Ex-contra leader returns to Nicaragua • • 9 THE CIA 'mystery man' new UN ambassador 11 Baltimore Black party protests apartheid 15

A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF WORKING PEOPLE VOL. 49/NO. 7 FEBRUARY 22, 1985 75 CENTS Reagan's budget cuts Massive revolt in threaten family farmers Dominican BY MOHAMMED OLIVER The Reagan administration. supported Republic by the Democrats. has launched a frontal assault on working farmers. Reagan's pro­ posed budget includes plans to eliminate BY MARCEL BLACK virtually all federal price-support and sub­ Tens of thousands of Dominican work­ sidy programs for small farmers. ers joined in a one-day general strike on The elimination of these already meager February I I to protest new austerity meas­ programs would further shift the econol'nic ures imposed by the U.S.-dominated Inter­ burden of food production onto the hacks national Monetary Fund (IMF). of small working farmers. They would he The general strike capped two weeks of forced to shoulder soaring debts and chron­ protests fo llowing the January 23 an­ ically low prices for their crops with no nouncement by Pres. Salvador Jorge government aid . Blanco that the price of gasoline would be Farmers a lready face increasing foreclo­ hiked 34 percent. sures on equipment and land, and a deep The new measures came on top of last economic depression. Coupled with April's hikes of up to 100 percent in the Reagan· s proposed cuts. the picture is price of food , cooking oil , and other essen­ bleak enough that one bankrupt Minnesota tial items. Last year' s price increases farmer said. "they' ll find a few farmers in sparked a massive rebellion in which gov­ the barn rafters before this is over." Suicide ernment troops killed at least 60 people, among farm communities is 30 to 40 per­ wounded some 200. and arrested more than cent above the nonfarm rate. and it's ris- 4,000. mg. The Dominican government owes $2.7 But despair isn 't the onl y responsewel­ billion to imperialist banks. This year it ling up among family farmers . Farmers must pay $ 1.4 billion to be current. groups have announced plans f(Jr protests Jorge Blanco's regime adopted the au­ against the proposed cuts. A major rall y sterity measures as part of an agreement has been projected by the National Farm with the IMF. The imperialist banking con­ Organization for February 27 in Ames. cern refused to loan the Dominican govern­ Iowa. And the American Agriculture ment any more money unless it imposed Movement has call ed for a national march price hikes and other austerity measures. on Washington on March 4, to be foll owed The new U.S.-imposed price rises ig­ by four days of lobbying. nited widespread revolt. Unions, left-wing Reagan and the media have coupled the political organizations, community groups, call fc)r devastating cuts with a fi erce and others joined in calling on the Domini­ ideological campaign against fam ily farm­ Hart can Republic's poor and working people to ers. This campaign seeks to shift the blame Farmers' protest rally in Washington, D.C., in 1979. Farmers' groups plan another strike against the government's austerity Continued on Page 6 national demonstration in capital for March 4 to protest government attacks. decree. Businesses in · Santo Domingo' s working-class neighborhoods - such as Los Minas , Vietnam, and Katanga - were closed and workers· stayed horne from their Farm Workers head backs antiwar march jobs. Strikes swept the barrios of other cities as well , including San Francisco de BY ANIBAL YANEZ travelled around California for the farm the coalition: Berkeley Mayor Eugene Macoris, Mao, Tarnboril , Barahona, and SAN FRANCISCO - Cesar Chavez, workers he saw the need for a renewal of "Gus" Newport; Sister Judy Cannon of the Santiago . Government food dispensaries president of the United Farm Workers the social activism of the 1960s and the General Council of the Sisters of Mercy in were sacked in several locations. Union, joined Dave Meggyesy, president Spring Mobilization could be. "a Burlingame, California; and AI Lannon, The popular organizations that called the of the National Football League Players springboard for that resurrection." president of the International Longshore­ strikes saw the escalating actions as leading Association, and a broad array of other Meggyesy echoed Chavez, noting that men's and Warehousemen's Union toward a general strike. The protests de­ labor, church, and community leaders at a "people joining together and pulling to­ (ILWU) Local 6. mand a break with the IMF, a cancellation press conference in City Hall here on Feb­ gether have changed history and changed The breadth of the press conference was of the Dominican Republic's debt repay­ ruary 5. They announced their support for this country" and that it can happen again . indicated by the additional statements of ment, and the lowering of prices. the Spring Mobilizati on for Peace, Jobs, Charlene Tschirhart, director of the San support from the Rev. Cecil Williams of The government immediately cracked and Justice. Francisco Nuclear Freeze and cochair of Glade Memorial Church; Charles Lamb, down on the popular resistance. The capital More than 350 groups in the Bay Area the Spring Mobilization coalition here, vice-president of the California Labor Fed­ became a militarized zone as infantry are building the march and rally on April opened the City Hall press conference. She eration, AFL-CIO, and president of the _ troops and cops occupied Santo Domingo. 20 around the themes of: opposition to was joined by the other three cochairs of Continued on Page 4 Continued on Page 3 U.S. intervention in Central America and the Caribbean, end U.S. support for South African apartheid , freeze and reverse the nuclear arrns race, and jobs and justice. Behind New Zealand-U.S. nuclear ar01s 'rift' "I am extremely concerned about inter­ vention in Central America," Chavez said, BY NEIL J ARDEN The government's stand has wide popu­ from those who had atomic bombs dropped "about the fi ght for jobs, about apartheid in AUCKLAND, New Zealand - A naval lar support among working people in New on them at Hiroshima and Nagasaki; to the South Africa." Chavez added that as he training exercise between the ANZUS Zealand . There has been an ever deepening people of the various Pacific islands and powers - Australia, New Zealand, and the opposition to visits by U.S . nuclear-armed the aboriginal people of Australia, who United States .::._ has been canceled fo llow­ warships since they were renewed in the have suffered the effects of U.S., French, ing the withdrawal of the United States. mid- 1970s under the previous National and British nuclear weapons testing. The exercise, Sea Eagle '85, had been Party government of Robert Muldoon. The The stand taken by the New Zealand schedul ed to take place off the southeast National Party is New Zealand 's main Labor government retl ects . the pressure of coast of Australia in March. capitali st party. this sentiment. For example , in 1983, The Pentagon has also announced that it Opposition to the entry of nuclear-armed when Labor was in opposition, party leader wi ll conduct its next Pacific region tests of vessels has been expressed in protests by David Lange, now New Zealand's prime the MX missile without using bases in Aus­ waterfront unions and other workers minister, attempted . to have Labor's anti­ tralia. The move followed the announce­ against such visits, and by street demon­ nuclear policy overturned . This move was ment by Australia's Labor Party premier strations involving tens of thousands of forcibly blocked by opposition from the Robert Hawke that antinuclear sentiment in people. The main union fede ra tio~ . many party' s ranks and by the unions. the party would force him to reverse prior individual unions, and successive Labor Since labor came to office, peac:e organi­ agreement to allow use of the bases. Party conferences have adopted policies zations in New Zealand have mounted an The U.S. government 's withdrawal opposing the visits and calling fo r New extensive campaign to pressure the new from the ANZUS naval training exercise Zealand's withdrawal from the ANZUS al­ government to maintain an antinuclear followed the refusal of the Labor govern­ liance. stand . While seeking to accommodate this ment in New Zealand to allow a port visit In addition, throughout the Pacific the pressure, Labor's officials have repeatedly by a U.S. warship, the USS Buchanan. The past decade has seen a growing movement stressed their continuing political and mili­ Labor government, which is based on New among the indigenous people of the region tary commitment to the "Western alliance" Cesar Chavez, head of United Farm Zealand's unions and was elected last July , for the Pacific to be nuclear-free. It is in and to the ANZUS pact. · Workers, urged big turnout for April 20 has said it will no longer allow nuclear­ this region that are found most of the ANZUS is a military alliance, signed in march. armed vessels to visit New Zealand ports. world's victims of nuclear weapons - Continued on Page 5 -SELLING OUR PRESS AT THE PLANT GATE------BY BETSY SOARES layer of Louisville's industrial pected us to show up and if we explaining the Militanr. We also of the Militant, and others just LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Militant workforce by sending out 15 Mili­ didn't, they would ask us what felt the need to become more stopped to talk. sales teams in this area are looking tant sales teams to different plants happened, and more would stop to familiar with what was going on in The same week a Militant sales forward to using our weekly pre­ in the area. One of the plants we talk. the union at Vogt, including the team went for the first time to sell sence at plant gates to build the were able to sell at every week was The steelworkers union at Vogt discussions on the contract. at a garment shop where several Mil­ April 20 antiwar march on Wash­ the The Vogt company, which is went through local contract dis­ In about eight weeks, as we itant supporters work. Five gar­ ington, D.C., while trying to in­ organized by the United Steel­ cussions last fall, and there was began to know the Vogt workers, ment workers bought the Militant , volve the workers we are meeting workers union. Four members of some talk about a possible strike. we got better at explaining our expressing interest in articles in this important action against the Amalgamated Clothing and We found a number of workers ideas and sold a total of 21 Mili­ about South Africa and the Union Washington's intervention in Cen­ Textile Workers Union, who work were interested in the Militanr's tanrs . Carbide disaster in Bhopal, India. tral America. at a nearby garment shop, would coverage of the United Auto Then the year-end holidays , bad We've also reestablished Mili­ Over the fall, we were success­ show up one morning a week at Workers and United Mine Work­ weather, and car problems pre­ tant plant-gate sales teams at the ful in establishing our sales pre­ Vogt with the Militant and other ers contracts, as well as the reports vented us from returning to Vogt Ford truck assembly plant, the sence at four different plants in the socialist literature. on the British coal miners strike. for almost five weeks. massive General Electric plant or­ Louisville area. During that time, The first few weeks we were Others were interested in the When we did show up at the ganized by the International Union we sold more than 50 copies of the there, most workers would walk U.S. war in Central America, and plant gate again one cold morning of Electronic Workers, and the Ar­ Militant, and distributed hundreds past without a word, a few would some would stop and ask what the after the holidays, one worker mour Food meat packing plant. of pieces of campaign material for jeer, and some would look at the Militant was all about. As a result, joked, "Hey, didn' t anyone tell While the number of papers we the SWP national and local elec­ Militant headlines with interest­ we found it was important and you that you guys lost the elec­ sell each week varies, we are tion campaigns. but no papers were sold. Then, necessary for sales team members tion," referring to the presidential learning the importance of regular In the final weeks of the 1984 after the third week, the response to talk to each other about the dis­ elections. He and other workers weekly plant gate sales in carrying presidential elections, we made a started to change as we began to be cussions we were having and dif­ were surprised to. see us back out antiwar work and discussing special effort to reach a broader known by the workers. They ex- ferent approaches we could take in again. Four of them bought copies socialist ideas with our coworkers. Copper bosses demand major contract concessions

BY ED FRUIT union negotiators wanted the same agree­ and travel time, and vacation bonuses. ers as overpaid and, therefore, the guilty SALT LAKE CITY - During the third ment with all the copper companies. Even if this cutback package were ac­ party if the copper works are shut down. week in January, 140 members of the non­ Holland told the Militant that Kennecott cepted by the unions, there are no guaran­ They have compared the relatively high ferrous coordinated bargaining committee even refused to sit at the same table with tees of job security from Kennecott. hourly wage and benefits of union copper held a series of meetings with six copper union negotiators and the other copper The Kennecott operations just outside workers with the generally lower pay scale companies in AlQuquerque, New Mexico. companies and stuck with their own origi­ Salt Lake City boast the largest open-pit for other workers in Utah, which is a "right The committee represents some 20 unions nal concessions demands totaling $6 an copper mine· in the world . It once employ­ to work" state. The employers argument is in the United States and Canada that have hour, or about a 25 percent cutback in ed more workers than any other private em­ that rather than raise the wages of lower contracts with copper companies. wages and benefits. ployer in Utah. Since 1981, however, paid workers, the unionized copper work­ ers should sacrifice and take pay cuts. The six copper companies are all de­ Kennecott's proposed eliminations and layoffs by Kennecott have reduced its The capitalist news media has also manding major takeback concessions from cutbacks from the present contract with 13 workforce in the state from 6,637 to the blamed low-paid workers in semicolonial the unions. They include Kennecott, of the unions include: present 2,379. Nationally the Kennecott Asarco, Inspiration Consolidated Copper, workforce has dropped from more than countries like Chile - a major copper im­ Pinto Valley, Magma Copper, and Phelps • Cutting $6 an hour in wages and ben­ 12 ,000 to 4 ,450 during the same period. porter to the United States- for the prob­ Dodge Copper. efits, with $3 of that in wages. Kennecott is Copper companies are blaming the cut­ lem. If workers in this country made as lit­ Spearheading the takeback demands was demanding cuts in hospital and medical backs on the fall of copper - from $1 . 28 a tle in wages as Chilean workers, these re­ Kennecott, the largest copper producer plans, wages for new hires by $5 an hour, pound in 1980 to the current price of$. 57 . porters argue, then the U.S. copper com­ among the six companies. It is owned by death and disability benefits for retirees , Kennecott claims that it cost the company panies might be ·able to compete. This the Standard Oil Company of Ohio benefits to those on layoff status from six $.90 per pound to produce copper last year, latest attack on copper workers in New (SOHIO). to three months, recall rights for laid-off which it then sold for only $.65. Mexico and Utah includes Phelps Dodge. workers to two years, vacation from five Armed with these figures, the six copper Phelps Dodge recently won a union decer­ Before presenting its takeback demands weeks' maximum to four, holidays from to the unions' committee, for example, companies, with Kennecott in the lead, are tification fight against the same unions in nine to eight a year, and vision care bene­ Kennecott sent a letter to all its employees insisting that workers must pay for com­ Arizona and Texas, after forcing them out fits . that contained excerpts from a recent pany losses just as Chrysler auto workers on a bitter, 18-month strike. After this set­ speech by the president of SOHIO. The • Eliminating the cost of living allow­ and workers in other industries have been back to the unions, Phelps Dodge quickly speech contained a warning that if SOHIO ance (COLA), dental plan, double time for forced to do. moved to close down one of its-biggest op­ couldn't make profits from its metal and hours worked after 12 hours, prescription Kennecott and Utah's capitalist media

The Militant tells the truth- Subscribe today! The Militant That way you'll get facts about Washington 's news, participating in the struggle. To subscribe Closing news date: February 13, 1985 war against working people at home and abroad : today, fill out the attached coupon . Editor: MALIK MIAH from El Sa lvador and Nicaragua, to embattled Enclosed is : [ j $.1ior12w('f'ks i I $ /S ior6months Managing editor: workers and farmers in the United States. Read i I $24 for 1 yf'ar : I A contribution MARGARET JA YKO our proposals on how to stop the bipartisan U.S. Name ______Business Manager: war in Central America and the Caribbean and the LEE MARTINDALE employer offensive here. Read our ideas on what Address Editorial Staff: Andrea Gonzalez, Pat Grogan, Arthur Hughes, Cindy Jaquith, Tom Leonard, Karen Newton, it will take to replace this system of exploitation, C ity/S tat e/Zip ------~------racism, and sexism with a system that's in the in­ Mohammed Oliver, Harry Ring. Te lephone ______Published weekly except two weeks in August, the last terest of working people. Union/Organization ______week of December, and the first week of January by the At the plant gates, picket lines, and unemploy­ Militant (ISSN 0026-3885), 14 Charles Lane, New ment lines, the Militant is there, reporting the Send to Militant, 14 Charles Lane, New York , NY 10014 York , N.Y. 10014. Telephone: Editorial Office, (212) 243-6392; Business Office, (212) 929-3486. Correspondence concerning subscriptions or changes of address should be addressed to The Mili­ tant Business Office, 14 Charles Lane, New York, N.Y. 10014. Second-class postage paid at New York , N.Y. POST­ MASTER: Send address changes to The Militant, 14 Charles Lane, New York, N.Y. 10014. Subscriptions: U.S . $24 .00 a year, outside U.S. $30."00 . By first-class mail: U.S. , Canada, and Mexico: $60.00. Write for air­ mail rates to all other countries. Signed articles by contributors do not necessarily rep­ resent the Militant's views. These are expressed in edito­ rials.

