AUSTRALIA $1.50 · CANADA $1.50 · FRANCE 1.00 EURO · NEW ZEALAND $1.50 · UK £.50 · U.S. $1.00 INSIDE Book by Cuban 5 is powerful indictment of capitalist ‘justice’ — PAGE 6 A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF WORKING PEOPLE VOL. 80/NO. 19 MAY 16, 2016 Wis. May Day Strikers reject Verizon Workers need action protests offer, receive solidarity international law targeting ‘We’ll stay out one day longer, one day stronger!’ solidarity, not immigrants ‘Americanism’ BY ILONA GERSH The following statement was re- MILWAUKEE — A spirited march leased May 3 by Osborne Hart, So- and rally of more than 1,000 people cialist Workers Party candidate for here May 1, International Work- U.S. vice president. ers Day, demonstrated the self-con- fidence of immigrant workers and Republican presidential candidate youth who are leading a fight against Donald Trump says he’s going to anti-immigrant legislation in the “make America great again.” Demo- state. Many carried handmade signs cratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton and banners in English and Spanish, saying “Keep families together!” “We Socialist Workers Party are all Wisconsin!” “Enough of the migra [immigration cops]!” “Rights campaign statement for immigrants, NOW!” Buses came from Racine, Madison, says America is already great. and Green Bay. Voces de la Frontera Both want workers to think of our- (Voices from the Border), which orga- selves as “Americans,” and to view nized the protest, held a neighborhood Militant/Jane Harris working people across the globe as Unionists on strike against Verizon rally in Jersey City, New Jersey, April 29, rejecting tele- block party before the march with in- communications giant’s “last, best, final” concession-filled offer made the previous day. our enemies. We need to recognize formational tables, music, food, and ourselves as part of a worldwide poster-making. BY CANDACE WAGNER since the last Verizon walkout five working class with common interests There were small contingents of JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The East years ago, is making an impact across and a common enemy: capitalism. home care and nursing home workers Coast strike of 39,000 unionists the country. Clinton is for using U.S. military from the Service Employees Interna- against telecommunications giant Hundreds of members of the Com- might to defend American interests Continued on page 5 Verizon, the largest strike in the U.S. munications Workers of America and argues for more “robust” inter- and the International Brotherhood of vention than President Barack Obama. Electrical Workers rallied here April Trump claims to be the “peace” can- 29 to tell Verizon they weren’t accept- didate who will put America First by Socialist Workers Party joins ing the “last, best and final” offer the building up a strong military and let fights, gets on Colorado ballot Continued on page 4 Continued on page 9 Trump, Clinton debate best foreign policy to advance US imperialism BY SETH GALINSKY around the globe, and the use of mili- As Hillary Clinton heads toward tary might to enforce those interests. clinching the Democratic Party nomi- But New York Times columnist Mau- nation and Donald Trump the Repub- reen Dowd gets at some of their dif- lican nod, there has been increased ferences in an April 30 column, where discussion of their foreign policies. she wrote, “It’s Hillary the Hawk Both defend U.S. imperialist interests against Donald the Quasi-Dove.” Along similar lines the April 24 Times magazine featured the ar- ticle “How Hillary Clinton Became Deaths mount a Hawk” by Mark Landler, the pa- per’s White House correspondent. in Syria as US, He writes approvingly that Clinton Militant/Horace Kerr believes “that the calculated use of Socialist Workers Party vice-presidential candidate Osborne Hart, right, and Joel Britton Continued on page 8 talk with packinghouse worker outside Cargill plant in Fort Morgan, Colorado, April 29. Russian gov’ts BY MAGGIE TROWE ies of the Militant. The Fort Morgan Socialist Workers Party vice-pres- Times ran a front-page photo story on continue talks Inside idential candidate Osborne Hart and the plant-gate campaigning May 3. BY BRIAN WILLIAMS supporters filed papers in Denver The Colorado campaigners stopped Syria’s dictatorial regime of Bashar SWP brings internationalism to April 29, putting him and presiden- to warm up at a cafe frequented by al-Assad, reinforced by Russian air- Indiana plant closure protest 3 tial candidate Alyson Kennedy on the Somali workers, some of whom were strikes and Iranian-backed forces, Colorado ballot. Then they drove to fired by Cargill Dec. 23 after they has escalated attacks in parts of the Framed-up Quebec rail Fort Morgan in a snowstorm to talk walked off the job when the company northern city of Aleppo controlled workers gain union support 4 to workers at shift change at the big began refusing them prayer breaks. by anti-government groups. As civil- Cargill Meat Solutions plant there. “I was fired a week before the oth- ian casualties mount, the two-month Collapse of economic ‘miracle’ Seeing a sign inviting them to “Meet ers,” Abdi Ali told Hart. “I asked for a partial cease-fire cobbled together by at root of Brazil political crisis 7 Osborne Hart, Socialist Workers Par- break to pray and my supervisor said Washington and Moscow has virtu- –On the picket line, p. 5– ty candidate for vice president,” many no. I went anyway and was fired.” ally collapsed. workers driving out of the plant pulled Ali said he is getting unemployment The Russian and U.S. governments, Toronto Teamsters strike over to talk to him and take campaign compensation, but Cargill is appeal- through rounds of talks in Geneva, produce company for wages biographies. Thirty-four bought cop- Continued on page 3 Continued on page 9 Calif. cop to stand trial for killing Andrew Thomas BY ERIC SIMPSON him to carry the weapon. The judge will OROVILLE, Calif. — Former Para- hear arguments on this May 11. dise cop Patrick Feaster must stand Family members gathered outside trial for involuntary manslaughter in the the courthouse called on supporters to death of Andrew Thomas, Judge James “come out and make awareness that po- Reilley of the Butte County court ruled lice brutality is not OK.” April 22. Feaster has pleaded not guilty. Since his death “I feel like I’ve been He was fired in February. punched in the stomach,” Fran Tzugaris, Feaster shot Thomas, 26, as he at- 78, Thomas’ grandmother, told the Mili- tempted to climb out of his car, which tant. In a memorial fund appeal posted crashed while Feaster pursued him in on the Internet to help with funeral ex- a patrol car Nov. 26. Passenger Darien penses, Thomas’ sister Cassandra Roller Ehorn, 23, was thrown from the car and wrote, “I pray that justice is served not died at the scene. only for my brother but for there to be

The opening frame of the cop car’s a change and end to police brutality, an Militant/Carole Lesnick dashcam video was projected on the international problem that affects us all Relatives, friends and supporters of Andrew Thomas outside Butte County, California, court- courtroom wall. The video, which has as human beings.” house April 22. Protests led to charges and firing of cop Patrick Feaster, who killed Thomas. been widely seen on the Internet, shows Feaster approaching the overturned ve- hicle with his gun drawn and shooting Thomas through the neck. Feaster then U.S.-Philippine exercises heighten tensions with Beijing searches for his spent shell casing. BY EMMA JOHNSON challenged by the growing economic ing in the sea, turning reefs and islets The courtroom was filled with spec- U.S. warplanes operating out of Clark and military role of Beijing. into islands, and built runways that can tators. Thomas’ parents, grandmother, Air Base in the Philippines flew close Other governments in the region con- host the biggest Chinese aircraft, radar two of his sisters and an uncle were there, by the Scarborough Shoal three times in test the Chinese government’s claim to installations and ports. The U.S. Navy along with family friends and opponents late April, provoking protests from the the vast majority of the sea and its is- has conducted “freedom of navigation” of police brutality who had pressed for Chinese government. Both Beijing and lands. Washington is using these rival- military patrols close to Beijing’s newly Feaster to be fired and charged. Manila claim the grouping of reefs and ries to expand its military ties, from the built islands, leading to protests by Chi- “It’s public reaction that caused [Dis- rocks, which is located off the Philip- Philippines to India. nese officials. trict Attorney Michael] Ramsey to fight pine coast. Washington has just begun Under the new agreement, Wash- “China was the first country to dis- even this hard, which is not enough,” permanently stationing warplanes in the ington can build and operate facilities cover, name, develop and manage the Melissa Burnside, 28, who had been Philippines under a recent agreement at five Philippine military bases for at South China Sea islands,” Foreign Min- part of the protests, told the Militant. “If with the government in Manila. least 10 years, including on the western ister Wang Yi told a news conference the cops have gone rogue, who do you These are among the latest develop- island of Palawan, which has 270 miles in March. “History will prove who is a turn to? The outcry came after the dis- ments as Washington and Beijing jockey of coastline along the South China Sea. mere guest and who is a real host.” trict attorney wasn’t on our side.” for control of the South China Sea, one In the early 1990s, sustained protests by Beijing seized control of the Scar- During the hearing, defense attorney of the busiest commercial waterways. working people forced the Pentagon to borough Shoal four years ago after a Paul Goyette said he intends to file a Domination of the Pacific was one close its large bases in the Philippines. military standoff with the Philippine motion to dismiss a “gun enhancement” of the most cherished conquests of U.S. But for more than a decade the Philip- coast guard. The Philippine government to the involuntary manslaughter charge imperialism coming out of its bloody pine government has gradually allowed complained to a U.N.-organized arbitra- because Feaster’s police duties required victory in World War II. Today this is an expanded U.S. military presence. tion court, accusing Beijing of violating The two militaries have begun joint international law and of interfering with patrols of the seas, said Defense Secre- Filipino fishermen in the area. A ruling tary Ashton Carter April 14 in Manila, is expected in the coming months. on a visit that coincided with a 10-day Before visiting the Philippines, Carter U.S.-Philippine military drill. met with Indian officials for talks about Carter also visited the USS John increased military cooperation between Stennis, a nuclear-powered aircraft car- Washington and New Delhi, whose rul- rier, as it cruised through the South Chi- ers are also in growing competition with Solidarity with striking Verizon workers! na Sea. “We have been here for decade Beijing. The measures agreed to were upon decade,” he said. “What’s new is limited to logistics, sharing informa- Verizon, the telecommu- the context and tension that exists,” he tion and opening up each other’s mili- nications giant, wants to said, blaming Beijing. tary bases for refueling and restocking, contract out more work, Over the recent period the Chinese which the New York Times described as raise health costs, and as- government has carried out major dredg- “largely symbolic.”

