www.socialist.ca $2 no. 534 September 2011

STUDENTS & RESISTANCE Pages 6&7

PHOTO:CHARLOTTE IRELAND ‘War on terror’ Page 3 Paul Stevenson looks at the past 10 years of war since 9/11 lDEFEND SERVICES & GOOD JOBS Egypt & Bahrain Page 5 lOPPOSE SCAPEGOATING Yusur Al-Bahrani on Egyptian solidarity for Bahrain Ohio rising Page 11 Carolyn Egan reports from the Steelworkers’ convention FIGHT THE Capitalist crisis Page 12 Pam Frache on the worsening global economy Student protests rock Chile CUTS Page 4 by PAM JOHNSON ting jobs and starving public services. His campaign has raised the spectre of the hated Peter Hogarth covers But these realities have not deterred Mayor Harris government’s slash-and-burn policies of the movement against IN THE lead up to the Ontario provincial elec- Ford. The fact that no “gravy” was found in the the 1990s. privatized education tions on October 6, people are bracing for a pos- city’s budget by Ford’s $3 million consultants, But any notion that the Ontario Liberals are and growing debt sible Tory triple threat of Prime Minister Stephen KPMG, has not stopped Ford from touting their any different from the Tories is an illusion. Harper, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and Ontario recommendations for cuts to everything from li- McGuinty has called for the same belt-tightening Conservative Leader Tim Hudak. braries, to day care, to arts funding, to the zoo. as Ford, Hudak and Harper, promoting the same Overpopulation? All are calling for austerity measures that These statements sparked a groundswell of an- tax-cut remedy for the economy. would slash and burn public services and union- ger after Ford’s promise of no cuts to the public Under McGuinty, corporate tax rates in Ontario Page 8 ized jobs, while robotically repeating the corpor- service and jobs during his election campaign. have dropped steadily, reducing revenue, while ate tax cut mantra as the panacea for what ails the The Ford brothers’ disingenuous and bully- simultaneously introducing premiums (user Ian Angus on climate economy. To distract from attacks on jobs and ing tactics, from Rob’s refusal to attend Pride fees) for health care and reducing and delisting change and population services and tax breaks for the wealthy, all have celebrations, to Doug’s call for scrapping the services. control resorted to bigotry: Rob Ford boycotted Pride, waterfront mixed-residential/recreation plan in Ontario’s post-secondary students pay the Stephen Harper declared that “the major threat favour of a developer scheme-up in the form of highest fees in Canada, but the post-secondary is still Islamicism,” and Tim Hudak lashed out a megamall, hotel and sports complex, led City budget is the lowest. Day care and mental health at “foreign workers.” Councillor Kristen Wong-Tam to call the Ford funding has been frozen. Ontario’s public service Economists like Nouriel Roubini, who pre- brothers’ actions “decision making by fiat.” workers have been told they will get zero per cent dicted the crisis of 2008, say austerity is the re- In similar style, Tim Hudak, Progressive wage increases—an effective cut. cipe for economic stagnation and possibly another Conservative candidate for Ontario Premier, has In lock-step with Harper’s billion-dollar se- recession. Even billionaire Warren Buffett has stepped onto the campaign trail with a “wheel curity regime at last summer’s G20 Summit, called for a stop to the tax-coddling of the wealthy. of tax” gimmick that paints premier McGuinty McGuinty secretly passed martial law-like Canada’s economy has slowed in the past few as a tax-and-spend Liberal. Parroting Harper’s regulations that resulted in over 1,000 illegal ar- CPMA No. 58554253-99 months, indicating clearly that this is not the mo- conservatives, Hudak has only “tax relief” to of- rests. Ontario recently approved the expansion ISSN No. 0836-7094 ment to take money out of people’s hands by cut- fer on every issue from jobs to the environment. >>page 4 Farmers Tory cuts defend threaten Wheat Board food safety by REG MCQUAID As part of their ongoing austerity agenda, the AS HEAD of the right- Tories plan to cut federal wing National Citizen’s meat inspectors in BC, Coalition (1998-2002), Saskatchewan and Stephen Harper Manitoba. campaigned to destroy the Inspectors for the Canadian Wheat Board Canadian Food Inspection (CWB). As Prime Minister, Agency (CFIA) currently he is attempting to hand inspect meat plants in over Canada’s grain those provinces for E. coli, trade to multinational listeria, salmonella and corporations that other harmful bacteria. The dominate global markets. cuts will dump inspection But Prairie grain farmers responsibilities on provin- are fighting back. cial governments that have The CWB dates back to no meat inspectors of their the 1930s, when govern- own, very little infrastruc- ments enacted legislation ture to conduct proper for Prairie farmers to jointly inspections, and inferior market their grain. The safety standards. legislation has been modi- In 2008, 22 people fied over time, most recently Québec solidaire MNA Amir Khadir died following a listeria in 1998. In its current form, outbreak at a Maple Leaf it provides single-desk sell- Foods processing plant in ing of all wheat and barley Toronto. The Agriculture for export. The CWB is now Union blamed an under- the world’s largest seller funded food safety system of wheat, annually captur- Democracy and and too much government ing about $500 million in reliance on industry- market value. Not surpris- generated safety reports. ingly, its success has long The union has launched an online attracted multinational grain petition to pressure the government corporations. sovereignty in Quebec to reverse its decision: Harper has announced www.foodsafetyfirst.ca plans to end the CWB’s single-desk selling authority, by BENOIT RENAUD democracy within their bashing the leadership of these proposals, he argues HST defeat a effective August 1, 2012. own party, we knew some the PQ. Their organization, for a series of democratic The government will repeal SINCE THE devastat- threshold had been crossed. le Nouveau movement pour reforms, including pro- blow to Liberals, legislation requiring a ing defeat of the Bloc This summer, 77 people le Québec (NMQ), is a portional representation farmer vote before mak- Québécois (BQ) on May signed a manifesto de- political movement with no and popular initiative business in BC ing changes to the CWB’s 2, the sovereigntist nouncing the “sovereigntist electoral ambitions, but a referendums. The proposal single desk, and plans to movement in Quebec has governance” program significant minority within of initiating the process of a The people of BC voted eliminate the single desk been in turmoil and the adopted by the PQ as that milieu is arguing for a referendum on sovereignty 55 per cent in favour despite farmers’ opposition. Parti Québécois (PQ) has another form of autonomism new party for independence. through such popular initia- of eliminating the Because of trade deals such visibly lost its hegemonic and an excuse to give up the Their leadership is instead tive has long been debated Harmonized Sales Tax as NAFTA, it will be virtu- position in the national fight for independence. arguing for a strategic pact within the PQ but ultimately (HST); 881,198 people ally impossible to reinstate struggle. They proposed to put between all the existing rejected. voted to end the HST and the single desk later, once it Before May 2, we could the national struggle back sovereigntist or independ- In all those initiatives, a 728,927 voted to keep it. is eliminated. already see a multiplica- into the hands of ordinary entist parties, including the common thread is visible: In the 2009 provincial The CWB has launched a tion of small groups people through constituent PQ and QS. the issue of Quebec sover- election, the incumbent counter-attack, conducting campaigning for Quebec assemblies—a proposal Then on August 25, eignty and the future of the Liberals said that they had a plebiscite among the independence, mostly similar to a key element of Bernard Drainville, prob- movement for national in- no intention of combining 68,000 Prairie farmers amongst younger people. Québec solidaire (QS). ably the strongest figure dependence are inseparable the provincial sales tax who ship grain through the But when three promin- On that basis, they left in the PQ caucus after from democratic reforms (PST) with the federal GST Board, with results due on ent PQ MNAs (members brought together more the resignations, published and popular involvement, to create the HST. Within a September 9. The plebiscite of Quebec’s National than 400 people in a public a series of 10 proposals, which is what UFP and few months of winning the shifts the terrain of struggle Assembly) resigned together meeting in Montreal, where following an email consulta- Québec solidaire have been election they announced from Parliament to public in protest at the lack of most interventions were tion of his constituents. In arguing for years. that the HST would be “the opinion, raising the political single biggest thing we cost of destroying the Wheat can do to improve BC’s Board. To win this battle, Environmental cuts hit First Nations hardest economy.” the CWB needs the support The new tax of 12 per of all those who oppose cent would have applied ists–meteorologists, chemists and sites in First Nations com- Harper’s neoliberal austerity by JOHN BELL to a much larger range of agenda. The Saskatoon- scientists, engineers and meteorologists could look munities in the Northwest goods and services than the based National Farmer’s One in 10 public servants the like–and shuffling elsewhere for positions Territories. PST did. It also shifted $2 Union is foremost in the at the Ministry of the them into other jobs is not where their work is valued. Under fire during his billion of the tax burden battle to save the CWB, and Environment have received an option, according to It makes absolutely northern tour, Harper from business to consumers. seeks our solidarity. notice that their jobs are the Professional Institute no sense to lose such promised to restore the The referendum was called gone. of the Public Service of valuable expertise at a environmental monitoring, after a largely right-wing For more information, visit A total of 770 workers Canada. time when we are fighting but Dene National http://www.nfu.ca/cwb.html petition campaign under the are getting the axe. “The loss of these climate change and Chief Bill Erasmus was Recall and Initiative Act that The government says experts and of their knowl- dealing with more extreme skeptical: “The Prime allows petitioners to propose Islamophobia that only some 300 are edge will have a devastat- weather events.” Minister and Cabinet a change in legislation. facing outright layoff, with ing impact on the research The Tories insist that are killing environmental In the referendum cam- major threat the rest accounted for by and analysis conducted their commitment to the monitoring in the name paign, the NDP took a more retirement and transfer- at Environment Canada,” environment is strong, of fiscal restraint while visible role, and the issue IN THE lead-up to the ring personnel to other according to NDP environ- but the layoff announce- they continue to subsidize of the shift of taxes from anniversary of 9/11, jobs. ment critic, Laurin Liu ment was soon followed oil companies and spend business onto the rest of us Stephen Harper whipped But many of the (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles). by a ministry decision to money on foreign lobbying was much more prominent. up Islamophobia to justify Environment Canada “Some of the best eliminate 21 out of 23 on behalf of the tar The pro-HST side included renewed attacks on civil workers are special- engineers, biologists, water quality monitoring sands.” the Coal Association, the liberties. Petroleum Producers, the After 9/11, the Liberal Council of Forest Industries, government introduced a the Mining Association, the series of draconian “anti- Income inequality growing in Canada New Car Dealers and the terror” laws that infringed Motion Picture Production on the most basic civil by T. RENE (particularly female lone- in 1989 to 13.5 per cent in earners hold 35.6 per cent Industry Association of BC. liberties--including “pre- parent families), women, 2009. of the global wealth while ventive detention” and arrest IN JULY, the Conference unattached individuals, From 1976 to 2009, the the bottom 68.4 per cent Socialist Worker Board of Canada released seniors, Aboriginal people, average Canadian income hold less than 4.2 per cent without warrant. e-mail: [email protected] Some of these laws were a report that showed a people with disabilities, has increased 17 per cent, of global wealth. web: www.socialist.ca revoked a few years ago but 33-year trend of increasing recent immigrants, visible from $51,100 to $59,700, In 1998, the United letters: [email protected] Harper wants them back. income inequality—a minorities and low-wage but the median income Nations Development reviews: [email protected] Just six weeks after an disparity which has been workers as those most at has increased only 5.5 Program reported that the listings: [email protected] phone: 416.972.6391 Islamophobic terrorist accelerating since 1993. risk of having low income. per cent, from $45,800 to world’s 225 richest people went on a killing spree in Between 1976 and Elderly poverty rates $48,300, over that time. had a combined wealth of All correspondence to: Oslo, Harper declared that 2009, the earnings gap have been rising since the The gap between average $1 trillion. This equals the Socialist Worker “the major threat is still between the lowest 20 per mid-1990s. Between 2006 and median income has combined annual income P.O. Box 339, Station E Islamicism...that threat cent and the top 20 per and 2009, about 128,000 grown, signalling that of the world’s 2.5 billion Toronto, ON M6H 4E3 cent of income earners more seniors were reported income growth is being poorest people, roughly Published every four weeks in exists all over the world.” Toronto by the International Socialists. Muslims remain the nearly doubled, growing as having low income, distributed unequally. 40 per cent of the world’s Printed in Hamilton at a union shop; West’s primary scapegoat, from $92,300 to $177,500. with women comprising 70 In 2010, the Credit population. member of the Canadian Magazine Pub- A recent House of per cent of this amount. Suisse Research Institute Income inequality lisher’s Association / Canadian Publica- to justify wars abroad and tions Mail Agreement No. 58554253-99, attacks on civil liberties at Commons report on And the percentage of published a Global Wealth continues to grow, in Post Office Department, Ottawa / ISSN home, and to distract from poverty identifies children, Canadians with low income Report showing that the Canada and around the 0836-7094 / Return postage guaranteed the economic crisis. lone-parent families increased from 10 per cent top 0.5 per cent of income world. 2 Socialist Worker September 2011 INTERNATIONAL US eyes intervention in Syria by MELISSA GRAHAM The Syrian state has killed more than 2,000 people over the past five months. As ongoing protests against the brutal regime of president Bashar al- Assad continue, Western imperialism threatens to try to hijack another part of the Arab Spring. The violence in Syria is attracting international attention. Some believe that other countries should step in and offer support, but if recent history has taught us anything, the “support” offered by the US, Saudi Arabia and others should be flatly rejected. Western powers—es- pecially the US—would like to control and contain the movement in Syria for their own profit. They are desperate to hold onto what remaining power they have in the Arab world, and will do anything to maintain their