2 The Militant February 22, 1985 L.A. socialist candidate wins ballot spot

BY JANIE WARD In spite of the fact that petitioning in lawyer with arrest but then allowed him to LOS ANGELES -James Harris, the shopping centers is guaranteed by a leave. candidate endorsed by the Socialist Work­ California Supreme Court decision, secu­ Several campaign supporters went to a ers Party in the so-called nonpartisan rity guards told the campaigners to leave nearby police station, where they had been mayoral race here, officially qualified for the property. They complied. Campaign told the three in handcuffs would be taken . ballot status January 24 . Five hundred sig­ attorney Robin Maisel went to try to talk to Campaign supporters citywide began call­ natures of registered voters, a $300 filing the management of the center but was un­ ing the press. The police station and the fee, and a confrontation with private cops successful. shopping center received a number of calls and city officials were required to get his Candidate Harris, Maisel, and several from reporters. name printed on the ballot for the April 9 campaign supporters returned to the shop­ After three hours Harris was released primary election. ping center January 20 to document there­ without charges. After being held four Supporters of Harris's campaign began fusal to allow petitioning. Before any peti­ hours, the two supporters were charged collecting signatures January 15. Most of tioning could begin, Harris and his sup­ with a "citizen's arrest" for assault, which these campaigners work eight hours or porters were surrounded by security was referred to the city attorney's office. more a day in industrial jobs. This meant guards. Harris himself was handcuffed and The police did not book the two or write that a good deal of petitioning took place charged with assault. A supporter with a any citation against them. It is doubtful that before work, after work, and on the job. camera was handcuffed and charged with the city attorney will file charges. Some petitioning was done at plant gates. assault. The other supporters were ordered The campaign is still seeking to contact Campaigners found a good response to off the property. the management of the shopping center to campaign platform demands for no U.S. As they were leaving, guards stopped secure the right to petition and campaign intervention in Central America and the their car and pulled a Black campaign sup­ there. Caribbean, an end to police brutality, and porter, Glova Scott, out of the vehicle. The After filling out all the affidavits neces­ money for jobs not war. guards pushed Scott to the ground, hand­ sary to file petitions, Harris and his sup­ The demand for full rights for the un­ cuffed her, and pulled her to her feet. The porters had to argue with city clerks to get documented was the most controversial other three supporters were allowed to their petitions accepted. After officials Supporters of James Harris, Socialist issue the socialist campaign raised. It leave. They drove across the street, where were forced to read and reread the law, the Workers Party candidate for mayor of stimulated a lot of discussion, especially irate witnesses to the attack came forward petitions were accepted. Two days later, Los Angeles, were attacked by cops among Black workers. to offer their names for future testimony. January 24, Harris was declared on the bal­ while campaigning in Black community Supporters of Harris pointed out that a The private cops threatened the campaign lot. of Watts. real fight against the rulers of this country cannot be mounted without a united work­ ing-class defense of full rights for un­ documented workers. An essential part of Harris's mayoral campaign is to answer the Marroquin wins new support in L.A. big business news media's lies thilt un­ documented workers are "job thieves" un­ BY SETH GALINSKY Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington." danger if she returned to E! Salvador, she dermining employment opportunities for LOS ANGELES- Hector Marroquin, Marroquin is an outspoken opponent of too has been denied permission by the INS unemployed Black and white workers. a 31-year-old undocumented worker from U.S. intervention in Central America and to remain in the United States. The meeting Campaign supporters targeted the Black Mexico, spoke at three recent meetings in the Caribbean, a defender of the rights of voted to send a telegram to the INS de­ community of Watts for a special petition­ the Los Angeles area to publicize his immigrant workers, and a leader of the manding residency for Marroquin and ing drive. Almost 20 years ago, in August seven-year fight against deportation. Socialist Workers Party and Young asylum for Rivera. 1965, the people of Watts rebelled against The meetings opened a three-week tour Socialist Alliance. Marroquin wrapped up his tour in the oppression. Today, economic conditions of California aimed at winning new support On February 8 Marroquin was the fea­ area at a meeting of 50 people in San Ber­ have not improved. In fact, · for young in the campaign to force the Immigration tured speaker at an antideportation fund­ nardino sponsored by the Christian Base people, unemployment is even higher fol­ and Naturalization Service (INS) to grant raising event at Casa Nicaragua. In spite of Communities of the Catholic church. The lowing the shutdown of a number of fac­ Marroquin permanent residency status. the pouring rain (at times it was raining San ,Bernardino area is an agricultural re­ tories. Infant mortality remains twice that The tour here began with a meeting of harder inside than out because of a leaking gion, and many of the Base Comunity of white infants in Los Angeles County. students sponsored by the United Latino roof), 70 people attended and stayed for the members are agricultural laborers who are The campaign was well-received by Student Association at Los Angeles Com­ program. The predominantly Latino audi­ active in the farm workers' movement. Watts residents, but not by security guards munity College. Marroquin explained the ence included members of the United Elec­ While awaiting Marroquin's arrival, 40 at a big new local shopping center. On Jan­ facts of his case, pointing out that he is trical, International Ladies' Garment people signed a petition in support of his lJary 19 a petitioning team went to the Mar­ eligible for a U.S. residency visa - or Workers', and International Longshore­ case and contributed $80 toward the cost of tin Luther King Jr. Shopping Center, a green card as it is more commonly known. men's and Warehousemen's unions. his legal defense . grocery and drug store complex that He is married to a U.S. citizen and has a Marta Alicia Rivera, a member of the Participants at the meeting asked what opened a few months ago with a great deal son who is a U.S. citizen. National Association of Educators of El else they could do to help. Marroquin said, of fanfare . Democratic Mayor Thomas "But the INS continues to try to deport Salvador, also spoke. She described her first, they could send letters of protest to Bradley presided over the ceremony open­ me because they don't like my ideas," brutal torture at the hands of the Salvado­ the INS in Washington. ing the center- the first to be built in the Marroquin said, "like my support for the ran National Guard. In spite of overwhelm­ area since the 1965 Watts rebellion. April 20 antiwar demonstrations in Los ing evidence that her life would be in Second, they should support and attend the April 20 demonstration, which in Los . Angeles has added as one of its demands the defense of the rights of immigrant General strike rocks Do~ninican Republic workers. Third, he said; they sho.uld demand the release of those arrested in the sanctuary Continued from front page movement for aiding political refugees . Meanwhile, barricades were thrown up in Los Minas, Vietnam, and other areas to Many of those present asked for more try to keep the armed forces out. Helicop­ brochures on Marroquin's case. They also ters and light planes flew over the city io gave him an open invitation to return to direct troops to barricades and other centers meetings of their Base Communities. of revolt. Jorge Blanco placed specially Marroquin's tour was noted in La Opin­ trained counterinsurgency troops in charge ilill. the largest Spanish-language daily in of repressing the rebellion. ,California.· The government also clamped down a strict censorship over the news media, pre­ Letters and telegrams demanding the venting them from covering the revolt and INS stop its stalling and give Marroquin a the government response to it. Several re­ green card should be addressed to INS porters were arrested for trying to break the Commissioner Alan Nelson, Washington, news ban. In the United States there's been D.C. 20536. a virtual news blackout in the capitalist Copies. along with donations, can be English-language media about the strikes sent to the Political Rights Defense Fund, and other protests. Some news, however, Demonstration last year against U .S.-imposed austerity. P.O. Box 649, New York, N.Y. 10003. has been reported in the Spanish-language media. Hundreds of working people have been Dominican Left Front, jailing Narciso Isa arrested and at least one youth killed by Conde, general secretary of the Dominican Gonzalez slams Dominican crackdown Communist Party, and other leaders of the government troops. "The situation is diffi­ The following telegram was sent by Dominican toilers, along with the recent at­ broad coalition of leftist organizations. cult in these communities," said one Andrea Gonzalez, Socialist Workers tacks in Jamaica, forms part of a pattern of Dominican worker, referring to Los Minas On February 7, after I 0 days of escalat­ Party candidate for mayor of New York, lMF-imposed austerity and repression seen and other barrios. The troops especially ing strikes, the "Councils of Popular to the president of the Dominican Re­ throughout Latin America and the Carib­ target youth, who, this worker said, "can't Unity" called a general strike. Speaking for public, Salvador Jorge Blanco. bean. show their faces in the street because the coalition of some 52 popular organiza­ As a candidate for mayor of New York they're immediately arrested and, in many tions, Jose Pichardo said that the detention I protest the arrest of Pedro Franco. Julio City , where close to one million Domini­ cases, beaten." of Pedro Franco wouldn't stop the protest Pefia Valdez, Jose Crist6bal Duran . Nar­ cans live, I join with them in protesting this Among those arrested were Pedro demonstrations. ciso !sa Conde, and other leaJers of the attack on their brothers and sisters. Franco, the general coordinator of the Jorge Blanco's response was to order his trade unions, popular, and left organi!.a­ Your response to the strikes and mobili­ Committees of Popular Struggle, which troops to sweep through the barrios once tions. zations against the austerity has been re­ have played a prominent role in organizing again on February 10. They arrested hun­ Hundreds have been arrested, at least pression and constant violation of the dem­ the strikes. Also detained were Julio de dreds of youth in hopes of blocking the one youth has been killed and an unknown ocratic rights of the Dominican people. Pefia Valdez, general secretary of the Gen­ strike. number have been injured in this violent ut­ These attacks are an attempt to stop their eral Workers Federation; Jose Cristobal Pichardo, however, proved correct. The tack by your government on the Dominican struggle for a decent life . Duran, general secretary of the United Fed­ February II strike was a success, and the workers and farmers. These attacks are part eration of Workers; and other trade union Dominican government faces big problems of the austerity program ordered by the End the repression! leaders. in implementing the austerity program dic­ U .S.-government-dominated International Release all prisoners! The government also attacked the tated by its accord with the IMF. Monetary Fund. This attack on the IMF out of the Dominican Republic!

February 22, 1985 The Militant 3 -YSA CAMPAIGNS FOR SOCIALISM- BY JUDY STRANAHAN ward U.S. intervention in Central subway, Gonzalez attacks New A new issue of the Young America and the Caribbean, and York City Mayor Ed war~ Koch's Socialist has just come off the the importance of winning union proposals for more cops. She ex­ !f?.ung Socialist press. This February-March issue participation in the action. plains that this proposal is part of focuses on the need to build sup­ Thierjung's article also discus­ the capitalists' racist law and order port for the upcoming April march ses the significance of the endorse­ campaign, and that hiring more Stop U.S. War in Central America on Washington against the U.S. ment by important Black and cops can only mean more killing war in Central America. Latino organizations of the April of Blacks and Latinos. Build April20 March on Washington It is a special, four-page issue 20 action. He explains that this re­ Featured on the back page of the ._ ...... -...... -···-...,..__ ...... ___ ....., .____ _ ... ~ ...... _,..,. _, .....__ that is designed to help build the flects the depth of the antiwar sen­ YS is an article by Ellen Haywood ,...... ,...... _-- ·- ... __ .....,...... ,___,._,..___ ,,._ ...... ~- ...... , ...,...~ ...... _,~ ...... anti-intervention protest. timent and the identification with on the current attacks against abor­ .... ,~ ,...~··- -·· ____ _ ...... -....-··- -...... ~ ... -4--• ...... _ ... - ...... The Young Socialist Alliance is other oppressed people that exists tion rights. I r__._...,.._ ... __ ·-··---...... -.-•..,. ... a...... - ...... "';.-=::..~----= .... _ ...... ,..... _ .. .4 ...... :=•-.-...... *4 .. an enthvsiastic builder of the ac­ in the Black and Latino com­ Haywood says the recent wave ...... ,...... ,._ ...... - , ... __ ... tion and is participating with many munities, and shows the potential of bombings of abortion clinics is ...,...... ,._.....,.-- ...... ___ ...... - __ UM._ _ ...... _...__ ...... _.....,._N ...... O __ •• ...._,_ . the use of illegal means to prevent n~• ...... - other organizations in coalitions to involve Blacks and Latinos in n...... ·- . -~ .._ '-"•1/tto ...... A_ ,,..,., .. .,., .. , ,...... '-"""'- around the country to help make the April 20 action. women from exercising their dem­ -··"·'-...... ~ ..... ~ - , · ~ ·· · , ,_ ...... _...... ·..-.-----~----­__ · ~··.. ____ ...... , .... ~ ...... the march a success in every way The YS also prints a statement ocratic right to choose abortion...... -...... ,..._ ft. I",...... _ ,. .,. ,_ , • ~ W ··-- --· __ possible. by the YSA National Executive She explains that these terrorist ~ .. oh ,....,., -I , _ .. ,_,,, ...... ···-·- ,.._._ -...... , ...... ~ ... ,.,., ...... ,.._,..._, ...... --._- ...... _...... ,._ ...... _..._...... u . ""'"' .._...... --··...... The lead article in the new YS is Committee endorsing the April acts are part of a history of attacks ""'"A.lotl•~·~~~ ...... , ••11•--...... ·-·· "' ...... ' ~.:::.:- •;:9... - ~-.. . --····-·-. "-· ~ ...... by YSA National Secretary ·Peter 19-22 actions. by the capitalist class and their --- Thierjung. He explains that the Excerpts from a speech by politicians - the Democrats and U.S. war in Central America is Andrea Gonzalez, Socialist Work­ Republicans - to overturn the The February-March issue of fight against the U.S. war in Cen­ continuing to escalate, which ers Party candidate fbr mayor of 1973 Supreme Court decision the YS can be very helpful for YSA tral America and to win new mem­ makes the April 20 march even New York City, are also in the legalizing abortion . members in their political discus­ bers to the YSA. more important. The action is a latest YS. Gonzalez explains that This issue of the YS al so carries sions with trade unionists, Blacks, way for those opposed to Wash­ her campaign opposes the U.S. an article on a campaign launched Latinos, family farmers, women's To find out more about the YSA ington's war in Central America to war in Central America, and is a by the Political Rights Defense rights activists, and other antiwar write to Young Socialist Al­ register their opposition. firm supporter and active builder Fund to force the Immigration and fighters who participate in build­ liance, 14 Charles Lane, New Thierjung also points to the of April 20. Naturalization Service to grant ing for April 20. York, N.Y. 10014. Subscrip­ growing discussion and debate in In responding to the recent ra­ permanent residence status to And the YS is an excellent way tions to the Young Socialist, the the labor movement over what cist shooting by Bernhard Goetz of Mexican-born socialist Hector to introduce the YSA to those YSA's bimonthly newspaper, stance the unions should take to- four young Blacks in a New York Marroquin. young. people who are active in the are $3 for one year. ·Farm Workers' leader backs April20 antiwar march

Continued from front page outreach committee. Owen Marron, trustee committee sent out a mailing to hundreds whether it wants a speaker for a union Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employ­ of the Alameda Central Labor Council , is of Bay Area union locals and labor bodies meeting; etc. ees Local 2; Rev. Gustav Schultz of Uni­ one of three paid staff members coordinat­ asking for financial support, along with a The next meeting of the labor outreach versity Lutheran Chapel; and Barbara Lee, ing the coalition offices. And numerous questionnaire for each local to indicate the committee will be February 23 at lO a.m. spokeswoman for Rep. Ronald Dellums. trade union locals in the Bay Area have al­ expected size of its contingent at the march at the Spring Mobilization office in the This broad support led Harry Britt of the ready contributed hundreds of dollars to on April 20; whether it will provide moni­ SEIU hall, 240 Golden Gate in San Fran­ San Francisco Board of Supervisors to pre­ help ensure the April20 action is a success. tors; whether it will have banners; how cisco. The telephone number is (415) 771- dict that April 20 could well see the On February 9 the coalition Outreach many leaflets it wants for distribution; 0882. . "largest outpouring of San Franciscans in history." From the outset, the Bay Area April 20 anitwar coalition is comprised, to an im­ S. Indiana-Kentucky labor plans for action portant extent, of forces from the organized labor movement. It has already been BY MARK EMANATIAN The labor council includes locals of the an areawide coalition to build for the dem­ backed by the central labor councils of LOUISVILLE - Until a couple weeks International Chemical Workers, Interna­ onstration. Among those signing the call Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara ago, the annual banquet of the South-cen­ tional Association of Machinists, Ameri­ are representatives of Laborers Union counties; Northern California Joint Council tral Indiana Labor Council was scheduled can Federation of Teachers, United Steel­ Local 1576; A. Phillip Randolph Institute~ of the Service Employees International for the evening of April 20. Now it has workers of America, Service Employees a coalition of Black union officials; Louis­ Union (SEIU); Tim Twomey, SEIU Inter­ been moved to allow members of its con­ International Union, International Brother­ ville NAACP; Kentucky Alliance Against national vice-president; and a number of stituent unions to attend the national march hood of Electronic Workers, United Trans­ Racist and Political Repression; Southern SEIU locals. against the U.S. war in Central America portation Union, Amalgamated Clothing Organizing Committee for Economic and James Herman, international president and the Caribbean scheduled for that day in and Textile Workers, and the Laborers In­ Social Justice; Southern Christian Leader­ of the ILWU; the Oil, Chemical and Washington, D.C. tern

4 The Militant February 22, 1985 Toledo: UAWatJeep okaysnew.contract

BY MARK FRIEDMAN pockets through an "Employee Investment TOLEDO, Ohio- By a vote of 3,527 Plan" (EIP). Under the EIP, negotiated in to I ,226, members of the United Auto 1982, the company took wage increases, Workers (UAW) Local 12 Jeep Unit here bonuses, COLA (cost-of-living allowance) approved a new contract ·with the American increases, and holiday pay that should have Motors Company (AMC). The vote was gone to the wor_kers. The employers used held on February II . the money to retool and modernize produc­ The contract includes concessions, but is tion, including purchasing robots. This viewed by AMC workers here as better represents a substantial amount of money. than the General Motors and Ford contracts Individual workers are owed thousands of negotiated last faiL dollars. High on workers' priority list leading up At the start of the negotiations, the com­ to the negotiations were the repayment of pany balked at repaying the money they money that had been loaned to the com­ owed. They pleaded poverty despite the pany, no mandatory overtime, and main­ fact that 1984 has been their most profita­ taining health benefits. ble year since 1978 - thanks to the fast­ The agreement maintains voluntary selling and highly profitable Cherokee X-J overtime. The AMC plants here, in Mil­ four-wheel-drive Jeep. waukee, and Kenosha, Wisconsin, are the Under the new contract, EIP repayments only major auto plants in the country where will be made in full, beginning in May and overtime is not mandatory. continuing in quarterly repayments through Militant/John Studer A central demand· of the union in the 1988, as previously agreed. UA W members at Local12 Jeep Unit in Toledo maintained voluntary overtime in new negotiations was that the company pay The company also backed down on its contract, making them one of only three major auto plants in country where overtime back with interest - as promised - the demand that workers pay part of the cost of is not mandatory. Above, 1979 UAW demonstration against forced overtime. $40 million that was taken out of workers' health insurance. Local union officials explain that the contract follows the Ford and GM agree­ ments in many respects. This includes a phony "job security" bank, which sup­ Behind New Zealand-U.S. arms 'rift' posedly guarantees some laid-off workers either a job or an income. The "bank" has a Continued from front page forces are scheduled to take part in 22 in this role in successive wars in Korea, $16 million fund . As in the Ford and GM 1951, that was sought with the United army, air, and naval training exercises with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. contracts, this fund would not be available States by New Zealand's and Australia's the Pentagon, many of them involving nu­ New Zealand's forces today serve with to workers laid off because of "volume de­ imperialist rulers as a result of the replace­ clear weapons. the U.S. multinational force currently sta­ clines or sales of a facility." ment of Britain's world military predomi­ It is this close military partnership, and tioned in the Sinai desert. The New Zea­ A major concession is the deepening of a nance by that of the United States follow­ the integrated character of the ANZUS land government provides aid to the right­ two-tier wage system. Previously, new ing World War II. forces in the Pacific region, that makes wing guerrillas attacking Kampuchea from hires started at $.60 an hour less, narrowed From the beginning ANZUS has been an New Zealand itself a de facto nuclear Thailand. It is increasing its military ties the gap to $.30 after a month, and reached imperialist pact, aimed primarily against power. with the Marcos dictatorship in the Philip­ wage parity after 60 days. Under the new the Soviet Union (plus China, Vietnam, pines . And it maintains its own I ,000- contract, new hires will start at 85 percent and other emerging workers states), and 517 U.S. bases in Pacific strong military base in Singapore. of full wages and will reach full pay only against the national liberation struggles of The past decade has seen a major in­ The cancellation of Sea Eagle '85 has fo­ after a year and a half. colonized peoples in the Pacific and South­ crease in the U.S. military presence in the cused much media attention on the New The contract also includes an annual east Asia. Pacific. This has been justified by prop­ Zealand government and its foreign policy. lump-sum payment of 3 percent of the It is one of more than 100 military and aganda claiming an "expanding Soviet pre­ David Lange's refusal of port entry to the year's gross wages, instead of the 3 percent intelligence treaties that link New Zealand, sence" in the region. In actual fact, the USS Buchanan has been hailed by leaders "Annual Improvement Factor" - an Australia, and the United States (as well as Soviet Union has no military bases in the of the peace movement in New Zealand across-the-board_ hourly wage increase Britain and Canada), and reflects the com­ Pacific outside its own territory. In con­ and internationally as a "courageous blow traditionally won in UA W contracts. mon interests that unite the capitalist ruling trast, Washington is reported to have 517 for world peace." The company had originally demanded a classes of these countries economically, military bases and installations of various An editorial published in the February wage freeze. politically, and militarily. · kinds in the region outside its own main- 15 issue of the New Zealand newspaper The new agreement ·maintains COLA in ·'New Zealand's special role under land. ·· Socialist Action, which reflects the views full, with I 3 cents diverted to cover the ANZUS is policing the colonial island na­ The imperialist military buildup in the of the Socialist Action League, puts for­ cost of benefits over the three-.year life of tions of the South Pacific. In return, New Pacific has been fully supported by both ward a different view. It says: "The only the contract. Of the present $2.90 COLA, Zealand imperialism receives a range of the National and Labor governments in way working people can achieve peace is $2.85 will be rolled into the base wage special privileges from Washington - New Zealand. New Zealand itself has es­ to fight against imperialist war policy, rate. - from favoritism in trade to military equip­ tablished a rapid deployment force in which means, first and foremost, the im­ Other terms of the contract include a ment and assistance. Pacific Island "trouble spots." perialist war policies of their own govern­ $200 bonus for approval of the contract, This is an arrangement that New Zea­ ment." improved pension benefits, and a joint land's capitalist rulers do not want to give Partner in colonial wars For working people here, this means UA W-Jeep letter to discuss the feasibility away lightly - especially as policing the In fact, the whole New Zealand military "demanding an end to New Zealand's par­ of a day care facility . South Pacific, for them, is not a burden, is structured, equipped, and trained to par­ ticipation in ANZUS and all other im­ but something that enables them to secure ticipate in Vietnam-style counterrevolu­ perialist military alliances, including all Mark Friedman is a member of UA W Local their own economic domination over the tionary wars abroad, and it has been used secret military and intelligence treaties ." 12 and works at Jeep . region . From the time of its preparation in the 1940s (under a previous Labor govern­ ment) till today. ANZUS has received full N.Y. socialist candidate conde111ns De111ocrats support from both the National Party and Continued from back page big prQblems facing Blacks, Puerto Ri­ city's ruling rich." the reformist leadership of the Labor Party. cist and openly antilabor style of adminis­ cans; and all working people in New York. Badillo, for his part, is trying to use for tration. No fundamental change in policy Two of the biggest are the shooting of four his personal political benefit the desire Bellamy and Farrell are both tied to Black yo.uth by the racist vigilante Bern­ among the city's nearly one million Puerto The Labor government's refusal to allow Koch, his party and his political machine. hard Goetz, and stepped-up police violence Ricans to gain a degree of control over the USS Buchanan to visit New Zealand Bellamy ran for city council president on in our communities. Koch supports the ra­ their lives. "But neither Farrell nor Badillo represents no fundamental change in this Koch's ticket in 1977 and 1981 . She en­ cist Goetz and the cops. Bellamy and Far­ represent the interests of Blacks and Puerto imperialist foreign policy. Prior to declin­ dorsed Koch during his unsuccessful cam­ rell say they are anti-Koch, but where do Ricans," Gonzalez said. "Neither can forge ing the proposed visit of the USS Bucha- paign for governor of the state. She, like they stand on these questions? unity between these two oppressed ·nan, David Lange had requested the U.S. Koch, defends the pol ice's racist violence. "Bellamy, after the cops killed Eleanor nationalities. Their program is only to con­ government to send an alternative vessel, a After the cops shot and killed Eleanor Bumpurs, said that the cops were terrific. tinue and escalate the attacks against us. frigate, which Lange claimed had not yet Bumpurs, an elderly Black woman, Bel­ Terrific? I call for prosecuting these killer been fitted with nuclear weapons . Such a "Our unity has always been forged in our lamy told the press that, "The New York cops for the murder they committed." common struggle to defend our rights from visit, he said , would allow his government City Police Department, in my view. is a to demonstrate its "continuing and deeply As for Farrell, Gonzalez explained, "in the attacks by the Democratic Party-{;on­ terrific department. . . . It's an extraordi­ announcing his campaign he never men­ trolled city government and the rich it rep­ felt commitment to the ANZUS alliance nary group of people but it's a big depart­ tioned Goetz or police violence. He talked resents. Both Farrell and Badillo point and their desire to work in the closest coop­ ment. It needs some changes." about subway riders who wonder if they away from this struggle and into that same eration with their treaty partners." Farrell is a major figure in the New York Lange described the subsequent cancel­ will get to work on time. With the racist Democratic Party that attacks us." Democratic Party. He is the only Black vigilante Goetz on the loose, I wonder if I lation of the Sea Eagle naval maneuvers as county chairperson of that party in New Gonzalez explained that her campaign is will get off the subway with my life. Far­ "regrettable." New Zealand's warships York. for independent political action by labor, have been conducting such training exer­ rell talked about how elderly people want Blacks, and Puerto Ricans. "Our campaign The only candidate putting forward a to be able to walk the streets without fear. cises in the Pacific and elsewhere for over working-dass program in the elections is points not to one capitalist politician or 20 years with U.S. and other nuclear armed But for elderly Eleanor Bumpurs, he has another but to ourselves, to working peop!e Andrea Gonzalez, the Socialist Workers not a word to say." vessels. Party candidate for mayor. Gonzalez, the unifying and fighting for our rights to­ In 1985 alone, New Zealand's armed SWP's candidate for U.S. vice-president in New York's ruling rich have seized on gether. 1984, is 33. She is a Puerto Rican woman both Badillo's attack on Farrell's candi­ "We favor independent Black and Labor news in the Militant who was born and raised in the city. Gon­ dacy and the charges of anti-Hispanic sen­ Puerto Rican candidates running on a pro­ zalez has been a member of the United timent against the Coalition for a Just New gram against the U.S. war in Central The Militant stays on top of the most Steelworkers union and the Amalgamated York to drive a wedge between the Black America, racism, and the attacks on the important developments in the labor Transit Union. A single parent, Gonzalez and Puerto Rican communities. labor movement. That would be a step to­ movement. It has correspondents who has a daughter who attends a New York "Democrats in the Black and Puerto ward the forging of a labor party based on work in the mines, mills, and shops City public schooL Gonzalez is an active Rican communities talk about unity, but the unions that could genuinely unite this where the events are breaking. You opponent of the U.S, war in Central Amer­ some make anti-Black attacks on Farrell, city's working people- Black, white, and won't miss any of it if you subscribe. See the ad on page 2 of this issue for sub­ ica. while others attack the Hispanic communi­ Hispanic- in the struggle to take political scription rates. Commenting on Bellamy's and Farrell's ty," said Gonzalez. "I condemn all these power out of the hands of the capitalist decision to run, Gonzalez said, "There are attacks. They only serve the interest of the class that currently rules."