sign workers to be out of Latin America, Caribbean: For one year town for extended periods. send $85 drawn on a U.S. bank to above The Militant address. Vol. 80/No. 19 The ‘Militant’ campaigns Africa, Asia, and the Middle East: For for the broadest solidarity Closing news date: May 4, 2016 one year send $85 drawn on a U.S. bank to possible in a fight that’s in CWA District 2-13 Editor: John Studer above address. Strikers and supporters picket outside Managing Editor: Naomi Craine Canada: For one year send Canadian $45 the interests of all workers! Verizon store in Philadelphia April 22. to the Militant, 7107 St. Denis #204, Mon- Editorial volunteers: Róger Calero, Seth treal, Quebec H2S 2S5. Galinsky, Emma Johnson, Jacob Perasso, United Kingdom: Send £26 for one year Gerardo Sánchez, Maggie Trowe, Brian by check or international money order SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Williams, Rebecca Williamson. made out to CL London, 2nd Floor, 83 Published weekly except for one week in Kingsland High St., Dalston, London, E8 January, one week in June, one week in 2PB, England. July, one week in August and one week in Republic of Ireland and Continental NEW READERS NAME September. Europe: Send £85 for one year by check or international money order made out to CL Business manager: Lea Sherman London at above address. q.$5 for 12 issues ADDRESS The Militant (ISSN 0026-3885), 306 W. France: Send 120 euros for one year to 37th Street, 13th floor, New York, NY Diffusion du Militant, BP 10130, 75723 RENEWAL CITY STATE ZIP 10018. Telephone: (212) 244-4899 Paris Cedex 15. Fax: (212) 244-4947 New Zealand: Send NZ$55 for one year E-mail: [email protected] to P.O. Box 3025, Auckland 1140, New q.$10 for 12 weeks PHONE E-MAIL Website: www.themilitant.com Zealand. Australia: Send A$70 for one year to P.O. Box Correspondence concerning subscriptions 164 Campsie, NSW 2194, Australia. q.$20 for 6 months UNION/SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION or changes of address should be addressed Pacific Islands: Send NZ$55 for one year to to the Militant, 306 W. 37th Street, 13th P.O. Box 3025, Auckland 1140, New Zealand. floor, New York, NY 10018. CLIP AND MAIL TO THE MILITANT, Submissions to the Militant may be pub- q.$35 for 1 year 306 W. 37TH ST., 13TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10018. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY. lished in the newspaper in print and digital format. By submitting, authors represent POSTMASTER: Send address changes to that their submissions are original and 12 weeks of the Militant outside the U.S.: Australia and the Pacific, A$10 • United the Militant, 306 W. 37th Street, 13th floor, consent to publication in this manner. New York, NY 10018. Kingdom, £3 • Canada, Can$7 • Caribbean and Latin America, US$10 • Continental Signed articles by contributors do not Europe, £10 • France, 8 euros • New Zealand, NZ$7 • All other areas, US$16 (Send SUBSCRIPTIONS: United States: For necessarily represent the Militant’s views. payment to addresses listed in business information box) one year send $35 to above address. These are expressed in editorials.

2 The Militant May 16, 2016 SWP brings internationalism SWP candidate meets fighters at May Day march to Indiana plant closure protest BY LAURA ANDERSON ica,” Brandon Terrill, a UAW member INDIANAPOLIS — Dan Fein, So- who works at the GM truck assembly cialist Workers Party candidate for plant in Fort Wayne, told Fein. U.S. Senate in Illinois, and supporters “There is an economic crisis wrack- brought an internationalist working- ing the capitalist world,” Fein said. “Un- class perspective to an April 29 rally of employment is a world problem, and all hundreds here protesting air conditioner workers need jobs. We are part of an in- manufacturer Carrier’s decision to move ternational working class. its plant to Mexico, making 1,400 work- “My party proposes the labor move- ers jobless. The rally was sponsored by ment fight for a government-funded the United Steelworkers union. mass public works program putting The theme of the rally, including millions to work at union scale building speeches by AFL-CIO President Rich- things workers need — housing, hospi- ard Trumka and Democratic presidential tals, infrastructure. That, along with or- candidate Bernie Sanders was “Make it ganizing solidarity with workers world- in America.” Sanders’ platform features wide as they fight for electrification, a section on “Keeping jobs in the U.S.” education, jobs and dignity, would unite Militant/Laura Anderson Republican candidate Donald Trump the working class — not divide it like MILWAUKEE — A Socialist Workers Party contingent including vice- has pledged to impose a 35 percent tar- the ‘Save American jobs’ slogan does.” presidential candidate Osborne Hart, right, joined more than 1,000 peo- iff on Carrier’s Mexican-made products. “I wish you good luck on your cam- ple here May 1 in the May Day March for Immigrant and Worker Rights. “They’re going to call me and say, ‘Mr. paign,” Terrill told Fein. He signed up (See article on front page.) President, Carrier has decided to stay in for a subscription to the Militant. “Demonstrations like today’s help break down divisions among workers that only help the bosses,” Hart told Tomás Medina, a flooring installer Indiana,” Trump told a crowd in India- “I think everyone in the world de- who helped bring a busload of workers and young people from Green napolis April 27. serves the right to take care of their fam- Bay. “We need to organize everyone, regardless of where they were born.” Fein’s position contrasts sharply with ilies,” warehouse worker Brian Hixon Medina agreed, telling Hart that previous mobilizations had pushed the capitalist politicians and union offi- told Fein. “Most of my co-workers are back one proposed anti-immigrant, anti-worker law. cials. “The Socialist Workers Party is in from Myanmar. We’re all in the same Campaigning with Hart, communists sold 10 Militant subscriptions and solidarity with the Carrier workers, but Teamsters union.” seven books as they engaged in discussion and debate with marchers. the nationalist, patriotic slogans raised “I agree with what you say about the “I never thought I would see these kind of books in this country!” said by the speakers here today are not the Democrats and Republicans being capi- Nieves Cordova, above left, a Mexican-born student at Lakeland College answer,” Fein told Helen Williams and talist parties,” he said, “but I want my in Green Bay, upon seeing the Socialist Workers Party table. Antoinette Jones, United Auto Workers vote to count. I’m voting for Bernie be- Cordova said that after she gave a talk in her class about socialism, some members who work on the General Mo- cause he has a chance to win.” students asked her, “Where are you from, Cuba?” tors assembly line in Kokomo. “Divide “The point isn’t to win an election, but She bought three books, got a subscription and took stacks of campaign and rule is the bosses trick to weaken the to build a revolutionary workers move- leaflets in English and Spanish. unions. We need international working- ment to take power from the capitalist — ILONA GERSH AND BETSY FARLEY class solidarity. All workers need jobs.” class,” Fein replied. “I agree with the international view,” Williams responded, and decided to subscribe to the Militant. “I am for bringing jobs back to Amer- Socialist Workers Party joins fights, gets on ballot Continued from front page people everywhere campaigners go. and social struggles, campaigning door ing payments to some workers. Syrian-born mechanic Nart Zakaria to door in large cities and small towns Spring subscription drive “If Cargill gets away with this here, liked the SWP’s call for Washington to and increasing the readership and sup- it has an effect beyond Colorado,” Hart get out of the Mideast. He subscribed to port for the party’s press. April 2 - May 17 (week 4) said. “Other bosses are watching what the Militant after talking to socialists at is happening here. Working people his door in Haskell, New Jersey, April Country Quota Sold % need to stand with you and fight this.” 30. Washington, Moscow and Tehran Militant Fighting Fund UNITED STATES Hart traveled to Milwaukee to join “just want to divide up the pie so each the May Day rally there, while Kennedy can dominate Syria and Iraq,” he said. April 2- May 17 (week 4) Lincoln* 17 16 94% marched with hundreds of thousands of When a neighbor told the campaign- Oakland 110 80 73% workers at the rally in Havana. ers about a nearby Verizon picket line, Country Quota Paid % Miami 50 34 68% SWP campaigners are introducing they stopped by to show their support. UNITED STATES many workers to the party’s revolution- Integrating the New Jersey ballot New York 220 148 67% Oakland $14,500 $8,936 62% ary program through efforts to put the drive into such activities, SWP teams Miami $3,000 $1,390 46% Chicago 125 84 67% party’s candidates on the ballot in Ten- have collected more than 1,000 signa- Lincoln* $240 $111 46% Philadelphia 90 59 66% nessee and New Jersey as well. tures, while winning many new