisis. Mideast. But the imperialists will break their Students from more than a dozen high Featured in the book are statements by Cuban Amba!:\sador to the UN teeth in the attempt to achieve their goals. schools also participated. Ricardo Alarc6n and President Fidel Castro that rebut the pretexts and With full backing from London, Washing­ The meeting began some 48 hours after arguments used by Washington to justify its unilateral acts of aggression. ton has announced it will keep its occupation U.S.-led forces slaughtered retreating Iraqi Unionists, Gls, veterans, reservists, and other workers involved in struggles forces in southern Iraq, continue the block- forces, occupied the south of Iraq, and U.S. against the employers' offensive at home can use the facts and arguments it contains to arm themselves and help convince others to join in campaigning against the slaughter taking place by the same employers, through their U.S. forces control southern Iraq government, in the Mideast. Help distribute this book by getting extra copies to sell to coworkers and others. Use the special discounts for bulk orders. after slaughter of retreating troops $9.95 each. Bundles of 5 or more prepaid, 33% off ($6.50 each). Bundles of 10 or more prepaid, 50% off ($5 each). Shipping charges: $2 for 1-4 books; BY SETH GALINSKY have Saddam Hussein still there, the man that $3 for 5-9 books; $5 for 10 or more. U.S. and British military forces now oc­ wreaked havoc upon his neighbors." cupy a large swath of southern Iraq. A tem­ "I still have a little bit of an unfinished r------, porary halt to the invasion offensive opera­ agenda," Bush added. NAME ______tions was declared by U.S. President George Washington is demanding that the Iraqi Bush after ordering a brutal four-day slaugh­ government release all prisoners of war and ADDRESS ______ter of tens of thousands of retreating Iraqi Kuwaiti prisoners,·renounce the annexation soldiers. The imperialists are continuing their of Kuwait, and pay reparations to the Kuwaiti CITY ______STATE _____ ZIP ______drive to set up a subservient regime in Bagh­ government. dad. In addition the U.S. president has threat­ Please send: copies of U.S. Hands Off Mter the defeat of Germany in World War ened to prosecute Iraqi President Saddam the Mideast! __ copies of iEE.UU. fuera del Hussein and Iraqi soldiers. "Nobody can be II, tfie United States and its allies imposed Oriente ·Medial Enclosed is $ for the occupation governments on the German peo­ absolved from the responsibilities under in­ ple. "There was a definitive end to that con­ ternational law on the war-crimes aspect," book(s) plus$ shipping, total$ ___. flict," Bush said in a March 1 press confer­ Bush stated. Mail to: Pathfinder, 410 West St., New Vorl<, N.Y. 10014. Ou1Side 1he United States contact Pathfinder bookstores listed on page 12. ence. British officials agree with the U.S. ap­ ______j But in the case of Iraq, he continued, "We Continued on Page 9 BY JOHN CHARBONNET ical center. Many speakers at the February Robinson Run Mine in Harrison County, January, the brigade was moved to Fort MORGANTOWN, West Virginia­ 21 antiwar protest demanded that money West Virgina, Fraenzl and McBride found Hood. The 256th brigade is one of three Clare Fraenzl and Dick McBride, Socialist spent on the war be used instead to maintain that a number of miners were interested in "round out" brigades that under Pentagon Workers Party candidates for Morgantowp funding for the medical center. discussing the war. plans would be deployed along with active City Council, have centered their campaign In a campaign statement passed out at the One miner, a Vietnam veteran, told Fraenzl army divisions in Saudi Arabia. on getting out the truth about Washington's protest, the socialist candidates explained he supported the war, but urged the socialists According to the February 7 Houston Post, war against Iraq and building opposition to that "along with the war, new attacks are to "keep fighting for what you believe in," the guardsmen complained they had been the U.S. aggression. being prepared on wages, working condi­ adding that "you people are right about most fqrced to undergo unreasonable training. In Clare Fraenzl is an underground coal tions, social services, health, and education," things." addition, the soldiers raised they were not miner and member of the United Mine Work­ as well as "increasing attacks on democratic getting enough food, pointed to inadequate ers of An'lC!rica Local 6159 in southwestern rights." BYJUDYSTRANAHAN medical care, and said they were not allowed Pennsylvania. Dick McBride is a member of Fraenzl and McBride's statement also enough time off for church services. Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers urged those present to help "put a voice of In a letter to the base commanding officer at Fort Hood, Texas, Mary Selvas, Socialist . Sgt. Victor Giglio explained that he was Union Local 347 at Morgan Shirt in Mor­ opposition to U.S. imperialist war" on the expected to know things that in the regular · Workers Party candidate for mayor of Hous­ gantown. ballot. Campaigners collected signatures on army would be the duties of someone with Their campaign has received significant nominating petitions. In order for Fraenzl and ton, expressed her solidarity with the recent protests of guardsmen stationed at the base. at least nine years' experience. "Me, I'm just television and radio time. The Dominion Post McBride to be on the ballot, the candidates a 20-year-old sergeant who's a tank com­ "The Socialist Workers Party defends the and the main local television station covered and their supporters need to collect 250 sig­ mander," Giglio said. "If we go on a training rights of Gls in the service to express their the press CO!J.ference where Fraenzl and Mc­ natures. mission and we mess up, it's like we failed. opinions, read what they choose, and partic­ Bride announced their candidacies. After the protest, the two candidates spoke This is supposed to be training." ipate in organized political activities," Selvas The candidates actively built and partici­ at a Young Socialist Alliance -sponsored re­ In response to the protest, Gen. Colin explained. pated in the February 21 student antiwar ception attended by 30 people. McBride con­ Powell, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of protest held in Morgantown. The action drew demned the U.S.-led war as an "imperialist More than 130 soldiers, members of the Staff, told the House Armed Services that the 250 people and was part of an international war of conquest." Louisiana National Guard, left the Fort Hood three brigades have "fine soldiers" but they day of student protests. In addition to helping build the February base on February 5 to protest the conditions need "tough training for what could be a very, Two days prior to the demonstration, hun­ 21 protest among students, the socialist can­ they faced. Most or all had returned by Feb­ very difficult environment." dreds of students at West Virginia University didates and their supporters also campaigned ruary 8. Capt. Richard McMahon, a judge advo­ in Morgantown walked out of classes to at mine portals, distributing literature to coal As part of Washington's war moves, the cate at the Barksdale, Louisiana, air force protest proposed cuts in funding and services miners. guardsmen, members of the 256th Infantry base, indicated that the soldiers could face at the university's medical school and med- At the entrance to Consolidated Coal's Brigade, were called up in December. In penalties. "If they were engaged in a movement and they failed to show up for that, it's desertion," Captain McMahon said and explained the Northeast 'farmers' backs are to the wall' penalties for desertion in time of war can ·BY JAY RESSLER next three to five years. range up to the death penalty. "If they just MONTPELIER, Vermont - Seventy A major theme of the conference was the left and they didn't have .the intent to desert, farmers and political activists participated in imp~t of biotechnology on dairy farmers. it's AWOL [absent without leave]," Mc­ a conference here February 8-9 on "Reaping Bovine growth hormones (BGH) are pres­ Mahon said that the penalty could include What We Sow: A Regional Conference on ently under review by the Federal Drug Ad­ prison time. · Biotechnology, Food Safety, BGH and the ministration. When injected into cows, BGH "Everyone who left knew that [penalties] Future of Farming in the Northeast." is said to increase milk production by 25 were a possibility. We were willing to risk The conference was hosted by Rural Ver­ percent. that to get some time off. We were just that mont and cosponsored by the National Farm­ Some conference participants argued this desperate," said Sgt. Thomas Baker of Pine ers Union, National Farmers Organization, would accelerate overproduction of milk and Bluff, Arkansas. National Family Farm Coalition, Women In­ lead to more farm failures. One farmer said, Responding to the military's threat to pun­ volved in Farm Economics, and other area however, that he would use BGH because "I ish the soldiers, Mary Selvas demanded the farmer organizations. need every drop of milk I can get." "soldiers be treated humanely, that they not Tim Atwater of Rural Vermont opened Members of the New York Farmers Union be penalized for their actions, and that a the conference by explaining that working and Empire State Farm Alliance reported that serious investigation be held to address their farmers are struggling to survive. Prices farmers are meeting county-by-county to dis­ grievances." for farm goods "are too low and farmers' cuss the crisis they face. Several felt protests Selvas and her campaign supporters have backs are to the wall," he said. "Unless were needed to highlight the plight of fanners widely distributed the statement at recent something changes soon there will be a in the area. · protest actions against the Mideast war. "At mass exodus" of working farmers from a rally on February 16," Selvas reports, "a their farms, he warned. number of individuals took the campaign There has been a 23 percent drop since BY MAUREEN McDOUGALL MARTIN statement and were glad to see someone last August in the price New England dairy DENVER - Fanners and ranchers from responding to the Gls complaints." She said farmers receive for a gallon of milk­ across Colorado traveled to the capital here Farmer Loren Felzin said that farmers "all the Veterans for Peace took several copies of from $1.30 to $1. Cost of production February 20 to protest the crisis facing work­ over the nation are in desperate trouble." the statement and put them on their literature stands at $1.21 per gallon. Milk production ing farmers. table. "We gave out copies of the statements at has climbed by 6 percent, putting addi­ They sold loaves of bread for a nickle kind of depressing, but it's a message we've apiece to show how much they receive for the Army Reserve center in Houston," Selvas tional downward pressure on prices paid just got to get across: farmers in Colorado and the wheat in each loaf. Other products and said and explained the statement was also to farmers. all over the nation are in desperate trouble." Participants in the conference said the the prices farmers receive for them were also distributed outside anumber of factory en­ decline is in part a result of the 1990 Farm on display: a bag of potato chips for two "It is a crisis time for many farmers," said trances to people going to work. Bill. Dave Carter, national secretary of the cents, a box of com flakes for twelve cents, John Stencel, president of the Rocky Moun­ "Reactions were mixed," the candidate National Farmers Union, quoted U.S. gov­ and a can of pinto beans for three cents. tain Farmers Union, noting a big drop in cash said. "Some obviously took the statement ernment sources who predicted ruination of Loren Felzin drove to the protest from her receipts for farm products in the state this to read without agreeing with it at the large numbers of working farmers over the cattle ranch. The 72-year-old farmer said, "It's year. outset."

The Militant Closing news date: March 4, 1991 Editor: GREG McCARTAN Circulation Director:RONI McCANN Business Manager: DOUG JENNESS Editorial Staff: Seth Galinsky, James Harris, Cindy Jaquith, Roni McCann, Selva Nebbia, Janet Post, Judy Stranahan, Peter Thierjung. Published weekly except the last two weeks of December by the Militant (ISSN 0026-3885), 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. Telephone: (212) 243-6392; Fax 727-0150; ;;;,uu;:~~•w• be or renew today so you won't T~lex, 497-4278. miss a single issue! Correspondence concerning subscriptions or changes of address should be addressed to The Militant Business News and analysis on the war against the people of Iraq Office, 410 West St., New York, N.¥.10014. by Washington and its imperialist allies • Coverage of Second-class postage paid at New York, N.Y., and at addi­ working-class resistance to the employers' war against tional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address workers and farmers at home •Reports on protests changes to the Militant, 410 West St., J'llew York, N.Y. 10014. Subscriptions: U.S., Latin America: for one-year subscrip­ 0 $27 for 6 months 0 $45 for a year against the Mideast war in the United States and tion send $45, drawn on a U.S. bank, to above address. By 0 $15 12-week renewal 0 $1 0 introductory 12 weeks throughout the world • News on the struggles of wor1

2 The Militant March 15, 1991 Curtis case Wins :tl'ew support during UN meeting in Geneva

BY JOYCE FAIR CHILD delegations he thought would be espe­ of the Mark Curtis Defense Committee. GENEVA- An international delegation cially interested in the case. Jean-Jacques Kirkyacharian was the head of supporters of Mark Curtis brought his fight The delegates of Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, and of the delegation of the Movement Against for justice to the annual meeting here of the Mauritania also met with defense leaders and Racism and for Friendship Among People United Nations Commission on Human extended their support to the committee's (Mrap ). Mrap, which is headquartered in Rights. Curtis is a union and political activist effort to publicize the case. One delegate France, sent a message last November urging from Des Moines, Iowa, framed on false made a $200 financial contribution to the the Iowa parole board to grant Curtis his criminal charges of rape and burglary for his defense committee. freedom. efforts to strengthen his union and defend Many other governments, as well as Kirkyacharian told Kaku and Studer that immigrant coworkers. He is in the third year human rights groups in attendance, were since the outbreak of the U.S-led war against of a 25-year sentence. interested in the situation in the United States Iraq, his organization has been inundated with "We've found that human rights activists because of reports of attacks on political calls from Arabs in FranGe who have been around the world increasingly see the fight rights being carried out in the name of the victims of racist attacks. He told them that for justice for Mark Curtis as among the most war effort. Mrap decided to support the Curtis defense important and prominent campaigns in the Amnesty International released a special committee. He also said that the group would United States," said John Studer, coordinator report during the session entitled "Human be honored to help sponsor Curtis defense of the Mark Curtis Defense Committee and Rights in the Shadow of War," which pointed delegates to speak at future UN sessions. a participant in the delegation to the three­ out that "States must not be permitted to Elias Khoury represented the Union of week long meeting. condone by their selective silence the human Arab Jurists, a human rights organization of "Curtis' fight has also attracted special rights violations committed by their allies lawyers with more than 200,000 members in attention because of the U.S. war in the and to condemn violations by others for 17 countries. Before the Commission he con­ Militant/Joyce Fairchild Ar~b-Persian Gulf, which has created greater propaganda purposes. When that happens, demned the brutal U.S. attacks against the interest in the status of human rights inside the shadow of war is cast far beyond the peoples of Iraq and Kuwait. He endorsed the Cuban delegate Miguel Alfonso Marti­ the United States," Studer said. battlefield, and in distant lands the jailers, defense committee and asked for additional nez speaking before UN human rights Curtis' supporters have been campaign­ torturers and killers sense the slackening of material to use in future presentations. meeting in Geneva. ing over the last year to bring the fight for international concern for human rights." Kawaipuna Prejean, a native activist from his freedom to the attention of the UN The report details victimizations against Hawaii and delegate of the International In­ body, and to the governments and non­ antiwar activists in Egypt, Turkey, the United dian Treaty Council, who made a powerful tional League for the Rights and Liberation governmental human rights groups that States, Britain, and territories occupied by presentation to the Commission on the fight of Peoples; Miho Yamanaka, secretary of the attend its meetings. · Israel. for justice for Leonard Peltier, also endorsed International Movement Against All Forms Many groups accredited to appear before "Each of these cases is a matter of concern the defense committee. of Discrimination and Racism, based in the UN Commission have called for action to Amnesty International, but taken together Japan; and Renee Bridel; delegate of the on Curtis' behalf. Last August, Kate Kaku, they give rise to great disquiet," the report Other support won International Association of Democratic Curtis' wife and a leader of the defense concludes. "The fear is that such measures Studer met with Maria Alexiu, president Lawyers. campaign, made a formal presentation before will be tolerated and eventually become sys­ of Fedefam, the Federation of Associations Many human rights leaders at the meeting the commission's Sub-Commission on Pro­ tematic for as long as the war and its aftermath of Relatives of the Disappeared and Detain­ were impressed with international labor in­ tection of Minorities and Prevention of Dis­ persist. We must prevent this happening." ees. The organization has affiliates through­ volvement in the defense campaign, includ­ crimination, asking that the UN protest her out South and Central America. Other mem­ ing the endorsement of the National Union husband's victimization as a violation of Meetings with UN delegates bers of the delegation, including leaders of of Mineworkers of South Africa and a state­ basic human rights. Defense committee 1eaders met with del­ the Human Rights Commission of El Salva­ ment made before the commission by the Over the last year, representatives of the egates from 10 African countries. Their first dor (non-governmental}, Co-Madres, and the World Federation of Trade Unions. World Federation of Trade Unions, the Amer­ meeting was with Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, the Office for the Defense of Human Rights and Human rights officer assigned to Curtis ican Association of Jurists, the International chief representative of Ghana, who was Legal Assistarice in El Salvador, sat in on the Indian Treaty Council, and the Latin America elected vice-chairman of the commission and meetings. On February 15 Kaku and Studer met with Peace and Justice Service have also raised who served as chairman of the African group Alexiu endorsed the Defense Committee Maria Francisca Ize-Charrin. Ize-Charrin is the case. at the session. Amoo-Gottfried said he had and worked with Studer to prepare an article the human rights officer assigned by UN Kaku and Studer led the Curtis effort at first heard of Curtis at a UN Conference on to go into the next issue of the Fedefam Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar to the Commission. The delegation included crime and the treatment of prisoners, held in bulletin, distributed to all the members of the follow Curtis' case at the UN Centre for supporters from Canada, France, Britain and Cuba last September. Kaku and Studer at­ associations. It asks members to support the Human Rights:· Sweden. Studer and Kaku were delegated to tended the event. Amoo-Gottfried ·said he defense effort and to write to the Iowa Parole Under UN procedures, Ize-Charrin has the meeting by the Indigenous World Asso­ also had been urged by political contacts in Board urging that Curtis be freed. already circulated two confidential .reports ciation, a UN accredited non-governmental the United States to support the case. He Many other NGO leaders met with defense on abuses of Curtis' human rights to members organization. pledged to bring the case to the attention of committee supporters to learn about the case, of the commission, along with a request for other delegates from Africa and intrOduced a response from the U.S. government. Cuban presents Curtis tight including Adib AI Jadir, president of the Arab the defense advocates to a number of them. Organization for Human Rights; Andre The defense committee leaders reported Miguel Alfonso Martinez, representing the A delegate from Kenya was particularly Jacques, representing Christian Action for to Ize-Charrin that Curtis has faced.harass­ government of Cuba, took the floor to address impressed with the fact that Curtis' rights had the Abolition of Torture; Adolfo Perez Es­ ment from prison authorities because of his the issue of human rights in the United States been violated because of his efforts to quivel, a Nobel Prize winner from Argentina outspoken opposition to the U.S.-led war in under the commission's debate on agenda strengthen his union. He gave defense dele­ and head of the delegation of the Intema- Continued on Page 12 item 10: "The question of the human rights gation members the names and addresses of of all persons subjected to any form of de­ the leaders of the Central Organization of tention or imprisonment." Trade Unions in Ghana to contact and in­ "For a long time, the commission has been volve in the defense campaign. COMING SOON!--- preoccupied, legitimately, with the frequent Curtis supporters also met with delegates occurrence of reprisals that occur in many from Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Libya, Gambia, trom Pathfinder: countries against groups or individuals that Madagascar, Ethiopia, Algeria, and Senegal. fight for their rights," Martinez stated. The representative of the Democratic The Eastern Airlines Strike "Particularly relevant in this sense have People's Republic of Korea urged Kaku to been the actions that have taken place over keep fighting for Curtis' earliest possible Accomplishments of many years in the United States against fight­ release. the rank-and-file Machinists and ers for human rights and basic freedoms; Meetings were also held with representa­ especially against the indigenous peoples or tives from the governments of Colpmbia, gains for the labor movement the ethnic minorities such as Blacks or those Australia, France,, and Denmark. Two dozen of Latin American origin. other governmental delegations took packets By Ernie Mailhot, Judy Stranahan, and Jack Barnes "The criminal justice system and the judi­ of information on the case for review. cial process in the U.S. have repeatedly The story qf the strike against Eastern served as instruments to present many polit­ Human rights leaders support Curtis Airlines by members of the International ical activists, before internal and interna­ Defense committee leaders also met with Association of Machinists union: the tional public opinion, as common criminals, dozens of representatives from human rights and to condemn them to long sentences be­ organizations credentialed to attend the ses­ battle that brought down the notorious hind bars," he continued. sion by UN-recognized non-governmental union-buster Frank Lorenzo. Included is an "Leonard Peltier, Geronimo Pratt, Mark organizations (NGOs ). introduction by rank-and-file strike leader Curtis, Alejandrina Torres and Filiberto Some were already supporters of the de­ Ernie Mailhot that describes the vi~tories Ojeda are some of the most well-known fense committee, including Ram6n Custooio won over the course of the strike and the examples of this type," he concluded. L6pez, chair of the Human Rights Commis­ sion of Honduras; Robin Gibson, of the accomplishments for labor. The narrative U.S. war and attacks on rights World Council of Churches; Antonio Gon­ by Judy Stranahan closely follows the Curtis supporters met with delegations zalez G6mez, head of the International Indian fight from the beginning to its conclusion from 25 countries over the three weeks, ex­ Treaty Council delegation; and Juan Le6n 22 months later. Also contains an article plaining his fight and appealing for support. Alvarado, a Guatemalan human rights activ­ by Socialist Workers Party leader Jack The delegation members found special ist credentialed by the International Associ­ interest in reports of violations of human ation Against Torture. Barnes on the state of the labor rights in the United States from delegates of Kaku and Studer also met with dozens of movement as workers enter the 1990s. Arab countries and nations with large Islamic NGO leaders who were not yet involved in 96 pp., photos. $8.95 populations. the fight. Nelsa Curbelo, the General Coor­ Studer and Kaku met with the delega­ dinator of Latin America Peace and Justice tion from the Islamic Republic oflran. Kia Service, led that group's delegation to the Available soon from the Pathfinder bookstore near­ Tabatabaee, the Iranian ambassador to the Commission. Curbelo, from Ecuador, is a est you or from Pathfinder. 410 West St.. New York. UN, told them that his delegation would leading human rights figure in Central and N.Y. 10014. Please add $1 per book for shipping and support their efforts to advance the fight South America. After hearing about the Cur­ handling. for Curtis. He introduced them to other tis fight, Curbelo signed on as an endorser March 15, 1991 The Militant 3 Marxist magazine will be timely in debate on war