February 22, 1985 The Militant s Reagan budget threatens working farmers

Continued from front page for fanners' troubles from the policies of the government, bankers., and food monopolies, onto the farmers themselves. Reagan's budget director. David Stockman, for example. recently told a congressional committee that " For the life of me . I can ' t figure out why the taxpayers have the responsibility to go in and refi­ nance bad debt willingly incurred by con­ senting adults who went out and bought farm land when pri ces were going up and thought they could get rich ... U.S. Secretary of Agriculture John Block, himself a big capitalist farmei·. also attacked small family farmers. Block claimed that two-thirds of the country's farms were making money without govern­ ment aid and said that the remaining one­ third would ha've to learn to do the same. Auctioning off farm equipment is part of foreclosure process. U. S. government's farm policies are forcing more and more family In addition to showing his arrogant dis­ farmers to face this grim reality. regard for small farmers . Block also showed he has his facts screwed up . There are only 25,000 farms with incomes greater monopoly control over marketing; and working farmers. He told a congressional result from working farmers demanding than $500,000 a year. These are the big exorbitant interest rates all enrich capitalist committee that "We expect that we will see higher commodity prices. Infl ation - not capitalist farms that are "doing well." But farmers and impoverish the rest. increasing proportions of farmers with fi­ only of food prices , but those of all prod­ there are 641 ,000 farms that take in be­ To sugar-coat its assault, ihe Reagan ad­ nancial problems. continued declines in u.cts - is blamed on public spending such tween $40.000 and $500,000 and are in ministration also recently launched a tem­ farm asset values, increasing proportions as the aid to the farmers. serious trouble. The remaining /.7 million porary emergency credit assistance pro­ of farm debt in trouble, and increasing And farmers are told that their costs are farms have incomes below $40.000 and gram. They claim this plan will help family problems of lender distress." high because of the wage demands of ag­ family members must take off-the-farm farmers make it through the rough times. Thousands of farmers have been fore­ ricultural implement. railroad , and food­ jobs to make ends meet. The plan provides some financial closed and driven from their farms. Many packaging workers. In its lead editorial the day after guarantees to bankers who agree to reduce thousands more are threatened with the The fact is that farmers and workers Reagan's speech, the Nnl' York Times a farmer' s interest charges by 10 percent, same fate. Working farmers need not just a have the same enemies and the same inter­ added its voice to the anti farmer campaign. reduce the value of their loans by I 0 per­ I 0 pe,rcent reduction in their debts but a ests. The bipartisan campaign against fam­ ''The only argument for price supports," cent, or reduce both enough to lower a complete moratorium on their payments to ily farmers is being orchestrated by the wrote the Times. "is that they let struggling farmer's debt payments by 10 percent. the capitalist banks. The Reagan adminis­ same people who are simultaneously push­ tration , of course, opposes this. ing for deeper attacks on the unions~ small farms stay in business. But why This piddling amount won't save the should the majority of Americans pay bil­ Working farmers need to receive prices The labor movement should join with thousands of farms faced with foreclosure for their produce that will cover their costs working farmers in demanding inexpensive lions to support a minority 's 19th-century in the ne.xt several months. A reprieve of visi9n of the pastoral life')" and provide them with a decent standard of credit and crop insurance, commodity I 0 percent on their interest won't qualita­ living. But the U.S. ruling class and its prices that guarantee working farmers a de­ Both the Reagan administration anJ the tively alter the plight of these farmers , government in Washington have no inten­ cent standard of living, and a moratorium Times claim that family farmers are out­ whose debt is nearly than /0 times greater tion of doing this either. ' on foreclosures. moded. The fact is that these farms play an their yearly income. indispensable part in the production of The government is on a drive to squeeze Such a fighting alliance of U.S. toilers " If things stay this way ," said Douglas many basic foodstuffs, including 95 per­ more profits out of the labor of working - the working class and working farmers McDermott, an Iowa banker, "35 to 40 cent of all vegetables for processing and 80 farmers . Key to this drive is their campaign - can build the solidarity working people percent of our farmers may not make it. " percent of all seed crops. Under the present to divide working farmers from urban need to rid this country and the world of the set up, the bankers and processors have Agriculture Secretary Block acknowl­ working people. Workers · in the cities are class system responsible for exploitation been able to get the working farm family to edged that government policies won't help told that high food prices at the groceries and oppression: capitalism. take I!IOSt of the risks . With the new pro­ posed cuts, they will take all the risks. The Times attack is reminiscent of the ruling-class' racist attacks on "welfare AAM rally calls national farm protest cheats," the mythical beings who sup­ posedly bilked U.S. working people for BY BOB MILLER we should save the family farm system are penses. The index used to determine this billions each year. The capitalists try to in­ GREENVILLE, Ill. - At a meeting of urged to march with us ." relationship is based on the years I 910 to culcate among urban workers the myth that I ,000 farmers at the Community College "We must get parity in agriculture now!" 1914, when the relationship between costs small farmers are ignorant, lazy good-for­ here on February 7, the American Agricul­ the statement emphasized, and explained and prices was supposedly favorable to nothings, who subsist on government dole ture Movement, Inc. (AAM) issued a call that " Monday, March 4, we'll begin with a farmers . while they sit on the front stoop whittling. for a farmers protest march on Washing­ rally on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial The press release on the march reported The truth is that working farmers labor ton , D.C.. for Monday, March 4, through at 12 noon followed by a march to the U.S. that "farmers will be coming by plane, long, hard hours . Their plight has nothing Friday, March 8. Department of Agriculture. Tuesday train, automobiles, and who knows how to do with laziness nor poor management . The press release distributed before the through Friday will be lobbying days." else. Rumor has it that some may bring They are the victims of conditions they do meeting said, "all farmers, ranchers, labor, Parity is a calculation used to describe equipment, tractors, trucks, etc., that not control. They are the victims of class consumers, main street businessmen, en­ the relationship between the prices farmers FmHA is foreclosing on. If so it will be left inequality. Monopoly pricing of farm vironmentalists, hunters , church groups, receive for their commodities and the costs for Secretary [of Agriculturej Block to dis­ equipment, fertilizer, seeds, and fuel; and all other interested people who believe they incur for production and living ex- pose of appropriately." FmHA stands for the federal Farmers Home Administration. The two speakers at the meeting were AAM Missouri president Wayne Cryts and Kanak leader interviewed in 'IP' David Senter, AAM national director and Washington lobbyist, who is from Ft. Until the Dec. 1, 1984, announce­ problems that Kanak women en­ Worth, Texas. Senter told the meeting that ment of a provisional government counter in New Caledonia. We pro­ "in Ethiopia people are starving, and the of Kanaky in New Caledonia, most test against the problems of bat­ U.S. government is trying to destroy the people in the United States had tered women, raped women, and INTERCONTINENTAL only people who can feed those who are never heard of that South Pacific is­ the fact that young girls get preg­ starving." land or the struggle of its Kanak nant and are forbidden contracep­ PRESS people against french colonialism. tive methods." "The government," said Senter, "is set­ The Kanak struggle, however, The February 18 issue of IP fea­ ting the course for a corporate takeover of African Famine: family farmers. They want you to be a ten­ has a long history. In the March 4 tures articles on the African famine Nicaragua Intercontinental Press, a represen­ and recent revolutionary advances Imperialism's Legacy ant farmer. They want you to make enough Revolution Makes of Oppression just to eat and be able to own nothing." tative of the Kanak Socialist Na­ on Nicaragua's Atlantic Coast. Advances on tional Liberation Front (FLNKS), the Atlantic Coast Senter also said that AAM is officially coalition of 10 organizations that is Intercontinental Press is a biweekly calling for the resignation of Secretary of leading the struggle, explains this that carries more articles, docu­ Agriculture John Block. Senter said it was history. appropriate to make such an announcement ments, and special features on world Gl.lilf~mala Susanna Ounei was interviewed in Illinois. In the southern Illinois region. politics - from Europe to Oceania Mass Terror for IP in New Zealand in December. more than twice as many bankruptcies and from the Middle East to Central Displaces a She explains the bloody repression America - than we have room for were filed in 19R4 as in 1983. The Illinois of the Kanaks since Fre nch coloni­ Million Peasants in the Militant. Subscribe now. .Crop Reporting Services estimates that be­ zation began in 1853. tween 1982 and 19R4. Illinois lost approx­ Ounei also d escribes how Enclosed is D $7.50 for 3 months. South Africa imately 8,000 farms. women have come forward in the D $15 for 6 months. D $30 for 1 Wayne Cryts explained that farm fore­ liberation struggle to fight for their year. Interview with closures also hurt industrial workers, many rights as women as well as for na­ Leader of Name ______of whom produce farm machinery. He tional liberation. Her own organiza­ Transvaal Strike called on all to go to the parity march for a tion, the Group of Kanak and Ex­ Address ______fair price on March 4. ·· w e are the solution ploited Women in Struggle, is one City _ _ State __ Zip __ to the problem," he said, adding "justice of the components of the liberation depends on fighting for justice for others." front. Clip and mail to Intercontinental "The present role of this organi­ Press, 410 West St., New York, NY For further information on the farmers zation," she says, "is to raise all the 10014. parity march, contact the AAM at (202) 544-5750.

6 The Militant February 22, 1985 Union's win at Yale spurs· new victories

BY HELEN LOWENTHAL fall strike. AND JOHN STUDER During the week between the two settle­ The impact of the recent victory by cler­ ments, rail ies were held by the members of ical and technical workers over Yale Uni­ both unions and their supporters, one of versity is continuing to be felt - both in which drew I ,000 people. Bruce Martin , a the rest of New Haven and at Columbia clerical worker and Local 34 steering com­ University. On January 22, Yale was mittee member, said that after his local set­ forced to sign a new contract with Local 34 tled it was important that the support they of the Federation of University Employees, received from Local 35 be reciprocated. which represen.ts 2,600 of the workers at After all, he said , "Local 35 had voted the university. They had struck Yale for dues increases to support our organizing over two months last fall . drive, and they had given up 10 weeks Six days after the Local 34 victory, its pay." sister Local 35, representing Yale's I ,000 After the twin victories at Yale, Martin dining hall and maintenance workers voted said that the task at hand now was to mon­ 362 to 17 to ratify their own contract. Their itor the contract and to show support for new pact includes wage increases and par­ clerical and other workers in volved in or­ tial cost-of-living protection, the same den­ ganizing drives at other insti tutions. tal plan won by Local 34, and protection Beryl Normand , a library worker at against job loss due to subcontracting out Yale , said that the two victories were espe­ of work regularly done by Local 35 mem­ ciall y sweet because they came at a time bers. They also won affirmative-action when many unions are being forced to take clauses in the contract that call for prefe­ concession contracts. "We were swimming rential hi ring of Black, Latino, and women upstream," she said. workers. · Citing the example of Yale workers' vic­ On January 30, Columbia University agreed to recognize District 65 of United Auto Local 35 members had honored Local tory, she pointed to Local 21 7 of the Hotel Workers union. Above, workers cheering union victory in May 1983 election. 34's picket lines fo r 10 weeks during the Employees and Restaurant Employees, · a group of waitresses in New Haven who had been picketing for 14 months. They settled their fi ght within a week of Yale's clerical Atlanta NBIPP hears Salvador rebel workers, who had marched alongside the waitresses on their picket lines. BY MACEO DIXON thousands of Blacks homeless. are being displaced because they're like us Another big step forward under the im- · ATLANTA - The featured speaker at a In discussing what's happening in South - Black. This country won't take Black pact of the Yale victory was registered at January 18 forum here was Sonia Bairez Africa and El Salvador, Cato said, "You people as its own. That's why I joined Columbia Un iversity. District 65 of the Rivas, a representative of the Farabundo can only be a sympathizer with the strug­ NBIPP." She urged Blacks attending the United Auto Workers, representing l , 100 Marti National Liberation Front-Revolu­ gles around the world. You must deal with meeting to join the party as well. clerical and computer workers, wrung a tionary Democratic Front (FMLN-FDR) in the situation right here. The poverty. A good number of the forum participants major concession from the university irr its El Salvador. The meeting was sponsored Hunger. Homelessness. We can't bring a signed the NBIPP mailing list. Al so, sev­ years-long battle to win union recognition by the Atlanta chapter of the National solution to the problem for others as long eral copies of the newsletter published by and a contract. Eighty percent of these Black Independent Political Party (NBIPP) as we face oppression here." the Manhattan chapter of the NBIPP were workers are women. and entitled "South Africa to Central Helen Rosser, who spoke for the Atlanta sold. Under threat of a February 4 strike dead­ America: A Fight for Freedom." NBIPP, said, ''Even though we have prob­ As the forum concluded, Ardy line by the union, Columbia fi nally agreed More than 30 people, mostly Blacks, at­ lems here we have to support struggles Blandford of NBIPP exclaimed, to recognize the union on January 30. This tended the gathering. worldwide. We can't be free until all "Capitalism is causing racism and im­ agreement was sealed by the February 8 Bairez Rivas gave a moving account of Blacks are free. The brothers and sisters in perialist wars. We recognize this and we National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) the five years of civil war in her country South Africa, Grenada, and El Salvador want folks to join NB IPP to help fight it. " certification of the union's victory in a May and the struggle of the Salvadoran workers 1983 representation election. and peasants to rid their country of the Certification had been held up by chal­ U.S.-backed military dictatorship. lenges to the election· filed by Columbia. She explained that despite the repression SWP leader speaks on Black struggle The NLRB regional board ruled in fa vor of and severe oppression, 30 percent of the the union, but Columbia appealed to the . country is controlled by the FMLN-FDR BY HALKET ALLEN the example of the National Black Indepen­ national board. forces. PHILADELPHIA - Mac Warren, Na­ dent Political Party (NBIPP) , and in vited Before the NLRB certification, Kitty "The aims and goals of our struggles are tional Organization Secretary of the the audience to support it. NBIPP has an Krupa!, a spokesperson for District65, told the same as yours here: peace, jobs, jus­ Socialist Workers Party, spoke at an educa­ anticapitalist, anti-imperialist program that the Militant that Columbia had already tice, and self-determination." tional weekend here sponsored by the tells the truth about what is needed to win begun to negotiate with the union. Bairez Rivas warned that there is a Young Socialist Alliance and the SWP on liberation for Blacks and all working "They've amended the grievance proce­ strong possibility of direct U.S . military in­ where the fi ght for Black liberation stands people, Warren said. It seeks to involve dure to include a provision for union repre­ tervention to try to prop up the Salvadoran today. · them in political action, Warren added, sentation," she said. "They are beginning dictatorship. She called on the audience to The first event was a well-attended urging a break from capitalist politics. discussion on such issues as wages, health fight against the deepening U.S . war by forum where Warren traced the develop­ The next day Warren gave two classes and safety, and benefits." With the NLRB educating about Central America, demand­ ments in the Black rights movement since on the history and lessons of the fi ght for certification, full-scale contract negotia- ing that the U.S. Congress end aid to the the Aug. 27, 1983, march on Washington, Black rights from the Civil War to the pre­ ' tions are scheduled to begin within the next military dictatorship as well as U.S. fund­ D.C., for jobs, peace, and freedom. At that sent. month. ing of Nicaraguan counterrevolutionaries, march, Warren recalled , Black leaders The first class dealt with the defeat of the Yale workers had received support and and by marching in the antiwar protest in proclaimed the beginning of a new civil slave owning class in the South and the solidarity from their sisters and brothers at Washington, D .C., on April 20. rights movement which would draw in period of "Radical Reconstruction" that Columbia. Alice Lovelace kicked off the NBIPP Blacks, labor, women, and Latinos. fo llowed it. This period , which lasted from At the membership meeting where Local forum by reading some of her poetry. But what actually happened, Warren 1865 until 1877 , was characterized by big 34 ratified its contract, the unionists heard Lovelace is a well-known Black poet in the noted , was a big retreat under the pressure struggles of farmers and workers in the a description of Columbia workers' plight. Atlanta area. An activist in the civil rights of the 1984 elections. Instead of launching South , led by Black ex-slaves, for "40 Shouts rang out, "When does the bus struggle, she's currently fighting to free her any new demonstrations or action coali­ acres and a mule." leave?" imprisoned husband, Charles Riley. The tions against the policies of the ruling rich This fi ght included efforts to take over government claims it jailed Riley for al­ and their two parties, the organizers of Au­ the governments of the ex-slave states and legedly violating his probation, but many gust 27th joined Jesse Jackson in promot­ use them as revoluti onary instruments to here feel it's really because of his activities ing the Democratic Party as the road to win aid the fi ght for land and political ri ghts. In From Pathfinder in solidarity with the people of southern Black rights. This had a demobilizing ef­ part because workers and farmers in the Africa. fect on many Blacks and other workers . North were not capable of cementing an Tandi Gcabashe of the African National who had been out marching on August 27 , anticapitalist alliance with the ex-slaves Independent Black Political Congress of South Africa (ANC) also Warren explained . and other toilers in the South, Warren Action: 1954-78 spoke. She explained how the South Afri­ In contrast to the depoliticizing effect of explained, the radical reconstruction gov­ The struggle to break with the can regime, U.S. government, and U.S. the Jackson campaign, Warren pointed to ernments were overthrown. Through Democratic and Republican parties corporations ar.e all partners in maintaining bloody battles, Jim Crow segregation was Edited by Mac Warren, this Ed uca­ apartheid. Gcabashe blasted the Reagan legalized and institutionali zed, to stand for tion for Socialists publication in­ administration for hypocritically claiming almost a century. clude s articles o n the Freedom Now that change can come about for Blacks in The second class traced the development Party, Lowndes Co unty Freedom Or­ South Africa through Washington's "con­ of the modem day civil rights movement gani zati on, Black Panthe r Party, Na­ structive engagement" policy. She and the significance of its victory over Ji m tio nal Black Asse mbly, and more. explained that apartheid can't be reformed , Crow. Warren reviewed the watershed bat­ but must be destroyed. tles of that movement from the Montgom­ 8lf2 x 11 format, 72 pages, $3.50. Gcabashe concluded her remarks by ery bus boycott to the Boston busing battle , stating that the U.S . corporations "have as well as the contributions of Malcolm X The National Black Independent never been for oppressed or working and Martin Luther King, Jr. Political Party people. So, it 's a lie to think that the U.S. He also described the development of An Important Step Forward for Blacks corporations are going to South Africa to the Freedom Now Party in Detroit and the liberate Blacks." Lowndes County Freedom Party m and Other American Workers Art Cato of the Coalition Against Dis­ Alabama. These two short-lived experi­ Educati on for Sociali sts publica­ placement also spoke. He talked about the ences in forming independent Black politi­ tio n by Nan Ba il ey, Malik Miah, and move by Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young cal parties, Warren explained , were fore­ Mac Warren. 32 pages, $1.25 . and local developers to build high-priced ru nners of the NBIPP today . O rder from Pathfinder Press, 410 condominiums in the vicinity of the Martin Warren closed the weekend by urging all Luther King, Jr. , Center for Nonviolent Militant/Halket Allen those present who wanted to participate in West Street, New York, New York Social Change, the civil rights leader's bu­ SWP leader Mac Warren address_ing advancing the fight for Black rights and in­ 1001 4. Please include $.75 for post­ rial site. Cato's group is fighting against Philadelphia socialist educational con­ dependent working class political action to age and hand lin g. the construction project, which will make ference. join the SWP and the YSA.