(PHOTO: MAGGIE OSAMA) grip. A similar approach proved to be a disaster in Libya, where intervention is trying to channel the revolution into a regime acceptable to the West and its corporations. Intervention in Libya has given the West a chance to Tell Harper: hands off Libya! put themselves at the heart of the fight against the Arab Spring, while providing op- by BRADLEY HUGHES includes the sort of pro-Western regime via the billions of dollars of is considering sending troops in portunities for foreign control people like those installed in Libyan funds that they seized when order to ensure “stabilization”. in a state with the largest oil AFTER SIX months of NATO Afghanistan and Iraq. Mustafa the bombing started. Libya’s assets At the end of August, Canada’s reserves in Africa—a model bombing that undermined the Abdel Jalil, chairman of the NTC, abroad are estimated to be worth Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird they want to apply to Syria. Libyan Revolution, Canada is a former Justice Minister in around $100 billion, including $3.5 talked about continuing Canada’s The mainstream media and other NATO powers are Gaddafi’s government. Mahmoud billion held in Canada. Already mission beyond the September 27 keeps pushing the idea that considering extending the Jibril, chairman of the NTC’s NTC representatives have an- deadline, using the same excuse these interventions are for war past its September 27 Executive Board, headed the nounced that the new government even after Gaddafi has been driven the good of the people, but deadline—and even sending National Council and the National will honour all oil contracts—like from power: “Canadian forces, as increasingly this is prov- troops—to maintain corporate Economic Development Board in those from Canada’s Suncor—made long as our NATO allies are on this ing to be a farce. Already control over Libya. Gaddafi’s government, where he with the Gaddafi dictatorship. UN-sanctioned mission, are there to appeals have been made by Canada alone dropped more than was in charge of privatization. The Because of the presence of so ensure that we continue to protect US neoconservative think- 550 bombs on Libya by the end of new head of security for Tripoli, many former regime figures in civilians.” tanks to implement energy August, and joined NATO—the Albarrani Shkal, was the general the new government, some rebel Despite voting unanimously to sanctions on the oil and gas same countries that armed Gaddafi responsible for Gaddafi’s assault on militias have threatened to refuse support the war and then extend sectors to weaken the Assad up until the start of the revolu- the city of Misrata. The NTC’s new to follow orders from the new it once, the NDP has stated it will regime, punishing an already tion—in eventually recognizing representative in Canada, Abubaker government. oppose further extensions. It’s up impoverished population. the replacement government, the Karmos, was part of Gaddafi’s old During the initial phases of to the anti-war movement outside National Transitional Council diplomatic team in Ottawa. Tunisia’s and Egypt’s revolutions Parliament and the NDP inside Palestinian (NTC). NATO countries also have order was kept by neighbourhood Parliament to tell Harper: hands off But the leadership of the NTC tremendous influence over the new committees. But in Libya, NATO Libya! youth decry statehood bid Tenth anniversary of the ‘war on terror’ by JAMES CLARK Electronic Intifada recently by PAUL STEVENSON invasion Afghanistan has consist- wars, has now become an even the Arab and Muslim world begin posted a number of opinion ently slipped further into poverty more prominent feature of rul- as a response to the attacks in New pieces by Palestinian youth DURING THE memorials of those and violence. In Iraq, a war based ing ideas. While Islamaphobia York and Washington. The logic that decry the upcoming killed in 9/11, our rulers will to some extent on fictitious ties to didn’t start ten years ago, there of imperialism results in constant statehood bid by the once again try to use the tragedy the 9/11 attacks, more than one mil- is no question that it has become competition for resources and Palestinian Authority (PA). to stir up jingoistic sentiment. lion have been killed, while the US increasingly virulent in recent economic and political control of Their criticism is not based No officials will consider the bru- props up a brutal dictatorship that years. Governments in the EU and the world. on the idea of a Palestinian tality of ten years of wars for which continues to rule the country with North America bring up the bogey The centrality of the Muslim state, but on the nature of they are responsible. an iron fist. In other nations such man of a creeping Islamic takeover world and its huge oil resources the bid and the concessions In “response” to the 9/11 attacks, as Somalia, the spectre of terrorist to distract people from the blatant have made it a target. Plans for the it would make on behalf the US led a number of wars, attacks was used to destroy the first inequality at home and to gloss takeover and control of Iraq and of Palestinians. Frustrated ostensibly to “root out” enemies of indigenous leadership, and the first over domestic political crises. Afghanistan existed for a decade by years of symbolic the West, but with disastrous conse- political stability, the country had All in all, the brutality and racism before 9/11 in the US. In addition, United Nations resolutions quences. It began with Afghanistan, seen in decades. The consequences of Western countries have reached US actions to gain more control that never get imple- a war that drags on into its tenth of that intervention are particularly a new pitch in the last ten years over the area raised a deep hatred mented, a growing number year. Tens of thousands have been acute now as tens of thousands But it is crucial for us to put this for the US which proved a fertile of Palestinians have no faith killed, millions have been displaced starve in the broken country. all into a longer timeline. Just as recruiting ground for the organiza- that the PA’s plan to declare and the situation for ordinary Domestically, the use of Islamaphobia didn’t start on 9/11, tion that launched the attacks on statehood at the UN will Afghans remains brutal. Since the Islamophobia, to justify unpopular nor did US and allied attacks on 9/11 in the first place. amount to anything meaning- ful. Even more worrying, they fear that the PA will sell out the right of return of Egyptian Revolution challenges austerity, Israel millions of Palestinians who live in the Diaspora. The criticism also shows by JESSE MCLAREN demonstrations, rallies and gather- sistance, and is continuing to chal- Gaza: “What is clear is that the that support for the one-state ings across Egypt. In July, a wave lenge the regime over its ongoing ‘diplomatic’ constraints on Israel solution is on the rise among THE EGYPTIAN Revolution that of political demonstrations and sit- complicity with Israel. are not driven by world govern- Palestinians, since a two- toppled dictator Hosni Mubarak ins erupted to demand justice for When Israel killed 15 ments which remain largely silent state solution is impossible is continuing to challenge the martyrs. Palestinians and five Egyptian se- and complicit in the face of on- in the context of spreading military regime he left in place: This was followed by a fresh curity personnel in August, tens of going Israeli crimes. Rather it is Jewish-only settlements and one of austerity and complicity wave of economic strikes through thousands of Egyptians protested governments being forced to re- the Bantustan-like nature of with Israel. August, including civil registry outside the Israeli Embassy—in- spond to people power – especially Palestinian territory. The historic toppling of Mubarak workers, train drivers, engineering cluding a young man who climbed in Egypt, where tens of thousands The statehood bid has was merely the first stage of the workers, steelworkers, millwork- the 22-story building to replace the of people rallied outside the Israeli attracted criticism because it Egyptian Revolution. A report from ers, chemical factory workers and Israeli flag with Egypt’s. embassy in Cairo.” excluded most Palestinians the Egyptian NGO Awlad al-Ard textile workers. According to Ali Abunimah from in developing it, further evi- To follow workers struggle in Egypt, visit reported that from January to June The Egyptian Revolution was Electronic Intifada, this averted a www.menasolidaritynetwork.com dence of the PA’s increasing 2011 there were 956 sit-ins, strikes, partly inspired by Palestinian re- repeat of the brutal 2009 war on isolation, especially among youth. September 2011 Socialist Worker 3 TALKING MARXISM Abbie Bakan INTERNATIONAL Quebec and the Constitution