BY CINDY JAQUITH entitled "The Opening Guns of ers, especially those who have al­ The new stage of Washington's World War III: Washington's As­ ready purchased the International war drive in the Mideast makes sault on Iraq," and related material Socialist Review supplement to the SCOREBOARD more timely the upcoming issues on the communist antiwar policy. Militant on the "Working-class of the Marxist magazine New In- New International No. 8 will campaign against imperialist war Area Goal drive." Many of these same forces Atlanta $2,200 will be deeply interested in the Austin, Minn. 750 communist course that Guevara Baltimore 900 NEW INTERNATIONAL FUND championed and fought for in Cuba Birmingham, Ala. 1,750 and its importance for understand­ Boston 1,500 ing what is happening in the Soviet Union today, as well as the collapse Charleston, W.Va. 1,400 of the Stalinist parties and regimes Chicago 2,600 I · in Eastern Europe. Cleveland 1,600 > Des Moines, Iowa 1,000 The $75,000 fund drive will help Collected: Goal: Detroit 2,100 $1,455 $75,000 defray the costs of producing New International Nos. 7 and 8, plus Greensboro, N.C. 750 issue No. 9, scheduled for publica­ Houston 1,500 ternational and the $75,000 fund feature articles by and about tion later this year, which will carry Los Angeles 6,000 drive that accompanies them. Emesto Che Guevara and his con­ the political resolutions adopted at Miami 1,200 With allied troops occupying the tribution to the Cuban revolution the 1988 and 1990 conventions of Morgantown, W.Va. 1,250 southern portion of Iraq, as the im­ and Marxist continuity. In addition the Socialist Workers Party. Money perialists seek a way to impose a to material by Guevara not avail­ raised will also finance the publi­ New York 7,000 regime in Iraq they can control, able in English, the magazine will cation of parallel issues of Nueva Newark, N.J. 3,800 discussion and debate over Wash­ include contributions by Carlos lnternacional, the Spanish-lan­ Omaha, Neb. 750 ington's goals and the consequen­ Rafael Rodriguez, vice-president guage sister magazine, and Nou­ Philadelphia 2,000 ces for the oppressed and exploited of Cuba; Carlos Tablada, Cuban velle lnternationale, the magazine Phoenix 750 take on added importance. economist and author; Steve Clark, in French. At the center of the working­ managing editor of New Interna­ Pittsburgh 1,900 class campaign against imperial­ tional; and Mary-Alice Waters. The scoreboard at the right Price, Utah 600 ism and war is the communist lit­ The young people who stepped shows the tentative fund goals that St. Louis 2,000 erature that antiwar fighters need forward in recent weeks to organize supporters of New International Salt Lake City, Utah 1,700 to effectively counter the propa­ protests against Washington's have adopted in eight countries. San Francisco 3;500 ganda designed to disorient and slaughter of the Iraqi people are The drive lasts until May 1. Thus far, $72,300 has been pledged and Seattle 2,250 derail opposition to Washington's among those who will be most Twin Cities, Minn. 1,750 war aims. open to the Marxist explanation of $1,455 collected. Washington, D.C. 1,250 Two issues of New Interna­ the class forces at work in the Mid­ Supporters of New International TOTAL U.S. GOALS tional, instead of one as previously east today contained in New Inter­ will integrate circulation of issues $55,750 planned, will now be off the press national No. 7. A thirst for deeper Nos. 7 and 8 with soliciting contri­ Australia 500 in the corning weeks, reports editor understanding of the roots of im­ butions to the fund. The number of Mary-Alice Waters. "There was perialism was noticeable during the Britain 6,500 young people, coworkers, farmers Canada 4,250 just too much good material," Wa­ activities students carried out Feb­ and farm workers who help raise France 1,000 ters noted. "We couldn't get it all ruary 21 , a day of international the $75,000 will be an important Iceland into one issue, so we've decided to antiwar actions .. Campus teach-ins measure of the success of this effort. 300 bring out two." were among the most heavily at­ New Zealand 3,000 New International No. 7 will be tended events of the day. To send your contribution, write Sweden 1,000 devoted completely to the war, fea­ Supporters will take the maga­ New International Fund, 410 West TOTAL OVERALL GOALS $72,300 turing an article by Jack Barnes zine to workers and working farm- St., New York, N.Y. 10014. Cuba, Soviet Union set terms for bilateral trade BY RONI McCANN Granma, the newspaper of the Communist with details to be subsequently worked Soviet Union from rubles into U.S. dollars. The governments of Cuba and the Soviet Party of Cuba. out. The trade accords come at a time of Union recently set terms for bilateral trade Unlike previous accords the agreement is Cabrisas headed the Cuban delegation at increased hardships for the Cuban people covering basic products between the two for one year imd is based almost entirely on · the talks which took place in Moscow and due to shortages of goods and faltering countries. world market prices. lasted ten days. On January 19 Soviet Am­ deliveries of products from the Soviet Cuban Foreign Trade Minister Ricardo Talks between the two countries . on bassador to Cuba Yuri Petrov announced that Union as well as Eastern European gov­ Cabrisas discussed the pact in an interview · 1991 trade began in May of last year. terms had been set. ernments. To help lessen the impact of the that appeared in the Eebruary 8 issue of Agreements were signed on December 29 Trade between the countries covers two shortages the Cuban government has taken major blocks of products: basic items such a series of steps over the past several as oil, grain, sugar, citrus fruit, and nickel months including increased rationing of Join the campaign whose exchange will be centralized between basic food items and other goods, a reduc­ the two governments; and other products tion in the printing of newspapers, and such as machinery, which will be traded energy conservation measures. to get out the truth. directly between enterprises. Until now the Foreign trade minister Cabrisas said that Cuban government carried out trade with 62 while the implementation of the agree­ Order your bundle of 'International Socialist Review' Soviet institutions. It will now deal with some ments will be the best evaluation of their Join Militant readers and opponents of the U.S.-Ied war against Iraq in 25,000. impact on the Cuban ecomony, "we can't campaigning against the imperialist assault by helping distribute the Cabrisas explained that trade cooperation yield in our drive for greater productivity International Socialist Review. Since December nearly 10,000 copies of the accords have previously been negotiated on and rationality, aimed at doing more with special supplement have been ordered: by Militant supporters who have taken a five-year basis. The current pact, he said, · less." goals to get it out widely among unionists, farmers, Gls, and students; and by "will be transitional for 1991 and it will be readers who have sent in coupons for bundles to sell in their areas. determined later if they should be extended for a longer period of time." The supplement contains two articles by Socialist Workers Party leader Jack A pamphlet on Barnes, "Working-class campaign against the imperialist war drive: Fighting the In addition, Cabrisas said, "The Soviet employers' offensive at home and abroad" and "War and the communist side insisted constantly that [the prices of goods] should be based on world market meat-packers' movement." prices while we had the view that in the Barnes outlines the stakes for working people in the war in the Mideast, the case of certain products such as sugar, the struggle fight being waged by Cuba against this war, the changes in the U.S. working so-called world market price does not re­ class that make it possible to carry out an effective campaign to mobilize ally reflect the conditions in which the The 1985-86 unionists and other working people against imperialist war, and the prospects product is traded." Harmel Meat-Pack­ for building the communist movement today. The terms decided on are all based on ers' Strike in Aus­ Bundles of the supplement may be International international market prices. A preferential tin, Minnesota ordered for $1 each for 10 or more, a 33 Socialist rate for sugar was maintained which is less presents the facts percent discount. Single copies are $1.50 Review____ _, -==.,--,_,-= --""·· than the price Cubans received in 1990, but about the Geo. A. each. Shipping is included. Just send in the Working-class campaign more than the world market price. Hoirnel & Co.'s coupon below. against imperialist war Traditional trade arrangements will re­ union-busting at­ main in effect until March 31, 1991. After tack on the work­ ers at its Austin that the payment can only be made in U.S. ------Name ______plant, and about dollars, according to Acan-EFE news agency how the Hormel in Spain. Address ______~------workers fought Details of the final agreement provis­ back and won support from unionists City _____ State __ Zip ____ ions published by Acan-EFE include the and farmers across the country. shipment of 8 million tons of crude oil and Every unionist facing takeback de­ Phone ------­ 2 million tons of petroleum-based prod­ mands and other attacks will want to Please send copies of the special ucts to Cuba in exchange for 4 million tons read this story. 44 pp. $2.50. antiwar supplement. Enclosed is$ ____ of sugar. This means that for every ton of sugar, Cuba will receive 2.5 tons of oil. In Available from Pathfinder bookstores past years the rate was one ton of sugar listed on page 12, or by mail from Path­ Mail to: the Militant, 410 West St., New York, for 3.8 tons of oil. finder, 410 West St., New York, N.Y. N.Y. 10014. Cuba also agreed to pay 10 percent of 10014. Please add $1 for handling. transportation costs and convert its debt to the 4 The Militant March 15, 1991 WORLD CAMPAIGN·Tt;)~ELL sPeciAliST PRESS ... TO ~ UNIONI$Ts r~ NEWS F .•... BRIEFS 1,313 supplements sold, goal topped! U.S. Senate committee quashes Puerto Rico referendum bill BY RONI McCANN Members of 10 industrial unions cam­ AU .S. Senate committee killed legislation paigning to widely distribute the socialist SCOREBOARD February 27 that would have led to a refer­ press to fellow unionists went over the top endum in Puerto Rico on whether the colony this week in their goal to sell 1,288 copies Union Total . Mili"n( Mideast Book ISR should be independent or become the 51st of the International Socialist Review supple­ %Sold Sold (Goal) Sold (Goal) Sold (Goal) U.S. state. The Caribbean island has been a ment. IUE** 98% 10 (23) .37 (41) 105 (91) U.S. colony for 93 years. Results of this week's sales brought the UAW 94% 18 (75) 49 (75) 167 (100) During committee hearings, senators chal­ total supplements sold to 1,313- 102 per­ lenged the referendum proposal asserting that cent ofthe unionists' target. ILGWU** 93% 13 (22) 29 (45) 89 (74) if Puerto Ricans opted for statehood, the U.S. Next week the Militant will print the final government would have to extend welfare scoreboard of the sales drive. Many more UMWA 75% 5 (22) 16 (28) 50 (45) benefits to a majority of the island's residents. subscriptions, copies of the Pathfinder book They also claimed that Puerto Ricans may U.S. Hands Off the Mideast! Cuba Speaks UTU 73% 21 (77) 59 (105) 145 (127) not be ready to fully become a part of the Out at the United Nations, and International lAM** 67% 52 (170) 83 (170) 293 (300) United States because of their language, cul­ Socialist Reviews can be sold over the next ture, and traditions. several days as Washington continues its war UFCW 65% 38 (85) 28 (70) 142 (163) The racist assertions forced some senators drive against Iraq and facts come out about to take their distance from the committee's the brutal allied invasion of that country. USWA 61% 16 (90) 27 (77) 164 (171) proceedings. "We saw the most shameful United Food and Commercial Workers display of negativism I have yet to encounter (UFCW) member Joanne Murphy, who ACTWU 60% 11 (38) 18 (41) 59 (67) in 15 years in the Senate," said New York works at Thorn Apple Valley meat-packing OCAW 59% 13 (50) 64 (100) 99 (150) Senator Daniel Moynihan. plant in Detroit, reported: ''Two coworkers bought subscriptions to the paper after the N. Korean army on combat alert ground fighting stopped, based on discus­ Total 71% 197 (652) 410 (752) 1313(1288) as U.S. military exercises begin sions we had about the incredible devastation the Iraqi people are facing." Murphy's co­ Should be 100% 652 752 1288 The supreme command of the North Ko­ workers are convinced they should follow rean army has ordered its troops to take up the Militant's continued coverage of the on­ Unions listed are ACTWU, Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union; lAM, International Association of Machinists; ILGWU, International Ladies' Gar­ "combat mobilization" positions. The action going crisis in the Middle East. UFCW mem­ ment Workers' Union; IUE, International Union of Electronic Workers; OCAW, came February 26 as joint military exercises bers in Detroit also sold 10 International Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers; UAW, United Auto Workers; UFCW, United between the United States and South Korea, Socialist Reviews this week. Food and Commercial Workers; UMWA, United Mine Workers of America; USWA, called "Team Spirit" were launched. United Steelworkers of America; and UTU, United Transportation Union. • Also includes subscriptions to Perspectiva Mundia/ and L' intemationaliste. "This is a legitimate self-defensive step to Achievements of the Week **Raised goal cope with the new war provocation moves Members of the United Steelworkers of of the United States and the South Korean America (USWA) are closing in on their puppets," a communique from the North International Socialist Review goal. David father had while training for World War II: Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) Korean command said. Marshall from Cleveland sent this report "They showed him a movie of Nazi troops members in the Los Angeles area. At K-Mart The Team Spirit exercises involve some about discussions and sales he's had at a coke coming into a house and dragging the parents Apparel's West Coast Distribution Center in 45,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. plant that is part of LTV Steel Co.'s Cleveland away in front of the children," the worker nearby Carson, where I work, the lunch table The government in the North, the Democratic Works, one of the biggest steel mills in the said. "So my daddy said, 'Well, if that's what discussions over the past months have cov­ People's Republic of Korea, has called the country: this thing is about, just give me a gun and ered every aspect of the war. exercises "a test nuclear war targeted against "Since the war began, a dozen or so steel­ send me back to Alabama, because we've "One day a coworker from Mexico started the northern half of Korea." workers have bought copies of the Militant, got that problem at home.' " reading aloud from the book U.S. Hands Off which earned a reputation for its accurate Marshall says most workers have been the Mideast! Cuba Speaks Out at the United reporting on the Eastern Airlines strike, coal Moscow announces opening of wearing some sign of support for the war on Nations in Spanish. Another worker quieted battles, and the freedom struggle in South interest section in S. Africa their hardhats or work clothes. people down so she could hear," says Fatland. Africa. Two have recently subscribed and 10 "You don't see me wearing one of those "A union representative who had bought The Soviet Foreign Ministry announced picked up copies of the supplement. ribbons," said a Black woman. ''They're just the book said he hasn't finished his copy February 26 that the Soviet and South African "As one LTV worker said as he flipped using those ribbons to get you to support the because his brother-in-law borrowed it. 'He governments have agreed to open "interest through a recent issue, 'This paper tells you war." agrees with us on the war,' the union repre­ sections" in each others countries. The So­ what's really going on in this war. The other sentative said." papers just tell you what the government viet Union broke diplomatic relations with Just OtT the Fax ILGWU members in Los Angeles have the South African government in 1955 and wants you to hear, like they're not killing sold five Militant and Perspectiva Mundial had backed sanctions against the apartheid civilians."' Barry Fatland from Los Angeles writes: subscriptions, 11 copies of the U.S. Hands regime. Another steelworker, who is Black, op­ "The working-class campaign against the Off the Mideast! book, and 21 copies of the Moscow backed off its commitment to poses the war. He recalled an experience his war has gone well among International International Socialist Review. . sanctions when it signed a deal recently to sell its diamond exports for the next five years through De Beers, a South African company that dominates the international diamond Out of recent struggles for self-determination trade. De Beers has agreed to advance $1 billion in hard currency against future sales to the Soviet government. many Mohawks in Canada read the 'Militant' Vitaly Churkin, a foreign ministry spokes­ man, said the opening of the interest sections BY ROGER ANNIS port workers. They also found a high rate of and a similar number of Kahnawake youth was a step toward full diplomatic relations MONTREAL- Over the past four unemployment in the communities. are also enlisted. and "will enable us to make a more active months a significant number of Mohawk Since the dramatic confrontation last sum­ There has been a lot of discussion "on the contribution to·a peaceful settlement in that individuals have begun reading the Militant mer with the federal and Quebec government open line at CKRK [Mohawk] radio," one country through interaction with participants and its sister publications on a regular basis. these working people have been. in the van­ resident told us. "Basically the message that's in the process." More than 35 residents of Kanesatake and guard of the fight by Native people across coming out is that this is not the time to be The African National Congress of South Kahnewake, the Mohawk communities near North America for sovereignty and self-de­ enlisting in the armed forces, that this war is Africa has steadfastly maintained that inter­ Montreal, have bought introductory sub­ termination. not right." national sanctions against the South African scriptions to the Militant. One subscription This fight continues. Scores of Mohawks At a Six Nations shopping area one woman outlaw regime are an important part of their to L' internationaliste has also been sold. and their supporters face criminal charges as wearing a yellow ribbon to signify support campaign to abolish apartheid. Ten introductory subscriptions to the Mil­ government authorities seek to victimize for Canadian and U.S. soldiers in the Persian itant were sold at the Six Nations reserve 75 Mohawk fighters with lengthy and costly Gulf approached two Militant supporters. "I Headline stories in the news miles west of Toronto. trials and imprisonment. don't like the war," she said, "but now that In addition, some 100 single copies of the No settlement of the land rights struggle the troops are there we have to support them." at Kanesatake that sparked last summer's • More than a 1,000 people in Thailand paper and several copies of L' international­ In Kanesatake a recent subscriber to the defied martial law and demonstrated against iste have been sold. confrontation is in sight as the federal gov­ Militant is a 19-year-old former U.S. Marine. ernment continues its stalling tactics. Federal the military government that took power in Most of these subscripti~ns and single He enlisted just weeks after the end of the and provincial cops continue their harass­ a coup February 23. Fifteen students were copies were sold during visits to the Mohawk struggle last summer, but changed his mind ment of Mohawks. arrested. · communities by supporters of the socialist in November as he saw the war approaching. publications. Mohawks who have bought the socialist The military suspended the constitution, "I'm not a Canadian or American," he said. So far, three people who bought introduc­ publications are attracted by their range of dissolved parliament, banned political meet­ "I'm Mohawk. And I'm not willing to die to tory subscriptions have decided to renew coverage of the struggles of working people. ings of five or more people, and imposed protect the oil companies. So I left." strict press censorship. their subscriptions for a longer period. Others One former member of the Machinists' Thomas Seale, the executive director of explained that they found the socialist weekly union at Montreal's Dorval airport who quit "They're doing the same thing to the the American Chamber of Commerce, called very informative but are unable to renew their his job during last summer's struggle fol­ [Iraqi] people that they are trying to do to the coup "a great leap forward to a better, subscriptions now because of the financial lowed the Eastern Airlines strike closely us," said another resident. Thai-style democracy." hardship imposed by last summer's police through the paper. Another stated, "I think it would be good • The French government sent 240 police and army occupation of their community. A former teacher decided to renew his if Iraq won this war. Then the U.S. and these and troops to quell a social rebellion on the subscription because of the series of articles other countries would have to stay at home isle of Reunion, east of Madagascar in the Ironworker union members that recently appeared on the fight for Native and stop sticking their noses into other Indian Ocean. Youth and poor people re­ Many of the people visited in the commu­ autonomy in NiCaragua. countries' business." volted when the government closed a popular nities are members of the ironworkers union One subscriber commented on Cuba's television station. and work on high-rise construction in New Discussions on Mideast war strong stand against the war. "I was really "I call on every citizen of Reunion to York and elsewhere in the United States, in The Middle East war is a subject of dis­ pleased to see a country stand up with some remember that violence never solves any­ Ontario, and throughout Quebec. cussion, concern, and differing viewpoints morals and take a strong position against this thing," the French overseas minister said as Salespeople spoke with carpenters, elec­ among Mohawks. Twenty residents of the war," he said. ''This is not a war to liberate he departed Paris with the troops. tricians, hospital workers, teachers, and air- Six Nations are enrolled in the U.S. military Kuwait. This is a war to liberate oil." March 15, 1991 The Militant s Students and youth protest Mideast war Twenty-five protesters climbed into simu­ lated body-bags, while others beat a drum Actions were held on 250 every 28 seconds to symbolize another bomb being dropped on Iraq. Nearby, a small group college and high school of prowar counter-demonstrators chanted campuses on February 21. "We want war." That night 60 people at­ tended an antiwar rally on campus. At Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, 75 BY PETER THIERJUNG people attended a speak-out on the war. A Students from high schools, colleges, and student from Afghanistan appealed to oppo­ universities in the Vancouver, British Colum­ nents of the war to defend the democratic bia, area marched through the city in an rights of youth from the Middle East now antiwar march February 21. "Our position is studying in the United States. A few days for immediate withdrawal of all troops from earlier a student from Pakistan had been the Gulf area," Jaimie McEvoy of the Cana­ attacked and beaten in Grinnell. dian Federation of Students told the 500 Two hundred and fifty attended a rally at protesters. Iowa State University in Ames. The rally At the march, James Williams, of the followed a march across campus. Students Lil'wat Indian people living north of Van­ at the Des Moines Area Community College couver, was greeted with cheers. "We know in Ankeny held a day-long forum on the war. how it feels to be at war," he said, "because Students at the University of Nebraska in our people have been at war." The Lil'wat Omaha organized a successful day of activ­ people, he explained, have been involved in ities, including a press conference, rally, a sharp conflict for the past year with the panel discussion, a citywide demonstration, British Columbia government and logging and an evening speak-out. companies over Indian territory. Supporters of the war turned out at some The demonstrators then marched through of the events to heckle speakers and disrupt downtown Vancouver, stopping at an armed the meetings. They failed in that objective forces recruitment center as well as the office Militant/Irene Sosa Marches, rallies, speaJ5.-outs, picket lines, and teach-ins were among the activities and were forced to debate antiwar activists. of the Canadian Security Intelligence Ser­ Prowar arguments were discussed and re­ vice. They ended up at city hall where activ­ organized for February 21. Above, students at Columbia University in New York participate in a teach-in on the war. futed at a panel discussion. Two reservists ists have held a "peace camp" vigil for several joined in t.he discussion. One said he had weeks, despite an effort by the mayor and "joined the reserves to defend my country." city council to have them removed. and a leader of the struggle for Black rights ence. "I was very much for sanctions and He went on to challenge those who joined "There's a war of terror going on against the reserves solely beomse of the benefits to Iraq," a Vietnam veteran told the rally. "But in the United States. think we had a legitimate right to impose them on Iraq,'~ he said. "give back every penny they received." don't forget about another war of terror - 'Money for education, not for war' Another reservist, Rodney Black, coun­ the one going on in the armed forces against Students at Columbia University organ­ One thousand students and youth wound ized a whole day of protest activities, includ­ tered that he joined the reserves because opponents of the war." "there were no jobs, I joined for economic Some 200 students attended a teach-in at their way through Manhattan streets in New ing film showings, a rally, and a teach-in. reasons, like most people." He pulled out a a "peace camp" at Toronto's provincial par­ York City February 21, chanting_ "Money for A debate took place at the rally site around education, not for war"; "Cease-fire no es­ a table set up by Students Mobilized Against military magazine which listed the states liament building. Seventy-five participated where most reservists in Saudi Arabia came in activities in Montreal. calation"; and "No blood for oil, bring the Saddam Hussein. The group displayed pro­ troops home." The citywide march rallied at war literature, sweatshirts, and U.S. flags. from. "Many of the units are from the south­ International day of actions three stops: the office ot Governor Mario "I just recently became a citizen, but I'm ern states where there's been an economic Cuomo, across from the Wall Street Stock very disappointed that this [war] is my first depression," he said. "They joined for the The student protests in Canada were part same reasons I did." of an international day of protests against the Exchange, and at city hali. experience with politics in this country," said A professor from India spoke on how some U.S.-Ied war in the Middle East. Students Highly visible throughout the crowd were Moe Chang, a student at Columbia. ''I'm people living in semicolonial ,countries and youths on more than 250 college and placards with the image of Malcolm X and from Taiwan which is very pro-U.S., but I'm viewed the war. He read a headline printed high school campuses in cities across the the words "Stop this racist war by. any means having doubts." in an Indian newspaper. "U.S. Army: the United States held marches, rallies, teach-ins, necessary." Other .signs and banners read "Love the .troops, hate the war, bring them Northern Calif.orqi~ protests ~ . ~ · ,. ~. _ . B!U"I:>ari~ of HulllVietnam War veteran, told the students. He eral dozen students from six different schools explained that Washington is making many participated. U.S.-led war drive against the "Bush says he wants a new world order Iraqi people. It covers antiwar promises to Gls, but "they're the same prom­ ises made to us and they're all lies." and the first thing he did was to get involved protests held around the world Com;lruyarnos ac.-d ont•s ant.ig ut~ r ra Andrew Pulley, a Vietnam War veteran in a war in the Middle East," said one student. during the February bombing dd 'J(~ t i t~ rtMflO y 6 d(~ abrii who spent two months in the stockade for Another student spoke out against the Bush and invasion of Iraq. organizing against that war, spoke at the administration's energy policies. A feature article by Eastern Subscriptions: teach-in and explained Washington's goals The students had an initial discussion on the striker Ernie Mailhot reviews Introductory offer: $6 for four in the Mideast. extent of prowar sentiment in their schools and months; $17 for one year. The rejection of the Soviet Union's peace steps they needed to take to get more students the victories scored in the Ma­ involved in antiwar protests. They set March 4 chinists 22-month battle against 0 Begin my sub with rurrent issue. proposals "proves that the real goal of U.S. policy has never been an Iraqi withdrawal for a high school organizing meeting. Eastern airlines. The carrier Name ______~~ ~------from Kuwait, but the overthrow of the Iraqi Youth leaders from New Zealand sent a closed its doors January 18. government and the installation of a subser­ letter of solidarity to the National Student and The issue also covers the most Address------,----- vient regime there,'; he said. Youth Campaign for Peace in the Middle East. "We condemn the New Zealand govern­ recent developments in the City /State/Zip ______Other speakers discussed the impact of the struggle to rid South Africa of U.S. bombing of Iraq and the destruction of ment's participation in this war and demand: Stop the bombing! Stop the war now!" the hated system of apartheid. Clip and mail to PM, 410 West St., New the.environment caused by the war. York, NY 10014. Signers of the message included Nick Cree Iowa campuses join in protests and Sylvia Craine, Methodist National Youth Students at Dnike University in Des Coordinators; James Nihiniho, National Moines, Iowa, held an afternoon "die-in." Continued on Page 7 6 The Militant March 15, 1991 Prosecutors admit false evidence used in frame-up and jailing of Birmingham Six