readers Chicago $11,500 $5,192 45% Washington 115 70 61% “I am so excited reading these articles of the party’s paper and books. The bal- in the Militant,” Carolyn Kelley, a re- lot drive will wrap up May 8. New York $21,000 $8,635 41% Twin Cities 80 47 59% tired social worker, told SWP member “I came across an old issue of the Seattle $7,500 $3,065 41% Seattle 100 56 56% Rachele Fruit on the phone April 29. Militant in the prison dayroom here and Atlanta $10,000 $4,085 41% Atlanta 100 55 55% Fruit and others met Kelley going door found it quite informative,” a worker in- Washington $7,700 $3,084 40% Los Angeles 200 101 51% to door in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Fruit carcerated in Illinois since 1967 wrote. Los Angeles $8,600 $2,995 35% invited Kelley and her husband, a union “I wish to inquire whether you share Philadelphia $3,200 $930 29% Total U.S. 1207 750 62% electrician, to attend the Socialist Work- your ’zine with those of us confined to Twin Cities $3,500 $770 22% UNITED KINGDOM ers Party conference in Oberlin, Ohio, these gulags.” He received a reduced- June 16-18. “Now I have someone to rate subscription covered by the Militant U.S. Total $90,740 $39,193 43% Manchester 60 48 80% vote for, and we wish we could attend Prisoners’ Fund. This spring 14 workers CANADA London 75 57 76% the conference in Ohio,” she said. The behind bars have subscribed. Montreal $4,000 $3,200 80% Total U.K. 135 105 78% Kelleys agreed to be electors to help put Calgary $3,200 $1,877 59% the SWP on the ballot. Keep up progress on Militant fund Canada Total $7,200 $5,077 71% CANADA In four days the Socialist Workers At the end of the fourth week of the Calgary 45 32 71% Party team went to workers’ districts in six-week effort the Socialist Workers NEW ZEALAND $4,000 $1,501 38% Montreal 55 35 64% Chattanooga, Smyrna, Murfreesboro Party is leading to win 1,550 readers and and Cleveland, Tennessee. They met six $110,000 in contributions to the party UNITED KINGDOM Total Canada 100 67 67% potential electors and sold six Militant press, 1,009 subscriptions and $48,550 London $2,000 $1,040 52% AUSTRALIA 60 40 67% subscriptions and four books. have come in. We want to continue Manchester $700 $329 47% At a Verizon strike rally in Jersey City picking up the pace of contributions to U.K. Total $2,700 $1,369 51% NEW ZEALAND 50 33 66% April 29, 17 workers signed petitions to the Militant Fighting Fund, which is be- put the SWP on the ballot in New Jersey, hind schedule. Nearly $20,000 arrived AUSTRALIA $1,100 $1,020 93% PRISONERS 15 14 93% one bought a subscription to the Militant last week. Supporters in France pledged FRANCE $450 $390 87% and seven got single copies. The Social- $450 and have already collected $390. Total 1567 1009 65% Total $106,190 $48,550 44% ist Workers Party has been building Contact a Socialist Workers Party Should be 1550 1033 67% Should be $110,000 $73,333 67% support for the strike and discussing the branch near you (see list on page 8) to *Raised goal *Raised goal important stakes involved for working join in party-building activity at labor

The Militant May 16, 2016 3 Framed-up Quebec rail UK candidates debate gov’t anti-Muslim law workers gain union support BY MITCHEL ROSENBERG Workers United. “For the MMA, the AND JOHN STEELE accent was on profit, the bottom line,” The fight against the frame-up of Walsh said. “They ran their trains rail workers Tom Harding and Rich- with one-person crews, a badly wired ard Labrie in Quebec is gaining sup- backup safety system and instructions port. Messages of solidarity have not to use the automatic braking sys- recently been sent by Steelworkers tem which could have prevented the locals in the Philadelphia area and disaster.” Lincoln, Nebraska. Walsh also attended the convention Harding, a locomotive engineer, of Railroad Workers United, a U.S.- and Labrie, a train controller, are based inter-union group of rail activ- members of United Steelworkers ists, held in Chicago March 31-April 1. Local 1976. They, along with for- “Now is a critical time to draw to- mer Montreal, Maine and Atlantic gether support from union members Railway official Jean Demaitre, are and supporters of democratic rights,” charged by the Quebec Crown Pros- said Walsh in an address to the morn- ecutor with criminal negligence caus- ing session on the second day of the Militant/Ögmundur Jónsson ing death for the July 6, 2013, derail- gathering. LONDON — Jonathan Silberman, the Communist League candidate for ment and explosion of an oil train in Solidarity messages for the Tom mayor and assembly here, speaks at a debate organized by Muslim En- Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. If convicted Harding and Richard Labrie defense gagement and Development in Stamford Hill April 28. they could face life in prison. should be sent to their union, USW Suyfan Ismail from MEND, next to Silberman, asked for the assembly can- The train was operated by a one- 1976 / Section locale 1976, 2360 De didates’ views on the Prevent program. This government scheme encourages person crew — Harding — under Lasalle, Suite 202, Montreal, QC H1V individuals, and requires workers in schools and the health service, to report others they suspect of “extremist” views. The nearby Waltham Forest Coun- special dispensation provided by the 2L1. Email: [email protected]. Copies should be sent to: Thomas cil of Mosques boycotts Prevent as an anti-Muslim witch hunt. Canadian government for the rail The Green Party’s Samir Jeraj, third from right, said the Prevent program bosses. Walsh, 165 Rue Wellington N. Suite 310, Sherbrooke, QC Canada J1H 5B9. should be reviewed. Tim Allen of the Respect Party, second from right, The night of the explosion, Hard- called for it to be scrapped, while backing the cops shooting to kill as part Email: [email protected]. ing parked the train after his 12- of the government’s “counterterrorist” strategy. At right is Liberal Democrat Contributions can be sent in Can- hour shift, activated the locomotive Terry Stacy. air brakes, set hand brakes on seven ada to Syndicat des Métallos, 565, “Prevent targets Muslims and is aimed at turning working people into tanker cars, and left to get some sleep. boulevard Crémazie Est, bureau 5100, snitches, getting us to spy on one another. The Communist League op- A fire broke out that night on the en- Montreal, QC H2M 2V8. In the U.S. poses all government attacks on working people’s rights in the name of gine. Volunteer firefighters turned off send checks to Tom Harding Defense counterterrorism,” Silberman said. “The fight against attacks on Muslims the engine when they put it out. The Fund, First Niagara Bank, 25 McClel- should go hand in hand with the fight against Jew-hatred,” he added, re- company sent out a track manager, lan Drive, Nassau, NY 12123. ferring to the recent suspension of prominent Labour Party officials for who was not knowledgeable about anti-Semitism. locomotives and didn’t start another Joe Swanson in Lincoln, Nebraska, — PAUL DAVIES engine. This caused the air brakes to contributed to this article. bleed out and the train rolled down into Lac-Mégantic, crashed and ex- ploded, killing 47 people. “The Executive Board and Mem- Strikers reject Verizon offer, receive solidarity bership of USW Local 10-234, Oil Continued from front page ing report commented. “They gave us “We recognize why they are down- Refinery Workers in Trainer, Penn- company had presented the previous an insulting proposal on contracting sizing with the change in technology,” sylvania, would like to extend our day. out plant work that does not return Null said. “But they are so mean-spir- support and Solidarity in your battle Verizon workers from Massa- any contracted work to the bargaining ited. They track workers with a GPS. against Montreal, Maine and Atlantic chusetts to Virginia went on strike unit, but might possibly slow down If you come in a minute late they Railway,” said local president Jonas April 13 after 10 months of fruitless further contracting out in the future.” make you stand against the wall like Dauber in a letter sent to Steelwork- contract negotiations. Their previous Verizon proposes reducing disability you’re in elementary school.” ers Local 1976 in Montreal April 11, contract expired Aug. 1. benefits as well. along with a $500 contribution to the The company cut off health care ‘Bosses try to make unions look bad’ defense effort. “Too many times do benefits for strikers and their families Support for strike “What’s happening to us has been our brothers and sisters in the work- May 1. At the rally Tom Sterlacci, who happening to a lot of workers,” Rudy place have blame placed on them by Verizon, which made an operating pickets a Verizon work center in Se- Destin told the Militant at a Brooklyn Companies that cut spending, de- profit of $30 billion last year, over- caucus described the support the picket line May 2. “Motown was called crease manpower and increase work- nighted a letter from Executive Vice strikers receive. “All day people roll that because it was Motor City, the load. Those decisions have a great President Marc Reed outlining the down the window and say, ‘We’re heart of blue collar work. Now Michi- impact on the safety of workers, the company’s offer to every striking with you.’ They bring water and cof- gan has become a ‘right-to-work’ state community and the environment.” employee. fee. There’s been UPS drivers, a cou- and they want to do the same in New USW Local 10-1, which organizes “To Mr. Reed — it’s just your final ple of Walmart workers and county York. The bosses are trying to make workers at the Philadelphia Energy best offer if we take it, and we won’t garbage collectors.” the union into something bad — like Solutions refinery, also contributed take it!” IBEW Local 827 President Dawn Sickles and Liz Null had a drug cartel.” Workers driving past $500 to fight the frame-up. “It was Robert Speer told the rally, which been on the picket line in Manhat- honked in solidarity as pickets chant- the right thing to do,” Matt Tankele- erupted in cheering and chants of tan since 7 a.m. when this reporter ed, “Every job a union job!” and “New wicz, a crude distillation unit opera- “One day longer, one day stronger.” dropped by in the afternoon May 2. York is a union town!” tor there, told the Militant. “These Members of the painters union and “Usually we start the morning at a Verizon considers Washington, two guys are being scapegoated for a the Amalgamated Transit Union were hotel that is housing scabs. We’ve Maryland and Delaware one service systemic problem.” there to show their support. gotten the support of the hotel work- region, technician Lapreia Terry said From Lincoln, Nebraska, United Verizon’s latest offer upped the ers union, so many hotels have asked at a May 2 picket line at a wireless Steelworkers Local 286 President wage increase from 6.5 to 7.5 percent them to leave,” Sickles said. store in Washington, D.C. Previously, Hugh Bowen wrote, “All union mem- over three years. Reed’s letter claimed Many strikers say public support when workers accepted two-week as- bers, workers, and supporters of the raise “will be greater than the av- for them is strong because of the signments away from their worksta- democratic rights in the U.S., Canada erage increase in healthcare expense economic difficulties faced by most tion, Verizon footed the bill for lodg- and beyond have a stake in the fight over the life of the contract,” which workers. “People are upset,” Sickles ing. “Now they want us to go for 60 to defeat the efforts of the Canadian most strikers dispute. The company said. “They’re aware of the dispari- days at a time and pay our own lodg- government and railroad employers to also pledged that if the unions sign ties. They have kids at home in their ing,” she said. frame Harding and Labrie.” That local the agreement by May 20, demands 30s, living in the basement.” A National Day of Action May 5 sent $100 toward the defense efforts. for changes in involuntary temporary A central issue in the strike is the will include strike rallies and will ex- Harding’s attorney, Thomas Walsh, work assignments to another state and company’s demand to cap pensions pand picketing at Verizon Wireless spoke about the case to students at modifications in Sunday premium after 30 years of service and revise stores across the country with the help the University of Quebec in Montreal pay would be dropped. the calculations used to set lump sum of CWA districts and other unions. April 7, along with Fritz Edler, a re- “There was no movement on the retirement payments, Null said. The tired Amtrak engineer from Wash- closing of call centers” in the offer, company’s offer includes incentives Glova Scott in Washington, D.C., con- ington, D.C. who is active in Railroad an April 28 CWA District 1 bargain- for voluntary early retirement. tributed to this article.

4 The Militant May 16, 2016 ON THE PICKET LINE Maggie Trowe, Editor

Help the Militant cover labor struggles around the world! This column gives a voice to those engaged in battle and building solidarity today — including striking Verizon workers, Steelworkers opposing concessions, construction workers demanding safe conditions and workers fighting for $15 and a union. I invite those involved in workers’ battles to contact me at 306 W. 37th St., 13th Floor, New York, NY 10018; or (212) 244-4899; or themilitant@ mac.com. We’ll work together to ensure your story is told. — Maggie Trowe

Toronto Teamsters strike The Ontario Food Terminal is the produce company for wages largest wholesale fresh fruit and produce TORONTO — Twelve members of terminal in Canada. Over 5,000 busi- Teamsters Local 419 set up pickets at the nesses buy their produce here, including Ontario Food Terminal here at 1 a.m. two of the major supermarket chains. April 21, slowing down trucks trying Strikers said they are getting support to get into the terminal for delivery and from other terminal workers as well as pick up. The unionists unload trucks for many truckers and others driving in and Fresh Taste Produce, one of the many out. Trucks waiting to get into the mar- companies operating inside the termi- ket were backed up for blocks. nal. In their fight for a first contract the Local 419 announced May 3 the central issue is wages. While the cost of Fresh Taste workers had ratified their rent, food and fuel have gone up, they first collective agreement, ending the Militant/Susan Berman have not had a pay raise in 14 years, strike. Fresh Taste Produce workers, members of Teamsters Local 419, picket Ontario Food Terminal strikers told the Militant. Wages range — Susan Berman in Toronto April 21, slowing truck traffic, during strike for higher wages and first contract. from $14 to $17 per hour (US$11-$13.50). “The industry standard we’re trying to get is about $20 per hour [US$16],” Local 419 representative Ken Dean told May Day action protests law targeting immigrants the Militant April 24 in a phone inter- Continued from front page The February strike and protests and others,” Jordan Greene, a stu- view. tional Union and the United Food and helped block passage of Assembly dent at the University of Wisconsin in “One guy has worked here for 18 Commercial Workers calling for a $15 Bill 450, which would have withheld Madison, said at the May 1 protest. years and is earning $14.50,” striker minimum wage and union rights. funding from so-called sanctuary cit- Another side of the Milwaukee Lobsang Tenzin told the Militant. “I came here to support the fight ies and banned any local legislation march was support for two executive “We’re just fighting to be treated like of immigrants. We all need to stick that blocked government employees orders by President Barack Obama other people here.” Most of the strik- together,” home care worker Maggie from “cooperating with a federal im- that temporarily halt the deportations ers are Tibetans from India and Nepal. Ressalier, who was carrying an SEIU migration officer” or that prevented of some immigrant children without There are over 4,000 Tibetans living in Fight for $15 banner, told the Militant. cops from questioning anyone they papers who have grown up in the Toronto, many in Parkdale, a workers “A lot of immigrant workers get paid stop about their immigration status. United States and the undocumented district not far from the terminal. $7.25 an hour doing work that we get parents of children who are U.S. citi- “Most of the Tibetans are very newly paid more for.” Law denies ID to immigrant workers zens or permanent residents. Federal immigrated to Canada,” Karma Tsetan, The May Day action stands on the But Gov. Scott Walker signed Sen- courts have blocked the “deferred a worker at another company in the ter- shoulders of a Feb. 18 “Day Without ate Bill 533 April 25. That law blocks action” orders and the U.S. Supreme minal, told CBC News. “So for them to Latinos,” when some 20,000 people, county officials from issuing photo Court has agreed to review the case. get a job right away with no Canadian many waving American and Mexican identification to anyone who can’t Deferred action, “would help 5 mil- experience is really, really hard.” Many flags, protested in Madison against prove they are legal residents. This lion people, not specifically all the end up working at the terminal. two anti-immigrant and anti-worker makes it harder for a wide range of community,” Huelmely Jesus told bills in the Wisconsin state legisla- working people to get needed ID. Vil- Wisconsin Public Radio. “But at least ture. In an echo of the May 1, 2006, lages and cities would still be allowed it would benefit the children and some International Day protests that shut down factories and to issue IDs but the card would have families.” of Solidarity businesses across the United States to to say, “Not authorized for voting pur- “The Latino community is present protest anti-immigrant bills before the poses.” and we’re not going anywhere,” Ken- Freedom for U.S. Congress, workers at factories, “I’m against SB 533 because people nia Coronado, a youth organizer with Oscar López! warehouses, stores and dairy farms need state identification to do practi- Voces de la Frontera, told the Mili- across Wisconsin skipped work that Puerto Rican independence fighter cally anything, including immigrants, tant. “We’re a strong labor force in day. imprisoned in US nearly 35 years former prisoners, homeless people this community.” Mon., June 20, 4-6 pm New York City 25, 50, AND 75 YEARS AGO 1st Ave and East 47th St. For more info: [email protected]

