Magazine of the Socialist Party USA

oThecialist SVolume 32, Number 4 Fall 2006 $1.00

! Somos Unidos!We Are United! EDITORIAL

ince 1980, an estimated 8 million Mexicans have migrated to the U.S.S for opportunities denied them in Mexico, where half the population lives in poverty. Th e North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is largely responsible for increasing the number of Mexican immigrants who come to the U.S. looking for work. Th is “free” trade agreement allows goods and capital to cross the border legally but not the workers whose farm economy has been destroyed by the fl ood of cheap agricultural products from the U.S. Th e immigrants enter the U.S. not only to support themselves, but also to send money home to keep their families and communities alive. At the same time, American popular opinion concerning immigrant laborers, propagated and supported by politicians in Washington, condemns the immi- San Diego, CA--Protesters at a congressional judiciary hearing on immigration grants themselves, creating something stand in front of a lawn strewn with crosses, each representing one of the thou- akin to mass hysteria. Th is is nothing sands of Mexican immigrants who have died trying to cross the border. new. It has happened with other groups of people in the past. Th is time, the U.S. government pro- poses to set aside funds to build a wall along the Mexican border to stem the fl ow of immigrants. If we used that money instead to aid economic develop- ment in Mexico, fewer people would risk From the Socialist Party 2006 Platform their lives trying to cross the border. But of all the industrialist countries, We call for an end to the militarization of the United States/ the U.S. gives the least amount of for- Mexican border, and an increase in the service budget instead eign economic aid. Immigrants have always been an of the “military” budget of the INS. important part of the workforce in the We demand an end to police raids in areas where immigrants U.S. and remain so today. congregate. It is ironic that the politicians in Washington most averse to granting We defend the rights of all immigrants to education, health citizenship to workers who contribute care, and full civil and legal rights and call for an unconditional so much to our economy are the self- same politicians who are most unwill- amnesty program for all undocumented people. We further call ing to raise the national minimum for full citizenship rights upon demonstrating residency for six wage above $5.15 per hour. We call for months. a minimum wage of $15 per hour. Th ese are issues that we hope SP- We call for an end to the use of “secret evidence” in deporta- USA candidates will speak up about. tion hearings, a ban on all immigration detentions and military Th e Civil Rights Section of our plat- tribunals, and full due process and habeas corpus rights in U.S. form calls for an end to the militariza- tion of the border and an end to police courts for all non-citizens on U.S. territory or in U.S. custody. raids where immigrants congregate. We defend the rights of all immigrants to health care, education, and full legal rights. •

2 The Socialist Fall 2006 TheThe Magazine of the Socialist Party USA THE SOCIALIST

339 Lafayette Street, #303 New York, NY 10012 SVolume 32,ocialist Number 4 Fall 2006 Editor Diane Brand Contents

4 Self-Determination or Assimilation: The Future of Chicanos, Editorial Board of The Socialist Mexicanos, and Our Party in the United States Raul Cano Eric Chester, Mary-Alice Herbert, James Marra, Tina Phillips, Steve Rossignol, Kristy Treacy 5 Communique from the Center of My Revolution Raul Cano

Contact the SPUSA 6 Un Dia Sin Migrantes Greg Pason photo montage National Secretary Socialist Party USA 7 Socialist Summer 339 Lafayette St. Room 303 New York, NY 10012 Steven Sears, Tina Phillips, and Common Ground Collective Phone: (212) 982-4586 [email protected] 8 Frank Zeidler’s Stubborn Integrity www.sp-usa.org Quinn Brisben

The Socialist is published bbyy the 9 Frank Zeidler (poem) Socialist Party USA. Unless oth- Quinn Brisben erwise noted, views expressed in this publication are those of the 10 Fall Electoral Campaigns authors and not necessarily of the Socialist Party. The Socialist Jeff Brindle may be reprinted with permis- sion for non-profi t purposes. 11 National Secretary Runs for U.S. Senate Gregory Pason Printed by Saltus Press, a unionized printshop 12 A Radical Alternative in Vermont Worcester, Massachusetts Eric Chester and Mary-Alice Herbert

14 Reacting to Reproductive Rights Subscription Rates Tina Phillips 1-year individual • $10 1-year institution • $25 The Socialist isis alwaysalways lookinglooking forfor interesting,interesting, insightful,insightful, well-writtenwell-written stories.stories. InIn Bulk Rate No. 1: 25 copies/issue • $45 particular, we are looking for work that highlights the struggles and triumphs of Bulk Rate No. 2: 50 copies/issue • $80 the working class. We will accept news articles and stories about organizing and protests, but we are also looking for short fi ction, poetry, and music/arts/theater/ Cover Art: Photgraph by David Hanks fi lm review. Please mark all letters to the editor as such and limit letters to 250 taken during the May Day rally in San words; articles should not exceed 2,500 words. Submit as e-mail attachments in Francisco. Microsoft Word .doc or .rtf format to [email protected], or by mail to: The Socialist, 339 Laff ayette St. Room 303, New York, NY 10012. The deadline is the fi rst of the month preceding each issue date.

The Socialist Fall 2006 3 Self-Determination or Assimilation: The Future of Chicanos, Mexicanos, and Our Party in the United States by Raul Cano

or those of us who remember the Chicano civil rights movement andF the Chicano struggle to carve out a place in this “nation,” the next phase presents some challenges. Th e generation at the core of the Chicano movement descended from immi- grants who arrived in U.S. in the early 20th Century, before the Treaty of Guadalupe, Mexico. Th e Chicanos were a post-WWII generation with renewed interest in their roots and cultural identity as a defense against rampant racism and discrimination. Although the move- ment identifi ed itself with the con- cept of Mexicanismo, it was strongly infl uenced by the cultural experiences that resulted from life in the United States. In essence, a Chicano was neither Photograph by David Hanks Mexican nor American, but someone Un Dia Sin Migrantes, San Fransisco. with a unique cultural identity. Th e objectives of many in the Chicano movement were self-determina- capitalist two-party system. On one So what are the roles of the Chicano tion and the internal colonization of hand, the new immigrants could pro- generation and our Party in this new the Southwest region of the United vide a voter block to increase political battle to secure the civil rights for over States, Aztlan, where Mexicans power. On the other, the immigrants 12 million immigrants? were the majority. could create a backlash of racism and A minority in the Chicano move- But the Chicano generation failed oppression. Th e immigration debate ment still supports the concept of to establish a legitimate alternative to also has implications for Chicanos self-determination. Th ey are the only the capitalist system. Recent elections who have benefi ted from serving as ones presenting options outside the show that the burgeoning Hispanic intermediary in the capitalist exploi- capitalist system. From a socialist middle class is more than willing to tation of the new immigrants. prospective, consistent with our own Party’s principles, self-determination support right-wing agendas. Th ey Th e new immigrants know little should be a choice we support. have voted--and will continue to vote- about the civil rights movement and -republican. Th e Democratic Party cannot immediately identify with Th e “American Way” is synonymous with capitalism. Cultural resistance maintains a slim majority among Chicanismo. Th e Mexicanos who live to assimilation provides an oppor- Mexicano/Chicano voters generally, in the U.S. as undocumented work- tunity to create a community that is based on the misguided notion that ers have a strong Mexican identity the party represents the interests of separate and anti-capitalist in nature. with nationalist ties to Mexico, and the poor. Th e Mexicano/Chicano communities all have a clear history as victims of Since the Chicano movement, the in the United States should cultivate imperialism, colonization, oppression, United States has had a new infl ux cultural resistance, capitalize on the and rampant racism. of immigrants that includes both positive aspects of their communi- Mexicanos and other Hispanics. Th e Other Hispanic groups have vary- ties, and work toward creating a soci- leadership of the Chicano movement ing nationalist and political feeling, ety free from capitalism, sexism, and and many older Mexicanos and His- usually based on perceived status homophobia. panics are watching the immigration (political vs. economic refugee), and Th e unifying factor for most His- debate with interest as they try to pro- there are distinct cultural diff erences panics, including Chicanos and Mexi- tect their perceived power within the among the various groups. canos, is the issue of labor rights and