BY ANDY BUCHANAN adhesive tape, cigarette wrappings, and play­ years to keep the facts hidden. As the case were splendid and first-class and I am sorry LONDON -The campaign to free six ing cards also give positive results when now goes back to the Court of Appeal the that in this case it appears to the contrary." Irish men imprisoned almost 17 years for the tested for the presence of nitroglycerine. prosecution no longer has a case to offer. "If the men had not had their families and 1974 bombing of two bars in Birmingham, The Appeal Court judges then upheld the Over the course of the 16 years that the the people who have campaigned for them, England, took an important step forward on convictions on the sole basis of the confes­ Birmingham Six have been in prison, gov­ they would have been left to do their senten­ February 25. The Director of Public Prose­ sions. The judges dismissed evidence offered ernment spokespeople and judges have re­ ces," noted Teresa Mcllkenny, the daughter cutions said he no longer considers the con­ by the Six and by other witnesses that the peatedly and publicly defended the convic­ of one of the Six. victions "safe and satisfactory"- in other confessions had been obtained after the men tions. They have explained that the credibility Gareth Peirce, the solicitor [lawyer] who words, the evidence used for the convictions had been badly beaten by the police and of the whole legal system rests on the case. represented the Birmingham Six, stated, "We was false. prison guards. don't want any situation in the future where The case must now go back to the Court Top judge 'very sorry' anyone can suggest that these appellants won of Appeal. Senior judges emphasized that the Confidence in police evidence shaken In 1988, former top judge Lord Denning on a technicality. final decision to free the men can only be Since the appeal, however, confidence in went so far as to state that, "wrongfully "What has happened to them is a national taken by the court. But it is clear the police evidence has been badly shaken. In convicted prisoners should stay in jail rather disgrace," she added. "It must never, never prosecution's case has collapsed entirely. 1989 four other people framed on charges of than risk loss of public confidence in the happen to anyone again." The framed-up men -William. Power, carrying out IRA bombings -known as the police." Today, Denning says the "Court of "Money can't make up for all those years," Hugh Callaghan, John Walker, Patrick Hill, Guildford Four- were freed after it was Appeal now has no option except to quash said Callaghan, interviewed in prison by a Gerard Hunter, and Richard Mcllkenny - shown that the police had fabricated the the convictions. As I look back I am very radio journalist. "I just did not doubt that the have become known as the Birmingham Six. evidence against them. This included invent­ sorry because I always thought that our police truth would come out." Five of the six were arrested when they ing confessions, when beating or threatening were on their way from Birmingham to the the prisoners did not result in admission to funeral of James McDade. A member of the the charges. Irish Republican Anny (IRA), McDade was Paul Hill, one of the Guildford Four, was · from the same Catholic neighborhood in told that if he did not confess his girlfriend Belfast, in the British-occupied north of Ire­ - who was pregnant at the time- would land, as the five. be arrested. Northern Ireland has been under British The overturning of these frame-ups and the The Young Socialist Alliance is a rev­ The next day YSA members and stu­ olutionary organization of students and occupation for almost 400 years. The IRA exposure of the police fabrication of evidence dents from three universities piled into a young workers across the United States. has been fighting for the end of partition and gave the campaign to free the Six a tremen­ car and drove to the antiwar conferences YSA members seek to organize other the reunification of Ireland. dous boost. Many prominent public figures, that took place February 23 and 24 in The Birmingham Six were jailed for life including more th3!1 150 members of parlia­ young people in the ragltt against the Washington, D.C. wars, economic devastation, racism, and in 1975. The convictions were based on ment, religious figures, and trade unionists forensic evidence that the government said have voiced support for the Six. A popular sexism bred by the capitalist system. • At the center ot the YSA members' proved the men had handled explosives. 1be television documentary "Wh9 bombed Bir­ YSA member Harold Searcy, also a convictions also came from confessions that mingham?" has helped to reinforce the broad political activity today is the fight member of the United Auto Workers Local against the war against the people of were extracted from four of the six during sentiment that the Six are innocent. 1672, took the floor at an antiw~ rally on Iraq and the occupation of that country police questioning. In response to this growing campaign anew February 21 at Drake University in Des by Wlshington and its imperialist allies. At their trial thejudge said, "You stand police review of the case . was ordered. The Moines, Iowa. An outspoken opponent of convicted on each of 21 counts, on the clear­ findings of this review gave rise to the Direc­ YSA members are engaging in the de­ the war in the Mideast, he explained how bates and discussions taking place on est evidence I have ever heard, of the crime tor of Public Prosecution's statement that the he was harassed at work by the U.S. Secret college campuses, in factories, and of murder." convictions must now be viewed as "unsafe." Service and Iowa Division of Criminal By the time the case came to the Court of hi effect, this statement is an admission that among Gls, on the US.-Ied aggression. Investigation. They active in coalitions building Appeal in 1988, the forensic evidence used the police evidence used to convict the Six are Two high school students and members to convict the men had been largely discred­ was fabricated, and that a substantial conspir­ street protests and other actions against of the YSA in Des Moines were among the US.-Ied war. ited. It was shown that substances such as acy was organized and maintained over the the top salespersons at February 21 events The YSA seeks to advance the world­ there. Protests against the war attracted wide fight against apartheid in South hundreds of students at campuses across Africa, defend the Cuban revolution, the state. and back the struggle to reunify Korea. Youth hold antiwar actions \\e encourage members of the YSA, and members of the \bung Socialists in • Canada and New Zealand, to contribute Twenty young women and other activ­ items for this column. ists signed up to get more information about the YSAat the Young Feminist Con­ Young Socialist Alliance members in ference held in Akron, Ohio. 1be meeting St. Louis fanned out to eight college cam­ took place February 1-3 and attracted 735 puses on February 21 along with support­ people, mostly high school and college­ ers of the Militant to participate in actions age women, who gathered to discuss the against the U.S.-led war against Iraq. fight to defend women's rights. At the University of Missouri in Colum­ New YSA member Kim Defranco, a bia the socialists found several student leader of the Cleveland Campaign for groups that hadn't heard about the call for Peace in the Middle East, and Margaret February 21 actions. They were eager to Husk, Socialist Workers Party candidate learn about plans for future protests so they for Cleveland school board, presented could be part of the next nationally-coor­ talks at an open house held at the confer­ dinated demonstrations. The organizations ence. A dozen people came. Defranco re­ have a teach-in against the war planned ported on the January 27 student confer­ for March 7. Two students there asked to · ence where 1,500 participants called for join the YSA. the recently held February 21 actions Throughout the day YSA members against the war. showed students and other antiwar activ­ One high school student attending the ists the Militant and urged them to take open house asked, "What about stopping advantage of the special one-day offers: a [lniqi President] Saddam Hussein? Isn't '"'"'"lll'lf->