May 17, 1991 May 16, 1966 May 17, 1941 COTTAGEVILLE, West Virginia — HAYNEVILLE, Ala. — Nearly 900 John Maynard Keynes, advisor to the MILITANT Chanting “Liberate Ravenswood,” and members of the Lowndes County Free- Bank of England, gave some tips to the “Union, union,” 5,000 members and dom Organization (known as the Black American government on how to extort LABOR supporters of United Steelworkers of Panther party) attended a mass meeting more funds from the American workers America Local 5668 rallied here April here on May 3 to nominate a full slate of to finance the war. FORUMS 28, four miles from Ravenswood Alu- candidates for county offices. The spirit Keynes offered the example of the minum Corporation (RAC). The 1,700 of the meeting was reflected in the com- British government’s present methods, CALIFORNIA Steelworkers at RAC have been locked ment of one Lowndes woman: “We’re in a statement to the American press Oakland out for six months. making history today.” upon his arrival in New York, May 8, on The Worldwide Economic Crisis and the 2016 Elections — Why a Struggle for Groups of union hospital workers, Holding such a meeting is one of the the Atlantic Clipper. Workers Power Is Necessary. Speaker: postal workers, garment workers, rail ways a new party can win a place on the Keynes explained that beginning this Betsey Stone, Socialist Workers Party. workers, and Steelworkers from many ballot in Alabama. But one of the major year the collection of income taxes from Fri., May 13, 7:30 p.m. 675 Hegenberger Road, Suite 250. Tel.: (510) 686-1351. locals and several states were visible in battles for recognition of the new party the British workers would be accom- the crowd. Arriving cars and buses were was fought and won during the pre- plished by deducting the taxes at their greeted by Local 5668 members with ceding week. County officials refused source — by the employer from their UNITED KINGDOM buttons commemorating “The Battle to allow the meeting to be held on the pay. Manchester of Fort RAC.” This refers to the barbed courthouse lawn as scheduled. The de- This, the British government thinks, The Fight Against Jew-Hatred; the Stakes for the Working Class. Sat., May wire fences, video cameras, armed se- termination of the people of Lowndes will be a more “acceptable” method of 14, 6:30 p.m. Donation: £2.50. Room 301, curity guards, and federal marshals prevented this attempted denial of their tax collections, on the theory as Keynes 26-28 Hilton House, Hilton Street. Tel.: brought to Ravenswood by the company rights by the racist officials from suc- stated, that “what you don’t have you (016) 1478-2496. and the courts. ceeding. won’t miss.”

The Militant May 16, 2016 5 Book by Cuban 5 is powerful indictment of capitalist ‘justice’

The Cuban Five Talk About Their ers and the support they received in re- Lives Within the US Working Class: turn. And, above all, it gives a picture of “It’s the Poor Who Face the Savagery the values and human character that are of the US ‘Justice’ System. 135 pages. the product of the Cuban Revolution. Pathfinder Press, 2016. All of the Cuban Five — Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Anto- BY BETSEY STONE nio Guerrero, Fernando González and OAKLAND, Calif. — “The book René González — became revolutionar- was awesome! Truly enlightening and ies growing up in Cuba, where workers inspiring how the five Cubans were able and peasants overthrew capitalist rule in to turn prison into a learning experience 1959 in a massive movement based on and come out stronger!” Watani Stiner, a solidarity and internationalism. They were framed up by the FBI in September 1998 for working to moni- IN REVIEW tor counterrevolutionary Cuban groups Raúl Castro gives Hero of Republic awards to, from left, Gerardo Hernández, Ramón in Florida to prevent violent attacks on Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González and René González, Feb. 24, 2015. New book gives picture of values and human character that are product of Cuban Revolution. fighter for Black rights who was framed Cuba. From that moment until Decem- up in the 1960s and recently released ber 2014, when the last three were freed, of liberation struggles in Africa, they you don’t understand this,” he said, you from San Quentin, told me after reading the Five were subjected to many of the would ask, “Were you part of that?” won’t understand “why the police act the The Cuban Five Talk About Their Lives cruelties they describe in the book. When he told them he had fought in An- way they did in Ferguson, Missouri, [in Within the US Working Class. gola against the South African apartheid 2014]. Why there is no solution within The book, an interview by Social- A ‘microcosm’ of capitalist society regime — as did Fernando González that system.” ist Workers Party leaders Mary-Alice The U.S. prisons are a “microcosm” and René González — they offered sup- The book includes some 40 photos. Waters and Róger Calero with five revo- of the dog-eat-dog system of capital- port. It highlights facts showing the scope of lutionaries who spent 16 years in pris- ism, Hernández says in the interview. Labañino says when he received the mass incarceration in the U.S., and ex- ons in the United States, is a powerful A place that fosters violence, gangs and book Cuba and Angola, it caused a sen- plains why the Cuban government op- indictment of mass incarceration in the racism, where “the road to rehabilitation sation. Many prisoners “didn’t know poses the death penalty, and why life U.S. As Stiner points out, it’s a book does not exist.” Cuban volunteers had been in Angola sentences there are rare. The Cuban about resistance, including the solidarity “The American system of justice” is for sixteen years, defending its sover- Revolution has been “inspired always the Five extended to their fellow prison- “used by the US government to enable eignty against South Africa. The system by a spirit of justice and not vengeance,” a powerful minority to control of disinformation in the United States says President Raúl Castro. a vast majority,” Labañino says. erases history,” he said. “Books by Mal- In the conduct of the Cuban Five, “A person who is poor — Black, colm X flew out of my hands.” readers will find lessons of value for any Latino, Native American, white working-class fighter — examples of — faces the enormous sav- What’s possible with a revolution their courage, humor, dignity and disci- agery of what’s called Ameri- In one chapter, the Five talk about Cu- pline, of how they held onto and shared can justice. It serves above all bans they got to know in U.S. jails, some their ideas while respecting the views of to sustain a system that has no who had also spent time behind bars in those who disagreed. solution for the poor, present or Cuba. There are less material resources Despite being separated for so many future.” in Cuba, but prisoners there have access years in different prisons, each acted The Five do not gloss over to education, conjugal visits, passes to in the same manner, leading a world- what Labañino calls the “bru- be with family, and women inmates can wide struggle to win their freedom and tal mentality” of many of those stay with their newborn babies. emerging from prison stronger. How they lived with, a product of the “I was inspired by what the Cuban was this possible? It was the Cuban Rev- values that permeate capitalist Five say about incarceration in Cuba,” olution itself, the political consciousness society as a whole. But the book Anita Wills told me. She is a fighter and values they learned growing up. is filled with examples of acts of against police killings whose son is in “To spend seventeen months in the solidarity, help and respect the prison. “Prisons there are not about de- hole and sixteen years in prison and cre- Five extended to their fellow humanizing people. It shows what’s pos- ate paintings that don’t contain a shred prisoners and the respect and sible with a revolution.” of hatred ... that’s a product of the way support they received in return. “In Cuba a prisoner is another hu- we were educated as revolutionaries,” Courtesy of Ramón Labañino Labañino, top right, with other Cubans at Georgia Hernández said when Af- man being,” Labañino said. In the U.S. Guerrero says in a talk to students at the federal prison, July 2011. Book is filled with acts of rican-American prisoners prisoners are treated as the enemy, just science and engineering university in solidarity the Five extended, and received in return. learned about Cuba’s support as the cops see people as the enemy. “If Havana reprinted in the book. “Nothing that happened is about us as individuals,” he told the students. “The standing we gained represents the resis- tance of our people.” SPECIAL BOOK OFFERS FOR MILITANT