London police THE attack Caribbean carnival PageS

A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF WORKING PEOPLE VOL. 53/NO. 33 SEPTEMBER 8, 1989 $1.00

Eastern U.S. military threats strikers aimed against Panama seek wider Troop maneuvers violate sovereignty backing on BY DON ROJAS Labor Day Concern is growing throughout Latin America and the Caribbean that the U.S. military is on the verge of carrying out a major BY SUSAN LaMONT aggression against Panama with the objective Striking Eastern Airlines workers will of forcibly removing Gen. Manuel Noriega, mark the beginning of their seventh month chief of the country's defense forces, and on the picket line September 4 by appealing replacing him and his supporters in the gov­ to thousands of fellow unionists at Labor Day ernment and the army with a regime favor­ marches and events to deepen support for the able to Washington. Eastern workers' ongoing fight. In an ominous move, the U.S. government In New York, Philadelphia, Miami, De­ requested a special meeting on August 31 of troit, and other cities, Eastern strikers have campaigned to place solidarity with their strike at the center of Labor Day actions. See editorial on page 14. The International Association of Machin­ ists is urging strikers from all over - and especially from New York, New Jersey, and the Organization of American States (OAS) Connecticut- to attend the New York Labor to hear "evidence" that Noriega had turned Day march, in which Eastern Machinists, Panama into a "haven" for drug traffickers flight attendants, and pilots will be the lead from Colombia. This move comes a week contingent. after the White House announced a $65 mil­ lion package of military assistance to the Three caravans of strikers - two from Colombian government, which it says is to Miami and one from Boston - will arrive in be used to crack down on the country's drug New York to join the contingent. The cara­ lords. vans have been traveling up and down the As its options narrow in the wake of the eastern United States for several weeks pub­ failure to get the OAS to force Noriega's licizing the strike. Strikers from Newark In­ resignation by September I, Washington has ternational Airport will also be part of the upscaled military action on its list of mea­ New York action. sures against Noriega and the Panamanian Washington, D.C.'s Labor Day event will government. be held September 6 at the Capitol. The lAM An August 21 editorial in Grani?Ul, official is asking participating unionists to join the organ of the Communist Party of Cuba, de­ Machinists' and pilots' Journey for Justice scribed a mid-August U.S. embassy briefing strike caravan for the last mile in its 3,000- in Panama in which embassy officials warned mile "picket line," which will wind up at the that the U.S. government stands ready to take Capitol rally. Continued on Page 13 Demonstration in Panama City, May 1989. Start-up of more flights Strikers in New York, Miami, and Wash­ ington, D.C., are planning rallies, expanded picketing, and other activities for September Black youth lynched in Brooklyn 7 - the day Eastern plans to increase the number of daily flights from 390 to 600. BY PETER THIERJUNG ered that evening in front of a candy store to the attack one of the group showed Strikers in other cities are also working to get NEW YORK- Yusef Hawkins, a 16- below the apartment of Gina Feliciano. They Feliciano a gun and warned her about her such actions called. year-old Black youth, was gunned down Au­ heard that the woman had invited Blacks to "nigger friends." Amid signs of trouble the Strike activists plan to appeal to Labor Day gus.t 23 by a gang of racist thugs in the mostly her 18th birthday party and they were pre­ woman called her friends and canceled the marchers to tum out at the airports September white Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. paring, witnesses said, for a fight. The lynch birthday party. 7 to join them in these protests. Hawkins suffered two fatal gunshot wounds mob was armed with several baseball bats Hawkins and three Black companions, in "More workers in the lAM and the rest of in the chest. and at least one gun. Bensonhurst to buy a used car, happened to the labor movement need to look at solidarity Witnesses said that a gang of whites gath- A friend of Feliciano told police that prior walk down the street where the racists were as direct involvement as co-fighters in our congregated. The gang of up to 30 thugs battle," said strike activist Nick Gruenberg, followed them shouting racial slurs and mak­ from Newark. "Our message Labor Day will ing physical threats. "The hell with beating African leaders adopt ANC proposal Continued on Page 6 them up, forget the bats," one of them shouted, "I'm gonna shoot the nigger." A for negotiations with Pretoria chase began and moments later Hawkins was dead. BY GREG McCARTAN After the meeting was over, ANC Secre­ New York HARARE, Zimbabwe- The August 21 tary General Alfred Nzo told the press that Two charged with murder socialists file for meeting of the Organization of African Unity the OAU's endorsement of the proposals (OAU) here adopted the guidelines put for­ "shows the Africans taking the initiative on Police arrested six of the attackers by Au­ ballot status ward by the African National Congress for the issue." He noted that while the stand by gust 28. All have been charged with misde­ negotiations with the South African apartheid the OAU was a step forward, the South meanors or felonies. Two, Keith Mondello NEW YORK - On August 22, regime. African government was no closer to nego­ and Pasquale Raucci, have been charged with some II ,400 signatures - 4,000 over The heads of state from 16 countries across tiating with the liberation movement. murder. Another, Joseph Fama, who police the legal requirement - were filed the continent called on the Pretoria regime to The next day a summit of eight African say may have pulled the trigger, is still being with the Board of Elections here to get negotiate directly with the ANC without the leaders met to discuss progress in implement­ sought. ballot status for three Socialist Workers involvement of other countries. They added ing accords signed June 24 between the An­ Party candidates: James Harris for Initial police reports, press accounts, and mayor, Jerry Frei wirth for City Council that in order for negotiations to take place, golan government and the Union for the Total statements by New York Mayor Edward the regime must "release Nelson Mandela Independence of Angola (UNITA). Sup­ president, and Vivian Sahner for comp­ Koch attempted to blur the racist nature of troller. and all other political prisoners and detainees; ported by the South African regime and the the attack and killing. lift the State of Emergency; remove the ban U.S. government, UNITA has carried out a On August 24, Ezra Friedlander, a on the ANC and PAC [Pan-African Congress] 10-year counterrevolutionary war inside An­ They alleged that it was a result of registered Democrat, filed a general and all anti-apartheid organizations; and gola. The agreement included a cessation of Feliciano's ending a relationship with one of challenge against the signatures sub­ enter into a dialogue with the genuine repre­ all hostilities and the integration of UNITA the gang leaders and dating someone else mitted by the SWP, as well as those of sentatives of the South African people." forces into government institutions, includ­ who happened to be Black. Because the thugs the Workers League, New Alliance The OAU "reiterated the pressing need to ing the Angolan army. did not know the party was canceled, it is Party, and the Republican Rudolph impose comprehensive and mandatory sanc­ Some new terms of the accord were re­ implied that the killing of Hawkins was a Giuliani. According to the ballot rules, tions by the international community against leased to the public following the summit case of mistaken identity. Hawkins and his Friedlander had six days to specify the South Africa in order to force it to renounce meeting. They included the previous accep­ friends did JlOt know Feliciano. basis of his challenge. By the end of apartheid and accept the establishment of a tance of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi of An attorney for one of the attackers denied the day on August 30, he had not filed united, democratic, and nonracial state based · "temporary and voluntary retirement" from the killing was racist and said "it was caused these specifications. on the principle of one person, one vote." Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 12 Frederick Engels, 'working-class fighter' Iranian-born artist paints cofounder of modem socialism on Pathfinder mural

BY SAM MANUEL Hormozi studied painting at several uni­ Zeitung. With the impending defeat of the traits featured are those of African National NEW YORK - A colorful portrait of versities in Britain. She has also been artist­ revolution, the Neue Rheinische Zeitung was Congress leader Nelson Mandela, the West Frederick Engels, cofounder of modem so­ in-residence at the Stroud Museum and at suppressed, and Marx was deported. Engels African communist Thomas Sankara, cialism, now looks out over the West Side Northeast London Polytechnic College. She joined the armed popular uprising and fought Grenadian revolutionary Maurice Bishop, Highway in Manhattan. The portrait, done by was assisted in painting the portrait of Engels in three battles before being forced to flee Argentine-born leader of the Cuban revolu­ Iranian-born artist Marjan Hormozi, is the by Los Angeles artist James Goodwin. He is Germany through Switzerland to London. tion Emesto Che Guevara, Nicaraguan fight­ newest addition to the six-story mural nearing studying art at the Parsons School of Design. With Marx, Engels took an active role in ers Carlos Fonseca and Augusto Sandino, completion on the Pathfinder Building at In an article written on the occasion of the formation and work of the International U.S. communist and working-class leaders Charles and West streets. Engels' death in 1895 and published the next Working Men's Association in 1864. Their James P. Cannon and Farrell Dobbs, Polish­ "There are so many things about Engels year, V.I. Lenin, central leader of the October close collaboration continued until Marx's born German communist Rosa Luxemburg, that it is so difficult to say it all in one 1917 Russian revolution, wrote: "Even be­ death in 1883. Engels then took on the enor­ and U.S. working-class fighters Mother Jones painting," Hormozi explained. "I wanted to fore Engels, many people had described the mous task of assembling Mar-X's notes and and Eugene V. Debs. paint an active Engels. So many people think suffering of the proletariat and had pointed publishing the second and third volumes of Funds to complete the mural are urgently Marx and Engels were just these guys who to the necessity of helping it. Engels was the Capital. needed. For more information or to send a sat in a room and wrote. But they were active first to say that the proletariat is not only a The mural will be completed by the first contribution, write Pathfmder Mural Project. in revolutionary struggles. They were work­ suffering class; that it is, in fact, the disgrace­ · week in November. Among the other por- 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. ing-class fighters. That's why in the paint­ ful economic condition of the proletariat that ing," added Hormozi, "I have painted Engels drives it irresistibly forward and compels it as if he were addressing people." to fight for its ultimate emancipation. And "In the background I painted a group of the fighting proletariat will help itself" 'Militant' supporters ready for women. Engels is pointing to them, and on Engels was the lifelong and central collab­ his desk is a copy of his work The Origin of orator of Karl Marx. On the eve of the out­ the Family, Private Property, and the State. break of the revolutionary upheavals international sales drive An important thing about Engels for me is throughout Europe in 1848, Engels wrote his strong ideas about the rights of women," with Marx the Manifesto of the Communist BY SUSAN LaMONT supporters will be campaigning to win 9,000 explained Hormozi. Party. Written as the program of the German Militant supporters around the world are new readers for the socialist press. "I also added a cold and dark industrial Communist League, it laid down for the frrst mapping plans to get the nine-week interna­ This breaks down to 5,800 introductory or town, representing Manchester, where Eng­ time in a systematic way the foundations of tional circulation drive for the socialist press renewal subscriptions to the Militant; 1,400 els did much of his research and study of the scientific socialism. off to a strong start during the kickoff week subscriptions to the Spanish-language horrible plight of workers in England, which When the revolutionary upsurge began, September 9-16. Orders for larger bundles monthly Perspectiva Mundial; 400 subscrip­ was published as The Condition of the Work­ they went to Germany and published the of the Militant for that week have already tions to the French-language quarterly Lutte ing-class in England." revolutionary newspaper Neue Rheinische started coming in. ouvriere, and 1,400 copies of the Marxist The Militant is planning several special magazines New International and Nouvelle features for the issue to be sold during the lnternationale. eight-day target week. These include: Supporters are already warming up for the • Four pages of coverage on the Eastern target week. At the demonstration of 25,000 strike, which will mark its 190th day Sep­ in support of affrrmative action, held August tember 9. Included will be on-the-scene re­ 26 in Washington, D.C., supporters from a ports from Miami, Philadelphia, and New number of East Coast cities sold 17 Militant York; a news analysis article about where the subscriptions, more than 200 single copies of strike stands and its significance; a strike the paper, and $1, 100 in Pathfinder literature. chronology; coverage of the pilots' walkout in Australia; an article on air safety; and more. On September 4, thousands of unionists in many cities will be marching in Labor Day • A firsthand report from Greg McCartan parades. In New York, Detroit, Miami, and and James Harris, theMilitantreporting team other cities, support to the Eastern strike, attending the Fifth Annual Zimbabwe Book­ along with the Pittston and telephone strikes, . fair in Harare, Zimbabwe, August 28-Sep­ will be the theme of the actions. Militant tember 2. McCartan and Harris will be trav­ supporters will be selling subscriptions and eling to Zambia following the bookfair. Their staffing socialist literature tables at these coverage of developments in southern Africa events. will be featured for the next several weeks. On the same day, tens of thousands of • An interview with United Mine Work­ working people will be gathering in Brooklyn ers member John Hawkins from Birming­ for the annual Caribbean Day festival. Teams ham, Alabama, on the current stage of the of Militant supporters will be introducing coal miners ~ strike at Pittston Coal Group and festival participants to the socialist press and its significance for United Mine Workers literature that day. unionists across the country. Supporters of the paper in Canada, Iceland, • The scoreboard listing goals for each New Zealand, Australia, Britain, France, city, town, and/or country for the circulation Puerto Rico, Sweden, and the United States drive. will be participating in the international cir­ The special, 40-page September issue of culation drive. Militant readers everywhere Perspectiva Mundial will also be available, are urged to take part. If you would like to featuring coverage of recent developments in take on a goal, or order copies of the publi­ Cuba. cations, write to the Militant at the address Marjan Hormozi painting Engels' portrait on Pathfinder mural. During the international circulation drive, on this page. THE MIUTANT TELLS THE TRUTH The Militant Closing news date: August 30, 1989 Editor: DOUG JENNESS Circulation Director: NORTON SANDLER Nicaragua Bureau Director: LARRY SEIGLE Introductory subscription oner Business Manager: JIM WHITE Editorial Staff: Susan Apstein, Seth Galinsky (Nicaragua), Arthur Hughes, Susan LaMont, Sam Manuel, Roni McCann, 12 weeks for $4.00 for new readers - an $8.00 savings Greg McCartan, Selva Nebbia, Peter Thierjung, Judy White (Nicaragua). Published weekly except one week in August and the last The Militant carries firsthand coverage of • Reports on advances in Cuba week of December by the Militant (ISSN 0026-3885), 410 the Eastern Machinists' strike and other West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. Telephone: Editorial Of­ labor battles. It features news and analysis • On-the-scene coverage from our fice, (212) 243-6392; Fax 727-0150; Telex, 497-4278; Busi­ of the developing capitalist economic cri­ ness Office, (212) 929-3486. Nicaragua Bureau, Apartado bureau in Managua, Nicaragua 2222, Managua. Telephone 24845. sis, and resistance by workers and farmers to employer and government attacks - Correspondence concerning subscriptions or changes Enclosed is of address should be addressed to The Militant Business from the U.S. to the Philippines, Britain to Office, 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. 0 $4 for 12 weeks, new readers 0 $9 for 12 weeks, South Africa. renewals Second-class postage paid at New York, N.Y. and at addi­ 0 $17 for 6 months 0 $30 for 1 year 0 $55 for 2 tional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Militant, 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. Sub­ years scriptions: U.S., Canada, Latin America: for one-year sub­ 0 $1.00 for Action Program to Confront the Coming scription send $30, drawn on a U.S. bank, to above address. Economic Crisis, a Pathfinder pamphlet. By first-class (airmail), send $65. Britain, Ireland, Continen­ Name ______tal Europe, Africa: £22 for one year, £12 for six months, or Address ------£6 for three-month renewal. Send check or international City State__ Zip ______money order made out to Pathfinder Press and send to Path­ Phone ___Union/Schooi/Organization ______finder, 47 The Cut, London SEl 8LL, England. Australia, Asia, Pacific: send Australian $60 to Pathfinder Press, P.O. Send to THE MILITANT, 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014 Box 153, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia. Signed articles by contributors do not necessarily represent the Militant' s views. These are expressed in editorials.