~arch 15, 1991 The Militant 7 ' ·' Fifth stage of Washington's war drive

Continued from front page concerned about Washington's capacity to Palestinian people, and for making Kuwait Through the press and government ordered a temporary halt to the offensive. win a war against Iraq that yields greater part of Iraq was rotten to the core. spokespeople the U.S. rulers are trumpeting Washington easily won backing from the gains for U.S. imperialism than losses from In his Mideast trip, Secretary of State the rout of the Iraqi military as proof of the UN Security Council March 3 for this course the uncontrolled social and political forces it Baker will press the next steps in Wash­ new-found might of the U.S. military. - giving more cover for its imperialist on­ sets in motion," he points out. ington's longer-range goals for the region. Some in the military though have noted slaught. The representative of the govern­ They ask themselves, "What will be the One of these is to build a new alliance of that despite the six-week air war the Iraqi ment of Cuba was the only one to vote against outcome of such a war beyond the borders regimes, built around the Egyptian, Saudi, troops had substantial armor and firepower Washington's motions. of Iraq and Kuwait? Will a military victory and Israeli governments, that can act as a to use if they had chosen to fight. The UN resolution keeps in place the simply end up exacerbating the very failures bulwark to defend imperialist interests in the Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander blockade of Iraq. It justifies the occupation of imperialism in the region that made it region. of the U.S. forces in the Gulf, recalled, in army by saying the imperialists have the right necessary for the U.S. rulers to launch the Baker will also seek recognition of Israel an interview published in the March 11 New to begin the shooting war again if the Iraqi war in the first place? Will it be a pyrrhic by a series of Arab governments in exchange Republic, the fight that took place during the government and people do not submit to U.S. victory?" for Israel conceding some of its occupied invasion of Grenada. U.S. forces there ran demands. Washington is still confronted with these territories to be set up as a "homeland" for into stiff resistance from a small number of basic questions and challenges in its war drive. the Palestinian people. If the regime in Syria Grenadians and Cuban construction workers. Real, rather than stated goals agrees to this move, it too could be included Despite U.S. technological and numerical Need protectorate Having reached this point in their war in the imperialists' plans to bring "peace and superiority a fierce battle took place. drive, the real goals of the imperialists, rather The U.S. rulers seek to oust the regime in security" to the region. Bush stated at a recent press conference than the stated "liberating" of Kuwait, have Baghdad not because it is a government of For Washington, progress on these and that through the invasion of Iraq, people in come more to the surface. workers and peasants or leading an anti-im­ other moves depends to a certain extent on the United States had gotten rid of the Viet­ U.S. Secretary of State James Baker perialist struggle of the toilers in the region. toppling the Hussein regime. Only by having nam syndrome. But nothing could be further clearly signaled Washington's aims when he Barnes notes that "despite the Iraqi cap­ a militarily strong Iraq, headed by a regime from the truth. said just hours after the UN vote that, "The italists' sometimes sharp conflicts witJi · im- that will dutifully defend imperialist interests Washington's widening war and invasion degree to which the coalition and other coun­ resulted in a sharpening polarization in the tries would actively prosecute their claims United States. A big majority backed the [against Iraq] I think might be affected to Miles president's course and an .initial right-wing some degree by whether or not that regime 0 100 component developed. With the first waves is still in power." of body bags coming home this rightward Bush has repeatedly pressed to have the shift would have initially gained further mo­ Iraqi regime tried for war crimes and cal­ mentum. With the ending of the bombing and lously told the people of that country that the fighting on the ground this rightward side "not one dime" would be given to rebuild of the polarization cannot be sustained and from six weeks of unremitting allied bom­ IRAN will now shift back again. bardment. The administration has called on In order to defeat the Vietnam syndrome the Iraqi people to overthrow Hussein. Washington must go to war, wage massive When asked by a reporter why he was not battles, and win a decisive victory. It would euphoric over the military rout of Hussein's also have to hold off the oppositiqn to such forces, Bush said that "We have Saddarn a war that would develop. Hussein still there .. .. I just need a little more At the center of the U.S. ruling class' inability to push back the Vietnam syndrome time to sort out in my mind how I can say to Shan a/ the American people, it's over, finally." Arab lies a deeper conflict. In continuing to press their war drive, the The employers and their government have imperialists will bring even greater devasta­ waged a more than decade-long offensive tion on the Iraqi people and troops. Wash­ against the rights, unions, and living stan­ ington is keeping prisoners of war in open-air dards of working people. This has failed to fields surrounded with barbed wire and has break the resistance of working people to the told others to walk back home across the rulers' attempt to make them pay for the desert. economic crisis of world capitalism. The The blockade will ensure that clean water, fights waged by airline workers, coal miners, electricity, urgently needed medical supplies and other unionists; fights against racist as­ and food, communications systems, and saults; and protests to defend abortion rights perialism over the division of the spoils from in the Arab-Persian Gulf, can the kind of transportation get restored only as a result of and other hard won democratic liberties show pillaging the Iraqi toilers, the regime there proimperialist alliance needed by Washing­ the efforts of the Iraqi people themselves. In that the labor movement has not been driven -as with many other neocolonial regimes ton be forged. Such an alliance will be prem­ addition, although Kuwait City is occupied off the center stage of U.S. politics. - has served as an agency to organize the ised on the continued presence ofU .S. troops, by allied forces, Kuwaiti soldiers there are Only by breaking this resistance among exploitation and suppression of the workers aircraft, and warships in and around the Ara­ rounding up, brutalizing, and killing Pales­ workers in the United States would Wash­ and peasants to the benefit of Wall Street and bian Peninsula. tinians. ington be able 'to return to the day when it Washington and other imperialist powers." An article by Socialist Workers Party Na­ could send off troops to defend and protect By invading Kuwait the Iraqi capitalist Little organized opposition in Mideast tional Secretary Jack Barnes, published in imperialist interests without having to worry class sought to seize greater oil resources, a Throughout the first four stages of the war the December International Socialist Re­ about opposition at home developing. deep-water port, and more territory. drive little sustained or widespread opposi­ view, outlines the goals of U.S. imperialism The handful of U.S. ruling families know tion has arisen in the Mideast or in countries -goals they have not yet achieved. Despite Hussein's "services to imperial­ that Washington cannot simply pick a coun­ where th!! main religion is Islam to the im­ "For the U.S. rulers 'peace and security' ism," Barnes writes, "his regime has proven try and invade it or send battalions against a perialist aggression. in the Middle East has only one meaning: too unreliable, too unpredictable, and too struggle in some part of the world without peace and security for imperialist interests. destabilizing in a part of the world where Some demonstrations have taken place in opposition mobilizing in the streets from the It would require the imposition of a regime imperialism has enormous economic stakes Jordan, Morocco, Syria, and Egypt. But none beginning. in Iraq that, in political terms, is largely a -oil, above all - and where all varieties of these have shaken any of the capitalist­ Already students and other youth and U.S. protectorate in the region," Barnes of national, social, and political conflicts are landlord regimes in those respective coun­ woiking people are planning teach~ins and writes. "It would require inflicting a massive very explosive and can be very costly in their tries. 9ther events to show their opposition to and defeat on the Iraqi armed forces and toppling consequences for the imperialists." Such an imperialist assault a decade or two discuss the occupation of Iraq by the impe­ the current government." The need to make such a massive move ago would have provoked a giant response rialists. There continue to be wide opportu­ The SWP leader explains that "when the and establish a regime Washington can more across the Mideast. Arab governments that nities to get out the truth about the U.S. war Iraqi regime ruthlessly swallowed up Kuwait directly dominate comes from "impe­ openly backed and sent military forces to aid drive and extend the defense of the Iraqi last August, the U.S. rulers saw that Saddarn rialism's weakness, not its strength," Barnes in such an assault would have been short­ people in the face of the fifth stage of the Hussein had served them on a silver platter writes. "But even if Washington succeeds in lived. imperialist onslaught. the best chance in a decade to achieve one imposing such a subservient regime, this new The lack of such a response today is a of their key strategic goals in the region." regime would be no more capable than its confirmation that the political developments predecessor of bringing development and in the region no longer take the form of a Shift relationship of forces stability to Iraq or to the region." common Arab or Islamic struggle against Washington aims to "shift the relationship Far from establishing a "new world order," imperialist domination. of class forces in the Middle East to its the International Socialist Review article ex­ These events help show what has hap­ advantage," Barnes writes, "to take back plains, the U.S. rulers are "trying to stave off pened with the development of capitalism some of what has been lost over the past three a further crumbling of the old capitalist world and the integration of the economies of these decades. The most recent big blow to Wash­ order." countries into the world capitalist system. ington's power in the region came in 1979 The biggest victory so far for Washington No working-class leadership existed or with the victory of the Iranian revolution." is the low cost it paid in casualties in the emerged in the region that could give a voice He notes that U.S. imperialism has suf­ military rout of Iraqi forces. With 148 re­ to the oppressed and exploited in confronting fered a decline in its economic and political ported dead among the allied forces, the U.S. the U.S. imperialist onslaught against the power relative to its' imperialist rivals in rulers did not hav~ to face the kind of political Iraqi people. Europe and Japan. Through the war the U.S. upheaval at home that a longer-term shooting The governments in power in the Arab rulers are seeking to use military might to war with large casualties would have precip­ world today are far removed from the strug­ make up for the decline and gain leverage itated. gles that overthrew colonial regimes and over their Japanese, German, and French The rapid-rout of the Iraqi forces during fought for national independence and sover­ competitors especially. the invasion showed that the vast majority of eignty. Today, the toilers in each of these The U.S. imperialists seek to shift the Iraqi soldiers did not want to fight and die to countries must lead the fight to get riq of the relationship of forces in the Mideast deci­ defend Kuwait. They had already suffered vestiges of imperialist denial of full national sively in favor of the Washington-London under the most intense bombardment in the liberation and fight to replace capitalist rule axis by gaining greater control over the re­ history of warfare and .seen many of their with a government of workers and peasants. gion, especially the vast oil reserves. This officers leave the field and not return. Once colonial status is overcome there is would yield for the U.S. imperialists enor­ no way for working people to fight imperi­ mous leverage against their rivals. Hussein's demagoguery alism without engaging in a struggle against 'The U.S. rulers' main problem is not a This is one indication of the fact that the capitalist regimes in their own country. military one," Barnes says. The problems Hussein's demagoguery about leading a This fight can lead to the establishment of a they face in driving to establish a protectorate struggle of the Arab masses against Wash­ government of workers and peasants and Victim of allied bomb attack in Samawa, are different. "Sections of the ruling class are ington and Tel Aviv, for the rights of the open the road to the struggle for socialism. Iraq, placed inside a coffin. 8 The Militant March 15, 1991 U.S. forces control southern Iraq

Continued from front page reserve units to the Gulf, but gave proach. Iraq should be treated as "an inter­ no estimates on how many. national pariah" as long as Hussein is in On March 2 the United Nations power, British Prime Minister John Major Security Council endorsed the U.S. said. demands on Iraq. Resolution 686 calls on Iraq to cease "hostile or U.S. troops occupy southern Iraq provocative actions" and accept li­ Meeting little resistance from the Iraqi ability for war damages in Kuwait. army, the U.S.-led forces that invaded Iraq It reaffirms the 12 previous UN and Kuwait on February 23 quickly reached resolutions relating to the Gulf and the Euphrates River, which cuts across the maintains in effect all sanctions middle of the Iraq. According to news re­ against Iraq. ports, allied troops are now only 100 miles The resolution was approved from Baghdad, the Iraqi capital. with the support of the govern­ By the time Bush declared a temporary ments of Britain, France, United halt to the invasion force's offensive actions States, Soviet Union, Austria, Bel­ on February 27, the allied forces had occu­ gium, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Ro­ pied more than a quarter oflraq. They set up mania, Zaire, and Zimbabwe. The The charred hulls of retreating Iraqis' vehicles clutter highway north of Kuwait City. US. roadblocks on the highway leading north representative. from Cuba voted no bombing slaughtered as many as 100,000 Iraqi troops.. from Kuwait to Basra, Iraq's second largest and those from Yemen, China, and city. Allied forces continue some military India abstained. Cuba introduced operations in Iraq and Kuwait. 17 amendments, all of which were defeated. The U.S. government wants to maintain a family delayed in returning to the country, The 82nd Airborne Division seized 20 They called for a UN peace-keeping force, larger military presence in the Gulf region but Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheik Saad al­ Iraqi combat aircraft at the abandoned Talil for allied forces "to bring their military pres­ than it had before the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait Abdullah al-Sabah ordered- from Saudi air base in Iraq. On March 3, U.S. and Ku­ ence in Iraq to an end as soon as possible," and to bolster the military role of pro-U.S. Arabia - the imposition of martial law for waiti troops occupied Failaka Island, off the for an end to sanctions, and for humanitarian regimes there. the next three months. coast of Kuwait, taking 1,405 Iraqi prisoners. aid to Kuwait and Iraq. Under new proposals that Baker will raise Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency, Da- . The U.S. government later indicated that on his trip, thousands of U.S. troops would be mascus radio, and other media reported on 'Hold their feet to the fire' it will allow some medical and food supplies stationed in Saudi Arabia, their units rotating March 3 that anti-Hussein demonstrations Washington, in the meantime, has kept its into Iraq. for months at a time, squadrons of combat had broken out in Basra, Nasiriya, and other total economic blockade of Iraq in place, in aircraft would be positioned at Gulf bases and southern and eastern Iraqi cities. the U.S. naval presence would also be ex­ spite of the Iraqi government's announce­ Getting the message loud and clear According to the Washington Post a Shi 'ite panded. ment that it had agreed to most U.S. demands. U.S. and Iraqi military leaders met on Muslim group involved in the rebellion in In one plan under consideration Egypt, "We have to hold their feet to the fire until March 3 to formally agree to details of the Basra made a written request to allied troops presently with tens of thousands of troops they release prisoners and civilians they are cease-fire. Leading up to the meeting, Gen. for help in overthrowing Iraqi president Hus­ under the command of the U.S. alliance, holding," said Margaret Tutwiler, a State Norman Schwarzkopf said, "This isn't a ne­ sein. Noneoftherepbrtshave beenconfmned. Department spokesperson. gotiation. I'm here to tell them exactly what would keep some of its soldiers along the Iraq-Kuwait border indefinitely. At the March 1 press conference Bush was we expect of them." asked if the United States would aid in the To make sure the Iraqis got the message "Most Arab countries used to be allergic to any military cooperation with the U.S.," rebuilding of Iraq if Hussein was removed. loud and clear, Schwarzkopf, commander of He replied, "I don't want to see one single 'The American force the allied forces in the Gulf, arrived at the one Arab diplomat in Washington told the Christian Science Monitor. "These countries dime of the United States taxpayers' money should leave our meeting in a helicopter squadron that in­ go into the reconstruction of Iraq." cluded six Apache attack helicopters, each have now shed this allergy." territory' armed with missiles and a 30-millimeter gun. While Baker was preparing for his trip to The U.S. government might give some The Iraqi officials, however, arrived in the Middle East, U.S. and Kuwaiti forces medical aid or aid to children, Bush said. The were imposing their will in Kuwait. Most only other U.S. aid Iraqis can expect, he The massive bombing left Baghdad virtu­ U.S. jeeps and were searched for weapons high-ranking members of the ruling Sabah stated, was "a little free advice." ally without electricity or running water. Of­ before the meeting started. ficials from Unicef and the World Health The meeting site, an Iraqi airstrip now Organization say that Baghdad residents occupied by U.S. forces, was surrounded by could face outbreaks ofcholera, typhoid, hep­ more than 50 tanks draped with U.S. and atitis, meningitis, and polio unless Iraq imme­ British flags. Tens of thousands of Iraqis diately receives massive international relief. According to Schwarzkopf, the Iraqi gen­ With food scarce and prices high, many erals agreed to immediately release U.S. and residents are surviving on only I ,000 calories allied prisoners of war, provide information cold-bloodedly slaughtered a day - less than half the needs of a five­ about the location of land and sea mines, and year-old child. Problems are as bad or worse implement "control measures" to prevent ac­ BY SELVA NEBBIA "We're hitting them hard. It's not going to in other parts of the country. cidental clashes between Iraqi and allied During the invasion of Iraq, Washington take too many more days until there's nothing "We are being killed indirectly," Dr. Mo­ troops. and its allies carried out a massive slaughter left of them," Captain Ernest Christensen hammed Ani, director of primary health care The U.S. military said there are more. than that resulted in the deaths of tens ofthousands said. The pilots said the retreating Iraqis were for the Iraqi Ministry of Health, told report­ 80,000 Iraqi prisoners of war, while the Brit­ of Iraqis. presenting a bounty of targets. "We hit the ers. ish claim there are more than 175,000. On February 28 Prince Banadr bin Sultan, jackpot," said one. The Iraqi army had half a million troops, the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United . Washington has made it abundantly clear Defenseless troops that it intends to use the threat of further thousands of tanks, and large stores of am- States, said the number of Iraqi dead and military actions combined with economic wounded stood between 85,000 and 100,000. "Its just sickening. They are no threat to us. pressure to achieve its goals. "We have the During the entire Vietnam War about 58,000 They're defenseless troops. They're trying to ability to resume hostilities at a moment's British say there U.S. soldiers died, 47,000 of them killed in escape with their lives. For the sake of hu­ notice," U.S. Defense Secretary Richard action. manity we ought to let them do it," said former Cheney warned Iraq. "The lights are out in are 175,000 Iraqi Thousands of Iraqi soldiers were cold­ Admiral Gene La Roque, director of the Cen­ Baghdad and they'll stay out until we get prisoners of war bloodedly killed as they were withdrawing ter for Defense Information in Washington. satisfaction." from their positions in Kuwait and southern "The Iraqi troops are routed and the sense­ Iraqi Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz, in a Iraq. . less killing of fleeing troops does not con­ statement read over Radio Baghdad on munition. "Had they wanted to fight, they On February 25 U.S. warplanes swooped tribute in any way to the successful conclu­ March 1, stated that the U.S.-led forces were could have mounted a tough resistance," down on a convoy of more than 1,000 vehi­ sion of this war," La Roque added. "carrying out provocations incompatible noted Maj. Richard More, the chief intelli­ cles traveling north on a highway from Ku­ As the death toll ofIraqi soldiers rose, allied with the cease-fue." gence officer of the Sixth Marine Regiment. wait. U.S. "A-10 and A-6E fighter-bombers forces continued to bomb Baghdad. The raids, ''The American force should leave our Instead, some in the corrupt Iraqi officer relentlessly bombed and rocketed the Iraqi which included cruise missiles, were said by national territory immediately and stop all corps abandoned their units two weeks before convoy night and day, catching it in a death some residents to have been the most intense provocative acts," Aziz added. He also con­ the start of the U.S. invasion. trap that vehicles could not escape without since the bombing began January 16. demned ongoing violation of Iraqi airspace leaving the paved highway and becoming After six weeks of relentless bombing, by allied planes. U.S. still faces most difficult task bogged down in the desert sand," described Baghdad's 4 million inhabitants face a public Having defeated the Iraqi army more eas­ Washington Post reporters. Huge B-52 health crisis of vast proportions. Because of U.S.: 'We'll stay right where we are' ily than expected, Washington and London bombers also dropped 1, 000-pound bombs lack of water and inadequate sanitation ser­ After hearing about Aziz's statement, one now face the more difficult task: how to place on the highways north of Kuwait City. vices health officials said the population U.S. general said, "They don't seem to have an imperialist-run protectorate in Iraq and "It was the road to Daytona Beach at spring could soon suffer outbreaks of cholera, ty­ figured out that they lost, and that they don't guarantee stability for the regimes in the break," said Lt. Brian Kasperbauer, an A-6 phoid, hepatitis, and polio. have an army anymore." region that backed the anti-Iraq coalition. pilot. "Just bumper to bumper. Spring break's The problem has been complicated further "We'll stay right where we are as long as President Bush is sending U.S. Secretary over." by allied air raids on water-pumping stations we care to - certainly until they fulfill the of State James Baker to Israel, Saudi Arabia, "Burned-out, bombed-out vehicles of and plants that manufacture purification president's conditions on prisoners of war Syria, Egypt, Turkey, and the Soviet Union every description littered the highway, with chemicals such as chlorine. and other such things." to firm up Washington's plans. At the March charred Iraqi bodies everywhere," was how "We are being killed indirectly," said Mo­ Although Bush has announced that some I press conference, Bush said the key areas a New York Times reporter described the hammed Ani, director of immunization and U.S. troops will be returning home soon, no Baker would deal with are "The Palestinian scene. primary health care for the Iraqi Ministry of details have been provided. "It took seven question ... the Lebanese question. Clearly Asked why allied forces were still attacking Health. months to get in. It's going to take many it relates to how Iraq is brought back into the the Iraqi troops after Saddam Hussein had Since the Iraqi troops fled Kuwait City months to get out," White House spokesper­ family of nations." declared they had begun a withdrawal, U.S. groups of armed Kuwaitis patrolling the son Marlin Fitzwater said. "But we're going The Syrian government, which lost the Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander of streets have been rounding up Palestinians to stint a steady withdrawal." British officials Golan Heights to Israel in the 1967 war, the allied forces, replied, "To make sure [they] who live and work in the country. Claiming said they plan to remain in the Arab-Persian hopes that by joining the U.S. war against are rendered incapable of conducting the hei­ the Palestinians collaborated with the Iraqis, Gulf for a year. Iraq it will gain back the lost territory. The nous crimes they have done in the past." He the Kuwaitis have killed some on the spot, According to New York Newsday, U.S. U.S. in tum hopes Syria can now be con­ added, "There is a lot more purpose to this in many cases after the Palestinians were military officials expect to send additional vinced to recognize the state of Israel. war than getting the Iraqis out of Kuwait." brutally tortured.