4 The Socialist Fall 2006 their fair treatment as workers. Th e Communiqué from the Center of My Revolution Party should continue to work for the by Raul Cano radicalization of unions and all work- ers in and out of the United States. A guest worker program should be Desde el medio de nada opposed, and we should continue to stand against so called “free trade” Desde el Valle sin montañas agreements. Desde el río que un día fue bravo Given the recent level of activism among immigrant groups throughout From a place far from white history the United States, how will we share Urban mythology with them the possibilities and libera- tion of socialism as it has developed Starbuck politicos within our Party? Mochachino Marxist-Leninist Will new immigrants be impressed Fashionista revolutionary Strokites by Debs or Th omas? Will they under- stand the decades of racist policies that plagued both the left and the unions? ¡Gritamos: Revolución! It’s doubtful that new immigrants will relate to very much in our Party or in the pale left. So how do we help shape On the border between decadence and desperation this new phase of political reality? 1. We must declare anti-racism as Between the Dollar and the Peso a component of our struggle in equal Between the naked essence of brown skin in the summer heat standing with feminism and demo- cratic socialism. and the noxious sweetness of privilege 2. We must accept a future of mul- ticultural expression and an end to ¡Gritamos: Revolución! Euro-centric history. Th e concept of “American” is long dead and has no place in our socialist future. Hijos de Guevara y Flores Magón 3. We must encourage local and external support of anti-capitalist and De Narciso y su acordeón socialist movements trying to free De Zapata y Villa themselves from the stranglehold of world capitalism. De La Virgen Selena Anti-capitalism, in all its expres- Madres de la Maquila sions, should be central to our unity with others. International work with Padres del azadón radical political organizations should Hermanas de Chávez y Huerta be fruitful ground for open communi- cation with current and future immi- grants. ¡Gritamos: Revolución! Ultimately, the solution to the cur- rent crisis is in the hands of the mil- lions of people who have fi lled the La cruz y tres clavos streets in last few months. We should dermal altars to the Virgen recognize this as a legitimate grass- roots movement and should support eyebrows carefully penciled in perfect arches of resistance it in every way possible as a poten- Tongues that refuse to speak the broken English of compliance tial avenue for radicalization. In a national/global political environment Hands mangled but still able to raise the fi st that is shifting to the right, the need to present radical alternatives to capi- talism is that much more important.• ¡Gritamos: Revolución!

The Socialist Fall 2006 5 Un Dia Sin Migrantes a photo montage

Pro-immigrant groups around the country poured into the streets on May Day, 2006, for “A Day without Migrants” demonstrations and solidarity actions. Th e photos here are from May Day rallies and other protests.

In Bergen County, NJ, Residents Against Racism rally on May Day. Andrea Pason holds a Residents Against Racism banner with Greg Pason, National Secretary of SP-USA. A young woman protests at a May Day rally in San Francisco. Photo by David Hanks.

In San Diego, CA, the Friends of Day Laborers stage a protest outside the County Administration Building during a federal congressional hearing on immigration.

Bottom right: A man holds a sign that reads, “The people united will never be defeated” at a pro-immigrant rally in New Jersey.

6 The Socialist Fall 2006 Socialist Summer in well over $18 an hour. Th is $18 per We are currently developing a cam- This summer, the Socialist Party USA launched three activist campaigns. hour would actually put farmworkers paign tabling guide that may be down- Here, we provide a report on each. We above the 70th percentile of all Florida loaded from the SP-USA website. Th is encourage all Party members to join us workers. guide explains how to table, picket, and in these campaigns. At the June meeting of the National obtain materials for an anti-recruitment Committee of the Socialist Party USA action. in Milwaukee, the Socialist Party We held a workshop at the SP-USA endorsed the Alliance for Fair Food Organizing Conference, facilitated by Fair Food Campaign campaign. Th is fair food, not fast food, Ben Schwab with with skill-sharing by Steven Sears campaign is part of the Socialist Sum- from attendees. • mer activist campaigns. Th e co-conveners of this campaign are n the May Day edition of Th e Socialist, You can join the Fair Food campaign. Tina Phillips: [email protected]; we reported the current action Packets of information, which include a phone: (510) 304-7881, and Benjamin againstI McDonald’s by the Coalition DVD with several videos, are available Schwab: [email protected], of Immokalee Workers (CIW). On from the National Offi ce. You can also phone: (812) 360-8150. Please feel free contact me directly at [email protected]. Saturday, April 1, 2006--the fi fth to contact one of us with any questions, anniversary of the Taco Bell Boycott-- I admire many things about the CIW. comments, or suggestions. One is how they sum up things so sim- farmworkers, allies, and Socialist Party NOLA Campaign members converged on Chicago to ply. One of my favorites is: C + C = C. send McDonalds a message: no more Consciousness + Commitment = Change. by the Common Ground Collective sweatshops in the fi elds. Th e action is Join us in making a change in the also aimed at Chipotle, a quick-service fi elds of Florida.• esidents of the Lower 9th Ward Mexican food restaurant company that Steve Sears is the Chair of the SP-USA in NewNew OrleansOrleans have become is also part of the McDonald’s group. Alliance for Fair Food Campaign. increasinglyR concerned with the pro- Th e March in Chicago was a great suc- cess, or lack thereof, of the demolition cess. As a follow-up, CIW co-founder of properties since hurricane Katrina. Lucas Benitez spoke at the McDonalds Anti-Recruitment In any other New Orleans neighbor- Shareholder meeting. Th e CIW, SFA, Campaign hood, the ECC is required to have and their allies continue to do what a “Right of Entry” consent formed by Tina Phillips they do best, educate and agitate. But signed by the homeowner. McDonalds has not been quiet either. In the Lower 9th Ward, the City of Th eir long awaited study, Economic he Youth Commission of the New Orleans has planned to simply Impact: Tomatoes in Florida, was released Socialist Party has the honor of notify the 2,100 homeowners by pub- to what could be best describe as utter Tassisting with the Socialist Party’s Anti- lishing a list in the Times Picayune and disbelief. Th e study was prepared by Recruitment Campaign for Socialist the city’s website. the Center for Refl ections and Action Summer 2006. We would like to see you Th eTimes Picayune is a locallocal newspapernewspaper (CREA) and paid for by McDonald’s. become active in anti-recruitment activ- and is not accessible to the thousands of displaced residents scattered around the McDonald’s stands by this study and ities in your Locals and in your com- country, and the City of New Orleans’ may be the only party to do so. Professor munities. We are off ering assistance to website is frequently non-functioning. Bruce Nissen, Director of the Research Locals and individuals for getting out Residents feel this lack of process is a Institute on Social and Economic Pol- and active. We want to do everything we can to ensure that the anti-recruit- gross violation of their rights as prop- icy, Florida International University, erty owners. released a report that is critical of not ment campaign is a success. We have three goals for this campaign: Th e city and FEMA have told resi- only the study’s conclusions, but of the dents that they have had six months a national day of action, an opt-out drive methods and data used to reach those to return home and collect salvage- conclusions. He has been joined by over in high schools, and counter-recruit- able belongings from the wreckage 30 scholars from the fi elds of labor law ment tabling and picketing. and contact the city regarding demo- and labor relations, including a former In Locals where there is involvement lition of their property. From the res- General Counsel of the National Labor from high school and college students, ident’s perspective, the neighborhood Relations Board and the Dean of the we would also like to see an opt-out was completely sealed off by federal University of Maine School of Law. drive in high schools this fall. And security forces until December. Th ese Th e central fi nding in this report is fi nally, we encourage locals and indi- forces include the Homeland Security incredible. CREA concludes that farm- viduals to stage regular counter-recruit- Police and the National Guard, which workers working for “grower A” are not ment tabling and picketing at schools, have disallowed homeowners access poor, but earn an average of $14 an colleges, and universities where the Socialist Summer, continued on p. 8 hour with the highest earners pulling military has an active presence.