STEPHEN HARPER and the Tories commonly encourage a divide between Quebec and the “Rest of Canada”. One tactic is to dismiss any revisiting of the tensions in federal politics; in the last election, this was framed in terms of “Constitution fatigue”. But what is really behind the arguments regarding Quebec and the Constitution? A starting point is the history of deep discrimination faced by the French-speaking population of Canadian society, in Quebec and in English Canada. The Canadian Constitution was enacted in 1982. The elected leaders of nine of the ten provinces of Canada consented to the process, supporting the new law of the land on behalf of their predominantly English-speaking constituents. But from that time to the present, no elected premier of Quebec, regardless of political affiliation, has been offered constitutional language acceptable to the citizens of the province with a French-speaking majority. Federal state This is not about some inherent “problem” with Quebec, or with the French-speaking Québécois. It is about a federal state that STUDENTS IN CHILE. (PHOTO: FRANCISCO OSARIO) was founded on the conquest of what became French Canada, and about the denial of rights associated with conquest. As debates about the Constitution continued in the 1990s, overt discrimination – a specific form of anti-French racism that had been standard in the history of English Canadian politics and Student protests rock Chile practice – came to the fore. Let’s recall a few examples. In 1994, Johanne Harvey moved to Owen Sound, Ontario from her native Montreal. She was met with “Frog go home” by PETER HOGARTH However, the motives and impact rent president of the right-wing coalition written in manure on her living room window. Her cats were of the protests in Chile go far deeper Sebastián Piñera. Less than half of high shaved under their tails, and one was later found dead on her STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS in than student debt. These demonstrations school students in Chile attend public porch lying in a pool of blood. When her son put a Quebec flag Chile against privatized education and have captivated the students and work- schools, no new public universities have in his window, it became the target of eggs thrown at the house. debt have entered their third month. ers of Chile because they are about class been built since the end of Pinochet’s This story is just one of many. In the summer of 1990, 25 Protests that began with pockets of rage and resistance to a system that has reign, public money is funneled into families in the Ontario town of Sault St. Marie decided to pack students taking over their high schools bred so much inequality throughout for-profit schools, while public school up and leave and leave town. Their children were continually and universities have steadily grown, Chile and the world. They are a chal- teachers are underpaid and many of harassed at school and taunted on the streets, and their homes uniting with working class anger to lenge to the very logic of neoliberal- the schools damaged in the 2010 earth- were threatened and vandalized. form a massive protest movement. ism, imposed on the people of Chile so quake have yet to be repaired. The Sault was the first of some 70 Ontario municipalities to In the last week of August, the edu- brutally nearly 40 years ago. declare itself officially “English only”, as an expression of op- cation protests grew to 600,000 as the Demands position to amending the Constitution to recognize Quebec as Chilean Trade Union Congress (CUT), Neoliberalism Students have issued a 12-point propos- a “distinct society”. an organization of 80 labour groups, Following the bloody 1973 military al of their demands and called for an In one town that became symbolic of the wave of English organized a 48-hour general strike in coup that brought in the dictatorship of elected Constituent Assembly to write chauvinism, Brockville, Ontario, protesters in 1990 ceremoni- solidarity with the students’ demands. General Augusto Pinochet, Chile be- a new democratic constitution. Students ously wiped their feet on the Quebec flag. At the heart of the student anger is came a laboratory for the now famous have insisted on rewriting the tax sys- a system of education in which all but Chicago School of Economics. There, tem and guaranteeing quality education Reactionary the wealthiest few are forced into ex- the students of Milton Friedman tested for all by nationalizing the extremely The most reactionary elements in the political spectrum found tremely limited and poor public edu- out the neoliberal policies that have since profitable copper mines. expression through the door of Quebec-bashing. Any effort cation. Students are forced to take on been exported around the globe: priva- Student leaders have begun a series of to amend the Constitution to include recognition of Quebec’s incredible debt to finance post-second- tized health care, privatized education, meetings with Piñera; it will be crucial unique history, language and culture was seized upon to advance ary education in a country that has the vicious attacks on organized labour, and to continue to link up their struggle and opposition to the rights of all the oppressed. highest income inequalities within the a retreat from social service provision. demands with those of Chile’s working In the fall of 1989, the Confederation of Regions Party (COR) Organization for Economic Cooperation These policies have been maintained class who have the power to bring the called a conference in New Brunswick that drew over 5,000 and Development (OECD). by Pinochet’s successors, including cur- Chilean state grinding to a halt. participants. In Ottawa in the same year, COR joined forces with the Christian Heritage Party, the Equality Party, REAL Women, the Canadian Christian Anti-Communist Crusade, the London riots against poverty and oppression Fraser Institute, the Alliance for the Preservation of English in Canada and the Reform Party. This alliance attacked the rights of immigrants, women, les- by G. FRANCIS HODGE lationship with police for years. Since The rioting quickly spread to other bians and gays, trade unionists and those living on social as- 1998, 333 people have died in police parts of London and to the rest of the sistance. What united them all was a profound commitment to THE MOST intense riots in Britain custody in Britain and not a single po- country. By the time the rioting ceased ensure that Quebec would not be welcome under its own terms in decades began Saturday evening, lice officer has been convicted of any four days later, communities from to sign on to the Constitution. August 7 in Tottenham, north wrongdoing in any of these deaths. Bristol in the south to Manchester hun- Anti-French bigotry is as old as Canada itself. Canada is a London. Local people in Tottenham are keenly dreds of kilometers to the north had country founded on the oppression of two peoples, Canada’s Police shot and killed 29 year-old aware of this fact, as noted with surprise been involved. native peoples and the ancestors of those who today are the Mark Duggan on Thursday, August by journalists reporting on the riots. The Conservative-Liberal coalition Québécois. 4 in Tottenham. They failed to notify Local people marched on Tottenham government has cracked down hard. The experience of conquest has at many times brought these Duggan’s family of what had happened. police headquarters on Saturday after- Over 1,400 people have appeared in two groups together. The struggle for survival of the Métis In fact Duggan’s parents learned of the noon, August 7, demanding answers court on riot-related offences so far, and people is perhaps one of the greatest symbolic indications of death by watching the TV news. from the police and some sort of jus- over 1,200 are being held in jail await- this. The Métis rebellion led by Louis Riel, suppressed only by Tottenham is one of the poorest tice for Duggan’s family. According ing trial in higher courts. Anderson the hanging of its leader in 1885, was met with a mass protest communities in Britain, with the fourth to witnesses at the police station, the Fernandes, 22, has been jailed 16 of 50,000 in the streets of Montreal. They stood in solidarity highest level of child poverty in London riots began several hours after dem- months for taking an ice cream, and with the rights of the Métis to self-determination in Manitoba. and an official unemployment rate of onstrators commenced a peaceful sit- two young people have been jailed four 8.8 per cent, double the national average in, the ignition coming from the po- years for ‘inciting riots’ in Cheshire via Debates according to The Guardian newspaper. lice beating of a 16-year-old female posts on Facebook, even though no riots The debates regarding the Constitution were expressed in terms The community has had a difficult re- demonstrator. happened there. that many could only find dull and boring and irrelevant. But constitutions are the official means to govern human and civil rights in advanced capitalist societies. >> ‘Cuts’ page 1 lanes, libraries, garbage privatization and Anger and frustration at the auster- From this view, it is stunning that Quebec today remains of nuclear power generation, but has transit. ity measures helped propel the NDP to the only province that has never officially signed on to the failed to expand protection of northern On April 9, more than 10,000 people Official Opposition status federally for Constitution, though it is the second largest province part of forests and waterways, showing an equal protested Ford’s actions. Hundreds made the first time in history. Canada’s industrial heartland. disregard for environmental protection deputations through the night on July 28 The spectacle of Stephen Harper’s There is only one reason for this. Quebec’s provincial status as the Tories. McGuinty has also reneged to the city’s executive committee against having to stand and applaud with the is the remnant, in distorted form, of a national people – a con- on promises to kill anti-worker legisla- cuts. Library workers started a petition audience at Jack Layton’s funeral when quered people, an oppressed people. This is why the Québécois tion, like the 60-hour work week which that has thousands of signatures, includ- Stephen Lewis called for a manifesto for have a sense of history and culture that remembers conquest and was put in place by the previous Harris ing Margaret Atwood’s. social democracy speaks to the ground- discrimination at the hands of the British monarchy, and of the government. This resistance will have the opportun- swell of sentiment against his policies. English colonialism that established the federal state. It is worth remembering that the Harris ity for its biggest expression on September The Ontario NDP needs to tap into this It is this minimal recognition of Quebec that has been in government came to power after Bob 26, when city council is set to vote on sentiment. But in order to achieve real, dispute. Rae’s tenure as premier of Ontario in the budget recommendations. The Toronto lasting change, this groundswell must early 90s. An NDPer then, he also called and York Region Labour Council and also be turned into a mass movement that Harper for belt-tightening and tore up the collect- community groups have called for a mass defends public services and good jobs, The Reform Party moved from the margins to mainstream pol- ive agreement of public sector employees. “Rally for Toronto” to bring together all and opposes homophobic, Islamophobic itics by riding this tide of anti-French, anti-Quebec politics. And The infamous “Rae Days” opened the groups resisting Ford cuts. and racist scapegoating. The starting the Reform Party is also the predecessor to Harper’s Tories. door for Harris’attack on workers and the It is also a rallying cry against the point in Toronto is September 26 at City Canada’s federal leaders have learned all too well that chal- poor. bigoted and anti-worker, anti-union aus- Hall. In Ottawa, protesters engaging in lenging the rights of the oppressed is the most effective way to But the austerity agenda is beginning to terity agenda on offer from all levels of mass civil disobedience will oppose the divide and conquer. The challenge for our side is to advance the meet resistance. After being elected less government. The energy of this event tar sands the same day on Parliament solidarity that can unite the vast majority, and unite to oppose than one year ago, “Ford Nation” is being will be felt in the Ontario election on Hill. The struggle must take place where all forms of oppression. met by resistance at every front: on bike October 6. it counts: in the streets. 4 Socialist Worker September 2011 Egyptians back Bahrain’s revolution Egypt’s revolution has inspired Egyptians like Ayman Al-Maz to support freedom struggles all across the region. Yusur Al-Bahrani talked to Al-Maz about Bahrain’s democracy movement and how Egyptians have shown solidarity.

PEACEFUL PROTESTORS waved the flag of Bahrain, while violent thugs wielded wooden clubs and metal bars. This was the scene near Bahrain’s embassy in Cairo—just across the Nile from Tahrir Square—as solidarity activists assembled to show their support for Bahrain’s pro-democracy movement. Ayman Al-Maz, an Egyptian activist, rushed into the crowd to announce the cancellation of the rally. “We were marching to the pro- test, but thugs from the Bahraini and Saudi Embassies in Cairo stopped us,” says Al-Maz. “The Egyptian security forces said they were concerned about our safety, and asked me to cancel the event.” Egyptians sometimes risk their life by supporting Bahrain’s freedom struggle, Al-Maz explains. Repression Because of his activism, Al- Maz has been named on what is called the “red list” in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “I have been sentenced to a total of 100 years in prison by these governments,” says Al-Maz. The charges against him include exporting the Egyptian Revolution to the Gulf countries and “humiliating” their regimes. Freedom is never granted, but Al-Maz believes it can be export- ed. His experience during Egypt’s revolution was like waking up Beyond Tahrir Square, there as perceived. Al-Maz argues that of 20 volunteer lawyers recently from a decades-long nightmare: “I were demonstrations at the their oppressive behaviour will filed a lawsuit against the King of broke the chains of Mubarak.” He American, Bahraini and Saudi never win a majority of Egyptians, Bahrain, the King of Saudi Arabia is determined to spread his new- Embassies on several occasions. who continue to celebrate the over- and the President of the UAE, found freedom to the rest of the The protesters condemned human throw of their own oppressive re- holding them responsible for the Arab world, including Bahrain: rights violations in Bahrain and gime. After the revolution, Al-Maz violence committed against peace- “It is our responsibility to export demanded immediate reforms for insists, there is no appetite for op- ful Bahraini protesters. The first freedom to people who have never the Bahraini people. Some, like pression in Egypt, whether it is the hearing was scheduled for July lived it or experienced it, except in Al-Maz, want to overthrow the remnants of Mubarak’s regime or 10, but has been postponed to movies.” Al-Maz has dedicated his Bahraini King, in the same way as extremist religious groups. November 13. life to campaigning for democracy Mubarak was overthrown. Al-Maz considers himself a There will be no Bahraini wit- in Bahrain. religious Sunni Muslim, but this nesses as it is too dangerous for The Bahrain solidarity cam- Sectarianism does not stop him from supporting them to testify against their own paign in Egypt began with just Al-Maz recalls an incident in the Shia majority in Bahrain—as government. Instead, the case is three people, when Al-Maz and Alexandria during which he tried some might expect. He is keen to based on reports and documents two friends created the Facebook to rally support for the Bahraini emphasize that he is Sunni, believ- published by foreign journal- group “A Million Messages to people outside a mosque. He was ing that it adds “more credibility ists and human rights organiza- Support the Bahraini People.” The trying to win the worshippers’ to Bahrain’s revolution.” The gov- tions. Al-Maz suggests that even group then grew spontaneously. hearts by calling on them to join ernment of Bahrain, through its President Barak Obama’s May From Facebook, Al-Maz and his him: “Today I want to condemn official media, attempts to portray 19 speech—in which he mentions supporters moved to the streets. the burning of the Quran and the pro-democracy protestors as an the destruction of Shia mosques in Meeting in city after city, and from destruction of mosques. I am not exclusively Shia movement that is Bahrain—could add credibility to one café to another, Al-Maz helped talking about incidents happening trying to overthrow a Sunni gov- the case. Despite Obama’s words, plan a solidarity rally for Bahrain in Europe or in Israel. I am talking ernment. Bahrain’s rulers are try- the US government has tacitly ap- in Tahrir Square on June 1. about what’s happening in an Arab ing to characterize the protests as a proved the occupation of Bahrain and Muslim country: Bahrain. The sectarian battle, in order to deflect by Saudi and UAE troops, refusing Threats ones who burnt the Quran are not attention from the legitimate de- to condemn the violent interven- There are numerous challenges. non-Muslims. They are the Saudi mands of the movement. tion of its regional allies. Al-Maz is under constant surveil- forces.” According to Al-Maz, Egypt’s lance and faces repeated threats Al-Maz was then stopped by Solidarity courts have the right to visit from pro-Saudi Wahhabi thugs. a couple of Wahhabis, who de- In reality, the movement is com- Bahrain to investigate the “crime Not surprisingly, the solidarity fended the attacks. They said: prised of both Shia and Sunni pro- scenes” where troops attacked march to Tahrir Square was not a “They are Shias. They have a dif- testers, even though Shias are the and killed peaceful protesters. simple task. ferent Quran.” Al-Maz replied majority in Bahrain. Their main Predictably, the Bahraini, Saudi Over 10,000 Egyptians even- in disappointment: “I am Sunni. demand is to end the ongoing dis- and Emirati governments have not tually rallied in Tahrir to support The Quran was burnt by the Saudi crimination that has been practiced responded to the case. the Bahraini people. They chanted forces.” He was then attacked and on them since the Al Khalifa rul- The Bahrain solidarity campaign slogans, condemning the brutal beaten. ing family came to power over 200 in Egypt is struggling to break the crackdown on peaceful protestors The Bahrain solidarity campaign years ago. code of silence throughout the in Pearl Roundabout in Manama, in Egypt faces ongoing threats “They [the Saudi and Bahraini Arab world. Its aim is to expose the Bahrain’s capital. They also set ‘They want to and intimidation by Wahhabis. governments] have been working hypocrisy of countries that claim to up a photo gallery that showed Wahhabism is an ultra-conserva- on this for decades. They want to support freedom and democracy, the cruelty of Bahraini forces and tive branch of Islam that has deep incite sectarianism between us, but while backing Bahrain and Saudi Saudi and Emirati troops occupy- incite roots in Saudi Arabia. Its influence they won’t be successful in post- Arabia. Activists like Al-Maz send ing the country. Egyptian protest- is spreading in the Arab world, Mubarak Egypt. Mubarak’s regime a message to Bahrainis that they ors were angry and astonished to sectarianism due to Saudi funding of mosques, attempted to create sectarian div- are not alone in their struggle for discover the level of repression in events and social programs. Al- isions, too. Sunnis and Shias have freedom, democracy and human Bahrain, which included the burn- Maz explains that many who lived together peacefully, but this rights. ing of the Quran and the destruc- between us, come to embrace and promote solidarity threatens the interests of tion of mosques. They were sur- Wahhabism outside Saudi Arabia the regimes,” argues Al-Maz. Ayman Al-Maz is an Egyptian solidarity ac- tivist. Under Mubarak’s regime, Al-Maz was prised that Saudi Arabia, a country but they won’t are initially paid to become follow- In addition to street protests, arrested 11 times and frequently expelled in which Islam had its beginnings, ers. They sometimes attack people Al-Maz has launched a legal cam- from university for his politics. In 2001, would send troops to commit these be successful’ of other faiths and ideologies, but paign in Egypt’s courts to back he was forced to leave Egypt. He returned crimes. they are not nearly as dangerous the movement in Bahrain. A team during the Egyptian Revolution.