March 15, 1991 The Militant 9 U.S., British pressure on Germany gives rise to German-bashing

BY PETER THIERJUNG powers for military and fmancial contribu­ Washington and London have sought to tions toward the military buildup and war in use their war against Iraq to the detriment of the Middle East from the beginning, shortly Gennan imperialism and to stir up anti-Ger­ after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990. man chauvinism. - A steady stream of statements critical of Germany's reluctance Bonn by government officials and the press The Gennan government, however, reluc­ in the United States and Britain has deni­ tantly sent 18 fighter jets to Turkey, which grated Germans as a people, and has given borders Iraq, and at frrst offered to contribute rise to a spate of Gennan-bashing. , $2.2 billion to the allied effort. Gerinany, a Germans have been disparaged as self-ab­ country dependent on oil imports, will be sorbed, penny-pinching, and ungrateful for among those to lose the most if Washington support from Washington and London in the succeeds in wresting greater control of the decades after World War II. "Whatever you Middle East's oil resources. get out of them, you really have to squeeze Washington warned the Bonn government it out," a pro-U.S. diplomat in Bonn told the in January that it would isolate itself if it was New York Times. not more forthcoming. U.S. diplomats also U.S. columnist William Safrre called Ger­ told German officials that the German-U.S. many a "checkbook power," which "guiltily relationship was beginning to look more like but skinflintingly mailed in its pledge" of a "second-class alliance."· funds for the war effort against Iraq. The Bonn government responded to the "I think Germany has become so rich that warning and criticism by increasing its it has completely lost its. fighting spirit," pledge to $11 billion, $6.6 billion for the Thrkey's President Turgut Ozal told German United States. It also announced $660 million One of the 18 ~pha warplanes sent by Germany to Turkey as part of its contribution television, echoing sentiment among ruling in "humanitarian" and military aid to Israel. to the war agamst Iraq. Bonn has also pledged $11 billion to cover the costs of the war. circles in London and Washington about German Chancellor Helmut Kohl sought Gennany's refusal to commit troops to the to appease the British government with an Middle East The Bonn government has said offer of $550 million in aid to Britain. And that the German constitution prevented it he asserted that after the war in the Mideast from sending troops. he would seek to amend the German consti­ tution to alter limits on the deployment of Labeled 'anti-American' German troops. Germans have been called anti-American German officials have done little to polit­ because hundreds of thousands participated ically counter the chauvinist attacks, and in protests against the war. British officials have instead complained about unfair treat­ have even blamed Gennany for the loss of ment by other imperialist powers. British fighter jets over Iraq, saying their "When Germany was united in 1990, there W>rlong people -in and out of uni­ mission meeting on human rights to win pilots would have been better prepared had were many fears that we would one day form- are discussing and debating the support for her husband Mark Curtis, Bonn permitted low-altitude training flights become a militaristic power," Gennan Pres­ imperialist war in the Mideast led by the framed up and convicted on rape charges over Gennan territory -a practice banned ident Richard von Weizacker said in a speech. governments of the United States, Brit­ by Iowa authorities. recently because of the deafening noise it "Now at the beginning of 1991, Germans are ain, Canada, France, and Australia. In "This war is a war for oil, not a war for causes. being criticized for not wanting to take part factories, mines, and mills; on warships; freedom and democracy," Kaku told the Germany has been accused of being an in a war." and among those now stationed in Saudi 50 demonstrators and explained that stu­ accomplice of Saddarn Hussein's alleged German Foreign Minister Hans Dietrich Arabia, workers and farmers have dis­ dents throughout the world would be or­ plans for chemical warfare and Iraq's Scud Genscher has made a special effort to reject co~ and expressed opposition to the ganizing similar protest actions for Febru­ missile attacks on Israel, because some Ger­ charges that Germany is shirking "its global war against the Iraqi people. ary 21. man corporations did business with Iraq. Lit­ responsibilities." In a speech in Switzerland Rallies, marches, and conferences According to Nick Ulmi, a leader of the tle mention is made in the U.S. press of the before business and fmancial leaders, he have been held with broad participation, Student Committee against the War which U.S. corporations that sold equipment with listed Germany's contributions to the war especially from youth; action-coalitions organized the university protest, there have possible military uses to Iraq. effort and asserted, "We do not expect special have been formed in cities around the been several other such protests in Geneva A former German official complained of treatment; we just seek fairness." World; veterans, Gls, and reservists have the picture being painted of "Germans, Jews, Out of $53.5 billion now pledged by var­ been speaking out; antiwar buttons are • and gas," a reference to the era in Gennany ious allies for the war effort only $15 billion being worn at work; and planning for In Kansas City, Kansas, Yolanda Huet­ when millions of Jews were murdered by the has been received. A good portion of those more antiwar actions is under way. Vaughn, a captain in the U.S. Army Re­ fascist Nazi regime. funds are owed by the Bonn government, W! encourage readers to contribute serve Medical Corps, surrendered to mil­ "After Auschwitz, would you not expect which has only paid $272 million on its items to this column that will help cam­ itary police on February 2. In December, Gennans to take every conceivable care to pledge. paign against and build visible opposi­ she refused to report for active duty in the stop Gennan arms filtering through to where U.S. President George Bush warned in a tion to the war. Arab-Persian Gulf, and has been AWOL they can threaten Israel?" the January 26 March 1 press conference that Germany since then. London Ecorwmist wrote. could counter growing U.S. criticism only if At a recent rally in Salt Lake City to Shortly before turning herself in, Huet­ Washington had pressed other imperialist it fulfills its commitments. protest the U.S.-led war against Iraq, one Vaughn was the featured speaker at a news of the speakers was Keri Lynne Sanders. conference at St. Marks Church in Kansas She introduced herself as a reservist as­ City, Missouri, where well over 300 people signed to the 67th Aerial Port Squadron, crowded for a rally and "Welcome Horne Students organize March ·16 events and said, "I am against this war." Yolanda" party. "My opposition does not come from Huet-Vaughn explained she refused to Continued from front page "The U.S. government and its allies now weakness or cowardice," Sanders' ex­ be an "accomplice in what I consider an plained, "but from unwavering strength In voting to endorse the March 16 call have hundreds of thousands of troops oc­ immoral, inhumane and unconstitutional "people saw that the road to fighting racism, cupying southern Iraq. It is clear that and moral conviction that this war is act, namely an offensive military mobili­ imperialism, and war is by demanding that they will not be leaving soon." wrong. zation in the Middle East." She said there all U.S. troops get out of the Middle East," It cited reports of tens of thousands of Iraqi "To those who would say I don't support would be hundreds of thousands of casu­ my brothers and sisters in uniform, you are alties in Iraq, "For what? Fur oil?" Ruby said. casualties; the lack of electricity, running wrong. '"There was a real sense of responsibilitY water, and phone service in Iraq. Support runs deeper than ribbons Huet-Vaughn was taken to Fort Leonard among conference participants to go back to The letter said the group's coordinating and flags. Ribbons and flags haven't the Wood, Missouri, and faces a court martial, powerto stop the killing. our local areas and fight to get people to see committee held a telephone conference meet­ up to 15 years in prison, a fine, and a "You do not support me as a military dishonorable discharge. Her legal defense the broader questions involved in the U.S. ing February 27 and decided to encourage war in the Mideast and fight to get the U.S. areas to organize teach-ins and other actions member or any other soldier by sending and support work is being organized by troops out of the region," he said. March 16 and April4. us to our deaths. You do not support us by Citizen Soldier, a GI rights advocacy or­ A February 24 steering committee meeting "With the U.S. declaring the war over, our bringing us home with missing limbs. You ganization. They encourage letters urging do not support us by bringing us horne Huet-Vaughn's release be sent to Major of the National Student and Youth Campaign efforts now must shift to respond to the new with memories that will haunt us day and for Peace in the Middle East attended by 150 situation and continued U.S. war drive General Rhame, Commander of the Frrst night, and support us by rallying behind activists voted for several days of activities through organizing discussions and educa­ Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, the Bush administration's 'new world and protests through April. tional events together with actions. We also 66442. order'. A March 1 letter sent to more than 1,700 need to be ready to organize if there is any groups and individuals by the group's newly renewed fighting," the letter said. ''To those that think that support of this • war equates with support of the troops - elected coordinating committee explained The letter emphasized that "our demand On February 18 dozens of people in that kind of support will bring us horne in the shifting situation in the Middle East and to 'Bring the Troops Home Now!' becomes Danbury, Connecticut, braved bitter cold body bags. We don't need that kind of · called on student and youth activists to make even more important, At educational events, and snow to protest the Mideast war. The March 16 activities "the most immediate and such as teach-ins, speakers can help to reveal support. Support us by stopping the bomb- group demonstrated at the War Memorial . ing, ending the war, and bringing the troops central task." the trile aims of the U.S.-led war drive, the in Danbury and displayed signs, including horne now," Sanders said. The National Student and Youth Cam­ history of the Middle East, the ongoing strug­ ones that read "Stop the fighting"; "Death is forever"; and "End World War paign is a coalition of campus and youth .gle of the Palestinians, and make connections ill." The organizations that initiated the call for Feb­ with other struggles here in the United States • protest included.. a small contingent of Vet­ February 14, Kate Kaku, a leader of ruary 21 campus protests against the war. and around the world." On erans for Peace. the Young Socialist Alliance, spoke at a Thousands of students at more than 250 For more information contact the National student antiwar demonstration at Geneva campuses in cities across the country re­ Student and Youth Campaign for Peace in the Paul Mailhot from Salt Lake City, and University, in Geneva, Switzerland. At the sponded to the call with teach-ins, speak­ Middle East by calling (202) 462-1801. The Derek Jeffers in Geneva contributed to this time, Kaku was in Geneva at a UN Com- outs, marches, rallies, and other actions. fax number is (202) 232-6584 and address is column. The coordinating committee letter said, 1225 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005. 10 The Militant March 15, 1991 Workers win battle for a union in Helper, Utah This column is dedicated to included company harassment and unity, including with the laid off months of negotiations, the union • reporting the resistance by work­ firings, workers won an election and fired workers will be key," said and the Authority remain far apart ing people to the employers' as­ establishing the union November 8. Dutrow. on issues, including safety and USX Corp., the largest steel pro­ sault on their living standards, Since the election the workers' "While we are a small unit of the medical insurance. Over the last ducer in the United States, has been working conditions, and the struggle has continued. The com­ UMWA in the Utah coalfields," two years UTIER has organized ordered lo pay $41.8 million to unions. pany, in order to avoid signing a said Dutrow, "our struggle is being over 100 short-term work stop­ settle a class-action suit. The suit \\brking people around the contract, is on a campaign to intim­ followed by a lot of working people pages. The PREPA has launched a was brought against the company world are involved in skirmishes idate the work force. They in­ in the area and in the coal mines, reign of terror that included disci­ by 10,000 Black job applicants over speedup, forced overtime, creased write-ups, suspensions, both union and non-union. l think plinary cases against 2,000 work­ who were discriminated against at layoffs, and attacks on health and threats, firings, and cancelled a the UMWA's solidarity with us has ers, 61 of whom have been fired. the Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, - plant in the 1970s. The settlement been crucial. The fact that we have Workers at the assembly raised been able to charter a local at the ends the 15-year-old case that went their opinions about the U.S.-led before the appeals court twice and ON THE PICKET LINE outset of our contract fight is im­ war against Iraq. · portant. This has given us more the U.S. Supreme Court once. confidence to win even more soli­ "My opinion is that this is a war In 1986 the company was or­ safety benefits. Unionists faced promised family Christmas Par:lY· for economic interests and that the with steep takeback demands, .· Jim Valdez, the newly-elected darity from UMWA members and dered to pay damages of $12.4 other unionists." poor will lose," said Carmelo Cal­ million, plus interest, for violating lockouts, and union-busting Recording Secretary of UMWA deron. He is a lineman from the Valdez said he sees "a long strug­ the Civil Rights Act. However, that moves by the employers have Local 1190 at Jennmar said, "They mountain town of Barranquitas. gle ahead. This was just part one, amount was raised to $41.8 million gone on strike to force the bosses have been trying to step up produc­ "The problem is that they are killing now we are going into phase two." when the plaintiffs won their battle to back down. - tion, hurrying people in order to people to defend the interests of the \\t! invite you to contribute build up a stockpile." for additional ~nterest payments, millionaires. How many sons of the plus payments that the workers short items to this column_ as a In their pay envelopes, workers • congressmen are in the war?" way for other fighting workers received a letter from the company In Bayamon, Puerto Rico, the would have received had they been around the world to read about informing them of a 32-hour work­ war in the Middle East and the "Nobody wants war," com­ working since 1968. and learn from these important week because of a previously un­ employers attacks at home were on mented Osvald, a UTIER member USX has denied any wrongdo­ struggles. Jot down a few lines to known "seasonal downturn in busi­ their minds of several thousand -. from the north coast city of ing and said that the discrimina­ Arecibo, "Saddam. Hussein wants let other Militant readers know ness." workers as they attended the Feb­ tion was not deliberate. Using a about what is happening at your "The one day layoff is to try to ruary 2 general assembly of the to build a big army. He hates the big-business propaganda cam­ workplace or in your union. If force workers to believe it's the Electrical and Irrigation Industry United States. He hates everybody. paign against racial quotas to there is an interesting ·political union's fault," said Valdez. Shortly Workers Union (UTIER); The as­ He is a criminal. They should beat combat job discrimination, the him up. He hates the Jewish people. discussion going on at work, we after receiving the notice of a shOrt­ sembly 'was held at the Ruben company added that the only way would like to hear about that, too. ened workweek, 10 workers were Rodriguez coliseum in Bayamon, ,He is very dangerous." they could have avoided a court given layoff notices. a suburb of San Juan. The union "My position is clear - that this discrimination ruling would have The United Mine Workers of Tony Dutrow, a worker in the organizes most of the workers at · is a provocation by the United been to use a racial-hiring quota America (UMWA) scored a victory plant and a member of the UMWA the government-owned Puerto States to obtain oil from the Arab system. in Helper, Utah, by organizing ·a organizing committee, commented RiCo Electric Power Authority · world," stated Miguel Albizu. He successful union organizing drive on the tasks ahead. (PREPA). works in the generating station in TonyDutrowfromPrice, Utah, and at Jennmar, a small plant where­ "As the union-b6sters try to gain The assembly was called to dis­ the Puerto Nuevo section of San Ron Richards from San Juan, workers make roof bolts for coal· the upper hand and p~vent us from cuss management's final contract Juan. "The United States wants to Puerto Rico contributed to this col­ mines. After a 21-month battle that winning a signed contract; our offer to the workers. After 23 ·control the region." umn. New Jersey to end Shell Oil deal: cites S.Africa ties BY JON ERWAY sanctions against South Africa, noting that practices. Shell aiso suppl.ies oil to the ees at Rutgers University; and members.of CRANFORD, New Jersey-'- In a victory the international boycott committee' and South African military an.d polic,e. . Mailhandlers 4>cal 300 in Secaucus-;Jersey for continued Sa1lctions against the apartheid th~ ANC have ·· : ' ' l prepared statement. "Victory is ~in sight. But it is by no means· assured. And now is no time to let up," he said. RO/ael Cancel Miranda reviews Mandela book The announcement was made at a press The following review of Nelson Man­ He is an absolutely realistic man fighting we assert have to be changed.". conference at the New Jersey headquarters de/a: lntensifiquemos Ia lucha (Nelson the bitter reality of the apartheid monster Through his own words, we also See in of Region 9 of the United Auto Workers Mandela: Intensify the Struggle) appeared that eats away at the vitals of his beloved this book that Mandela has never renounced union (UAW) on the first anniversary of the in the January 4-10 issue of Claridtu:l, the people, just as colonial domination eats his people's right to armed struggle - on release from prison of African National Con­ Spanish-language weekly published in away at the vitals of my people. · more than one occasion he salutes Umkhonto gress (ANC) leader Nelson Mandela. Puerto Rico. The 108-page book was re-. In this book we see· an idealist with his we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African The press conference was attended by leased by Pathfinder last year; _ feet planted firmly on the ground. And thus National Congress. He does believe in nego­ a large audience of state and national labor Rafael Cancel Miranda is c;me of the five we recall more than once in reading the book tiations with the opponent, but not between officials, community and religious leaders, Puerto Rican nationalists irnpriSQned in that the last -remaining mile is "the most "master and servant." For Maildela riegotia-· state legislators, and anti-apartheid activ­ the United States in the early 1950s for difficult of our long march toward freedom," tions "are a continuation of the struggle," not ists. armed proindependence actions; He and and that it is necessary to intensify the strug­ an end in themselves. And in order to begin Owen Bieber, UAW International Presi­ three other surviving prisoners were re­ gle. At the same time, "When the water is negotiations, he tells us, there are several dent and co-chair of the AFL-CIO's National leased in 1979. All four were present at about to boil, it is foolish to tum the heat demands that have to be met, including the Labor Boycott Shell Committee, also spoke. Mandela's June 21, 1990, speech in Har­ off." immediate end of the state of emergency and He applauded Florio's action, calling it the lem. Cancel Miranda is currently a prom­ Because of this realism Mandela is ob­ the freeing of all political prisoners. "biggest blow to Shell internationally" in the inent spokesperson for Puerto Rican inde- sessed with revolutionary discipline and the In this book, Mandela also recognizes the entire five-year boycott campaign. · pendence. . need for organization and unity. "It is only great importan<::e of international solidarity. Bieber also said that "now is not the Nelson Mandela: Intensifiquemos Ia through disciplined mass action that our vic­ In particular he salutes the militant and cou­ time to let up the pressure" for continued lucha is available at Pathfinder bookstores tory can be assured," he says. rageous solidarity of Cuba with the peoples listed on page 12 or from Pathfinder, 410 Through this book it becomes clear that of Africa. ~st St., New York, New York, 10014. The Mandela possesses the two qualities neces­ He also advocates a concept that is some­ price is $12.95 plus $1.00 shipping. The sary for human greatness: a heart that is. times forgotten by those who should remem­ pamphlet Nelson Mandela: Speeches 1990 deeply sensitive and a great mind capable of ber it: "No self-respecting freedom fighter is also available from Pathfinder in En­ analysis, vision, and demystification. As a will take orders from the government on how glish. Priced at $5.00, it carries many of result of his greatness, he overflows with to wage the freedom struggle against that the speeches available in the Spanish-lan­ humility. While he considers himself a "par­ same government and on who his allies in guage book. ticle," one is moved by how he always the freedom struggle 'should be." And he stresses the importance of the man and stresses again that ''The renunciation of vio­ BY RAFAEL CANCEL MIRANDA woman in the street, the so-called common lence by either the government or lhe ANC Pedro Albizu Campos, the Nelson Man­ man, the people without whom there could should not be a precondition to, but the result dela of Puerto Rico, once said that the home- not even be hope for the dawning of a "new of, negotiation." · land is courage and sacrifice. Pedro also said day." Forthe'se people he wants, among other To conclude _the task of reviewing this that the supreme merit of man is courage. In things,_th e right'to education and decent book - a task Pathfmder has honored me reading this book, I could not help but think health care. with - I will say that in this book we see constantly of these two sayings by Albizu. It is precisely in his speech to South Afri­ close up the man whom we formerly, saw They sum up the firm and upright stance o( can business. executives where we get to from afar. He is as great as he seemed from Nelson Mandela, of Winnie, of their people, know Nelson Mandela'ss ocial and economic a distance. We have not been cheated. For­ and of humanity. program. He opposes "the striking imbalance tunately for his peopie and for all the earth's Those who are fond of abstractions; between the wealth of the minority and the oppressed, Nelson Mandela is not a legend empty phrases, or political fantasies had poverty of the me;tjority." On another occa­ - he is the living voice of a people in Militant/Jon Erway best not open this book. For Nelson sion, speaking about privatization, he states, struggle. Knowing him better strengthens · Victor Mashabela, ANC representative, · Mandela is real; he is not a Don Quixote "The process of privatization cannot but re­ even more our faith in that dawning ofe;t new ' spoke at New Jersey press conference,. fighting windmills or imaginary monsters. inforce the economic power relations which day. March 15, 1991 The Militant -CALENDAR ALABAMA ILLINOIS Can Working People Solve the Municipal League. Fri., March 15, 7:30p.m. 47 The Cut, Budget Crisis? Panel Discussion. Sat., March SE I. Donation: £1. Sponsor: Militant Forums. Birmingham Chicago 23, 7:30p.m. I906SouthSt. Donation: $3. Spon­ Tel: 71-401-2409. International Women's Day and the Fight End the Occupation and Blockade against sor: Militant Labor Forum. Tel: (215) 546-8196. Iraq! Speaker: Alyson Kennedy, Socialist against Imperialist War. Speaker: Carol Burke, Manchester Workers Party, member United Mine Workers Socialist Workers Party. Sat., March 9, 7 p.m. 545 Communists and the Fight against Imperial· of America Local 2368. Sat., March 9, 7:30 W Roosevelt Rd. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Militant TEXAS ist Wars- The Lessons of World War I. p.m. Ill 21st St. S. Donation: $3 .. Sponsor: Labor Forum. Tel: (312) 829-6815 or 829-7018. Houston Speaker: . representative, Communist League. Militant Labor Forum. Tel: (205) 323-3079. The War Against Iraq Enters a New Stage. Fri., March 15, 7:30p.m. Unit 4, 60 Shudehill. Speaker: Mary Selvas, Socialist Workers Party Donation: £1. Sponsor: Militant Forums. Tel: MICHIGAN candidate for mayor of Houston; others. Sat., 061-839 1766. ARIZONA Detroit March 9, 7:30p.m. 4806 Almeda. Donation: $2. Phoenix The Fight for Women's Rights -1991. Sat., Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum/Foro Perspec­ CANADA End the Occupation of Iraq! End the Block­ March 9, 7:30 p.m. 50191;2 Woodward Ave. tiva Mundial. Tel: (713) 522-8054. ade against Iraq! Speaker: Danny Booher, So­ Donation: $3. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. Montreal cialist Workers Party candidate for mayor of Tel: (313) 831 -1177. UTAH A Video-Film Presentation: The Frame-up of Phoenix, member United Steelworkers of State Budget Cuts - Where They Come Mark Curtis. Sat., March 9. 7:30 p.m. 6566 America. Sat., March 9, 7:30 p.m. 1809 W. Price boul. St-Laurent. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Forum From and How to Fight Them. Panel discus­ Keep Abortion Safe and Legal. Speakers: Indian School Rd. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Mili­ sion. Sat., March 16, 7:30p.m. 5019 Y2 Wood­ Lutte Ouvriere. Tel: (514) 273-2503. tant Labor Forum. Tel: (602) 279-5850. Sherrie Love, Socialist Workers Party candidate Young Socialists Discussions on the Middle ward Ave. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Militant for Price City Council, others. Sat., March 9, 7 Labor Forum. Tel: (313) 831-1177. East War. Every Sun., 3 p.m. 6566 boul. St­ CALIFORNIA p.m. 253 E Main. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Mili­ Laurent. Tel : (514) 273-2503. tant Labor Forum. Tel: (80 1) 637-6294. Toronto Los Angeles MINNESOTA Salt Lake City Keep Anti-Apartheid Sanctions! Speaker: The Gulf War: Its Impact on World Politics. Panel Discussion on the Middle East War. Jabu Dube, information officer for the African Speaker: Elizabeth Stone, Socialist Workers Austin Gls, Veterans, and the Fight against the Speakers: Keri Sanders, active duty reservist; National Congress in Canada. Sat., March 9, Party candidate for Board of Trustees of Los Larry Chadwick, Vietnam veteran; Paul Mail­ 7:30p.m. 410 Adelaide St. W, Suite 400. Dona­ Angeles Community College District, Office No. War. Speakers: Jon Christenson, Vietnam War hot, Socialist Workers Party, member United tion: $3. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. Tel: 1. Sat., March 9, 7:30p.m. 2546 W Pico Blvd. veteran, poet; Peter Hartwig, Socialist Workers Party. Sat., March 9, 7:30 p.m. 4071;2 N Main Steelworkers of America Local 4413. Sat. (4I6) 861-1399. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum/Foro March 9, 7:30p.m. 147 E 900 S. Donation: $3. Perspectiva Mundial. Tel: (213) 380-9460. St. Donation: $2.50. Sponsor: Militant Labor Vancouver Forum. Tel: (507) 433-3461. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum/Foro Per­ The Mideast War: Opening Guns of World Discussion Series on the Fight against Impe­ spectiva Mundial. Tel: (801) 355-1I24. rialism and War. I) World War II. Wed., St. Paul War III. Speaker: Steve Penner, executive sec­ March 13, 6:30 p.m. 2) The War in the Arab­ War and the Fight against Racism. Speakers: retary, Communist League. Sat., March 9, 7:30 Persian Gulf. Wed. March 20, 6:30p.m. 3) The Dominique Najar, Arab-American Anti-Dis­ WEST VIRGINIA p.m. Canadian Capitalism in Crisis: The Cuban Revolution. Wed., March 27,6:30 p.m. crimination Committee; August Nimtz, Socialist Charleston Fight of Natives and Quebecois for Self-De­ 2546 W Pico Blvd. Sponsor: Young Socialist Workers Party; Mel Reeves, Black People's Malcolm X on the Fight against Imperialist termination. Class by Steve Penner. Sun., Alliance. Tel: (213) 380-9460. Committee against the War. Sat., March 9, 7:30 War. Speaker: Andrew Pulley, Socialist Work­ March I 0, II a.m. Both events at I 053 p.m. 508 N Snelling Ave. Donation: $2. Sponsor: ers Party. Sat., March 9, 7:30p.m. I405 E Mad­ Kingsway. Donation: $5 Saturday talk; $3 Sun­ San Francisco day class. Sponsor: Socialist Publications Fund. After the Battle. Video explaining Cuban role Militant Labor Forum. Tel: (612) 644-6325. ison. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Militant Labor Tel: (604) 872-8343. in defeat of South African troops in Angola. The Struggle for Palestinian Rights. Speaker Forum. Tel: (206) 323-1755. Sat., March 9, 7 p.m. 3284 23rd St. (near Mis­ to be announced. 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Mark Curtis case wins new support FLORIDA· Speakers: Linda Badran, Palestinian Women's Miami Association; Maney Saboori, peace activist; Continued from Page 3 In addition, they were invited to attend a representative, Socialist Workers Party; others. the Gulf. When Curtis was mailed a book of special reception at the Hotellntercontinen­ After the Battle. First Miami showing of video Sat., March 9, 7:30 p.m. 4907 Martin Luther explaining Cuban role in defeat of South Afri­ speeches by Malcolm X, the prison guard tal, hosted by Enrique Bernales Ballesteros, King Dr. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor who delivered the book told him that it can forces in Angola. Sat., March 9, 7:30 p.m. Forum. Tel: (314) 773-4709 . the representative of Peru, who was elected . 137 NE 54th St. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Mili­ End' the Occupation and Blockade against "looked like it was printed in Iraq." chairman of the commission session. tant Labor Forum. Tel: (305) 756-1020. Iraq. Speaker: David Rosenfeld, Socialist W'Ork­ Kaku and Studer also informed the human The defense activists also attended anum­ End the Occupation of Iraq! The Working­ ers Party candidate for St. Louis Board of Al­ rights officer of the political bias Curtis faced ber of meetings sponsored by the coordinat­ Class Campaign against the War at Home dermen. Sat., March 16, 7:30p.m. 4907 Martin at his annual parole hearing last November. ing committee of non-governmental organi­ and Abroad. Speaker: Peter Seidman, Socialist Luther King Dr. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Mili­ Curtis was denied parole, although he more zations. One meeting addressed growing Workers Party candidate for Miami City Com­ tant Labor Forum. Tel: (314) 773-4709. mission. Sun., March 17, 6 p.m. 137 NE 54th than met all the criteria for release. governmental pressures to limit the role of Malcolm X Talks to Young People. Discus­ Ize-Charrin added material on these recent human rights activists at UN gatherings. An­ St. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Socialist Workers sion series. Every Wed. in March, 7:30 p.m. Campaign. Tel: (305) 756-1020. developments to the growing Curtis file other was a special meeting to discuss issues 4907 Martin Luther King Dr. Sponsor: Young maintained by the Centre for Human Rights. before the commission with chairman Ber­ Socialist Alliance. Tel: (314) 361-0250. GEORGIA She told Kaku and Studer that if prison nales Ballesteros. Atlanta authorities use the war as an excuse to move "We made important progress in bringing Blacks in America's Wars. Speaker: George NEW YORK against Curtis' rights, she will send a third pressure on the U.S: authorities - through Williams, Socialist Workers Party, member Manhattan confidential communique to commission the United Nations and by getting out the United Food and Commercial Workers Local Women in a War Zone. Speaker: Chrissie Mc­ members alerting them to the new violation. facts about his fight for justice ail over the 442. Sat., March 9, 7:30p.m. 132 Cone St. NW, Auley, Belfast Sinn Fein's Women's Depart­ She said she keenly awaited Curtis' next world," committee coordinator Studer said. 2nd floor. Donation: $2.50. Sponsor: Militant ment. Sun., March 17,6:30 p.m. Wetlands Pre­ parole hearing, and would report if he meets "We will continue to win broader support, Labor Forum. Tel: (404) 577-4065. serve, 161 Hudson St. Sponsor: Irish Women's further political discrimination in seeking bringing the day closer when Curtis will walk Haiti: Eyewitness Report. Speakers: Nancy Studies Group. Tel: (212) 966-4225. release. out of jail, inspiring thousands that they can Cole, Socialist Workers Party, member Interna­ Many governments sponsor official recep­ fight for their rights and win." tional Association of Machinists; Jean-Luc PENNSYLVANIA tions to greet delegates and to provide an The Curtis defense campaign, both at the Duval, Young Socialist Alliance; both recently opportunity to continue political discussions returned from inauguration of Haiti President Philadelphia United Nations and throughout the labor Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Slide show. Sat., March Defending Women's Rights. Speaker to be an­ in a more informal setting. The Curtis dele­ movement, is a financially costly drive. To 16, 7:30 p.m. 132 Cone St. NW, 2nd Floor. nounced. Sat., March 9, 7:30 p.m. 1906 South gation attended receptions sponsored by the contribute, send a donation to the Mark Curtis Donation: $2.50. Sponsor: Militant Labor St. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Militant Labor governments of Austria, Germany, France, Defense Committee, Box 1048, Des Moines, Forum. Tel: (404) 577-41>65. Forum. Tel: (2I5) 546-8I96. Canada, and Indonesia. Iowa 50311, USA. -· IF YOU LIKE THIS PAPER, LOOK US UP

