"We are realists... we dream the impossible" - Che Fire This Time!

CANADA MUST STOP DISCRIMINATING AGAINST INDIGENOUS CHILDREN Page 4

CHE GUEVARA'S LEGACY TODAY Page 24 Page 12

LA LUCHA CONTRA EL NEOLIBERALISMO EN CHILE "SONIC ATTACKS" IN CUBA: FACT OR FICTION?Page 10 U.S. HANDS OFF VENEZUELA!

Page 8 STOP THE WAR ON YEMEN Page 18 & 22 Page 2 NO TMX PIPELINE! Page 6

Volume 13 Issue 12 • December 2019 • In English / En Español • Free • $3 at Bookstores www.firethistime.net On November 22, 2019, Stop the UN Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths told the Genocide in UN Security Council that “In the last two weeks, Yemen! the rate of that war has dramatically reduced: U.S. & Saudi there were reportedly Arabia almost 80% fewer airstrikes nation-wide Hands Off than in the two weeks prior.” While the bombing Yemen! and military intervention in Yemen might seem lower, the war on the people of Yemen is still very much in full force. According to the UN, 80% of the population in Yemen needs humanitarian assistance. The bombing destroyed schools, homes, hospitals, By Azza Rojbi water and sanitation systems, roads and against Yemen in March 2015. Throughout countless other vital parts of infrastructure these years the Saudi-led coalition justified its “The war destroyed our dreams and [our] in the country. Added to that, the U.S. and war by renaming its campaign; giving several Saudi-led coalition have been imposing a sea, future” this was how Yemeni mother Adeeyah pretexts for continuing it; and arrogantly described the war in her country in the recently land, and air blockade on Yemen, creating claiming to have the interest of the Yemeni extreme shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. released report by the International Rescue people and the region in mind. Despite being Committee (IRC) on the humanitarian This is severely impacting the country’s access one of the most militarized nations in the to commercial imports and humanitarian aid. situation in Yemen. According to the report, world, Saudi Arabia, supported by the U.S. “at the current rate of decline, it will take 20 As long as the Saudi-led coalition continues and other imperialist countries – such as its brutal sanctions and blockade on Yemen, years to return Yemen to pre-crisis levels of France, the UK, and Canada – has failed to child hunger.” the suffering of the Yemeni people will achieve any of their so-called goals in Yemen. continue. Millions of Yemenis share Adeeyah’s The Saudi-led coalition is far from declaring experience. The war on Yemen has shredded any victory in Yemen. All they have achieved Is there fundamentally any difference the country into pieces and turned Yemen is death, destruction, and more destabilization between death from bombing or starvation? into the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. A in Yemen and the region. There can’t be real peace in Yemen without a report by the United Nations Development full lifting of the blockade; a full opening of Faced with a steadfast Yemeni resistance and ports and the Sana’a airport; and an end to all Programme (UNDP) assessed the impact of a growing international opposition to the the war on Yemen and gave a picture of the sanctions and restrictions on Yemen’s access war – as well as the devastating damage by to humanitarian and commercial goods. dire humanitarian crisis in the country. The Yemen’s armed forces’ drone attack at Saudi’s report warned that by the end of 2019, the Aramco oil refinery in Saudi Arabia on Canada’s hypocrisy on Yemen total number of dead will reach 233,000 “with September 2019 – Saudi Arabia’s ruling elites 102,000 combat deaths and 131,000 indirect Since the start of the war on Yemen in are having to rethink their losing and cruel 2015, the Canadian government has been deaths due to lack of food, health services and war on Yemen. infrastructure.” Devastatingly, 60% of these selling weapons and military goods to Saudi deaths are children under the age Arabia. Canada exported over $2 of five. billion of military goods to the kingdom between 2015-2018 Those who are fortunate to according to Canada’s annual survive the Saudi-led war on their “Report on the Export of Military country, must then face disease, Goods.” According to the same famine, violence, displacement reports, Canada’s military exports and deteriorating life conditions. to Saudi Arabia have increased According to the UN, 40% of the yearly since 2015, and Saudi Yemeni population lives in extreme Arabia was “the largest non-U.S. poverty. export destination” of Canadian The U.S./Saudi War on Yemen military goods in 2016, 2017, and Continues 2018. These exports include rifles & carbines, armoured combat These grim statistics show the vehicles, artillery systems and hardships lived by the Yemeni heavy machine guns. In addition, people as the war is in its 5th year. in 2016 the Trudeau government The Saudi-led coalition, with the Yemeni school girls in a demonstration against the Saudi war has also approved a $15 billion full support of the United States, on Yemen marking the World Children's Day outside the United deal to supply Saudi Arabia with started its bombing campaign Nations offices in Sanaa, Yemen, Nov. 20, 2019 Light-Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) 2 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 linking Canadian exports share their stories and their struggles with the of military equipment or world, they dream of peace and a better future other controlled items for themselves and their country. to any human rights The war has only brought divisions, poverty, violations committed by death and destruction to the country. Yemenis the Saudi government.” deserve to live in peace without any foreign The memo continues, “any intervention in their country. The U.S./Saudi- Canadian-made vehicles led war on Yemen needs to completely end on the KSA-Yemen and the blockade on the country must be border are not the LAVs fully lifted to allow for humanitarian and currently being exported commercial goods to reach people in need. by GDLS-C, but older As antiwar and peace-loving people in vehicles that were shipped Canada, the United States, the U.K and under contracts dating other imperialist countries it is important back to the early 1990s.” to continue to oppose by demonstrating, On the same day that mobilizing and protesting against our Global Affairs published respective governments’ complicity and this memo – September equipped with heavy guns and cannon. continued participation in the criminal war 17, 2019 – Canada officially joined the global in Yemen. Several reports, articles, and video footage Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The hypocrisy of have been released over the years showing the Canadian government is incredible! US/Canada/France/UK Out of Yemen, the Canadian-made LAVs, being used by Saudi Middle East & North Africa! United to Defend Yemen forces and their mercenaries. The most recent videos and photos from September 2019, #KefayaWar (“enough war” in Arabic), has showed damaged and destroyed Canadian- been the demand of the Yemeni people Follow Azza on Twitter: @Azza_R14 since the start made LAVs after Saudi forces lost a battle By Azza Rojbi to Yemen’s Houthi forces along the Saudi- of the atrocious Battle of Ideas Press Azza Rojbi is a Tunisian Yemen border. war. They are anti-war and social continuing to justice organizer based The Canadian government continues to turn in Vancouver, British resist against •Upcoming Book Release • Columbia, Canada. She a blind eye to the clear evidence. In fact, a the vicious and is an executive member September 17, 2019, memo by Global Affairs of Vancouver's anti-war criminal Saudi- coaliton Mobilization Canada on the department’s review of military led war and U.S. & SAUDI WAR ON Against War & Occupation exports to Saudi Arabia has concluded that: (MAWO) and a member of aggression on the Editorial Board of the “While the overall Saudi human rights record THE PEOPLE OF YEMEN their country. Fire This Time Newspaper. is [REDACTED] problematic, Canadian They are WWW.BATTLEOFIDEASPRESS.COM officials have no information or evidence [email protected] continuing to Open Letter to CLC President Hassan Yussuff on labour opposition to Canada-Saudi arms deal Dear Brother Yussuff: ports—who have the power to stop the production and shipment of Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners are waging war in Yemen. The weapons of war to the Saudi regime. war has plunged the country into what the United Nations (UN) calls In December 2018 members of the International Longshoremen’s “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.” Association Local 273 courageously refused to cross a picket line Canada is complicit in the war in Yemen. The export of Canadian-made at the Port of Saint John, where peace activists had assembled to light armoured vehicles (LAVs) to Saudi Arabia, an approximately protest the arrival of the Bahri Yanbu, a Saudi cargo ship scheduled to $15-billion contract originally signed by the Conservative government transport Canadian-made LAVs to their destination in Saudi Arabia. of Stephen Harper, is now proceeding under export permits approved And in the past few weeks, union dockworkers in the Italian Port by the Liberal government of Justin Trudeau. of Genoa and the French Port of Marseilles Fos made international headlines when they refused to move, load, or help ship military cargo In April 2016, the Canadian Labour Congress endorsed an open destined for Saudi Arabia. letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which expressed profound concerns about the issuance of export permits for Canada’s arms deal Brother Yussuff, we call on the CLC to demand Prime Minister with Saudi Arabia, “despite flagrant incompatibilities of this contract Trudeau immediately cancel the Government of Canada’s arms deal with the human rights safeguards of our export controls.” The letter with Saudi Arabia, and further, we call on the CLC to declare military urged Prime Minister Trudeau to rescind this “immoral and unethical” goods destined for Saudi Arabia as “hot cargo” and use its considerable decision. resources to coordinate labour movement opposition to this arms deal. Yemen can’t wait. Since then, the silence of the CLC has been deafening. Above is an excerpt from the On this issue, Canada’s labour movement is uniquely situated to letter. Scan the QR code to bring pressure to bear on the Liberal government. While Amnesty International, Oxfam Canada, and other civil society organizations read the full letter and add have called for the cancellation of the arms deal, it is unionized your name to the list of signers Canadian workers—in manufacturing plants, on railways, and in SCAN TO SIGN

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 3 Government of Canada Continues Discriminatory Treatment of Indigenous Children

By Tamara Hansen as saying, “it was like pulling tooth and nail to get them to the point For 12 years now the government of that we have them now and they Canada – first under Conservative Prime are continuing to fight against the Minister Stephen Harper, and now under tribunal’s compensation order.” Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – Sign at the Toronto Idle No More protest, has been fighting to defend its policy of In September 2019, the Canadian December 2017 systemically underfunding on-reserve First Human Rights tribunal issued its 8th non- Nations children living in government care. compliance order regarding compensation vulnerable children in Canada today? for First Nations children and their How do we even know about this systemic According to CBC News, the government families who were negatively impacted underfunding? It is due to the courageous of Canada argued in its filings to the by Canada’s discriminatory practices. work of Cindy Blackstock, a Gitxsan Federal Court that the Canadian Human The tribunal ordered Canada’s Federal activist for child welfare and the Executive Rights tribunal order, “was an overreach government to pay $40,000 to each First Director of the First Nations Child and and that the original case was about Nations child affected by the on-reserve Family Caring Society. She is the one systemic discrimination, which required a child welfare system since 2006. According who has been leading the fight against the systemic fix, not individual compensation, to CBC News, the tribunal also ordered government of Canada and working to which is the purview of class action law.” the government, the First Nations Child hold its hypocritical feet to the fire. But really if you believe in equality for all and Family Caring Society, and the children, the government is responsible In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Assembly of First Nations, “to negotiate to do both! Fix the systemic problem and tribunal found that the federal government a method for dealing with the mechanics provide compensation to those who have has been discriminating against First of the compensation and present it by Dec. been discriminated against. However, Nations children on reserves who are 10.” Rather than acting swiftly to rectify this claim that they even want a systemic in government care. This amounts to this injustice, the government complained fix is not backed up by their track record. discrimination against 165,000 children that the tribunal order could cost up to $8 Their record instead demonstrates that in based solely on their race and should have billion. They then filed with the Federal every annual Liberal budget they have not been easily corrected in the following Court of Canada asking for a judicial increased funding to sufficiently deal with annual budget, but instead the government review of the decision and for a pause so systemic inequality. is spending taxpayer dollars fighting to they would not have to meet the December defend this injustice. 10 deadline. In fact, Trudeau’s first budget was in 2016, and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal An article from Canada Press explains some This led to a hearing with the Federal order for $40,000 in compensation for of the recent work of Cindy Blackstock and Court of Canada at the end of November. First Nations children (along with their the First Nations Child and Family Caring On November parent or grandparent) is in relation to a Society. Journalist 29, 2019, the lack of services between December 2007 Kelly Geraldine Federal Court and November 2017. This means the Malone writes, of Canada tribunal recognizes the first two budgets “[Blackstock] was handed down a of the Trudeau government as being involved in a multi- decision which wholly insufficient. However, the 2018 year challenge that approved the and 2019 budgets were also criticized by led to a Canadian judicial review Cindy Blackstock. While the 2018 budget Human Rights of the case but promised funding for First Nations child tribunal ruling denied the welfare would rise to about $1.1 billion a that the federal motion to pause year over the next five years (CBC) and the government the December 2019 budget promised $1.2 billion towards “wilfully and 10 deadline. recklessly” Jordan’s Principle over the next three years discriminated We must ask (APTN) – Cindy Blackstock was cautious against Indigenous why would a in her optimism explaining to Aboriginal children on government Peoples’ Television Network (APTN) reserves. TheMaclean's magazine cover, April 2019 who claims it regarding the 2019 budget, “I think that’s tribunal ordered the is committed to “truth an important piece, to make sure children government to financially compensate First and reconciliation” with Indigenous people and families receive the supports that they Nations families torn apart by children want to pause an order which would force deserved for so long. [...] So that’s positive being inappropriately placed in foster care.” them to reconcile an injustice against First but, it doesn’t include funding for children In the article Cindy Blackstock is quoted Nations children in care, some of the most who will become eligible under S-3, or 4 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 Cindy Blackstock, member of the Gitxsan First Nation Canada has fought Cindy & Executive Director of Blackstock in court in order MOTHER OF ALL STRUGGLES! First Nations Child and to avoid having to pay equally Family Caring Society of Canada with the "Spirit for Indigenous children in Indigenous struggle Bear" representing the the government care. Let it be Caring Society’s “Spirit Bear noted, that the government against colonialism Plan to End Inequalities in Public Services for First care system is already broken, Nations Children, Youth with a bad reputation for and Families”. The plan calls the treatment of children. on the federal government This system needs much to fully comply with all Tribunal rulings. more funding and resources for both Indigenous and any kind of non-Indigenous children. population However, what this case shows us is how growth.” comfortable the ruling capitalist class According to in Canada is with continuing to create APTN, S-3 an unequal playing field for Indigenous is a status for children; how acceptable it is for them Indigenous children whose parents do not to provide Indigenous children with have “Indian Status” with the government substandard services; how everything for Howard Adams (Métis) of Canada but can prove Indigenous the government comes down to dollars 1921 - 2001 ancestry. What Blackstock is explaining is and cents and not human rights and needs. Revolutionary Métis Marxist scholar and that even though $1.2 billion sounds like a These are the fundamental issues that must professor Howard Adams grew up in a Métis fair amount of money, the budget is for the be addressed if we want to talk about “truth community in Saskatchewan. He was a leader bare minimum number of youths that will and reconciliation.” While the government in the struggle for Indigenous rights, self- need help. It will not stretch to cover new claims to want a “systemic fix” it continues determination, and socialism. youth expected to enter the system under to perpetrate the same discrimination year S-3 or any population growth. How is that after year, budget after budget. Their words All actions of the colonizer possible for a government that claims it is are empty promises and their plan is a manifest his need to divide in continuation of Canada’s colonial legacy. looking for a “systemic fix”? order to facilitate the preservation Since Canada became a country in 1867, Indigenous communities and nations need of the oppressed state. There are it has systemically discriminated against to be able to determine their own future. ways of dividing the colonized in Indigenous people, violated their human Of course, when the money and decisions order to preserve the system that are in the hands of Indigenous people it rights, ignored treaty obligations, and favors the ruling class. There are illegally stolen land. The government does not mean all problems from decades of discrimination will just melt away into forms of action that exploit the and super-wealthy of Canada have built weak point of the oppressed, their their wealth by exploiting the lands a utopian dream, but it means that the and resources and marginalizing and communities who are facing these issues basic insecurity; they are insecure oppressing Indigenous people. While to directly will have decision making-power. because they come to believe that some this sounds like history from long This is why we need to continue demanding the oppressor is omnipotent, and ago, this process continues today, and the that the government of Canada recognize the system invincible. Under these case of Indigenous children in government the right of Indigenous nations to self- circumstances, the oppressors take care is but one small example. determination. advantage of these weaknesses and For over a decade the government of We also need to demand better funding perpetuate divisive action. This and resources for basic insecurity is thus directly all children in linked to their oppression. […] government care, but especially an end to the Every move by the colonized discriminatory system towards unity indicates other which provides less actions; it means that sooner funding to Indigenous or later they will perceive their children living on state of powerlessness and reserves. Finally, the depersonalization. They discover government of Canada that as long as they are divided must stop fighting the tribunal’s ruling they will always be easy prey for and immediately manipulation and domination. compensate all First Unity and organization can make Nations families for it possible for them to change their the discrimination weakness into strength. they faced. Excerpt from Prison of Grass – Chapter 14 “The Failure of Native Leadership” Follow Tamara on Twitter: @THans01 SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA 2016 CENSUS; MACLEAN'S