2 The Militant September 8; l~lS~ ANC leader on Namibia: acts by S. Africa 'highly unacceptable'

BY RONI McCANN casting their vote should be guaranteed the The ANC leader also reviewed the string NEW YORK -"We would like to see a secrecy of the ballot," he explained, "but in of violations committed by South Africa in situation where Namibia becomes free. This these provisions one comes across an ar­ their refusal to disband their paramilitary is important not only to the extent that it rangement whereby the identity of the voter units called Koevoet (crowbar), which con­ provides inspiration to the people of South will be revealed in a climate where intimida­ tinue to terrorize the Namibian people. Africa, who are locked in battle with the tion and repression exist." apartheid regime, but also we feel the people Interested political parties won't be al­ Colonial governor issues statement of Namibia have the right, after centuries of lowed to be present at the point of voting all Administrator General Pienaar "issued a colonial oppression, to independence and the way through to when results are an­ statement on August 15, in anticipation of the self-determination, so therefore no effort nounced. As well, South Africa has cooked debate scheduled to take place at the Security should be spared." up a complex method of gathering and count­ Council meeting August 16, that he would In an interview here, Tebogo Mafole, the ing the votes. "In Namibia the votes will be confine certain Koevoet units to their bar­ African National Congress of South Africa's cast at polling stations scattered around the racks," Mafole reported. chief representative to the United Nations, country" and then transported to Windhoek, According to Resolution 435, however, discussed a range of issues regarding south­ the capital of Namibia, for counting. "Given these units are to be dissolved and their em Africa and South Africa. The process the country's transport situation," he added, command structures dismantled. under way in Namibia was a focal point. "it could obviously take two weeks before "We recognize this as a move on the part A political battle is unfolding today in they reach the central point." of South Africa to try and steer the interna­ Tebogo Mafole, African National Con­ Namibia as the Namibian people, led by the "It's anybody's guess what is going to tional community into thinking that every­ gress chief representative to UN. South West Africa People's Organisation happen in between," said the African Na­ thing is fine," said Mafole. (SWAPO), fight for the implementation of tional Congress representative. At the August 16 meeting, called on special in Namibia greater powers to supervise and UN Resolution 435. As far as the constituent assembly is con­ request by the African countries in the UN, This resolution outlines measures to be cerned, Mafole explained the South African charges were leveled against South Africa for control the preparations for the elections. taken in Namibia during the transition to administrator general has not only appointed sabotaging the independence process. "Our concern, as part and parcel of the independence from 73 years of colonial dom­ himself chairperson of the body but also African countries in the UN, as South Afri­ ination by South Africa. It was adopted by wants veto power as well. Ghana's Ambassador James VictorGbeho cans, and as members of the ANC, is that this the UN in 1978 but it took a major military "All of this is highly unacceptable," stated asked the Security Council to adopt a reso­ situation might well lead to a Namibia that defeat of South African forces at the hands Mafole. lution giving the UN peacekeeping force now is not truly free," Mafole concluded. of SWAPO, Angolan troops, and Cuban in­ ternationalist fighters in southern Angola last year before South Africa acknowledged the agreement. New York event marks Namibia Day Continued pressure needed and women who have stood firm," the "The South African government, in taking SWAPO leader continued. "We are a very the decision to comply to Resolution 435, did small population and have dared to challenge not have a change of heart," said Mafole. "It the racist regime." was forced on South Africa through pres­ Asheeke painted a picture of sabotage, sure." violence, intimidation, and harassment taking "It is logical then to say," he continued, place on a daily basis as the South African "that since South Africa went to the negoti­ government tries to continue its 73 years of ating table, kicking and yelling as it were, as colonial rule over Namibia. a result of this pressure, we can conclude that Today this political fight involves if the pressure were removed South Africa Pretoria's attempts to halt the process of would not hesitate to take the entire agree­ independence by placing every obstacle it ment and throw it out the window." can in the way of SWAPO winning the N~ A key part of the agreement calls for vember elections. elections to be held in Namibia, for the first SWAPO leader Asheeke outlined the long time in the history of the country. They are list of violations by South Africa of UN scheduled to take place in November. An Resolution 435, which stipulates measures to elected constituent assembly will then be be followed in the transition process. charged with the task of drafting a constitu­ The meeting was organized by the Nami~ tion. A political party winning a two-thirds bia Day Committee and held at the hall of majority can establish a new government. Hospital and Health Care Employees Local From the very first day the South African 1199. More than 100 people attended, and regime has tried to derail this process. On Rosemari Mealy of WBAI Radio and the July 21 Pretoria's Louis Pienaar, South Afri­ National Alliance of Third World Journalists can administrator general in Namibia, issued chaired the event. She urged everybody pres~ two draft proclamations regarding the con­ Siem ent to recommit themselves to defending the stituent assembly and the elections. Rapu Molekane (left) at Puerto Rico independence rally and Hinyangerwa Asheeke of Namibian peace process. "Looking at the draft one cannot escape South West Africa People's Organisation. Both spoke at Namibia Day event. Enthusiastic applause greeted Rapu the conclusion that it is an electoral law Molekane, general secretary of the 1.5~rnil~ guaranteeing anything but a free and fair BY RONI McCANN tion to the United Nations. Asheeke was lion-member South African Youth Congress, election," said Mafole. NEW YORK -"The intensification of addressing a meeting here August 26 to cel­ the struggle in South Africa will only increase ebrate Namibia Day and the 23rd anniversary who is winding up a tw~week tour of the Climate of intimidation the chance of victory in Namibia," said of the launching of the armed struggle in that United States. "Inside South Africa today we are inspired "A fundamental thing about elections in Hinyangerwa Asheeke, Chief representative country. by the people of Namibia," said Molekane. any democratic society is that the person of the South West Africa People's Organisa- "We have a rich history of struggle by men He discussed the defiance campaign un­ folding in South Africa as anti-apartheid fighters challenge Pretoria's laws and the state of emergency under which the regime Youth leader hits apartheid during U.S. tour banned more than 34 organizations last year alone. "Under apartheid law I'm not supposed to Rosemari Mealy ofWBAI Radio taped the tiona! Student Congress, Los Angeles Stu­ "They are racist laws and must be de­ be talking to you," said Rapu Molekane to a meeting to air at a later date. dent Coalition, and Young Socialist Alliance. stroyed. To make it easier for de Klerk, Bush, crowd in Harlem, New York, on August 24. and Thatcher we have decided to unban our­ Molekane spoke at several other meetings In response to a question on the military selves," said the youth leader. Molekane, general secretary of the 1.5- in New York, including a Namibia Day eel~ defeat of the South African forces in Angola, F.W. de Klerk is South Africa's acting million-member South African Youth Con­ ebration and a demonstration for Puerto Molekane explained that the impact was sub­ president until the September6 parliamentary gress, has just completed a 19-day tour of the Rican independence. A press conference held stantial. He said that although he was in a elections, which Blacks are barred from par­ United States. At every meeting the youth on the steps of City Hall was attended by five South African prison at the time, he and other ticipating in. leader used his actions as an example of how newspapers. Two radio stations interviewed prisoners joyfully read Castro's statement, "We have shared trenches with the Namib­ anti-apartheid fighters are defying Pretoria's Molekane, as well as two TV shows, "South "Next time you meet a white South African, laws. ian people and shared prisons with SWAPO Africa Today" and Gil Noble's "Like It Is." ask him what happened at Cuito." fighters. That is why Namibia's victory will In Albany, New York, he addressed a meet­ Molekane visited Washington, D.C.; Bir­ Striking garment workers from La Mode be our victory," stated Molekane. mingham, Alabama; Los Angeles; and New ing in support of the Namibian freedom strug­ "South Africa wants to have a situation in gle. were present to hear Molekane and striking York. At meetings in each city he gave first­ Eastern Airlines worker Joe Mos. Namibia whereby it can have its puppets and hand reports on the situation in South Africa. While in Alabama, the youth leader spoke can continue to rule by remote control," said at a rally in Birmingham and addressed a In the discussion period Mos took the floor Tebogo Mafole, chief representative of the At the Harlem meeting, sponsored by the to welcome Molekane and present him with African National Congress to the United Na­ Patrice Lumumba Coalition, 70 people gath­ conference of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, an organization of mainly an "I walked the line at Eastern" button. tions. ered at the Harriet Tubman School on a few "We're fighting for the same thing," Mos told The ANC leader reminded the audience of days' notice. Black farmers, in Eppes on August 19. When Molekane arrived in Los Angeles the youth leader, "justice, dignity, and self~ the South African government's poor track During a question-and~answer period, sev~ he was met at the airport by more than a respect." record in adhering to agreements and the era! people asked about Cuba's role in Africa. dozen supporters, including trade unionists Molekane was interviewed by five radio pressure it took to force South Africa to Molekane explained that despite intensive and South African students. stations, two television stations, and three accept 10-year~ld Resolution 435. anti~Cuba propaganda by the South African newspapers. "The best way we can help is to intensify government, many, particularly youth, are A highlight of the visit was a meeting of the struggle inside South Africa so that when coming to view the Cuban troops who fought more than 150 people at the Trinity Baptist Marea Himelgrinfrom New York and Geoff the apartheid regime gets out of Namibia it in Angola and Cuban President Fidel Castro Church August 21 sponsored by the African Mirelowitzfrom Los Angeles contributed to will come home to confront us," said Mafole as heroes. National Congress, South African Intema~ this article. to cheers.

September 8, 1989 The Militant 3 Haitian unionist protests prison's non-English ban

Mark Curtis is a unionist and restrictions on Curtis and other pris­ political activist from Des Moines, oners from receiving non-English Iowa, who is serving a 25-year jail literature and materials. term on frame-up charges of rape They sent a copy of it to Curtis and burglary. along with a note explaining the The Mark Curtis Defense Com­ different languages spoken in their mittee is leading an international workplace, including Chinese, Ital­ campaign to fight for justice for ian, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu, and Curtis. For more information Greek. about the case or how you can They noted the challenge of com­ help, write to the Mark Curtis municating with each other. As an DEFEND MARK CURTIS!

Defense Committee, Box 1048, example of the effort they are mak­ Des Moines, Iowa, 50311; tele­ ing, they attached a leaflet in Chi­ phone (515) 246-1695. nese expressing their union's If you have news or reports on support for the Eastern Airlines activities in support of Mark Cur­ strikers. tis from your city or country, Last week Curtis reported that please send them to the Militant. prison authorities denied him a letter from some garment workers be­ Yves Antoine Richard, general cause it was written in Chinese or secretary of the Independent Feder­ Korean. Militant/Janet Post ation of Haitian Workers (CATH) in The Mark Curtis Defense Com­ Gil Sierra, an alderman in Davenport, Iowa, where he is a packinghouse worker, speaking at August 6 Port-au-Prince, Haiti, sent the fol­ mittee has launched an international Mark Curtis rally in Ohio. Sierra recently participated in Curtis defense at a national Chicano conference lowing message to the warden at the protest campaign to get Iowa prison in Kansas City. Iowa State Men's Reformatory authorities to lift their ban on prison­ and the Mark Curtis Defense Com­ the case were distributed; $41 in Twenty-five people attended the af­ where Curtis is incarcerated: ers receiving non-Fnglish language mittee. contributions were collected; six fair and photos taken were sent to "We demand Mark Curtis and materials and correspondence, and copies of the Pathfinder pamphlet, Curtis. A total of$422 was raised for other prisoners be allowed to receive the right of prisoners to share litera­ • The Frame-Up of Mark Curtis: A the Mark Curtis Defense Committee. literature in any language, because ture among themselves. You can help Many participants at the National Packinghouse Worker's Fight for The defense committee has pro­ that is a democratic right. We think by sending a message of your own Council of La Raza conference, held Justice, were sold; and 16 people jected raising $100,000 by Novem­ this is a violation of freedom of or from your organization. July 15-19 in Kansas City, learned signed up for more information. Al­ ber 1 to help cover the costs of legal speech. Protests should be addressed to: of the Curtis defense campaign from most 2,000 people attended the con­ expenses, travel by defense commit­ "After being unjustly condemned John A. Thalacker, Warden, Iowa supporters in that city who set up a ference. tee representatives, the production to 25 years in prison, you are now State Men's Reformatory, Anamosa, literature table. of literature, and other publicity trying to pressure Mark more. We in Iowa52205. Gil Sierra, a member of the • costs. Funds are urgent! y needed and CATH condemn the abuse of this Copies should be sent to: Attor­ United Food and Commercial Two supporters ofthe Mark Curtis can be mailed to the Mark Curtis progressive person. This is an attack ney General Thomas J. Miller, Hoo­ Workers (UFCW) union and anal­ Defense Committee in Madison, Il­ Defense Committee. against the whole progressive move­ ver State Office Building, Des derman in Davenport, Iowa, helped linois, hosted a barbecue fund-raiser. ment in the United States." Moines, Iowa 50319; Paul introduce Curtis supporters to con­ Tickets at $10 each were sold in Raul Gonzalez from Kansas City, Several workers at the Pincus Grossheim, Director, Department of ference participants and staffed the advance. Supporters at the Granite David Rosenfeld from St. Louis, and Brothers garment shop in Philadel­ Corrections, Capitol Annex, 523 E. table. City Steel mill nearby collected $100 Halket Allen from Philadelphia con­ phia also sent a letter protesting the 12th St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309; Hundreds of leaflets introducing in contributions through ticket sales. tributed to this week's column. InN. Carolina mayor race it's incumbent v. socialist

of decent housing, medical care, and public country, when workers' rights are placed at things are," said one worker, "but I think transportation; the resegregation of our the top of the list of priorities. Cuba is the you're running in the wrong party. Why not schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces; country "that has done the most to guarantee say you're a Democrat and ease on in there? pollution; toxic wastes; and deteriorating the well-being of all its citizens" while "de­ All the rest of them lie to get elected." public services - all these are symptoms of fending Angolan working people from South Striking Eastern Airlines workers also a deepgoing international economic crisis of Africa's apartheid regime, aiding the Nicara­ agreed at a rally in downtown Greensboro the capitalist system." guan people in their battle against a U.S.­ that workers' rights are the heart of the matter, Hayes pointed to the strike by Machinists, sponsored war, and championing the cam­ not irrelevant at all to local, national, or flight attendants, and pilots at Eastern Air­ paign to end the Third World debt." international politics. They were not sur­ lines as an example of workers responding Hayes' coworkers at Cone Mills have re­ prised to hear that one of the few lines cut to the effects of this crisis. sponded positively to the socialist's column from Hayes' column by the News & Record "These conditions are daily life in the in the paper. was a challenge to the incumbent to join her Greensboro of working people like myself. on the Eastern picket line. "Naturally that These conditions are the price we pay to keep Coworkers' response would be what they left out," one striker the other Greensboro afloat: the Greensboro "This is so true," exclaimed one woman commented. of the well-fed and well-housed ... repre­ who works alongside Hayes in the spinning The Socialist Workers campaign has an­ sented by the mayor. room, "how the rich just run things and don't nounced plans to take advantage of the debate about the relevance of its program to get out give a damn about us." 'Seeing Greensboro in the world' as many copies of the Action Program as "We need to begin by seeing Greensboro "You really gave them a piece of your possible in the corning weeks. A campaign in the world - a world being shaken by a mind," said another. "You're not afraid to tell flyer reprinting Hayes' column invites people coming social crisis created by the ruling rich the truth, are you?" to "read for yourself' the ideas the News & and their drive for profits, a crisis signaled ''That article really told the truth about how Record ridicules. by the 1987 stock market crash." Hayes explained how working people in­ ternationally pay for the crushing Third British Columbia coal mine workers \ \ World debt. She pointed to the crisis faced \ by working farmers. And she used the exam­ win gains after two-week strike ple of recent factory closings in North Car­ Yvonne Hayes, Socialist Workers Party olina and layoffs, which resulted from the BY G.W. LeBLANC The B.C. Federation of Labour has asked candidate for mayor of Greensboro. takeover frenzy and leveraged buyouts engi­ TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia ­ all its affiliates to boycott the IRC when neered by big business. More than 1,100 members of the United possible. Many unions have been unsuccess­ GREENSBORO, N.C.- The "citizens "My campaign is an activist campaign Steelworkers of America returned to work ful in conducting strike action without inter­ deserved another candidate," the News & aimed at beginning to organize working peo­ here recently after a two-week strike against ference from the council, but Local 9113, Record, this city's daily paper, wrote. The ple to fight in our own interests," wrote their employer, Quintette Coal, Ltd. with the use of local clergy to oversee the incumbent mayor, Victor Nussbaum, faces Hayes. She pledged to help mobilize support The members. of Local 9 11 3, who repre­ strike vote, managed to realize that goal. only one opponent in November's election: for actions in defense of affirmative action, sent maintenance and production workers at The three-year agreement, which was rat­ Yvonne Hayes, a textile worker at Cone Mills the November 12 march for abortion rights, the open-pit coal mine in northeastern British ified by a 74 percent majority, saw gains in Corp. and member of the Amalgamated and the October march to end homelessness. Columbia, withdrew services June 30 after wages, a tool and boot allowance, increases Clothing and Textile Workers Union. She is Already workers at the cotton mill where talks between the union and company broke in weekly indemnity, improved contract lan­ the candidate of the Socialist Workers Party. Hayes works have approached her about or­ down. The previous contract expired on May guage, and the implementation of a joint "Hayes will broaden the debate into irrel­ ganizing support for the homeless. 31. savings plan. evance ... ifshe pursues her Socialist Worker Hayes' response to the News & Record This was the first strike involving the four­ [sic] Party's platform of 30-hour workweeks explains the central points in the Pathfinder year-old local, and several features made it LeBlanc is a member of United Steelworkers and unemployment benefits at union scale," pamphlet, An Action Program to Confront significant in the context of the antilabor of America Local 9113 in Tumbler Ridge, wrote Ron Miller, the Record's editorial the Coming Economic Crisis. These include climate fostered by the employers in the British Columbia. writer. "Local government has more to do a call for cancellation ofthe Third World debt, province. Most important, the strike vote, job with sewer lines and zoning spats than the demand for enforcement of affirmative action, and ratification vote were conducted workers' rights." action, and a call for a reduction of the without supervision of the Industrial Rela­ "I disagree," wrote Hayes in a guest col­ workweek with no cut in pay, to combat tions Council. The IRC is the council created Subscribe to umn. ''The problems facing working people unemployment. by the Social Credit government's antilabor the Militant in this city are local, national, and interna­ Hayes pointed to Cuba as an example of Bill 19 to oversee "union-management rela­ tional. The assaults on workers' rights; lack the gains that can be made, even in a small tions."