Where to find Pathfinder books and distribu­ KENTUCKY: Louisville: P.O. Box 4103. PENNSYLVANIA: Philadelphia: 1 906 Sheffield: 2A Waverley House, IOJoinerSt., tors of the Militant, Perspectiva Mundial, New Zip: 40204-4I03. South St. Zip: I9I46. Tel: (215) 546-8218. Pitts­ Sheffield S3 8GW. Tel: 0742-729469. International, Nouvelle Intemationale, and MARYLAND: Baltimore: 2913 Green­ burgh: 4905 Penn Ave. Zip I5224. Tel: (4I2) L'intemationaliste. mount Ave. Zip: 21218. Tel: (301) 235-0013. 362-6767. CANADA MASSACHUSETTS: Boston: 605 Mas­ TEXAS: Houston: 4806 Almeda. Zip: Montreal: 6566, boul. St-Laurent. Postal UNITED STATES sachusetts Ave. Zip: 02118. Tel: (6I7) 247- 77004. Tel: (713) 522-8054. code: H2S 3C6. Tel: (514) 273-2503. ALABAMA: Birmingham: III . 21st St. 6772. UTAH: Price: 253 E. Main St. Mailing ad­ Toronto: 410 Adelaide St. W., Suite 400. South. Zip: 35233. Tel: (205) 323-3079, 328- MICHIGAN: Detroit: 50I9lf2 Woodward dress: P.O. Box 758. Zip: 84501. 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NEBRASKA: Omaha: 140 S. 40th St. Zip: NEW ZEALAND CONNECTICUT: New Haven: Mailing ad­ Washington St. Mailing address: P.O. Box 5398. 68131. Tel: (402) 553-0245. Zip: 25311. Tel: (304) 345-3040. Morgantown: Auckland: I57a Symonds St. Postal Ad­ dress: P.O. Box I6751, Saybrook Station, West dress: P.O. Box 3025. Tel: (9) 793-075. Haven. Zip: 065I6. NEW JERSEY: Newark: 141 Halsey. Zip: 22I Pleasant St. Zip: 26505. Tel: (304) 296- 07102. Tel: (201) 643-3341. 0055. Christchurch: 593a Colombo St. (upstairs). FLORIDA: Miami: 137 NE 54th St. Zip: NEW YORK: Albany: P.O. Box 6185. Zip: Postal address: P.O. Box 22-530. Tel: (3) 656- 33137. Tel: (305) 756-1020. Tallahassee: P.O. AUSTRALIA 12206. 055. Box 207I5. Zip: 323I6. Tel: (904) 877-9338. !ydney: 19 Terry St., Surry Hills, Sydney New York: I91 7th Ave. Zip: IOOII. Tel: (212) NSW 2010. Tel: 02-281-3297. Wellington: 23 Majoribanks St., Courtenay GEORGIA: Atlanta: I32 Cone St. NW, 2nd 727-8421. Floor. Zip: 30303. Tel: (404) 577-4065. Pl. Postal address: P.O. Box 9092. Tel: (4) 844- NORTH CAROLINA: Greensboro: 2219 BRITAIN 205. ' ILLINOIS: Chicago: 545 W. Roosevelt Rd. E Market. Zip 27401. Tel: (919) 272-5996. London: 47 The Cut. Postal code: SEI 8LL. Zip: 60607. Tel: (3I2) 829-68I5, 829-70I8. OHIO: Cleveland: 1863 W. 25th St. Zip: Tel: 7I-4012293. SWEDEN IOWA: Des Moines: 2105 Forest Ave. Zip: 44II3. Tel: (2I6) 86I-6I50. Columbus: P.O. Manchester: Unit 4, 60 Shudehill. Postal Stockholm: Vikingagatan 10. Postal code: 503Il. Tel: (5I5) 246-8249. Box 02097. Zip: 43202. code: M4 4AA. Tel: 061-839 1766. S-113 42. Tel: (08) 31 69 33. 12 The Militant March 15, 1991 -THE GREAT SOCIETY------~-----~ Balanced approach -The staff Desert shield - An Iowa bible the British Centre for Defence In­ Lobkowicz. It's narrated by a "sex Seize the time - A classified ad at /TN, a British publication, was company reports that with the Gulf formation. therapist" whose "sultry" voice as­ in the Chicago Tribune offers deal­ advised that reports from Baghdad war, there's been a big jump in the Verboten - In California, Jihad sertedly penetrates "the horrors of ers "Desert Storm" items- "de­ should note that they're "subject to sales of pocket-size armor-plated bi­ Jaffer's father gave him a car for his war," bringing Gls "a hot little piece luxe" T-shirts, a variety of flags, flag bles. The company says it's not of American pie with a lot of cool pins, etc. The ad exhorts, "Make sixteenth birthday with a personal~ proud to be making money off the ized license plate bearing the teen­ whipped cream." ($11.95) money now!" war and, it says, has reduced the ager's name, which is often trans­ Old Glory - In Old Bridge, usual $22.95 price by $3. The com­ lated as "holy war." State motor Which rewards the deserving, New Jersey, six people were busted pany founder is convinced the vehicle officials then decided that in on charges of stealing American Harry plated bibles have saved lives in war right?- Chicago Tribune col­ view of the Gulf war, the plate was umnist Mike Royko did a phone flags. Police said one suspect but concedes he lacks documented "offensive" and demanded its re­ claimed he could get $20 for a flag Ring evidence. interview with the creator of "Des­ turn. Inquired Jihad, "What's next, ert Susan." Impresario Lobkowicz and a pole. are they going to tell me I can't go Iraqi censorship." Dispatches from told him he dido 't really care if he Fashion note -Spy magazine by my name?" Saudi Arabia and Bahrain should Surgical appraisal-"B-52 made a profit on it, but that it reportedly has a photo of Gen. say that "certain operational facts bombing from 40,000 feet is very American pie- "Desert Su­ would be nice if he did. After all, "Stormin' Norman" Schwarzkopf have been omitted for reasons of accurate. They hit the ground every san" is the first of a series of audio he explained, "it's a capitalistic so­ sleeping under his camouflage bed­ military security." time." Admiral Eugene Carroll of cassettes from entrepreneur Michael ciety." spread. Report points to decline in mental health care