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 5 In defense of Mother Earth

By Alison Bodine THE CLIMATE CRISIS IS A November 2019 brought yet another chilling announcement about capitalism’s CALL TO UNITED ACTION! dangerous impact on the planet. The United Nations Environment in June 2019, he declared a “Climate soon. In fact, take away Trudeau’s lies Programme Emissions Gap Report Emergency” one-day and then re- and manipulations – and Canada is set found that unless there is a complete approved the climate killing tar-sands to overshoot by 15% even the modest shift in the status quo when it comes Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion commitments to reducing emissions to greenhouse gas emissions – the earth (TMX) the next. During the recent made in the UN Paris Agreements (UN will reach a devastating 3.5 degrees federal election campaigning, Trudeau Emissions Gap Report). Celsius temperature increase by 2100. promised to plant trees in exchange The government of Canada knows this full That is sooner than many have previously for building this same pipeline. Then well. In December 2018, Environment understood, and well within the lifetimes went on to declare that Canada would and Climate Change Canada itself set of millions of children born in today’s reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with this number at 11% (reaching emissions generation. not even a skeleton of a plan to back it that are 19% below 2005 levels in 2030), This UN report got straight to the point up. These empty words are familiar to after they considered the policies that stating, “Countries collectively failed most people in Canada – much in line were not yet active at the time in their to stop the growth in global GHG with the promised “reconciliation” with calculations. Either way, Canada is emissions, meaning that deeper and faster Indigenous people in Canada - which nowhere near reducing emissions to 30% cuts are now required.” came simultaneously with the continued of 2005 levels – and even farther from trampling of the land and treaty rights of net-zero emissions - as Prime Minister However, in many ways, the Emissions Indigenous people. Gap Report is an affirmation of what Trudeau continues to throw millions of many of us already know – even Not to mention that the 2019 federal taxpayer dollars right into the pockets of though not everyone wants to admit it. election, including all four major political the world’s richest oil and gas companies. The economic system that we live in, parties, the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP TMX Theft of Taxpayer Dollars capitalism – a system that puts profit and and the Green Party, did nothing to The Trans Mountain Pipeline and Trans the exploitation of resources above all seriously address the climate crisis. There Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX), else - is warming, melting, and killing the wasn’t event a Canada-wide debate on which will operate to bring dirty oil-sands planet. Only, each time a new report is this supposed priority issue. bitumen from Alberta to the BC coast to released the predictions are grimmer and As it stands today, Canada is the G20 be shipped abroad, are a clear example the united voice of scientists clearer. Yet, country with the the governments of the richest countries highest GHG Battle of Ideas Press By Thomas Davies in the world continue their operations, emissions per Thomas Davies is a social and environmental it’s business as usual. capita. Based on Available Now justice organizer based in • • Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is No “Climate Leader” current policies of Canada. He is a member of the government the Editorial Board of the In Canada, the current Liberal SYSTEM CHANGE Fire This Time Newspaper of Canada – and a founding member of government and Prime Minister Trudeau this position NOT CLIMATE CHANGE Climate Convergence Metro- have developed a uniquely angering Vancouver. isn’t going to WWW.BATTLEOFIDEASPRESS.COM brand of climate inaction. For example, change anytime [email protected]

6 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 "Fridays for Future" Global Student Climate Strikes in Vanuatu, Ireland & Vancouver September 2019 of this criminal transfer of public funds government has no excuses for why they molten crude, igniting other nearby tanks to the tune of at least $24.5 billion and couldn’t just take the $4.5 billion they with potential wildfires spreading from counting. used to buy the pipeline and invest it in the tank farm, as further reported by the The Institute for Energy Economics environmental initiatives right then and Burnaby Fire Department. The TMX and Financial Analysis revealed that there – nearly two years ago. Instead, the pipeline project includes the addition of Trans Mountain Pipeline has received government chose a project that is both 14 oil storage tanks into this deadly mix. $320 million in taxpayer subsidies from climate-destroying and wasting taxpayer On November 14, 2019, the grassroots both the government of Canada and the money at the same time. climate justice group Climate government of Alberta – and this is just SFU Students and Climate Justice Convergence worked together with in the first six months of 2019. These Organizers Join to Demand No TMX! SFU-350, BROKE and the Mountain subsidies are added to the $4.5 billion in The danger of the government of Protectors to hold a rally and a teach-in tax-dollars that the Liberal government Canada’s inaction against the climate about TMX and the tank farm at Simon already spent on buying the existing disaster – and more than that – the Fraser University. The dynamic action pipeline, and the at least $20 billion expansion of the fossil fuel infrastructure included an energetic rally in the main they are expected to recklessly spend on in Canada – can be seen in the growing Convocation Hall of SFU, complete with building TMX. scar on the face of Burnaby Mountain in an Indigenous welcoming and speakers Many of Trudeau’s other promises BC. As Trans Mountain Corp. (which from SFU-350, Climate Convergence regarding TMX are also being called into became corporation of the government and BROKE, as well as light-up signs question – including by Robyn Allen, an of Canada when they bought the existing that spelled out “NO TMX PIPELINE!” economist and former CEO of Insurance Trans Mountain pipeline and the TMX in glowing letters for all to see. This rally Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). project) clears the way for the growth and teach-in were followed by a vigorous Allen has questioned the government for of the tank farm and the TMX pipeline, march to a busy intersection on Burnaby their promise to spend $500 million in more and more people are becoming Mountain that overlooks the tank farm. revenues projected from the TMX to fund aware of the danger of the project. Simon Then, SFU students, residents of Burnaby climate and environmental initiatives. As Fraser University (SFU) – and the 50,000 Mountain, concerned community she has analyzed, not only has the Liberal people that live, work and study there – members, and climate justice organizers government not released the full picture lies on top of Burnaby Mountain a “High sang and chanted continuously to draw of the costs of building the TMX project, Life Hazard Area” area as declared by attention to the dangers posed by the they have also now refused to release City of Burnaby Fire Department. In tank farm and pipeline expansion. They the math behind the $500 million that the event of an emergency, people could also made it known that the project is Finance Minister Bill Morneau has been face potentially deadly flammable crude opposed by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, claiming since this summer. oil leaks, poisonous gases, fires burning on whose traditional territories the TMX pipeline would terminate. Not to mention that the Trudeau for days, and exploding tanks spraying Continued on page 15 Climate Convergence tabling at Simon Fraser University & Rupert Common performs at "Music For Our Mother" at Hood29 in Vancouver November 2019

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 7 * EN ESPAÑOL * implacable, (...) que está dispuesto a usar determinación y sus derechos sobre su la violencia y la delincuencia sin ningún tierra. límite”. Con estas palabras Piñera reveló Por Alison Bodine A pesar de la brutal represión, el 25 al mismo tiempo un desprecio absoluto de octubre de 2019 1,2 millones de Traducido por Ana Laura Torres por el pueblo chileno y su carácter de personas marcharon en Santiago en aliado de los Estados Unidos y partidario representación de diversos sectores acérrimo del neoliberalismo en Chile. ¡Chile despertó! de la sociedad chilena, incluyendo Para entonces, las protestas, que habían ¡Piñera, renuncia! movimientos sociales, pueblos estado concentradas principalmente ¡Piñera ya fue! originarios, mujeres, jubilados y en Santiago, la ¡Que se vayan los milicos! jubiladas, sindicatos, estudiantes y más. Estos son algunos de los Las protestas continúan desde entonces potentes y la represión y la crueldad del gobierno de Piñera y sus matones de la policía y el ejercito han alcanzado una brutalidad nunca vista ¡ChileLa Despertó! creciente lucha contra en Chile desde el fin de la cánticos que el neoliberalismo en Chile sangrienta dictadura de hacen eco a lo largo Pinochet hace más de 30 de las calles y avenidas años. chilenas durante las protestas Como informaba el Instituto masivas que comenzaron en Nacional de Derechos octubre de 2019. El pueblo Humanos (INDH), trabajador, pobre y oprimido una organización no y el estudiantado se han gubernamental en Chile, unido para exigir dignidad al menos 177 personas y derechos humanos; en han sufrido serias lesiones suma, para exigir el fin del oculares o pérdida de la visión neoliberalismo en Chile. luego de disparos de gas Este movimiento comenzó lacrimógeno y balas de goma luego del anuncio del apuntados deliberadamente a gobierno chileno del 6 de la cara de manifestantes. La octubre sobre el incremento misma organización también de 30 pesos en el sistema de investiga posibles sitios de transporte. Este incremento, tortura y ha documentado que equivale a $0.04 USD, casos de efectivos policiales significó sumar una carga o del ejercito vestidos de civil más a un presupuesto que arrojando a personas en el ya era apretado para muchos baúl de autos o furgonetas. A hogares chileno. Tan es así, la fecha de 30 de octubre de que desató la salida a las calles 2019 al menos 19 personas de millones de personas. fueron asesinadas y más de 1.200 sufrieron lesiones. El "No son los 30 pesos. Son 30 INDH también presentó años" contra policías y soldados Las primeras dos semanas las 18 casos de violencia sexual, protestas fueron organizadas incluyendo violación, y 92 por estudiantes de secundario casos de tortura. que convocaban a evadir el ¿Por qué está protestando el pago de tarifas. Para el 18 pueblo en Chile? de octubre, el presidente Sebastián ciudad capital, comenzaron a expandirse a Piñera todavía no había respondido sus otras ciudades. Al menos 10.500 policías Entonces, ¿por qué es que ante tanta demandas. En su lugar, declaro "estado y soldados habían sido desplegados para violencia la gente de Chile sigue de emergencia" y desplegó al ejercito y el 21 de octubre (BBC). adelante con las protestas masivas? Lo la policía antidisturbios para atacar a que comenzó como un incremento de los y las estudiantes. Las protestas contra el gobierno y el tarifas de transporte llevó a una revuelta neoliberalismo han continuado creciendo en contra del gobierno y las instituciones A pesar de la represión y el toque de y expandiéndose a lo largo del país y neoliberales de Chile, e incluso con queda, en Chile las manifestaciones entre los sectores más oprimidos de la demandas de cambiar la constitución. continuaron. El 21 de octubre el sociedad. El pueblo originario Mapuche Como declaró Alan Vicencio, un presidente Piñera extendió el estado de Chile, que representa el 10% de la trabajador de call-center de 25 años, a de emergencia declarando: “Estamos población, también organizó y lideró la revista Time, "Toda la constitución en guerra contra un enemigo poderoso, protestas exigiendo el respeto a su auto- me enfurece, la constitución permitió la