September 2011 Socialist Worker 5 STUDENTS & RESISTANCE THE THREAT OF PRIVATIZATION ‘Our campuses are not for sale!’

by SAMANTHA PONTING At Carleton, there are also numerous sites where private ALONGSIDE THE rapid interests have penetrated the deterioration of public funding public university. Here, negotia- for post-secondary education, tions with the Australian-based campuses across the country company NAVITAS are under- are witnessing new forms of way. NAVITAS is a for-profit privatization, as administrators corporation that offers “path- salivate over the chance to way” programs to international make a quick buck. students, so that they may Without hesitation, they seemingly increase their market students as avid chances of attending the host consumers to a wide variety university. The company uses of businesses, eager to profit the crest of the host institu- from the student demographic tion, as well as their campus in new and innovative ways. resources. The ensuing transformation of campus (bathroom stalls Exploitation and classroom walls become But these partnerships are permanent sites of advertizing) exploitative. Following the pro- is not just an aesthetic one. gram, many students are not Without adequate public accepted into their program funding for post-secondary of choice. At Simon Fraser education, our academic insti- University and the University tutions seek bigger and better of Manitoba, where NAVITAS contracts from private compan- has contracts, non-unionized ies in order to fund research. labour is used. Effectively, a This has undoubtedly re-shaped two-tiered education system is the nature of research today, produced, creating disparities which is far less likely to serve among students, in class sizes, the public good than corporate for example. interests. Programs such as NAVITAS PHOTO: WILLIAM JOHN BECKETT In Ottawa, we have experi- have ignited intellectual the student population) had walked enced a booming defence-and- property battles between out of classes. How should students security industry form around university administrations and The movement ended with the our six university and college The austerity agenda has placed public education on the chopping block, but students around the world are restoration of funding for student communities. grants. That Quebec has the low- organize to ‘take it over’? Currently, 200 defence and fighting back.Peter Hogarth looks at some examples of student resistance and the potential for campus est tuition fees in Canada can be security companies reside in credited to the united response of Ottawa, enjoying access to struggles to inspire broader fights. its students and allies in the face of by MOHAMMAD ALI AUMEER the region’s best research these attacks. facilities, found in the heart A STRONG student movement of our campuses. In a polit- tudents are once again at the and meaningful employment. Most further protests. For several days, like detonators that set off an ex- Britain, Chile, Togo is not just important to our ical climate where funding for fore of the social movements, will need student loans, grants students, schoolchildren and young plosive resistance—even when the Trade unions in Britain are currently campuses but to our society education is being slashed, Sfollowing massive student-led (where they still exist) and other workers clashed with police on the surface of society appeared calm organizing for a massive general as a whole. It has the power and funding for the military is mobilizations all over the world in forms of credit to pay for school. Left Bank in Paris. On May 10, and stable. strike against austerity, a movement to unite with other layers of rapidly expanding (department- recent years. Student loan debt in Canada is 50,000 confronted the riot police. that was no doubt inspired by the society to challenge the system al spending for the Department Students at all levels—high a whopping $18 billion and grow- Barricades were built out of parked Greece militant student demonstrations last for reforms and beyond, but this of National Defence now school, college and university— ing. Students are more likely than cars, grills, railings and trees. In 2008, high school and univer- winter, which included the occupa- does not happen automatically. exceeds $18 billion annually), in Greece, Quebec, Britain, Chile ever to be working “McJobs” to pay Cobblestones were dug up from sity students exploded in anger at tion of Tory headquarters. In Canada, the student our campuses become increas- and elsewhere have demonstrated their way through college, often the streets—to be used as pro- the police murder of 15-year-old In Chile, students across the movement is led by the Canadian ingly militarized, and students against austerity and, in many cases, slowing the progress of their stud- jectiles against advancing police. Alexandros Grigoropoulos. Student country are leading massive pro- Federation of Students (CFS). themselves lose autonomy in campus faculty, as seen both have been a catalyst to greater re- ies. Job prospects for graduates tend “Under the cobbles, the beach” was walk-outs and demonstrations be- tests against their government’s In Ontario, the CFS’s provincial their research. at the University of Manitoba sistance from wider sections of the to be temporary jobs without bene- scrawled as graffiti on walls in the came a focus for all the discon- plans to pay for the economic cri- component has launched and Carleton. These battles are public, especially among workers. fits or security. The consequences Latin Quarter. tent in Greek society. In response, sis by privatizing public education. the “Take it Over” campaign Corporate influence crucial to the development of of neoliberalism have made these The widespread use of police vio- workers struck in solidarity, while And in Togo, after more than eight geared at increasing student Corporate influence in universi- NAVITAS’ course material. The Students as a facts a reality for students around lence and the bravery of the French also making their own demands. weeks of suspended classes, sit-ins participation in the upcoming ties is perhaps most striking language classes that NAVITAS social force the world. students shifted public opinion Solidarity between students and and violent clashes with security provincial election on October 6. when we observe the compos- offers are a great source For the past 60 years, the status overwhelmingly to the side of the workers was obvious as teachers forces, students at the University Amalia Savva, President of the ition of university governing of contention for language and social composition of students Students as the spark students. It also attracted the soli- walked off the job with their stu- of Lomé forced the government to Student Federation of Ottawa attempts under the guise of bodies. Prominent business professors, who are witnessing have changed dramatically. After When students have organized and darity of the French working class. dents, electrical workers covered the negotiation table. Students were University, explains that since being “radical,” but this merely leaders, including many from a non-unionized labour segment World War II, poor and working- mobilized, they have won conces- From the beginning, socialists and closed-circuit security cameras, and protesting against a new semester “the Government of Ontario is bolsters the right wing. the defence-and-security emerge to perform the same class students finally won access sions from governments, universi- other revolutionaries knew that, a general strike erupted to protest system, a minimum pass mark and the main source of funding in The best way of being radical industry, occupy seats on these duties as they do, potentially to post-secondary education. The ties and other institutions. More im- for the movement to go beyond the the government’s austerity budget inadequate facilities. post-secondary education… is to both support progressive boards via appointment. threatening the job security of increased access came in response portantly, their struggles have often campus, they would have to appeal plans. All these examples demonstrate the ‘Take it Over’ campaign is mass organizations like the At York University, a num- these workers. to capitalism’s growing need for a been the catalyst for more general- to the workers of Paris. Student the vast potential of student resis- a way for students to mobilize CFS and to build socialist ber of directors of the York The commercialization of uni- skilled and specialized labour force. ized working-class resistance—the activists took to the factories, leaf- Quebec tance. But on their own, students around student issues such as organizations that connect University Foundation, the versities and colleges affects As a result, the education system way a spark can ignite a wildfire. leting and asking for solidarity be- Quebec Liberal Premier Jean don’t have the same collective increases in tuition fees and a such reforms on campus with fundraising body of the institu- both workers and students. was transformed. For instance, in The most famous example is tween workers and students. Charest campaigned in 2003 with a strength as workers—who can reduction of funding. Students a revolutionary transformation tion, have been criticized for Campus-wide student-worker Britain in the 1960s, only around May 1968 in France. As worldwide promise to freeze tuition fees. Once shut down whole sections of the should not only be supporting of society as a whole. We need their deep connections to coalitions, such as Campus eight per cent of young people at- sentiment began to turn against the General strike in power, Charest went back on his economy when they go on strike, the campaign, but they should organizations that can provide Canada’s pro-Israel lobbyists. United at Carleton University, tended university. Fifty years later, US war in Vietnam, students at the Two days after the night of the bar- word, transforming $103 million of and whose labour is required for also be organizing all year round year round organizing on a This has occurred alongside can help us keep public institu- around 40 per cent do. A majority of ‘When students Nanterre campus of the University ricades, ten million French workers grants into loans, nearly doubling the production of profit. It is in to target tuition fee increases variety of campus issues— the repression of anti-apartheid tions public. them will probably end up in white of Paris held a series of escalating went on strike against repression. the debt of Quebec’s poorest stu- this sense that workers represent a and massive amounts of student from promoting Safewalk and activism at York. This means demanding more collar working-class jobs, as once have organized protests that included teach-ins, oc- This one-day strike escalated into dents. In response, students from much greater potential threat to the debt.” childcare spaces, to challenging At Carleton University, funding for education, so that privileged occupations like teaching cupations and clashes with riot po- an indefinite general strike, bring- most CEGEPs and universities took capitalist system than students do. It’s the student mobilization violence against women and the workers and students, led we can stop skyrocketing become “proletarianized”—subject and mobilized, lice on campus. Student demands ing the economy of France to a vir- to the streets in a campaign that saw It is also why, for student strug- itself, rather than the election anti-choice groups, to building by Students Against Israeli tuition fees and protect quality to the attacks on wages and working ranged from the right to visit mem- tual standstill. While the movement a year of demonstrations, nego- gles to go beyond the campus and that it is key to winning real campaigns to lower tuition Apartheid, have demanded that jobs. Decreasing our reli- conditions that used to be confined they have won bers of the opposite sex in student would eventually be channeled into tiations and protests. A coalition of to begin challenging the system in change. Quebec has the lowest fees—and to connect these to Carleton divest, through its ance on the private sector is to industrial labour. residence, to a ban on police and parliament and the existing system, student unions formed and organ- its entirety, students need to enlist tuition fees in the country broader social forces. pension plan, from companies essential to breaking the ties Today students are very much concessions from fascists on campus, to an end to the the fact remains that one of the lar- ized a coordinated strike campaign. the support of the broader work- because of a strong student Because students can help that violate international law between universities and the part of the working class. Because Vietnam War. gest general strikes in history was In February 2005, over 30,000 ing class. In the lead-up to the movement. Because of the role spark wider movements for in Gaza and the West Bank. war industry. some form of post-secondary edu- governments, sparked by the bold militancy of students struck. By March 15, over September 26 mobilization against of CFS in uniting half a million social change—from France Carleton’s business-friendly Students and workers alike cation has become a minimum Barricades students opposing the war and fight- 100,000 students were on strike. Ford’s cuts in Toronto, there will be students around progressive 1968 to Chile 2011—it’s Board of Governors has thus must take a stance against the requirement for most jobs, the ma- universities and Every attempt to stop the pro- ing for better learning conditions. One demonstration in Montreal ample opportunity to build student- demands, it often comes under important to unite students with far ignored the campus-wide private university, and make jority of students will come from tests—such as shutting down the Similar examples exist else- drew nearly 100,000 students. At worker unity, and to infuse labour’s attack by right-wing forces workers who, history has shown, plea to demonstrate respect for our voices heard, united in one working-class families, as they other institutions’ campus and disciplinary hearings where. In many other cases, high the height of the strike, 230,000 stu- fight against austerity with the spark trying to de-federate. Ironically, have the power to transform and human rights. movement. seek better lives than their parents for student activists—only sparked school and university students were dents in Quebec (more than half of of student resistance. some on the left support such revolutionize society.