BY PETER THIERJUNG • Most community mental health centers "and at emergency rooms at Broward Gen­ states in providing care, according to the A 192-page report by the Public Citizen have failed to provide "a reasonable volume" eral Hospital and in Tampa, patients are rou­ report, but only earned 12 points, a score Health Research Group and the National of services for people who ·cannot afford tinely shackled for hours or even days while that may plummet after recent announce­ Alliance for the Mentally Ill points to a treatment. waiting for a bed." ments by the state's governor, Mario drastic decline in public mental health • An undetermined portion of public In Idaho, it is standard practice to take Cuomo. care as a result of federal and state budget funds for services to people with serious mentally ill individuals requiring hospitaliza­ Cuomo projects lopping $11 0 million cuts. mental illnesses is literally being stolen. The tion "to jail where the person is fingerprinted, from the state's spending on mental health "It was, in fact, the existence of large report cites several major cases of embezzle­ put in a cell, and held until seen by a 'des­ for fiscal year 1991-92. State officials have numbers of seriously mentally ill individ­ ment and bilking of state and federal funds ignated examiner'." The patient is sometimes announced plans to shut down four major uals in the nation's poor houses in the that have been uncovered in Utah, Texas, and held for two to three days until a bed in an mental health hospitals by the end of the 1820s and 1830s which led to the building New York. institution is found. decade. of state mental hospitals as a 'humane' • Guidelines for serving people with Vermont leads the 50 states in provid­ Layoffs are already in swing. Some 1,200 alternative," the report says. "At no time mental illness are often set by federal and ing care, according to the report. But on mental health personnel, including . physi­ in the intervening years have there been state administrators who have no experience a scale of 1-25, the state only earns 17 cians, nurses, therapists, and treatment aides, as many seriously mentally ill individu­ in the field of mental health. points for the quality and availability of will be on unemployment lines by the end of als, most receiving no treatment, living in the care. February. Grants totaling $5 million for com­ the community." Inhumane treatment Twenty-five states and the District of munity mental health facilities are also being The authors of the study, published at the The report provides a state-by-state assess­ Columbia received eight or less points in eliminated. end of 1990, found the following: ment of mental health care, exposing grossly the study. California scored seven points. The layoffs and hospital shutdowns will • There are more than twice as many inadequate services and inhumane treatment Nevada, Texas, Mississippi, Montana, force about 1,200 patients out of the state people with schizophrenia and manic-de­ of patients. Idaho, Wyoming, and Hawaii are at the hospitals. Many of them will wind up on the pressive psychosis living in public shelters · The Pine Street Inn shelter in Boston rou­ bottom of the list with scores of five or streets, untreated and homeless. as there are in public mental health hospitals. tinely houses 500 to 1,000 people with seri­ less. New York state mental health commis­ Estimates of the total number of homeless ous mental illness each night, making it the The effects of the current recession and sioner Richard Surles reported that prior to individuals range from 300,000 to 3 million. "largest de facto mental institution in the federal budget cuts on meager state re­ the cuts the state was only meeting 60 percent Some 25-30 percent of single homeless state." sources for mental health care are already of its needs for outpatient programs, and only adults living in shelters are seriously mentally "The waiting list for South Aorida State being felt. half the need in New York City and on Long ill. Of those living in the streets the rate Hospital is six months long," the report says, New York ranks seventh among the 50 Island. appears to be higher. • There are more people with schizophre­ nia and manic-depressive psychosis in pris­ ons and jails than in public mental hospitals. Harlem National Guardsme~ sent to front Out of the more than 1 million prisoners in the United States, some 10 to 15 percent require services usually associated with se­ in Mideast war voice concern at treatment vere or chronic mental illness. BYJUDYSTRANAHAN Times. "National Guard units, like any other tion, the army took more of the company's • A majority of those who are mentally Members of a National Guard unit from army units, will be positioned wherever they vehicles. ill and are not in mental health institutions, Harlem stationed on the front lines in the must go to perform their unit mission. If that "If we wanted to pack up and get out in a including those who are homeless or in Arab-Persian Gulf have voiced concerns mission requires going to the front lines, hurry, we couldn't. We don't have enough prison, receive little or no psychiatric treat­ over their treatment by the U.S. military. that's where they go," explained Capt. vehicles now to move," said Staff Sgt. Cor­ ment .because most public health services Thomas Nickerson, an army spokesman. nelius D. Seon, from Brooklyn. have broken down completely. When they shipped out last November, the troops were told they would not be sent to • In the past 45 years, the number of Guardsman McCann, a postal worker Seon, in charge of the company's decon­ mental health professionals increased combat areas, reported the February 23 New from the Bronx who served two years in tamination procedures, explained the unit has more than twentyfold. Most of these pro­ York Times . The paper interviewed the Vietnam, is a member of the 719th Transport no decontamination station. He bought a guardsmen and some of their relatives short! y fessionals have abandoned or refused to Company. He explained the company suffers small weather station with his own money in before the U.S. invasion of Iraq. work in the public sector, seeking and from a lack of vehicles. When the company order to monitor wind speed and direction if getting better salaries, benefits, and easier "We were told before they left that they was moved closer to the front, up to four chemical agents are in the area. "We are case loads in private institutions. At the would be based near a pier or an airport, but people were squeezed into·truck cabs for the supposed to wing it in a chemical attack," Wyoming State Hospital in 1989, for ex­ this did not turn out to be the case," said 11-hour drive. On arriving at the new loca- Seon said. ample, there was no regular psychiatrist Linda Williams, head of a family support on the staff for almost a year. group that has lodged complaints over the treatment of the soldiers. The average age of the guardsmen is 43. -· 25 AND 50 YEARS AGO-­ "They should not be out in the desert at their age," said Williams. "They are weekend war­ riors who are not prepared to be in a ground THE TH£ MILITANT war. It is almost like suicide." "We have three strikes against us," said MILITANT Ruben McCann. "We are from the guard, Published in the Interests ·Jf the Working People P ricl.' IO C' March 15, 1941 we are from New York, and we are Black." March 14, 1966 "We feel like outcasts," said Sgt. Franklin With the signing of the lease-lend law Williams, 50. "I was in the army in 1958. It In an article in the March 6 New York Tuesday, Roosevelt is now in a position to was a Jim Crow army then. We had a Black Times Magazine, entitled "And Still the Lit­ plunge the people of this country into actual water fountain and a Black USO. I get the · tle Men of the Vietcong Keep Coming," warfare any time he decides that such a step same feeling being over here. There is no one Bernard Fall, an authority on Vietnam, de­ is necessary to remove Hitler's threat to to speak up for us so we're being kicked scribes the difficulties facing the U.S. forces American capitalism's domination of the around." there. He says that despite their enormously world. "The war is over oil and I'm not going to greater amount of power, the U.S. is having More than the provisions of the law, the get any of it or any more money from it," the same essential difficulties as the French amendments that failed to pass offer an in­ said Sgt. William Pace, a 49-year-old guards­ did in crushing the guerrilla movement. To dication that Roosevelt is prepared to go the man from the Bronx. "Most of us are too old illustrate these difficulties. he writes: limit. · to be out here crawling around in the mud " . .. if President Johnson were to receive In spite of his many promises previously under fire for this." the additional $12.3 billion authorization for that no American soldier would fight on Sgt. Mario Rodriguez, a 39-year-old the current fiscal year to prosecute the war foreign soil, an amendment providing that Vietnam veteran who was wounded three in Vietnam, making a total $15.8 billion for no American Expeditionary Force would be times, said, "Since we arrived, it has been the year, the per capita expenditure for every sent was defeated by Roosevelt's forces. just one lie after another. I had it better captured or killed Vietcong in 1%5 will The same fate was given to an amend­ in Vietnam." have come to a substantial $351, 111. And if ment against the use of U.S. warships for "We are out here fighting two armies," one remembers that 45,000 known Vietcong convoy purposes. said Cpl. Theo Lewis. "The U.S. Army and dead or captured no doubt includes a hefty The defeat of these amendments show the enemy." percentage of bystanders caught in the cross­ which way Roosevelt is heading the coun­ Homeless woman eating on park bench U.S. Army officials expressed little sym­ fire, then a figure of a half-million dollars try - toward total involvement in th~ in front of the White House. pathy for the unit in interviews with the per Vietcong becomes plausible." war. March 15, 1991 The Militant 13 -EDITORIALS Youth feriDent spurs interest Build March 16 antiwar events in 'Militant' The call by the National Student and Youth Campaign to question the U.S. government's aims. BY DOUG JENNESS for Peace in the Middle East for teach-ins, protests, and By holding broad educational activities on March 16, With the cease~fire in the Middle East, a new stage has other actions on March 16 provides all opponents of the opponents of Washington's course in the Middle East can been opened in the imperialist war drive against Iraq. war against Iraq with important opportunities to educate help prepare themselves and others for the next stages in Washington and London are still pressing hard to achieve and get out the truth about Washington's intervention in the the fight to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq and for lifting the goal they set out on last summer - to create an Iraq Middle East. the sanctions against the Iraqi people. that is totally subordinate to U.S. imperialism. They aim to This call accurately sums up what needs to be done now: To effectively meet this challenge, activists on campuses, substantially change the relationship of forces in their favor take stock of the rapidly changing situation in the Middle worlcers and unionists - in and out of uniform, and others in the Middle East- an objective they've had ever since East and continue the fight against Washington and its allies ' will find reading, studying, and circulating the following massive revolutionary mobilizations overthrew the monar­ war against the Iraqi people. The vote by 500 participants publications invaluable: chy in Iran in 1979. in the March 1-3 National Networlc of Campuses Against • Weekly issues of the Militant provide facts and a Most people are still trying to figure out what Wash­ the War conference in Chicago to endorse by a~clarnation perspective that help arm readers to counter Washington's ington's real objectives are in this conflict. The most critical the March 16 call shows the possibility of making the actions lies about the war in the Mideast and see its aims clearly. questioning is taking place among a layer of young people a success. The Militant is also the best source of information about who turned out in the tens of thousands for antiwar protests Opponen~ of the U .S.-led war Qrive should make build­ activities and protests, in the United States and worldwide, in January and February. They are suspicious of Washing- ing March 16 activities a central priority. Helping inform to oppose the U.S.-led war drive. other activists - especially on the campuses, organizing united efforts, and building these activities as widely as • The December 1990 issue of International Socialist possible are the best next steps in opposing Washington's Review titled "Worlcing-class campaign against the imperi­ course. Unionists, striking worlcers, Gls and reservists, and alist war drive" outlines the stakes for worlcing people LEARNING ABOUT others opposed to the war should join with the students to around the world in the Mideast conflict, the changes that make those events as broad as possible. · make it possible to carry out an effective campaign to SOCIALISM Washington and the big-business media would like to mobilize working people and others against the war drive, convince people in the United States and around the world and the prospects for building the communist movement ton's stated intentions in the Middle East, abhor the brutality that the hostilities are over and that the· world is at peace. today. ofU.S.-Anglo air and artillery attacks that slaughtered tens But nothing could be further from the truth. • The book by Pathfinder, U.S. Hands Off the Mideast! of thousands of Iraqis, and resent the complicity of the press The U.S. government continues to press and probe for Cuba Speaks Out at the United Nations, features statements in trying to keep the lid on the truth. ways to achieve its ultimate objective - a subservient by the Cuban ambassador to the United Nations, Ricardo When scores of Militant supporters fanned out to college regime in Iraq. The war against the Iraqi people is now Alarcon, and Cuban President Fidel Castro that rebut the campuses and high schools on February 21 to participate being carried out by other means, including the maintenance pretexts and arguments used by Washington to justify its in of nationally coordinated student protests, they found a of brutal economic sanctions and the occupation of Iraqi unilateral acts of aggression against Iraq. It has a useful thirst for political discussion and for explanations. Youth territory by hundreds of thousands of U.S. and allied troops. introduction and chronology, and reprints the first I 0 United want to know why the war drive began, its evolution, and As the facts come out about the mass slaughter carried Nations resolutions adopted on the Gulf crisis. where it fits into other things in capitalist society they have out by U.S.-led forces against retreating Iraqi troops and To get copies contact the Pathfinder Bookstore nearest come to hate and fight - from racial discrimination to the horrifying atrocities resulting from the massive you listed on page 12 or see one of the ads for these attacks on abortion rights. bombing campaign against Iraq, more people will come publications elsewhere in this issue. The response is reflected in the fact that 225 new subscribers will be getting the Militant this week as part of a special six-week offer for $5 that was available only on February 21. Actually, this isn't the final tally, be­ cause telephone reports indicate that more subscriptions Free the Birmingham Six! from sales on that day are on their way from New York and Newark. Also, we're still getting responses from In spite of the complete unravelling of evidence used in to tum a layer of worlcing people into a pariah layer they individuals, wh~ picked up one of the hundreds of the frame-up of the Birmingham Six, the British government can jus~fy placing them outside the law arid solidarity from special subscription blanks that were distributed at an- has continued to drag its feet on releasing them. Supporters the labor movement. Such a move can be used to roll back tiwar protests on February 21. . of democratic rights everywhere should demand immediate the hard won democratic r:ights of ev~on~. The biggest number of six-week subscriptions came from freedom for the Six. "!'<> secure 'the' conviption of the: ~irmif.!ibam Six and supporters in Los Angeles. They sent in 54. As well, new Throughout their nearly 17-year-long incarceration, the Gmld(ord Four, crasS wethocts 'Yere employed. The&e.meth­ readers came from Moorhead, Minnesota; Jackson, Mis­ Six have refused to be broken and have kept fighting for ods included beating . ~nfessions from four of the six and souri; L!Jbbock, Texas, and many pfthe main metropoli~ their freedom. Likewise, the Guildford Follr, also framed inventing confessions in the Ouildfotd FotJT 'Gase. . .. areas. Although most were students, there were a sprinkling up, fought their 1975 life sentences and as a ~ult vvon their Exposing thes~ methods: as has tx;en done here, helps to of unionists, .inducting four members of the International freedom in 1989. In addition, Biimingh~ Six .defense deal a blow agai,nst;the go~erninent's abilitY .to freely use - Associa~on of Machinists in Atlanta. · supporters have continued to fight for support. The r~ent frame-ups; beatings, and false impriSoi!".)ent as a weapon · Each new subscriber also received a copy of a special events have shown that such solidarity work can pay off. in their assault on worlcing:people:: .\: ; · . _ International Socialist Review supplement that features the To justify Britain's continued occupation of Nordiern - A victory in the fight to free the Birmingham Six would article, "Worlcing -class campaign against the imperialist war Ireland it has become the· stock-in-trade of the British :help- t<>;-wide[l tll¥ space for working people to practice drive," by Socialist Workers Party national secretary Jack govenunent to label Irish people as terrorists. Britain 'sruling politics, 'anw! · - . -; · ' couple of months. Even if you read it back in December, -:· you should reread it now. Six weeks of the Militant and the ISR supplement will be a giant help to those who are seriously attempting to gain a better understanding of and fight against the U.S.-led war End the occupation of Ir~lq! .·. drive in the Mideast. If you're one of these new subscribers and you like what you've read, I strongly urge you to renew. Working people and toilers the world over, youth, and by the Palestinian people fighting for self-determination. You're not going to find the kind of coverage and clarity all opponents of the naked U.S. aggression in the Mideast Already, Palestinians in Kuwait, many of whom were born on the process now unfolding in the Mideast in any other must demand an end to the illegal occupation of Iraq and there arid have lived there for generations, are being sub­ publication. the economic embargo against that country. jected to harassment, indiscriminate roundup, abuse, arrest, Even if you don't agree with many things in the Militant, From tents pitched in southern Iraq, Washington and its torture, and even murder. don't fully understand or are not sure about them, you should imperialist allies have declared that their illegal occupation A victory for the U.S. government in the Mideast would renew to give us a chance to show what you would be of more than a quarter of the country will not end until the strengthen the hand of the class it represents at home - the missing. · · Iraqi regime complies with every stringent and onerous employers - against worlcing peoplt", union fighters, and In addition to the 225 who subscribed on February 21, demand placed upon it. working farmers. there are another 295 readers who have signed up for new Through its occupation army blessed by the United · In their drive to press the brutal war against Iraq, the U.S. 12-week subscriptions since January 1. Their subscriptions Nations, Washington seeks to use the embargo against Iraq rulers and their internationlll band of moneygrubbers lie will begin running out at the end of this month, and if you to tighten the noose around the neck of the people of that outright.to millions of working people through the media, are one of them all the same reasons hold for why you country, inflicting untold economic hardship and devasta­ government officials, and other capitalist institutions - all should extend your subscription. tion. of which they dominate. They seek to convince worlcing Last fall supporters conducted a subscription campaign The residents of Baghdad, having suffered 42 days and people that they are part of a "we" - along with the that won 3,732 new Militant readers. These subscriptions nights of relentless allied bombing, now confront life-threat­ employers, the government, its armed forces, and the twin have been expiring for the past few weeks and so far 381 ening shortages of food and medicine. The basic infrastruc­ capitalist political parties- standing against "them" - the have signed up to continue their subscriptions. That's an ture of the city has been reduced to rubble. Men, women, Iraqi people. average of six per day since January 1. Of those 195 renewed and children are suffering from diseases, some of which are But this is a lie. The Iraqi workers and peasants share in response to one of four renewal letters from our circula­ reaching epidemic levels. common exploitation, common enemies, and common in­ tion director. Coldly stating he would offer only the crumb of "free terests with worlcing people throughout the world and During the last two weeks of February our supporters in advice" to the Iraqi masses, U.S. President George Bush, at deserve their solidarity. The ruling rich and their imperialist many cities called or visited new subscribers urging them the helm of the Washington-led alliance, has made it clear governments are out to protect their interests in the Mideast to renew. An additional121 have signed up, an average of that the aim of the U.S. government is to squeeze the Iraqi the same way they organize to protect their interests at eight per day. These results are mostly from the United people into submission. Washington will try to use the pain home, against union activists, worlcing farmers, and worlcing States. Supporters in Canada have also mapped out a and suffering to pressure for a new regime more to its liking people as a whole. renewal effort for the first two weeks of March. in Baghdad. In the face of the onslaught confronting the Iraqi people, If supporters have reports on particularly good experi­ The installation of such a regime by Washington would worlcers, . rural toilers, youth, and others opposed to the ences in convincing readers to extend their subscriptions or be a big setback to worlcing people the world over and to imperialist war drive should demand the immediate with­ suggestions on how we can carry out this worlc more the struggle for national liberation and sovereignty in the drawal of all foreign forces from Iraq, the lifting of the effectively, please send them to us. region. It would be yet another strike against the struggle brutal embargo, and that the troops be brought home now!