8 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 Solo hace falta analizar la relación de con el cual Canadá ha negociado un los Estados Unidos con el gobierno tratado de libre comercio." de Chile para entender cómo se Esto no sorprende ya que, como informó convirtieron en tan buenos aliados. el gobierno de Canadá, el 14% de los En relación a la violencia en contra de activos mineros de Canadá están en los y las manifestantes, la Casa Blanca Chile, incluyendo minas de bronce, oro declaró que "Los Estados Unidos y plata. Esto incluye a Barrick Gold, que apoyan a Chile, un aliado importante, en cerró una mina de oro de $429 millones el proceso de restaurar pacíficamente el en los primeros meses de este año debido orden público", y "el presidente Trump a serias violaciones ambientales y a los denuncia iniciativas extranjeras para derechos humanos. socavar las instituciones, democracia o sociedad chilenas." Ambos gobiernos, Estados Unidos y Canadá, también quieren sostener el Más ampliamente, el presidente gobierno represivo de Piñera porque Trump lo había expresado en una tener a Chile como una "historia de éxito" conferencia de prensa hace un año, "hay neoliberal y un aliado incondicional tantos asuntos que debemos discutir les sirve en su intento de re-establecer porque Chile y los Estados Unidos la hegemonía imperialista en América son países afines. Compartimos lo Latina. Tener un gobierno chileno Manifestantes en Santiago, Chile. más importante, que son los valores: Octubre de 2019 con apoyo de los EEUU deja a los la democracia, los derechos humanos, imperialistas mejor posicionados para sus la libertad. Pero Chile realmente es continuos ataques en contra de los países privatización de cada aspecto de nuestras especial. Si miran lo que han hecho, vidas y lo ha seguido haciendo por más soberanos e independientes de Cuba y cuánto han avanzado. Miren lo bien Venezuela. de 30 años." que administran el país." Así suena Muchas veces aclamado por ser "favorable cuando un gobierno en América Latina Chile: objetivo de ataques y explotación para los negocios" y el mejor ejemplo del sigue las órdenes del gobierno de los imperialista "éxito" de un sistema de libre mercado, EEUU y sus instituciones financieras. La historia moderna de Chile es una Chile es el más desigual de los 36 países Evidentemente, la represión en Chile historia de colonización, dominación y miembro de la Organización para la cuenta con el apoyo de los Estados explotación imperialista. Aunque Chile Cooperación y Desarrollo Económicos Unidos, pero también con el de muchos declaró su independencia de España en (OCDE). En 2017 las Naciones Unidas de sus aliados imperialistas, incluyendo 1818, no fue hasta 150 años después que publicaron un informe, "Desiguales. al gobierno de Canadá. Es más, el el pueblo chileno tuvo la oportunidad Orígenes, cambios y desafíos de la brecha primer ministro Trudeau sostuvo una de ser verdaderamente independiente social en Chile", que explicaba que el llamada telefónica con Piñera en plena del dominio colonial e imperialista. En 0,1% más rico de Chile controla el 19,5% brutal represión policial y militar y 1970, el pueblo de Chile eligió revertir su de la riqueza. no dijo una palabra al respecto, según historia de colonización y explotación y La privatización desbocada en Chile informa CTV News, "Un resumen eligió como presidente a Salvador Allende, impacta a todos los sectores de la vida, de la llamada de la oficina del primer quien tenía una agenda progresista y incluyendo el suministro de agua, las ministro Trudeau con Piñera no popular para mejorar su calidad de vida y carreteras, la energía, la atención sanitaria incluye mención directa a la situación oponerse a la explotación imperialista de y el sistema de pensiones. Aunque hay turbulenta en Chile, un país pujante Continued on page 26 sectores de educación pública, existe una Protesta en solidaridad con Chile en Barcelona, ​​España. 21 de diciembre de 2019 gran brecha entre el sistema educativo público y el privado. El salario mínimo en Chile no es suficiente para llevar una vida digna, especialmente considerando que todo está privatizado, lo que hace muy costosa la vida diaria en el país. Por ejemplo, para una persona que gana un salario mínimo en Chile, el costo de transporte hacia y desde el trabajo consumiría el 21% de sus ingresos (NACLA.org). Las protestas en Chile son en defensa de la dignidad. Están luchando en contra de la desigualdad. Están luchando en contra de la brutalidad policial y militar. Todos estos son síntomas del neoliberalismo, que es la expresión en política económica de la agenda imperialista en todo el mundo. FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 9 "SONIC ATTACKS" IN CUBA: FACT OR FICTION? Trudeau Liberal Government Lost the Battle!

By Tamara Hansen News recounts some of the steps the mainstream news. U.S. government took in August 2017. First, “The Mystery of the Havana It sounded like a Hollywood spy They explain, “the US expelled two Syndrome”, an article published in The story come to life. U.S. and Canada’s Cuban diplomats in direct response to New Yorker Magazine in November diplomats claimed that while working the unexplained illnesses. The following 2018, explains that most U.S. research of in Havana, Cuba they had been hit by month the US then removed all non- the so-called ‘victims’ was centred at the some debilitating ‘sonic attacks’ hearing essential staff from the US embassy in University of Pennsylvania. The article strange “buzzing” or “high-pitched” Havana and warned US citizens not explains that in February 2018, “Douglas sounds and later suffering an array of to travel to Cuba. In October 2017, Smith and his team at the University of symptoms including: headaches, nausea, Donald Trump, then in the first year of Pennsylvania published their preliminary hearing loss, cognitive problems, and loss his presidency, said: “It’s a very unusual findings in The Journal of the American of balance. This news made headlines attack, as you know. But I do believe Medical Association ( JAMA). They around the world in the summer of 2017 Cuba is responsible.” argued that the victims appeared to with analysts in both Canada and the However, only a month before President suffer from a new type of “brain network U.S. blaming the Cuban government or Trump’s assertion that Cuba was disorder,” which was similar to the damage so-called, “rogue elements of the Cuban responsible, his own State Department seen in patients with mild traumatic government”. spokeswoman brain injuries or Since the problem began in 2017 about Heather Nauert with persistent 40 diplomats and their families from explained symptoms after the U.S. and Canada have reported that the U.S. concussions.” feeling the symptoms. At first, these administration However, this were labelled ‘sonic attacks.’ However, had no answers report was multiple scientists and researchers in about the source widely criticized Cuba and around the world questioned or cause of in the U.S. and the possibility of an unknown advanced the ‘incidents’. around the technology that could direct sonic/ President Trump world. The New microwaves to target specific individuals. never produced Yorker article Everyone claimed this type of technology any proof to back further explains, has yet to be invented in a manner up his claim, “JAMA received sophisticated enough to cause the and the Cuban letters from illnesses claimed by the diplomats. Yet government other specialists, arguing that the study across Canada and the U.S. so-called declared the whole campaign about sonic was flawed, especially in neglecting analysts continued making outlandish attacks, “science fiction”. psychological explanations. Mitchell remarks with little evidence about what On April 16, 2018, Global Affairs Joseph Valdés-Sosa, a member of a team had happened, and the mainstream media Canada announced in a statement its of scientists investigating the incidents continued to report on it. decision “to change the designation of for the Cuban government, seized on the An article in the UK Independent our Embassy of Canada to Cuba to an criticism as evidence that the Americans ‘unaccompanied post’. This means that were embracing unproven theories. “The Canadian diplomats posted to Cuba will conclusion that there’s brain damage not be accompanied by their dependants.” isn’t sustainable by the data,” he said. He This statement did not refer to ‘sonic added that the victims’ symptoms were attacks’, labelling the issues as “unusual common and could have been present health symptoms.” before they arrived in Cuba.” The case unravels The article also quotes Johana Tablada, As the months went by the case of these the deputy director-general of the U.S. ‘sonic attacks’ has slowly unravelled. division at the Foreign Ministry of Cuba Unlike the initial U.S.-Cuba Cold (MINREX), who summarized all of these War era sensational spy story, many of conflicting reports and lack of evidence the follow-up discoveries by scientific shared with the Cubans, stating, “After a experts were not so widely covered in the year and a half, the most powerful nation 10 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 on earth hasn’t been able to present one of a Havana posting to their own health, assert, “What is the more likely, that the single piece of evidence.” but they were also denied the opportunity diplomats were the target of a mysterious Secondly, one of the audio sounds to protect their children and must live new weapon for which there is no recorded by a diplomat and released with the knowledge that they may never concrete evidence, or they were suffering by the Associated Press was analyzed fully recover.” from psychogenic symptoms generated by Alexander Stubbs a UC Berkeley Prime Minister of Canada, Justin by stress? The evidence overwhelmingly integrative biology Ph.D. student and Trudeau responded by saying, “There points to the latter. [...] Our conclusions Prof. Fernando Montealegre-Zapata is no question that the health impacts are grounded in the prosaic and known of the University of Lincoln. In their on diplomats in Cuba have been visible science. There is no need to resort to research paper published on January 4, and real. [...] We are continuing to work exotic explanations. Claims that the 2019, they explain, “the calling song of the with local authorities and work with patients were suffering from brain and Indies short-tailed cricket (Anurogryllus the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted auditory damage are not borne out by the celerinictus) matches, in nuanced detail, Police) to determine what is the source of data.” the AP recording in duration, pulse these sounds or this issue they are facing.” They also challenge the results of the On May 8, 2019, the government of four other studies of ‘Havana Syndrome’ Canada suspended all visa services to "What caused it, who did it, why it was done Cubans wishing to travel to Canada, again — we don’t know any of those things.” Dr. citing the “unusual health symptoms”. Michael Hoffer, of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, speaks during This was a cruel move by the government a news conference. Dr. Hoffer examined of Canada as Cubans who were unable the U.S. Embassy personnel. December 12, to get visas to travel to Canada were: 2018, in Miami, U.S. separated from their families living in Canada; could not come to study or work in Canada; and many cultural and sports exchanges between the two countries had to be cancelled. It was a very unpopular U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba move and created pushback across Canada and Cuba (To learn more please read and sign the Canadian Network on Cuba petition). repetition rate, power spectrum, pulse rate stability, and oscillations per pulse.” Five studies released no conclusive results This further backed-up the idea that few Dr. Robert Bartholomew, a medical experts were willing to continue calling sociologist of Botany Downs Secondary this a ‘sonic attack’ and that the term fell College in New Zealand has co- out of favor with the U.S. and Canada authored two research papers on ‘Havana governments as well. Syndrome’. The first was published to date, accusing the other findings of Despite this, at the end of January 2019, in the International Journal of Social “design flaws” in their research. Canada announced it was cutting its staff Psychiatry in August 2018 and the Interestingly one of the studies Dr. at the Embassy in second was published Robert Bartholomew is critiquing was Havana in half. A in October 2019 in the commissioned by Global Affairs Canada week later a group of Journal of the Royal and conducted by researchers in Halifax, five diplomats who Society of Medicine. affiliated with the Brain Repair Centre, had been stationed His latest report titled, Dalhousie University and the Nova in Havana filed “Challenging the Scotia Health Authority. They identified a lawsuit against diagnosis of ‘Havana the government Syndrome’ as a novel Continued on page 30 of Canada. clinical entity” promotes Canadian Embassy in Havana, Cuba According to an the theory that those Associated Press suffering from ‘Havana article, these five Syndrome’ are actually and their families suffering from a form are claiming $28 of post-traumatic stress million in damages disorder (PTSD) or shell to their health and Dr. Mitchell Valdes-Sosa, General shock, as the symptoms well-being from Director of the Cuban Neuroscience are similar to those Center, speaks during a press associated with extreme the government conference in Havana, Cuba. July of Canada. The23, 2019 stress or war trauma. lawsuit alleges that In the paper released in “diplomats [were] the Journal of the Royal prevented from considering the true risks Society of Medicine, the researchers FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 11 Left: José Luis Rodríguez speaking at the 6th International Che Guevara Conference thing for those years and Che took it forward in January 2015 in Vancouver, Canada. with great discipline and with great honesty. First, Che understood very clearly that formulated as a result of them, people who the transformations in the economy had a were very familiar with those debates and significant social and political impact and who also presented their points of view also that there were very profound changes to incorporated them into the discussion in be made in the scenario of the period of Cuba, as is the case of Charles Bettelheim transition to socialism. - a French Marxist who was a defender of economic calculation (the formula used by Here we must first highlight Fidel’s the Soviets) - or that of Ernest Mandel - experience and his essential agreement with a Belgian economist, a Trotskyist in those Che’s ideas since those early years. First, Fidel, years, who defended very different criteria like Che, had a critical assessment of other in relation to these issues. Also very valuable socialist thinkers and of the predominant economists such as Paul Baran and Paul thought: The Soviet thought of those years. Sweezy from the United States, and other But they also had criteria regarding how socialism was being built in other countries as Intervention by economist José Luis Rodríguez Latin American economists who in one way or another contributed to the debate of Che controversial in that period as Yugoslavia, or in the tribute made to Che for the 90th the case of the Cultural Revolution in China. anniversary of his birth at the National Union and of which several works were published in Cuba in those years. For Fidel, as for Che, the system of economic of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) in management could not replace ideology and 2018. It was not an ideal situation for these politics and was expressly stated in the First debates without a doubt; the internal PART 1 Party Congress. Similarly, in the speech of situation that Cuba went through in the October 8, 1987 for the 20th Anniversary early 1960s was a very complex: it was the of the Fall of Che, there was a vindication of One of Che’s essential contributions is, time when sectarianism emerges in 1962, without a doubt, his Economic Thought. his thinking in general, but in particular of the Second Agrarian Reform that was his economic thinking. It is a core discourse Unfortunately, in recent times, when approved considering the class struggle in that we should not forget when analyzing the reminded, no reference is made to this the countryside in 1963, the Marquito’s economic history of the Revolution. Fidel edge of his thinking, even though his ideas trial - a great process where the potential said something that Che put it another way about economic construction in socialism for division that the Revolution had in but essentially the same, there is no economy were fundamental at the beginning of our those moments and that led to the direct without politics or politics without economy, Revolution. intervention of Fidel came to light -, the he said it several times, he said it in the Since the triumph of January 1959, Che Fight Against Bandits itself in those years year 1981, he said it in 2003 and finally assumed a set of responsibilities that went that will cover from 61 to 65 with a huge there is the tremendous speech of November through the Department of Industrialization cost to the country - Fidel mentioned a figure 17, 2005, where Fidel makes a self-critical of INRA, the Presidency of the National of one billion dollars in those 5 years - and account of the construction of socialism and Bank of Cuba and finally as Minister of ends up say this stage by putting a limit on in particular in the case of Cuba, when it Industries, from 1961. In all these positions another painful process that is the betrayal ends with that phrase that nobody knew how he developed intense work, but, above all, of Rolando Cubela, a commander of the socialism was built and where it affirms with also devoted time to studies. Che was an Revolutionary Directory in 1966. an enormous force a question that we cannot extraordinary man in many ways, but his All these processes were marking the Cuban forget, that imperialism could not destroy the record in the study of economic issues in reality from the political point of view, above Revolution, but that we could do it with our particular was very large. Che studied Capital all, that is why developing in that context, in own mistakes. It is a formidable teaching that with Anastasio Mansilla, a Spanish-Soviet the middle of that discussion, an economic is present in that discourse, professor, studied mathematics applied debate that goes from the conceptual to the which would to economics with Salvador Vilaseca and practical effects, was really a tremendous be worth devoted himself throughout that time to recapping investigate what at that time were still because almost unknown sciences such as linear CHE’S o f programming in designs economic of the first years of the Revolution. This whole process of thinking of Che ECONOMIC occurs in a very complicated, very complex circumstance. THOUGHT In the first place, between 1960 and 1965, economic reforms were taking place in European socialist countries that increasingly proclaimed the need to consider the market in the conditions of socialism, but with a vision where space was granted to the market, especially in the debates of the Soviet Union, was increasingly displacing, was placing in the background, the issues of planning. Che learned about these debates and his proposals, and in the debate he 12 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 the presence of their Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, two revolutionary ideas and their value leaders with the same objective - creating a new today, coinciding human being through revolutionary internationalism. with Che’s ideas. Already in 1965 granting a directly Che had said that in the Soviet Union social character he was on his way to capitalism, who was to work in the going to imagine it? 1965! This approach initial conditions is written in the so-called “Prague papers.” of socialist Che had a very complex idea in relation to construction, due the construction of socialism and there is to the low level a phrase that synthesizes it when he says of development “communism is a process of consciousness that society has. and not only a phenomenon of production, This means that, communism cannot be reached by simple objectively, the mechanical accumulation of quantities of market remains products made available to the people”; At and exists in this a time when the shortcomings were still sense as a social very strong, Che had a very long light in necessity in the that regard and was able to say that it is absence of development that allows progress reality and to formulate something that Che not possible to reach communism if we to a higher socialization. would criticize later if it became generalized concentrate the existence of man only on as a socialist regularity: The New Economic This explanation, however, did not come that the elements of the material base. Policy (NEP) in 1921. way, so quietly. I consider that the deepest axis of Che’s After Lenin’s death there was an attempt to Already from the time of Marx and Engels discussions was around the problem of explain why the market remains, why the and after Lenin it was conceived that the the market and the monetary-mercantile merchant categories like money remain. There market in socialism was not going to be relations in socialism. was an explanation of the Soviet economist present because it This is a long- Eugenio Preobrazenski, later retaken by would arise from standing issue Already in 1965 Stalin, who says that “the market exists in a high level of in the discussion socialism in the mercantile categories in “Che had said that the development of of socialist a totally formal way, and that they do not capitalism itself, construction, Soviet Union was on its play any role,” which is a mistake because in however, we from the time of reality it has an anchor in certain production way to capitalism know that this the beginnings of relationships that remain at that stage, did not happen. the Soviet Union, but that was an error that remained as an ” The transition to a where successive explanation for 40 years. That was the official different society occurred just in the least approaches were reached, but far apart interpretation of the monetary-mercantile developed country of the capitalist sphere in time to a notion of what the market is relations at the time of the reforms in the that was the Tsarist Russia of that time. This in conditions of socialism. The essential 60s when a discussion is reached regarding leads Lenin to have to face a very difficult approach that leads them to explain why the the validity or not of the law of value. market remains is given by the impossibility of Vladimir Lenin (center), Leon Trotsky (left) and It is at this moment that Che Lev Kamenev (right) at the Russian Communist enters these discussions claiming Party Congress of 1919. The central leaders of that he accepts the validity of the the Russian Revolution understood that you law of value to some extent, but can't build socialism with capitalist incentives does not accept the indirectly and without revolutionary internationalism. social nature of work, and here it differs from what it would be, say, the most finished conclusion of this relationship. For Che, that indirectly social character of work is transitory and bearable in the short term, however, life has shown us, we are still living today, that this process is not so simple. Che understood that the market treatment was based on the development of productive forces, not administrative decisions, that is, the market cannot be governed in socialism only with prohibitions or regulations.