6 Socialist Worker September 2011 September 2011 Socialist Worker 7 OPINION

NDP Jack Nation

ON AUGUST 27 in Toronto, more than 10,000 people united to mourn the loss of NDP leader Jack Layton and to continue the fight for a better world. An unprecedented response covered City Hall in a rainbow of multilingual chalk messages—renewed after each downpour—and filled the streets with people. Jack had a long history in the movements, from the pro-choice and gay rights movement, to the anti-war and labour movement, to supporting health care and the environment. Jack’s best moments were when he used his position and his party to amplify these movements: from building the mass rallies against the Iraq War in 2003, to leading the filibuster in support of postal workers—his last act in Parliament. This is the best of social democracy, and why it matters to those who want a better world, even if we don’t think Parliament can deliver it. A historic gain for the NDP, which people identify with change and which gives the potential to magnify social movements, gives ordinary people the confidence they themselves can change the world. This is why Jack’s passing did not produce demoraliza- tion but a determination—as both the volume and content Why climate activists should of the chalk messages indicated: “from choice to peace to equality for all, we will continue”, “we’ll mourn today and continue the fight tomorrow”, and “you’ll live on through us”. not support population control Looking at the top of society, one sees only right-wing austerity, from Stephen Harper in Ottawa, to Rob Ford in Toronto, and the threat of Tim Hudak’s taking the upcom- Ian Angus edits the ecosocialist website climateandcapitalism.com. He is the co-au- ing Ontario election. But the response to Jack’s death is like a flash of light that shows the bubbling resistance at thor, with Simon Butler, of Too Many People? Population, Immigration, and the bottom of society—from the G20 protests and April 9 the Environmental Crisis, which will be published in October by Haymarket Books. Ford protest before the election, to the electric reaction to Brigette DePape’s interruption of Harper’s throne speech, to the huge number of Torontonians who spoke out against Ford’s cuts in July. Many sincere environmentalists, eager sions, while nations with the lowest securing an habitable planet, regard- The corporate media spoke of a “Ford Nation” of to find causes and solutions for cli- population growth rates have high less of population levels. people who would be clamouring for cuts, but it’s mate change, focus on population. The growth rates for CO2 emissions. nowhere to be seen. Instead there’s a “Jack Nation” of problem, they say, is too many people Between 1980 and 2005, poor Immigrants are not the thousands, determined to resist. We need to take this using too many resources, causing too countries had 52.1 per cent of the enemy sentiment into every neighourhood, workplace, school much economic growth. The solution world’s population growth but Some environmentalists go beyond and street corner, to mobilize for the September 26 “Rally they propose is much lower birth rates only 12.8 per cent of the emissions urging lower birth rates, arguing that for Toronto to save city services and defend good jobs.” – many argue that unless humanity growth. Rich countries with just 7 rich countries should protect their What better way to honour Jack than to unite all the reduces its numbers quickly, no other per cent of the world’s population environments by reducing or elim- movements he shaped, and that shaped him, into a mass political or technological change can growth produced 29% of the growth inating immigration. This argument rally for a better tomorrow? possibly work. in CO2 emissions. has been eagerly taken up by racist The attraction of the “too many and anti-immigration groups. The people” argument is easy to see. It is Individuals do not drive recently formed Canadian Centre ARAB SPRING based on the obvious fact that both emissions growth for Immigration Policy Reform, for human numbers and greenhouse The “too many people” argument example, claims that, “our high im- gas emissions have been growing ignores the social and economic driv- migration levels make it more difficult Libya: revolution hijacked? at unprecedented rates in the past ers of emissions growth, blaming it to achieve Canada’s environmental century. And it offers an obvious and on individual consumption. In reality, objectives and inhibit efforts to reduce humane solution – make birth control individuals have very little control the extraordinary size of our eco- AS PEOPLE celebrate the overthrow of Libyan dictator and abortion available to all women over emissions growth: it has been logical footprint.” Muammar Gaddafi the West is continuing its attempts everywhere, and educate everyone calculated that if every single person “Immigration harms the environ- to stifle the Arab Spring. about the need to have fewer babies. in the United States faithfully adopted ment” is just another way of saying At the start of the year, it looked like the entire Arab As the American journalist H.L. every single emissions-reduction “population growth harms the world was on the brink of revolution. Explosive uprisings Mencken wrote, “There is always measure recommended by Al Gore in environment” – except that it targets a toppled US-backed dictators in Tunisia in January and an easy solution to every human his book An Inconvenient Truth, total particularly vulnerable and powerless Egypt in February, and by March, there was a transitional problem – neat, plausible, and wrong.” U.S. emissions would fall only 21 per group of people, those who come from council in Libya. Protests and uprisings spread across The “too many people” explanation cent. the very countries most harmed by cli- Africa and the Middle East, while workers in Wisconsin for climate change is a case in point. Even that greatly overstates the mate change. Climate change ignores occupied their Capitol building. It was US imperialism’s When we look past the big numbers impact most people have, because national borders, so the climate move- worst nightmare. (7 billion people on earth now; 9 such overall averages ignore class ment cannot limit itself to just one The Egyptian Revolution was too strong to directly billion by 2050!) it becomes clear that differences within populations. country. We need to forge strong links intervene in, but the Libyan revolution was being pushed population growth is not driving the Globally, a few rich countries and collaboration with movements for back by Muammar Gaddafi. The West first worsened the climate crisis, and that campaigning produce most of the emissions – and climate justice in the global South, situation by imposing an arms blockade that primarily for population control will weaken the within each of those rich countries a and to encourage migrants from those hurt the resistance, and refusing to help fleeing refugees climate movement. minority has most of the wealth and countries to become leaders of the or war resisters from Gaddafi’s army. When sections of consumes the most: in the US, for fight here. That won’t be possible if the Libyan resistance called for a “no-fly zone” to protect Correlation isn’t causation example, 20 per cent of the popula- we blame poor women in the South civilians, the West then used the opportunity to intervene At some point in every introductory tion accounts for 60 per cent of all for environmental problems, and try militarily: claiming the mantle of liberation, burying the statistics course, the instructor tells consumer spending. to close Canada’s borders to them and history of Western arms sales to Gaddafi and previous students about a European city where their families. “humanitarian interventions” in Iraq and Afghanistan, increases in the stork population were Populationism ignores Environmentalists who promote and ignoring Western-backed massacres in Palestine and supposedly matched by increases in corporate power birth control and/or anti-immigration Bahrain. the number of new babies. The point Does anyone imagine that reducing policies as solutions to environmental This accompanied political intervention. NATO is, that correlation isn’t causation— Canada’s population would have problems profoundly misunderstand bombed Libya for four months before recognizing the storks don’t bring babies, no matter any effect on the Tar Sands, where – the nature of the crisis. Adoption of National Transitional Council (NTC)—while it encour- what the numbers seem to imply. according to government estimates their proposals would divert the move- aged the popular uprising to be dominated by former Similarly, the fact that population – emissions will triple by 2020? Of ment from real solutions. regime elements, dependent on foreign powers, with and pollution both grew dramatic- course not. Oil company behaviour is As renowned US ecologist Barry guarantees that Gaddafi’s oil contracts with the West ally in the 20th century doesn’t driven by the need for profits, not by Commoner once said, populationist would remain intact. The head of the NTC is Mustafa prove that population growth caused population growth. solutions to environmental destruction Abdel Jalil, Gaddafi’s justice minister, and the military the pollution. The fundamental cause of climate are “equivalent to attempting to save commander was Abdel Fattah Younis, Gaddafi’s interior In fact, when we look beyond change is an economy that is totally a leaking ship by lightening the load minister. global numbers, and examine popu- dependent on fossil fuels, an econ- and forcing passengers overboard.” But the regional revolution is far from over. Sections lation and emissions trends country omy in which short-term corporate Instead we should ask, “if there isn’t of the resistance killed Younis, and such differentiation by country, the apparent correlation profits always trump environmental something radically wrong with the within the rebels could resurface as the West seeks to disappears. Most of the nations with sustainability. Unless we transform ship.” entrench its control—from trying Gaddafi in the Hague high population growth rates have the economy and our society along To order Ian’s new book, visit instead of in Libya, to using the humanitarian crisis cre- low growth rates for CO2 emis- sustainable lines, we have no hope of www.haymarketbooks.org ated by NATO bombs to argue for occupation. The fall of Gaddafi could give confidence to the uprising in Syria, but NATO’s involvement could also bolster Bashar al-Assad’s false claim that the uprising in his own country is simply a pawn of the West. Meanwhile Socialist Worker fighting fund the ongoing Egyptian Revolution could alter the regional Thanks to the generous support of our readers, we have reached our goal of $20,000 for the balance of forces. Socialist Worker Fighting Fund! Thank you to all who contributed! The task of people in the West remains to stop our own $20,000 governments from bombing in the name of liberation, and to follow the lead of the Arab Spring by connecting anti-imperialism with anti-austerity. 8 Socialist Worker September 2011 LEFT JAB REVIEWS John Bell Death on Skidoos