The Socialist Fall 2006 7 Socialist Summer, Continued from p. 7 Frank Zeidler’s Stubborn Integrity Book Review by Quinn Brisben to their properties for more than of him with his wife Agnes and the three months. Editor’s note: Frank Zeidler died on children walking near what is still In addition, the absolute lack of trans- September 7, 2006, at the age of 93. the family home with convincing parency regarding the City of New Th is book review was written prior to voters that he was not the Stalin- Orleans’ intentions for the neighbor- his death. ist villain that the opposition press hood and FEMA’s process has left many claimed him to be. Frank P. Zeidler, A Liberal in residents misinformed and confused. He was a socialist and had been City Government: My Experiences However, residents of the Lower 9th one since 1932. He met his wife as Mayor of Milwaukee, Milwau- Ward and Common Ground, which through Socialist Party activities, kee Publishers LLC, PO Box 14062, stands in solidarity with the commu- and he is still a Socialist at age 93. If nity, believe that the six months it has Milwaukee WI 53214, 2005, 202pp. there are socialists of longer stand- taken for FEMA, the Corp of Engi- $19.95 (paper), $35.95 (hardcover) ing, I have no doubt that Frank neers, and the ECC to coordinate their milwaukeepublishers.com process for debris removal constitutes Zeidler can tell you about every one gross negligence. of them. He is part of a tradition of his is not new writing. Th is We also assert that this negligence, Milwaukee Socialist mayors that account of Frank Zeidler’s which may stem from a myriad of issues, began with Emil Seidel and contin- including disorganization and the lack 1948T mayoral campaign, his daily ued with Daniel Hoan, whose long of political will, should not continue to attendance to his duties during the career ended in 1940 when he was slow the process for the clean-up of the next twelve years, and his heroic but defeated by an independent pro- neighborhood. ultimately futile struggle to keep gressive named Carl Zeidler, Frank While residents of the Lower 9th Ward his city from being dominated by Zeidler’s older brother. Th e brothers are concerned that their basic property irresponsible wealthy persons who were never enemies despite diff er- rights are being undermined, they are did not live there and had no inter- ences in political philosophy, and more concerned that if the demolitions est in its viability, was written in Carl Zeidler was a local hero who and debris removal do not occur soon, 1962, deposited among his papers had resigned his post to join the the burden of doing so will fall onto the in the Milwaukee Public Library, property owners themselves. Naval Reserve and who had been and is just now being published by killed when his ship was torpe- It is our understanding after conversa- his friends. It is a typically modest doed off South Africa. Th e people tions with the Corp of Engineers, that work. It barely mentions his work their contract is only until June and of Milwaukee were thus not afraid for a war memorial, a sports arena, then after that the cost of clean-up will of Socialists even at the height of become the burden of the homeowners. a new main public library, a new the Cold War and Frank Zeidler Many homeowners are not in a position museum, and a new stadium that had a name well-known locally, but fi nancially to assume this burden and brought major league baseball to this did not mean that there was a are afraid that the property will then be Milwaukee for the fi rst time. strong Milwaukee Socialist organi- seized by the City of New Orleans as a It does not mention his strong zation nor that victory was possible “blighted property,” causing owners to support of public schools, the park without a fairly broad coalition. lose all rights to their land. • system, and branch libraries, nor With the Socialist Party’s national his work for civil rights and decent decline in the 1930s, many Milwau- If you would like to help the housing that caused him to be vili- kee Socialists, like Andrew Biemi- residents of the Lower 9th Ward, fi ed by racist reactionaries. It does ller, later responsible for Medicare you may send a donation, payable not mention that Frank Zeidler legislation, had moved over to the spent much of his time during his to Common Ground, to: Democrats. Th e once powerful mayoral years working to promote Republican Progressives had eff ec- Sean White the United Nations and its Univer- tively disappeared after the senato- c/o Common Ground/ sal Declaration of Human Rights, rial defeat of Robert LaFollette, jr., Lower Ninth Ward Project nor his work for the Socialist Party by Joseph McCarthy in 1946. A 1415 Franklin Avenue nationally, nor his church work, coalition of progressive elements New Orleans, LA 70117 nor his exemplary fulfi llment of his called the Municipal Enterprise duties as a husband and the father of six children. He does credit a picture Zeidler, continued on p. 9

8 The Socialist Fall 2006 Zeidler, continued from p. 8

Committee, later the Public Enter- prise Committee which is still active in Milwaukee aff airs, backed Frank Zeidler in an open primary and in the run-off election against Henry Reuss, later a US Representative with a generally good record. Like many of Frank Zeidler’s one-time political opponents, he remained an admirer and supporter of his former rival. Frank Zeidler did not use his coali- tion to build a machine. “I made every eff ort to keep my campaign pledge to see that all appointments were based on merit. As a result, some of the appoint- ments went to individuals who had endorsed other candidates in this intense election but who had dem- onstrated their capacity to serve the public. Some of my own friends Frank Zeidler, 1912 - 2006: Chairperson Emeritus, Socialist Party USA; Socialist Party were dubious of such appointments. candidate for President 1976; Socialist Mayor of Milwaukee WI 1948-1960 My opponents expected I would take revenge. Revenge was a com- street is not paved it will become mon practice for those who won a political issue to be used against elections, but it was not a practice the party.” Frank Zeidler I would follow. Th e future problems Governing for the benefi t of the were almost always more important by Quinn Brisben people may win you three terms to me than past grievances ... “ against the opposition of big money He was, for as long as the most battered Frank Zeidler administered Mil- and the press, in the case of Hearst’s waukee honestly, effi ciently, and Milwaukee Sentinel a particularly Of us can recall, our oboe’s A, with a diff erence: vicious opposition press, but it will Plain and true, to which we could tune “At times in various cities of the not give you the funds or the self- nation, local government does not interested workers to build a per- Our actions, knowing that strong truth exist for the benefi t of the people, manent party machine in capitalist Was embodied in that frail, mild man but for the benefi t of the politi- America. Frank Zeidler is beloved cal clique in power … Under such in Milwaukee and a proud part of Who did so much for so long and conditions, improvement in the city the heritage of this country’s only Who sought nothing, not even the honor is not made because it ought to be left party to have a record of gov- We gave him freely; he just worked done or because it is good for the ernance as well as of advocacy, but people. It is done because the party even this most determined and For us, for everyone, for a world tireless worker I have ever known boss of the ruling clique thinks it is Not yet born and for pleasant sidewalks good for him and his followers. A could not change the basis of the street is not paved because it needs system. His twelve years of good And well-used parks paving. It is paved either because it government were not socialism, but, Right here and now. gives work to party henchmen, or unlike even the best eff orts of major because it gives work to a grafting party reformers, they moved consis- contractor who kicks back money tently in the direction of socialism into the party till, or because if the Zeidler, continued on p. 16

The Socialist Fall 2006 9 Fall Electoral Campaigns by Jeff Brindle

his summer members of the chapters. Th e dues we pay as mem- Socialist Party took to the bers enable our many activist cam- SP-USA Candidates streetsT across the country as part paigns, support the magazine you of campaigns supporting Fair are reading right now, and provide Florida: Atlee Yarrow is Food/Immigrant Workers, Anti- for a National Offi ce. All are wor- running for Governor. Recruitment, and New Orleans/ thy expenditures by our Party to be Georgia: Jonathan Post ran Ninth Ward Solidarity. Against sure. It comes as a surprise to a great for SGA President at Rein- such an exciting backdrop, it’s easy many members though that none of hardt College. to forget about all of our other their dues can go towards support- Oregon: Two Socialist Par- campaigns. As we move into fall, ing our Party’s electoral campaigns. ty candidates are running for the OR State House of Repre- the number of electoral campaigns Political parties, under federal law, sentatives. Charley Nims is run- are triple the number of our activist are nothing more than a collection of ning for State Representative of campaigns. ballot lines and bank accounts orga- the 42nd District, and Cliff Shaw While many of our members are nized for funding and nominating is running for State Representa- primarily activists, our growing slate candidates. As both a political party tive of the 44th District. Walt of candidates shows that the Social- and a membership-based activist Brown is running for the U.S. House of Representatives (3rd ist Party does not divorce electoral and educational organization, we District). politics from other strategies for are compelled by campaign fi nance basic change. We see activist and regulations to be two separate legal Massachusetts: EricEric Ches-Ches- ter is running for Congress in electoral campaigns, not as forks in entities under one umbrella. the 1st District. the road to a true socialist society, Th e Socialist National Committee Michigan: Matt Erard is but as complementary methods of is our Party’s general election fund, running for State Representa- eff ecting both political and cultural and the embodiment of our legal tive in the 53rd District while change in our society. status as a political party. It raises Jacob Woods aims for a seat on Th e Socialist Party is a multi-ten- private donations from individuals- the State Board of Education. dency organization. Some candi- -separate from their membership New Jersey: Greg Pason dates believe that socialism can be dues--then contributes that money is running again for U.S. Senate voted in. Others believe that elec- to Socialist candidates. It conducts while Tommy Silva contested toral campaigns serve an impor- its electoral activity through a Cam- the Mayoral race in Paterson. Willie Norwood is running as tant function in educating people paign Clearinghouse. While our Par- the Socialist Party candidate for about socialism and distinguishing ty’s National Commission controls Congress in the 2nd district. it from capitalist alternatives. All the SNC fund, the Clearinghouse Pennsylvania: Stanley our candidates however are fi ghting Coordinator runs the Clearinghouse Hetz is running for U.S. Sen- for progressive changes that point on a day-to-day basis. Th e Clear- ate while Gabriel Ross runs the way towards a socialist future, inghouse Coordinator has a similar Congress in the 12th District. and are doing so independent of relationship to party campaigns as Jeff Brindle is seeking the 26th the capitalist-controlled two-party the National Offi ce and National House District’s seat in the PA system. Th ese changes, as embodied Secretary has to Locals. General Assembly. in the Socialist Party’s platform, are Fundraising for the Socialist Vermont: Peter Diamond- fundamental and set us apart from National Committee is an impor- stone is running for U.S. Sen- ate while Jane Newton aims those in the Left who talk Socialist tant function, but not the only for the House of Represen- but vote Democrat. function, of the Campaign Clear- tatives. Mary Alice Herbert is Most people know the Socialist inghouse. Besides providing fi nan- running for Lieutenant Gover- Party USA as an organization in cial assistance to our candidates, the nor while Jerry Levy tries for which people join, pay dues, work Auditor of Accounts. on commissions and organize local Fall Campaigns, continued on p. 11