PART 2 in January 2020

Dr. José Luis Rodríguez is the author of "Notes on Cuban Economy" and a researcher and professor at the University of Havana. Former Cuban Minister of the Economy and Planning a former Vice President of the Cuban Council of Ministers. FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 13 THE WORLD STANDS WITH CUBA AGAINST THE U.S. BLOCKADE! OUR HERITAGE

Alexandra1872-1952 Kollontai Russian revolutionary leader. During the 1917 Russian Revolution, she was a member of the Central Committee of the Bolshevik party. She is renowned for her Marxist feminist writings.

If we are looking for the culprit, then we must say directly and honestly: the By Janine Solanki U.S. Moral Bankruptcy Exposed!#UnblockCuba, governments of all the belligerent powers Lift the Blockade ofand Cuba #NoMasBloqueo. Now! are equally responsible for this present November 7 marked the This online action was supported in war. Responsibility for the war lies with the capitalists, bankers and landowners, annual debate and vote in the Vancouver by Friends of Cuba Against the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) together with their patrons and friends U.S. Blockade (FCAB), who joined Cuba the tsars, kings, kaisers and their ministers against the unjust U.S. blockade on Cuba. supporters around the world in tweeting As the U.S. government continues to tighten and diplomats. They all constitute one photos and videos against the U.S. blockade. criminal band. It is not the interests of the blockade, this year again the world stood the people that they watch over, but with Cuba. For the 28th consecutive year, the On November 17, FCAB organized a monthly picket action in front of the their own interests. War does not benefit resolution passed with 187 countries voting the people, but their own pockets. They with Cuba against the blockade, and only 3 U.S. Consulate in downtown Vancouver. This action takes place every month, in brought on this bloody disaster with their countries shamefully voting for the blockade “foreign policy”. As for the people—get (the U.S., Israel and Brazil). coordination with actions in Ottawa and out there and die!... “Save the motherland” Montreal, Canada, as well as Kiev, Ukraine! which they themselves betrayed, bringing In nearly 6 decades, this criminal blockade Protesters chanted demands and held signs has damaged Cuba’s economy by over on disaster. Die “for the glory of the reading “¡Cuba Si, Bloqueo No!” and “End fatherland”, forgetting all the injustices, $134.5 billion. What this means for Cuba the U.S. Blockade on Cuba Now!” while insults and humiliations… Forget that is limited access to imported goods such picketing in front of the U.S. Consulate. even before the war began you understood as medicines and medical equipment, In between rounds of picketing, activists that no good would come of government construction supplies, food, fuel and many gathered to hear from local speakers, as well policy. Do not dare remember that only other necessities. Despite the hardships and as to hear a voice message of solidarity from yesterday you seethed with indignation immense challenges that the U.S. blockade Ottawa Cuba Connections, who had their when an officer struck a private, that you has imposed on Cuba, this island nation coordinated protest in front of the U.S. cursed the people’s lack of rights in their has defied the U.S. government’s efforts Embassy. own country… Now it is war! […] The at “regime change” and attempts to bring war is being waged not among peoples Cuba under U.S. domination. Instead Cuba To wrap up the action, protesters took a of different faiths, not among different has developed a world-renowned universal group photo in front of the U.S. Consulate peoples with different faiths, not among healthcare system, provides free quality building, holding picket signs, Cuban flags, different peoples with different customs, education to their citizens up to a PhD, and a banner reading “End the Blockade of languages and traditions, but among states, and has become known world-wide for their Cuba! Return Guantanamo Bay to Cuba!” among large capitalist powers. Each such power has swallowed up more than one courageous stand against U.S. imperialism. This photo was shared worldwide on social media, showing support for Cuba against people, taken more than one piece of land On November 6 and 7th, to support Cuba the U.S. blockade! from its neighbours. going into the annual debate and vote at the UN, an international Twitter Storm For more info on upcoming actions, visit Excerpt from “Who Needs the War?” 1916, and social media campaign was called to www.vancubavsblockade.org or follow on written in reference to World War I support Cuba, with hashtags #SomosCuba, Facebook and Twitter: @NoBloqueoVan.