February 22, 1985 The Militant 7 Seattle protests hit crackdown on refugees

5-year-old refugee from U.S.-backed terror in Guatemala. from Central America BY KAETHEJEAN BLEICHER era! Building. Other refugees from Endicott, an aide to Senator Gorton, made dorsed by many organizations and indi­ SEATTLE - The first arrests of Sal­ Guatemala and El Salvador risked arrest by the U.S. government's policy quite clear. viduals from both the United States and vadoran refugees in Seattle occurred Janu­ being there with picket signs that read: "There is a popularly elected government Canada and was attended by 300 people. ary 14 as part of the nationwide crackdown "We are political refugees." now under [Salvadoran] President A number of refugees from various on Central American refugees and their A Guatemalan woman with a bandana to Duarte . ... Duarte has made a good faith countries spoke, including Pilar Martinez. supporters. hide her face spoke to the crowd of !50. effort and progress in cutting down the ex­ She recounted a police raid on a Bible Pilar Martinez (not her real name) , her "We came to this country to find peace. treme measures that have been taken by study group in her church in El Salvador. sister-in-law, and their five children were What happened? We don't have peace these death squads." To accept refugees The police immediately murdered several among the 79 who were detaine.d across the here. Immigration pursues us. The children "would be a direct slap in the face to that people in the group and arrested the others, country. Martinez was able to leave a note come from Central America traumatized government we've been encouraging and including Martinez. While at home after behind warning others of the Immigration by the war, the massacres . . . and in this hoped would be elected," he said . her release, another raid resulted in several and Naturalization Service (INS) raid . The country they respect the rights of the child. On January 19, the Citizens Tribunal hours of interrogation in which both she University Baptish Church was thus able to But what happened yesterday? They put was held. The stated purpose of the tri­ and her young daughter were repeatedly move out 23 other refugees for whom the the children in the detention cent~r." bunal was "to examine the legality of U.S. beaten. Martinez stated that in the interro­ church is providing sanctuary. After the vigil, about 50 people went to government activities, provide a forum for gation by the INS in Seattle, she was Both women refused to tell INS inter­ the local offices of U.S. senators Slade the presentation of relevant evidence and to forced to give her real name and that now rogators the names of those who had Gorton and Daniel Evans to ask for help in awaken the public conscience of the people she was afraid for those in her family who 'helped them come north. The day after the stopping the deportations. of the United States." remain in El Salvador. arrests, a vigil was held in front of the Fed- According to the Seattle Times, David The tribunal was sponsored and en- Ralph McGehee, a former CIA agent with extensive experience in Vietnam, said : "I went into Vietnam fighting for de­ mocracy and freedom and came out a to­ Free speech victory in Lawrence, Mass. tally different person." He spoke at length about the "dirty tricks BY BOB HILL Committee to Tell the Truth about Central Finn , director of the Peace and Justice Pro­ bag" the CIA used in its destabilization LAWRENCE, Mass. - An important America, demanding that it be allowed to gram, Oblates of Mary Immaculate. programs, including massive disinforma­ victory was scored here in defense of the speak. The final speaker was Rene Valle , a Sal­ tion campaigns waged on the U.S. public. democratic right to speak out in solidarity Hoping to defuse the right-wing threat to vadoran refugee speaking from Casa El He outlined the phony facts and articles fed with the peoples of Central America and the meeting, organizers gave the "Truth" Salvador-Farabundo Martf. Vall e sa id that to the media and the phony incidents used the Caribbean. On January 31, 200 people committee a speaker. "the Salvadoran revolution is a product of as pretexts for invasions, such as the Gulf turned out at the Lawrence Public Library The right-wingers were only able to the real conditions of poverty and .repres­ of Tonkin incident off Vietnam and the for a forum on Central America and Free mobilize 25 supporters, in sharp contrast to sion there , and is not "imported" from any "save the students" pretext used in the Gre­ Speech sponsored by the newly-formed the 175 backers of free speech and oppo­ other country." He described the brutal re­ nada invasion. He said the MIG jet fighter Greater Lawrence Central America Sol­ nents of Washington's policy in Central pression of the Salvadoran government, scare in Nicaragua was another such ploy. idarity Association. America who mobilized to ensure that the · which is able to remain in power only be­ Harold Belmont of the Suquamish tribe, On Dec. 17, 1984, a meeting had been meeting would com~ off successfully . cause of the massive military aid it receives a member of the Indian Treaties Council, reported his experiences talking to Miskito scheduled at which Rev. James Keller, Union members and antiwar activists fro.m the United States. who had recently returned from observing Indians in Nicaragua. He met Miskitos that f~om both the Boston and Lawrence areas He also spoke about the importance of ha.d been kidnapped by the CIA-organized the presidential elections in Nicaragua, organized on short notice to form a mar­ the fight to defend democratic rights in the was planning to show a film about that counterrevolutionaries and taken to camps shaling squad to physically defend the meet­ United States against threats such as those in Honduras. Some escaped back to Nica­ country's revolution. A phone call was re­ ing. directed at antiwar activists in Lawrence. ceived from a man identifying himself as a ragua and now support the Nicaraguan rev­ Maria Quintana, speaking for the ri ght­ Valle completed his talk to a standing ova­ member of the J;'ight-wing Cuban-exile ter­ olution. wingers, addressed the meeting. Her com­ tion. rorist group, Omega 7, threatening to blow On January 21, 2,000 supporters of the ments consisted of a vitriolic attack on up the meeting hall. Police emptied the hall During the question and answer period. sanctuary movement attended an ecumeni­ Cuba, including the fantastic claim that and cancelled the meeting. the right-wing Cubans again attempted to cal service at St. John's Catholic Church. "blood was drained from the bodies of pris­ disrupt the meeting by taking it over. How­ William Cate, president of the Church More threats oners just before they were to be executed ever, other audience participants got the Council of Greater Seattle, said, "Our vi­ by Castro's firing squads." A church-run day care center where Kel­ floor and turned this attempt into a lively sion of compassion and justice are at odds The remaining speakers took up the ler maintained an office had to be debate , challenging the right-wing slanders with the narrow values and racist policies right-wing slanders. Noel McGinn, profes­ evacuated after another Omega 7 bomb about Cuba, Nicaragua, and the struggle in of our government ." Archbishop Raymond sor of education at Harvard University , threat a few days later. Keller received El Salvador. They were able to prevent the Hunthousen sent a message of support call­ spoke of the important gains in education · more death threats in a further attempt to anti-Castro speakers from breaking up the ing on church members to offer refugees made in Nicaragua since the 1979 over­ intimidate him and others from expressing meeting. "humanitarian assistance, whether in the throw of the Somoza regime. He contrasted solidarity with the people of Central Amer­ At the end of the program, Tontar asked form of food, or sanctuary from the law." these gains to the decline of education in El ica and from telling the truth about Nicara­ the audience if it thought that Rev. Keller The University Baptist Church is con­ Salvador under the U. S.-backed dictator­ gua. - who was present - should go ahead tinuing its campaign to stop the deportation ship. Hundreds of teachers have been The January 31 meeting was held to pro­ and hold the meeting he originally planned of the arrested refugees . Letters demanding killed by government forc es and ri ght-wing test there threats and to demonstrate that in order to show his film on the Nicaraguan an end to the deportations should be sent to death squads in the past five years. Their meetings protesting the U.S. war in Central revolution. The vast majority of the audi­ Ronald Brooks, Director INS , 815 Airport "crimes," McGinn said, consisted of either . America could be held here free from right­ ence replied with prolonged applause and Way S Seattle Wash. 98134. There is also being active in their union or teaching 1 wing or government disruption . shouts of "Yes " a need for money to help provide housing, peasants how to read and write. Lawrence is home to a large Dominican food, medical care, and transportation for Boh Hill is a sewer-operator at Malden the refugees. Checks may be made payable and Puerto Rican community, which was Real causes of Salvadoran revolution the victim of racist attacks during the Mills in Lawrence and a member of Inter­ to University Baptist Church Sanctuary Olympics last summer that led to a rebell­ Additional speakers incuded Michael national Ladies' Garment Workers' Union Program, 4554 12th Ave . NE Seattle, ion. Brown of B' nai Brith, and Rev . Seamus Local 3/1. Wash. 98105 . The meeting, which had been advertised in both English and Spanish, was chaired by Prof. Charles Tontar from Merrimack College. Auto workers shut plant to protest racisll1 John Roberts, state director of the Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, BY ANDREW PULLEY white , of the people who were off. This workers who took the day off in honor of explained the importance of holding the DETROIT - Hundreds of workers, was an attempt to identify Black workers King's birthday. The company now claims meeting. "When people are silent we all mostly Black, walked off the job the even­ who took the day off in order to take discip­ it was all a misunderstanding. A company lose, and the cornerstone of political rights ing of January 14, sparking a shutdown of linary action. spokesman said the reports that the com­ vanishes," he said. the Chrysler Dodge truck plant in Warren , "That just ignited the whole thing," pany had planned to fire or discipline Roberts underscored the seriousness of Michigan. The workers who walked off Johnson said . "People thought it was racist workers for taking the day off were "un­ · the disruption threats, detailing the history were on the 3:30 to midnight shift, which and decided, what the hell, we are not substantiated rumors ." of Omega 7 attacks in the Boston area. includes more than I, 700 workers total. going to work." Johnson pointed out that it This was the second walkout at a Several meetings and concerts considered Chrysler plant in the last three months. The walkout protested management's ra­ wasn't just Black workers who were angry . pro-Cuban revolution have been broken up Last November, many on. the second shift cist harassment of numerous workers who David Sider, who works at the plant, at Jefferson Assembly walked off their jobs by Omega 7 goons over the past several had honored the birthday of Martin Luther said that a foreman had repeatedly made ra­ to protest the firing of a Black worker, T. years. King, Jr., the previous day by not coming cist remarks about Blacks leading up to the Curry. As a result of the direct action taken to work. Disruption attempt fails protest, and that workers were angry at him by union members, Curry won his job Right-wing anti-Castro Cubans did at­ According to Perry Johnson, regional di­ anyway. The foreman has not been seen at back. tempt to disrupt the meeting. Two days be­ rector of the United Auto Workers (UA W), the plant since the walkout. fore, meeting organizers were confronted a plant official was ~'checking with each Management has completely backed Andrew Pulley is a member of VA W Local by a demand from a group calling itself the foreman as to who was Black and who was down from its plans to discipline Black 189.

8 The Militant February 22, 1985 Ex-'contra' leader returns to Nicaragua Given amnesty after quitting Costa Rica-based terrorist group

BY ELLEN KRATKA Castillo also said "Miami Cubans" have Front was six individuals. The Christian MANAGUA, Nicaragua- Alvaro Cas­ sent ARDE money and supplies. Labor Solidarity, also a member of the al­ tillo, a leader of one of the mercenary He revealed that ARDE mercenaries re­ liance [ARDE], four. groups attacking Nicaragua, has taken ad­ ceived training at Salvadoran air force "All this reflected that we of the alliance vantage of Nicaragua's amnesty law and bases. And he told of close collaboration had no social base. The only one who was returned home to reintegrate himself into between ARDE and various figures in the a social reality was [Miskito leader] Brook­ society. government of Costa Rica, where ARDE is lyn Rivera, with the movement of the "It isn't easy for a man to recognize his based. MISURASATA." Rivera recently began errors and confront that truth," he said at a Carlos Monge, Costa Rican government cease-fire talks with the Nicaraguan gov­ press conference here February 7. "I hope director of intelligence and security, "facil­ ernment. for a little understanding from everyone." itated the transport and introduction of Castillo said Rivera's statement last fa ll The 25-year-old Castillo was recruited logistical materials from the border zones, that he did not consider MISURASATA's in 1982 to a counterrevolutionary group led including food, arms, and ammunition" for goal to be incompatible with the revolution by Eden Pastora, who had defected from ARDE, said Castillo. He also named sev­ coincided with Castillo's own thinking, as the Nicaraguan revolution claiming the eral Costa Rican Civil Guard colonels who he was beginning to consider the possibil­ Sandinista National Liberation Front was had been very supportive of ARDE. He ity of returning to Nicaragua under terms of betraying the goals of that revolution. Pas­ explained that occasionally the Costa the amnesty. tara set up an ·armed coalition called the Rican authorities would make a show of Castillo's questions and his discomfort Revolutionary Democratic Alliance searching the border area for contras - increased, he said, as he witnessed the (ARDE) and with CIA aid began carrying after having given prior warning to ARDE. holding of free elections in Nicaragua as out terrorist attacks on Nicaragua. Re­ Castillo explained that he had also been well as the carrying out of agrarian reform. cently, as divisions among ARDE leaders uncomfortable for a long time with "I recognize," he stated, "the advances have sharpened, Pastora has acted primar­ ARDE's treatment of Nicaraguan peasants, that, in the midst of difficulties, the revolu­ ily through his own counterrevolutionary among whom ARDE "had no social base," tion has achieved in education, health - Alvaro Castillo, at news conference in group, the Sandino Revolutionary Front he said. He explained how towns would be all different from how the contras paint it Managua, tells of close CIA collabora­ (FRS). attacked by the contras, the peasant resi­ with their propaganda." tion with terrorist outfit ARDE. For two and a half years, Castillo was a dents "rescued," and the press told they Pastora- who claimed when he took up member of Pastora's personal security had been fleeing communism. "They fool arms that he was fighting for free elections taking place with ARDE's complicity. He force. He was responsible for the head­ many displaced peasants," Castillo con­ and land reform - had only "empty" an­ feared, he said, that Nicaragua might be­ quarters of Pastora's General Command. tinued, taking them to Costa Rica and then swers when Castillo questioned him about He had been in charge of centralizing logis­ come another Honduras or Grenada, totally sending them back toward Nicaraguan ter­ these things. Pastora denigrated all the occupied by U.S. troops. tics and communications for the various ritory telling them they have no other alter­ things that seemed like victories and ad­ members of ARDE and had set up a com­ Finally, in December 1984, he got in native but war." vances to Castillo and refused to consider a touch with the Nicaraguan consulate in San mand post in Costa Rica that coordinated negotiated settlement to the war. the actions that lead to a big attack on the Castillo ridiculed Pastora's and ARDE's Jose, Costa Rica. claims to have a mass following . Referring After his press conference he was re­ Nicaraguan town of San Juan del Norte in Above all , Castillo considered com­ 1983. . to member groups of ARDE, he explained pletely unjustified the increasing U.S. in­ leased and reunited with his family, whom Castillo told of how he witnessed an in­ that the Christian Democratic Solidarity tervention in Central America that he saw he had not seen in three years. creasingly close relationship between the CIA and Pastora's FRS, as well as ARDE. Castillo named four CIA agents who worked within ARDE. German volunteers raped by.'contras' Castillo had also noted more and more open collaboration between ARDE and the MANAGUA, Nicaragua - In an exam­ new settlements for peasants displaced by The statement , as well as a letter the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN), ple of what President Reagan calls "legiti­ the U.S.-directed war. German group sent to the U.S . Congress, which is led by former officers of mate self-defense" by "freedom fighters," When they learned that the women were holds the U.S . government responsible for Somoza's National Guard, whom Pastora eight U.S. -paid terrorists gang raped two from the Fede-ral Republic of Germany, the these acts. The group also demands that claims to oppose. One FDN man in par­ young German women working as volun­ . contras decided to let them go since, as their own government immediately un­ ticular, Gustavo Adolfo Peterson, worked teers in this country on February 2. they said , West Germany is "a country freeze financial credits for Nicaragua, stop with Pastora's forces, said Castillo. Peter­ The group of counterrevolutionary mer­ friendly to the United States." lying about the real situation in Central son had boasted to Castillo of his participa­ cenaries, contras, intercepted a pickup America, and stop supporting the U.S. war tion in the massacre of the people of Estell truck filled with about 25 persons near Pan­ On February 7 four fellow German against this country. when they rose up in an anti-Somoza re­ tasma in northern Nicaragua. They held the hrigadistas held a press conference to de­ They state, "We have full confidence in bellion in 1978. two German women, at first believing they nounce these acts and "this dirty war." The the Sandinista revolution and will continue Castillo stated that the FDN had tried to were Cubans because of the Cuban airline statement they read said this attack is part as planned our peaceful work of building kill Pastora for balking at an ARDE-FDN tickets they were carrying. of "the life of people in many parts of Nic­ houses and harvesting coffee. After our re ~ fusion. Pastora opposed the fusion for The contras, including a "Commandante aragua and in the Pantasma area. Vehicles tum to the Federal Republic of Germany purely "tactical, publicity" reasons, ac­ Rodriguez," who said he had received six are assaulted daily, whether they be pri­ we will continue our struggle against im­ cording to Castillo. Basically there are no months of military training in the United vate, state, or military; the passengers or perialism, against those responsible for the strategic differences between the various States, interrogated the two women about drivers are killed, raped, or kidnapped; the crimes which we have witnessed here in wings of the contras (counterrevolution­ the place where they had been working. peasants who li ve a little withdrawn in the Nicaragua . . . . United we will win." aries), he added. Their volunteer work brigade was building mountains are murdered in their houses or Accordingto Albert Luther, coordinator during their work in the fi elds. of the brigade, the West German minister "We do not know," the statement con­ of foreign relations said in response to the tinued, "whether this attack was directly rapes that if the young people continue to aimed against our work or whether we are work in dangerous places what happens to random victims like many persons here in them will be their own faul t. the zone." - E.K. Miskito organization suspends leaders opposed to peace talks