4 The Militant September 8, 1989 Poland's new prime minister calls for more belt-tightening

BY PETER THIERJUNG ment, he said, "if necessary, I will address Tadeusz Mazowiecki, a leader of the Sol­ 'Nobody has previously myself directly to public opinion." idarity union movement, officially became Poland's prime minister August 24 when the taken the road that leads Calls for strike moratorium parliament, in a near unanimous vote, ap­ Mazowiecki has called for an "anticrisis proved his nomination for the post. from socialism to pact" with the Solidarity unions and with the In the wake of his election, Mazowiecki capitalism.' Communist Party-affiliated National Alli­ and his advisers began to outline their prior­ ance of Trade Unions to cooperate in pre­ ities and policies to meet Poland's economic sign that says American Bank, and computers venting strikes. crisis in a series of speeches, meetings, and that link it directly to the United States," he On August 28 Walesa urged workers to interviews. was quoted as telling the delegation. accept at least a six-month moratorium on The new prime minister indicated that The new Mazowiecki administration is strikes "to give the new prime minister time increasing reliance on capitalist methods, expanding measures already proposed or because great chances lie with him." combined with belt-tightening measures for begun by the Communist Party-led regime. Hoping for an infusion of capital to spur working people will form the basis of his These include reducing government subsi­ economic growth and to provide a financial government's approach. He said the govern­ dies for industry, enacting currency reforms, cushion to soften the blows of higher prices Lech Walesa, leader of Solidarity union ment would take immediate steps to "make and creating a market-oriented economy for and cuts in social services, Polish officials movement and adviser to Tadeusz Mazo­ it possible for different economic organiza­ most commodities. have asked the U.S. and other imperialist wiecki. tions to be formed in the direction of the "I am counting on understanding in Soli­ bankers to declare a three-year moratorium reform of the system of property." darity that unpopular decisions will be nec­ on Poland's debt payments in return for the Polish hog farmers in exporting hams to the Lech Walesa, another leader of the Soli­ essary," Mazowiecki said referring to the economic measures the government plans to United States. U.S. officials are also pushing darity union movement and adviser to impending measures. "This will not be a implement. They have also asked the IMF to expedite two loans totaling $325 million Mazowiecki, elaborated further. "Nobody government with unlimited filled pockets that and World Bank to extend $1.6 billion in that have been under consideration by the has previously taken the road that leads from will just distribute money from nowhere," he immediate loans. World Bank for the last several years. socialism to capitalism," he said. "And we warned workers seeking wage increases. Polish Communist Party leaders pledged Mazowiecki and other officials are con­ are setting out to do just that, to return to the cooperation with the new prime minister at The International Monetary Fund has cerned that this aid will not be enough to prewar situation when Poland was a capitalist the urging of Soviet President Mikhail begun talks with government officials on stave off social explosions that may be brew­ country." Gorbachev. In the new government they will formulating economic policies, which the ing in Poland. About 90 percent of Poland's industries IMF insists include wage cuts and the closing retain control of the interior and defense have been state owned since 1946 when of inefficient plants, which will lead to lay­ ministries, which govern the police and army. Rail workers capitalist property relations were overturned. Mazowiecki 's election was hailed by U.S. offs. Solidarity opposed such measures under On August 25 thousands of rail workers in Some 75 percent of Poland's fields are President George Bush, who vowed "strong the previous Communist Party-led adminis­ Lodz, Poland's second-largest city and a tex­ farmed privately, while the distribution of support" for Poland and reiterated his prom­ tration. tile center, went on strike. Mazowiecki and seed, fertilizer, and farm machinery are con­ Pressed by deputies of the Peasant Party ise to encourage "democracy" and capitalism rail workers began talks the next day, ending trolled by the state. for his views on unemployment, Mazowiecki in Poland. the strike and averting a general rail strike. replied that there were "voices" that said it U.S. government officials are now discuss­ Suspension of their strike was "proof of 'I want a bank' was "unavoidable," but added that "social ing ways of setting up a private commercial our support and trust" for Mazowiecki the In a meeting with a U.S. congressional shields" were necessary to protect affected banking system in Poland. Seeking other rail workers said. In return, they asked him delegation, Walesa said the kind of aid Poland workers. forms of assistance, the State Department has to satisfy their demands for wage increases needs is for a U.S. bank to be opened in Asked how he would respond to resistance been in contact with a foundation, established "immediately" saying, "We trust that as Poland. "I want a bank, and it will have a big from workers to measures such as unemploy- by David Rockefeller, that is already aiding prime minister you represent the interests of working people." Work stoppages and walkouts have rip­ pled throughout the country since food prices Improper storage of PCBs in Quebec were deregulated August 1 by the previous prime minister. Prices skyrocketed soon after. Solidarity leader Walesa appealed to the poses danger to working people rail workers to end the strike and suggested that it was the work of agitators outside Solidarity. He declared the strike a "provo­ BY BEVERLY BERNARDO 90,000 liters by 1988. And at the time of the Union, extended his solidarity to those fight­ cation" against the Solidarity-led govern­ MONTREAL- On Aug. 23, 1988, a fire fire there were more than 160,000 liters in ing to force the Quebec government to dis­ ment. broke out at a St-Basile-le-Grand warehouse the warehouse. Neither the sprinkler nor pose of the PCBs in a safe manner. "Working Meeting separately with U.S. Sen. Robert 30 kilometers from here. The warehouse con­ alarm system functioned. people have the right to know about the Dole and West Germany's labor minister, tained 1,500 tons of the highly toxic sub­ Levy amassed $2 million in storage fees effects of toxic wastes and other forms of Norbert Bluem, Walesa warned that if the stance polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). from the Quebec government for this ware­ pollution," he said. "Workers like the new Solidarity-led administration did not im­ Thick black clouds of poisonous smoke bil- house from 1981 to 1986. longshoremen and Hydro Quebec workers prove living standards within six months to Immediately after the fire, Levy - who have the greatest interest in eliminating toxic a year "then everything will collapse." He operated two similar PCB warehouses in pollutants. Workers must have the right to said another wave of strikes could result, or other parts of Quebec - fled to Florida. To discuss and act collectively on these ques­ working people would lose confidence in date the Quebec government has not moved tions without victimization," Dugre stressed. Solidarity's ability to bring about change. to charge or extradite Levy for his crimes. "Pollution laws must be toughened and strictly enforced," Dugre, the socialist candi­ date, emphasized. Garment workers in Los Angeles The Quebec government has spent the past year trying to dump the PCBs elsewhere rather than giving a priority to the safe de­ strike for union recognition struction of all PCBs in the province. Most BY LISA AHLBERG crossed the line to go back to work. Together recently the toxic wastes were shipped to AND BARRY FATLAND with some that have been hired recently, Britain for destruction. However, LOS ANGELES - Garment workers strikers estimate that about 75 people are now dockworkers in Liverpool, England, refused here at the La Mode company have been on working. to unload what they judged to be unsafe strike since July 17 to win recognition for the cargo. The Quebec government then ar­ A spirited daily picket line has convinced International Ladies' Garment Workers' a majority of those answering La Mode news­ ranged to transport the containers to a Hydro Union. paper ads not to apply for jobs there. Quebec storage facility near Baie-Comeau. The strike was called in response to the Militant/Holbrook Mahn Strikers and their supporters have also This decision has sparked a large protest company's firing of 36 union supporters after Michel Dugre, Revolutionary Workers movement in Baie-Comeau. A coalition of picketed shops and golf tournaments where refusing to negotiate with the ILGWU. La Mode products are sold. ILGWU orga­ League candidate in September 25 elec­ 23 groups, including Quebec's main union tion. Organizing efforts began last April and nizer Rudolfo Gutierrez said that more than federations and leaders of the 2,000-member resulted in 90 percent of nearly 175 workers Native community, quickly began organizing 30 businesses will not carry La Mode prod­ lowed into the atmosphere. Almost 5,000 signing up for representation by the union. ucts until the strike is resolved. to stop the PCBs from being dumped in the residents were evacuated from their homes The company went on a campaign to break On August 4 more than 300 strikers and region. and could not return for nearly three weeks. the organizing drive by firing one worker and their supporters staged a noon picket line at One year later working people in Quebec On August 23 as the PCBs arrived at suspending two others in June. a Hollywood golf shop. This included 150 - and in other parts of the world - are still Baie-Comeau, at least 1,000 of the town's Most of the strikers are women and immi­ ILGWU warehouse workers from K-Mart grappling with the safe storage and destruc­ 30,000 residents demonstrated. About 200 grants from Mexico, Central America, and Apparel West Coast Distribution Center, who tion of the PCBs from St-Basile-le-Grand and people were prevented from entering the Asia. Many did not even receive minimum had three hours off work with pay for union the 20,000 tons of PCBs at more than 500 docks by a beefed-up police force. Protesters wage from La Mode, a company that machine business. other sites throughout the province of then obtained an 11th-hour injunction against embroiders golf clothing. Over the last several weeks the strikers Quebec. the unloading of the shipment for 10 days. By winning union representation and a have organized large contingents to join the Michel Dugre, candidate for the Revolu­ Several dozen remained at the docks all night. contract the workers hope to counter the picket lines of Eastern Airlines strikers. tionary Workers League in the Montreal ri­ A heavy fog prevented them from seeing company's abusive treatment, improve job More than 100,000 garment workers in ding (district) of Laurier in the September 25 police aid 10 nonunion longshoremen hired conditions, increase wages, and get health this city are unorganized. The ILGWU's Quebec provincial elections, condemned the by the shipping company Tessier Ltd. as they benefits. membership here has been declining, while irresponsible policies of the Quebec govern­ unloaded the PCBs in defiance of the injunc­ "They [supervisors] yell and scream at many garment bosses impose sweatshop con­ ment- under both the Liberals and the Parti tion. Unionized dockworkers and Hydro some people, make them feel like fools," ditions. Quebecois. Quebec workers are still refusing to handle Raquel, a striker with 15 months at La Mode, Dugre explained that the warehouse the PCBs, which remain sitting on the docks. explained. "They'll kick them out and humil­ Lisa Ahlberg is a garment worker and a owned by Quebec businessman Marc Levy Revolutionary Workers League candidate iate people. Some of us need our jobs, so we member ofILGWU Local 44. Barry Fat/and -originally designed to contain 4,500 liters Dugre, who is also a member of the Amal­ swallow all those bad times." works at the ILGWU -organized K-Mart Ap­ of PCBs - had been authorized to store gamated Clothing and Textile Workers Since the strike began, some workers have parel West Coast Distribution Center.

September 8, 1989 The Militant 5 Eastern's mechanic-hiring sessions met by pickets

Some 8,500 International Asso- port were joined by lAM members for other airlines. Several interview- vation clerks held at both airports "Why Eastern Airlines strike is ciation of Machinists members from US Air, textile workers, and rail ees left when they heard about the from August 21 to 23. Steelworkers' fight" and distributed struck Eastern Airlines March 4 workers at a picket line outside an real wages and benefits offered by it a few days before the collection . in an effort to block the company's August 16 Eastern "open house" for Eastern. • Other workers at the mill helped drive to break the union and im- scab mechanics. Interviews for mechanics were A Joint Eastern Strike Support with the collection itself. Workers pose massive concessions on About 25 people came, expecting also held at National Airport near Committee has been organizing were asked to sign up to help the workers. to find the $18-an-hour jobs that had Washington, D.C., August 10. members of four Steelworkers lo- Eastern strikers picket and to sign Backed by flight attendants and been advertised. Instead they found Strikers from lAM Local796 set up cals at National Steel's Granite City, the AFL-CIO pledge not to fly East- pilots, the walkout crippled East- starting wages would be about $10 a picket line outside Hangar 4 and Illinois, division to join the fight em or Continental. an hour, and the jobs were in Miami talked to every applicant who against Eastern's union-busting. Three Eastern strikers also helped and Atlanta. walked through. The JESSC was initiated by half with the collection. Some $1 ,500 in SUPPORT Two strike supporters who got One man said Eastern had offered a dozen United Steelworkers of cash was donated, along with food. America members who had been out into the session relayed these facts him a job as a mechanic's helper at A number of Steelworkers com- EASTERN to the potential new-hires. Outside, $8 an hour. "You don't need an A to the Eastern strikers' picket lines at mented that they were impressed picketers handed flyers to those who and P (airframe and power plant) Lambert Airport in nearby St. Louis. with the staying power and unity of STRIKERS! came. license to repair planes," an Eastern The USWA members got union the Eastern strikers and now want to spokesman told him. "A foreman backing for a plant-gate collection help out on the picket line. Two Teamsters union members for the Eastern strikers in May. who had come to the session sat in will sign off your work in the log." ern, grounding a big majority of Nearly $1,450 was collected and their car for several minutes reading Strikers explained that National is • its 1,040 prestrike daily flights. presented at a USWA District 34 A contingent of 50 Eastern Ma- the material. Then they walked over not a maintenance base for Eastern. Since July Eastern has been try- convention where Eastern strikers chinists, flight attendants, and pilots to the picket line. After a short dis- Most mechanical work is done "on ing to restart operations. By Au- gave a talk. A resolution backing the joined a march of 2,000 construction cussion, they thanked the strikers line" - under time pressure - gust 15 it was scheduling 390 daily strike and urging all locals to set up trades union members in Atlanta Au- and said they would honor the picket with almost nothing checked by flights. strike support committees was gust 10. line. foremen. The Eastern workers' tight has passed at that convention. The action was organized to de- won broad support from working On August 18 some 40 strikers Another applicant was offered a The JESSC was set up in June. mand that the projected $210 million people in the United States and and supporters picketed a mechanic- starting rate of $11.50 an hour, with Members signed up coworkers to Georgia Dome sports arena be built Canada. Readers - especially hiring session held at the Holiday promises of up to $14 an hour. (Top help out on Eastern picket lines and with union labor. Charles Key, from Eastern strikers -are encour- Inn near San Francisco lntema- mechanics' pay before the strike was in building solidarity with the strike the North Georgia Building and aged to send news of strike soli- tional Airport. more than $20 an hour.) on the job and at Steelworkers' Construction Trades Council, esti- darity activities to this column. Many of those driving by - es- An El Salvador-born applicant union meetings. mates that 1,200 members of the pecially truck drivers -honked was offered $9.50 for the same job. Since then two dozen USWA building trades are out of work in Strikers and supporters setting up and waved in support. "Hang in "It's outright racist discrimination," members have picketed at the air- Atlanta. picket lines at Eastern's scab-hiring there," several yelled. Most trucks said one picketing flight attendant. port; a number have done so regu- Machinists Local 1690 President sessions around the country are con- entering the motel slowed to find out The would-be applicants "better not larly. For some, it has been their first Mike Flynn spoke to the marchers tinuing to have an impact. In recent what the picket line was about. One just talk to us pickets. They should time on a picket line. and thanked them for backing the weeks the airline has stepped up bread truck driver refused to drive be talking to each other about what The JESSC explained to other Eastern workers' strike. efforts to recruit mechanics - des- inside, saying he would never cross Eastern is doing to them." Steelworkers that the July startup of perately needed to get and keep a picket line. Striking Machinists and flight at- more Eastern flights did not mean Striking lAM Local 796 member long-idle aircraft in the air if the Picketers handed out leaflets and tendants from New York's La Guar- the strike was over. They brought a Nancy Brown from Washington, company's strikebreaking "reorga- urged would-be applicants to apply dia and Kennedy International delegation of USWA members to a D.C.; Amy Belvin from San Fran- nization" plan is to move ahead. at other airlines. Some protesters airports got a good response from July 9 Eastern strike support rally. cisco; Peter Brandli and Ellen Hay- In Greensboro, North Carolina, went into the room where Eastern would-be applicants when they A second gate collection was held wood from St. Louis; Yvonne Hayes striking Eastern Machinists from management was speaking and picketed recruiting sessions for me- at National Steel August 3. The from Greensboro; and Liz Ziersfrom Piedmont Triad International Air- passed out mechanics' applications chanics, flight attendants, and reser- JESSC put out a fact sheet titled Atlanta contributed to this column. Strikers seek wider backing at Labor Day events Continued from front page "make Continental vulnerable to declines in be: This isn'tjust an 'Eastern' strike. Broader revenue arising from general economic con­ involvement of the labor movement is needed ditions, increasing competition, and job ac­ to beef up daily picket lines and to fight to tions by employees," they say. quarantine Eastern planes and personnel. The Lorenzo recently told the Associated Press labor movement's approach should be 'It's that the long Eastern strike had hurt traffic our fight, even if it isn't our strike."' on Continental. Strikers in many cities have Virtually grounded March 4 after 8,500 been picketing Continental, as well as East­ Machinists walked out and were joined by em, and unions are urging passengers not to pilots and flight attendants, Eastern began in fly either airline. July to start up flights again, using scab crews. Not enough mechanics, planes The company's goal is 800 flights by the end of the year. By mid-August, the carrier had The strike is causing Eastern and Texas 390. Air other problems as well. "We're still on strike!" says the leaflet from Only a few hundred of the 8,500 Machin­ lAM Local 796 at Washington, D.C.'s Na­ ists union members who struck have crossed tional Airport, appealing for strike supporters picket lines and returned to work, and the to join a "walk-through" at the airport set for company has been unable to recruit enough 6:00 p.m. on September 7. scab mechanics. "A slick media campaign by Eastern has As a result, Eastern is hurting for mechan­ confused many people into thinking the strike ics to repair and service the planes used for is settled," the leaflet says. "Visible, large the flight build-up- many of which have actions on the picket line, like the walk­ been sitting for months at airports in Miami, through, will help convince the public not to Atlanta, and elsewhere. fly Lorenzo's Eastern or Continental air­ Striking lAM Local 1776 member Josefina Otero from Philadelphia reports that lines." Militant/Nancy Brown In recent weeks the Eastern strikers' fight Eastern is badgering mechanics at home, August 25 walk-through at Washington, D.C.'s National Airport drew 100 strike to defend their unions has been given a boost trying to get them to come back to work. by the walkout of thousands of telephone supporters. "They even told mechanics here, 'Look, workers around the country, the strikes by we 'II put you to work in New York, and we 'II hospital workers in New York, the ongoing small number of Eastern flights got into the considering selling some or all of its interest fly you back to Philadelphia to picket, and battle by coal miners at Pittston Coal Group air. Before the strike, the airline had 1,040 in Continental. Since then talks between no one will ever know,"' she said. No one in Appalachia, and other local strikes. daily flights. Scandinavian Airline System (SAS) and crossed. Strikers in other cities have made As a result, Eastern lost $129.3 million on Texas Air have opened. similar reports. 'New' Eastern weak sales of $89.6 million in the second quarter SAS owns nearly 10 percent of Texas Air, The lack of trained pilots is another prob­ The renewed determination of many East­ of 1989. Pension fund payments and other following a marketing agreement reached lem. Even with the crossover of more than em strikers to continue - and make more costs brought its losses to $243.4 million for between SAS and Continental last fall. How­ 200 pilots in early August, the big majority effective - their fight comes as signs are the quarter- $348 per passenger flown dur­ ever, U.S. Department of Transportation reg­ of the 3,400 Air Line Pilots Association mem­ growing that the airline's management re­ ing that period. ulations prohibit hon-U.S. companies from bers who walked out in support of the Ma­ mains in a weak position, despite its vaunted Major assets have already been sold, in­ owning more than 25 percent in a U.S. airline, chinists remain out. "reorganization" plan. cluding the Northeast shuttle; planes, en­ so a deal to acquire more than that of Conti­ So Eastern has been scrambling for months Eastern filed for bankruptcy March 9, five gines, and other equipment; and landing slots. nental by SAS would require a buyout in to hire and push through training enough days after the strike paralyzed its operations, Losses would have been even greater without which it was a minority holder. pilots to make its reorganization possible. and the following month submitted to federal cash realized from these sales. Talks between New York real estate and Although it now says it has enough pilots, bankruptcy court in New York a "reorgani­ The August 30 Wall Street Journal re­ gambling speculator Donald Trump - who most are inexperienced, adding to the serious zation" plan. ported that Eastern "faces a possible $400 purchased the Northeast shuttle - and questions about the safety of the airline's The plan aims to break the strike by re­ million shortage in its cash projections and Lorenzo about buying Continental have also operations. starting operations as a somewhat smaller, is preparing to revamp its bankruptcy-law been reported. Despite the Federal Aviation Administra­ nonunion carrier. Resumption of flights - reorganization plan." Continental, which sustained massive tion's August 25 report that Eastern is meet­ with enough paying customers- and the Unable so far to complete the sale of its losses in 1987 and 1988, showed a slim profit ing federal safety standards, strikers in New sale of a projected $1.8 billion in assets to South American routes to American Airlines, in the second quarter of 1989. York, Newark, and other cities say unreported finance operations, repay debts, and make it valued at $365 million, Eastern's shortfall In a recent filing with the Securities and accidents, such as "heavy" landings and col­ possible to withstand the blows dealt by the may have to be made up, at least in part, by Exchange Commission to raise money, man­ lisions with aircraft by ground equipment, are strike are at the heart of Ea6tem 's scheme. parent company Texas Air Corp., headed by agement described Continental as "highly happening. In Atlanta a scab worker was The July 2 start-up of 226 flights marked Frank Lorenzo. leveraged." killed when a tug she was riding on flipped the first time since March 4 that more than a Texas Air announced August 24 that it was Its substantial debt and high fixed costs, over.