SUBSCRIBERS Their revolutionary convictions were strengthened by what they learned from Malcolm X, Black Liberation, prisoners from El Salvador, Mexico The Cuban Five Talk About Their Lives and the Road to Workers Power and other countries about what workers Within the US Working Class JACK BARNES face today with the deepening capitalist “It’s the poor who face the savagery of the US ‘justice’ system” $15 (regular $20) economic crisis, a crisis that has helped GERARDO HERNÁNDEZ, RAMÓN LABAÑINO, ANTONIO GUERRERO, Also in French, Spanish spawn a growth in the drug trade, vio- RENÉ GONZÁLEZ, FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ lence and repression. Five Cuban revolutionaries, framed up by the U.S. government, spent up “We came to know the problems of to 16 years as part of the U.S. working class behind bars. In this 2015 inter- NEW many places around the world,” Hernán- view they talk about U.S. capitalist society and its “justice” system, and dez said. Thanks to “the empire’s pub- about the future of the Cuban Revolution. licity machine,” some people think $10 (regular $15) Also in Spanish “capitalism is a house with two cars and a swimming pool. That Haiti isn’t capi- talism. Central America isn’t capitalism. Is Socialist Revolution Women in Cuba: The poor neighborhoods of the United in the U.S. Possible? The Making of a Revolution States aren’t capitalism. Capitalism is MARY-ALICE WATERS Within the Revolution whatever it suits them to show!” $4 (regular $7) Also in French, Spanish VILMA ESPÍN, ASELA DE LOS SANTOS, YOLANDA FERRER 50 Years of Covert Operations The actions of these five representa- $15 (regular $20) Also in Spanish in the US tives of the Cuban Revolution — before, Cuba and the Coming Washington’s Political Police American Revolution Teamster Politics and the American Working Class during and after their time within the JACK BARNES FARRELL DOBBS LARRY SEIGLE, STEVE CLARK, FARRELL DOBBS U.S. working class — offer proof that $7 (regular $10) Also in French, Spanish $14 (regular $19) Also in Spanish $8 (regular $12) Also in Spanish it’s possible to build a world where bru- talities they describe will not exist. IF YOU SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW, THESE SPECIAL OFFERS ARE FOR YOU. CONTACT THE SOCIALIST WORKERS PARTY OR COMMUNIST LEAGUE BRANCHES LISTED ON PAGE 8.

6 The Militant May 16, 2016 Collapse of economic ‘miracle’ Millions rally in Cuba on May Day to defend revolution at root of Brazil political crisis

BY SETH GALINSKY ment also handed out loans for buying The Brazilian economic “miracle” homes, at the same time that it made has collapsed and along with it the repossession for nonpayment easier. myth that Brazil was going to be the next Japan. That’s what lies behind Prosperity harsh for workers the political crisis there. Even in the midst of the commod- Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies voted ity boom, conditions were harsh for 367 to 137 in favor of the impeach- the working class. Many earn less ment of President Dilma Rousseff than the official minimum wage of April 17. If the Senate votes to open about $300 a month and more than proceedings, Rousseff will have to 11 million live in favelas that often step down for up to 180 days until her lack basic services. And despite high trial is over. A two-thirds majority is prices for oil and foreign currency re- needed to remove her from office. serves of $370 billion, little was done Rousseff is accused, not of fill- to build needed infrastructure. China ing her personal bank account, but has 32 times as many miles of paved of transferring $11 billion from state roads per square mile as Brazil. Militant/Róger Calero banks to mask a budget deficit, in In 2013 more than a million people HAVANA — Millions of Cuban workers and youth celebrated May Day — order to fund welfare programs that took to the streets across the country International Workers Day — taking part in rallies and marches across the is- helped bolster the Workers Party in to oppose fare hikes on public trans- land. “Every year this event becomes a powerful demonstration of our people’s the 2014 elections. portation. support to the economic and social system we chose as a sovereign, indepen- dent, socialist nation,” said Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, general secretary Nearly two-thirds of the deputies Many were incensed that $14 billion of the Central Organization of Cuban Workers (CTC), before the march here are themselves facing corruption was being spent on the 2014 World Cup stepped off at the Plaza of the Revolution. Among the 600,000 marching were soccer games, while health care and charges. Among those under inves- solidarity delegations from around the world, including numerous trade union tigation are two leaders of the im- infrastructure deteriorated. Protesters representatives and a group of mothers and relatives of victims of police killings peachment campaign: Vice president carried signs that said, “If my child in the United States, some of whom have been waging the fight against police Michel Temer and Eduardo Cunha, gets sick, I can’t take him to a stadium” brutality for many years. speaker of the Chamber. The two and chanted, “Lower the fare, charge it “The Cuban People will triumph” read the large banner at the head of the belong to the Brazilian Democratic to FIFA’s account” referring to world march, dedicated this year to workers in education. “With the strength of the Movement, which broke its alliance soccer’s governing body. working class in power,” said Guilarte, “we can assure you that we will raise the with the Workers Party in March. banners against injustice, inequality, underdevelopment, and discrimination.” Rousseff charges that the moves are Trade with China plummets — RÓGER CALERO AND JACOB PERASSO a “coup.” A year later the bottom dropped The crisis has little to do with cor- out of the capitalist commodity mar- ruption, always a feature of bourgeois ket and trade with China plummeted, to older, middle-class professionals” other parties in the last several weeks. politics in Brazil. It has everything as did the price of oil. Containerized on both sides. Working people, who The Summer Olympics that will to do with the worldwide capitalist exports from China to Brazil fell 60 had been the most enthusiastic sup- soon take place in Brazil, at first a economic contraction and the exhaus- percent in January compared to a year porters of the Workers Party, have symbol of Brazilian capital’s rising tion of the political perspective of the before. mostly stayed away from both the influence, is becoming a sign of its Workers Party — which has governed Like other semicolonial nations pro- and anti-impeachment protests. decline. On April 21, an elevated bike since 2003 — that permanent im- battered by the trade and produc- “We had such high hopes for path built for the Olympics collapsed provement could be won for working tion crisis, Brazil’s economy shrank. Dilma, but her government turned out in Rio de Janeiro, killing two. people if “left” parties took the reins Gross domestic product declined 3.8 be just like the others — corrupt as “It’s really a lot of money that could of capitalist governments across Latin percent in 2015. criminals,” Valdenor Soares da Silva, have been invested in health care or America. The moves to impeach Rousseff an ice cream vendor, told the Times in schools, rather than spent on some In 2010 Brazil’s gross domes- have sparked heated debates across Brasília. big project that falls down after four tic product — the seventh largest Brazil. But according to the New York At least 135 mayors elected on the months,” restaurant worker Edino in the world — was growing three Times, “much of the fury is confined Workers Party ticket have defected to Feitosa da Silva, told the Journal. times faster than the United States. Increasing trade with China fueled a boom for Brazil’s exports, which included oil, soybeans and beef. DC event: Solidarity needed to lift US embargo of Cuba Chinese demand for construction ma- BY VED DOOKHUN He also denounced Washington’s Tobias Kriele, which highlights the Cu- terials pushed iron-ore prices from WASHINGTON — “The blockade Cuban Medical Professional Parole ban medical system and the horizons it $19 a ton in 2000 to $126 in 2011 and is still in place,” José Ramón Cabañas, Program as “immoral and a form of opens for those with physical or other China replaced the U.S. as Brazil’s Cuban ambassador to the U.S., told a slavery.” Over the last decade, U.S. im- limitations. Jérez is touring the United largest trading partner. meeting here April 22. “Solidarity is migration authorities have enticed some States presenting the film. Brazilian officials thought the trade needed now more than ever to demand 7,000 of the tens of thousands of Cuban “Obama is betting on Cuban youth as with China — which soared from $2 Washington lift the 55-year economic, doctors and medical workers who have the generation of change,” against the billion in 2000 to $83 billion in 2013 financial, and trade embargo and end volunteered in other countries to