MANY YEARS ago, in the in Afghanistan, Harper will smoky haze of my university use “defending our Arctic dorm room, I regaled friends sovereignty” as his excuse with the outline of my to continue the militarization “great Canadian novel”. of Canadian society we have The finer points escape me been witnessing in recent now, mercifully, but they all years. flowed from the title: Death This militarization involves on Skidoos. spending massive amounts of I even tried to pound out our money on planes, ships a rough draft or two, reveal- and snowmobiles. Okay, so ing even to myself my utter the announced budget for the inadequacy as a novelist. But stealth skidoo is only a half- you have to admit, that is one million, a drop in the military kick-ass title. If I had finished budget. But you can add that it, even Toronto Mayor Rob drop to the $490 billion in Ford might have read it, military spending planned changing history as we know over the next 15 years. That it for the better. does not include the cost of Stephen Harper must have the pointless, 10 year Afghan been rummaging through my adventure. Tory figures put dorm waste basket. Leave it to the price tag at $11.3 billion, him to make Death on Skidoos but non-partisan estimates say a reality: the real costs are double that, “The Department of about $20 billion. National Defence plans to Where will all this money develop a new stealth snow- come from, particularly at a FILM mobile for covert military time when Tories are slashing operations in Canada’s Arctic, corporate taxes to historic with $550,000 set aside to lows? As the people rise, so do the apes build a prototype. Ottawa has You know the answer: it is posted a public tender for a written in the rising cost of hybrid-electric snowmobile your kid’s education, the cuts Rise of the Planet of the Apes attempt to capitalize on the success 21st century include the dangers of that would allow Canadian to your health services, the Directed by Rupert Wyatt of the first film, Beneath the Planet genetic science and genetic modifica- Forces soldiers to swoop threats to the pension you’ve Reviewed by Jessica Squires of the Apes still managed to tackle an tion. The scientist seeks a cure for his silently across the frozen been paying into all your anti-nuclear-weapons theme–albeit in father’s Alzheimer’s, but those good landscape. life, the degradation of your I have always wondered what the point a heavy-handed way. intentions are twisted by the capitalist “The nature of these future environment, the layoffs of was in Hollywood is making remakes, These themes were continued in the who thinks only of profit. Like other clandestine assignments public servants who inspect prequels, sequels and reboots, but I’m several sequels that followed–and the recent sci fi films such as Avatar, the is unclear from the federal your food, even the plan certainly not above going to see them entire series lives on as a cult classic. heroes here are not the humans, but the tendering document. But one to close the book on your (although the new Spiderman movie Now, Rise of the Planet of the Apes non-humans. thing is clear: silence is prior- libraries. expected out next year seems to be has been released and promoted as a Most significantly, the evil, one- ity No. 1” (Canadian Press, In order to get you to sit pushing the etiquette envelope). I’m a re-boot of the series. It would be easy sided human is replaced with humans Aug. 21). still for the outright theft of sucker for a Hollywood blockbuster; to dismiss it as yet another example with the capacity to allow, encourage I find the idea of a stealth the accumulated social wealth I blame contradictory consciousness, of Hollywood’s unimaginative avarice and foster real freedom; and there is snowmobile hilarious. Not of generations of working but Rise of the Planet of Apes gave me for a successful re-boot, but the im- no sign of the tendency in the original everyone does; Whitney people, Harper and his ilk another reason to watch. agery in this film is evocative of our film to ascribe negative traits accord- Lackenbauer, a “northern have to convince you that it is This movie means something com- times. ing to simian species. Instead, the most security expert,” says that the your sacred duty to bow down pletely new and interesting in 2011 The civil rights-era debates about violent of the insurgents (Koba, who is sneaky skidoo is “a signal the before our glorious warriors. than its predecessors did in the 1960s. violence and non-violence were re- likely to be a recurring character in– government is getting serious Failure to do so is unpatriotic, The original 1968 Planet of the Apes invented through the anti-globaliza- you guessed it–a sequel) was made about Arctic sovereignty.” even treasonous. film was acclaimed as a ground- tion movement and the G20. The lead that way through experimentation and Out of the other side of his So every public event, every breaking work on a number of fronts. character ordering his fellow insur- torture at the hands of human beings. mouth, this expert admits he state function, every Tory Produced in the era of the original Star gents not to kill the humans out to kill Critics dismiss Rise as having has no idea what the serious pronouncement becomes an Trek TV series, it was part of the shift them reminds us of the calls for non- distanced itself from the strong anti- snowmobile would be good excuse to trot out the military. in science fiction towards social com- violence from the leaders of today’s racist themes of the original series it for. The swearing-in ceremonies mentary on issues ranging from racism movements for democracy. re-boots. Some argue that only PETA “I’d be interested in know- for new Canadians must now to war. Planet was no exception. The trashing of cars and storefronts could be pleased by its storyline. But ing what the military envisions be attended by the military. Although the film replicates some in their bid for freedom evoke the at its core, this film is about a group as being the threats that it’s Canada Day festivities are of the worst Hollywood gender stereo- televised coverage of police riots. The of individuals snatched from their going to encounter with these. dominated by Canadian types, its apparent intention of expos- parallels may not be exact, the sym- habitat, imprisoned, oppressed and I’m at a loss to know what Forces displays. Even Stephen ing the oppression of racism to the metry slightly off kilter, but they are experimented upon, used for enter- that is.” Harper’s public reaction to American middle class also included reminiscent of the Arab Spring, down tainment, and chronically underesti- A different expert, Rob Jack Layton’s death immedi- commentary on war, the anti-war to a bridge crossing that evokes mem- mated; throwing off their chains and Huebert, associate director ately segued into tasteless movement, and other political and cul- ories of one of the most striking im- overcoming their oppressors; refusing of the Centre for Strategic hyperbole about Canada’s tural themes prevalent in the late sixties. ages of the Egyptian Revolution. to be subjugated; and eliminating their and Military Studies at the military intervention in Libya. The original film immediately fell prey worst enemies, without sinking to their University of Calgary, has Then there is Harper’s al- to the Hollywood propensity for mak- New themes level. This is the story of the human the answer: “We’re starting most incomprehensible plan to ing sequels. Despite its fairly naked New themes for the franchise in the experience under capitalism. to see individuals that you rebrand the Canadian Forces FILM would probably want to be as “Royal”. This is an attempt able to sneak up on. I think to turn back the clock to the what you’re going to find is days of my youth, when the Horrible Bosses are great for capitalism the more you look, the more Great White North really was you find.” white, and the trappings of a I have had the privilege colonial past were everywhere Horrible Bosses worker duo played by Spacey and of the former boss and heir to the of traveling to Nunavut, and to see. The real history of Directed by Seth Gordon Bateman. Spacey plays the ultimate business. from my experience, there are Canada and empire is a brutal Reviewed by Melissa Graham villain boss. When a position opens Farrell is determined not only very few individuals to sneak and sordid one, but Harper and up in his company, Spacey’s charac- to run the business as cheaply and up on, no matter how hard his crew of academic syco- For working guys Nick (Jason ter acts as if he is going to promote destructively as possible, but also you look. So Mr. Huebert’s phants are rewriting it as well, Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) Bateman, and Bateman in turn works wants Sudekis to fire employees with statement puzzled me. Then it airbrushing out the racism, and Dale (Charlie Day), life on the very hard for this corporate position. disabilities and pregnant women. struck me: he was channeling violence and oppression that job has become an intolerable grind. Not only is Bateman’s character This would be all right in a movie the Tory hysteria de jour– remain bubbling under the Their horrible bosses (Kevin Spacey, turned down for the job, but Spacey villain if the movie wasn’t using “human smuggling” of illegal surface even today. Colin Farrell, Jennifer Aniston) make refuses to hire anyone and instead oppression to make a cheap joke. aliens and “war criminals”–to This is the PM who in 2009 most jobs look like a walk in the take it for himself, combining it with Finally, there’s Day and Aniston. justify militarizing the Arctic. declared to the world press, park. his position as CEO. This pair does As a horrible boss, Aniston sexually Stop for a second and “We also have no history of Thanks to the state of the capitalist a good job of poking fun at the dark harasses Day constantly, even during imagine a boatload of Tamils colonialism.” system, quitting is not an option, side of the corporate world, but it a high speed chase. Day’s friends tiptoeing across the tundra, The creation of this myth so after a few-too-many drinks and doesn’t push the issue. In the end, often joke that his problem really trying to blend in on the streets of Canadian military glory some questionable advice from a Bateman does get promoted, but still isn’t a problem at all. In a way, it (and there aren’t very many of past and present is urgent. hustling ex-con (Jamie Foxx), the works underneath an even worse makes light of the sexual harassment them) of Iqaluit. Admittedly, You certainly can’t sell wars three friends, decide to rid them- corporate boss. faced by many women thanks to their the Arctic is warming due to like Afghanistan on their own selves of each others bosses, but of Then there’s Sudeikis and Farrell. male bosses, and misses the op- climate change, but that warm- merits because, frankly, they course it wouldn’t be a comedy if Sudeikis’ character starts out with portunity to make a really powerful ing is a relative thing. The far don’t have any. And just who everything went according to plan. a job that has fewer complications. character out of a female boss. north will remain an unlikely is threatening Arctic “sover- Though this movie is very funny, Sudeikis actually likes his boss, and It’s important to mention that destination for refugees. eignty”? The Danes? its topic does little for the working his boss likes him. each of these bosses and workers If the spectre of a silent So all rise for the Royal class. By portraying these works as Everything seems bright and rosy are white, and the only racialized skidoo patrolling the shores Canadian Stealth Snowmobile individuals instead of viewing them with the typical Hollywood version characters are those found in the bar. of the Northwest Passage Squad: testosterone fuelled yet as part of a larger class, this movie of a small business trying to make The bottom line is, if you can ignore in search of “illegals” is sensitive! Death on Skidoos suggests that workers are essentially things work in an environmentally the racism, sexism and capitalism ludicrous, the drive behind may come silently, but it sure powerless unless they’re willing to friendly way, until his boss dies in a long enough to enjoy the comedy, go this silly announcement is easy to spot them against take extreme measures like murder. freak car accident in the parking lot. for it. Otherwise, don’t waste your is anything but laughable. the snowy tundra, painted the The best example of this is the boss- In comes Farrell, portraying the son money. As the Canadian military vivid colours of the Union scales back its involvement Jack. September 2011 Socialist Worker 9 international WHERE WE STAND socialist events The dead-end of capitalism The capitalist system is based on violence, TORONTO oppression and brutal exploitation. It creates 2011: Year of revolts hunger beside plenty. It kills the earth itself Wed, Sep 14, 1pm with pollution and unsustainable extraction Sid Smith Hall, room 2119 of natural resources. Capitalism leads to 100 St. George St. imperialism and war. Saving ourselves and the Info: planet depends on finding an alternative. international.socialists@ utoronto.ca Socialism and workers’ power Any alternative to capitalism must involve The politics of Stieg replacing the system from the bottom up Larsson through radical collective action. Central to Sun, Sep 25, 5:30pm that struggle is the workplace, where capital- USW Hall, 25 Cecil St. ism reaps its profits off our backs. Fundraising dinner and talk Capitalist monopolies control the earth’s Suggested donation: $7-20 resources, but workers everywhere actually create the wealth. A new socialist society can Meet the York University only be constructed when workers collect- International Socialists ively seize control of that wealth and plan its Wed, Sep 21, 10am-6pm production and distribution to satisfy human York Campus Walk needs, not corporate profits—to respect the info: yorkusocialists@ environment, not pollute and destroy it. gmail.com