.' 6 · The Militant September 8, 1989 Solidarity day activities back striking Pittston miners

Focusing on the strikes at Eastern Airlines, other union officials were arrested for block­ lnt'l union presidents, the regional telephone companies, and ing passage. They were released a short time others, arrested Pittston, the speakers called for unity and later after posting $500 bonds. Thousands of praised the miners for their staying power striking miners have been arrested and ar­ at Virginia through the five-month fight. raigned at this courthouse since the strike Besides Kirkland and Trurnka, speakers against Pittston began in April. courthouse. included representatives from six interna­ Negotiations between the mine union and tional unions, including the International As­ Pittston have taken place off and on. The BY GREG NELSON sociation of Machinists. A representative of latest round began August 29 after Pittston ST. PAUL, Va. -Striking Pittston miners the Air Line Pilots Association also spoke. called a 10-day halt. and their supporters, numbering 4,000, rallied The secretary-treasurer of the International here August 23 around the theme of unity Miners' Organisation, representing 5 million Health benefits within the labor movement. The event capped miners in 44 countries, participated. A battle with Pittston over health and re­ a day of solidarity activities by strike sup­ Two striking Eastern pilots received a tirement benefits has emerged as a central porters, AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland, warm welcome as they circulated Eastern issue in the strike. Pittston stopped paying and 15 other international union officials, strike leaflets throughout the crowd. into the mine union's industrywide pension which took place throughout the state of fund in 1988 and now demands miners pay Virginia. Sit-in 20 percent of their health benefits. Mine union officials have charged Pittston The United Mine Workers of America has Earlier in the day I ,200 people rallied in with trying to bust the union altogether. been on strike against Pittston Coal, whose Richmond, Virginia, to welcome the "Jour­ According to an interview with Pittston mines are concentrated in Virginia, West Vir­ ney for Justice" caravan of Eastern strikers Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Paul ginia, and Kentucky, since AprilS. Sympathy on its way from Miami to Washington, D.C. Douglas that appeared in the August 22 Wall strikes by 44,000 UMWA members took Afterward several strikers set up tents and Street Journal, Douglas was hired "to salvage place earlier this summer. demanded to meet with Virginia Gov. Gerald Pittston." This includes not only a coal divi­ Baliles. The governor, on vacation in Virginia sion but Brink's Armored Cars and Burling­ Beach, has authorized spending $1 million a Mlhtant/~)te,,e Marshall Spirited welcome ton Air Express - all of which were losing month on state troopers in the coalfields. Supporters of United Mine Workers of A spirited welcome greeted Kirkland, money. America demonstrating in Pittsburgh in UMWA President Richard Trumka, and oth­ That afternoon strike supporters held a The article points to what Douglas August. Recent rally in Virginia drew ers at the evening rally, which lasted more sit-in at the Russell County courthouse in achieved at Brink's when he found "a com­ 4,000 people. than three hours despite rain showers. Lebanon, Virginia. Kirkland, Trurnka, and pany run by the Teamsters union rather than management." Douglas says he refused to negotiate with the Teamsters, relying on a court ruling prohibiting one union from rep­ Pittston miner tours western states resenting both guards and drivers. Wages and benefits were cut. Employees were given a BYJUDYSTRANAHAN miners who walked off their jobs earlier this profit-sharing plan. Brink's is now profitable PRICE, Utah - Mark Kennedy, one of summer in solidarity with the strike. and expanding into new markets, according 1,700 miners on strike against Pittston Coal Accompanying Pittston striker Kennedy to the article. Group, has just completed a tour of the west­ on his tour was Ernie Roybal, a Sheridan, em coalfields, talking with miners and other Wyoming, miner trying to get his job back workers about the fight against his employer. after a nine-month strike last year against the Weakening union Union miners struck Pittston Coal in April Peter Kiewit coal mine. and were joined for five to six weeks by 44,000 The pair toured throughout United Mine in Pittston's Workers of America (UMWA) districts 15 coal division and 22 speaking to workers in Kayenta and Judge sides with Mine Window Rock, Arizona; Gallup and Raton, is company's aim. New Mexico; and Sheridan. Kennedy also Safety Administration, spoke to workers in Price, Utah; and Hayden, keeps unsafe mine open Colorado. At Burlington, "we had to slash a lot of UMWA locals in these districts struck in jobs," says Douglas. As a result Burlington BY JIM ALTENBERG 1987 and held off mine bosses demanding "will probably be the jewel of our crown," CHARLESTON, W.Va.- In an open dis­ concessions. Several of their contracts expire he continued. play of government-assisted strikebreaking in the spring of 1990, and some miners say The interview goes on to outline the situ­ and disregard for mine safety, a federal judge their locals are anticipating another fight. ation with the company's coal division, "the and the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Admin­ In Price, Kennedy spoke to 70 people at final task in rebuilding Pittston." Foreign coal istration (MSHA) have joined with Pittston the UMWA District 22 headquarters on Au­ producers keep getting more contracts, it Coal to keep one of its major mines running gust 14. A video on the Pittston strike was reports, which is a problem for the entire U.S. with scab labor. shown, and Kennedy fielded questions. Rep­ coal industry. Recently MSHA had determined that the resentatives of the Utah AFL-CIO and mem­ Douglas explains that when Pittston rate of air flow in Pittston's McClure No.1 bers of the International Ladies' Garment bought Paramount coal company, which is mine in Dickenson County, Virginia, was Workers' Union were introduced from the not organized by the UMWA, it convinced insufficient to clear out concentrations of audience. him that Pittston no longer needed the Bitu­ methane gas. Kennedy wound up his tour by speaking minous Coal Operators Association. The Pittston says it will increase air flow rates. at a UMWA-organized Jobs With Justice rally BCOA is the industry group that bargains Officials of the United Mine Workers of in Hayden August 19. The Pittston striker with the UMWA. Since then, he says, Pittston America oppose the company's plan, because appealed for unity and solidarity among has gone after concessions from the mine the changes would prevent methane-and fire­ unions. He urged support for other strikes union. detection equipment, already in the plant, like the one against Eastern Airlines. from working properly. MSHA then ordered "Guys like Frank Lorenzo and other bosses the mine closed until the air flow issue was at Pittston are out drinking beer together resolved. trying to figure out how to bust all our Washington, D.C., airport walk In many coal mines, highly explosive unions," Kennedy said. methane gas is released as coal is mined. Along with miners, members of the Den­ shows strikers remain united Miners must test for methane regularly while ver area Communications Workers of Amer­ working, and mines must be adequately ven­ ica and the Newspaper Guild came to the BY NANCY BROWN signs that said, "D.C. CIS PES supports East­ tilated to prevent dangerous amounts of rally. A highpoint was the announcement that WASHINGTON, D.C.- Nearly 100 em strikers." methane from building up. false rape charges brought against a UMWA Eastern Airlines strikers and supporters par­ Rail workers from two rail unions, garment Pittston's McClure No. 1 mine is a partic­ striker in Sheridan had been dropped. Al­ ticipated in a "walk-through" of National workers, government workers, and nurses ularly gassy one. A 1983 methane explosion though not highly publicized, the case was Airport on the evening of August 25. also participated. there killed six miners and a foreman, includ­ well known among strikers in the region, and The walk-through was to show other air­ Police and Eastern management lined up ing the first woman miner to lose her life in the news was enthusiastically received. line workers and passeng~rs that Machinists, on both sides of the terminal as the marchers a Virginia underground mine. Plans are under way for a union-organized flight attendants, and pilots remain united in passed through. Strikers set up a table near McClure No. I is also one of Pittston's caravan to Camp Solidarity from Denver in their strike against Eastern. It was organized Continental's ticket counter and sold hats and most important operations. Since the miners' September. These camps are in Virginia, set by International Association of Machinists buttons, and collected contributions for the strike began, the company has run the mine up by striking miners and supporters during Local 796 and Transport Workers Union strike fund. Leaflets explaining the strike with scabs. As police have escorted them on the summer's sympathy walkouts. Local 553, representing flight attendants. were distributed to passengers. Prevented by authorities from carrying and off the property, large confrontations The sympathy strikes didn't extend to the After the walk-through, a short rally was between strikers and state troopers have taken picket signs inside the terminal, marchers western coalfields, but the response to held outside the terminal. Barbara Holloway wore special shirts that read "ALPA, lAM, place. Kennedy's tour shows miners are interested from the D.C. Nurses Association read a Despite the MSHA order, Pittston imme­ TWU: On strike against Eastern Airlines." in the fight against Pittston. resolution backing the Eastern and Pittston (ALPA is the Air Line Pilots Association.) diately reopened the mine. U.S. District coal strikers, from the International Sister Ten striking telephone workers from Fair­ Judge Glen Williams, who has handed down Union Conference for Peace and Solidarity, innumerable rulings barring union strike ac­ fax, Virginia, joined the march. A contingent held in San Salvador in July. tivity and fined the UMWA millions of dol­ Labor news in the Militant of 11 workers from United Airlines at Dulles lars, granted a temporary restraining order The Militant stays on top of the most International Airport organized a carpool to Victor Richmond from Machinists Local preventing MSHA from closing McClure important developments in the labor drive over after work to join the walk­ 796's strike outreach committee announced No. I. MSHA officials then agreed with movement. You won't miss them if you through. Their shirts read "lAM Local 1759 another walk-through for September 7, the Pittston that the mine could be run in its subscribe. See the ad on page 2 for sub­ supports Eastern strikers." day Eastern has targeted to add several hun­ present condition until a decision on air flow scription rates. Members of the Committee in Solidarity dred more flights nationally. Marchers will was reached. with the People of El Salvador walked with assemble at 6:00 p.m. at the Main Terminal.