MANAGUA, Nicaragua - An Agence whatever harm might come to Rivera and France Presse wire service report printed in other MISURASATA cadre . the Managua daily £ / Nuevo Diario Feb­ The three suspended leaders - Joaquin Fed up with Reagan's lies about Nicaragua? ruary '9 reported that the Miskito group Suazo, Yermo Espinoza, and Rafael - Come see Nicaragua for yourself! MISURASATA has suspended three ofits . Zelaya - had announced the expulsion of members for falsely representing that or­ Ri vera from the group for having initiated Militant/P erspectiva Mundial Tours, Inc., provides an opportunity to view the ganization and has reconfirmed Brooklyn cease-fire discussions with the Nicaraguan accomplishments of the Nicaraguan revolution. Rivera as its top leader. government. MISURASAT A now calls the You will visit factories and agricultural communities; meet with activists from the MISURASATA has carried out armed three "victims of the interests of ARDE and unions, women's and youth organizations; learn about economic planning, health actions against Nicaragua as part of the the FDN, in direct injury to the noble cause care, education, and the arts. You will see firsthand the effects of the U .S.-sponsored CIA-directed. counterrevolutionary war. of our brothers, the indigenous people." war against Nicaragua and the efforts the people are making to defend their country. Late last year, MISURASATA leader Riv­ Another news item dated January 30 re­ era began cease-fire talks with the Nicara­ ported that Rivera, on a visit to Washing­ Eight-day tours visit cities on the P acific Coast. Fifteen-day tours include a visit to guan government. (See story in February 8 ton, D.C., had expressed his "firm opposi­ the Atlantic C oast at Bluefields. Militant.) tion" to U.S . aid to the Somozaist counter­ Rivera came under attack from the other revolutionaries. He charged that t he con­ May Day Tour April 28-May 5 or April 28-May 12 mercenary groups waging the U.S. war tras were trying to destroy MISURASATA 6th Anniversary Tour July 17-31 (15 days only) when he agreed to talks with the Sandi­ and its leaders and urged the U.S. govern­ Tour Cost $700 8 days from Miami nistas. In its new announcement, ment to support peace negotiations already MISURASATA condemned the Revolu­ under way between his group and the San­ $950 15 days from Miami tionary Democratic Alliance (ARDE) and dinista government. A $150 deposit reserves a space with full payment due 30 days prior to departure. the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN), Rivera also said he was hoping to fi x a Space is limited to 20 people. Participants must have a passport valid for at least 6 the two main U.S.-backed groups, for date to continue these talks in Bogota, Co­ months after the date of entry into Nicaragua. Write to: Militant/P erspectiva Mundial "criminal plans to eliminate our leaders." lombia. He did not attend the last meeting, Tours, Inc., 410 West St., N ew York, NY 10014 (212) 929-8994. MISURASATA stated that it was holding scheduled for January 19. both contra organizations responsible for - E.K.

February 22, 1985 The Militant 9 700 students picket South African embassy

BY MAX SPEAR spring, throughout the summer, back into institutions, and government bodies to di.­ reforms along the lines of last year's "new WASHINGTON, D .C.- Hundreds of winter, every day." vest from South Africa. constitution," which sparked a general protesters continue to picket the South Af­ Buses and carloads of students came to strike of Black workers and other mass pro­ Hundreds of students swelled the picket rican embassy here every weekday. In ad­ the February I action from American Uni­ tests. The bloody repression against that line on February I . Some 700 marched dition, protests have been organized in versity, George Washington University, upsurge spurred the anti-apartheid protests under a steady downpour of freezing rain. some 20 other cities. Cops have arrested Georgetown University, Howard Univer­ in this country. The date was picked as "Student Day" to 1 ,350 people in the nationally coordinated sity, and the University of the District of South African Foreign Minister Roelof commemorate the 25th anniversary of actions. Columbia. Also present were the executive Botha responded directly to demands for Black student sit-ins at racially segregated In a January 28 news conference one council of the Coalition of Black Trade divestment raised in anti-apartheid pro­ lunch coUnters in Greensboro, North block from the apartheid embassy, Free Unionists and a number of organizations tests, saying this would hurt Black workers Carolina. The 1960 action galvanized pub­ South Africa Movement leader Randall from this city's growing Caribbean com­ and hinder "reforms." lic support for the Black civil rights move­ Robinson said, "The large majority of the munity. This position was echoed by Chief ment nationally. American people are solidly on the side of Recently a delegation from the NAACP Gatsha Buthelezi, chief minister of South our course. Student leaders, speaking at a February marched on the picket line . NAACP exec­ Africa's KwaZulu Bantustan, following "We want all the prisoners - political I news conference before getting arrested utive director Benjamin Hooks spoke at his February 4 visit with President Reagan and labor- released," said Robinson, re­ with 133 others at the embassy door, said that day's news conference. He pledged the at the White House. Buthelezi , who heads peating the demands of the protest move­ the action was a warm-up for national cam­ NAACP "will be more involved" in the na­ one of the I 0 racially-segregated and im­ ment. "We want to see negotiated a con­ pus anti-apartheid protests called for April tional protests. Hooks announced that Feb­ poverished African reservations, claimed stitutional convention of all of South Af­ 4. The national protest will center on the ruary 12 will be "NAACP Day" at the anti­ that "My people would actually suffer rica's people. We plan to be here into the call for all U.S. corporations, educational apartheid picket. more if [economic sanctions] were to apply From the beginning, local religious con­ than the people who are oppressing us. " gregations, seminaries, and national religi­ Blacks are f6rcibly made "citizens" of the ous denominations have provided regular Bantustans, which strips them of their troops for the daily protests. South African citizenship and restricts their The anti-apartheid actions have been the political rights and freedom of movement. target of attacks in a spate of columns and Robinson, who is also the executive di­ letters in the Washington Post, which have rector of TransAfrica, called Buthelezi a labelled the protests as "rituals" and "messenger" of the South African govern­ "chic." · ment. "We must be mindful that he is on Reagan administration officials who are their payroll," explained Robinson. "We Black have been trotted out to say that must be mindful that he represents apology Black leaders and activists should devote for the system that exists in that country." their energies to the problems of Blacks in Buthelezi has often spoken out against the United States rather than "far-away divestment, and his goons have attacked South Africa." anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, killing several." Meanwhile, Pretoria' s considerable Part of the apartheid regime's attempt to propaganda network has begun to organize prettify its image has been its response to the packaging of South Africa's "side of the growing domestic and international the story." South African government offi­ pressure to release African National Con­ cials, including Pres. Pieter Botha and For­ gress (ANC) leader Nelson Mandela from eign Minister Roelof Botha, have made prison. South African officials have tried to public statements in response to mounting anti-apartheid protests throughout the appear willing to arrange Mandela's re- lease. · world. But on January 30, President Botha re­ President Botha promised more phony jected Mandela' s demands that the ANCbe legalized and negotiations begun to dis­ mantle the apartheid state. Mandela was re­ Anti-apartheid actions set for spring cently interviewed by a British member of the European Parliament. It was the first press interview with Mandela allowed BY RUTH NEBBIA The growing link between the fight Luther King, Jr., and the antiwar demon­ since the middle 1960s. The interview was NEW YORK- Anti-apartheid activists against the U.S. war in Central America strations slated for Washington on April published in the January 27 London'MaiL from several East Coast cities met here on and the Caribbean and the deepening op­ 20. April 4 is being called the "National Mandela explained the development of January 26 to discuss a spring calendar of position to U.S . support for Pretoria was Divestment Protest Day" and nationally the ANC's armed struggle against the actions against the racist regime in South reflected in a number of activities planned coordinated pickets, teach-ins, and educa­ apartheid regime. He again rejected the Africa. The actions will target the U.S. this spring. Anti-apartheid groups in many tional activities are planned for local areas latest government "feelers" to offer him government and corporations that back the areas project joint events with Central and campuses. house arrest in the Transkei Bantustan. "I regime. America solidarity orgnizations on March A follow-up meeting for East Coast anti­ have served 22 years in prison for fighting The more than 50 participants, a major­ 24, the anniversary of the assassination of apartheid activists is planned for April 21 against the policy of Bantustans. There is ity of whom were Black, came together at Salvadoran Archbiship Oscar Romero. in Washington. For more information con­ no way that I could then go and live in a an East Coast strategy meeting called by The two national target dates for the tact the American Committee on Afrjca, Bantustan. I would also reject an offer to the American Commitee on .Africa. spring will be April 4, the anniversary of 198 Broadway, New York, N .Y. 10038. go abroad. My place is in South Africa and Among those attending were college stu­ the assassination civil rights leader Martin Telephone (212) 962-1210. my home is in Johannesburg." dents from Albany, Boston, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Representatives from the New York Public Information and 'Dump Kruggerand' demand Pittsburgh pickets Research Group, Young Socialist Al­ liance, Democratic Socialists of America, BY CHAKO BENDELLA erned by military dictatorship which sup­ that the U.S. government plays in support­ and the National Black Independent Politi­ PITTSBURGH- For several weeks the ports or condones policies which result in ing the oppression of the 22 million Blacks cal Party also participated. Pittsburgh Gold & Silver Exchange has human rights violations." in South Africa. It is the huge profits that Also present were representatives of the been the site of weekly picket lines. They Jake Milliones, chairman of the PAA, the imperialists get from their exploitation African National Congress of South Africa have been organized by a coalition called blasted Robinson for including this clause, that drives them to continue business with (ANC), South West Africa People's Or­ Pitts burghers Against Apartheid (PAA). saying it will effectively kill any real anti­ the racist regime." ganization, and the Pan-Africanist Con­ They have been picketing the downtown apartheid legislation. "We're talking about Duncan continued, "We must oppose all gress. The meeting heard a report from business to stop the sale of the Kruggerand, South Africa specifically," said Milliones. economic, political, cultural, and military David Ndaba of the ANC on recent de­ a South African gold coin. AI Duncan, the Socialist Workers ties the U.S . government has with South velopments in the struggle in South Africa With chants of "We say no, we say the Party's 1984 candidate for Congress in the Africa. We should not allow Robinson and and the importance of building an anti­ Kruggerand has got to go," the group has 14th C. D ., said, "The issue here is the role others to divert us from that task. apartheid movement in the United States. pledged that it will continue these picket The principal purpose of the meeting lines until the Gold & Silver Exchange was to discuss and set actions for the stops selling the coin. Members of the spring. Plans call for local activities on NAACP have also picketed another seller Rutgers students say 'Divest 100°/o' campuses and elsewhere to commemorate of the Kruggerand. the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, The PAA has been successful in getting BY DON MACKLE Lafayette Little Avant, president of BOS which took place March 21 , 1960. Events major retail stores, such as Kaufman's and NEW ARK, N.J . - "Free South Africa, and a leader of the Rutgers divestment will culminate in the April 20 national anti­ Gimbels, to stop selling the coin. Kauf­ the Struggle C<>Jntinues" was the title of a fight, explained the students' demand for war march on Washington, D .C., for man's agreed to stop only after they sold spirited January 29 rally against apartheid I 00 percent divestment and rejection of peace, jobs, and justice. out their supply. They said they were not held at Rutgers University's Newark cam­ any compromise proposal which would Students present at the meeting ex­ making plans to order more. pus. The meeting demanded an end to allow continued university investments in changed information on efforts to force In another victory, the P AA was able to apartheid and expressed its full support to companies that invest in South Africa universities that have major investments in get charges dropped for 26 activists who the struggle to get Rutgers to divest its while claiming to oppose apartheid. The South Africa to divest them. The discus­ were arrested December 14 when the cops funds from companies doing business in divestment campaign has included rallies, sion included ideas on how to respond to a attacked the picket line at the exchange. South Africa. This struggle, being led by petitions, and other forms of protest. major propaganda offensive launched by Pending in the city council for action are the Black Organization of Students (80S) Mobil Oil, IBM, and other corporations resolutions that call on the city not to do and the Rutgers Coalition for Divestment, Statements of solidarity with the stu­ that have extensive investments in South business with companies that invest in has won wide support on campus. dents were read from Randall Robinson, Africa. They seek to counter the divest­ South Africa. Attended by more than 80 people, the executive director of TransAfrica; New ment effort under way. They are being presented by the only meeting was sponsored by a number of Jersey SANE; Essex County Women's In­ Participants pointed out that the antidi­ Black city counciL member, William Newark-area Black and community ternational League for Peace and Freedom; vestment efforts by these corporations also Robinson. The PAA and others have de­ groups, including the People's Organiza­ Black Association of Student Engineers will have an impact on divestment work in nounced these resolutions because they tion for Progress, New Democratic Associ­ from the New Jersey Institute of Technol­ the universities. Many of the boards of contain a clause that also calls for an end to ation, BOS, Irvington NAACP, Greater ogy; Black Workers Education Center; governors on these campuses include rep­ any dealing the city may have with a "com­ Newark Jobs with Peace, Rainbow '84, Newark Young Socialist Alliance; and resentatives ·from these corporations. munist block country or any country gov- and others. others.