defect revolution, Jérez said. “I am here to tell — gave them increased bargaining other attacks against Cuba.” to the United States under this scheme, you that he is mistaken. We are the heirs power with U.S. imperialism. The Cabañas was the keynote speaker part of Washington’s propaganda of the revolution fighting for sovereignty Brazilian government was a key play- at the panel discussion “Through Cu- against the Cuban Revolution. and independence of our country.” er in a bloc of Argentina, Venezuela, ban Eyes,” held at the University of the “And, of course,” Cabañas said, Other participants on the panel in- Paraguay and Uruguay to forge a trade District of Columbia David A. Clarke “there is the need to re-establish Cuban cluded Vanessa Avila and Alicia Steele, agreement with the European Union. School of Law. Nearly 120 people at- sovereignty over Guantánamo,” where youth from the U.S. who recently grad- The Wall Street Journal reports that tended. Washington maintains its naval base on uated from Cuba’s Latin American Brazil’s foreign minister prominently “We recognize what President Obama Cuban territory against the will of the School of Medicine; attorney José Per- displayed a map of the world upside has done in re-establishing diplomatic Cuban people. tierra; writer Stephen Kimber; Jennifer down in his office to show that “the relations,” the ambassador said. “But the “Ecuador needs solidarity,” the Cu- Bryant, representing the Venceremos era of emerging markets was at hand.” core questions remain the same.” ban ambassador said, pointing to the Brigade; and Gail Walker, executive di- Rousseff and the Workers Party Among obstacles to the normaliza- social disaster unfolding for workers rector of IFCO/Pastors for Peace. took advantage of the good times to tion of relations between Washington and peasants in that country after a huge The panel capped the second annual expand social programs begun by and Havana, he said, is “the Cuban Ad- earthquake April 16. “Cuba is sending “Days of Action against the Blockade” her predecessor, Luiz Inácio Lula da justment Act, which has to be stopped.” more medical volunteers to help,” he organized by the International Commit- Silva. This includes Bolsa Familia, Since 1966, the U.S. government has said, noting that three of the hundreds of tee for Peace, Justice and Dignity. The a program that gives cash to low- maintained this policy, which gives Cuban doctors already there died in the April 18-22 activities included congres- income families on condition they expedited permanent residency to any quake. sional lobbying against the embargo and prove their children attend school Cuban who reaches the U.S., encourag- Other speakers included Jorge Jérez, showings of “The Power of the Weak” at and get regular vaccinations. As part ing perilous crossings by boat and even a young Cuban born with cerebral palsy. UDC and American University. of its goal of expanding the middle hijackings. “Cuba is in favor of safe and He is the subject of a documentary titled class, the Workers Party-led govern- legal migration,” Cabañas said. “The Power of the Weak” by producer Omari Musa contributed to this article.

The Militant May 16, 2016 7 Trump, Clinton debate best foreign policy for imperialism Continued from front page east, Trump says that Wash- military power is vital to defending ington should “seek common national interests, that American in- ground” with Moscow and Bei- tervention does more good than harm jing. and that the writ of the United States Conservatives and liberals properly reaches, as [George W.] Bush alike who are apoplectic about once put it, into ‘any dark corner of Trump’s march to the Republi- the world.’” He adds that Clinton “is can nomination derided his for- the last true hawk left in the race.” eign policy speech. The liberal Landler notes Clinton’s “decades- Huffington Post said it was an long cultivation of the military,” begin- “incoherent view of the world,” ning when her husband Bill Clinton was while the conservative National president and continuing during her stint Review called it “incoherent and as U.S. senator in New York and later as shallow.” President Barack Obama’s secretary of But many working people state. who have been drawn to Trump’s A month after the Sept. 11, 2001, al- meetings, seeking answers to Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Cen- the grinding depression condi- ter and Pentagon, Sen. Clinton traveled tions spawned by the capitalist to Fort Drum in New York’s Jefferson economic crisis, are skeptical County at the invitation of Gen. Buster of U.S. intervention around the Hagenbeck, the new Army 10th Moun- world. They are attracted to his tain Division commander. “She sat Reuters/Daniel Wallis portrayal of himself as the can- down,” he told Landler, “took her shoes People inspect residential building bombed in June 2011 during Washington’s massive airstrikes against didate of “peace and prosperity, off, put her feet up on the coffee table Libya. Democratic front runner Hillary Clinton, then secretary of state, pressed for the bombardment. not war and destruction.” and said, ‘General, do you know where Clinton generally favored “more robust government has “lacked a coherent “More drones or fewer, more diplo- a gal can get a cold beer around here?’” intervention” than Obama, Landler foreign policy” and under Obama and macy or less, more special forces or notes. Obama has been reluctant to Clinton has been “reckless, rudderless more infantry, everything Washington Clinton for more robust intervention send large numbers of ground troops, and aimless.” does is to defend the interests of U.S. “Spurning a long tradition of New preferring to use drones, airstrikes, spe- Trump says he is going to put “Amer- capitalists around the world, not work- York senators,” Landler adds, she took cial forces and “diplomacy” to advance ica First.” He says he opposed the U.S. ing people,” said Osborne Hart, Social- a seat on the Senate Armed Services Washington’s interests. war in Iraq and that Washington should ist Workers Party candidate for U.S. Committee instead of Foreign Relations Clinton was a proponent of Gen. be “getting out of the nation-building vice president, May 3. “While Clinton when offered a choice in 2002. “For a Stanley McChrystal’s recommendation business.” and Trump have tactical differences on politician looking to hone hard-power in 2009 to send 40,000 more troops to “Unlike other candidates for the pres- how to best defend imperialist interests, credentials — a woman who aspired Afghanistan. She supported the Pen- idency, war and aggression will not be nothing they do advances the interests to be commander in chief — it was the tagon’s plan to leave a “residual force” my first instinct,” Trump said. “A su- of the working class. Working people perfect training ground,” Landler said. of up to 20,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. She perpower understands that caution and need our own foreign policy indepen- “She dug in like a grunt at boot camp.” opposed proposals by aides to Obama restraint are signs of strength.” dent of the bosses.” During her time as secretary of state, in February 2009 to make symbolic “We went from mistakes in Iraq to concessions to Moscow as a gesture of Egypt to Libya, to President Obama’s “good will in resetting the relationship,” line in the sand in Syria,” referring to May BOOKS the Times says. 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8 The Militant May 16, 2016 SWP CAMPAIGN STATEMENT Deaths mount in Syria Continued from front page are seeking to reduce hostilities and impose some Int’l solidarity, not ‘Americanism’ degree of stability in Syria to protect each of their Continued from front page More drones or fewer, more diplomacy or less, interests in the region. nations around the world know they should come more special forces or more infantry, more money Meanwhile, Washington has increased its special to the table or else. for NATO or less, trade pact or no trade pact — ev- operations forces on the ground in Syria and continues What America are they talking about? The erything Washington does, whoever the occupant to raise its troop levels in Iraq. America of the Verizon workers, forced out on of the White House happens to be, is to defend the From April 22 through May 1 daily airstrikes, in- strike by bosses who want to slash medical cover- interests of U.S. capitalists around the world, not cluding with barrel bombs, killed more than 250 civil- age, contract out work at lower pay and close down working people anywhere. ians in Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory call centers? Or the America of the Verizon bosses? Clinton and Trump’s tactical differences are on for Human Rights. One of the targets hit overnight The America of fast-food workers fighting for $15 how to best defend imperialist interests. April 27-28 was al-Quds Hospital in an opposition- and a union? Or the America of the propertied rul- Working people need our own foreign policy in- controlled area, the only one providing pediatric care ers who have nothing but scorn for working