September 8, 1989 The Militant 7 London police attack Caribbean carnival

BY JONATHAN SILBERMAN ·participants still in the area. Clashes fol­ Dicks, MP for Hayes and Harlington, an­ LONDON- Six hundred riot police and lowed, with dozens of people needing hos­ nounced August 29 that he had written to the Cops use searchlights, 3,000 other cops violently attacked people pital treatment. A Scotland Yard spokesper­ horne secretary demanding the carnival be going home after the huge Caribbean carnival son claimed that the police had no alternative banned. helicopters; more than 200 in London's Nottinghill area. Guided by "but to clear the whole carnival area, in order The London daily newspaper Evening arrested in 45 minutes. searchlights from a low-flying police heli­ to protect both the public and police." Standard headlined its report, "Now will they copter, they arrested more than 200 carnival Local residents who witnessed the police ban carnival?" participants in an area of one square mile operation saw it differently. Carolyn tention of turning the carnival into a money­ over a Period of 45 minutes. Shervington said, "The carnival was just Similar calls following last year's carnival making operation. As a result the price for The police charge came at the end of the coming along Westbourne Park Road and the provided the backdrop to a police investiga­ carnival stalls was raised two or threefold 24th yearly carnival in London, attended by police with shields ran into the revelers with tion into the carnival organizing committee, depending on the site. nearly a million people over two and a half no provocation and knocked people off their whose membership is predominantly com­ days. Officials estimate that more than feet." Another witness, Linda Heavey, de­ prised of representatives of Black community The committee established close working 500,000 attended the fmal day's activities on scribed how she "was dancing in the carnival organizations. Claiming evidence of finan­ relations with the police in the weeks and August 28. with everyone else, and the next thing we cial malpractice by the organizers, the police months leading up to the carnival weekend. The carnival is the "biggest street festival knew was the riot police corning charging investigation led to the establishment of a Holder said it was unclear what had led to in Europe" as its promotional material de­ in." new organization, the Carnival Enterprise the end-of-carnival clashes, which she de­ scribes it. Centered on the Caribbean com­ The police riot has become the occasion Committee. scribed as relatively "minor." The committee munity, it attracts a multinational participa­ for calls from Tory members of Parliament Under the chair of lawyer Claire Holder, will be holding its own investigation into the tion and has become the focus for asserting for the carnival itself to be banned. Terence the Enterprise Committee has stated its in- events. that Black people from the Caribbean are in Britain to stay and fight for their rights. Black organizations, national liberation movements, and other political organizations have stalls and floats. This year the South NAACP march draws 25,000 West Africa People's Organisation had a major float; the most prominent sticker worn by carnival participants was that of the Afri­ can National Congress of South Africa. Over the years the carnival has been the target of racist campaigns by members of Parliament and the media. Calls for the event to be banned have accompanied tales of the carnival being an "unrestricted opportunity for muggers and thieves." 'Police carnival' In the weeks leading up to this year's event, the media story was that this time the police would insure that things would be different. From the word go the cops sought to maintain the greatest regimentation. Participants at :rREAT ON previous carnivals described it as a "police carnival." The cops had maintained a massive public presence throughout. Twelve hundred offi­ cers were permanently deployed on the RIGHTS streets and 4,000 more held in reserve. Local schools were turned into makeshift police stations. Many streets were blocked off not only to cars but to pedestrian traffic as well. Militant/Ike Nahem Over the weekend, more than 400 people August 26 march on Washington, D.C., protests recent court rulings against affirmative action. were arrested. This high level of policing was crowned each evening at 7:00p.m. when the BYIKENAHEM "tidal wave of support," NAACP leader Ben­ pants carne from most East Coast states and police closed the carnival down, instructing WASHINGTON, D.C.- In numbers that jamin Hooks told marchers, "not only from from as far away as Indiana. sound systems to be unplugged and stands exceeded organizers' original expectations, traditional civil rights groups, but from other Speakers at the Capitol rally also included and equipment removed. It was when they 25,000 people marched here to protest recent organizations that reach into every sector of Southern Christian Leadership Conference implemented this close-down ~licy on the Supreme Court rulings that undermined af­ our community." Some 300 national Black, President Joseph Lowery, Black Leadership final day that they brought out the riot gear, firmative action measures. The theme of the labor, women's, religious, and professional Forum President Dorothy Height, AFL-CIO donning fireproofed clothing and riot shields August 26 march was "No retreat on civil organizations supported the action. Partici- President Lane Kirkland, and Jesse Jackson. and deploying mounted police. rights." Carnival participant Christopher Banners and signs reflected the protesters' Cobourne, who was looking after sound sys­ determination. "Bury racism, not civil tems reported that just 15 minutes after the rights," and "We're not going to let the Su­ British tniners' wives held official shutdown time, the police had erected preme Court tum us around" some of them further barriers preventing people from com­ read. ing back into the carnival area. The carnival One large banner carried by a group of under 'Terrorism' Act Black students from Indiana University procession was still winding its way through Their harassment was part of broader un­ quoted abolitionist leader Frederick Doug­ BY ANDY BUCHANAN the streets at this time. democratic moves by the government de­ lass, "Without struggle, there is no progress." MANCHESTER, England - Four signed to prevent a clear picture of events in Arrests The youthful crowd displayed its desire to members of the North Staffs Miners Wives the British-ruled north of Ireland reaching the link up with the history of the Black struggle. Action Group were detained by armed police About then the arrests began, provoking outside world. When a 15-year-old youth, This was reflected in the dozens of different at Manchester airport as they disembarked resistance from local residents and carnival Seamus Duffy, was shot and killed by the T-shirts and buttons worn with an image or from a shuttle flight from Belfast, Ireland, Royal Ulster Constabulary, pro-British poli­ quote from Malcolm X, the prominent revo­ August 14. A freelance photographer was ticians claimed that most violent confronta­ lutionary leader who was gunned down in also held. Only 31.5% of jobless tions were stage-managed by the Irish Re­ 1965. The five had been in Northern Ireland to publican Army for the benefit of foreign receive unemployment Marchers also identified with the struggle participate in events protesting the presence journalists. In the wake of these statements, against apartheid in South Africa. of British troops there on the 20th anniversary a German photographer was held and charged benefits of their deployment. Trade unionists participated in large union under the PTA. Other journalists who had In an average month last year, only 31.5 The women were held in separate cells contingents from the United Auto Workers, witnessed confrontations between youth and percent of workers counted as jobless re­ under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). United Steelworkers, United Food and Com­ the police were forced to go into hiding. ceived unemployment benefits. A decade ago This law deprives prisoners of nearly all their mercial Workers, and the American Federa­ In a related move, British authorities it was 42 percent. democratic rights. They were subjected to tion of State, County and Municipal Employ­ deported Martin Galvin, leader of the U.S. Among workers who are Black, only 21 seven hours of continuous interrogation after ees. group Irish Northern Aid- Noraid. percent qualified for benefits, and among being denied access to a lawyer. Documents Thirty members of the United Mine Work­ The government's moves, however, failed workers who are Latino it was but 14 percent. and papers they had picked up in Belfast were ers striking against Pittston Coal arrived by to prevent protests marking the 20th anniver­ Many states have severely cut back on photocopied and rolls of film confiscated. bus and were warmly greeted. Eastern Air­ sary. Marches were held in Dublin, Belfast, unemployment compensation. Top jobless They were released without charge. lines strikers from the Washington, D.C., area and Derry in Ireland, and in London. pay has been frozen or reduced, the amount The North Staffs women, along with many set up literature tables and sold strike-support of earnings needed to qualify has been hiked, others in the mining areas, became interested The London event, organized by the "Time buttons, T-shirts, and stickers. the waiting period has been extended, and in the fight against British rule in Northern To Go" coalition, mobilized some 5,000 peo­ the number of benefit weeks cut. Disqualifi­ The march, which passed the Supreme Ireland as a result of their experience in the ple on a march and a further 5,000 at a cation rules have been sharpened. Court building and ended with a rally in front year-long miners' strike in 1984-85, ex­ carnival that followed. Notable among the When a new recession hits, it will be harder of the Capitol, was silent, interrupted only by plained Brenda Proctor, one of those de­ London protesters were hundreds of recent, to qualify for the 13 extra weeks of benefits the cadence of muffled drums. This was to tained. Members of the group have visited young Irish immigrants. partly financed by the federal government. commemorate the 1917 Silent March in New Belfast several times, including as part of the The Irish community in Britain had been Regulations put through in 1981 restrict eli­ York called by W.E.B. DuBois, a founder of delegation protesting last year's detention the backbone of the "troops out" movement gibility for the added period of coverage. the National Association for the Advance­ under the Prevention of Terrorism Act of in the early 1970s but was cowed from public Marion Nichols, coauthor of the study that ment of Colored People, to protest the lynch­ Pathfinder Press sales representative Peter protest by a wave of antidemocratic moves produced these findings, said, "Since World ing of Blacks across the United States. Clifford. by the government that included the enact­ War II, the nation has never entered a reces­ When the call for this year's march was Proctor said, "They wanted to teach us a ment of the Prevention of Terrorism and sion with an unemploymen~ insurance pro­ made by the NAACP in July, a symbolic lesson, to scare us off meeting with people Special Powers acts and the frame-up trials gram that covers so small a percentage of protest of 1,000 was projected. But the in Ireland and explaining what's going on of Irish nationalists in the Birmingham Six jobless workers." organization's offices were flooded with a there to people in Britain." and the Guildford Four cases.

8 The Militant September 8, 1989 Workers in U.S. have a stake in fight for an independent Puerto Rico

The following statement was presented natural resources are being used to develop by James Harris for the Socialist Workers the country's productive potential and to meet Party to the United Nations Committee on the needs of the Cuban people. Cuba's ac­ Decolonization on August 17. He was one complishments, and its unstinting solidarity of some 60 representatives of organiza­ with peoples around the world, has won it tions who testified or presented written international respect. statements during two days of hearings on Cuba has been a consistent and outspoken Puerto Rico. The committee approved a champion of Puerto Rico's fight for indepen­ resolution in favor of self-determination and independence for Puerto Rico. dence. Plebiscite Distinguished chairman, Distinguished chainnan, Members of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization, Today, after 91 years of domination over As many others have testified at these Puerto Rico, the U.S. government argues that hearings - in powerful presentations, richly this United Nations committee should not documented with facts - Puerto Rico is a bring the moral weight of its decision to bear, colony of the United States. that it should not condemn this flagrant vio­ The Puerto Rican people are subject to lation of the UN Charter's unambiguous U.S. laws that they have no equal hand in stand against colonialism. Washington argues making. They are subject to U.S. courts over that this committee should withhold judg­ which they exercise no control. That is a ment this year in particular, because a com­ colonial condition. mittee of the U.S. Congress is considering Puerto Rican youth are drafted into an holding a plebiscite on Puerto Rico's future army that enforces the national subjugation status. of their own country. That is a colonial con­ How many times in the history of colo­ dition. nialism have the dominating powers sought Some 15 percent of Puerto Rican territory to hide their oppressive policies behind a is owned and utilized by that army of occu­ plebiscite? Behind an election conducted pation. That is a colonial condition. under the shadow of occupying troops and Puerto Rican patriots are swept up in raids police agencies? Under undemocratic condi­ by U.S. authorities in flagrant violation of tions where repression and intimidation are Puerto Rico's own legal code. That is a co­ aimed at every patriot and every patriotic lonial condition. Militant/Margrethe Siem organization? Under the blackmail of threat­ It was to protest these and countless other James Harris speaking at August 12 rally in New York City for independence for ened economic reprisals? violations of Puerto Rican national sover­ Puerto Rico. Harris testified on behalf of Socialist Workers Party at UN hearings. Whatever the U.S. Congress may or may eignty that supporters of justice and freedom not decide concerning a plebiscite should not stop the members of this UN Special Com­ marched here in New York City last weekend. those in the United States who seek to deny bail, thus denying them any right to the We demanded immediate independence for mittee on Decolonization from recognizing equal rights to immigrants whose first lan­ presumption of innocence. Puerto Rican ac­ and condemning the ongoing U.S. colonial Puerto Rico; the withdrawal of all U.S. troops guage is Spanish. It emboldens those who tivists are hauled before grand jury inquisi­ and police from the island; the release of all rule over Puerto Rico. The perpetuation of seek to keep foreign-born workers in the tions, without even the right to a lawyer, and this colonial domination is contrary to the Puerto Rican political prisoners; and massive lowest-paying and least unionized jobs, and theri locked away on charges of contempt. U.S. economic assistance to aid the Puerto interests of the people of Puerto Rico, the in the worst housing with the most substan­ Draconian prison sentences are handed down people of the United States, and indeed of all Rican people in their transition from colo­ dard schools and medical care. Colonial dom­ for the "crime" of fighting for Puerto Rico's nialism to independence. the world's peoples. ination of Puerto Rico puts wind in the sails dignity and national independence. The list The Namibian people are today waging a Myth taught in U.S. schools of the reactionary English-only movement in of such cases is long and well-documented: fight to secure their independence from the the United States. Pedro Albizu Campos, the five Puerto Rican apartheid regime of South Africa. This is a Distinguished chainnan, Farm workers -many of whom are im­ Nationalist prisoners, the Hartford 15, and Despite the overwhelming evidence of struggle that has the support of every fighter migrants (including from Puerto Rico, espe­ AlejandrinaTorres, to name just a handful of for justice and every democratic-minded per­ Puerto Rico's illegitimate and unjust domi­ cially on the East Coast of the United States) the best-known. ' nation, a great myth is taught in the U.S. son throughout the world. A victory in south­ - are kept at the bottom of the ladder in Distinguished chairman, em Africa will hasten the struggle to put an schools, propagated in the U.S. media, and terms of wages as well as job and living A government that arrogates to itself the defended by U.S. politicians. This myth is end once and for all to colonialism's disgrace­ conditions. A similar situation faces garment right to rule another country clearly shows ful blot on human history -from Puerto aimed at preventing the people of the United workers, electronics workers, and millions of no regard for the most minimal standards of States from understanding that Puerto Rico Rico to New Caledonia, from Guam to others. international law. Washington has proven Cura~tao. is a U.S. colony. The United States was itself time and again that it holds itself above born through an anticolonial revolution more I would like once again to thank the dis­ U.S. working class respect for the sovereignty of the soil, terri­ tinguished chainnan and members of this than 200 years ago. Yet, Wall Street and The colonial oppression of Puerto Rico torial waters, skies - or even the air waves Washington want to hide the fact that the committee for the opportunity to appear be­ reinforces all efforts to keep the working class - of other countries. Its policies toward fore these hearings. United States is today among the last of the in the United States divided, and to keep its Puerto Rico carry over to its relations with world's major colonial powers. most oppressed and combative layers non­ other nations and peoples throughout the What does colonialism mean for the peo­ union. The result is a weakening of the po­ Third World. Puerto Rican ple of Puerto Rico? Per capita income on the litical consciousness, sense of justice, and island is less than half the U.S. average. human solidarity of the U.S.labormovement. U.S. military bases political prisoner Official unemployment stands at 15 percent, This saps the potential power of U.S. unions U.S. military bases in Puerto Rico pose a nearly three times the official figure for the as an ally of all those fighting for a more pennanent threat to peace throughout Latin Alejandrina Torres United States -and true joblessness on the humane international social order. America and the Caribbean. U.S. bases in island is much higher. Nearly 4 out of every Distinguished chainnan, Puerto Rico have been used to launch aggres­ Alejandrina Torres, a Puerto Rican pro­ 10 Puerto Ricans are forced to emigrate to U.S. colonialism in Puerto Rico also exerts sion against Guatemala, Cuba, the Domini­ independence activist, was convicted of se­ the United States in search of work and a a constant and growing pressure on demo­ can Republic, Grenada, Panama, and Nica­ ditious conspiracy by a U.S. court in 1985. living wage. Puerto Rican farmers have been cratic rights in the United States. Colonial ragua. She was sentenced to 35 years in prison. driven off the land, so that today Puerto Rico police powers observe no borders. Hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans In October 1986, Torres was incarcerated must import nearly 90 percent of its food U.S. officials maintain a massive spying have been conscripted - either through the in the newly opened high-security unit at the supply. and harassment apparatus in Puerto Rico. It draft, or through the whip of unemployment federal prison in Lexington, Kentucky. She Distinguished chainnan, targets anyone who speaks out against or -to serve in the U.S. armed forces and fight spent two years at this facility, where she was Other witnesses before this UN Special seeks to organize opposition to U.S. colonial against other peoples struggling for their na­ the victim of harassment and abuse, such as Committee on Decolonization have elo­ rule. Last year my party, the Socialist Workers tional freedom. During World War II, tens of strip searches every time she left and returned quently testified to these facts. I would like Party, completed a successful battle against thousands of Puerto Rican youth resisted to her cell. Guards and video cameras mon­ to add for the consideration of the members U.S. political police agencies. A federal court being conscripted to serve in the army of the itored her every move. of this committee the harm that colonialism ruled that FBI spying and disruption against colonial power, and the FBI and other polit­ The Lexington unit was set up as a "be­ inflicts on the people of the United States. the SWPviolated fundamental political rights ical police agencies were unleashed against havior modification" and "sensory depriva­ The U.S. people have absolutely no interests guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. I and them. My party joined with others at that time tion" unit, with no sunlight and no windows, in continuing colonial rule over our sisters thousands of others who followed the evi­ to condemn this violation of sovereignty, or bright colors. The conditions Torres was and brothers in Puerto Rico. dence unearthed in that case discovered that which was carried out under the hypocritical subjected to have resulted in serious deteri­ no matter how much we had previously sus­ slogan of a war for democracy. oration of her health. She developed a heart Racism in the United States pected about these illegal political police Distinguished chainnan, ailment and partially lost her sight. U.S. colonialism in Puerto Rico reinforces operations, we were actually far too naive. Behind the big lie that Puerto Rico is not Following a successful suit to shut down racism in the United States. The oppression The license the FBI has to commit such a colony stands the reality of nearly half a the Lexington unit, Torres and the other in­ and discrimination directed at Puerto Ricans crimes in its colonial possessions such as millennia of colonial domination - for 400 mates were moved to other prisons. Torres strengthens the hand of all those who oppose Puerto Rico only encourages trampling on years at the hands of Spanish conquerors, and was placed in a high-rise urban jail designed equality and social justice for Blacks, Lati­ the political liberties of all those subject to since 1898 under U.S. colonial rule. for short-term pretrial detention in San Diego, nos, Native Americans, and Asians in the U.S. law. thousands of miles from her family and legal United States. Cuba advisers. Puerto Ricans are formally U.S. citizens. Independence fighters Cuba, Puerto Rico's sister nation in the Her family visits are restricted to one Because of their language and skin color, Puerto Rican independence fighters are Caribbean, shared in this infamous colonial hour's duration, while prisoners in the general however, they face the same second-class denied the most elementary democratic rights history. Its domination by U.S. imperialism population enjoy day-long visits. Prison au­ treatment as other immigrants to the United under the U.S. system of justice. They are came to an end with the revolution of 1959. thorities have withheld badly needed medical States from throughout the Third World. Con­ denied trial by a jury of their peers, being Since then, Cuba has shown what can be attention for her heart condition and deterio­ stant pressure on the language and cultural forced to defend themselves in the courts of achieved when a people conquer their na­ rating eyesight, as well as other ailments she integrity of Puerto Ricans encourages all the colonial power. They are often refused tional sovereignty. Today, Cuba's human and has developed since her imprisonment.