10 The Militant February 22, 1985 CIA 'mystery man' in Latin America is new UN ambassador BY STEVE MARSHALL Washington. 'The mystery man of American diplo­ Walters took a short break from his for­ macy." That's how newspaper articles de­ eign policy work in 1972 to cover up the scribe Gen. Vernon Walters, President Watergate break-in. After a conference Reagan's choice to succeed Jeane Kirkpat­ with Nixon. he ordered the FBI to lay off rick as U.S. ambassador to the United Na­ its investigation when the burglary first tions. came to light. But it 's no mystery that Walters' nomi­ nation signals Washington's resolve to fur­ Ripping off Guatemala ther escalate its brutal war against the He took a longer break in 1976, leaving peoples of Central America and the Carib­ the CIA to line his pockets. First, with his New U.S. ambassador to United Nations, Gen. Vernon Walters (left), shown in 1969 bean. friends in the Guatemalan high command, with Richard Nixon, who named him deputy director of CIA. In lifelong service of Even among the imperialist warriors of he helped an oil company secure the rights U.S. imperialism, Walters specialized in carrying out U.S. imperialist aggression in the Pentagon, the State Department, and to steal Guatemalan oil. Then he cleared Latin America. the CIA, whose hands are stained with the $300,000 selling tanks to the Moroccan blood of thousands of workers and peasants military for use against the Polisario rebels in the Americas, Walters stands out as a in Western Sahara. ered reinstating open military aid to the Washington's imperialist, racist solidarity man who has good reason to cloak his past In 1981 Reagan named Walters an "am­ Guatemalan dictatorship in 1981, Walters with Britain outweighed its sponsorship of in mystery. He's had a particularly close, bassador at large ." He carried Washing­ went there to work out the details. He con­ the Argentine military dictatorship. hands-on involvement in Washington's ton's bellicose threats first-hand to Angola gratulated the Guatemalan army and police When death-squad killers in El Salvador savage assaults on workers and peasants and Cuba, demanding that Cuban inter­ for defending "peace and liberty;" in fact, threatened to blow away U.S . emb~ssy of­ south of the Rio Grande. nationalist troops leave Angola undefended they had killed 25,000 people in the last ficials. Reagan sent Walters down to rein against attacks by the South African apart­ decade. in the pack. Devotion to ruling class never wavered heid regime. When the U.S. State Department con­ "He is an example," says a U.S. admi­ It's been a long road from NewYork in In 1983, when workers and farmers rose cocted its 1981 "white paper" of lies about ral, "of the importance this administration the 1930s, where Walters was an insurance up in the former French colony of Chad, Cuban and Nicaraguan arms shipments to puts on getting along with military dictator­ "investigator" cheating immigrant workers Walters delievered Reagan's encourage­ the Salvadoran rebels, it was Walters who ships." out of compensation for on-the-job in­ ment to French Pres. Franc;ois Mitterrand, took it to Latin American capitals, trying to Walters dismisses complaints about juries, to New York in the 1980s, where who three days later sent French troops to line up support for Washington's war human rights with a philosophical shrug. he'll represent U.S. imperialism at the UN. invade Chad. against the revolutionary government of "There will be human rights problems in But Walters has never wavered in his devo­ Walters' specialty has always been the Nicaragua. the year 3,000," he predicts, "with the gov­ tion to the ruling class. non-stop U.S . war against the peoples of During t-he Malvinas War, Walters had ernments of Mars and the Moon. There are After joining U.S. Army intelligence Latin America. When Washington consid- to break the news to Buenos Aires that some problems that are never resolved." during World War II, Walters accom­ panied U.S. diplomatic delegations on their empire-building trips around the world. When then vice-president Richard Nixon confronted anti-imperialist demon­ Cerro Maravilla perjury trial begins strators in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1958, it was a snarling Walters who translated BY ANDREA GONZALEZ Attorneys for the defense and prosecu­ spective jurors. Nixon's curses and insults into Spanish and Jury selection began February 5 in the tion are prohibited from talking to the press An attempt is being made to screen out shouted them back at Venezuelan working perjury trial of I 0 former cops in federal on any aspect of the case. Only a limited supporters of Puerto Rican independence people. · court in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The · number of people will be admitted into the from the jury. In the course of the jury He was, reports the Boston Globe in a charges stem from the police killings of courtroom and the surrounding areas dur­ selection, the judge has questioned pro­ delicate phrase, "close to events" during two independence fighters at Cerro ing the trial . spective jurors on their political views, in­ the CIA's overthrow of the Iranian govern­ Maravilla on July 25, 1978. Although the trial takes place in cluding asking which party they voted for ment in 1953, the 1960 U-2 spy flights Public pressure in Puerto Rico had Spanish-speaking Puerto Rico, it will be in the last elections. over the Soviet Union, and the U.S.-spon­ forced a series of investigations into these conducted in English. All people who The lO cops have also been indicted on sored war against Cuba. killings. During one televised Senate hear­ don't speak English- which means most murder charges in the 'local Puerto Rican He was "close to events" in Brazil, too, ing on the case, two cops admitted that workers and farmers - have been im­ courts. The date for this trial has still not as a military attache. In 1964 he helped Carlos Soto Arrivf, 18, and Arnaldo Darfo mediately eliminated from the pool of pro- been set. Gen. Humberto Castello Branco, whom he Rosado, 24, had been executed in cold had trained at Ft. Leavenworth, organize a blood by the cops. military coup, install a military dictator­ This trial represents a small victory in ship, and unleash a reign of terror against the six-year struggle by the Puerto Rican Juan Antonio Corretjer, 1908-1985: the workers and peasants of Brazil. people for justice in the case. But the U.S. Successful U.S. foreign policy officials, government, whose own previous investi­ Puerto Rican independence fighter explains Walters, are those who "have in­ gations formed part of the cover-up of the creased the number of their country's murders, has no intention of opening up the BY ROBERT KOPEC jailed by U.S. authorities in Puerto Rico friends and decreased. the number of its trial to the people of Puerto Rico. On January 15, a leader of the fight for for refusing to hand party records over to enemies." He got a chance to implement Even before the trial began, Federal Dis­ Puerto Rico's independence, socialist Juan them. his theory on a bigger scale in the early trict Judge Carmen C. Vargas de Cerezo Antonio Corretjer, died after a serious While he was serving his sentence, Cor­ 1970s, when President Nixon named him a slapped a strict gag order on the proceed­ heart ailment. At the time of his death he retjer was accused, along with Albizu deputy director of the CIA. ings. The order prohibits the press from was Secretary General of the Puerto Rican talking to any juror, prospective juror, wit­ Campos and other nationalists, of "con­ Socialist League which he founded . spiring to overthrow the government of the 'Decreasing' Washington's enemies nesses, or court personnel. It forbids any In Corretjer "there was united, in one United States in Puerto Rico." A jury made photos of the courtroom even when the trial Walters directed CIA relations with life, the fighter and the artist, the poet and up of Puerto Ricans found them innocent. "friendly" foreign intelligence agencies. is not in session. the soldier," said Juan Mari Bras, also a Obviously dissatisfied, Washington, He made sure that Washington's friends leader of the struggle for the island's inde­ violating its own laws, convened a second were trained, organized, and armed to the pendence. jury and ensured a majority were non­ teeth. In Chile in 1973, and in Argentina in In addition to being a staunch indepen­ Puerto Ricans. This time they were found 1976, imperialism and its friends- right­ dence fighter, Corretjer distinguished him­ guilty. Corretjer, Albizu, and other wing military officers, cops, and death­ self through his poetry, becoming known Nationalist Party leaders were sent to an squad killers - overthrew the govern­ as the "National Poet of Puerto Rico." Atlanta prison from 1937 to 1942. Cor­ ments of those countries. They decreased Born in Ciales on March 3, 1908, Cor­ retjer would be sent to prison with Albizu the number of Washington's enemies - retjer became an active fighter for the inde­ Campos once more after the nationalist re­ trade unionists and political activists- by pendence of his country from U.S. im­ volt in 1950. about 30,000, in bloodbaths of murder and perialist domination when he was 16 years torture . old. He j_oined the Nationalist Youth. In the In 1968 and 1969, with his companion It's not surprising that Walters' 1974 late 1920s, he traveled to New York, Consuelo Lee Tapia and other members of visit to right-wing Portuguese general An­ where he joined the Anti-imperialist the Socialist League, Corretjer was ac­ tonio de Spinola sparked fears of a military League of the Americas. He took part in cused of conspiracy by Washington .and coup in Portugal. The fears were well­ protests against U.S. intervention in Cen­ was jailed in 1971. founded soon afterward General tral America and Haiti, and particularly in Corretjer was a fighter for Puerto Rican Spinola tried to organize a takeover. Wal­ solidarity with Augusto Cesar Sandino's independence until his death. He actively ters' best efforts failed, as massive revolu­ war of liberation against the U.S. invasion opposed the U.S. militarization of the is­ tionary mobilizations of the Portuguese of Nicaragua. land. working class beat back the coup attempt. In 1930 he returned to Puerto Rico and Thousands of people paid homage to this In 1976 Walters' close friend, Chilean met Puerto Rican nationalist leader, Pedro fighter and poet in Ciales, the city of his secret police chief Manuel Contreras, dis­ Albizu Campos. Corretjer immediately birth, where he was buried. Leaders and patched two agents to the United- States, started working with him in the Nationalist members of independence organizations­ via Paraguay. Paraguayan officials assured Party. the Puerto Rican Socialist Party, the Puerto U.S. diplomats there that Deputy Director In 1935 Corretjer went to Cuba to seek Rican Independence Party, and others - Walters was waiting on the Chilean agents support for Puerto Rico's independence together with individuals and organizations in Washington, and plans for their phony struggle. A general strike broke out while that are not proindependence, honored the passports and visas were discussed with he was there. Corretjer joined in the fight memory of Corretjer. · Walters. The Chilean agents subsequently Jaime Quiles, one of 10 cops charged and was arrested and sent to prison . Messages were also sent from the Nica­ murdered Orlando Letelier, a former Chi­ with killings of independence fighters at In 1936 Corretjer, who was then secre­ raguan government and Casa de las Amer­ lean government minister, on the streets of Cerro Maravilla, Puerto Rico·, in 1978. tary general of the Nationalist Party, was icas of Cuba.

February 22, 1985 The Militant 11 --CALENDAR------

CALIFORNIA Ausp: Militant Labor Forum . For more infor­ formation call (216) 451 -6150. History of Utah 's Black Community. mation call (314) 772-4410. Speaker: Ron Coleman, professor, University San Diego PENNSYLVANIA of Utah . Fri ., Feb 22, II a.m. College of East­ Behind Ruling Class' "Anticrime" Cam­ NEW JERSEY Philadelphia ern Utah Little Theatre. paign - the Socialist View. Speaker: Tom Au sp: Bl ac k Student Union, College of Eastern Baton, Socialist Workers Party. Tran-slation to Newark End Apartheid in South Africa. Panel discus­ South Africa Belongs to Us! Film featuring sion with Godfrey Sithole. representative of Af­ Utah. For more informati on call (801 ) 637- Spanish. Sat. , Feb. 23 , 7:30p.m. I 053 15th St . 2120 . ext . 265 . Donation: $2 . Ausp: Militant Forum . For more Winnie Mandela and six other Black South Af­ rican National Congress of South Africa and information call (619) 234-4630. rican women on the struggle again st apartheid . other speakers. Fri. , Feb. 15 , 7:30p.m. 2744 Maurice Bishop Speaks. Videotape of the Fri. , Feb. 22 , pre-forum dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Germantown Ave. Donation: $2. Au sp: Mili­ slain Grenadian prime mini ster. Sat. , Feb. 23 , 7 GEORGIA forum, 7:30p.m. 141 Hal sey (corner Raymond , tant Labor Forum. For more informati on call p.m. 23 S Carbon Ave. Donati on: $2. Au sp: I block from Broad). Donation: forum , $2 ; din­ Atlanta (215) 225-0213 . Militant Forum . For more information call ner, $3. Ausp: Militant Labor Forum . For more Malcolm X. He ar excerpts from Malcolm X's (80 I) 637-6294. Malcolm X Speaks. A film and discussion. information call (20 I) 643-3341 . Sun., Feb. 24 , 7 p.m. 504 Flat Shoals Ave . Do- speeches. Presentation by Tyrone Williams, Salt Lake City - nation: $2 . Ausp: Militant Labor Forum . For NEW YORK Soci alist Workers Party. Fri ., Feb. 22 , 7:30 Vigilantes and "Law and Order": A Socialist more information call (404) 577-4065. p.m. 2744 Germantown Ave . Donation: $2. Perspective. Speaker: representative of Manhattan Ausp: Militant Labor Forum . For more infor­ Socialist Workers Party. Fri. , Feb. 15 , 7: 30 ILLINOIS Malcolm X and the Freedom Struggle in mation call (215 ) 225 -02 13 . p.m. 767 S State , 3rd fl oor. Donation: $2. South Africa. David Ndaba, African National Pittsburgh Ausp: Militant Forum. For more information Chicago Congress of South Africa; Representative of Na­ In Defense of Democratic Rights. Against ca ll (801) 355- 1124 . The Revolutionary Legacy ofMalcolm X. A tional Black Independent Political Party. Film Police, Co.urt , and Vi gilante Attacks on Union panel discussion on the ideas of Malcolm X on showing of Malcolm X - the Struggle j(1r Free­ Malcolm X: the Man and His Ideas. Film Acti vists , Immigrant Work ers , Political Refu ­ the 20th anniversary of his assassination . Sat., dom . Wed ., Feb. 20 , 6:30p.m. Adam Clayton showing of £/-Hajj Malik ei-Shahm?. Discus­ gees, Blacks, and Political Activists. A panel Feb. 16, 7:30p.m. 3455 S Mi chigan Ave . Do­ Powell State Office Bldg ., !25th St at Adam sion to follow . Fri .. Feb. 22 , 7: 30p.m. 767 S discussion. Speakers: Ron Wei se n, president , nation: $2. Ausp: Militant Labor Forum. For Clayton Powell Blvd. Au sp: Manhattan NBIPP. State, 3rd floor . Donation: $2. Ausp: Militant United Steelworkers Local 1397; Representa­ more information call (312) 326-5853 . For more information can (212) 862:8979. Forum . For more information call (80 I) 355- tive of Interfaith Sanctuary Movement; Neil 1124 . South Africa: The Struggle Against Apart­ EI-Hajj Malik ei-Shabazz. A film by Gil Price, National Lawyers Guild; Clare Fraenzl, heid Today. A panel discussion. Sat. , Feb. 23, Noble . Mohammed Oliver, National Commit­ Socialist Workers Party , member United Mine VIRGINIA 7:30p.m. 3455 S Michigan Ave . Donation: $2 . tee member of the Socialist Workers Party will Workers Local 1197 . Sun., Feb. 17, 7 p.m. 141 Newport News Ausp: Militant Labor Forum. For more infor­ lead a discussion on the relevance of Malcolm S Highland. Donation: $2. Ausp: Militant mation call (312) 326-5853. X's ideas for today . Translation to Spanish . Celebration of Black History Month. Show­ Labor Forum. For more information call (412) ing of film , Malcolm X, the Struggle for Free­ Fri ., Feb. 22 , 7:30p.m. 79 Leonard St. Dona­ 362-6767. KENTUCKY tion: $2. Ausp: Militant Labor Forum. For more dom. Sat. , Feb. 23,7 p.m. 5412 Jefferson Ave . Tribute to Malcolm X. Speaker: AI Duncan, information Call (212) 226-8445. Donation: $2 . Ausp: Militant Labor Forum . For Louisville Socialist Workers Party , member United Mine more information call (804) 380-0133 . Nicaragua Wants Peace- U.S. Wages War. Give Peace a Dance. A benefit for medical aid Workers Local 2350. Sat., Feb. 23 , 7:30p.m. Speaker: Kevin Dwire, Young Socialist Al­ for Central America. Dancing, live music with 141 S Highland. Donation: $2. Ausp: Militant WASHINGTON liance . Sat., Feb. 16, 7:30p.m. 809 Broadway Johnny Colon Band and the Human Condition. Labor Forum. For more information call (412) Seattle (near Shelby). Donation: $2 . Ausp: Militant Fri. , Feb 22, 9 p.m. Marc Ballroom, 30 E 16th 362-6767 . ' Labor Forum. For more information call (502) St. Donation: $10. Aosp: African-American South Africa: White Rule, Black Revolt. 587-8418. Solidarity Network, Nicaragua Medical and Why the U.S. Government Supports Apart­ TEXAS heid. Speaker: Mike Shur, Socialist Workers Malcolm X: His Meaning for Today. A panel Material Aid Campaign, New York Central American Health Rights Committee. For more Dallas Party, member International Association of discussion . Sat., Feb. 23, 7:30p.m. 809 Broad­ Machinists Local 1103. Sat. , Feb. 16, 7:30 way (near Shelby) . Donation: $2 . Ausp: Mili­ information call (212) 889-5188. South Africa: the Struggle Against Apart­ heid Today. A panel discussion . Speakers: p.m. 5517 Rainier Ave. S. Donation: $2 . Ausp: tant Labor Forum. For more information -call Militant Labor Forum. For more information (502) 587-8418 . Marvin Krenshaw, Citizens Against Apartheid; NORTa CAROLINA others. Translation to Spanish. Sat. , Feb. 23 , 7 call (206) 723-5330. Greensboro p.m. 132 N Beckley. Donation: $2. Ausp: Mil­ MICHIGAN The Revolutionary Legacy of Malcolm X. itant Labor Forum . For more information call WEST VIRGINIA Detroit Showing of film £/-Hajj Malik ei-Shabazz and (214) 943-5195. Morgantown discussion. Sat., Feb. 23,7:30 p.m. 301 S Elm, The War in Central America: What's at The Union Carbide Disaster - Profits Be­ Suite 522. Donation: $2. Ausp: Militant Labor Stake for Working People. Speakers: Thabo UTAH fore Safety. Speakers: Warne Ferguson ; Con­ Forum. For more information call (919) 272- Ntweng, Socialist Workers Party National PRICE cerned Citizens Committee of Institute; Dave 5996. Committee member. Translation to Spanish. Celebrate Black Hist9ry Month. Family Ferguson, Socialist Workers Party, member Sat., Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Casa de Unidad, 1906 25 Concepts from the Black Perspective. Speaker: United Mine Workers Local 2095. Sat., Feb. St. (comer of Vernor). Donation: $2 . Ausp: OHIO Darnell Haney , Black student advisor, Weber 23, 7p.m. 221 PleasantS!. Donation: $2. Ausp: Militant Labor Forum. For more information Cincinnati State College. Tues., Feb. 19 , II a.m. College Militant Labor Forum. For more information call (313) 862-7755 . A Tribute to Malcolm X. Speakers: James of Eastern Utah Little Theatre. call (304) 296-0055 . Meridith, civil rights activist and professor at MINNESOTA University of Cincinnati ; Denise Crews, Trans­ St. Paul Africa; Michael Washington ; ftistory professor, · -. '"Subscribe Hunger in Ethiopia- Who is Responsible? Northern Kentucky University; Kibwe Diarra, to ·­ Speaker: Michael Maggi, Socialist Workers Socialist Workers Party. Charles Graves, Na­ Party, member United Steelworkers union. tional Black Independent Political Party , will New International Sun., Feb. 17, 4 p.m. 508 N Snelling. Dona­ moderate panel. Sun ., Feb. 24, 7:30p.m. 4945 tion: $2. Ausp: Militant Forum. For more infor­ Paddock Rd . Donation: $2. Ausp: Militant A magazine of Marxist mation call (612) 644-6325. Labor Forum. For more information call (513) 242-7161 . politics and theory Vel. 1. ~ . 1 .. .. Toward Independent Black Political Action - Malcolm X's Contribution. Speakers: Au­ The U.S. Political Situation Today. Speaker: The Workers' and Farmers' gust Nimtz, Socialist Workers Party; Janice John Studer, member of National Committee, Spring 1985 issue is out. Alliance in the U.S. Socialist Workers Party . Sat. , March 2, 7:30 Payne-Dorliae, National Black Independent Po­ Get it plus next three issues Articles by Jack Barnes litical Party . Sun., Feb. 24, 4 p.m. 508 N Snel­ p.m. 4945 Paddock Rd. Donation: $2 . Ausp: and Doug Jenness ling. Donation: $2 .Au sp: Militant Forum. For Militant Labor Forum. For more information for $12. more information call (612) 644-6325. call (513) 242-7161. Land Reform and Farm Cooperatives in Cuba Cleveland Name MISSOURI The Legacy of Malcolm X. Showing of film , • Resolution of Cuban Malcolm X, the Struggle for Freedom, an inter­ Address Communist Party St. Louis view with Malcolm X. Speaker: Samuel Farley , • Two speeches Fighting Racism in World War II - The Socialist Workers Party , member United Steel­ City by Fidel Castro Story of A Soldier's Story. A panel discus­ workers Local 1229. Sat., Feb . 23, 7:30p.m. sion. Sun., Feb. 17, 7 p.m. 3109 S Grand , 15105 St. Clair Ave. Donation: $3. Ausp: Mil ­ State/Zip Revolutionary Perspective #22. Donation: $2 . Ausp: Militant Labor itant Labor Forum. For more information call and Leninist Continuity Forum. For more information call (314) 772- (216) 451-6150. Send to New International, 14 in the United States 4410. Maurice. Cuban film on Maurice Bishop and Resolution of the Malcolm X: The Man and His Ideas. Speaker: the Grenada revolution, 1979-83. Sat., March Charles Lane, New York, NY Socialist Workers Party Ed Warren , Socialist Workers Party . Sun ., Feb. 9, 7:30p.m. 15105 St. Clair Ave . Donation: 10014. 24, 7 p.m . 3109 S Grand, #22. Donation: $2. $3. Ausp: Militant Labor Forum. For more in- -IF YOU LIKE THIS PAPER, LOOK US UP------Where to find the Socialist Workers Party, Shoals Ave. SE. Zip: 30316. Tel : (404) 577- 0404 . St. Louis: SWP, YSA, 3109 S. Grand, Dallas: SWP, YSA, 132 N. Beckley Road. Zip: Young Socialist Alliance, and socialist books 4065. #22. Zip: 63118 . Tel : (314) 772-4410. · 75208. Tel: (214) 826-4711. Houston: SWP, and pamphlets ILLINOIS: Chicago: SWP, YSA , 3455 S NEW JERSEY: Newark: SWP, YSA, 141 YSA , 4806 Almeda. Zip: 77004. Tel: (713) Michigan Ave. Zip: 60616. Tel: (312) 326-5853 Halsey. Zip: 07102. 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12 The Militant February 22, 1985 ~THEGREATSOC~TY------Holding the lid on prices - spokesperson said, "This is not an tice. dresser "a rat" and called for a cus­ more effective (and fair and Embarrassed by the disclosure that off-the-shelf item. They are de­ tomer boycott. humane) than years spent in it had paid $640 apiece for aircraft signed to military specifications." Putty and wax will do it - dangerous, overcrowded, expen­ toilet covers, the Pentagon talked McDonnell Douglas agreed to re­ To spot the ones with red sive prisons." - Blurb for new P.S.- Asked why they had to call 148 Navy Hornet jet fighters . hair? - According to author book on the subject. stock so many of those $640 lids, a The planes, the initial ones in a James Bamford, the government Too much even for a judge­ Navy spokesperson explained, $39.9 billion order, developed used photo-reconnaissance satel­ A federal judge ordered a depart­ "They crack." cracks at the spot where the tail lites to take pictures of antiwar ment store in West New York, joins the fuselage. In an apparent demonstrators in the 1960s and N.J., to reinstate Enrique Cuevas Harry Environmentalists The fit of generosity, the company '70s. to his job with back pay . Cuevas Navy permitted Fund for Animals agreed to foot the $25 million re­ had been fired for taking a half­ Ring workers to fly over California's pair bill. Sensitive, civilized - "A roll of toilet paper, worth II cents, San Clemente Island in helicopters criminologist's answer to the ris­ to clean his car windows. to pluck wild goats off the island. Breach of state security - ing crime rate . ... old-fashioned The remaining goats will be the Princess Diana's ex-hairdresser corporal punishment. . . . a com­ Thought for the week- "I'm to the supplier, Lockheed-Califor­ target of Navy sharpshooters. was bitterly assailed in the British pelling case for making pain the tired · of hearing about inmates' nia. To smooth things out, Lock­ Navy officials say the goats eat Parliament for disclosing in a penalty for crime - carefully ad­ rights." Monmouth County, N.J., heed agreed to reduce the price to foliage necessary to support en­ magazine article that she dyes her ministered electric shock or public Sheriff William Lanzaro, respond­ $100 per lid. Explaining that the dangered species on the island, hair and is partial to U.S. soap flogging. For most crimes and ing to accusation of prison brutal­ lids were not cheapos, a Lockheed which is used for bombing prac- operas. One MP declared the hair- criminals, corporal punishment is ity. Hormel workers and farmers: similar problems