10 The Socialist Fall 2006 Fall Campaigns, continued from p. 10 National Secretary Runs for U.S. Senate by Gregory Pason

Campaign Clearinghouse works to provide our candidates with addi- tional resources to make their cam- paigns as eff ective as possible. Th e Campaign Clearinghouse maintains an email discussion list just for Socialist Party candidates to serve as a springboard for electoral action. Th e intent is to help fi rst time candidates connect with more experienced candidates and with the Clearinghouse Coordinator with the hope that this will facilitate the exchange of ideas and lead to the betterment of Socialist candidacies. Th e Campaign Clearinghouse provides each candidate, if they so desire, with free web space and an email forwarder at www.voteso- cialist.info. Th e Clearinghouse also off ers help creating and maintaining Editor’s note: Gregory Pason, the Today, in the United States, the gap a campaign website. Now none of National Secretary of the Socialist between the richest 10% and the rest our candidates will lack the ability Party USA, has been nominated as of us is growing. Billions of dollars are to reach people through the Inter- a Socialist Party candidate for U.S. being spent on imperialist interven- net, one of the few places left where Senate. Th is is his personal campaign tions across the globe to create new the playing fi eld is still level. statement. markets for U.S. corporate interests Th e Campaign Clearinghouse and thousands of working people are I am a 40-year-old husband and being killed and families destroyed. also works to get SP literature father to a 12-year-old son. I’m a in the hands of our candidates While the government--Republi- social justice activist, a former local cans and Democrats alike--speaks of so they can get it in the hands of union chair (NJ National Writers spreading democracy abroad, demo- voters. All of our Party pamphlets Union). I am currently active in local cratic structures in the United States can be downloaded individually labor actions, including the Alliance are eroding, and basic services are from the Campaign Clearing- for Fair Food and Industrial Work- being cut for the poor and working house and can be in obtained in ers of the World’s General Defense class. My campaign calls for: bulk through the Clearinghouse Committee, as well as in anti-racist 1. Immediate withdrawal from Iraq Coordinator. Th e Campaign organizations like Residents Against and Afghanistan and ending U.S. inter- Clearinghouse has also adapted Racism and Anti-Racist Action and vention abroad. other grassroots coalitions and projects. our Party’s A Lot of What’s Best 2. Slashing the military budget and investing that money on basic needs About America Is Socialist pam- As an activist, I understand that real change must come from below, like: phlet into a Socialist Values cam- from the community, from rank-n- • a socialized healthcare system paign pamphlet. All candidates fi le unionists, students, the poor and (including full reproductive health can request a customized version working class--groups that have lost care) of this pamphlet from the Clear- infl uence while big business, corpo- • free education from pre-K to post rations and special interests have been secondary Fall Campaigns, continued on p. 13 given full access to our “representatives.” Pason, continued on p. 12

The Socialist Fall 2006 11 Pason, continued from p. 11 A Radical Alternative in Vermont by Eric Chester and Mary-Alice Herbert

• alternative energy and ending our Bernie Sanders has become an tion” of Burlington. Much of the dependence on fossil fuels icon for progressives throughout lakefront went to big developers, • a guaranteed living wage and jobs the country. He has cultivated an who constructed luxury condomini- for all image as a courageous dissenter ums and tourist attractions. Welfare standing up to the entrenched pow- • fully funded mass transit, national rolls halved in Burlington, while ers. Th e reality is very diff erent. rail and national airline systems they doubled in outlying trailer park • housing for all, and a real commit- Th is November, as Sanders seeks to towns. As a result, a large section ment to ending homelessness enter the U.S. Senate, the voters of of the Vermont Democratic Party • national childcare, paid family Vermont will have a genuine alter- leave and at least 2 weeks paid vaca- native. became “Bernie Democrats,” and tion Peter Diamondstone has been these voters have supported him • creating a progressive tax system nominated as a candidate of both ever since. the Liberty Union Party and the 3. Ending the “War on Terror” and By this time, Sanders was an Socialist Party for the open U.S. ending immigrant detentions and up and coming politician on the harassment. Senate seat. Both Sanders and Dia- mondstone have been active in Ver- make. In 1984, he actively cam- 4. Empowering unions by repealing mont politics for more than thirty paigned for Walter Mondale as Taft-Hartly, the Hatch Act and “right years, but, starting at a similar point, the lesser of two evils. In every to work” laws and giving amnesty to they have traveled in very diff erent presidential campaign since then, all immigrant workers. directions. 5. Working to end racism, sexism, Sanders has endorsed the Demo- When Bernard Sanders was fi rst and homophobia. cratic candidate on the basis of elected to the U.S. Congress in 6. Abolishing the World Bank and lesser evil politics. 1990, Republican Senator Jim Jef- IMF and pro-capitalist agreements In 1990, Sanders was elected like NAFTA, GATT and the FTAA. fords summed things up. Th e elec- to the U.S. House of Representa- Th ere is absolutely no reason why tion results were about right because tives, appearing on the ballot as anyone should be without healthcare, Vermont was about one third an independent. He soon joined housing, a healthy environment or Republican, one third Democratic the Democratic Party caucus and other basic needs. We must end give- and one third Socialist. Unfortu- voted accordingly. If Vermonters aways to the rich and corporations nately, Sanders failed to meet these can be said to be almost unani- and build a society that is pro-people expectations. mous about anything, it is being not pro-profi t. During his early political career opposed to war. Sanders supported Th ere is absolutely no reason why in Vermont,as a candidate in the the economic blockade of Iraq that we should be invading countries Liberty Union Party from 1972 to killed hundreds of thousands of across the globe and making enemies 1976, and as an independent later in everywhere. We must end this policy women and children. He then sup- right now, withdraw troops and close the 1970s, Sanders referred to him- ported the military occupation of military bases overseas. self as a socialist.Since then, refer- Afganistan and Iraq. Sanders voted If we really want to improve people’s ences to his socialist politics have to fund the war in Iraq as recently lives, empower working-class people, become more and more infrequent. as last November. Finally, under and change our economic system, we In his latest incarnation, Sanders has overwhelming popular pressure, must break with the Democrats and become a pure and simple reformer, Sanders has declared his support Republicans and build a movement and not a very bold one at that. for a nebulously defi ned phased that stands for the rights of people, In 1981, Sanders was elected withdrawal of U.S. troops from not profi ts. Th e Socialist Party has mayor of Burlington as an inde- Iraq. He just voted for HR 282, led the way in the past, speaking up pendent. After his election, his sup- the Iran Support Act that orders for workers and immigrants rights, Bush to search Iran for WMDs. against war and for women’s equality. porters wore a popular t-shirt that Important issues will not be dis- proclaimed “Th e Peoples Republic Although Sanders still likes to cussed or debated without alterna- of Burlington.” Yet during his eight claim he is an independent, he tive voices. I hope to have your vote in years as mayor of Vermont’s largest is closely tied to the Democratic November. • city, Sanders began the “gentrifi ca- Party. Leading Democrats, includ-