September 8, 1989 The Militant 9 Pathfinder rally launches $150,000 international fund BY SUSAN LaMONT Speeches was shown during the first few OBERLIN, Ohio- An international weeks after its publication in July, Clark said. campaign to raise $150,000 for Pathfinder Nearly 7,000 had been shipped out by the was launched here August 9. The fund was time of the rally. Since then the total has announced at a rally celebrating Pathfinder's increased to 12,500. accomplishments during the past year and its In the coming months Pathfinder also plans for the future. plans to publish the fourth part in its series The rally brought to a close the Interna­ on the history of the Comintern - a two-vol­ tional Active Workers and Socialist Educa­ ume set covering the Second Congress of the tional Conference held here August 5-9. The Comintern, held in 1920. gathering was attended by I ,000 communists and other political activists from 20 countries. New chapter on Cuba The $150,000 fund is needed to meet "For more than 30 years, publishing the Pathfinder's publishing and promotion pro­ truth about the Cuban revolution has been jections for the coming year, explained Path­ one of Pathfinder's central priorities," said finder Director Steve Clark. It will make featured speaker Mary-Alice Waters. Waters • possible further advances in the international edited and wrote the introduction to In De­ "" Militant/Charles Ostrofsky Militant/Margrethe Siem distribution of Pathfinder publications. fense ofSocialism and is editor of the Marxist Pathfinder Director Steve Clark (left) chaired rally. Osborne Hart from printshop Clark cochaired the rally with Kate magazine New International. She has visited where Pathfinder's publications are produced described technical advances. Blakeney, sales director for Pathfinder's Aus­ Cuba many times, most recently as the So­ tralia distributorship, based in Sydney. cialist Workers Party's representative to the already marching through. And we intend to fueled by the Grenadian government's Rally participants got the fund off to a celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the do everything in our power to fight to keep widely publicized decision last April to ban running start by pledging more than revolution, held last January. that door open, and to open it wider and wider 86 books, mainly from Pathfinder. $134,000, following an appeal by Socialist "From the earliest days, the publishing in the period ahead." The international fight to reverse this ban Workers Party Administrative Secretary house that later became known as Pathfinder, The new law makes it possible for the first continues to receive wide press coverage Craig Gannon. Nearly $16,500 had been col­ collaborating with the Militant and with or­ time for Pathfinder to sign contracts with throughout the region, Meyers reported. lected by August 28. The fund drive ends ganizations like the Fair Play for Cuba Com­ Cuban authors and publishing houses to In addition, in the past year Pathfinder December I. mittee in the United States and Canada, translate, publish, and distribute books from has made several trips to book fairs in the worked to make available to the English­ Cuba; to sell Pathfinder titles in Cuba itself; Caribbean and participated in book launch Promotion meetings worldwide speaking world the major speeches and writ­ and to import and distribute Cuban books and meetings for Pathfinder's One People, One "Pathfinder bookstores around the world ings of the leaders of the Cuban revolution," periodicals, Waters said. Destiny, edited by Don Rojas, in Trinidad will be organizing book promotion meetings Waters said. and Tobago, Barbados, St. Vincent, and Pathfinder bookstores will become centers from September through December for two "We have made these books - these Antigua. of Pathfinder's most recent titles: In Defense weapons - available for the frontline troops for expanding the circulation in the United of Socialism: Four Speeches on the 30th the world over, and done our utmost to spread States of the Cuban Communist Party's news­ 'Thomas Sankara Speaks' paper Granma and other Cuban periodicals. Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, by them everywhere that we could. This record "Pathfinder is planning to bring out a They will also begin distributing English-, Fidel Castro, and Malcolm X: The Last is one of the proudest accomplishments in French edition of Socialism and Man in French-, and Spanish-language books and Speeches," Clark said. Pathfinder's history," she stressed. Cuba, by Che Guevara and Fidel Castro," Promotion meetings will be organized in Waters described the new opportunities pamphlets from Cuba. David Gakunzi told the rally. "Che's ideas In October Pathfinder Director Clark will Canada, Britain, Sweden, Australia, New opening up to expand the circulation of are still on the agenda and will be on the be participating in a conference in Havana Zealand, Iceland, and the United States. books, pamphlets, periodicals, and other ma­ agenda until oppression has been wiped from "We'll also be using those meetings to give terial by, about, and from Cuba - opportu­ on "The Caribbean: 10 Years after the Victory the earth." The boc;>k will also include a a boost to the new hardbound edition of nities greater than at any time in Pathfmder's of the Grenadian Revolution," sponsored by speech on Guevara by Thomas Sankara, Malcolm X Speaks, as well as the new Path­ history. the Center for the Study of the Americas, leader of the popular democratic revolution finder title Che Guevara: Economics and "At the end of last year, the U.S. Congress Waters announced. in Burkina Faso, murdered in 1987. Politics in the Transition to Socialism, by adopted a law that for the first time exempted In addition, a Pathfinder delegation will . Gakunzi, a leader of the International Carlos Tablada," Clark added. books and periodicals, videos, music, and participate in "the largest conference on Cuba Thomas Sankara Association, is currently ever held in North America," at St. Mary's Oark announced the publication of two other such informational material from the working on the project to produce an edition University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in No­ pamphlets- Palestine and the Arabs' Fight same restrictions on trade that all other trade of Pathfinder's Thomas Sankara Speaks in vember, Waters said. Academic figures and for Liberation, by Fred Feldman and Georges with Cuba has to abide by." French. Gakunzi is also editor of Coumbite, political activists from North America and Sayad, and a new edition of the Marxist ''They certainly did not have Pathfmder in a French-language magazine on politics in elsewhere - including a large delegation classic Socialism: Utopian and Scientific, by mind" in passing this legislation, Waters Africa and the Caribbean published in Paris from Cuba - will be in Halifax for this gath­ Frederick Engels. noted. "But that small breach in the economic by activists from Mrica, New Caledonia, and ering. 1be sales potential of Malcolm X: The Last blockade has opened a door Pathfinder is the Caribbean. Wider international sales Sigurlaug Gunnlaugsd6ttir from Iceland described how Pathfinder's publications are Pathfinder editorial staff member Bob Subscribe to 'Perspectiva Mundial' becoming more widely known in that coun­ Schwarz described Pathfmder's expanded ef­ try, including a recent book published in forts to increase distribution of its titles Icelandic, Revolution in Nicaragua: through commercial bookstores internation­ Castro's speech on Ochoa case Speeches and Writings of Sandinistas. She ally. also reported on Pathfinder's publication of Pathfmder's editorial staff has begun mak­ Socialism and Man, by Che Guevara, in Farsi, As a reader of the Militant you ing sales trips as part of this campaign, vis­ the official language of Iran. iting nine states and hundreds of bookstores are familiar with our weekly Osborne Hart from the printshop where in July alone, Schwarz said. In Canada sales Pathfinder books and pamphlets are pro­ coverage of the struggles of trips by Pathfinder representative Robert working people around the duced described the state-of-the-art typeset­ Simms in the last year have raised sales in ting equipment recently acquired that will world. that country from $8,000 to $31 ,000. make possible further advances in profes­ Pathfmder's goal in 1989 is to reach just If you can read or are studying sionalizing Pathfinder's publications. under $500,000 in total sales - an increase Spanish, there is a complemen­ New Zealand artist and political activist of more than $100,000 over last year, tary monthly magazine for you: Malcolm McAllister reported to the rally on EUA Schwarz added. Perspectiva Mundial. PM is a the progress of the Pathfinder mural project, Socialistas Also speaking was Peter Clifford who now Spanish-language socialist mag­ celebran for which he is site director. conferencia manages Pathfinder's new bookshop in Lon­ One of the accomplishments highlighted azine that carries many of the don. In the nine months since the shop same articles you read in the EUA at the rally was the distribution ofPathfmder opened, it has sold $38,000 in literature. titles in the Philippines. The gains made by Militant. Pathfinder's London office has also organ­ an international Pathfinder delegation at the In September, Perspectiva ized expansion of sales and distribution in Manila Book Fair last February were re­ Ireland, including to Irish political prisoners. Mundial features Fidel Castro's ported, as well as perspectives for future trips 1Rt•,ult.ur.l pr.H fit o p.H.l Put• rio RHo Recently Clifford was part of a Pathfinder July 9 speech to the Cuban (thlt•rwr ... u IIHiqwndt•rH 1,1 de [ l 11 to that country. Russell Johnson, head of delegation that participated in the interna­ Pathfinder distribution in New Zealand, Council of State where he ex­ tional bookfair held in Managua, Nicaragua, headed the February trip. He was quoted as plains the gravity of the Ochoa­ to coincide with celebrations of the 1Oth de la Guardia case. He puts this Subscriptions: saying, "At the Manila book fair, I remember anniversary of the revolution in July. youth crowding around the big mural display case in the context of world pol­ Introductory offer: $3 for six Distribution of Pathfmder titles is getting months; $9 for one year. that we had in the booth. One ofthese young itics and the rectification process wider in Nicaragua, Clifford reported. "1M­ people from the League of Filipino Students ELSA, the national book distribution in Cuba. D Begin my sub with current issue. explained what the mural was. 'Look,' he This issue also includes an Name ______agency," he said, "has now started distribut­ said, 'it's revolutionaries of the world coming ing Pathfinder titles. This means Pathfinder analysis of the current stage of together through the books.' And that's Path­ Address ______books are now available in more than 20 finder." the six-month strike against bookstores, including in important towns out­ Eastern Airlines and the chal­ City /State/Zip ______side Managua, such as Le6n, Estelf, and lenges it poses to the labor Matagalpa." This publication is available in microform from University movement. Clip and mail to PM,410WestSt.,New Helen Meyers, a member of Pathfinder's Microfilms International. York, NY 10014. sales and promotional staff, described the CHU loU-free 800-521-]044. Or mail inquiry lo: University Microfilms international. 300 North __..._ .c.;..o growing interest in Pathfinder's titles in the Zeeb Road. Ann Arbor. Ml 48106. Caribbean. This interest has in part been

10 The Militant September 8, 1989 'Building the Young Socialist Alliance' 26th national convention puts defense of Cuban revolution at center of YSA's work

BY GREG McCARTAN whom, like Singleton, are from the South. OBERLIN, Ohio-'The Eastern strike, Singleton focused on the fight of Black the mobilizations to defend abortion rights, farmers to save their farms. "We were up the stakes in defending affirmative action, against a lot of foreclosures. Black farmers and the miners' strike are all examples of a were losing land at the rate of I ,000 acres a sharpening class conflict in the United States day. Their total livelihood was being taken that poses both opportunities and responsi­ away by institutions of the government." bilities for young communists." He explained that not only Black farmers, With this assessment Heather Randle but "all farmers began to suffer, and wake up opened her report, "Building the YSA in solidarity." This united struggle gives Today," on behalf of the leadership of the farmers greater power to press their demands, Young Socialist Alliance to the organization's he said. 26th national convention. Greetings to the convention from Cuba's Held here August 10-11, the youth meet­ Union of Young Communists were read dur­ ing was preceded by the International Active ing the rally. The message was interrupted by Workers and Socialist Education Conference, repeated applause and chanting from the rally cosponsored by the YSA and the Socialist participants. (See box on this page.) Workers Party. "I bring greetings on behalf of the South Some 400 youth, workers, and activists African Youth Congress, and the fighting attended the meeting. Observers were present youth of South Africa," said Molekane at the from Australia, Burundi, Britain, Canada, opening of his speech. France, Iceland, Mexico, New Zealand, Molekane, who was in the United States South Africa, and Sweden. as part of the defiance campaign in South Rapu Molekane, general secretary of the Africa, explained that he is not supposed to 1.5-million-member South African Youth "leave South Africa, speak in the name of Congress (Sayco), was the featured speaker Sayco, or be present at meetings of more than at an evening rally in solidarity with libera­ 10 people. I am here to tell the truth," he said, tion struggles in southern Africa. which was greeted by thunderous applause """'*·;;... from the audience. Defending Cuba Militant photos by Margrethe Siem "The defiance campaign is aimed at un­ Randle placed at the top of the YSA's tasks Heather Randle was elected national secretary and Aaron Ruby national chairperson of the youth group. banning ourselves, unbanning our organiza­ defending and explaining the Cuban revolu­ tions, and participating in the struggle. And tion. "This," she said, "is at the center of us that we have already done." being co-combatants with those in the world "Today is the 162nd day of the strike cent Supreme Court decision, hit working Molekane stressed the importance of youth who are fighting. The YSA was founded in against Eastern by the International Associ­ women the hardest. The right to choose is a in the United States joining the struggle for 1960 around building support for the Cuban ation of Machinists, supported by the flight precondition for women's economic and so­ a free, independent Namibia. "It is through revolution, and putting this at the center of attendants union and pilots association," cial equality," she stated. the battle and the shattering defeat the racist our work is an essential part of building a Randle explained. She said that deepening Delegates also discussed the fight to de­ regime suffered at Cuito Cuanavale, Angola, communist youth organization today." the YSA's involvement in strike support ac­ fend Mark Curtis, an Iowa packinghouse that the racists were forced to negotiate. We The 56 delegates who came from 23 chap­ tivities means helping to strengthen picket worker who is serving a 25-year jail sentence have to do everything in our power to insure ters of the YSA held a lively discussion lines and build rallies. on frame-up charges of robbery and rape. that process in Namibia is irreversible." following each of the two reports from the Karla, a high school student from Los "Mark continues to be the same person today YSA's leadership. Angeles, described the YSA's involvement in jail as he was before he was arrested -a Discussion on Nicaraguan revolution Rosa from Miami discussed the work of in the Los Angeles Student Coalition. "The political activist and a communist," Randle A report and discussion also took place at the Antonio Maceo Brigade, which "is one group organized a meeting of 25 students to said. the convention reviewing the history of the of the organizations that plays a decisive role hear an Eastern striker," she said. "We dis­ Curtis sent written greetings to the youth victorious revolution against the U.S.-backed in solidarity work with Cuba. The consistent cussed that the only way the strike could win Somoza tyranny in Nicaragua in 1979. work they have done in a number of cities was through solidarity by other workers. At gathering. "The battle to end all restrictions of prisoners' access to literature and mail, our YSA leader Aaron Ruby explained that has contributed to the changing attitudes the next strike event five of these students many members of the YSA were won to around Cuba, especially in Miami." showed up and helped out." windows to the outside world, continues to be very important," he wrote. political activity and a socialist perspective "The center of our activities are the yearly through learning about, actively defending, Defending abortion rights contingents to Cuba and the distribution of Curtis said this fight is important not only and explaining the Nicaraguan revolution. Building the protests to defend abortion Areito," a Spanish-language magazine pub­ forprisoners, but for all working people. "The The report focused on the current stage of rights, especially the November 12 national lished in the United States, she said. more access we have to books, newspapers, the revolution and took up the many chal­ march in Washington, D.C., among working Pointing to the possibilities for organizing ideas, and to free speech and actions, the lenges facing Nicaragua's workers and peas­ people and youth was another theme of the events in solidarity with the Cuban revolu­ better we can organize a fight for our rights, ants as they confront the effects of both a convention. tion, Max from Milwaukee told about a meet­ be it a strike, demonstration, or frame-up." capitalist economy in Nicaragua arid the Sara from Houston said discussions among ing at the University of Minnesota that "at­ world capitalist economic crisis. her coworkers showed that "we can explain Anti-apartheid rally tracted a wide range of speakers and cultural Ruby reaffirmed the YSA's defense of the the working-class issues in this fight. The groups. Some 150 turned out. This was many At the solidarity rally with the struggle in Nicaraguan revolution against imperialism's attacks on abortion rights, including the re- more than we expected." southern Africa speakers from communist attempts to sabotage and overthrow it. organizations the YSA collaborates with in Britain, Canada, and France brought greet­ Leadership election Activists defend abortion rights in ings and described the anti-apartheid struggle The delegates elected a new National in those countries. Committee, the leadership body of the orga­ Special guest Bobby Singleton brought nization between conventions. The average Florida, Los Angeles, St. Louis greetings from the 21st Century Youth Lead­ age of the new committee is 24. ership Conference of Alabama and the Fed­ Aaron Ruby was elected national chairper­ BY PETER THIERJUNG were meant to throw off prochoice forces, eration of Southern Cooperatives. son and Heather Randle national secretary. A statewide Rally for Choice has been who have mobilized to keep clinics open. The Federation of Southern Cooperatives Six people decided to become members of called by the Aorida National Organization "Operation Rescue tried a lot of new tac­ is an organization of Black farmers, many of the YSA during the convention. for Women. It is to take place September 17 . tics," Kathy Spillar, a prochoice coalition in Ft. Lauderdale. The action will protest leader, said, "but we were able to outsmart Gov. Robert Martinez's call for a special them the entire way, keep clinics open, and session of the state legislature on October 10 keep patient appointments." to pass new antiabortion laws. The next day, 68 from Operation Rescue Cuban Communist youth group Several protests against the governor's de­ were arrested for attempting to block access cision have occurred this summer. The largest to a South San Gabriel clinic. greets U.S. Young Socialists was a candlelight rally of 1,000 people in Ft. A circuit court judge in St. Louis acquitted Lauderdale. 21 opponents of abortion rights of trespassing The following statement was sent by we will be with you in spirit. We thank The results of an opinion poll by the Miami charges stemming from their actions to shut­ the Union of Young Communists of you for your valuable and continuous Herald show that nearly 75 percent of the down an abortion clinic. 'Their violations of Cuba to the 26th national convention solidarity with the Cuban revolution. We state's voters oppose the governor's action, the ordinances involved here," Judge George of the Young Socialist Alliance held in would like to reiterate that Cuban youth, and two out of every three polled said that Gerhard ruled, "were necessary as emer­ Oberlin, Ohio, August 10-11. together with all of our people, will con­ the decision about an abortion "should be left gency measures to avoid imminent private tinue working arduously for the con­ entirely to a woman and her doctor." injuries of death and maiming unborn chil­ The Union of Young Communists, in struction of socialism, despite the hostile The statewide rally will follow NOW's dren." the name of all the youth and students of attitude of U.S. imperialism, its threats state conference in Miami September 15-16. Laura Cohen, Missouri coordinator of the Cuba, wishes to send warm and fraternal and blockade, just as we have been doing For more information on the rally call (305) National Abortion Rights Action League, greetings to the young generation of the for more than 30 years, and continuing to 233-3383. called the decision a sanction for further United States, your people and espe­ rely on the solidarity of progressive Hundreds of prochoice demonstrators attacks on women. cially to the members of the Young So­ youth and the people of the United countered moves on August 12 by the anti­ At its July convention the National Orga­ cialist Alliance, who are enthusiastically States. abortion forces of Operation Rescue to block nization for Women set November 12 as the celebrating your 26th national conven­ We are aware of the struggle that you entrances of nine abortion clinics scattered date for a march on Washington, D.C., to tion. are carrying out against Yankee imperial­ through two counties in the Los Angeles area. defend abortion rights and counter the recent Unfortunately, for reasons beyond our ism and for the establishment of a Roman Catholic Archbishop Roger Mah­ Supreme Court ruling restricting abortion. A control, we are unable to participate di­ workers' and farmers' government in the ony lent his backing to Operation Rescue similar march last April attracted 500,000 rectly in the proceedings of your conven­ United States. For this reason we wish efforts by showing up at a rally of 5,500 in supporters of women's right to choose. tion to be able to appreciate the tasks you you success in your conv~ntion, and we Anaheim that same day. as youth are carrying out under difficult are certain that it will be an important On several Saturdays, Operation Rescue Nancy Cole from Miami, Nelson Blackstock conditions. point of departure in carrying out new targeted one or two clinics in an attempt to from Los Angeles, and Ellen Haywood from We will not be present physically but and ever greater goals in your work. shut them down. The new hit-and-run tactics St. Louis contributed to this article.