14 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 Continued from page 7 Less than 2 weeks later, on November Working and Poor Freedoms. 25, SFU-350, Climate Convergence and Even before the passage of these bills, BROKE were back at it again making a People Under Attack! our rights have been under attack, and surprise presentation to the leader of the Bill C-51 and C-59 serve to codify into federal New Democratic Party (NDP), Repeal Bill C-51 & C-59! law the stripping away of our rights. Jagmeet Singh during his tour of the By Janine Solanki Since 2013, the British Columbia Civil campus. At the action, SFU Students Liberties Association (BCCLA) has spoke with Singh in order to send a clear Our human and democratic rights are not been pursuing complaints against CSIS message that stopping the TMX pipeline something we simply have - they were for their monitoring of environmental was necessary both for safety reasons and fought for and must be defended if we groups. Just one week after Bill C-59 was its devasting climate impacts. They also are to keep them and to advance them. passed, the BCCLA published thousands asked the leader of the NDP to not vote This is a fact that people in Canada have of pages of heavily-redacted documents in confidence for Trudeau if he is building had to confront with Bill C-51, imposed disclosed by CSIS, which suggest the spy a pipeline. by the outgoing conservative Harper agency spied on the peaceful protests and administration in 2015, and with Bill organizing activities of Indigenous groups These successful actions are just one and environmentalists who were opposed example of how together and united C-59 which was passed into law in the summer of 2019 under the Liberal Trudeau to pipeline expansion – and actively shared we can work to put a stop to the Trans administration. and received classified information with oil Mountain Pipeline Expansion. Together, and gas corporation representatives. The government of Canada used the tactic we must also continue to unite to demand To take up the fight to defend our rights, a climate justice government that of fear to justify this infringement on our human and democratic rights. They threw the Working Group to Stop Bill C-51 was prioritizes the environment, education formed in 2015 and continues to educate, and healthcare above corporate profits. around the word “terrorism” but what were the actual so-called threats defined in this organize and mobilize to repeal Bill We Must Build a Climate Justice bill? One of the vague definitions implicates C-51 and C-59. Their events and actions Movement! those whose activities “undermine the include bi-weekly actions across Metro security of Canada and other countries” Vancouver transit stations. On November From here in most parts of Canada or 4th the 225th bi-weekly action took place the United States, it is understandingly which include to “threaten the country’s economic interests and financial stability”. at the Broadway and Commercial Skytrain difficult to even grasp the profound Under Bill C-59, this was clarified as an Station, and on November 18th the 226th changes that the climate and mother activity that would constitute significant action was held at New Westminster earth have already gone through and and widespread interference with critical Skytrain Station. With a colorful banner will continue to face. However, in many infrastructure. This can translate to protests and picket signs reading “Repeal Bill places around the world, the reality of for Indigenous rights, environmental C-51 & C-59!” protesters handed out these shifts in climate due economic protests such as those against the TMX information to commuters and talked with greed is impossible to ignore - as the pipeline, or even labour strikes – essentially those who stopped to find out more, and to storms become unbearable, rising oceans free reign to criminalize protests. sign on to the Repeal Bill C-51 petition. threaten to swallow entire islands, and Many of these commuters were outraged While Prime Minister Trudeau promised when they learned how these bills infringed growing deserts make lands unliveable. that he would “fix” Bill C-51, the passage on their rights and that these bills were Climate Convergence is continuing to of Bill C-59 not only doesn’t address many passed without any input from people in organize actions in Metro Vancouver of the fundamental human rights concerns Canada! in Bill C-51, it also creates an even worse – against the TMX pipeline, LNG To find out about the next action, visit and Site-C dam in British Columbia, cyber surveillance regime. “No fly lists” still violate our freedom, personal information www.RepealBillC51.org and follow on and against Canada’s devastating Facebook and Twitter @StopBillC51 contributions to the global climate crisis. can still be shared To join come to the next organizing with up to 17 government meeting or event by checking www. agencies without climateconvergence.ca your consent Every new piece of devastating news or knowledge, about the crisis of our mother earth should Canadian be a call to action. Yes, the destruction of Security the planet is something that we can all be Intelligence angry, sad and depressed about. However, Service (CSIS) we, poor, working and oppressed people continues to have around the world, who contribute to the the chilling and world’s carbon footprint the least, but undefined powers of “disruption” suffer its consequences the most, have no and is still able other option but to fight back. To do this, to violate the we must build a more united and stronger Canadian Charter climate justice movement. of Rights and Follow Alison on Twitter: @alisoncolette

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 15 apitalist economy, industry, Cand technology are in fundamental contradiction and collision with mother nature. Any form of better or humane capitalism is an illusion. Green capitalism is capitalism and it cannot solve environmental degradation, but socialism can. Fundamental change is not an option, it is a human necessity.

Fire This TIme Movement for Social Justice

FIRETHISTIME.NET Che Guevara Conference #UnblockVenezuela  Building the Solidarity Movement: Our Tasks & Perspectives in the Imperialist Epoch

By Alison Bodine “Today, 200 years later, we can say it: Excerpt from a talk given at the 8th International After having lost Che Guevara Conference in Vancouver, Canada that independence on October 26, 2019. For report, pictures and videos from the conference visit the website: that cost so much, www.cheguevaraconference.ca Venezuela, in these last ten years… How a country for over 20 years can be has recovered its battling the United States – under attack independence… by all forms of war, sanctions, a diplomatic and this recovered war, a media war, and remain independent independence is a and sovereign. Together with their door that we should compañeros and compañeras in Cuba, keep open so that they are showing the world what it is like for the next years to be in the Western Hemisphere, or only and decades we Alison Bodine responding to audience questions after the can recover all the "Building the Solidarity Movement: Our Tasks & Perspectives 90 miles from the United States, and say in the Imperialist Epoch " workshop at the 8th International “We are not listening to you anymore, we needs of the people: Che Guevara Conference , Oct 26, 2019 are marching on our own path.” Freedom, equality, happiness, living, that explain the situation and how That is why I think it is so important life, a humane country, a full country.” Venezuela has become this epicentre that we talk about Cuba and Venezuela, President Hugo Chávez, Comandante of anti-imperialism. The reasons why and their relationship, both at the Hugo Chávez, said these words at a civic- a country becomes favourable to International Che Guevara Conference military parade in Caracas, Venezuela imperialism are also why they lose favour today and yesterday. Venezuela and on July 5, 2011, during the 200th and become a target of U.S imperialism. Cuba have become an epicentre for anti- anniversary of Venezuela’s Declaration I want to talk about three reasons. One imperialist struggle. of Independence from Spain. As Chávez is Venezuela’s independence, two is explains, through the achievements of When we think about the ideas of Che Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolutionary the Bolivarian revolutionary process, Guevara, about Che’s important legacy in Process and three is something Professor now, the people of Venezuela not only this conference, we must also talk about Acuña discussed in his speech, which mark their independence from Spain but his legacy of internationalism. About is that Venezuela’s success becomes also their tremendous advances towards how any oppression around the world an example for other Latin American independence from U.S. imperialism. must affect all of us, must call us all to countries. The gains of the Bolivarian action. Today, together with Cuba, the revolutionary process show what is Protest in Venezuela against the coup in Bolivia, Nov 12, 2019 democratically possible to the rest of Latin America, as elected we heard the U.S. Trump administration government of very recently refer to as the “backyard” of President Maduro the United States. I think when we talk and the Bolivarian about ALBA, when we talk about Latin revolutionary American integration, that is a very real process are now threat to the Untied States as well. the biggest Although the mainstream media, threat to the including the CBC here in Canada, never hegemony of the mentions sanctions. In fact, you could United States listen to entire radio programs that never in the Western mention sanctions. I wrote an article for Hemisphere. Fire This Time, a polemic against Ana I think that there Maria Tremonte, who covered “in depth” are three factors the situation in Venezuela and didn’t 18 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 to defend their sovereignty and self- determination - you can see this in mass organizations, community groups, and more. So, it is no surprise, for anyone that has seen Venezuela with their own eyes, that 9 months after the U.S. government declared Juan Guaido the “interim President of Venezuela” he is no less of a puppet than when the U.S. attempted coup d'état began on January 23, 2019. This is very important, but it is only possible because people in Venezuela defend their sovereignty and independence and every time that they do, they know that it is going to create a deepening confrontation with imperialism. When Bike ride against the U.S. blockade by Venezuelan youth in Caracas, June 2019. people ask me about the elections of May Banner reads Trump Unblock Venezuela 2018, they have heard about the lower voter turn out, or they repeat what the mention the word sanctions once. She’s the people of Venezuela to their knees media has said about how there wasn’t retired now, but the CBC editorial policy and forcing the overthrow of President as much support for President Maduro, remains the same. Maduro, and reversing the independence when in fact, President Maduro received Venezuela is facing brutal and inhuman that Venezuela has gained. a higher percentage of the electorate sanctions by the U.S., Canada, and the In total, sanctions imposed by the U.S., voting for him than Trudeau, the same European Union. So, how is it that they Canada, the E.U. and Switzerland are as Obama in 2008, which is hailed as can write whole articles explaining “The estimated to have cost Venezuela more this incredible electoral victory that ruin of Venezuela,” for example, this is than $130 billion since 2015, this amount mobilized the people of the U.S. – this the front page of an issue from 2018 of is equivalent to Venezuela’s Gross is the same percentage of the vote that the New York Review of Books – and no Domestic Product (GDP) in one-year. It Maduro won. So, when I am asked about talk about sanctions. is unimaginable to think that that money the May 2018 elections in Venezuela, I Under Obama in 2014, the United has just been stolen from the Venezuelan tell them about the people that I talked States, which had already been punishing people, and from the government of to in the voting lines in Venezuela, about Venezuela for electing Hugo Chávez Venezuela, and still the country is how those people knew that when they in 1998 and beginning the Bolivarian continuing to build as it is. voted, if they voted for President Maduro, revolutionary process, began blocking I have been in Venezuela four times in they knew that the U.S. was going to economic, financial and commercial trade the last two years – I have been fortunate impose tighter sanctions. They knew with Venezuela. Through the approval of to travel to Venezuela, for example, to when they voted that their life was going laws which made it impossible for anyone observe the elections in May 2018 as to get more difficult if Maduro was re- in the U.S. to carry out transactions and an international accompaniment to the elected. Can you imagine still wanting business with the Venezuelan State. victorious election of President Maduro. to vote for someone, and a government There was the executive order declaring After this, there is one reflection that that is defending your sovereignty and Venezuela, which is thousands of miles I have, and it is where I started my independence, even though you know away from the U.S., to be an “unusual talk today, the people of Venezuela are that the United States will continue to and extraordinary threat to U.S. national steadfast and resilient in their struggle punish you if you do? security.” Then, nearly five years later, in 2019, there is a report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), based in Washington, DC, it is a think-tank that does independent analysis and work, they estimated that 40,000 people have died as a result of U.S. sanctions between 2017- 2018 in Venezuela. CEPR studied how the sanctions make it impossible, difficult and expensive for Venezuela to get medicine, basic foods, because the United States has over 150 measures aimed at destroying Banner at an anti-imperialist rally in Caracas reads the Venezuelan economy, at bringing "This people knows how to defeat empires. Make no mistake", Nov 2019 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 19 That brings me to a discussion we movement, and we will see that with Campaign focused on? We have monthly started yesterday, and what I think is an continued horrific repression against protests that began in December of 2015, important question for this conference people in Chile, or anywhere where we support delegations where people which is, why do the governments of the people revolt against their neo-liberal, can go to Venezuela to see for their own U.S. and Canada want to overthrow the U.S.-allied governments. eyes what is happening, we hold public government of Venezuela and reverse the Venezuela and the anti-imperialist educational events about sanctions, the Bolivarian revolutionary process? movement that they are leading together blockade, and the reality in Venezuela, we Well, what would you think if I said that with Cuba in Latin America has the work together with other groups across the imperialist war against Venezuela capacity to bring colonial and semi- Canada and in the U.S., including with is not about what the mainstream colonial countries in Latin America something called the Campaign to End media, and many leftists, or progressives and around the world united against U.S./Canada Sanctions on Venezuela, we continue to talk about? Let us be clear, the imperialist bully and their endless collect petition signatures, and largely, we the main factor of the US-led imperialist drive for capitalist market hegemony, talk to people on the streets about what is assault on Venezuela is for one, not about neoliberalism and super exploitation happening in Venezuela. oil, and secondly, not about socialism. which is what the U.S. government We have the necessity to build a more Of course, we can debate and discuss both intends to bring to Latin America again. united and stronger solidarity movement. things. The U.S. is attacking Venezuela So, what does Venezuela need us to do? This means building a strong antiwar, for oil and its vast resources is obvious, so Many respected progressive and leftist anti-imperialist movement that also what is that deeper reason? I assert that intellectuals and analysts in North focuses on building solidarity with the war on Venezuela today is a war on a America and Europe I think are paying Venezuela in defense of their right to country that is asserting its independence perhaps too much attention, or are self-determination, which I think can from imperialism. carried away by, the internal dynamics bring all types of people on board. We can bring in many more people around Independence from imperialism and of the Bolivarian revolution, without realizing that our main task is not to supporting the right of Venezuelan’s to sovereignty, not socialism, and not oil, choose their own government. is the message today broadcast from speculate about the revolutionary process Venezuela to the people of Latin America in Venezuela. The Venezuelan Bolivarian revolution and the world. The U.S. government and What has the Fire This Time Movement and defending its independence has their allies cannot accept and cannot for Social Justice Venezuela Solidarity really created for us a golden opportunity tolerate a growing anti-imperialist for progressive, leftist, pacifist, and all other human-loving activists to overcome the fragmentation that has existed for so long on the left. Working and oppressed people in the U.S. and Canada must hear us; must see us in united action, in order to believe us and to join us. This is a movement that must involve people in Latin American community and all other communities in Canada working together, including people in Indigenous communities fighting for their own right to self-determination. It means concrete actions, handing out information, petitioning, cultural events, bringing people from Venezuela to Canada, which I will tell you, has been nearly impossible given Canada’s position against Venezuela. I also want to call attention to the example of the Embassy Protection Collective, which is now the Embassy Protection Collective Defense Fund, you can get more information at the back table. The Embassy Protection Collective was a protest that lasted over 30 days to defend the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, DC. The protectors were eventually sequestered inside of the Embassy, and four activists were in the Embassy protecting it from a take-over by the illegitimate representatives of Juan Guaido in the United States when they 20 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 Venezuela, and also against Cuba. We must build a movement in defense of the Venezuelan people with the main slogan of “US, Canada and All Other Imperialists Hands Off Venezuela!” and “End the Blockade Against Venezuela!” Let’s work and focus Fire This Time Venezuela Solidarity Campaign petition drive in downtown Vancouver collecting signatures together in a demanding the government of Canada end its sanctions on Venezuela, Oct 4, 2019 united effort on these basic demands. were arrested. They were defending the powerful example of what we can build in As Professor Acuña ended, I also want right of Venezuela on the grounds of very solidarity with Venezuela. to end the same – Venceremos, we will win! basic and well-established international Now, four of the Embassy Protestors laws, the Vienna Convention, that are facing up to a 1 year in prison and govern the sanctity embassies. They led a $10,000 fine and we are helping to the struggle with 24 hours a day protests fundraise for them. As I said, you can get that were loud and energetic, and brought more information at the back. Follow Alison on Twitter: @Alisoncolette together different movements. This was a At the root of all conflicts and battles of imperialist countries against independent countries, including Battle of Ideas Press colonial and semi-colonial Revolution & Counter Revolution countries, is the drive to • • deny them their sovereignty in Venezuela and self-rule. Everything else is secondary. We have very clearly seen that the heroic people of Venezuela and their revolutionary government, under Comandante Chavez and now democratically elected President Maduro, are extremely capable of dealing with all kinds of internal counter- revolutionary sabotage. We must immediately increase our effort to explain to the By Alison Bodine people in the advanced Writer and researcher on Venezuela. She is industrial countries that a member of the Fire This Time Newspaper shortages of goods, food, Editorial Board and is the coordinator of medicine, and basic the Fire This Time Venezuela Solidarity Campaign. Alison Bodine is an electrical necessities are the result designer based in Vancouver, Canada. 500 years of colonialism in Latin America, and October 2017, paperback, $10.00 190 pages, illustrated, ISBN 978-0-9864716-5-0 now today also the result Copyright © 2016 by Battle of Ideas Press of inhuman, brutal and heavy imperialist sanctions WWW.BATTLEOFIDEASPRESS.COM and blockade against [email protected] FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 21 Interview with Revolutionary Venezuelan Councilor Jimmy Gudiño We are people in resistance to imperialism! We are in a struggle for social movements internationally!