12 The Socialist Fall 2006 Vermont, continued from p. 12 Fall Campaigns, continued from p. 11

ing Howard Dean, the chair of the leadership, its primary for the U.S. inghouse Coordinator, tailored Democratic National Committee, Senate has become hotly contest. specifi cally to their campaigns. have enthusiastically endorsed Concerned that the Democratic Many of our members are inter- him for the Senate. Sanders uses nominee would draw off enough ested in electoral action and want Democratic Party bigwigs to raise votes to allow the well-heeled to run for one offi ce or another but fund from the affl uent. Indeed, Republican to be elected by a simply don’t know where to start or Sanders acts to discourage any plurality, Sanders recently fi led exactly what they’d be getting into. break with mainstream politics, for the Democratic primary. He Qualifi cations and obligations dif- thus made explicit what has been rather than encouraging it. Some fer depending on where a member obvious for some time; Sanders months ago, he brokered a deal would be running, and the Clear- is a liberal Democratic politician who seeks to preempt any move inghouse Coordinator works with toward a truly independent poli- potential candidates to help them tics in Vermont. understand what they would need Peter Diamondstone helped to do. Th e Clearinghouse Coordi- [Diamondstone] found the Liberty Union Party in nator is there to act as an advisor 1970. As Sanders has opportunis- and assistant to any candidate who tically sidled into the corporate requests such help and to help pro- calls for the imme- mainstream, Diamondstone has vide them with the tools they need continued to organize as a radical, to make their campaigns as eff ective diate withdrawal in the electoral arena and on the as possible. • streets. He is one component of a Jeff Brindle is is the Campaign Coordinator slate of candidates jointly nomi- for the Socialist Party USA and is a mem- of all U.S. troops nated for the coming election by ber of the Fist and Rose Tendency. He is the Liberty Union Party and the seeking the 26th House District’s seat in Socialist Party. Diamondstone has the PA General Assembly. from Iraq and opposed the occupation of Iraq from the start. He calls for the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. For More Information Afghanistan. troops from Iraq and Afghani- To learn more about our stan. Diamondstone believes that the United States needs to drasti- growing slate of candidates, cally reduce its military spending, visit the Campaign Clear- and use the hundreds of billions inghouse at www.votesocial- of dollars thus saved for essential ist.info. If you would like to with the Vermont Democratic schools, hospitals, mass transit help our candidates out fi - Party under which he would dis- and low-cost housing. He remains nancially while you’re there, courage the Progressive Party, a committed democratic social- click on “Make a Donation” which he initiated while mayor, ist working to build a new society to contribute to the SNC. If from nominating any candidates through grass-roots activism. you would like to help the for statewide offi ce in 2006, and, Vermont’s voters will have a real Party with its electoral cam- in return, the Democratic lead- choice in November. It should be paigns, either as a candidate ership would actively discourage an interesting election. • or in some other way, email its politicians from fi ling for the Eric Chester ran for Congress in the Jeff Brindle at coordinator@ Democratic primary. Sanders had 1st District of MA. He is a member votesocialist.info. tried this ploy before, but this of the Grassroots Tendency. Mary- time it failed. In spite of the best Alice Herbert is running for Lt. eff orts of the Democratic Party’s Governor in Vermont.

The Socialist Fall 2006 13 Reacting to the Attack on Reproductive Rights By Tina Phillips

n March 7, 2006, South sought an abortion. I campaigned Proposition 85, so we are now gear- Dakota Governor Mike against Prop 73 and did outreach ing up for another campaign. RoundsO signed HR 1215, a law at my local university. Currently, 44 other states have that criminalizes abortion unless In talking with other women, I notifi cation or consent laws, which the procedure is necessary to save came to understand that without require consent of parents for the woman’s life. Th e law makes no safe and private access to abortion minors to obtain abortions. Most exception in cases of rape or incest. of these states allow for a judicial Th is is an obvious attempt to pro- bypass. However, many minors voke a court battle challenging Roe are too timid to tackle the legal v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Over the years, system. We need to work to end these restrictions for young women Court decision that legalized abor- anti-choice tion. Over the years, anti-choice because they are discriminatory, and because they can lead to the injury activists have employed an “erosion” activists have and death of young women. strategy, slowly stripping women of Bans on ‘partial birth’ their reproductive rights with the employed an abortions ultimate aim of overturning Roe v. Wade. Th e recent appointments of “erosion” strat- In 2003, the Partial Birth Abor- John Roberts and Sam Alito to the egy, slowly strip- tion Ban Act (the Act) was passed Supreme Court have anti-choice by U.S. congress. It was ruled activists hopeful that Roe v. Wade ping women of unconstitutional because it pro- will be reversed. vided no exceptions, even for the HR 1215 was scheduled to take their reproduc- health of the woman. However, eff ect on July 1, 2006, but on May tive rights with the Bush Administration wants 20, pro-choice activists in South the Supreme Court review the Act Dakota fi led a petition for a mea- the ultimate aim again, and the Supreme Court has sure on the November ballot that agreed. would repeal the law. Th eir measure of overturning “Partial birth abortion,” so named qualifi ed for the ballot and pre- Roe v. Wade. by the anti-choicers, is actually a vented the law from taking eff ect procedure called “intact dilation and evacuation.” Th is procedure is as scheduled. generally performed as a late-term Th e same activists are now hitting abortion in emergency situations. the streets to educate people about It is used only when the health of the ballot measure. Polls show that services, women are willing to fi nd the pregnant woman is in jeopardy. the majority of South Dakotans other, often dangerous methods Consequently, any ban is essen- oppose HR 1215, but now Ohio is for terminating an unwanted preg- tially useless, except as a political trying to pass a similar bill. Repro- nancy. maneuver. ductive rights are in danger in many Proposition 73 failed by a nar- Many states have tried to pass parts of the county. row margin, but it did fail. It was these bans as well, but most have Proposition 73 thwarted by the grassroots eff orts been struck down because they In late 2005, anti-choicers in of thousands of activists. It was a were too broad in scope and did California tried to deprive minors sweet victory that helped preserve not protect women’s health. How- of their right to privacy with Prop- the rights of women and youth. ever, each attempt helps build the osition 73. Proposition 73 would However, Proposition 73 is back. anti-choice movement, employing have required all abortion provid- It will appear on the November scare tactics to coerce people into ers to notify parents if a minor ballot in a slightly altered form as supporting anti-choice measures.

14 The Socialist Fall 2006 Reproductive, continued from p. 14

Hyde Amendment tions in his state, he said he did it to National Organization for Women Th e Hyde Amendment prevents protect the most vunerable of our (NOW) will not use militant tac- Medicaid from paying for abor- society, “unborn children.” How- tics to fi ght for reproductive rights tions for low-income women. ever, as socialists we believe that he of women. Th e Socialist Party has worked to does not have the power to choose Th ey are content with using the repeal the Hyde Amendment, and for women what they are to do with legal and legislative system, which we must continue. Women have their own bodies and lives. Th at can be slow, not always trust-worthy, died from back alley procedures choice is the woman’s alone. Social- and does not always work in pro- because they did not have access to ists believe in privacy for pregnant choice activists’ favor. Democrats safe abortion services. Women will women and do not believe that are content with keeping things continue dying from unsafe proce- judges and legislators should make as they are, instead of changing dures if these restrictions remain in moral, ethical, or health care deci- the social order that keeps women place. sions for women. oppressed--mainly that of the capi- Anti-choice activists support Judges and legislators attack talist system itself. Organizations a society that does not focus on reproductive rights, but the social like NARAL and NOW take on reducing unintended pregnancies. order creates the framework for the tactics of reform and forget that If they did, they would support such attacks. Th e capitalist system we are losing the war even if we win comprehensive sex education and is based on economic, political, small battles here and there. full access to reproductive health social, and sexual exploitation of Th e Socialist Party urges Ameri- women. Capitalism and patriarchy care for all women and girls. Th ey cans to be vigilant in defending the are intertwined. Th e rallying cry would also support making the reproductive rights of women. Th e of pro-choice activists seems to be “morning after” pill available over Socialist Party USA demands that “stop the religious and fundamen- the counter. women’s right to decide what to do talist right wing.” However, the with their own bodies be preserved Anti-choice activists don’t sup- Democratic Party and pro-choice and that the government protect port a social order that would sup- organizations such as the National women’s right to privacy. We also port women if they chose to have a Abortion and Reproductive Rights child--with free childcare, fi nancial Action League (NARAL) and the Reproductive, continues on p. 16 funding, or other resources they would need. Our society is set up to encourage abortions. In fact, the United States has the highest rate of abortions of any developed nation. As socialists we are working to stop abortions by supporting and working for a society that would support reproductive rights, health care, and education. We are also working toward a society that supports women who choose to have and raise children. As socialists we fi rmly believe that the best thing the government can do for women is to allow them to make their own decisions. When the governor of South Dakota signed the law to ban abor-

The Socialist Fall 2006 15 Reproductive, continued from p. 15 Zeidler, continued from p. 9

demand an end to patriarchy that United States that would not only and helped build the reputation of exists to remove women’s power to fullyully r restoreestore w women’somen’s r reproductiveeproductive socialism. Frank Zeidler does not make their own choices. rights and preserve them, but one call himself a Marxist because he Th e Socialist Party’s platform that would allow a fundamental shift has never believed in the histori- demands full support for every wom- to a democratic society based on cal inevitability of the socialist an’s right to choose when, if, and how compassion, empathy, and respect. triumph, and he has also insisted to have children, including the right We believe the fi ght for this new on the strictest democratic prin- to free abortion on demand at any society is on going and call people stage of pregnancy, without interfer- to join us in this struggle for justice ciples inside the party and out. ence or coercion. We demand clin- based on socialist feminist principles. He has also stood consistently for ics providing abortion services must We believe that we must get out in peace, against imperial aggres- have the full protection of the law. the streets and in our communi- sion, and against the abridgement We oppose any law that denies ties and organize for the society we of anyone’s civil liberties, even at women’s rights to choose, particularly deserve. low-income women, women of color, the height of the Cold War when and young women. We demand full So do not stand on the sidelines he was under personal attack. reproductive freedom for all women and watch as reproductive freedoms Frank Zeidler has never been are taken away from women. Act by removing all discriminating barri- an optimist about the state of his now and start organizing in your ers to reproductive rights and repro- own health or the future of his ductive health care. Th is is why I am community today. Use the principles a proud member of this party. of democratic socialism and socialist city or of the planet. His book Th e Socialist Party continues to feminism to frame your arguments. refl ects these qualities, but it can stand for something the democrats Th e threat of anti-choice activists is also give us hope and an example don’t: a social transformation in the real. How we respond is up to us. • to follow. •

Please Send Me More Information about SPUSA!