· September 8, 1989 The Militant 11 -CALENDAR------CALIFORNIA Paseo. Sponsor: Cuba Friendship Committee. 2nd floor. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Militant (801) 355-1124. Los Angeles For more information call (816) 561-0125. Labor Forum. For more information call (201) Palestinian Intifada and the Case of the L.A. 643-3341. WASHINGTON 8. Speaker: representative of the Committee to The Fight for Puerto Rican Independence. Speakers: Selva Nebbia, Militant staff writer; Seattle Stop the McCarran-Walter Act Deportations. NEBRASKA The Fight for School Desegregation: Against Translation to Spanish. Sat., Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m. others. Sat., Sept. 16, 7:30p.m. 141 Halsey St., Omaha 2nd floor. Donation: $3 . Sponsor: Militant the "Save Our Schools" Initiative. A panel 2546 W Pico Blvd. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Mil­ The Defiance Campaign Against Apartheid. discussion. Sat., Sept. 9, 7:30p.m. 5517 Rainier itant Labor Forum/Foro Perspectiva Mundial. Labor Forum. For more information call (201) Speakers: Jimmy Seepe, South African student; 643-3341. Ave. S. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Militant Labor For more information call (213) 380-9460. representative Young Socialist Alliance. Trans­ Forum. For more information call (206) 723- San Francisco lation to Spanish. Sat., Sept. 16, 7:30p.m. 140 S 5330. Justice and Dignity for Eastern Airlines 40th St. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor NEW YORK Strikers. Picket at San Francisco International Forum. For more information call (402) 553- Manhattan Airport. Sat., Sept. 2, 7 a.m. and/or 11 a.m. Meet 0245. Going Away Party for Prof. Fred Dube. A • at International Association of Machinists Local leader of the African National Congress of 1781 Hall, 1511 Rollins Rd., Burlingame. Park South Africa. Dube is engaged in a battle with CANADA and shuttle from hall to airport, or meet at East­ the State University of New York over its deny­ Montreal ern departure terminal. For more information NEW JERSEY ing him tenure because of his political views. Solidarity with Cuba! Speaker: Joe Young, call (415) 697-3259. Newark This month he is moving to Olympia, Washing­ participated in mini brigade of voluntary work in March to Protect Women's Rights, Save The Roots of the Civil War in Lebanon. ton, where he will be teaching at Evergreen State Cuba. Translation from French to English and Women's Lives. Sun., Oct. 15. Assemble 11 Speaker: Georges Sayad, Socialist Workers College. Fri., Sept. I, 7-10 p.m. Cathedral of St. Spanish. Sat., Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m. 6566 boul. a.m. Justin Herman Plaza (Market and Party, coauthor of pamphlet Palestine and the John the Divine, Synod Hall (cor. of Amsterdam Saint-Laurent. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Forum Embarcadero.) Noon march to Civic Center. Arabs' Fight for Liberation, member Oil, and 110th St.) Lutte Ouvriere. For more information call (514) Rally 1:30 p.m. Sponsor: Bay Area Pro-Choice Chemical and Atomic Workers union. Sat., 524-7992. Coalition. For more information call (415) 861- Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m. 141 Halsey St., 2nd floor. 8880. Donation: $3. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. UTAH For more information call (201) 643-3341. Salt Lake City SWEDEN Cancel the Third World Debt. Speaker: Don The Great Spirit Within the Hole. Film by Stockholm GEORGIA Rojas, former press secretary to assassinated Chris Spotted Eagle on the struggle of Indian The Ochoa Affair: Cuba Confronts Corrup­ Atlanta Grenadian prime minister Maurice Bishop; prisoners for right to practice their religion. Sat., tion and Bureaucracy. Sat., Sept. 9, 15.00, Anti-apartheid Defiance Spreads in South member coordinating committee of Anti-imperi­ Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m. 147 E 900 S. Donation: $3. Vikingagatan 10, T-bana St Eriksplan. Sponsor: Africa. Speaker: Daryl Drobnic, Socialist alist Organizations of the Caribbean and Central Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum/Foro Per­ Militant Labor Forum. For more information Workers Party, member United Food and Com­ America. Sat., Sept. 9, 7:30p.m. 141 Halsey St., spectiva Mundial. For more information call call (08) 722-9342. mercial Workers Local442. Sat., Sept. 2. Dinner 6 p.m.; forum 7:30. 132 Cone St. NW, 2nd floor. Donation: Dinner $3, forum $2.50. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For more information call (404) 577-4065. Racists lynch Black youth in Brooklyn

MASSACHUSETTS Continued from front page "We're not going to be intimidated. We're After Koch left through a side entrance, they Boston by young jealous girls." Feliciano, who he not going to let the racists tell us where we chased his limousine down the block. El Salvador Today: Report Back from Inter­ called a "crackhead and prostitute," "caused cannot go in this city." Koch's condemnation of the protest national Union Conference. Speakers: Mark the confrontation" by telling a gang member marches through Bensonhurst as inflamma­ Emanatian, Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Both marches were met by counterdem­ that she would get 30 of her friends to beat onstrations of whites yelling racist epithets, tory has fueled the angerofNew York's Black Workers Union Local187; others. Fri., Sept. 8, him and his friends, the attorney said. community and other opponents of racist 7:30p.m. 605 Massachusetts Ave. Donation: $3. throwing eggs, and holding up watermelons. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For more infor­ "Let the boys from Bensonhurst go," they violence. He instead urged Blacks who mation call (617) 247-6772. 'They don't like Blacks' chanted. wished to assert their rights to walk through Bensonhurst individually. . "This wasn't so much about her as that Film director Spike Lee, whose movie Do they don't like Blacks in the neighborhood. David Dinkins, who is Black and is Koch's MISSOURI the Right Thing is playing at theaters in the They don't like Puerto Ricans," Joanne Car­ major rival in the upcoming Democratic Kansas City city, toured the Bensonhurst area where Haw­ retta, a life-long resident of the area and mayoral primary, defended the marchers. Cuba Today: Eyewitness Reports. Speakers: kins was shot and condemned the murder. witness to the attack, said. "They had bats "People have a right to be or to march any­ Ed Haase, broadcast journalist, traveled to Cuba where," he said. as member of Venceremos Brigade; Leslie and they were standing there waiting for a Bensonhurst reaction divided Young, social worker who visited mental and fight." Dinkins has called for more and tougher Reaction among residents in Bensonhurst laws to be enacted against gang violence. He health-care facilities in Cuba. Sat., Sept. 23, 7 Bensonhurst is one of several mostly white p.m. St. Stephen Baptist Church, Truman Rd. at has been polarized. Despite the atmosphere said his proposals were not only aimed at enclaves in south Brooklyn near the ocean­ racist violence, but also at acts of "urban front. Many of the residents moved from terrorism," a term he used to describe the NEW YORK CITY other areas almost three decades ago looking "We're not going to let crimes of Black youth. to avoid the increasingly Black, Latino, and Socialist Workers Party candidate for immigrant composition of the East New the racists tell us mayor of New York James Harris, who is Cuba Defends York, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Brownsville currently on a trip to Africa, called on "work­ areas of Brooklyn. where we cannot go." ing people to unite to demand that City Hall Socialism: A string of protests prosecute the killers of Yusef Hawkins to the of intimidation brought about by the racist full extent of the law." Within days of the attack, protest meetings The socialist candidate noted the sizable Lessons of the and marches were called. On August 25 countermobilizations, some residents have spoken out against the killing to the media. protests that forced the city to jail participants nearly 500 people, including many Black in the racist killing in 1986 of Michael Grif­ Ochoa Case youth, attended a meeting at the Harlem State As three of the suspects in the attack were led from the police station, a crowd of fith, a Black man, in Howard Beach. He Speaker: Office Building organized by the December called for similar mobilizations to "give voice 12 Coalition, a group that developed out of Bensonhurst residents jeered them. "You should be ashamed," Lucy Capezza shouted, to the majority sentiment among working Mary-Alice Waters the protests against the 1986 racist killing in people that racist gangs will not be able to the Howard Beach area of New York. "You're a disgrace." "It's an awful thing editor New lnter111ltio111ll magazine you've done," another resident yelled, terrorize or intimidate Black youth." The following day more than 300 marched "You're making things worse." "I am confident that this fight can unite all Fri., Sept. 15, 7:30p.m. through Bensonhurst. On August 26 several who oppose racist violence in this city," Har­ 191 Seventh Ave., 2nd floor prominent Black ministers organized a march Thousands of mourners attended Hawkins' ris said, "from organizations in the Black, Manhattan of about 100 through Bensonhurst, ending it wake in Bedford-Stuyvesant and a crowd of Latino, and Asian communities, to workers with a "service of reclamation and possession several hundred Blacks outside the funeral at Eastern Airlines, New York Telephone, and Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. of the city." They were joined by leaders of home met Jesse Jackson chanting, "We want the city's hospitals, who are also involved in For more information call the American Civil Liberties Union. to march!" a battle for dignity, to those struggling to (212) 675-6740. "No part of New York is exempt from us," Later the crowd turned angry and booed defend abortion rights and affirmative ac- Rev. Timothy Mitchell told the marchers. when Mayor Koch appeared at the wake. tion." · -IF YOU LIKE THIS PAPER, LOOK US UP Whereto find Pathfinder books and distrib­ LOUISIANA: New Orleans: P.O. Box OREGON: Portland: 2730 NE Martin Lu­ BRITAIN utorsoftheMilitant,PerspectivaMundial,New 53224. Zip: 70153. Tel: (504) 484-6418. ther King, Jr. Zip: 97212. Tel: (503) 287-7416. London: 47 The Cut, SEI 8LL. Tel: 01-401 International, Nouvelle lnternationale, and MARYLAND: Baltimore: 2913 Greenmount PENNSYLVANIA: Philadelphia: 9 E. 2293. Lutte ouvriere. Ave. Zip: 21218. Tel: (301) 235-0013. Chelten Ave. Zip: 19144. Tel: (215) 848-5044. MASSACHUSETTS: Boston: 605 Massa­ Pittsburgh: 4905 Penn Ave. Zip 15224. Tel: CANADA UNITED STATES chusetts Ave. Zip: 02118. Tel: (617) 247-6772. (412) 362-6767. Montreal: 6566 boul. St-Laurent, H2S 3C6. ALABAMA: Birmingham: 1306 1st Ave. N. 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Tel: (415) NW. Zip: 20010. Tel: (202) 797-7699,797-7021. Martin Luther King Dr. Zip: 63113. Tel: (314) Reykjavik: Klapparstig 26. Mailing address: 420-1165. San Francisco: 3284 23rd St. Zip: WASHINGTON: Seattle: 5 517 Rainier P. Box 233, 121 Reykjavik. Tel: (91) 17513. 94110. Tel: (415) 282-6255. 361-0250. NEBRASKA: Omaha: 140 S. 40th St. Zip: Ave. South. Zip: 98118. Tel: (206) 723-5330. FLORIDA: Miami: 137 NE 54th St. Zip: 68131. Tel: (402) 553-0245. WEST VIRGINIA: Charleston: 116 Mc­ NEW ZEALAND 33137. Tel: (305) 756-1020. Tallahassee: P.O. NEW JERSEY: Newark: 141 Halsey. Zip: Farland St. Zip: 25301. Tel: (304) 345-3040. Auckland: I 57 a Symonds St. Postal Address: Box 20715. Zip: 32316. Tel: (904) 877-9338. 07102. Tel: (201) 643-3341. Morgantown: 221 Pleasant St. Zip: 26505. Tel: P.O. Box 3025. Tel: (9) 793-075. GEORGIA: Atlanta: 132 Cone St. NW, 2nd NEW YORK: Brooklyn: 464 Bergen St. Zip: (304) 296-0055. Christchurch: 593a Colombo St. (upstairs). Floor. Zip: 30303. Tel: (404) 577-4065. 11217. Tel: (718) 398-6983. New York:I91 7th WISCONSIN: Milwaukee: 4707 W. Lisbon Postal address: P.O. Box 22-530. Tel: (3) 656-055. ILLINOIS: Chicago: 6826 S. Stony Island Ave. Zip: 10011. Tel: (212) 675-6740. Ave. Zip: 53208. Tel: (414) 445-2076. Wellington: 23 Majoribanks St., Courtenay Pl. Ave. Zip: 60649. Tel: (312) 363-7322. NORTH CAROLINA: Greensboro: 2219 E Postal address: P.O. Box 9092. Tel: (4) 844-205. IOWA: Des Moines: 2105 Forest Ave. Zip: Market. Zip 27401. Tel: (919) 272-5996. AUSTRALIA 50311. Tel: (515)246-1695. · OHIO: Cleveland: 2521 Market Ave. Zip: Sydney: 181 Glebe Point Rd., 2nd floor, SWEDEN KENTUCKY: Louisville: P.O. Box 4103. 44113. Tel: (216) 861-6150. Columbus: P.O. Glebe. Postal address: P.O. Box 153 Glebe, Syd­ Stockholm: P.O. Box 5024, S-12505 Alvsjo. Zip: 40204-4103. Box 02097. Zip: 43202. ney NSW 2037. Tel: 02-660 1673. Tel: (08) 722-9342.