Interview by Tamara Hansen Translated by Azza Rojbi

My name is Jimmy Gudiño, municipal They will have a garden for food, some councillor of Caracas and coordinator of livestock, and community meeting spaces. the United Socialist Party of Venezuela Having neighbours take on building their (PSUV) of the Antímano parish, in own homes has been an important part of Caracas, the most Chavista parish in the success of the “Gran Misión Vivienda Caracas. We are working directly in the Venezuela” or the housing mission. communities, talking with people about The workers explained to Tamara that the situation we are living in, about the the government was previously paying economic, commercial, and financial private companies and their construction blockade we are facing, and we are crews to build the housing. However, due organizing in resistance, to fully defeat to economic sabotage by wealthy company this economic war against our country and owners, this was leading to inefficiencies to show to the world how we are fighting and corruption. Today this specific project back in Venezuela. We are fighting at Tamara and Jimmy Gudiño, an elected of the “Gran Misión Vivienda Venezuela” all levels: in social organizations; in the Councilor for the Municipal Council of is asking people to take on the responsibility parties of the Revolution, in the PSUV; the Libertador Municipality of Caracas in our communal councils that work on particiapting in the CLAP subsidized food to learn and build their own homes. This distribution program. approach has reduced government expenses the social level; in our CLAPs [Local and increased the feelings of community Supply and Production Committees] and ownership over the housing projects. that work in the resistance by distributing While in Caracas, Venezuela for the Sao and producing the food that our people Paulo Forum at the end of July 2019, Fire At this site 60% of the workers were women. The pride in their work and require; and in our UPDI [Popular This Time organizer Tamara Hansen was Units of Internal Defense] that work invited to visit the city with Jimmy Gudiño, achievements was evident, they wanted visitors to see every aspect of what they for the defence of our territories. We are an elected Councillor for the Municipal willing to defend the revolution in every Council of the Libertador Municipality of were doing from cutting rebar, to their pigs, to the architectural plans. scenario – in each alley and in each street. Caracas with the United Socialist Party of Within our communal councils and our Venezuela (PSUV). Jimmy and his wife, After the tour, Tamara sat down communes, we are raising the thoughts, Yahidy took Tamara to visit the parishes of with councillor Jimmy Gudiño for an ideas, and words of our commander Antímano and El Junquito. This was a part interview. To read more about Fire Hugo Chávez when he said “communes of Jimmy’s regular daily work, but Tamara This Time’s experiences in Venezuela, or nothing” to try to reach a communal was lucky that she was invited along to and for some of our other interviews state. gain some insight into the communities that see Fire This Time Volume 13 Issue 10 elected Jimmy and how he connects with (October 2019), Issue 9 (September FTT: We now know that sanctions and his constituents. One of the first stops was 2019) and Issue 8 (August 2019). the blockade against Venezuela - not a construction site in Antímano where, for only from the United States but also nearly three years, a community of about Canada and Europe - have an impact Fire This Time: Thank you for being on Venezuela. Can you tell us a little 90 families has been working on building here with Fire This Time Newspaper an apartment complex. They have worked about the impact on the daily life of from Canada. Can you introduce Venezuelans? with engineers and professionals to learn the yourself and say a little about the work trades, cleared the land, and are now working you do? JG: In Venezuela, we believe that they are to lay the concrete for the second floor of their not simply sanctions. We believe these are complex which will house 92 apartments. Jimmy Gudiño: Thank you, Tamara. measures that violate our human rights. 22 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 The United States and its lackeys, some Power, we tell the peoples of the world, the shape of an economic, commercial countries of the European Union and we tell the people of Canada that we are and financial blockade, and we will win! other countries that follow the Pentagon in resistance and that we are not going The blockade harms our communities call them “sanctions”. We totally deny to give up fighting for our Bolivarian directly and it harms the entire them because these countries are not Revolution under any circumstance. We Venezuelan population. They talk about the police of the world, nor are they the will defend our territory and revolution humanitarian aid. With what morals do tribunal of the world. against those measures, that are taking they dare to talk about humanitarian The U.S. and its allies continue aid? We tell them ‘if you want to talking about sanctions, but talk about humanitarian aid, why basically, it is a violation of the don’t you remove the economic, human rights of our people. commercial and financial They blocked us from accessing blockade against us? Return the a number of our financial money that international banks resources. International such as Citibank and the Bank of institutions, such as the Bank England stole from us?’ of England, refuse to return FTT: How do you think the Venezuela its gold as we solidarity movement of North requested. They are simply America, Europe and around part of a blockade against our the world can support the country. They do not allow us people of Venezuela and work to acquire the basic goods we towards ending the blockade? need, meaning they do not allow Venezuela to have the JG: As Che Guevara would say, resources to buy medicine, “solidarity is the warmth of the they do not allow Venezuela people” and as Comandante to have the resources to buy Chávez taught us, we food. raise the struggle of social movements internationally. We However, we have a president remember that Chavez, on the who, together with the international question, sought government, has been to unify governments and resisting with the people. peoples in the quest to achieve This resistance has allowed a multipolar world against a us to build strategies against unipolar world only directed by this blockade, for example the Pentagon. That is why we through “Carnet de la Patria” tell the people and the social [a benefit card available to movements in Canada, the all Venezuelans that provides United States and the world access to government bonuses that we are people in resistance Top to Bottom: Jimmy grateful for the and subsidies], and through fighting for our sovereignty the CLAP boxes and bags of food, and medical care at the Centro Diagnóstico Integral "José Maria Aranda" in Antímano, and for a better world for all. We also through the increase of some wages, and where Cuban health professionals work make a call to the world to condemn the through the creation of publicly funded hand in hand with Venezuelans, Nov 30, 2019 measures that the United States and its cafeterias. These advances have allowed Jimmy Gudiño at the anti-imperalist lackeys are taking with the economic, our people to continue in resistance conference in Havana, Cuba; Jimmy commercial and financial blockade Gudiño speaking at joint meeting against the so-called sanctions, which against our country. Those measures are not sanctions but are measures that between the PSUV (United Socialist Party of Venezuela) and Venezuelan Peace violate our human rights and need to end violate our human rights. For this reason, Committee, Nov 10, 2019 from here in Venezuela, from the Popular FTT: Thank you very much. SUPPORT THE EMBASSY PROTECTORS DEFENSE COMMITTEE! Collecting funds for the Embassy Protectors who defended the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, DC from U.S. government sponsored pro-coup Venezuelans for 37 days in the Spring of 2019. Funds will go toward legal defense for the four members of the Embassy Protection Collective that have been charged with “interfering with protective services” and now face up to a year in jail and up to a $100,000 fine, as well as other supporters. www.defendembassyprotectors.org Scan to donate!

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 23 Coup in Bolivia: Made in USA In Defence of President Evo Morales

Protesters in Bolivia hold Bolivian flags and the Indigenous Wiphala flag, and sign reading "Evo is not alone"