Reform and revolution Ford, Hudak/McGuinty, Every day, there are battles between exploited Harper: How do we stop and exploiter, oppressor and oppressed, to the austerity steam- reform the system—to improve living condi- roller? tions. These struggles are crucial in the fight Tues, Sep 27, 7pm for a new world. To further these struggles, Bahen Centre we work within the trade unions and orient 40 St. George St. to building a rank and file movement that Info: 416-972-6391 strengthens workers’ unity and solidarity. toronto.socialists@gmail. But the fight for reforms will not, in itself, com bring about fundamental social change. The present system cannot be fixed or reformed EQUITY AND OPPORTUNISM Can there be a revolution as NDP and many trade union leaders say. It in Canada? has to be overthrown. That will require the Wed, Sep 28, 1pm mass action of workers themselves. Sid Smith Hall, room 2119 100 St. George St. Elections and democracy Indigenous people in Info: Elections can be an opportunity to give voice international.socialists@ to the struggle for social change. But under utoronto.ca capitalism, they can’t change the system. The structures of the present parliament, army, po- Beirut 2011: Report lice and judiciary developed under capitalism trade unions today back from the Summer and are designed to protect the ruling class University of Palestine against the workers. These structures cannot Sat, Oct 22, 4pm be simply taken over and used by the working Speaker: Abbie Bakan class. The working class needs real democ- by VALERIE LANNON in the union wheel. We had our make a stink otherwise.” $10 or PWYC (includes racy, and that requires an entirely different own Aboriginal Council and we veggie dinner) kind of state—a workers’ state based upon Several issues ago, we briefly were beginning to draft language Advice Info: pape.danforth. councils of workers’ delegates. described part of the historical for the shop stewards manual. But What advice do Alicia and Bonnie [email protected] experience of indigenous people once we were making progress, the have for non-Aboriginal unionists VANCOUVER Internationalism in trade unions, primarily around union dissolved the Council, say- and other workers who want to The struggle for socialism is part of a world- Langara College I.S. wide struggle. We campaign for solidarity the turn of the 20th century, as ing it was being incorporated into support their Aboriginal brothers and organizing meeting with workers in other countries. We oppose Canada’s working class began to the Equity and Diversity Council, sisters? Wed, Sep 14, 12:30- everything which turns workers from one grow significantly. which is not as proactive as we First, recognize and support the 1:30pm, room A218 country against those from other countries. This article will attempt to were. I think if the union really fact that Aboriginal workers may Info: vancouver.socialists@ We support all genuine national liberation increase our knowledge of the had aboriginal issues as a major do things differently. They noted, gmail.com movements. experience of indigenous people part of their agenda, the Aboriginal “First Nations people will seek each The 1917 revolution in Russia was an in trade unions today. Much more Council would not have been other out; and non-Aboriginal people 2011: Year of revolts inspiration for the oppressed everywhere. But Wed, Sep 21, research is required to understand dissolved. Who better to discuss need to understand this. We will go 12:30-1:30pm it was defeated when workers’ revolutions the full picture; however, it is Aboriginal issues, whether they out of our way to create connec- elsewhere were defeated. A Stalinist counter- Langara College, rm B144 revolution which killed millions created a new hoped that the information below are in the workplace or on a global tions with one another, whether as Info: vancouver.socialists@ form of capitalist exploitation based on state will stimulate further exploration. platform, than Aboriginal people?” fellow Aboriginal workers or with gmail.com ownership and control. In Eastern Europe, For this article, I interviewed The BCGEU does not have lan- Aboriginal clients, including inviting peace & China and other countries a similar system two unionists from BC, Alicia from guage in its collective agreements them into our offices and sharing was later established by Stalinist, not socialist the BC Government and Service that reflects indigenous concerns. food.” justice events parties. We support the struggle of workers in Employees’ Union, and Bonnie Alicia prefers, however, “to see all It’s also important to understand TORONTO these countries against both private and state from a CUPE local (names are equity seeking groups addressed that Aboriginal workers (e.g. in a so- capitalism. Mass meeting to stop pseudonyms by request). in the agreement, not limited to cial sector job) are often performing Ford’s cuts Alicia and Bonnie agreed that Aboriginal people, because as an “double duty”. “We have to do our Canada, Quebec, Sat, Sep 10, 1-5pm Aboriginal Peoples all working people are better off aboriginal person, I identify with jobs and we have to educate every- Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Canada is not a “colony” of the United States, in a union than not. Bonnie noted, the issues of other groups of people one around us about the realities of Dufferin St. but an imperialist country in its own right that “otherwise you get taken advantage seeking equity. Yes, seeking equity being First Nations. We are seen as participates in the exploitation of much of of, with things like longer than in the year 2011! I expect there the ‘go to’ people. The expectations Rally to safeguard public the world. The Canadian state was founded normal hours.” They also believe will be mutual support for each from our colleagues and our people health care through the repression of the Aboriginal that each of their unions has taken other’s causes.” are huge, way beyond the normal Tues, Sep 13, 12pm peoples and the people of Quebec. some steps to recognize the unique Bonnie stated that her CUPE caseload or training we are given. Queen’s Park We support the struggles for self-determin- 100 St. George St. rights of indigenous people. This local has an Aboriginal caucus, and So First Nations workers need to Info: ation of Quebec and Aboriginal peoples up takes the form of resolutions or the collective agreement allows start saying ‘no’, and non-Aboriginal to and including the right to independence. ontariohealthcoalition.ca Socialists in Quebec, and in all oppressed actions in solidarity with particular time off for cultural events. But, people need to support this.” nations, work towards giving the struggle indigenous struggles or campaigns. here too, Bonnie feels like there is They stated “Non-First Nations Rally for Toronto! against national oppression an internationalist It also takes the form of supporting a certain amount of tokenism going people will say things about First Save city services, and working class content. internal committees where indigen- on. “We had a photo of our group Nations if they don’t think you’re defend good jobs ous members can identify issues in our last union newsletter, but First Nations (if you don’t “look” Mon, Sep 26, 5:30pm Oppression and make recommendations for there was no description of what First Nations), so First Nations Toronto City Hall Within capitalist society different groups suf- change. we do, or could do, so people have people need to speak out in these Info: www.labourcouncil.ca fer from specific forms of oppression. Attacks no idea why our group exists.” situations.” OTTAWA on oppressed groups are used to divide work- Problems A common problem is what Having said that, First Nations ers and weaken solidarity. We oppose racism Say no to the Tar Sands and imperialism. We oppose all immigration But there are problems with both Alicia and Bonnie see as apathy people are more than willing to sup- Mon, Sep 26 controls. We support the right of people of of these types of support. In terms among their Aboriginal counter- port others’ causes. As Alicia stated, Parliament Hill colour and other oppressed groups to organize of solidarity with various indigen- parts. “They see the union as being “I want all oppressed groups to have Info: www.ottawaaction.ca in their own defence. We are for real social, ous campaigns, while Alicia and outside of them and I say to them their language and voices in col- economic and political equality for women. Bonnie welcome the solidarity, ‘we are the union.’ We need to lective agreements, to ensure better VANCOUVER We are for an end to all forms of discrimina- they question the level of commit- address this.” training. Shop stewards need to know NATO hands off Libya tion and homophobia against lesbians, gays, ment of union leaders. They feel Another concern with the union, all the issues of oppressed people, Thurs, Sep 15, 7pm bisexuals and transgendered people. We there is opportunism involved, “to however, is that there appears to be whether Aboriginal, gay rights or the W2 Woodwards, 111 West oppose discrimination on the basis of religion, appear to be progressive when they too many limits on who can attend rights of people with disabilities.” Hastings ability and age. Info: [email protected] don’t really understand the issues various union conferences, on Alicia also noted that there are The Revolutionary Party or behave in a consistent way.” topics that would be of interest to special lessons to be learned from To achieve socialism the leading activists in The sense of opportunism is Aboriginal members. “They’re too those who have organized unions on You can find the working class have to be organized into a also felt with internal actions. insular, and won’t let you attend reserve. That topic will be the focus the I.S. in: revolutionary socialist party. The party must Alicia stated, “We are really cogs unless they think you’re going to of our next article. be a party of action, and it must be demo- Toronto, Ottawa, cratic. We are an organization of activists Gatineau, Vancouver, committed to helping in the construction of OPEN SATURDAYS, 12-3pm Victoria, Montreal, such a party through ongoing London, St. Catharines, activity in the mass organ- 427 Bloor Street West, suite 202, Toronto | 416.972.6391 Mississauga, Scarbor- izations of the working ough, Halifax, Belleville & class and in the daily RESISTANCE Kingston struggles of workers and PRESS e: [email protected] the oppressed. t: 416.972.6391 If these ideas make w: www.socialist.ca sense to you, help us in BOOK ROOM this project, and join the International Socialists. For more event listings, visit www.socialist.ca.