people dependent of the bosses. in the city. At least 50 people were killed, including six here and abroad? Revolutionary Cuba proves that this is possible. medics, according to Doctors Without Borders. Capitalism is in a deep worldwide crisis. Unable Cuban revolutionaries don’t say “Cuba first.” They Massive protests began in Syria in March 2011 de- to make the high profits they want by investing in start with recognition of the right of self-determi- manding political rights and an end to Assad’s rule, production-expanding factories, the capitalist class nation of every nation and offer solidarity to all but they were crushed by the government with bomb- instead speculates on everything from stocks and those fighting imperialist domination. ings, arrests and killings. An assortment of armed bonds to the future prices of oil and other commod- The Socialist Workers Party stands shoulder to groups formed in response and took control of ter- ities. In the factories, mills and mines they speed shoulder with Verizon workers standing up to the ritory, including areas around Aleppo, the country’s up the work pace with total disregard for safety bosses here. We stand with workers and farmers largest city. Shifting coalitions of Islamist as well as and the lives of workers, slash pay and attack our in Syria who are being battered by the dictatorial secular groups have been competing for territory and unions. regime of Bashar al-Assad and its backers in Mos- fighting government forces since then. The U.S. bosses’ foreign policy is an extension of cow and Tehran, the reactionary Islamic State, and Over the course of the five-year war close to half a their course at home. the efforts of Washington to defend its imperialist million people have been killed and more than half of Washington emerged victorious from World War interests in the region. We demand the withdrawal the country’s population displaced. Amid this chaos II as the dominant imperialist power. Today, the of all U.S. troops abroad, from Korea to Syria to and the lack of a revolutionary working-class leader- world order they established is coming apart. From Latin America. ship, the reactionary Islamic State was able to seize the Middle East to Europe to the South China Sea, Under capitalism there is no peace. swaths of territory in Syria and Iraq. Washington faces challenges, conflicts and disor- Building a movement capable of replacing the In recent months Assad’s forces backed by Russian der. dictatorship of the propertied rulers here at home firepower and special forces have seized key parts of That’s what’s at the root of the disputes between with a government of workers and farmers is deci- Aleppo. Some 300,000 people still live in the rebel- Trump, Clinton and Obama. sive to the future of all humanity. controlled eastern parts of the city and have faced years of air and artillery bombardment by the regime. In two villages in northwest Syria where Nusra LETTERS Front, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, was driven out by rebel forces in April, “civilians took to the street in Justice for Dontre Hamilton anti-Assad demonstrations,” reported the Washington Some 300 people braved the cold Post, but were then “heavily bombed by Assad.” rain April 30 to protest the brutal murder of Dontre Hamilton at the U.S. military presence grows hands of police officer Christopher Washington is sending an additional 250 special Manney two years ago that day. On operations forces to Syria, boosting the 50 deployed the day of the shooting, Hamilton, in October. Their aim is to equip, advise and expand who had been diagnosed with para- the numbers of Sunni Arab fighters combating Islam- noid schizophrenia, was sleeping in ic State, Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint the park. The first cops on the scene Chiefs of Staff, told a U.S. Senate hearing April 28. determined that Hamilton wasn’t The Syrian Democratic Forces, which is leading the doing anything illegal. Officer fight against Islamic State in eastern and central Syria, Manney showed up later, claimed is led by some 30,000 Kurdish fighters, and involves Hamilton resisted his pat down, and 6,000 Sunni Arabs, according to Dunford. shot him 14 times. Manney was not A week earlier Defense Secretary Ashton Carter charged. Rich Gaeta announced an additional 200 U.S. troops were on their Nate Hamilton speaks in Milwaukee April 30 on second anniversary of killing Nate Hamilton spoke for the of his brother, Dontre Hamilton, by police officer Christopher Manney. way to Iraq, pushing the official Pentagon “troop cap” Coalition for Justice. The rally was to 4,087. That figure doesn’t count at least 1,000 U.S. held at Red Arrow Park, the site of is supposed to route all trains to an Saturday hours, was picketed by military personnel there on temporary rotations. They his brother’s killing. adjacent track. about 60 opponents of women’s include Marines in northern Iraq stationed at “a satel- Rich Gaeta While notifying train crews of rights April 23. Planned Parenthood lite base positioned to protect American trainers at a Milwaukee, Wisconsin track work and having them talk Southeast Inc. organized a presence nearby, larger base,” reported the Post. to the supervisor in charge is ob- of about 40 defenders of a women’s President Barack Obama has also authorized U.S. Railroad safety viously the safest course, it can right to choose abortion. commanders in Iraq to use Apache attack helicopters Your April 25 article about lead to delaying of some trains. Among participants were a num- and established a new task force where U.S. troops the Amtrak crash in Chester, Rail bosses, more concerned with ber of younger women and men, will play a greater role in “advise and assist” missions. Pennsylvania, that killed mainte- on-time performance than with including a contingent of five stu- In deepening its involvement, Washington seeks to nance worker Joe Carter Jr. and su- safety, have successfully lobbied dents from the Rollins School of reshape the Iraqi army into a fighting force to drive Is- pervisor Peter John Adamovich was to increase the use of Foul Time Public Health at Emory University lamic State out of Mosul, the country’s second largest on target. You quoted John Staggs, This is something all rail work- in Atlanta. Ruvani Jayaweera, a stu- city, that it has occupied for nearly two years. Socialist Workers Party candidate ers must organize to fight against. dent there, told the Militant, “We But the Shia-led Iraqi government of Prime Minis- for U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania, Mike Galati came because it’s important to stand ter Haider al-Abadi is in deep crisis, fueled by a drop saying the real source of the crash Fredericksburg, Virginia with a women’s right to choose.” in oil prices, sectarian frictions it has promoted against is the dangerous conditions and Staci Fox, CEO of Planned Sunnis and Kurds and factional divisions with other pressures created by the capitalist Defend right to abortion Parenthood Southeast, said, “These Shiite politicians. Supporters of Iraqi Shiite cleric bosses. Planned Parenthood-Gwinnett protests are about shame and intimi- Moqtada al-Sadr stormed into Iraq’s parliament April Those conditions include the fact Health Center in Lawrenceville, dation. Women deserve to access 30, scaling concrete walls surrounding the exclusive that rather then notifying train crews the only Atlanta metro area safe and legal health care without Green Zone area, where government offices and for- in writing of the location of a work Planned Parenthood clinic with judgment.” eign embassies are located. They demanded Abadi ap- crew and having the train engineer Lisa Potash point a new cabinet. talk directly to the work supervi- ‘Militant’ Prisoners’ Fund Atlanta, Georgia The government declared a state of emergency in sor by radio before they proceed The Prisoners’ Fund makes it pos- Baghdad, and brought back some troops from the through their work area, Amtrak sible to send prisoners reduced The letters column is an open front lines against Islamic State in Anbar province. uses what the Federal Railroad rate subscriptions. To donate, forum for all viewpoints on sub- “Iran-backed militia groups aligned with Iraq’s gov- Administration refers to a simpli- send a check or money order pay- jects of interest to working peo- ernment announced late Sunday night [May 1] that fied method of establishing working able to the Militant and earmarked ple. Please keep your letters brief. they are deploying fighters in Baghdad to help secure limits called Foul Time. “Prisoners’ Fund” to 306 W. 37th Where necessary they will be the city,” the Wall Street Journal reported. Al-Sadr’s The work crew informs the dis- St., 13th Floor, New York, NY abridged. Please indicate if you supporters withdrew from the Green Zone that day. patcher that they are working on a 10018. prefer that your initials be used The same weekend Islamic State conducted suicide particular track and this dispatcher rather than your full name. attacks that left dozens dead, including in Baghdad.

The Militant May 16, 2016 9