By Oscar Sánchez Serra old Senate President; and a Parliament are the real reason that led Carlos Mesa, which is 51% female; many of whom wear Presidential candidate/coup plotter, and If anyone doubts the participation of traditional ponchos and clothing. Luis Fernando Camacho – with a list of the United States government and the All this was accomplished by giving the planned assassinations in hand, like Pablo Organization, of America States (OAS) in Escobar, as he himself has stated to anyone the coup in Bolivia, take a look at Trump’s people power and participation, not with neoliberal formulas to enrich a few to the opposing violent change in the country – to Twitter account and read this comment on organize a coup that in its essences is fascist, the subject: “These events send a strong signal detriment of the majority. Which is why this government has become a preferred dismissing human beings in pursuit of the to the illegitimate regimes in Venezuela and oligarchy and imperialisms’ interests. Nicaragua…” target of U.S. imperialism and the right- wing oligarchy, since they were being run LIES EXPOSED Which government has led the poorest out of business. nation in the region for 13 years; dignified Evo and the growing plurinational State its indigenous roots; achieved international Their ire is even greater if the nation’s bothered them so much, that in their standing; built more than 5,000 educational President stands with the world’s poor desperation, they challenged the elections centers, more than 1,000 health facilities; in the UN Security Council, and looking which indicated the majority supported created financial assistance for the elderly, the empire in the face says: “The United continuing the Movement to Socialism with a Dignity Bonus; and for children, States government is not interested in project. But the coup plotters were drowned the Juancito Pinto Bonus, contributing to democracy, if that were the case, it would in their own lies. The NewsFront agency a significant increase in school retention? not finance coups and support dictators; it cites a report from the Center for Economic That same country is now the fastest would not threaten democratically elected and Political Research in the United States, growing country in the region, raising the governments, as it does in Venezuela. The which noted the absence of irregularities in GDP to $43 billion, up from some $9 U.S. is not interested in human rights the elections held on October 20, refuting billion from 2005 when the government or justice, if it were, the U.S. would sign the OAS [Organization of American took office. international conventions for the protection States] position. of human rights. The U.S. shows contempt What government has in 13 years reduced The news agency indicates that statements for the international order, it is not from the organization – which has yet illiteracy from 13% in 2006 to 2.4% in 2018; interested in multilateralism, if that were lowered unemployment rates from 9.2% to present any evidence to support its the case, it would not withdraw from the position – has had a significant impact on to 4.1%, the lowest in the region; moved Paris Agreement or the Global Migration moderate poverty from 60% to 34.6%; media coverage and, therefore, on public Pact. This contempt is motivated by a opinion. Additionally, they note that the and extreme poverty from 38.2% to 15%, desire to appropriate our natural resources.” in this same period of time? According to Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Bolivia has The U.S. government cannot forgive any two count systems, one provides the legal this country’s ambassador in Cuba (in an government behaving this way. interview on Cuban television) today it has result, and the other a quick count, a system for the first time a young woman serving as This is the Bolivia of President Evo Morales, implemented following suggestions of the the head of a diplomatic mission; a 29-year- and these strengths became his “sins.” They OAS for electoral transparency. 24 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 the Commander of the Armed Forces, Williams Kalimán, were, until December of 2018, police and military attachés, respectively, of the U.S. and they were the ones to step forward and call for the resignation of their President. Evo insisted that the armed forces not provoke violence, not confront the people, and now, following the Right-wing senator Jeanine Áñez, after coup plotters’ orders, declaring herself Interim President of they have come out to Bolivia, holding a bible at the balcony of attack. the Presidential Palace in La Paz, Bolivia. November 12, 2019 Argentinian journalist Stella Calloni always find the answers. Nicolás Maduro, reports for Resumen on the day after the coup - in the Caracas Latinoamericano (via of Chávez, of Bolívar, of a united America https://telegra.ph) - in an international meeting in support of that Ivanka Trump Bolivia and its President, unmasked Luis could have delivered Fernando Camacho. “The father of this money for the coup fascist was the owner of the gas company to the city of Jujuy, that Evo nationalized to distribute the Argentina which wealth amongst his people,” he said. Gerardo Morales could Top: A funeral march from El Alto to La Paz (9 miles) for 8 hand off to Camacho If anyone doubts the participation of protesters killed by police in earlier protests. The funeral on his trip to Santa the United States government and the procession was later attacked by police and mourners were Cruz. The same source Organization of America States (OAS) in forced to leave coffins in the streets. November 21, 2019 tells us that in the first the coup in Bolivia, take a look at Trump’s Bottom: Supporters of Bolivian President Evo Morales are days of September, on Twitter account and read this comment confronted by military in La Paz, Bolivia. November 15, 2019 the pretext of Ivanka on the subject, “These events send a Trump’s visit, a huge strong signal to the illegitimate regimes in military-economic Venezuela and Nicaragua…” At no point in the OAS report, the CIA team arrived, From: http://en.granma.cu research center states, are the “irregularities” camouflaged as firefighters from the Jujuy mentioned specifically described, insisting, Ministry of Environment, who were sent Minor edits made by Fire This Time for clarity “Neither the OAS mission or any other as replacements to the “sister nation” of Original title: “Evo and Bolivia bother the party has shown that there were widespread Bolivia. At that time Jujuy sent “help” to empire” or systematic irregularities in the elections.” fight forest fires in the Bolivian Amazon. Follow Oscar on Twitter: @AlberDaz The research center itself questioned the OAS independence from the U.S. - which Those who tell the truth and defend it provides 60% of its budget – and challenges its silence on comments by President Trump and Senator Marco Rubio, asserting electoral fraud in Bolivia. THE TRUTH WILL ALWAYS BE WITH THE PEOPLES Several carefully planned steps, leading to the coup, were taken, beginning well before October 20. However, once the cries of fraud were raised; the main state media closed and their journalists threatened; the OAS audit was rejected, as well as the option of electing new electoral authorities, proposed by Morales himself. Then the Bolivian Armed Forces and police turned their backs on the people and the democratic process in the country. It is symptomatic – as revealed by the report from the U.S. Center for Economic and Political Research – that Bolivia’s Police Chief, Vladimir Calderón, and FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 25 Continued from page 9 "la demanda es que Piñera renuncie Aljazeera el 26 de octubre, "somos la y que se haga generación que comenzó su vida en la una Asamblea dictadura y no hemos tenido juventud. Constituyente". El Perdimos amigos; vimos personas pueblo chileno ya masacradas. Vivimos con miedo, pero tuvo suficiente. ahora los y las jóvenes han florecido, Construyendo perdieron ese miedo." Así que ya es solidaridad con el hora de que nosotros y nosotras, como el pueblo chileno pueblo trabajador oprimido de Canadá y los Estados Unidos, reconozcamos ¿Por qué el el coraje y la lucha del pueblo chileno y pueblo trabajador ofrezcamos nuestro apoyo, nos hagamos y oprimido de eco de sus voces. Canadá debería apoyar la lucha del Como personas que viven en los pueblo chileno? Estados Unidos y Canadá, tenemos la Un motivo es responsabilidad adicional de brindar El presidente chileno Piñera con una nuestra solidaridad al pueblo de Chile imagen que muestra la bandera chilena en que en Chile se el centro de la bandera estadounidense, desató una represión criminal y violenta porque los gobiernos de Canadá y EEUU con el presidente estadounidense Trump que vulnera los derechos humanos están apoyando la represión y la crueldad en la Casa Blanca, Washington DC. 28 de del gobierno de Piñera. septiembre de 2018 más básicos. Las personas movilizadas han sido arrestadas, torturadas, La diáspora chilena apoya la lucha violadas y asesinadas por salir a las Chile. En los EEUU y Canadá, integrantes de la comunidad Sin embargo, apenas tres chilena y aliados también años después de su elección, han tomado las calles para en 1973, los Estados Unidos exigir se respeten los derechos y sus aliados imperialistas humanos en Chile y denunciar orquestaron un brutal golpe de la violencia indiscriminada Estado, asesinaron a Allende ejercida contra los y las e instalaron una sangrienta manifestantes por el gobierno dictadura militar. En solamente de Piñera. Se han organizado los primeros 5 años, el violento manifestaciones en solidaridad régimen dictatorial de Augusto en las principales ciudades a Pinochet, con el apoyo de los lo largo de Estados Unidos Estados Unidos, encarceló y en Canadá, incluyendo y torturó al menos 30.000 Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, personas y desapareció a otras Edmonton, Winnipeg, 3.000. Una constitución escrita Manifestante se enfrenta a la policía antidisturbios en Santiago, Chile. 22 de octubre de 2019 Vancouver y Victoria. Estas en dictadura, la misma que acciones de solidaridad no solo reunieron consagra la privatización, sigue a personas de las más variadas trayectorias vigente en Chile hoy. calles masivamente para oponerse a la y experiencias, sino también a muchas Revisar la historia moderna de Chile desigualdad y austeridad y en defensa de generaciones de chilenos y chilenas; desde su dignidad. también ayuda a explicar la determinación Protesta en Santiago, Chile. inquebrantable de su pueblo para Como declaraba Isabel Sánchez a Octubre de 2019 continuar protestando masivamente en las calles hasta que sus demandas sean satisfechas. A pesar de algunas concesiones que Piñera se vio obligado a ceder, como el incremento a las pensiones mensuales o el salario mínimo y una reorganización de su gabinete, o acordar no subir las tarifas de transporte, la gente sigue en las calles. Como explicaba Vilma Álvarez, dirigente del sindicato de Jumbo (cadena de supermercados en Chile), en una entrevista con el periódico argentino Página 12, las concesiones que Piñera ofreció a quienes se están manifestando no son suficientes. Son "otra forma de seguir traspasando dinero hacia los sectores financieros y no dar ningún alivio a la población" y 26 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 quienes se exiliaron durante la dictadura exportaciones de Chile. (incluyendo las compañías de vino). de Pinochet hasta jóvenes de Chile que Habiendo dicho esto, ¿realmente Implementar cualquier táctica en una están en Canadá o EEUU por estudios. queremos que la industria chilena lucha puede ser muy contraproducente En Vancouver, la diáspora chilena se ha se declare en bancarrota? ¿A quién si no está bien pensada. En la historia unido a otros que viven en Canadá para beneficiaría esto? ¿A los y las trabajadores? de las luchas por un mundo mejor, un conformar un nuevo grupo llamado Por supuesto que no. ¿Queremos que los movimiento de boicot nunca ha sido Van4Chile. Van4Chile organizó protestas y las trabajadoras y personas que trabajan la manera más efectiva de construir y manifestaciones públicas en solidaridad en la industria vitivinícola pierdan sus solidaridad. El único boicot efectivo ha con el pueblo chileno, incluyendo una trabajos? ¿Queremos dar a la clase sido aquel exigido por las personas dentro energética protesta el 2 de noviembre capitalista una excusa para despidos, para del país sujeto de boicot; el movimiento de 2019 frente a CBC en el centro de imponer recortes de personal y horas de boicot en contra del apartheid en Vancouver. En esta actividad más de extra? ¿No son precisamente éstas las Sudáfrica. 200 personas, de todas las profesiones y políticas neoliberales a las que el pueblo Nuestro impacto será mucho mayor clases sociales, unieron fuerzas para exigir chileno se está oponiendo? ¿No es acaso si dirigimos toda la energía que que CBC cubra las protestas en Chile. un tiro por la culata? dedicaríamos al boicot y en su lugar la También denunciaron la complicidad Además, también es importante tener utilizamos para generar más empatía y del gobierno canadiense en la represión en cuenta la alternativa. Si pedimos a las solidaridad con el pueblo chileno en el de los derechos humanos y democráticos personas del mundo entero que boicoteen territorio canadiense y de los EEUU a en Chile. Para involucrarse y seguir el el vino chileno porque el gobierno de través de actividades callejeras, petitorios, trabajo de Van4Chile pueden buscarles Chile es reaccionario, ¿es realmente eventos educativos y más. en Facebook, Instagram y Twitter @ mejor consumir vino de EEUU, Canadá, Van4Chile. Como pueblo pobre trabajador y Francia, España, Inglaterra, Australia, oprimido de Canadá/EEUU y de No boicoteen a Chile Italia o Alemania, que son responsables todo el mundo debemos plantear la También es importante decir que por la masacre de decenas de millones de problemática de los derechos humanos, dentro del movimiento en solidaridad personas en todo el mundo (incluyendo tortura, violación, ejecución, represión con el pueblo chileno han surgido el golpe de 1973 en Chile)? La diferencia y, sí, medidas neoliberales de austeridad demandas de boicotear vino u otros es que Chile es un país oprimido, un en Chile. Tenemos que exponer las productos producidos en Chile. Si bien país del tercer mundo. Chile no es un atrocidades de Piñera y la complicidad de esta propuesta puede haber surgido con país imperialistas con inmensos recursos gobiernos como los de EEUU y Canadá las mejores intenciones, la acción más financieros e industriales. Como país, en esta brutalidad. Chile se esfuerza por sobrevivir en el importante que podemos llevar adelante ¡Sebastián Piñera se tiene que ir! nosotros, como pueblo pacífico de Canadá mercado mundial que está dominado y EEUU, en beneficio del valiente pueblo de manera apabullante por países chileno no es boicotearlos, sino apoyarlos. imperialistas y sus corporaciones Más de 10,000 mujeres son parte de una Quizás cabe analizar más críticamente Follow Alison Bodine on Twitter: qué impacto tendría en el pueblo chileno protesta artística contra el gobierno chileno y contra la violencia sexual, @Alisoncolette un boicot al vino producido en su país. fuera del Estadio Nacional en Santiago, Hoy en Chile la clase trabajadora y Chile. 4 de diciembre de 2019 oprimida está bajo un brutal ataque a nivel económico, político y social orquestado por el gobierno de Sebastián Piñera y la explotación imperialista. Por ende, es posible que un boicot dirigido a la economía chilena tiene le potencial de dañar al movimiento y reforzar las medidas de austeridad que ya están soportando. Cualquier perjuicio a la economía de Chile seguramente será trasladada de las familias chilenas más ricas y la clase capitalista (quienes tienen miles de millones de dólares para sobrevivir) al pueblo pobre y trabajador del país, Incrementando la austeridad, la presión y la desigualdad que enfrentan. ¡Y Chile no solo produce vinos! ¿Queremos acaso también boicotear las compañías mineras y metalúrgicas cuyos productos alcanzan $40 mil millones o 60% de todas las exportaciones chilenas, representando el 20% de su PBI? La industria vitivinícola solamente exporta $2 mil millones de los $70-77 mil millones totales de FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 27 “By Any Means Poetry Necessary...” Night for Peace

By Janine Solanki

The new era of war and occupation, which began with the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, has carved a path of death and destruction throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Latin MALCOLM X SPEAKS America. Every day there are more reasons to stand together as peace-loving people against One of the first things I think young the deadly U.S. war machine. From brutal people, especially nowadays, should sanctions imposed on the people of Iran and Vancouver Peace learn is how to see for yourself and Venezuela, to the continued bombardment of Activists Demand listen for yourself and think for Yemen by a Saudi-led coalition armed with an End to War yourself: Then you can come to an U.S., Canadian, and European weaponry. intelligent decision for yourself. On November 10, the U.S. government support of Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen. If you form the habit of going by what backed a military coup against President Evo Morales in Bolivia, escalating The day’s activities continued after the protest, you hear others say about someone, imperialist attacks against people in Latin with a “Poetry for Peace” cultural night at East or going by what others think about America, particularly those fighting for Vancouver’s Britannia Community Center. someone, instead of searching that their self-determination and sovereignty. In The event started out with a collection of thing out for yourself and seeing for neighboring Chile, people are continuing to music videos with an antiwar message, before yourself, you will be walking west protest neo-liberalism and austerity despite Azza Rojbi, MAWO executive committee when you think you’re going east, facing horrific police and military brutality member, spoke about her newly published and you will be walking east when unleashed upon them by the U.S.-allied book, “U.S. and Saudi War on the People of you think you’re going west. This President Piñera. Meanwhile in Palestine, Yemen”. The evening included several poems generation, especially of our people, in Spanish: Lucy Ortiz, President of Proyecto the Israeli military unleashed two days of has a burden, more so than any other bloody bombardment on Palestinians in the Cultural Sur Vancouver; Macarena Cataldo, also a Proyecto Cultural Sur member time in history. The most important Gaza Strip starting November 12, killing at thing that we can learn to do today is least 34 people and wounding over 100. and Chilean activist; Mayra Climaco, a Nicaraguan poet and social justice activist think for ourselves. On November 15, 2019 Mobilization and former Sandinista fighter; and Stephany It’s good to keep wide-open ears and Against War and Occupation (MAWO) Mazuera, Colombian social justice activist listen to what everybody else has organized an antiwar rally and petition and graduate of the Latin American School campaign in downtown Vancouver, which is to say, but when you come to make of Medicine in Havana, Cuba. MAWO a decision, you have to weigh all of held monthly for the last 16 years, as long as organizer Shakeel Lochan shared his spoken imperialist wars, occupation and aggressions word, and poetry was also shared by activist what you’ve heard on its own, and continue against oppressed nations around Neb Jorgacevic and political editor of Fire place it where it belongs, and come the world. Banners and picket signs reading This Time Newspaper Ali Yerevani. In to a decision for yourself; you’ll never “U.S. Out of the Middle East and North between poets, participants got up Won their regret it. But if you form the habit of Africa!” and “U.S./Saudi Arabia Hands Off feet and danced to the beats of one of the best taking what someone else says about Yemen!” attracted the attention of many local Hip Hop MC’s, Estea Elements, who a thing without checking it out for passers-by, who stopped by the information reflects socially conscious rhymes through yourself, you’ll find that other people table to pick up antiwar literature and talk to his music. This beautiful evening of music will have you hating your friends and organizers. Teams of activists also collected and poetry gave voice to the hopes and goals loving your enemies. petition signatures from people passing of activists and supporters with MAWO, for through the busy plaza. The petition demands a world of peace, and without war. - From “Malcolm X Talks to Young that Canada end its $15 billion arms deal People” a speech delivered on December with Saudi Arabia for so-called “light” For upcoming MAWO events and actions, 31, 1964 at the Hotel Theresa in New armoured vehicles – a deal which exposes the please visit www.mawovancouver.org or York City government of Canada’s complacency and follow on Facebook & Twitter @MAWOVan

28 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 Declaration of Solidarity with the Cuban Revolution Anti-imperialist Solidarity Meeting for Democracy and against Neoliberalism.