10 Socialist Worker September 2011 [email protected]

McGILL STRIKE LABOUR DAY STICKING WITH THE UNION by JOHN BELL Carolyn Egan NON-ACADEMIC staff workers at one of Canada’s richest universities have Ohio rises up against been forced to go on strike to get a fair contract. anti-union bill The 1,700 workers are members of MUNACA, and include clerical staff, library I RECENTLY attended called “We Are Ohio” made technicians, secretaries, nurs- a United Steelworkers’ up of unions, community, es and even the people who convention in the United people of colour and faith staff the morgue. They are the States. Delegates were organizations. It set out to lowest paid university work- present from all over the repeal the bill and needed ers in Montreal and are only US and the predomin- to collect up to 300,000 asking for parity with their ant topic was the fight signatures to put the bill colleagues at University of against the right. to referendum at the next Montreal and UQAM. The electoral successes election. It could take McGill staff of the Tea Party in recent They collected over 37 years of service to reach elections sent a shot across 1.3 million signatures, the top of their pay scale, the bow of unions in the and through that process compared to a maximum of 14 US, and the fightback is changed the political years at those other schools. going deep in states like landscape in the state. At present, McGill has Wisconsin. The polls showed that the power to unilaterally al- Workers and students a strong majority now ter pension plans, something organized militant actions opposed the bill and the other universities must en- including the occupation policies of the government ter into negotiations to do. PHOTO: JESSE McLAREN of the Capitol building and that they had recently The university recently cut ON TORONTO’s Labour Day parade, many of public sector services and jobs as the massive demonstrations elected. health benefits and altered trade unionists marched with two import- Labour Council and its allies plan for the which garnered worldwide We Are Ohio went pension provisions without ant matters in mind. “Rally for Respect” on September 26 support. door to door speaking to consultation. Respect for the memory of Jack Layton at 5:30pm at City Hall (see page 10 for They were able to bridge hundreds of thousands of McGill workers receive no was a key issue that touched most march- details). the gap between public residents. They went to premium if forced to work ers; his face and last words were every- This event will be part of the fightback sector and private sector churches, mosques and on weekends. University of where on buttons, t-shirts and posters. against Mayor Ford’s agenda of cutbacks unions as well as mobilize temples, to union halls and Montreal and UQAM work- The other key issue was the defence and layoffs for Toronto. unorganized groups such as college campuses. They ers receive a 25 per cent bonus farmers to come together engaged in hard slogging for Saturday work, and 50 per OPSEU against the vicious attacks political work, listening cent for Sunday. To top it off, of right-wing industrialists to peoples’ concerns and McGill is asking workers to and governments. talking to them about how delay receiving any pay in- It sent a shockwave the right-wing agenda in crease for six months. College staff strike through the state and cut their state was harmful to Many of the jobs done by through the “politics of all of them. It was hugely MUNACA members require OVER 8,000 support lective bargaining negotia- B u t t h e S t u d e n t envy,” which pitted union- successful and shows what skills and education—the kind workers from all of tions, management wants to Association of George ized workers with benefits a broad-based campaign of jobs many McGill students Ontario’s 24 community increase the number of non- Brown College (SA)—one and pension plans against can do in bringing about would be happy to get after colleges officially went on unionized workers at col- of only two college student low-wage workers who political change. graduation. strike on September 1. leges and double the proba- associations in Ontario often had neither. The real We are up against a This is another reason why The strike action, which tionary time period for new to hold membership in enemy was exposed in the similar situation here in students should stand with is affecting approximate- workers from six months Canada’s largest and most campaign. Toronto where Rob Ford, workers against an adminis- ly 500,000 students, was to a full year, a time period progressive student or- The United Steelworkers a right-wing mayor, won tration that spends millions caused mostly by reluctance during which no benefits are ganization, the Canadian is the second largest union a significant majority on swanky new conference by the management team to provided. Federation of Students—is in Wisconsin. Its members pledging to “cut the gravy.” rooms for itself while refus- engage in meaningful ne- As one striking sup- providing logistical support faced huge layoffs and plant He has hired KPMG to ing to invest in the people who gotiations with the Ontario port worker in the Early for striking workers as well shutdowns. Steelworkers at make recommendations make McGill work. Public Service Employees’ Childhood Education de- as engaging in membership industries such as Harley for potential cutbacks. STOP THE CUTS Union (OPSEU), the union partment at George Brown outreach to educate students Davidson lost jobs that He epitomizes the Harper representing the support College put it, “We’re strik- about why it is important to they had had for decades austerity agenda and is the by AYESHA ADHAMI workers. ing for the next generation support the workers on the and found themselves in millionaire son of a former While the media is por- which is for you guys, we’re picket line. the unemployment lines. Tory MPP in the Mike AS TORONTO gears up traying the striking workers paving the way for you guys Cindy Brownlee, the The Republicans played to Harris government. for the September 26 as greedy, management is to get a job.” SA’s Director of Education the anxiety and hopeless- Everything is on the table mass mobilization against trying to impose wages that Un fo r t u n a t e l y, t h e and Equity, recognizes that ness that so many working including childcare centres, Mayor Ford’s proposed don’t even keep pace with College Student Alliance “workers are striking for people were experiencing long-term care facilities, cuts to core services, inflation. (CSA)—which represents better jobs tomorrow.” and won their votes by libraries and, of course, many community agencies Workers are not only de- the majority of students af- It is with this type of soli- promising to lower taxes massive cuts to public and even groups of fending their wages from fected by this labour dispute, darity among workers and and cut back jobs and sector jobs. individuals are taking the concessions, but also fight- and has a history of applaud- students, and across various services. Labour and community initiative to recruit fellow ing a larger fight against ing government decisions to communities, that we can Wisconsin, of course, was organizations have come residents to the fight to eroding benefits and rights increase tuition fees—has successfully resist the aus- not the only state where this together to fight back for protect those services. for all Canadians. refused to engage in any terity programs of City Hall, had happened. their city and its jobs and Community consultations Similar to the recent meaningful student-worker Queen’s Park and the House services. Ten thousand are being organized across Canada Post/CUPW col- solidarity. of Commons. ‘We Are Ohio’ came out to a rally on April the city by concerned citi- Ohio is an industrial state 9 and another is planned zens, including those in the CUPW that is part of the rust belt. for September 26 when Davenport Perth Stop the Cuts It also suffered massive City Council deliberates the Committee (a sub-committee closures with significant job KPMG recommendations. of the Toronto Stop the Cuts Postal workers’ union losses. A right-wing gov- The fightback is going Network), based in Toronto’s ernor came to power and deep into unions and com- west-end, north of Parkdale. was able to pass anti-union munities in the same way The group began meeting launches legal challenge legislation aimed primarily as we have seen in the US. in early August, with approxi- at the public sector. The It is critical that there be a mately 60 people attending trade union movement tried huge turnout and we need the first meeting. General in- by TERRY THEAKSTON of minor issues agreed to number of false and mis- to negotiate with him and to continue this broad- formation about the cuts and prior to the strike/lockout leading facts over the finan- he would have none of it. based campaign against the a presentation was made on IN JUNE, postal workers will be honoured by the ar- cial impact of the union’s A group was formed neoliberal agenda. behalf of the Sistering, a shel- were locked out of bitration process. attempt to reach a collective ter and community centre for Canada Post after a In late July, Labour agreement were quoted by women in Toronto. The group series of rotating strikes. Minister Lisa Raitt appoint- politicians and media, fol- then broke down into small The union’s actions had ed Justice Coulter Osborne lowing false reports from Join the groups to explore avenues of minimal impact on the to be the arbitrator. The Canada Post. outreach and campaign build- public. Canadian Union of Postal The financial hardship International Socialists ing. The group met again The federal NDP debat- Workers (CUPW) disagrees on the economy and loss of about three weeks later to ex- ed back-to-work legislation with the selection of the ar- revenue to Canada Post was Mail: P.O. Box 339, Station E, Toronto, ON M6H 4E3 E-mail: [email protected] / Tel: 416.972.6391 pand on the work of the first at great length in the final bitrator and on September 8 widely argued by the Tories meeting. days of parliament before a goes to court to submit its as the primary justification Organizers and participants recess for the summer. The case for a stay of proceed- for the legislation. of the committee will be repre- legislation passed by the ings. The basis of this sub- These legal challenges Name: senting their area and concerns federal Tories includes a mission is that the arbitra- may delay the completion Address: at the September 10 mass number of restrictive mea- tor is not bilingual and has of a collective agreement meeting at Dufferin Grove sures, ordering an appoint- almost no experience in for the 48,000 postal work- City/Province: Park, as well as the September ed arbitrator to decide on labour relations cases. ers in the urban areas. Rural 26 mass mobilization. either the union’s or the em- In late September, the postal workers continue ne- Phone: For more information, e-mail dav- ployer’s contract proposal. union will challenge Bill gotiations stages and could [email protected] or To date, there has been no C-6 (back-to-work legisla- be in a legal strike position E-mail: visit www.torontostopthecuts.com clarity on whether a number tion) in federal court. A in December.

September 2011 Socialist Worker 11 AS ECONOMY WORSENS... CAPITALISM IS THE CRISIS by PAM FRACHE from Greece, Ireland and Portugal to include Spain CANADA’S ECONOMY and Italy. Even France is shrank by an annualized now considered a country rate of 0.4 per cent in the of concern. The European second quarter of 2011, Central Bank is scrambling the first contraction in to orchestrate a new bailout the two years Canada has package for Spain and Italy, been—at least on paper— but with every bailout pack- out of the recession. age, there is less fiscal cap- But if Canada’s economy acity for future bailouts. The shrinks again in the third larger the countries affected, quarter of 2011, then Canada the harder it becomes to keep will be technically back in them afloat. There is a real recession. This is far from fear that these countries are the rosy picture upon which simultaneously “too big to Prime Minister Stephen fail” and “too big to save.” Harper campaigned in the As Kyle Bass, managing lead-up to the May 2 federal partner of Hayman Capital, election. explains, “When you under- Economic data released in stand the mechanisms of this August show a contraction European financial stability in the exports of both goods facility, today it has 440 bil- and energy, with Statistics lion euros in lending capacity. Canada reporting that some They have to raise 780 billion $19 billion worth of inven- euros in debt to fund [bailouts tory remains unsold, sitting for Spain and Italy].” in storage. As one business Any default in the analyst put it, “build up of Eurozone threatens to pre- inventory is an issue for the cipitate a banking crisis, the economy, as it makes busi- effects of which would re- nesses more reluctant to verberate through the global spend money, whether on economy. But there’s no staff or saleable goods.” guarantee that underwriting Anyone following the a bailout will do anything global economy won’t be sur- PHOTO: ALEX E. PROIMOS but prolong the current crisis. prised at this news. Canada’s As The Guardian news- biggest export market is the offs have soared by 47 per At the same time, growth tivity fell to a ten-month low, addition, mass unemploy- paper explained, “The debt United States, where ap- cent since the previous year. in China is also beginning in light of slowed demand in ment and austerity measures burden accumulated by the proximately 75 per cent of Government agencies are to slow. The Chinese central Europe. imposed throughout the EU banks was, in effect, nation- Canadian goods are sold. responsible for the greatest bank has increased interest The European Union is have curbed consumer de- alised during the crisis. It Consumer confidence in the numbers of firings, but lay- rates five times since October China’s largest export market, mand and undermined the was hoped this would prove US has fallen to its lowest offs are also occurring in the 2010, in an effort to curb in- where nearly 20 per cent of market for Chinese exports. temporary, but the persis- point since 2009. This lack financial and retail sectors. flation and keep the costs all Chinese exports are sold. These storm clouds over tence of weak growth means of confidence is related to According to the Financial of its exports low. In June, With the Eurozone economy the global economy were re- that a private debt crisis has unemployment and job se- Times, “[I]n the two years China’s annual increase in staggering and the sovereign flected in the unprecedented now become a sovereign debt curity—and on both fronts since the recession in the US exports fell from 29.9 per debt crisis deepening, the volatility of the stock markets crisis. What’s more, the mar- US news is bleak. formally ended in June 2009 cent in April to a rate of 19.9 value of the Euro is falling, in August. kets sense that policymakers Figures released on August the recovery in jobs has been per cent in June. In May, making the cost of Chinese The sovereign debt crisis have run out of bullets to 31 show that planned lay- almost non-existent.” China’s manufacturing ac- imports more expensive. In in the Eurozone has spread fire.” Never miss Tar sands protests escalate an issue. by MELISSA GRAHAM indigenous territory. landowners from Texas is building for a similar Mail in this form with a It’s being justified as and Nebraska, former protest at Parliament Hill cheque or money order OPPOSITION TO the tar creating jobs in the oil and “Obama for America” on September 26, organ- made payable to sands and its pipelines gas industry, but histori- staff, First Nations leaders ized by the Council of “Socialist Worker”. has escalated to mass cally these industries have from Canada, and notable Canadians, Greenpeace civil disobedience in been one of the lowest individuals Bill McKibben, Canada and the Indigenous Prices per year Washington and Ottawa. employers, and unions former White House official Environmental Network. (CAD dollars): While more than 1,200 have started joining the Gus Speth, NASA scientist As they state, “Tar sands Americans were arrested opposition. Dr. James Hansen, actor mining and other extreme Regular subscription: $30 in a rolling sit-in this The Amalgamated Transit Daryl Hannah, filmmaker forms of energy extraction Institutions, First Class August against the Key- Union and the Transport Josh Fox and author Naomi like Arctic drilling, shale delivery and U.S.: $50 stone XL pipeline project, Workers’ Union, represent- Klein. A petition with fracking and nuclear power Other international: $60 people across Quebec ing more than 300,000 617,428 names opposing generation send us in the and Canada are mobilizing workers, called on the the pipeline was delivered exact opposite direction against the tar sands on State Department to deny to the White House. that we, as a civilization, Name: September 26. the permit. In a joint press While the US State must go to ensure global The proposed Keystone release, they said: “We Department takes 90 survival… Address: XL pipeline is designed to need jobs, but not ones days to make a “national “On September 26, we carry heavy crude oil from based on increasing our interest” determination on are asking you to come to Phone: the Alberta tar sands to reliance on Tar Sands oil.” the project, organizers are Ottawa to participate in the US Gulf Coast, passing From August 20 to Sep- pledging to escalate the one of the largest acts of E-mail: through the states of tember 3, 1,252 people demonstration, and will civil disobedience on the Montana, South Da- were arrested, in front of return to the White House climate issue that Canada Mail to: Socialist Worker, PO Box 339 kota, Nebraska, Kansas, the White House, including in October for Phase Two. has ever seen.” Station E, Toronto, ON Canada, M6H 4E3 Oklahoma and Texas—af- 244 arrests on the final Phone: 416.972.6391 / E-mail: [email protected] fecting vulnerable water day. Those arrested include Ottawa action For more information, visit sources, farmland and top climate scientists, Meanwhile momentum www.ottawaction.ca