I would like more information about the Socialist Party USA. I am interested in joining the Socialist Party USA. Socialist Party USA I would like to subscribe to The Socialist Magazine. National Offi ce

Name 339 Lafayette St. Address Room 303 New York, NY 10012 City State Zip Phone: (212) 982-4586 Phone/e-mail [email protected] Please mail or e-mail your request to: www.sp-usa.org Socialist Party USA Subscription Rates 339 Lafayette St., No. 303 1-year individual • $10 New York, NY 10012 1-year institution • $25 Ph. (212) 982-4586 Bulk Rate No. 1: 25 copies/issue • $45 [email protected] Bulk Rate No. 2: 50 copies/issue • $80 Socialist Women Publication of the SocialistMujeres Party Women’s Commission Socialistas Fall/Winter 2006

Pictured Left to Right. Front Row Seated: Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott; Front Row Standing: Madame CJ Walker, Elizabeth Cady Stan- ton, Katherine Dexter McCormick, Harriet Tubman, Emma Goldman, Margaret Sanger; Second Row: Jane Addams, Dolores Huerta, Gloria Steinem, Rosa Parks, Carrie Chapman Catt Third Row: Oprah Winfrey, Wilma Mankiller, Fannie Lou Hamer, Betty Friedan In Th is Issue ... Speaking Out on Strong Enough To Be I will believe if… Socialist Feminism Ourselves By Daniel R. Conn p. 22 Stephanie Cholensky p.p. 1919 Andrea Pason p. 21

Feminist Values at Work in Dyke for Choice You and I a Fourth Grade Classroom Tina Phillips p. 23 Elizabeth Shea p. 21 Susan L. Triolo p. 20

Yes, It’s Fall Caring in Socialist Groups A Poem for Sue Elizabeth Shea p. 20 Ruth Greenberg-Edelstein p. 22 John C. Reiger p. 24 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Socialist Women Mujeres Socialistas Ron Patenaude responds: Publication of the Socialist Party am writing about Ron Patenaude’s Women’s Commission article, “Myths of the Nonprofi ts,” thatI appeared in the Summer 2006 don’t believe ALL nonprofi ts are EDITORIAL COLLECTIVE issue of Socialist Women. As an exec- Icorrupt or abuse the system, so Susan Dorazio • Ruth Greenberg- utive director of a nonprofi t organi- there is no need to “defend” those that “truly serve in the best interest Edelstein • Teresa Murphy • Tina zation, I feel compelled to respond of the community.” I commend those Phillips • Viji Sargis • Breck Guise to his generalizations and to defend those of us that truly serve in the individuals and those agencies. LAYOUT best interest of the community. Th at said, I do believe a large num- Diane Brand Mr. Patenaude makes a valid point ber of nonprofi ts abuse the system, about the nonprofi t sector: there is as evidenced by Congressional hear- Socialist Women welcomes articles, sometimes enormous pay disparity ings on the issue and my own expe- reviews, poetry, graphics, and letters. between management and direct riences. I agree with Ms Dreistadt Submissions should be no more than service staff . After reading his article, that increased corporate control, 750 words. one might assume that this is ram- and the proliferation, of nonprofi ts pant throughout the industry. Th is is contribute to abuse. But I disagree Send Correspondence to: not necessarily the case. Many orga- with her contention that many non- Socialist Women nizations, such as the one I work for, profi ts don’t engage in advocacy due 43 Taylor Hill Road have equitable pay ratios and off er to lack of knowledge of lobbying Montague, MA 01351 employees as much support as is rules. Th e problem is that the state e-mail: [email protected] possible within the constraint of a doesn’t monitor or enforce its own tight budget. Furthermore, he does legislation. Many nonprofi ts fl a- To join the Socialist Party Women’s not address some of the most criti- grantly violate lobbying laws, and Commission e-mail list, send a mes- cal issues facing the sector: increased sage to [email protected], yet are not penalized. with “subscribe” in the subject line. corporate control and imposed On the other hand, the activi- bureaucratization; a growing num- ties of unions are constantly being For more information about the So- ber of nonprofi t organizations which attacked, restricted, or scrutinized cialist Party USA, please write to: indicates increased personal control by the government. Th is anti-union Socialist Party USA along with a lack of cooperation and stance ends up pervading all work- 339 Lafayette St., Room 303 coordination of resources; and lack places, often resulting in nonprofi t New York, NY 10012 of knowledge about lobbying rules organizations using the same model Phone: (212) 982-4586 among nonprofi t leadership that (and the same union-busting attor- e-mail: [email protected] leads many organizations to abstain Web: www.sp-usa.org neys) as the for-profi ts for fi ghting from advocacy altogether. their workers’ right to unionize. I thank Mr. Patenaude for bring- The views expressed herein are those As for Guidestar, it is yet another ing attention to the nonprofi t sector of the authors and do not necessarily “nonprofi t” reaping profi ts off the refl ect those of the Socialist Party USA, and for pointing out that nonprof- the SP Women’s Commission, or So- system. While it succeeds as a busi- cialist Women Magazine. its are not arbitrarily exempt from ness, the scope of what it actually corporate tricks. I would also like Cover Art:Illustration by Breck Guise. to remind SW readers that detailed provides for “free” is extremely lim- B.Guise has written several articles for vari- ited, and often outdated. Th is points ous socialist publications. She lives in Tex- fi nancial information about IRS- as and works in radio. recognized nonprofi t organizations, to the fact that the nonprofi t report- including executive salaries, is avail- ing system itself is riddled with able online at www.guidestar.org a att problems, thus contributing to the no cost. Please check there before lack of accountability on the part of Printed by Saltus Press, a unionized printer. making a donation. nonprofi t agencies. Jessica R. Dreistadt Ron Patenaude Allentown, Pennsylvania Holyoke, Massachusetts

18 Socialist Women Fall/Winter 2006 Speaking Out on Socialist Feminism ABOUT THIS ISSUE by Stephanie Cholensky

f being a woman is not easy, being it, regardlessregardless of age,age, sex, race,race, or anyany Th e articles and poetry in this issue a radical woman is even harder. other labels that are used to divide are personal. It takes conviction and WithI all the things in the world those who should most be united. courage to write this way: to allow holding us back and shutting us up, We know that a better way is pos- opinions and analysis to fl ow from the least we can do is stick together sible and is our destiny, and that we experience, and to face the vulnera- and make our message clear. will fi ght for this world with every bility of this process. Th us, we thank If you wish to be a radical woman, breath and every action we take fully these writers not only for their femi- and I cannot stress this enough, you knowing that we will not live long nist perspective on a range of social, must remember that what makes enough to see the fruits of our labor. interpersonal, and organizational you radical is your thoughts, ideas, Our struggle is selfl ess and grueling, issues, but also for their willingness and way of looking at things. It’s not and our glory comes not in com- and ability to show us the deep, per- about the kind of music you listen memorative coins or monuments sonal impulse behind their world to, or what words are on the T-shirts of stone: true radicals are seldom view. Th is is what it will take for that you wear. It doesn’t matter who remembered this way. Our memori- each of us to fi nd security and mean- you hang out with, what color your als lie in the future. ing as individuals within a collective hair is, how you dress, or how many Th e world has always has been movement for radical social change: body modifi cations you have. To and will continue to be changed by to fi nd our way as socialist feminists, tell you the truth, the most radical men and woman like us: those who women I have been lucky enough cannot be placated by material gain encountering daily the devastating to know don’t have enough time on or glamorous leisure and security, eff ects of patriarchy, capitalism, and their hands to worry about a radi- unwilling to barter the things we imperialism on our own lives and on cal ‘look’ beyond where their own care about for temporary gains or those with whom we share our com- eccentricities and the selection at a lesser cause. Th e generations after munities and this planet. the local second hand stores. us will look back and wonder how More importantly, and the fact that humankind survived through times ABOUT THE COVER it’s even necessary to say this pains of such ignorance, oppression, and me: pornography and exploitation slavery; we look ahead and wonder are far from, if not the very opposite what their lives will be like without it. of, radical. Th ere is nothing radical To be a radical is to see through the about women being acclaimed as clutter of deception those in power voiceless sex objects, or about the use use to justify their wars, poverty, of a woman’s body for profi t, or as a hunger, unemployment, and other marketing tool, if not the object for needless vices of capitalism. sale itself. It concerns me when web- sites like www.suicidegirls.com make To love your country yet to know claims of being a mouthpiece for the truth of its viciousness and cor- radical women, when these women rupt authority: this is patriotism. To try to change these things for the In this drawing, a group of women are required to do erotic photo from diff erent eras and diff erent shoots in order to be considered one better, this is radical. backgrounds have come together. If of the “suicide girls.” Th ere is noth- I will not allow my mind to be you will notice, many of them are ing original about women gaining beaten into submission by fear or touching, either by proximity, by attention because of their bodies hatred. Th ough I may loose all that and not their minds; in fact, this is I have, everything I care about, and holding hands or by resting their something that radical women have while they may shatter my body hand on someone else’s shoulder.Th is been fi ghting against for centuries. and mind, my spirit will not be bro- is a reminder of two things. One, A radical notion would be as fol- ken. It is only in an unjust society the Socialist Feminist that you are lows: women should be treated just that standing up to a status quo of today would be impossible without as successful and powerful men are, tyranny, violence, and oppression is these women and two, whatever your that is, regardless of how they look. considered radical. To me, it is sim- struggle is, you are not alone. Th is What makes a person a radical ply human. is just a tiny representation of those has nothing to do with whether Stephaniephanie CholenskyCholensky is a studentstudent of chem-chem- who came before you. Th ose who they are male or female, because a istry at the University of Minnesota. She fought your fi ght and those you can radical believes in the immeasurable has been a member of the Socialist Party learn from. Th ese women fl ew in the value of all human life. A radical is and the Young People’s Socialist League face of challenge and they count on dedicated to humankind itself, all of since 2001. you to do the same. -B. Guise