The Government of the United States Base, usurped over one hundred years ago continues its hostility against Cuba, by the US government, in violation of with increased aggressiveness in recent Cuban sovereignty. months. The tightening of the blockade,  To reject the growing aggression its marked extraterritorial nature, of the government of the United application of the Helms-Burton Act States and its allies against the medical Solidarity with Cuba Movement through and other mechanisms and additional collaboration programs, one of the greater coordination of social and people’s sanctions constitute the principal obstacle noblest expressions of the spirit of movements and the forces of the Left, in for the socio-economic development solidarity and internationalism of the order to promote the actions of solidarity of the Cuban nation, an attack on its Cuban Revolution. before the imperialist and interventionist sovereignty and flagrant violation of the policy of the government of the United principles of International Law.  To demand cessation of the States and its allies. subversive and destabilizing We, the peoples of the world, need the programs against Cuba and for Cuba’s  To develop the greatest and most example of Cuba and therefore, we have right to self-determination and urgent mobilization possible by the commitment to defend it from the independence be respected. carrying out public and media actions, on attacks of Yankee Imperialism and to a permanent, systematic and intensive support it in the fulfillment of its noble basis, condemning the escalating aspirations to build a prosperous and aggression of Yankee Imperialism sustainable nation, with the slogan of against the Cuban people. José Marti which says: Whoever rises up today with Cuba, rises up for all times! We thank Cuba for its hospitality and its solidarity with all the peoples of the Inspired by the legacy of Fidel, and world. We support all its efforts for the throughout over 150 years of struggle, unity and integration of our nations, for resistance and victory of this heroic which our forefathers fought so hard. nation; proud of the steadfastness and iron-clad unity of the Cuban people We recognize that, despite the before the obsessive economic war, limitations brought Cuba by the aggressive escalation and hostile policy economic barrier policy, its Socialist Participants at the Anti-imperialist Solidarity Revolution has achieved that its of Yankee Imperialism, the 1332 Meeting for Democracy and against Neoliberalism delegates of 86 nations, meeting on the in Havana, Cuba people enjoy the rights and freedoms 1 to 3 of November of 2019, fundamental for the full development of all Cubans, without resorting WE AGREE:  To spread the truth about Cuba, to neoliberal formulae. Moreover, its  To demand lifting the economic, countering the media campaigns constant internationalist practice has commercial and financial blockade funded by the American administration contributed to the development of human imposed on Cuba by the government of with millions of dollars from its federal rights in many countries in the world. the United States and we condemn the budget, and which systematically slander, distort and lie about what is happening in At this decisive moment for the struggle implementation of the Helms-Burton against the imperialism of the US and Act, violator of the principles and basic the country and hide the achievements of the Revolution. its allies, and for democracy, justice and norms of International Law, which peace, we join our actions to the legacy persists in its aim to destroy the Cuban  To ratify that Cuba is a safe, of Fidel: “Let us sow faith and we will Revolution. peaceful and healthy country for be sowing freedoms; let us sow hope  To support and back the Resolution Cubans, foreigners, accredited diplomats and we will be sowing freedoms; let us “Need to end the economic, and for the millions of persons who visit sow solidarity and we will be sowing commercial and financial blockade every year, including American citizens. freedoms”. imposed by the United States of America  To support the Cuban Revolution Yankee Imperialism! Hands off Cuba! against Cuba”, which will be presented at which is based on the principles of Long live the friendship among our the United Nations General Assembly solidarity, social justice, internationalism peoples! on the 6th and 7th of November, 2019. and indivisible unity, and which Long live the heroic Cuban Revolution!  To demand returning to the constitutes a reference point for our Cuban people the territory illegally peoples. occupied by the Guantánamo Naval  To strengthen the bases of the FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 29 Continued from page 11 research paid for by the government of diplomats of exaggerating, they continue that the symptoms are consistent with Canada demonstrates that indeed Cuba to refuse to fully restore services to low dose exposure to neurotoxins. is not to blame (as most of the spraying Cubans at the Canadian Embassy in The working theory is that diplomats was conducted by the embassy itself ). Havana, Cuba. may have been affected by the use of Yet Global Affairs Canada maintains Whether caused by pesticides, mass pesticides sprayed against mosquitos that, despite the release of the report, it hysteria or a form of shell shock/stress which can spread diseases like Zika virus “hasn’t definitively determined a cause to it is clear there were no ‘sonic attacks’ and dengue fever. A CBC News article the mysterious ailments.” Furthermore, in Cuba. Overall the question remains titled, “Havana syndrome: Exposure to Canada has not restored all services at if there is something concrete that neurotoxin may have been caused, study the Canadian Embassy in Havana Cuba impacted diplomats or if it is simply suggests” explains, “The researchers which were cut off in May 2019. “psychogenic symptoms generated by found that since 2016, Cuba launched an On November 26, 2019, the National stress”. In all cases, it is quite clear that aggressive campaign against mosquitoes Post newspaper published an article the Cuban government was not targeting to stop the spread of titled, “In court diplomats from Canada or the U.S. and the Zika virus. The filing, Canadian this campaign against Cuba was yet embassies actively government another red herring thrown on the path sprayed in offices, as argues diplomats to stop the real normalization of U.S.- well as inside and exaggerated Cuba relations. It also seems it was outside diplomatic ‘Havana meant to scare tourists from Canada residences — Syndrome’ claims and the U.S. from travelling to Cuba and sometimes five times behind $28M generally promote suspicion in the U.S. more frequently than lawsuit.” Thisand Canada towards the Cuban people usual. Many times, article deepened and their revolutionary government. All spraying operations the hypocrisy of in all, it seems this Hollywood spy story were carried out every the government of ‘sonic attacks’ and ‘Havana Syndrome’ two weeks, according of Canada who is more fiction than fact. to embassy records. are now accusing Toxicological analysis the diplomats of the Canadian Cicadas and crickets implicated as a of exaggeration possible cause of "Havana Syndrome" Follow Tamara on Twitter:@THans01 victims confirmed the in the claims in presence of pyrethroid the lawsuit. The and organophosphate — two compounds article explains, “Government lawyers Battle of Ideas Press found in fumigation products. There was acknowledge that some of the 14 plaintiffs also a correlation between the individuals in the lawsuit exhibited concussion-like •5 Decades of the Cuban Revolution • most affected by the symptoms and symptoms, but say the cause is unknown The Challenges of an the number of fumigations that were and that “in any case, the Defendant Unwavering Leadership performed at their residence.” pleads that there is no definitive medical The government of Canada’s hypocrisy diagnosis of any medical condition, illness or disease called Havana Syndrome, While this report seems quite credible, it notwithstanding the use of this term by does not account for the situation of U.S. the Plaintiffs.” They say the government diplomats and the researchers that are now “has no knowledge or insufficient planning to work with Cuban authorities knowledge” to conclusively determine to further investigate the results of their how many plaintiffs were affected by the theory. However, it is interesting that symptoms referred to as SCAN TO SIGN Havana Syndrome.” This makes it clear THE PETITION!  why the government of Canada has been so cautious in the language it uses and whether or not By Tamara Hansen to accept the findings of Coordinator of Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC). She is the report commissioned also an editorial board member of The Fire from the Brain Repair This Time newspaper. She has travelled to Centre, Dalhousie Cuba over a dozen times and has written University and the Nova extensively on Cuban politics since 2003. Scotia Health Authority. April 2010, paperback, $10.00 314 pages, illustrated, They are worried about Copyright © 2010 by Battle of Ideas Press this lawsuit. Nevertheless, while the government WWW.BATTLEOFIDEASPRESS.COM of Canada accuses the [email protected]

30 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 Defending Venezuela Against Imperialist Aggression The Newspaper Of is a Central Task of Working and Oppressed People FIRE THIS TIME MOVEMENT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE By Janine Solanki At the November 8th action, Venezuela www.firethistime.net supporters gathered in front of the U.S. Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 The concept of “self-determination” or Consulate in downtown Vancouver, raising Published Monthly “sovereignty” are widely recognized as the picket signs and chanting “U.S./Canada Hands Political Editor: fundamental rights of a nation. However, the Off Venezuela!” In between rounds of picketing, United States government flagrantly violates Ali Yerevani - [email protected] @aliyerevani protesters heard from local speakers, who also Editor: Tamara Hansen @thans01 these rights in Venezuela (as well as in many, demanded that the U.S. drop all charges against many other countries throughout the world members of the Embassy Protection Collective Editorial Board: and throughout history). Tamara Hansen, Alison Bodine, Janine Solanki, who were arrested during their heroic defense Azza Rojbi, Thomas Davies, Ali Yerevani Since 1999 Venezuela has been charting its of Venezuela’s sovereignty. For 37 days the Embassy Protection Collective protected the Layout & Design: own path, without U.S. foreign domination, Azza Rojbi, Max Tennant, Janine Solanki, through the Bolivarian Revolution which Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, DC from Tamara Hansen, Mike Larson has made huge gains for the Venezuelan a take-over by supporters of the U.S.-backed puppet, the so-called “interim President” of Contributers: people. Social missions have greatly improved Ana Laura Torres, Jose Luis Rodriguez education, healthcare and access to subsidized Venezuela, Juan Guaidó. (Read more about food and other social services in Venezuela. this important struggle in Fire This Time Copy Editors: Tamara Hansen & Alison Bodine For example, in 2005 Venezuela was declared Newspaper, Volume 13, Issue 6, and donate free of illiteracy by UNESCO, only two to the Embassy Protectors’ Defense Fund Publicity & Distribution Coordinator: years after the launch of Mission Robinson, at https://defendembassyprotectors.org ) Thomas Davies a literacy program. Prior to the program’s Production Manager: The action then moved to the busy Robson Azza Rojbi implementation, 1.5 million Venezuelans were street plaza, where the many passersby stopped illiterate, 2 million had not finished primary to talk to organizers and get information. Many Contact: school, and many more had not finished high also signed on to the petition demanding that Phone (778) 938-1557 school, which further educational missions Canada stop its sanctions against Venezuela, Email [email protected] addressed. as the government of Canada also targets Mail PO Box 21607 Vancouver BC, V5L 5G3 These accomplishments are an example of Venezuela with cruel sanctions and a media Subscriptions campaign aimed at “regime change” in For a one year subscription outside the lower what can be done in a country free from U.S. mainland, make cheques payable to “Thomas colonial policies and is exactly what the U.S. Venezuela. Davies” (Canada $15, USA $20, International $30) is trying to destroy at all costs. After years of These actions continue monthly, and you Send to: PO Box 21607 Vancouver BC, V5L 5G3 an economic war, the U.S. government backed can find out about the next action at www. Distribution an attempted coup in Venezuela on January of firethistime.net or by following on Facebook, For Fire This Time in your area across BC, Canada, 2019, which failed as Venezuelans defended Twitter: @FTT_np and Instagram: and Internationally contact Publicity and Distribution Coordinator Thomas Davies their democratically elected President Nicolas @FTT.Venezuela. Maduro. Now the U.S. has imposed a cruel Phone : (778) 889-7664 blockade against Venezuela, which consists Submissions & Suggestions of over 150 illegal unilateral coercive We welcome articles, letters, unsolicited submissions, and suggestions. However, we cannot promise publication. measures that negatively impacts all facets Submissions and suggestions can be made by email of life for the people of Venezuela. by contacting [email protected] fax, or regular mail. Submissions will not be returned. 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FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 12 December 2019 31 CELEBRATE 5 YEARS SINCE THE RELEASE OF THECUBAN 5 HEROES!

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