BY JOHN ENESTVEDT modi ties cut to half price, and meat prices high- where In the past, workers and farmers have learned to work I have just finished reading the report in the January 25 is the money going?" she asked. together when the chips are down. We did just that in the Militant about the class-struggle dispute between Local Her statement graphically illustrates the double-ex­ 1930s and 1940s, to offset the defeats we suffered in the P-9 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union ploitation of both workers and farmers, which is an ongo­ teens and 1920s. We did it through the joint efforts of the and George A. Harmel & Co. of Austin, Minnesota. To ing practice by all meat packers. They are pleading- of sit-down strikes going on all over the United States and me, this story by Jim Altenberg and Maggie McCraw all things- "a low margin of profits." through the militant actions by the Farmers Holiday As­ was also of interest to working farmers . sociation. This farm woman also explained about the proposal of It is good to see that united efforts of both workers and The income of Local P-9 members, I've been told, has Local P-9 to picket all locations of the First Bank System farmers are again under way. Once again we have to turn with picket lines of both workers and farmers . First Bank the defeats of noncooperation with each other into the System is one of the giant banking trusts that is actively victories that come from joint actions. We must know by dispossessing the homes of Harmel workers employed at now that we will never right the wrongs committed AS I SEE IT half a wage, as well as dispossessing farmers whose com­ against us in any other way . modities are being sold at half price. actually been cut nearly in half, along with that of work­ The farmers' Groundswell rally at the Minnesota State As a kid in grade school, I first learned about this dou­ Capitol on January 21 , as well as the tractorcades by the ing farmers, whose farm commodities have been at near ble exploitation of both workers and farmers during half price for more than three years in a row, based on American Agricultural Movement and many other mili­ World War I. It is no different now even though nearly 70 tant "fightback" efforts of the past few years - by civil farm commodity prices in the monthly reports issued by years have passed by. The exploitation is now more pro­ the Department of Agriculture. rights activists, Blacks, Latinos, youths, senior citizens, nounced, of course, because there.has been a greater con­ and those in favor of abortion rights - have been con­ At the recently-held convention of the American Ag­ centration of the wealth of the United States into fewer ducted by those who need to redress their grievances. riculture Movement-Minnesota, a farm woman talked and fewer hands. All of us need to flex the united muscle we have. So­ about the wage-cutting policy of this very profitable meat And, as pointed out in the Militant story, Dewalt An­ all out for the antiwar protest in Washington, D.C., on processor. "Some two years ago Harmel workers were keny, president of the First Bank System, actually is a April20. · making a little over $600 per week. After three wage member of the board of directors of Hormel. In this way cuts, these workers are now making only a little over he acts to short the income of us both so as to dispossess John Enestvedt is a long-time farm activist and a member $300 per week. With wages cut in half, farm com- us from our homes and farms. of the American Agriculture Movement-Minnesota. San Jose NOW sponsors abortion rights picket line

BY 1:ERRY APPLEGATE woman's right to choose abortion." "My body, my choice!" and "Not the California Abortion Rights Action League; SAN JOSE - The San Jose/South Bay The leaflet also explained, "The torrent Church, not the state, women will decide First Unitarian Church of San Jose; Na­ Chapter of the National Organization for of anti-abortion propaganda and violence is their fate!" were chanted by the marchers. tional Lawyers Guild; Planned Parenthood­ Women (NOW) sponsored a lively "Abor­ part of a fight to reverse the gains women They carried candles and signs reading, of Santa Clara; Socialist Workers Party; tion Rights Celebration" here on January have made in past decades. Abortion rights "Stop sexist violence!" and "Keep your Women's Community Clinic, Inc.; Young 22. Approximately 80 people picketed the are not optional luxuries. They are life and laws off my body!" Socialist Alliance; and several other Federal Building during rush hour to com­ death questions for millions of women." The picket line was endorsed by the groups. memorate the 12th anniversary of the Su­ preme Court decision that legalized abor­ tion. Abortion rights activities have occurred every year on January 22 throughout the Rail workers will lose in Conrail sale United States, but this year they had a spe­ Continued from back page with representatives of the three com­ legislators from states that will suffer ser­ cial urgency. The picket line was called to panies, the Railway Labor Executive As­ vice cutbacks, and representatives of com­ protest the violent attacks on and bombings unions' contracts expired last year. The sociation announced it had reached a unan­ peting railroads have made it clear they of abortion clinics. A leaflet handed out at railroads are demanding further wage con­ imous decision to back the Allegheny will try to block the sale. the picket line read, "We shall not be in­ cessions, speed-up and productivity sav- offer. Some RLEA members have also timidated by bombings and threats. We are . ings, and job eliminations in order to boost This approach of looking for the "lesser pledged to join efforts to block the Norfolk in the majority and we are joined by mil­ profits. Among the employers' demands evil" bidder is a substitute for the RLEA Southern buy out. But while the sale proc­ lions of women and men who support a are a one-year cap on seniority protection for workers in the operating crafts who are organizing and leading a fight against the ess goes on, the current Conrail manage­ laid off, and new hire rates 50 percent further cutbacks and attacks planned by all ment continues to chip away at workers, La. forum discusses below current wage levels. the contenders. It ties Conrail labor's hands softening them up for whoever wins the The Norfolk Southern purchase offer in­ behind its back. battle of "r\!privatization." In January clinic bombings cludes a provision to return Conrail work­ The Norfolk-DOT agreement faces a po­ alone, more than 4,100 track and signal ers' wage rates to those of the rest of the in­ litical fight in Congress before it is maintenance workers were furloughed, BY JIM ROGERS dustry., retroactive to July I, 1984. But finalized. Conrail's current management, hundreds of them permanently. NEW ORLEANS- "When you pick up with the national contract battle on, and in the paper and read about the bombings of the face of Norfolk's announced job cuts, women's clin~~s around the country, you this offers slim satisfaction. see there is a war going on. We didn't start Mayor Koch backs killer cop, Goetz the war but we're damn sure not going to Position of rail labor officials give up!" Prior to the DOT announcement favor­ Continued from back page Black," declared Gonzalez. This was the message Linda Taggart, di­ ing Norfolk, rail labor officials had been feet away. The third guy was further away "The State of New York," Gonzalez rector of the Ladies Clinic of Pensacola, locked in behind-closed-doors debates and the fourth, being Cabey, [Daryl said, "found a section of the penal code to Florida, brought to supporters of abortion about what position to take on the impend­ Cabey, who is currently in a coma as a re­ legitimize such racist vigilante action. It rights at a speakout here sponsored by the ing sale. Their starting point was to try to sult of the shooting] was much further orchestrated its case to guarantee Goetz National Organization for Women (NOW) determine which of the profit-hungry bid­ away." would get off scot-free. The case was on .January 20. ders might force smaller concessions on The state prosecutors built their case not based on whether Goetz, a known racist, The Ladies Clinic is one of three abor­ Conrail workers. on Goetz's actions but on that section of 'believed' that four Black youths were tion clinics in Pensacola bombed by anti­ For instance, Fred Hardin, president of the penal code that permits the use of going to rob him. The grand jury decision abortion terrorists on December 25. the United Transportation Union- which deadly weapons if an individual "reasona­ gives a green light to other racists to gun Taggart, whose mother almost died in a represents the 8,600 remaining Conrail bly believes" they will be robbed or at­ down Black and Hispanic youth and then back-alley abortion before abortion was operating department workers - had tacked in any way. All the witnesses indi­ plead that they thought they were in legal, is determined to continue the fight to backed the Norfolk Southern bid. In a letter cated there was no reason to believe there danger. maintain safe, legal abortion. The clinic sent to union members last December, his was any danger. The state therefore built "I fully support the efforts of the Black reopened on January 19. argument was that while jobs would be lost its case solely on what Goetz says he be­ youths' families to win justice for their Taggart also announced that she and sev­ regardless of which offer won out, the least lieved. Goetz himself was never called to sons. I join wholeheartedly with all those eral of the doctors at the Ladies Clinic damage appeared to come from the Norfolk the stand to answer questions. in the Black community who are calling for would soon be filing a civil suit against the Southern bid. "Bernhard Goetz shot those four youths Goetz to be put behind bars where he be­ bombers. On January 29, after private meetings for one and only one reason: they were longs."

February 22, 1985 The Militant 13 -EDITORIALS------Sandino: patriot frotn the 'bosotn Central America 'white paper' of the oppressed' The White House has begun circulating advance took place. Nicaragua, under Augusto Cesar Sandino, copies of a new "white paper" purporting to explain the began its war to throw out the U.S. Marines in 1927, On February 21, Nicaragua will be commemorating noble aims behind U.S. policy in Central America. The when Fidel Castro was in diapers and the Cuban revolu­ the 51st anniversary of the death of Augusto Cesar San­ document is scheduled for larger distribution on the eve tion still 32 years off in the future. dino, the country's national hero. In 1927 Sandino or­ of Congressional debate on how many millions to give Before there was "'Cuban expansionism'' to blame.for ganized an army to drive out the U.S. Marines who Central American dictators and Nicaraguan counterrevo­ uprisings in Central America. ''Bolsheviks" were held re - had occupied the country in connivance with the local lutionaries this year. But its main points have already . sponsible. And before there were "'Bolsheviks," rebel big landowners and wealthy elite. In 1934 Sandino been widely reported in the news media: leaders were called "'bandits." The name changed but the was assassinated on orders of Anastasio Somoza Gar­ I. The United States government. it claims, seeks only real enemy remained the same - poor and working cia, founder of the Somoza dynasty and father of the peace and prosperity in Central America. 6ut the Soviet people fighting for a better life for themselves and their tyrant ousted by the 1979 revolution. Union, using Cuba, is trying to turn the region into an children. The following excerpts are from Sandino's "Politi­ "East-bloc satellite." Nicaragua sacrificed the lives of 50.000 martyrs to cal Manifesto" of July l, 1927, in which he explained 2. This process has already reached an advanced stage make a revolution because they couldn't stand ·to live his decision to take up arms against the U.S. oc­ in "Marxist-leaning" Nicaragua, which, the White House under the U.S .-backed Somoza dictatorship any longer. cupiers and their allies. This translation originally ap­ claims, is a military threat to its Latin American neigh­ Now that they are five years into the process of build­ peared in the July-August 1984 Tricontinental, a bors and to the United States. ing the hospitals, schools, day-care centers, and housing magazine published in Havana, Cuba. What U.S. bankers, capitalist politicians, and generals they were denied so long under Somoza, Washington has are really worried about in Central America, however, is placed a new obstacle in their path - a full-scale war, A man who does not ask his homeland for even a hand­ reserving the highly profitable status quo and crushing carried out by some 15.000 CIA-trained counterrevolu­ ful of earth for his grave deserves to be heard, and not the revolutionary struggles of the Nicaraguan and Sal­ tionaries. only heard, but believed. vadoran workers and peasants. The white paper makes a big point of the weapons that I am Nicaraguan and I am proud that in my veins When U .S . banks, mining firms, and transportation have arrived in Nicaragua in the last year, listing the flows, more than any other, the blood of the American companies began investing in Central America more than quantities of tanks, rockets, howitzers, and artillery Indian, whose regeneration contains the secret of being a 100 years ago, the attraction was high profits. The profits pieces provided by the Soviet Union. loyal and sincere patriot. The bonds of nationality give came from plundering the area' s natural resources, pay­ The Nicaraguan workers and farmers, however, have ing low wages, and maintaining vicious dictators that the sovereign right to ask for and receive weapons from crushed efforts at building unions. The grinding poverty any country they want, weapons necessary to defend and brutal repression spawned inevitable protest, organi­ their country from the U.S. -organized war. OUR zation, and, in many cases, armed struggle by the ex­ This war in the last three years has claimed 9,000 Nic­ ploited poor. And whenever landless farmers and hungry araguan lives- a figure that in proportion to the popula­ workers seemed to be on the verge of getting the upper tion of the United States would amount to a total of more REVOLUTIONARY hand, the U.S. government responded with military force than -half a million war dead. to try to drown such rebellions in blood. It's the expansionist U.S. imperialists who are the HERITAGE The first U.S. Marines were sent to Central America in source of bloodshed in the region. The white paper is de­ the 1890s, two decades before the Russian revolution signed to cover up that fundamental fact. me the right to assume responsibility for my actions on matters of Nicaragua and, therefore, of Central America and the entire Continent that speaks our language, with­ out concerning myself over what the pessimistic and INS's 'guest worker' program cowardly eunuchs may call me. I am a city worker, an artisan as they s.ay in my The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is The AFL-CIO officialdom has assessed such use of country, but my ideals are broadly internationalistic clearing the way for basic changes in the "guest worker" workers from other countries as union-busting. But these in nature and entail the right to be free and demand program. Under current rules , up to 20,000 workers a union officials' "solution" to the problem of guest work­ justice, although to achieve this state of perfection it year are brought in, under government license, to harvest ers is the same as their solution to the problem of the un­ may be necessary to shed my own blood and that of fruit and vegetable crops. documented: keep them out. others. Guest workers, like the undocumented, are distin­ The union movement should reject this reactionary Oligarchs, who act like geese in a quagmire, will say I guished from all other U.S. workers by the fact that they stance. Only a sustained fight for equal rights for these am plebeian. It doesn't matter. My greatest honor is to have virtually no civil or political rights. They receive fellow workers can make it more difficult for the employ­ have emerged from the bosom of the oppressed, who are harsh treatment at 'the hands of labor contractors and ers to use them against the unions. the soul and nerves of the race, who have lived put off growers. For a bond of solidarity to be established, organized and at the mercy of the shameless assassins who helped Under one of the proposed changes, their situation labor will have to take its stand as the resolute champion incubate the crime of high treason: the Nicaraguan con­ would be made even more difficult. Growers would not of the rights of guest workers. servatives who wounded the free heart of the Homeland The first and most elementary right the unions need to .~ be required, as they are now, to provide at least 60 days and who pursued us ferociously as though we were not of work. The minimum would be reduced to 40 days and, fight for is guest workers' right to remain in this country children of the same nation . where needed, waived altogether. as long as they want , not simply for whatever time the growers and government deem profitable. The big men will say that I am very little to have un­ The purpose of all this, of course, is to provide the Within that framework , there is the fight to assure dertaken such a task; but my insignificance is surmounted growers with an even bigger and more vulnerable pool of these workers their full range of rights . That means a liv­ by the loftiness of my patriotic heart, and so I pledge be­ low-paid labor. ing, union wage; reasonable hours and conditions of fore my country and history that my sword will defend And it is one more device aimed at dividing farm work; decent housing; medical care; unemployment com­ the national honor and will be the redemption of the op­ workers, and pitting them against one another. pensation when a job runs out; the right to be politically pressed. One important objective of an expanded guest-worker active; and every other right that is supposed to be avail­ I accept the invitation to the struggle and I myself will program is to help thwart unionization in the fields. The able to all working people in this country. provoke it , and to the challenge of the cowardly invader growers and government calculate that workers brought Unity and solidarity have been the key to every ad­ and the traitors to my country I answer with my battle in for brief periods during harvest time are mor~ difficult vance ever won by working people. And it's exactly cry. My chest and that of my soldiers will form walls that to organize. what's needed in responding to this cha ll enge. the legions of Nicaragua's enemies will crash upon. The last of my soldiers, who are soldiers for Nicaragua's free­ dom, might die, but first, more than a battalion of you, blond invader, will have bitten the dust of my rustic mountains. Hatch Act: threat to unions I will not be Magdalena, begging on bent knee for the On February 12, a little~known government agency an­ for office and one for working on a campaign staff. pardon of my enemies- who are the enemies of Nicara­ nounced that it has decided to fire three federal employ­ The Hatch Act has also been used in the past to gua - because I believe that nobody on earth has the ees - the presidents of the largest federal workers' threaten and victimize unionists who challenge the Dem­ right to be a demigod . I want to convince the coldhearted umons. ocrats and Republicans. Federal, state, and local govern­ Nicaraguans, the indifferent Central· Americans, and the The Office of Special Counsel, enforcement arm of the ment employees, an9 workers for private companies that Indo-Hispanic race, that in the spur of the Andean moun­ Merit Systems Protection Board, said it had already ruled receive federal funds , can be targeted. In 1982, for in­ tains there is a group of patriots who know how to fight against Moe Biller, president of the American Postal stance, VIA, the private metropolitan transit system in and how to fight and die like men. Workers Union; Vincent Sombrotto, president of the Na­ San Antonio, Texas, attempted to use the Hatch Act to Come, you gang of morphine addicts; come murder us tional Association of Letter Carriers; and Kenneth fire Steve Warshell, a bus driver, when he announced he in our own land, I am awaiting you, ~tanding upright be­ Blaylock, president of the American Federation of Gov­ was running for governcJr as the candidate of the Sociali st fore my patriotic soldiers, not caring how many you may ernment Employees. These three unions have a combined Workers Party. be. But bear in mind that when this occurs, the destruc­ membership of 800,000. Biller. Sombrotto, and Thi.s government move is an attack on the rights of all tion of your grandeur will shake the Capitol in Washing­ Blaylock are all on leave from their jobs while serving in workers. It constitutes government interference in the af­ ton, reddening with your blood the white sphere that union office. fairs of the unions. Its aim is to further weaken the crowns your famous White House, the den where you The agency told the three officials they have until Feb­ unions , circumscribe their freedom of action, and their concoct your crimes. ruary 26 to resign or retire from their government jobs, or right to engage in political activity. The goal is to set a they will face dismissal. precedent for future victimizations. I want to advise the governments of Central America, All three are charged with violating the Hatch Act - It comes on the heels of setbacks and restrictions im ­ especially that of Honduras, that you need not fear that, an undemocratic federal law that forbids public service posed on postal and other government workers. In 1984 because I have more than enough troops, I will militarily workers from campaigning, raising funds, distributing an arbitration board imposed a two-tier wage structure on invade your territory in an attempt to overthrow it. No. I literature, or running for public office. postal workers, cutting wages for new hires 25 percent. am not a mercenary, but a patriot who will not permit an offense against our sovereignty .... The government agency charges that the three violated Most government workers are saddled with legislation the act when in "1983 and 1984 you engaged in campaign that denies them the right to strike. Brothers and sisters of my people: having expressed activity in support of the presidential candidacy of Walter The three union officials have announced that they will my most ardent desires for the defense of our homeland, Mondale and against the reelection of Republican Ronald fight to keep their federal jobs. I welcome you in my ranks regardless of political af­ Reagan ." The Hatch Act violates the right of unionists and their filiation, as I on~ as you come with good intentions, There has been an increase in government use of the organizations to be active in politics. It shoud be remembering that you can fool all of the people some Hatch Act to go after workers in the last couple of years. abolished. And the entire labor movement should join in of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all the In that time, four workers were prosecuted for running demanding the charges be dropped. time.