Socialist Women Fall/Winter 2006 19 Feminist Values at Work in a Fourth Grade Classroom by Susan L. Triolo

here’s no end to the challenges pre- to state their side of the problem, while As a feminist educator, I have found sented in a 4th grade classroom. the other listens, and I try to clarify by my way of making the world a better AmongT these are a variety of behaviors re-stating, by asking questions. place through my work with children. that limit the abilities of the children As time goes by, my goal is for them to It has been amazing to me how young to relate to each other in positive ways, talk to each other without me. By mid- people struggle to understand their and that undermine the interests of the year, when a problem arises, my ques- world, and to fi nd their own way in it. I group as a whole. Over the 25 years that tion to the child is: “Have you already see my own role as a facilitator of their I’ve been teaching, I’ve found that one talked to him/her about this?” If not, I learning, and I get to have some fun of my best resources for helping the say “OK, you try fi rst. Th en come and get while doing so. children establish and maintain a sense me if you need help.” For a solution to be Susan L. Triolo is a long-time educa- of community, caring, and support for of use, it must come from the children. tor and community activist in Western everyone in the classroom is my femi- Teaching children to communicate Massachusetts. nist perspective. with, and be kind to, each other forms As a feminist, I believe in the impor- the foundation of a community of tance of peace, equality and coopera- learners. Children cannot learn when tion. I try to manifest these concepts in they are distracted by a hurtful com- Yes, It’s Fall my personal life, and build them into all ment or fear facing the bully at lunch- aspects of the curriculum. I begin each time. Once there are classroom systems year with games, songs and stories that in place, and we are learning how to use by Elizabeth start us on the path of getting to know them, we then have a greater possibility each other. “We’re all a Family under for academic success. one Sky” is one of the banners the chil- My expectations for girls’ academic Shea dren see when they enter my classroom. success is always in the forefront of my It’s a phrase that captures the concept thinking and planning. Generally speak- I just hate to see the leaves fall. ing, girls have more highly developed that “As a class, we rise or fall together.” It is as if they are once again a social skills, but some need encourage- (It’s also the title of a great song by Ruth perennial call. Pelham.) ment to reach for highly developed aca- demic skills. Yes it’s Fall. In the fi rst week of school, we develop As a feminist and anti-racism advo- our Class Constitution. Th is is the set cate, equality of opportunity has been Leaves are now fl uttering miserably, of rules the children think are impor- one of my motivations in becoming an a-whirling, a-whistling as the winds tant to have, so that everyone feels safe educator. I do see education as the great that have been at play blowing and exercising and able to do their best work. It is equalizer. I try to focus on everyone’s their fearless power, hour by hour signed by everyone, including me, and needs. I am always conscious to include day by day. then displayed on the wall. Th ese rules all students, and to expect that each child are stated positively as “Do’s”, such play an important part in our classroom Now, leaves lay all over the lands as, ALWAYS WALK IN SCHOOL family. In my classroom, much of the every which way. Some in heaps, instead of NO RUNNING. In this way, children’s learning time is spent work- children always get the positive message ing with a partner or in a small group. some in hands, some crumpled or of what they can do, instead of what they In this way, they learn to communicate crumbling away, and some lie alone can’t do. and to problem solve with both genders all fl attened out on the Earth, be as it is, Central to the way I incorporate femi- and with all ethnicities, and to move as Nature’s way. nist theory into maintaining peace and toward greater independence and self- cooperation is teaching children how suffi ciency. They are fi nished with their assigned task, to resolve their confl icts. We cannot Children need help to understand the as they worked hard for seasonal cleansing, live in a peaceful world if we cannot world around them. I like to bring the the air for all Earth’s creatures to share. learn to talk to each other reasonably real world into class as much as possible. and to listen with full attention. Th is We study political elections; we fund- Curled, splitting, fl attened out to dust ready process is learned, for children and for raised for Tsunami & Katrina victims; to return to the Earth again. adults, through modeling and practice. we have community guest speakers; we When a child comes to me with a prob- make connections between math and Yes they have left us with the nostalgic lem that involves another, the three of grocery shopping. African American incense us talk together and I facilitate their history and Women’s history come alive a lingering smell for the year just bloomed discussion. I will often hold each one’s when they are integrated all year, rather Just fl uttered away hand to make a sort of triangle, and act than just in February and March. Educa- as a go-between. Each child gets time tion without meaning is dull and boring. Yes it is Fall.

20 Socialist Women Fall/Winter 2006 Strong Enough To Be Ourselves by Andrea Pason

ecently, I read two things in a pendent it will somehow threaten bulletinbulletin onon Myspace.comMyspace.com thatthat our relationships with men. madeR me start thinking: Are women I believe society as a whole, cross- willing to change their identity and ing all class and race lines, has fi lled You and I ideas to suit a man? How much are our heads with this. Men are taught women judged by their partners? through peer pressure from fam- by Elizabeth Th e fi rst thing was a profi le of a ily, friends, every aspect of their life young woman who seemingly out being, that if they are not the ones of nowhere became White Power. to have “control” of the relation- Shea When I looked at her friend’s space ship including the “behavior” of the Do you! Remember the Hill? she still had a lot of S.H.A.R.P women they are with, they are less of (skinheads against racial prejudice) a man. Chances are if a woman does I remember the Hill. emblems from diff erent groups here challenge them, the relationship will and abroad on her site. I began to most likely not work out. It is a per- I can see it still, up there where one can wonder what would make someone petuating cycle. view, miles of change so drastically in a very short Th e second thing I thought about beauteous land and see down into the period of time. is how many times we as women are gigantic trees and craggy places where one fi nds, to see Th en in the same bulletin I saw judged through our male partners. exotic wild fl owers, there was a link to her new boy- Even within progressive groups, and discarded wood pieces from the friend, a WP skinhead. I thought people associate me with my hus- trees. “Wow. Is that what did it?” Th ere band. Th ey assume his opinions and were posts from surprised friends ideas speak for mine. People angered Yes! This is the Hill, and where we asking what happened. I wanted to by a point of view he has, automati- began. send her a message, but I knew it cally attach my name to it. But if I would open me up to a million mes- have a separate point of view, it goes Is it still not grand? sages from all her new friends. unnoticed, and certainly does not So many women change things refl ect on him. about themselves, including their Outside of progressive groups, views, to fi t in with their current when people know me without really thought loving and giving your child relationship. I have also talked knowing my husband, or for that care, security, and all the necessities with women who are dating some- matter if I even have one, the situ- to prepare them for life qualifi ed. Before you jump to judgment, this one and allow themselves to be ation is diff erent, but equally sexist. comment came from a black single treated in a way they would never Th ey tend to judge me as single. If I dad. accept from anyone else. But when am seen with my son, they assume I it came to their men, they made am a single mom. Th at goes for both When people hear that I’m mar- excuses, or just accepted the treat- men and women. It is hard to ques- ried, information that often comes ment as a given. In conversations tion strangers as to why they would up at work, their reaction is always with women, I would reverse what make that assumption, even more so surprise. Th en come the questions. Is they were telling me and ask them if the woman is a single mom herself. he like you? What does he think of “If a friend were treating me in I just nod my head and smile. What your tattoos? Does he like your hair? the manner you were describing I do on rare occasions is to engage I usually respond with “I don’t know. --someone who says they care-- them in conversation. When I say You can ask him when you meet would that be ok?” and the answer I am married, the surprise on their him.” I wonder what they are think- was always no. So the next question face is priceless. ing? “Jesus, who she could be married to?” I am all those things women are would be “If this is unacceptable if it I have had a person question the silently taught not to be. happened to me, why is it acceptable fact of my being a mom because I for you to be treated that way? Do did not look like one. I asked him Andrea Pason is a National Committee you think so little of yourself?” Th ere what a mom was supposed to look member of the SPUSA. She has a 12- seems to be a fear that if we are too like? What special requirements in year-old son named Trevor and has smart, too opinionated, too inde- his mind did I need? I explained I been married 18 years.