14 The Militant March 15, 1991 Inmates at Arizona prison hold Gulf war forum BYMIKESHUR needed. Leonard showed how the war was motivated by and the launching of missiles at Israel is wrong. The PHOENIX- More than 50 prisoners participated in a the decline of U.S. imperialism's economic and political Palestinian people have been waging a tremendous fight discussion of the U.S. war in the Mideast at the Federal power over the past three decades. He also explained how through their intifada and are winning world support to Correction Institution here February 4. The meeting was Washington's war in the Arab-Persian Gulf is tied to its war their cause. Hussein's actions are undercutting those ad­ sponsored by the African Cultural Workshop, a prisoner's on workers and farmers in the United States today. vances," he said. organization. Representatives of the Hawaiian Club, Mex­ "The U.S. government's goal is to set up a protectorate A number of questions were raised about the economic ican Club, and Native American Club at the prison also in Iraq to advance its interests in the Gulf. But the war has and social crisis in the Soviet Union and the "failure" of attended. already set in motion big events around the world," Leonard socialism. A member of the Hawaiian Club, a former worker Balagoon Moyenda, a leader of the African Cultural told the prisoners. "Yes.terday 300,000 marched in Morocco at Bethlehem Steel, said, "I remember when labor was Workshop, opened the event. "Tonight's meeting is to against that government's participation in the war on the strong, and I've seen it get weaker and capitalism get side of the U.S.-led coalition. In Pakistan protests have also stronger. Then I hear on television that socialism is no good. been .held , pressing the government there to withdraw its You don't know what to believe." · troops. "The Kremlin is embracing Washington's war in the Gulf," BEHIND "Here in the United States, after large demonstrations in Leonard noted. "This is because the government in the Soviet Washington and San Francisco," the socialist leader added, Union has been counterrevolutionary since the late 1920s PRISON "1 ,500 students met and called for massive protests on the when Stalin led the bureaucrats in seizing power from the college campuses and high schools on February 21 , the workers and peasants. It has not advanced socialism in all WALLS anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X." those years, but has instead driven workers from politics. In the ensuing discussion, participants had comments·that "The cold war, started after World War II by the U.S. brought out further points about the imperialist war. One government, was an attempt to contain the workers states discuss the U.S. imperialist war in the Gulf- the truth person said that before the Iraqi invasion, "Many countries and control further revolts by workers by making deals with about this war, not what's on CNN [Cable News Network]," in the area and many countries like the United States knew the Kremlin, since Washington was not strong enough to he said. Moyenda pointed out that the sponsors of the forum of the negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait, and knew that overthrow the workers states. "are not just people who want to see things change, but are Iraq.was poised to strike but did nothing." those who want to act together to change society to a place Another prisoner said that every vote in the United "Today, because of their revolts against the Stalinist where this kind of exploitation will end." Nations backing U.S. policy"was a vote that was bought." dictatorships, workerS and farmers in Eastern Europe and There are people with many different views in attendance, The head of the Mexican Club said thai the U.S. invasion the Soviet Union have a chance at being part of politics and Moyenda noted. "In the discus.sion it is OK to disagree, but of Panama was the same type of aggression aS in· the joining in the struggles of their fellow workers around the not OK to be disagreeable." Arab-Persian Gulf. world," Leonard concluded. He then introduced Tom Leonard, a long-time trade union Another participant asked, "If it's trUe that the United One person asked about the new world order that Bush member and leader of the Socialist Workers Party, who then States imported only five percent of its oil from the Mideast, claiins to be putting together. "The world order that Bush gave the main presentation. how can you say it's a war about oil?" is talking about is the old order that came out of World War Leonard reported on the brutal bombing campaign against Leonard answered that while the United States imports II," Leonard said. "It was a world dominated economically the Iraqi people, waged by the U.S. and British governments. only five percent of its oil from the Gulf, the overWhelming and politically by U.S. imperialism. That world order is He explained why the Bush administration's claim that their majority of oil from the region is bought up by a handful coming apart and that is what they are trying to keep together "war is to liberate Kuwait" is a lie. of giant oil monopolies and sold at a huge profit to the rest with the war." Leonard also reviewed how the U.S. government's con­ of the world. · African Cultural Workshop leader Moyenda ended the trol and domination of the Middle East and its resources It is the right to control this oil, and its exploitation, that meeting by urging the audience to read books published by have been eroded due to the struggles of the workers and is at the heart of the war, he said. Pathfinder displayed at the meeting -especially Blacks in peasants in the region. The imperialists in Washington have Another prisoner said, "The United States attacked Iraq America's Wars; U.S. Hands Off the Mideast; In Defense been looking for an opportunity to reverse that situation, he because it is the only power in the Mideast that can stop of Socialism; and Malcolm X Talks to Young People. He noted. Israel." also urged everyone to read the International Socialist When the Iraqi government, pursuing its own capitalist Leonard disagreed. "I think Hussein's linking the inva­ Review with the article "Working-class campaign against interests, invaded Kuwait, it gave Washington the pretext it sion of Kuwait to the struggle for a Palestinian homeland, imperialist war drive." -LETTERS- 'Support our troops' the Afghans taught the USSR: Ifyou push the Muslims beyond a certain Excluding "Support our troops" level, there will be grassroots resis­ from antiwar slogans as suggested tance 'til you are forced to pack your by the Militant is, I believe, a mis­ bags and leave as the Soviets did. take. When coupled with "Bring From Morocco to Malaysia, the them home now," there is no mis­ Muslim masses are saying unitedly: taking whose side we are on - the U.S. out of the Middle East. workers in and out of uniform, or Islamic People's Movement_ the rulers who sent them there to kill Baltimore, Maryland and be killed for objectives that are completely in opposition to the in­ terests of workers at home and 'Frontline' on Cuba throughout the world. The United States of America, the During the Vietnam War, we in most drugged-up nation in the world, the antiwar movement.fought hard has persistently over the years fail­ for this ·slogan against those who ingly attempted to transfer this image insisted that soldiers over there were to neighbor Socialist Cuba. On Feb­ "murderers" who should have re­ ruary 5, 1991, once again this mill­ fused to go. stone was loaded into "Frontline's" Of course they aren't "our" propaganda gun on "Public Broad­ troops, but these soldiers are work­ casting" and aimed at no less than ers who joined up, many for eco­ Fidel Castro himself. However, the nomic reasons. In order to influence U.S. media has failed once again. them, we must cut across the right­ An hour of tortuous, farfetched wing slogans depicting the antiwar linkage was thrown at an unsuspect­ movement as hostile to them. ing audience. To believe the pap, tain thousands of articles relating to which show the political boundaries bassador to Iraq, John Clark, who "Support our (or the) troops, the viewers would have to believe these cultures that are invaluable and major cities have a limited use; left Iraq in December, said he could Bring them home now" will explain that Chief Thug George Bush's de­ and irreplaceable. I wonder how they are for quick reference to place not imagine the plant being used as struction of Iraq (another in a long clearly to soldiers and their families many of these treasures are buried a location in its geographical con­ a biological weapons plant as that the only way to support them is string of Third World countries) is in the rubble resulting from our text. Maps which show more detail, charged by the U.S. military. to join the antiwar protests and bring to save international law and his thousands of "bombing sorties." farmland, etc., can be more useful Mervyl Morrison the troops home now. self-proclaimed "New World Or­ I read and hear nothing in our politically. Auckland, New Zealand der," and perhaps some do. Bea Bryant print media or on TV or radio about Raul Gonzalez Suffice it to say, 30 years of aU.S . Blenheim, Ontario this potentially disgraceful oblitera­ Minneapolis, Minnesota U.S. terrorism government-imposed ban against Canada tion of the world's culture. Please There can be no doubt now that the U.S. public traveling to Cuba speak to this, if you will. Baby-food factory the U.S. government is indulging in (citizens of every other country can) Cultural obliteration Sam Lesser The U.S. war machine propa­ acts of terrorism against the people has not by itself done the complete I am totally horrified by the daily Danbury, Connecticut ganda has been prominent on New of Iraq. A systematic military cam­ job of softening up public opinion acts of incredible bestiality and sav­ Zealand TV and in the press, at­ paign is under way to destroy Iraq for an invasion of Cuba. agery inflicted on the Iraqi People. Better maps of Iraq tempting to persuade viewers and as a nation and a modem state. I assert that if the U.S. public was We are running a close second to I would like to suggest that the readers of its authenticity. One item For 27 days the niost powerful air allowed by its government to travel Nazi Germany in the thirties and Militant and Perspectiva Mundial televised on January 25 had its crit­ force in the world has been pound­ to Cuba, it would see for itself that early forties and threatening to take publish more detailed maps of the ics, however. ing a Third World country around the expulsion of the mafia by Fidel over 1st place in the "gruesome Middle East and Iraq. The United States had just the clock. This is probably the great­ northward into the stables of the Olympics." I've noticed over the last few bombed a baby-food factory in est atrocity committed in the post­ C.I.A. has solved the drug problem Only a complete dolt can fail to months that ruling-class periodicals Baghdad. The U.S. military said it World War II era. ·for Cuban society. understand the carnage and suffer­ uniformly publish maps which show was a biological weapons plant. On We, the Muslims, condemn U.S. Harry Nier ing resulting from our "precise only the major cities, occasionally the same news item this was refuted aggression against Iraq. All decent Denver, Colorado bombing," "surgical strikes," and major highways. Sometimes the by a technician who had worked people must urge the U.S. to with­ "smart bombs." Tigris and Euphrates rivers pop into there, and two members of the Dairy draw from the Middle East. The The letters column is an open This land of the "Arabian view, very rarely the many lakes or Board, a company that markets most Arab and Muslim people can and forum for all viewpoints on sub­ Nights," once called Mesopotamia, the mountainous north of Iraq. The New Zealand dairy products in New will shape their own future. jects of general interest to our was the site of great civilizations overall effect of this is to further Zealand and overseas. If the U.S. continues its occupa­ readers. Please keep your letters such as Babylonia and Assyria. Bib­ dehumanize the lraqipeopleand pro­ The item seems to have been tion of the Middle East, including its brief. Where necessary they will lical scholars believe the Garden of mote political ignorance of the area. hushed up, as the only allusion to it occupation-by-surrogate of Pales­ be abridged. Please indicate if you Eden lay in southern Mesopotamia. Iraq is not one flat, featureless, was in the Christchurch Press Jan­ tine, the Arab/Muslim world will prefer that your initials be used The numerous mosques of Iraq con- mostly uninhabited desert. Maps uary 28 when the New Zealand am- teach the U.S. the same lesson which rather than your full name.

March 15, 1991 The Militant 15 THEMILITANT North American trade talks set; top union officials oppose move

BY ROBERT SIMMS she opposes the deal because it will "cause MONTREAL- The governments of job losses for Canadians, but, just as impor­ Mexico, the United States, and Canada an­ tantly, because we've seen how limited free nounced February 5 they will soon begin trade with the United States in the form of joint negotiations to establish a North Amer­ the maquiladoras is destroying the lives of ican trading bloc. Under the guise of concern Mexican workers." for working people in Mexico, top labor Canadian Auto Workers President Robert officials in the United States and Canada White says the move toward a trading bloc have strongly opposed such a trade agree­ is "about corporations having the freedom to ment. seek out cheap Mexican labor, it is about Negotiations between the three govern­ ratcheting down our social programs, it is ments are expected to begin this summer after about lowering our wages and living stan­ U.S. President George Bush gets a go-ahead dards." from the U.S. Congress. A trade agreement between the U.S. and 'Another vacuum cleaner' · Canadian governments has already gone into effect. It eliminates tariffs and other barriers When the three governments announced to trade on nearly all goods and services over their agreement to negotiate a deal, White a 10-year period, as well as lifting limits on stated, "There's no way we can compete with investment. Media reports indicate that a wages of less than a dollar an hour. It's just similar plan is envisioned in the new nego­ going to mean another vacuum cleaner taking tiations. jobs from Canada." Bush called the move "a dramatic first step As during the U.S.-Canada trade talks, toward the realization of ahemispheric free­ labor officials here have pursued a chauvin­ trade zone, stretching from Point Barrow in ist, Canadian nationalist course in their op­ Alaska to the Straits of Magellan" at the position to the new talks. southern tip of Latin America. Tony Clarke, spokesperson for Pro-Can­ In the talks with officials in Mexico, the Factory in Matamoros, Mexico, in the "free trade zone" on the U:S.-Mexico border. The minimum wage is 68 cents an hour, but many ar.e paid less. ada, the umbrella group of unions and others U.S. ruling rich seek to batter down barriers opposed to the pact, also denounced Ottawa's to penetration of U.S. capital and commod­ decision to join the talks. ities. Ottawa and Washington see this as a has grown are the factories known as moved their production to Mexico," he said, "American business people have been say­ foot in the door to establishing greater access maquiladoras. These are mostly located iil "to tum the terrible poverty of Mexico to ing it for years -under a North American to and domination of labor and raw materials "free trade zones" along the Mexico-U.S. their advantage." free-trade agreement, U.S. capital would throughout the region. border. There are now more than 1,600 such The Canadian Labour Congress, the Ca­ combine with Canada's natural resources and The U.S.-Mexico-Canada initiative comes firms employing some 450,000 workers. nadian Union of Public Employees, and other . Mexico's cheap labor to take on European in the wake of a temporary suspension last Under an agreement with the Mexican major labor organizations in Canada have all and Asian competition in the global market," December of trade talks on the General government, foreign companies can' set up denounced the proposed pact as well. he told the Financial Post. "In this scenario, Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). factories, bring machinery and raw materials Deborah Bourque, third vice-president of Canada's industrial development is written GATT is a multilateral agreement governing duty-free into Mexico, exploit Mexican labor the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, stated off completely," he claimed. rules of world trade. More than 100 capitalist for assembly, and then export the product countries subscribe to it. back to the United States with a reduced Several rounds of GATT talks since World customs duty. War II have lowered trade barriers, benefiting Most workers in these factories earn only Charleston mayoral candidate the world's strongest imperialist economies. the minimum wage of 68 cents an hour, or U.S. imperialism's absolute economic power less. Environmental pollution is rampant, and relative to any of its rivals makes it the biggest working and living conditions are so bad that sparks debate on Mideast war force for eliminating many of the current many factories experience turnover rates of blocks to the free flow of U.S. capital and 10 percent a month or more. commodities. BY ILONA GERSH He said he learned first-hand whose side the Intensifying interimperialist competition Labor officials oppose trade talks CHARLESTON, West Virginia- Linda cops are on when he was brutally beaten in a Joyce, Socialist Workers Party candidate for rebellion by Blacks in Cleveland in the 1960s. has led to growing trade friction, especially The AFL-CIO has made opposition to the mayor of Charleston, sparked a lively debate Joyce heads a socialist ticket that includes among the major imperialist powers. The proposed free-trade deal its top legislative on the U.S. war against the people of Iraq, Mary Nell Bockman and Mark Wyatt for city U.S. government threatened protectionist priority for 1991. Along with its counterpart the capitalist economic crisis, and other top­ council. People who support the right of measures against its rivals in Europe and in Canada, the labor federation claims its ics when she appeared on a radio talk show working-class candidates to be on the ballot, Japan following the breakdown in GATT concerns about the low wages and poor in Charleston February 20. The radio station she explained, could get in touch with the negotiations. working conditions of Mexican workers are is hosting call-in programs for all of the campaign and help the candidates win b;lilot For U.S. and Canadian capitalists, a North the central reason it opposes the pact. mayoral candidates. Joyce is a member of status. Ballot laws in West Virginia make it American trading bloc would strengthen Rather than organizing solidarity and the International Association of Machinists very hard for anyone except Democrats and their competitive position relative to the Jap­ backing for struggles of workers in Mexico, Local 298 at Union Carbide Construction. Republicans to win a spot on the ticket, said anese and maximize the weakening of the the labor tops seek to protect their dues base Joyce. No less than eight separate lawsuits European Community. by defending and promoting protectionist "Not one cent, or one soldier, should go have been filed against the state's unconsti­ Initially the negotiations did not include measures. While cynically expressing con­ toward the war in the Mideast," said Joyce. tutional restrictions in recent years. the Canadian government. Officials in all cern for the conditions of the Mexican work­ "This war is in the interests of the big oil three countries say Ottawa's full backing of ing class, these officials have refused to even companies, not working people. The billions The laws in the city of Charleston are Washington's war against the Iraqi people organize a fight against the employers' as­ of dollars being spent on the war should be somewhat less restrictive, however. Instead helped push aside U.S. and Mexican govern­ saults on the unions, rights, and standard of spent on a massive public works program to of the thousands of signatures of registered ment hesitations about bringing Canada into living of workers in both the United States build needed roads, housing, hospitals, and voters required for statewide offices, only schools." the talks. and Canada. 134 names are required for candidates seek­ Candice Johnson, spokesperson for the Many callers responded to Joyce's stand ing the office of mayor. As in the statewide Conditions in Mexico 14-million-member AFL-CIO, was quoted in against the war. The majority supported U.S. petition campaigns, however, when voters The capitalist class in Mexico is driven to the Toronto Globe and Mail as saying the troops in the Mideast, but were interested in sign the mayoral petition the law says they open up the market there because of the federation considers "the agreement an eco­ discussing the war with someone who op­ cannot vote in the primary elections for the country's deep economic crisis. Economic nomic and social disaster for workers on both posed it. Democratic or Republican parties. growth has declined to 0.4 percent annually. sides of the border." She argued that the A Vietnam veteran called to explain that Supporters are gathering those signatures The minimum wage fell by more than 50 Mexican government has ruled out negotiat­ the facts are never as simple as the U.S. now - at shopping centers, plant gates, percent between 1982 and 1988, taking in­ ing on such questions as labor standards and government portrays them. Most Vietnamese door-to-door in working-class neighbor­ flation into account. Official unemployment environmental protection. he talked to when he was stationed there, he hoods, and at political and cultural events. skyrocketed from 1 million workers to more The AFL-CIO is participating in the Co­ said, were not glad to see U.S. troops in their City regulations also require a filing fee than4.5 million- 17.6percentofthe work­ alition for Justice in the Maquiladoras, a country. They just wanted to be left alone, of $600 for the mayoral candidates, and ing population - from 1982 to 1987. grouping of mostly U .S.-based labor, church, he said. $34.50 for each at-large city council candi­ One of the main culprits behind the harsh and environmental organizations that aims to A policeman called to ask Joyce what she date. Joyce is appealing to campaign support­ austerity measures carried out by the Mexi­ pressure maquiladora companies to raise. would do to fight crime if she were elected. ers to help pay the onerous fee by contribut­ can government in the 1980s is the country's wages, improve working conditions, and im­ The socialist candidate rejected the claim that ing to the campaign. "A successful fight to foreign debt. In 1989 the amount owed to pose environmental regulation. cops defend working people. Instead, she get on the ballot in this election will help win imperialist banks and governments hit $107 Thomas Donahue, secretary-treasurer of said, they defend the rights and prerogatives space for working-class candidates in the billion. Despite a much-touted U.S.-spon­ the AFL-CIO, told the Globe and Mail that of big-business. "Working people are the elections throughout the state of West Vir­ sored debt reduction plan, the amount Mex­ the federation's participation in ·the coalition only ones who will defend the interests of ginia," said Joyce. ico owes has increased and debt servicing is unrelated to its opposition to the U.S.-Can­ the majority," Joyce stated. Donations can be sent to: Socialist Work­ has declined very little. ada-Mexico talks. A few days later a man came in to the ers Campaign, P.O. Box 5398, Charleston, One sector of the Mexican economy that "Our multinational companies have campaign headquarters to express his support. West Virginia, 25361. 16 · The Militant March 15,1991