14 The Militant February 22, 1985 Baltimore Black party builds S. Africa protests

The following is a guest column by Ken Morgan, a Orange, representing the United Steelworkers of Ameri­ U.S. big businesses greatly aid the South African gov­ member of the Baltimore chapter of the National ca and the NAACP: and Mary Benns, Cochair of the Bal­ ernment. These corporations employ just I percent of the Black Independent Political Party: timore chapter of the National Black Independent Politi­ Black workforce, but they dominate some key sectors of cal Party (NBIPP) and chairperson of BAC. the South African economy, including petroleum, com­ "No arms, no aid, no support, no trade for South Af­ The Baltimore NBIPP called the initial meeting to or­ puters, motor vehicles, and nuclear technology. These rica." More than 140 voices rang out down the street ganize people in Baltimore to participate in the Washing­ tools are used by the Pretoria regime to maintain the from the South African embassy in Washington, D.C., ton picket lines. The coalition was born out of these ef­ apartheid system, for example, in the computerization of on the wintry afternoon of January 24. These folks had forts. The coalition is composed of individuals and or­ the passbook system. braved the below-freezing temperatures and traveled ganizations, including representatives from USW A Dis­ This private support is bolstered by the military and trict 8, at least two USWA locals, the NAACP, TransAf­ political support that the U.S . government gives to the rica, the African National Reparations Organization, the South African government. Ronald Reagan's "construc­ Black Interdenominational Alliance, the Catholic Arch­ tive engagement" policy toward Pretoria has the same ef­ BY ANY MEANS diocese, and the Central American Solidarity Commit­ fect as Jimmy Carter' s illusionary "get tough" policy on tee (CASC). the racist regime. Carter never imposed economic sanc­ NECESSARY The coalition is still deciding on what form of local ac­ tions - or even remotely suggested that American com­ tions it will take up. Local demonstrations, boycotts, panies should pull out. more educational meetings, and support for local divest­ This support that the U.S. government gives not only Mohammed Oliver ment initiatives are being discussed . allows South Africa to maintain its heinous system, but also helps it aid U.S . imperialism in the southern African The principles of unity forged in the coalition are: sup­ region . Namibia continues to suffer under illegal South port for all liberation groups that are fighting to bring from Baltimore with the Baltimore Anti-apartheid Coali­ African military occupation. Mozambique and Angola · down the South African regime; self-determination for tion (BAC) to make their views known to the U.S . gov­ have been the victims of countless South African inva­ the oppressed Black South African nation; an end to all ernment and the apartheid regime of South Africa. sions, as well as being subject to economic blackmaiL U.S. corporate, military, political, and financial support The message was clear. The three busloads that carried U.S. foreign policy supports Pretoria's attempts to sub­ to the Pretoria regime; support for the total isolation of the contingent from Baltimore included steelworkers, vert liberation movements and destabilize its neighbors. hospital workers, clergy, and community activists. South Africa; the freeing of all political prisoners and This is the view that Baltimore NBIPP participants While the 140 people marched, 23 people were arrested South African trade union activists; and support for the bring to BAC's discussions around actions. They are not after attempting to see the South African ambassador. South West Africa People's Organization and its goal of liberating Namibia. The coalition also notes that the intended to discourage coalition actions, but to aim our They participated in the organized civil disobedience ef­ energies more accurately; to identify capitalism and im­ forts of the Washington-based Free South Africa Move­ system and injustices of apartheid are linked with racism perialism, as well as racism, as the roots of the apartheid ment. in the United States. NBIPP members continue to play an active role in the system. We explain that it is this same capitalism system A month prior to this January 24 protest, BAC was that is the source of the oppression faced by the Black na­ able to organize about I 00 people to take the trip to coalition, putting forth a view that is reflective of the tion in the United States. Washington and demonstrate at the picket line. Both goals and objectives, principles of unity, and platform of demonstration days were declared "Baltimore Day at the NBIPP. We openly and democratically explain our views Capitalism is responsible for the catastrophic un­ South African Embassy." as BAC discusses the coalition's course of action. employment, plant closings, increasing poverty rate, . Less than a week before the January 24 trip, BAC For instance, as we discuss our local actions- which company wage and benefit takebacks, escalating attacks sponsored an educational forum that included African might include demonstrating against a company that does on our civil rights, and the snatching away of Black National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Dumi business in South Africa, or boycotting a company, or youths to be used as cannon fodder in the U.S. rulers' Matabane. Close to 70 people carne to hear Matabane's supporting divestment initiatives - we explain that our wars . address. His presentation on the ANC's efforts and strat­ main purpose should be political and not just economic. We Baltimore NBIPP activists are learning there is no egies for liberating the Black masses and their allies was That is, to organize Blacks and other working people place like the struggle to put NBIPP's charter into prac­ warmly received by the gathering. Greetings and mes­ against the U.S. government and both of its political par­ tice - to learn and to grow as an organization as we are sages of solidarity were given by Rev. Mamie Williams, ties - the Democrats and Republicans - for complicity trying to provide a real alternative to. the rnisleadership pastor of Centennial United Methodist Church; Rodney with the apartheid regime. that currently saddles the Black community. -LETTERS------Manuel Archuleta jobs. . themselves. (Though they can I was greatly saddened to read A few years ago I applied for a play a hell of a baseball game!) about the death of Manuel Ar­ job as a brakeman for the Chicago John Votava points to the por­ chuleta. Manuel was well-known and Northwestern Railroad. This trayal of the white officers as ra­ in Espanola and Las Vegas, New was a full day of testing. Around cists. But this is just the sucker Mexico, and he was a leader of the 50 men and me showed up to bait. How else can Hollywood get Chicano movement in the South­ apply. I was the only woman. One away with it? The real villain of west. guy leaned over to me and said if the movie is Sgt. Waters, a Black . I knew Manuel in Albuquerque, affirmative action meant anything, man . A twisted ogre, an alcoholic, where I was a new member of the I should get hired . he tortures the troops. The white Young Socialist Alliance. The So the testing began. One test I officers are never portrayed as first. time I heard him speak was at was aware of was lifting a 70- mistreating Blacks. They just have_ a Socialist Workers Party cam­ pound train knuckle. I was wor­ negative attitudes, but nothing paign rally. He was a candidate for ried about that one and wore my ever comes of it . For Hollywood, the La Raza Unida Party and flattest shoes for support. After the racism is above all a question of explained why Chicanos and paper testing we were brought into style. workers must start their own par­ this room, and there was the And what about Peterson,. the ties, and not support Democrats knuckle. Some guy told me to lift one who kills Waters? His mili­ and Republicans. it and I did . I then had to connect tancy culminates in murder, just as Manuel joined the SWP in 1978 and disconnect some hoses that naturally and inevitably as the and was an inspiration to me and would be used to couple and un­ Pentagon's investigation culmi­ others in the party and YSA. He couple a train. That all went well. nates in justice being served. Talk taught us a great deal about poli­ Then I was asked to push a button about turning the victim into the tics, the Chicano movement, and on the wall that was above my 5 criminal! Peterson even looks like his experiences being a union or­ feet and 2 inches. I reached for it, Malcom X. ganizer and a soldier in Vietnam. but I did have to stand on my toes. In the end the hero rides off into Manuel .... ·as not in the YSA, but At the end cif the day personnel in­ the sunset, having solved the prob­ was always interested in recruiting formed me that I didn't get the job lem that was bothering the troops. and educating youth and building because I was too short. The problem was the murderous the organization. His knowledge Since then I haven 't been too militant in their midst, not racism short to work in an auto-body in the army. Now they can and experience earned him a lot of Bill Mauldin respect and his sense of humor and plant, be a machinist apprentice, triumphally march off to the white "I sheltered some Salvadoran refugees. What was your crime?" deep love for the cause of justice or run a Harris printing press. It's man's war. earned him many friends . just that companies who use the Jim Miller Until today, I always expected excuse of "shortness" to deny Portland, Oregon A spokesman for Herrick Hos­ alive and walking and talking if he to see Manuel again leading the women jobs are tall on prejudice. pital in nearby Berkeley told the had received attention im­ working class he loved so much. I Mary Selvas . press that they refused to take mediately ... in this type of case would like to thank him for his Jersey City, New Jersey No health insurance Barnes because Herrick "does not the ability to survive is propor­ contribution. Harry Ring said it Eugene Barnes, an unemployed take patients witho1:1t health insur­ tional to the time it takes to pursue very well - he was an authentic Black worker living in Richmond , ance. treatment." revolutionary. 'A soldier's story' California, died on Jauary 31. Highland Hospital, the large Why was this terrible thing al­ Mark Curtis I would like to differ from the At 5:11p.m. on Monday , Janu­ Alameda County facility , also re­ lowed to happen'1 Birmingham, Alabama views expressed by John Votava ary 28, Barnes was found uncon­ fused to take Barnes, claiming that Because Eugene Barnes was an in the January 25 Militant. A Sol­ scious from stab wounds on Fil­ he was "too unstable to move." unemployed Black man "without dier's Story is a racist film but­ bert Street in Richmond. He was Finally, San Francisco General health insurance." Not too short tressed by antiracist credentials. brought by ambulance to Brook­ Hospital across the bay- a good­ Paul Montauk A 4' I 0" Wisconsin woman re­ If you have seen Sidney Poitier side hospital in nearby San Pablo. sized trip - agreed to take him . Oakland. California cently sued an automaker that in The Heat of the Night or They where it was decided that he He arrived at San Francisco Gen­ fired her because she was too Call Me Mr. Tibbs , you won't be needed a neurosurgeon. eral at 10:00 p.m .. almost five short. Both the state board and surprised to see a suave, well-edu­ When no neurosurgeon was hours after he had originally been The letters column is an open county court supported the work­ cated Black hero from the North available at Brookside, three other admitted to Brookside. He under­ forum for all viewpoints on sub­ er, and she won her case. coming down to make mincemeat hospitals were called. went extensive surgery. but lapsed jects of general interest to our This is an important precedent. of the hapless Southern crackers. Contra Costa County Hospital into a coma. and was pronounced readers. Please keep your letters It will help fight against at least He is even armed with a mandate said they could not take him. A dead at 8:45a.m. on Thursday . brief. Where necessary they will one of the many phony excuses from Washington! Only he can neurosurgeon there explained that . A physician at San Francisco be abridged. Please indicate if that are used to deny women ac­ save the poor southern Blacks, he didn't "feel good about starting General who reviewed the case you prefer that your initials be cess to or fire them from certain who obviously can't fend for another case of this sort." said, "This guy might have been used rather than your full name.

February 22, 1985 .The Militant 15 THE MILITANT N.Y. socialist candidate condemns Democrats' call for more cops

BY MARITZA LEBRON NEW YORK - Carol Bellamy, the cur­ rent New York city council president. an­ nounced on February 9 that she is running for ·mayor against Edward Koch in the Democratic Party primary. Within hours of Bellamy's announcement. the Coalition for a Just New York. a group of Democrats led by Black elected officials and ministers. announced that they had endorsed Herman Farrell as their candidate for mayor. Farrell is a Black assemblyman from Manhattan.

With the announcement by these two candidates. the attempt by Black. His­ panic, and labor officials to pick a single Democratic Party candidate to oppose Koch came to an end. The "anti-Koch" forces included leading Democrats who are Militant/ Yvonne ~;yes < ( () Black . such as Percy Sutton, AI Vann. and Candidates for New York mayor. Andrea Gonzalez (left), Socialist Workers Party. Herman (Denny) Farrell and Carol Bellamy Clayton Jones; Black activists such as Rev. are two of the three Democrats in the race. Herbert Daughtry of the National Black United Front: Democrats who are Puerto Rican, such as Herman Badillo and Angelo out and elect a different liberal Democrat. Bellamy had little hope of winning their Democrats made anti-Hispanic remarks Del Toro: and officials from the city' s During the 1984 presidential elections endorsement. She then declared she would· comparable to remarks that would be made unions such as Victor Gotbaum. president these forces pulled together what they run with or without their support. by "members of the Ku Klux Klan against of District Council 37 of the American thought was a viable coalition to elect Wal­ Herman Badillo. the ex-deputy mayor Blacks." Federation of State. County and Municipal ter Mondale, who carried New York City. who was the front-runner for the Coalition Bellamy and Farrell are liberal Demo­ Employees. This "victory,·· along with the big vote for for a Just New York' s endorsement. im­ crats just like Koch. They try to portray Jesse Jackson in the city's Black districts mediately attacked Farrell's endorsement. themselves as more liberal than Koch: The "dump Koch" campaign was a by­ during the Democratic Party presidential Badillo charged that Farrell is not 4ualified picking up the banner of liberalism they product of the "dump Reagan" perspective primary. gave these forces hope that they to be mayor because he doesn't have a col­ claim Koch has dropped. Bellamy and Far­ of these same forces in the presidential would be able to get rid of Koch . lege degree. He is organizing against Far­ rell don ' t disagree with the substance of elections. They blamed Koch for the prob­ As the time to pick an "anti-Koch" can­ rell, including organizing heckling of Far­ Koch's big-business. antilabor. anti-Black lems facing Blacks. Hispanics. and all didate drew near. however. unity of these rell during his campaign events. programs. They merely hope to capitalize working people in the city. They claim the forces exploded. The Coalition for a Just Others have charged that during the coa­ on the sentiment against Koch· s openly ra- solution to these problems is to vote Koch New York publicly acknowledged that lition meeting that endorsed Farrell Black Continued on Page 5 Mayor Koch backs killer cop and vigilante

BY MARITZA LEBRON was killed when cops fired a shotgun at her shot four Black youths on a subway. PBA Bumpurs case. Koch praised Sullivan's re­ NEW YORK - Several thousand pre­ while evicting her from her apartment in President Philip Caruso told the crowd that cord and said that he hopes Sullivan will be dominantly white cops demonstrated Feb­ the Bronx. Virtually all oLthe 227 cops in "if Officer Steve Sullivan is indicted, then acquitted at his trial. ruary 7 in front of the Bronx Supreme the elite Emergency Services Unit, of we all stand indicted." Caruso also at­ Socialist Workers Party candidate for Court Building. The action was organized which Sullivan is a member, have re­ tacked the majority Black and Hispanic New York City mayor, Andrea Gonzalez, by the Patrolman's Benevolent Association quested to transfer to other departments to composition of the grand jury as the reason condemned the cop demonstration. (PBA) to protest the grand jury indictment protest the indictment. . for its verdict. "This cop action was utterly reactionary. of cop Stephen Sullivan for manslaughter The cops carried signs that said, "If Mayor Edward Koch solidarized with It was a demonstration for racist violence in the shooting death of Eleanor Bumpurs. Goetz is a hero, Sullivan is a saint," refer­ the cops. He told reporters that the grand by vigilantes with and without uniforms," Bumpurs, a 66-year-old Black woman, ring to the racist vigilante who recently jury was "wrong" to indict Sullivan in the she said. "It was an attack on Blacks, His­ panics, and all working people. Caruso is right when he says that Sullivan's indict­ ment affects all cops. Although the indict­ ment should have been for murder, it sets Conrail sale: rail workers will lose an important precedent to win indictments against other killer cops." BY JOHN STUDER jobs, wages, and working conditions of rail later, tried to regain the revitalized prop­ At the same press conference where The Department of Transportation labor. Its aim is to transfer Conrail's grow­ erty. Koch defended Sullivan, tht. mayor also (DOT) announced on February 8 that it has ing profits to the rail barons and other big praised the Manhattan grand jury's deci­ selected the Norfolk Southern Corp., a business interests that the government rep­ Slashed jobs, service sion not to charge racist vigilante Bernhard huge railroad holding company, to pure resents. In the intervening years, the government Goetz with attempted murder. He called chase Conrail, the now highly profitable The DOT had narrowed its options from poured over $7 billion into reconditioning the decision "right" and "Solomonic." He government-controlled railroad. This sale, the original 13 bidders to three last Sep­ the railroad's track and fleet: expressed his sympathy with the would-be which would create the largest railroad in tember. These were Norfolk Southern; an At the same time it used the bankruptcy killer, calling Goetz a "victim" who acted the country, still faces approval by Con­ investment group led by J. Willard Mar­ to slash jobs and service. Over 3, 700 miles in "self-defense." gress. riot, Jr., the hotel magnate; and the Al­ of track has been abandoned, eliminating The facts, however, prove that Goetz Norfolk Southern officials announced on legheny Corp. service to thousands of farmers and many was not a victim at all. The February I I February II that their acquisition of Con­ Conrail was created in 1976 by the fed­ communities. Over two-thirds of the Con­ Daily News reports that witnesses who tes­ rail would cause the loss of 2,530 jobs on eral government following the bankruptcy rail work force is permanently laid off. In tified before the grand jury said the four the two lines. They also announced that of the Penn Central. While controlled by 1981 , those who remained were forced to Black youths posed no danger to passen­ 2,000 additional miles of trackage would the government, and funded by workers' accept wages 12 percent below the rest of gers on the train. One source told the News be abandoned or sold. and farmers' taxes, Conrail continued to the industry. the youths "were moving around the car, In his State of the Union message two pay millions of dollars to the bankers and All of these cuts were carried out in the laughing, speaking loudly to various days earlier, Reagan anticipated this deci­ corporations who retained title to the stocks name of returning Conrail to profitability. people ... They were asking things like sion, announcing that "we will soon send and bonds of the Penn Central and the The wage concessions alone yielded $120 'Do you have a match?' 'Do you have a up legislation to return Conrail to the pri­ other, smaller, bankrupt lines that the gov­ million a year in increased earnings for the cigarette?' and 'How are you?'" vate sector, where it belongs." ernment welded together. railroad. "It all passed for nothing," another The Penn Central had been milked dry The overall effect of these steps was to source said. "When the passengers didn't Good deal for Norfolk Southern by a combination of management artifi­ make Conrail profitable and desirable give them anything and said no, nobody Conrail currently has $800 million in the cially hiking dividends rather than main­ property for private control again. And the did anything." bank- which Norfolk Southern will get to taining track and equipment, and some government is making it available at bar~ No witness corroborated Goetz's claim keep, almost cancelling out its agreed­ shady behind-the-scenes profit-taking. gain-basement prices. the youths were about to rob him. upon purchase cost of $1.2 billion. And It was later disclosed by Congress that in The fight over the sale is taking place in Witnesses painted a totally different pic­ Conrail is expected to report a 1984 profit the two months before the bankruptcy was the context of industry-wide negotiations ture from Goetz's version that the youths of $500 million. declared, nine financial institutions quietly between the Railway Labor Executive As­ "cornered" him in the subway car. Accord­ This "reprivatization" plan is part of the dumped I ,861,000 shares of inflated Penn sociation (RLEA), a coalition of the 19 rail ing to one source quoted by the News, the combined drive of the government and the Central stock. One of those was the Al­ unions' officials, and the carriers. The "two guys closest to Goetz were . .. 2 or 3 rail carriers to deepen their attacks on the legheny Corporation, which now, 15 years Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 13

16 The Militant February 22, 1985