Socialist Women Fall/Winter 2006 21 Caring in Socialist Groups by Ruth Greenberg-Edelstein

he mutual helping and exchange ing all authority roles. People shared ditional acceptance and the wish to be that can take place between peo- their lives at work and at home, in control. Th is is especially evident pleT has been used as a primary ther- and the concept of the self as car- when personal needs and social pres- apeutic tool in treatment groups. It ing evolved into a basic characteristic sures confl ict. also has been the chief ingredient in of those belonging to the collective. History has shown that when a the women’s groups that fl ourished Indeed, such formats are operative group becomes malfunctional, for today in creative socialist groups where during the 1980s when women came whatever reason, it is often the backup a supportive environment is purposely role of nurturant activities, usually out of their isolation to share aspects created. carried out by women, that will hold of their oppression with each other. While mutual understanding can it together and provide the continuity Th ese groups formed the foundation be the main force that holds a social- of the second wave of the feminist ist group together, the emergence of needed while adaptive forces work to revolution, the fi rst wave having a wide range of political ideas and mend the situation. centered on the struggle for women beliefs can interfere with the devel- *Based on selected portions of my to attain the vote. opment of a mutual reciprocity and book on Th e Nurturance Phenomenon, In early civilizations and in the understanding between members. published 1986. ancient world, the Mother Goddess In fact, such developments can be Ruth Greenberg-Edelstein is a member of sources of confl ict and disharmony symbolized the critical need for con- which can threaten the very existence the Central New York Local of the Socialist tinued nurturance. Th is was often of the group. Most often confl icts Party USA and a member of the Editorial a way of countervailing the male develop between the desire for uncon- Collective of Socialist Women. dominance that prevailed. While female deities and oracles were important in Greece and Rome, the power structure remained in the I will believe if… hands of men most of whom had no By Daniel R. Conn patience with caring and supportive approaches. Th e ancient Hebrews emphasized an egalitarian exchange In response to recent evangelistic tactics with the deity. Some Christians I would like to simply let you know where I stand sought out the Mother Goddess in the cult of Mary, especially when You say if only I would believeth religious practices were highly criti- But I say to you, I will believe if… cal and punitive. In the sixteenth century, Th omas I will believe when you have a god who is not sexist More envisioned a commonwealth Why does God have to be a man anyway? society in which goods were divided among everyone. Th e underlying I will believe when you tell me your god is love and unifying motive was people Homophobia’s not love, is what I say working together helping and car- I will believe when your god is not used as a marketing toy ing about each other. Kropotkin saw the economical and social brother- How can giving you money relieve judgment day? hoods and sisterhoods that existed I will believe when your god promotes peace and never war in Europe during the sixteenth to Your religious wars have made our earth decay eighteenth centuries as attempts to reconstruct society on the basis of mutual aid and support. I have been promised a long life and good health In various parts of the modern I have been promised material and blessed wealth world, communes (such as the kib- I have been promised children and a wife butzim in Israel) have been places I have even been promised an eternal life where members have tried to put egalitarian socialism and self-man- But when you can promise me agement into practice by abolishing A world of equality and equity divisions between the rule and the Only then will I have an open ear ruled, establishing direct participa- tion in decision making, and rotat- For death is not something I fear

22 Socialist Women Fall/Winter 2006 Socialist-Feminist Dyke for Choice Candidate for Green by Tina Phillips Energy Isn’t it ironic by Mary-Alice Herbert That I am a dyke for choice? As a socialist candidate for Lieu- I’ll never know the burden of an unplanned pregnancy tenant Governor of Vermont on Because I can have sex without fear. the Liberty Union Party/Socialist Party-USA ticket, I’m using every “My body, my life, my right to decide.” opportunity to speak out against the re-licensing of the state’s aging I march none-the-less for the choice of others. Vermont-Yankee nuclear power Because my mom had to fl y to Mexico to get her abortion plant. As a feminist, I’m passionate Because maybe the teenager down the street won’t have that choice about working toward a sustainable green energy future for ourselves And maybe she’ll choose to self-induce and our children. Instead of a safe abortion she could have had. Since January, members of the If she had the choice. Brattleboro Local of the SP-USA have held a weekly Green Energy “Right-to-life, your name’s a lie, Vigil. Our signs are about VY You don’t care if women die!” becoming nuclear-free by 2012 and embracing conservation and renew- I speak up for women’s reproductive rights able energy. Th e positive responses we’ve gotten far out-number the Because the government has no right to decide. negative ones. Now, as a candidate, These right-wing crypto-fascists want to demonize I’m taking our message state-wide, My choice of lover just as they want to control countering industry claims that Women’s bodies in a myriad of ways. nuclear power plant emissions don’t create green-house gasses. I talk “Not the church, not the state, about the environmental devasta- tion caused by mining uranium, the Women must decide their fate!” pollution caused by refi ning and enriching it, and the uses our mili- I demonstrate because I love women. tary make of depleted uranium. I let Because the feminine is sacred them know that an accident at VT- Because the power of women has been taken away Yankee would not be just a local And it’s time to reclaim our power. disaster but would ruin Vermont’s entire economy by destroying our “If you don’t want an abortion, then don’t have one.” beautiful landscape and the purity of our agricultural products. I shout because coat hangers are for coats, not abortions. Vermont-Yankee came into being Because back alleys are for trash, not for abortions. by a one-vote majority in the Ver- Because butchers cut meat, not women. mont legislature. In 1972, it was Where desperation no longer causes rash decision making. built in Vernon, Vermont, beside the Connecticut River, directly “We won’t go back.” across from New Hampshire and a few miles north of the border with I table because they want to force us back into our kitchens Massachusetts. Activists who had struggled against it were somewhat Because they want to force us back into our closets comforted by the promise that it Because they want to force us back into bondage would be shut down in 2012. And they want to take away our human rights.

Green, continued on p. 24 Dyke, continued on p. 24

Socialist Women Fall/Winter 2006 23 Socialist Women Mujeres Socialistas Fall/Winter 2006 Green, continued from p. 23 Dyke, continued from p. 23

“Keep your laws off my body!” Both Democrats and Republicans have capitulated shamelessly to the Entergy Corporation of Missis- I stand in solidarity with my sisters sippi which was allowed to buy the Because I believe that America should live up to its promises plant from the state. Entergy made That we are free it clear from the beginning that it would apply for a 20% power up- That we are a live and let live society. rate and relicensing to the year That we can all believe whatever we want 2032. Intense lobbying, political As long as we do not force others to do what we believe. contributions, and corporate lar- gesse have rewarded Entergy. Th e state and federal agencies which “Free by birth, Woman by luck, Pro-choice by right.” protect the public have also com- promised shamefully. Because abortions have gone up 25 percent under the Bush presidency. In 2008, the Vermont legislature And our social safety set has been sent to Iraq and into rich people’s will vote on whether or not VT- pockets via tax cuts. Yankee should be relicensed for an additional 20 years. I’m working Because women no longer have a choice because hard to convince voters to take the It is harder and harder to raise a child in our society. kind of collective action that will Poverty caused by greed. compel politicians to vote against relicensing. Th e fate of Vermont- Yankee, and the safety of much of “What do we want? Choice not war! When do we want it? New England, could well hinge on Now even more. If you want justice raise up your fi st. a single vote! If you want choice, we must resist!”

Remembering I mobilize and organize because I have to. Rosie Jimenez Through one struggle for justice. Rosie Jiménez was one of All women, will liberate, themselves. the women who gave her life exercising her right to control We will have choices, her body. On October 3, 1977, We will have rights, this young woman from McAl- We will be free. len, Texas, died from complica- tions arising from a back-alley For a future of no unplanned pregnancies abortion. Ms Jiménez was un- For a future of sex without fear, guilt, or shame. willing to divert the money To a future of our dawning revolution. she had saved to continue her Sisterhood is still powerful. college education to pay the costs of a clinic abortion. She was the fi rst known victim of And this is what a feminist looks like. the Hyde Amendment. And this is what a dyke looks like.

24 Socialist Women Fall/Winter 2006