12 The Militant September 8, 1989 -THE GREAT SOCIETY------And skip a few safety checks­ Houston, an ex-cop convicted of buried in a vacant lot across the 80 percent tax write-off on the food pleton, mutual fund operator, open­ "Because the [passenger] volume is kidnapping and raping a woman at street. and drink. ing a Toronto shareholders' meeting. so large, so are the potential savings. gunpoint, got a 10-year probation­ For instance, when United replaced ary term and a possible 30 days in More pollution - The first pre­ P.S. - McDonald snack bars at Enjoy- New York and Con­ a spoon with a plastic stirrer on jail. fabricated jail, made from converted SkyDome will serve the masses beef necticut officials advised residents shipping containers, has been as­ hotdogs for $3.25 a piece. However, to skip the liver of lobsters from Now there's a goulash - After sembled in Leesburg, Virginia. A since working for a living is not a Long Island Sound because they're losing two of three by-elections, the federal official said the design will business, this is not tax deductible. laced with cadmium, which can at­ Hungarian Communist Party is hir­ do for jails what Henry Ford did rophy the human liver and kidney. ing Margaret Thatcher's public re­ cars. The egalitarian society - Over But, they assure, the rest of the lob­ lations firm to help it polish up its the past five years, the income of ster is just fine. Harry image. Ring Who's ripping off whom?­ U.S. chief executives jumped from American Way of Death - Canadian fmns are investing up to 41 times that of a skilled production No more chauvinist pigs? - Lawsuits are pending against two $225,000 a year for luxury boxes at worker to 55 times greater. "Miss World" is getting with the meals that required spoons just for Southern California cemeteries. In Toronto's SkyDome sports stadium. green movement. Having lost sev­ coffee or tea, the airline saved ap­ one it's charged that prior to crema­ But they're balking at the price of The ultimate insider - "We eral major British sponsors, the in­ proximately $400,000 a year." ­ tion, body parts were illegally sold. refreshments: Veal hotdogs, $6.50; don't know what all the answers are. ternational beauty contest will seek News item. In the other case, an ex -employee peanuts, $5 a bowl; bottle of Scotch, . . . We open all our meetings with sponsors among makers of animal­ testified that small urns were used $95. The protest seems to be a matter a prayer because it helps us to make free cosmetics and other "environ­ With equal justice for all - In in cremations, with the excess ashes of principle, since they can take an less stupid mistakes."-John Tern- ment-friendly" companies. U.S. troop maneuvers in Panama violate sovereignty

Continued from front page ister, criticized U.S. economic sanctions and poisoning the negotiating climate. tion and for the complete development of our "unilateral action to protect the lives of U.S. also warned of an imminent U.S. invasion. In response to the U.S. military exercises, people." citizens and guarantee the security of the "In fact, this invasion has virtually taken the Panamanian Defense Forces, along with canal." According to the officials, serious place already, as evident in the takeover of civilian militia units of the "Dignity Battal­ Bush calls Endara violations of the Torrijos-Carter treaty, com­ streets, towns, and the Thatcher Bridge," he ions" launched their own military operation In the middle of the stepped-up military bined with the blocking of a negotiated so­ said. dubbed "Oust the Intruder," which was de­ provocations in August, President Bush, who lution by the Panamanian government, A few days later, Panama's President Man­ signed to "defend and protect public prop­ on May 11 had ordered an additional 2,000 "would leave them no other option," Granma uel Solis Palma said in La Paz, Bolivia, that erty." U.S. troops to Panama "to protect American reported. his country was being invaded without a shot Addressing a group of retired officers, lives," spoke by telephone to Guillermo En­ The Cuban Communist Party newspaper being fired. He stated that U.S. soldiers vio­ including ex-generals and colonels from 11 dara, former presidential candidate of the noted that representatives of the Southern late the Panama Canal treaties and frequently Latin American armies who attended a meet­ country's Civic Democratic Opposition Alli­ Command, the coordinating center for U.S. occupy unauthorized zones with tanks and ing of the Organization of Military Officers ance. military operations in Latin America and the soldiers. for the Democracy, Integration, and Freedom Addressing Endara as "Mr. president­ Caribbean, were present at the meeting. They Throughout July and August, the U.S. mil­ of Latin America and the Caribbean, Gen. elect," Bush assured him that "you and your spoke on behalf of the two top generals in itary conducted a series of provocative and Manuel Noriega referred to the Pentagon's two vice-presidents" have the "unyielding command of U.S. troops in Panama. One of threatening exercises on Panamanian terri­ maneuvers as "boldness turned into inso­ support and admiration of the American peo­ the military officials at the briefing, "Col. tory. Towns and state installations under lence." ple." Perry, warned the diplomats that U.S. troops He asserted that Panama "will not give up, Panama's jurisdiction were occupied with They discussed the then upcoming OAS were ready to act as soon as they received humble itself, or abandon its liberation strug­ troops supported by armored cars and heli­ meeting in Washington on August 23. Endara the order from the White House," Granma gle." copter gunships. said that "my two vice-presidents and I will reported. In one maneuver, the U.S. embassy in He said the U.S. government "intends to probably go to Washington . . . to talk infor­ In the September4 issue of Newsweek, the Panama City was surrounded by heavily keep a territory, which does not belong to it, mally with all the ministers of foreign rela­ U.S. magazine reports that the George Bush armed U.S. troops who slid down ropes from for its geographic value. From here, and tions." administration "plans to keep rattling the helicopters hovering in Panamanian airspace. through modern technology, the United Bush then stressed, "We're willing to back sabers of the 13,600 U.S. troops stationed in During August there were incidents in States controls the lives and destinies of the the OAS view, but it's predicated on Noriega Panama" and that the Pentagon has a "work­ which U.S. and Panamanian troops faced Latin American and Caribbean peoples." getting out on September 1. I don't think able plan" to kidnap Noriega. each other with guns at the ready and in which A "Panama Declaration" issued by this there's much chance of it, do you?" Newsweek reports also that the White U.S. military authorities arrested Panamani­ regional organization of soldiers on August After September I Eric Arturo Delvalle, House plans to broaden its economic sanc­ ans. 10 stated its support for the principles of who is recognized by the U.S. government tions against Panama. self-determination by the peoples of the as the lawful president of Panama, will have U.S. rights in Panama On August 24 Maj. Ricardo Wheelock, Americas and of nonintervention. no pretense to claiming the office. Delvalle chief of military intelligence in the Nicara­ U.S. government spokespersons sought to "We forcefully condemn the interference was dismissed by parliament in February guan army, said in Managua that the U.S. justify the military exercises on the grounds of the U.S. government in the internal affairs 1988 and replaced by Manuel Solis Palma. government is preparing a "surgical strike" that they were a response to "an organized of the Republic of Panama. The lack of A presidential election held in May was against Panama and that the CIA is preparing campaign of harassment" by Noriega against respect for these principles violates regional annulled, so there is no president-elect. For­ international public opinion for such a strike U.S. military personnel and, moreover, that peace, stability and security, which are essen­ eign Minister Jorge Ritter announced that a by "taking advantage of' the drug-related they were necessary to "reaffirm and reas­ tial for the process of democratic consolida- provisional government will be installed. conflicts in Colombia. sert" U.S. rights in Panama. Contrary to Washington's expectations, Warnings of invasion the OAS mission to Panama did not view the -10AND25 YEARSAGO-- Three days before, Granma warned in an military maneuvers in the same light. In fact, in an embarrassing rebuff to the U.S. rulers, editorial of "an imminent Yankee aggression ber of major issues. Liberals, union officials, against Panama." the mission criticized the maneuvers, stating that they were partly responsible for its failure THE MILITANT and most of the Negro spokesmen within the At a recent meeting of the Latin American A.SOCWJ$T~EKLYPUBLJSt£01Nn£HTERESTSOFTHE~PEOPI..E25e to persuade Noriega to give up his office. party hardly protested as their positions were Economic System (SELA) in Cartagena, Co­ Sept. 7, 1979 flattened by the Johnson machine in the in­ lombia, Jorge Ritter, Panama's foreign min- Describing the maneuvers as "inoppor­ tune," the mission declared, "It is essential terests of "national unity." to avoid the possibility of an incident that, in MANAGUA, Nicaragua- Striking a fi­ The single point of relief to the suppres­ the present circumstances in Panama, might nancial blow against those who profiteered sion of the "progressive" forces was pro­ African heads of state thwart all efforts to achieve a peaceful solu­ under ousted dictator Somoza, the Nicara­ vided by the fight put up by the Mississippi adoptANC tion." guan government announced on August 25 Freedom Democrats for seats in the conven­ Appointed in May, the OAS mission com­ that bills of 500 or 1,000 cordobas (US$50 tion. Acting independently of the party ma­ negotiation proposal prised of diplomats from four member states and $100) would be immediately invalid. chine, and finally even in opposition to their and led by Ecuadorian Foreign Minister "liberal" supporters within the party, the pre­ Continued from front page With the slogan, "Let's take back from Diego C6rdovez made five visits to Panama the money that belongs to the dominately Negro group from Mississippi political life. The meeting called for the "ces­ somocismo in an effort to bring about the transfer of people," the government urged everyone to managed to keep the civil rights issue before sation of all interference in the internal affairs power as demanded by the U.S. government. deposit their large denomination bills in the the nation's TV audiences for three days and of Angola." Having failed to accomplish that goal, the upset Johnson's carefully laid plans to soft­ Following the adjournment of the meeting, bank. In exchange, depositors received cou­ mission urged further talks between the Pan­ pons to be refunded in six months, with 8 pedal it. UNITA issued a statement from Lisbon, Por­ amanian government and opposition parties percent interest. To keep the Mississippi issue from the tugal, condemning the results and stating the and called on the U.S. and Panamanian gov­ convention floor, Johnson assigned liberal war would continue. Even before the Harare ernments to "normalize their bilateral rela­ The swiftness with which the new mea­ Hubert Humphrey- his vice-presidential meeting began, the Angolan government re­ tions." sure was carried out prevented many of ported a new round of attacks by UNITA Somoza's henchmen, now hiding in embas­ choice - to work out a compromise. inside the country. Minority support for hostilities sies and elsewhere around the country, from Humphrey's job was to pressure the 16 state delegations that had promised to support the Angolan army officials stated that from When it met in Washington on August 23 making arrangements to obtain reimburse­ Mississippi Negroes to go back on their August 16 to 22 UNITA carried out 31 attacks to receive and discuss the report from its ment for their now-worthless currency. promises to force a floor fight on the issue. and 13 ambushes, killing 125 and wounding Panama mission, a majority of the OAS 31 Another important step taken in the past He succeeded in this as Northern liberals and 222. member states supported continued negotia­ few days was a constitutional decree replac­ civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther Angolan President Jose dos Santos said in tions and an end to U.S. hostility against ing the hated National Guard with the King, CORE National Director James a statement here that the escalation of the Panama. But a significant minority, including Sandinista army. Farmer, NAACP Executive Secretary Roy attacks and loss of life "constitutes ari elo­ Venezuela and Costa Rica, both of which top Wilkins, and March on Washington Vice­ quent proof of disrespect to the word given Washington's current list of "beneficiaries" THE chairman Bayard Rustin buckled under pres­ by UNITA." under its Third World debt scheme known as sure. Later in the week Angolan government the Brady plan, supported the U.S. officials reiterated their desire to implement government's stance. MILITANT The 68-member Mississippi Freedom del­ Publllhed In the Interests of the Working People the accords but added, "We will not remain The day after, the New York Times, U.S. egation voted down Humphrey's "back-of­ idle so as the terrorists can continue, under capitalism's "newspaper of record," lam­ Sept. 7, 1964 the-bus compromise," which recognized the foreign influence, destabilizing our country, basted the OAS in an editorial for its "fum­ regular racist delegation, seated only two killing our people, and destroying social and bling, mumbling response" and for "shame­ The Democratic Party national conven­ Freedom delegates, and did not recognize economic targets." lessly" blaming the troop maneuvers for tion registered a shift to the right on a num- them as representing Mississippi.

September 8, 1989 The Militant 13 -EDITORIALS------Stealing Jose Marti's Hands off Panama! name Provocative and threatening military exercises on elections within a year. Instead, they continue to support BY DOUG JENNESS Panama's sovereign territory. Bellicose talk from State Washington's violations of Panama's sovereignty and ter­ There are many forms of robbery in this world, but just Department and Pentagon officials. Plans to kidnap Gen. ritorial integrity and its unjustified interference in the about the lowest is when your enemy takes part of your Manuel Noriega and charges that he has turned his coun­ country's domestic affairs. These proimperialist Panama­ heritage - a legacy won through struggle, claims it as his try into a "haven" for drug traffickers. Tightening of eco­ nians represent a privileged class of businessmen, land­ own, and attempts to use it against you. Not only do you nomic sanctions. lords, and bankers who up to 1968 dominated the Pana­ feel as if you've run into the wrong end of a manure These are among the odious elements in Washington's manian government and bowed to Washington's spreader, but you have to take some time to set things stepped-up campaign against Noriega and the Panama­ demands. straight. nian government in recent weeks, a campaign that has led Since the beginning of this century, Panama's working A recent example is the stealing of Jose Marti's name by to mounting fears throughout Latin America and the Car­ people have struggled against U.S. imperialist domina­ the U.S. capitalist rulers for their radio station and projected ibbean that a U.S. military invasion is planned. tion. Today, they continue that tradition of resistance in TV station that illegally broadcast venomous propaganda Standing up to immense pressure from the White the face of provocations and threats and in spite of into Cuba. House and State Department, a majority of the representa­ Washington's campaigns of disinformation and psycho­ If there was anybody whom Marti had nothing in com­ tives to the Organization of American States criticized the logical pressure. mon with, it was the racist, antilabor exploiters of North recent military maneuvers and called on Washington to Under the popular leadership of Gen. Omar Torrijos "normalize" its relations with the government of Panama. from 1968 to 1981 , the Panamanian masses won progress In an August 21 editorial, Granma, the official organ of in their quest for independence and self-determination the Cuban Communist Party, warned that the U.S. gov­ and for ultimate sovereignty over the canal that their LEARNING ABOUT ernment "in its arrogant intoxication," and spurred by forebears constructed with their sweat and blood. "bitterness for failing to achieve [its] goals," is consider­ Social and economic measures implemented during SOCIALISM ing taking military action against Panama and "each hour that period improved the living conditions of the that goes by makes this threat more certain." country's workers and farmers. However, Torrijos' myste­ America. And today 's heirs of this class are just as bad, if Granma said that international public opinion, as a rious death eight years ago did not, as Granma points out, not worse, than those who ruled the United States when whole, has a "moral duty" to denounce "the threat falling "bury his nationalist ideal to which he contributed with an Marti lived and fought. over Panama." unequivocal anti-imperialist stamp and the fact that there In the struggle against Spanish colonial rule at the end As the editorial stated, underlying imperialism's anti­ were among the defense forces and the people courageous of the last century, Marti opposed annexation or any other Panama campaign is the desire of the U.S. rulers to thwart and resolute chiefs and political leaders capable of contin­ relationship with Spain short of total independence. And he the fulfillment of the 1977 Torrijos-Carter agreements uing the Torrijos cause." believed this could be won only through revolutionary that called for full Panamanian control over the Panama Working people and anti-imperialist forces around the action, not piecemeal reform. Canal by the end of this century and for the dismantling of world should demonstrate solidarity with their Panama­ But Marti not only fought Spanish domination; he op­ all U.S. bases and installations on Panamanian soil. nian sisters and brothers as the crisis deepens in that Latin posed the U.S. government's threats to move in and take Recently, the head of Nicaragua's military intelligence American country. over Cuba, snuffing out its opportunity for independence. said the Pentagon was planning an attack on Panama and We should also forcefully condemn the U.S. govern­ In his last letter, written the day before he was killed by that the CIA was preparing a pretext for military aggres­ ment's warmongering and demand that Panama be left Spanish troops in 1895 during a cavalry skirmish not far sion by attempting to implicate Noriega in Colombia's alone to solve its internal problems. Renewed efforts from Santiago de Cuba, Marti stressed, "It is my duty­ drug war. should also be made to force Washington to abide by the inasmuch as I realize it and have the spirit to fulfill it -to Meanwhile, Washington's allies in the Panamanian op­ 1977 treaties and to lift all current economic and diplo­ prevent, by the independence of Cuba, the United States position have rejected Noriega's offer to join a national matic sanctions. from spreading over the West Indies and falling, with that unity government starting September I and to hold new Hands off Panama! added weight, upon other lands of Our America." Marti knew the United States well. He had lived the last 14 years of his life there, mostly in New York, before returning to Cuba as part of a revolutionary army shortly before his death. "I have lived inside the monster," he wrote, "and know its entrails." The Cuban independence fighter lived in the United Convict Bensonhurst lynchers! States at the time when monopolies were becoming more powerful and finance capital began to dominate industry The facts in the killing ofYusefHawkins, a 16-year-old Blacks and others to freely walk down any street in any and commerce- that is, when the United States was Black youth, in the Bensonhurst section of New York City part of the city are asserted. The crowd chanting "We emerging as an imperialist country. on August 23 are unambiguous. want to march!" outside the funeral home where Marti was a witness to the strengthening of racism inside It was premeditated murder by a lynch mob. The racist Hawkins' body lay in wake reflected this. the United States and its connection to the ruling families' motives behind the killing cannot be covered up. State­ Now is the time when the greatest numbers - Blacks, imperial policies internationally. And in newspaper articles ments made by the up to 30 bigots, before and during the Asians, Latinos, and whites - can be mobilized from read widely in Latin America, he denounced lynchings and attack on Hawkins and his three companions, show that almost every section of the city to make the needed de­ other bitter fruits of racial discrimination. they were out to grab the first Black or person of color mands on the government. Moreover, he condemned the "onerous treaties" that who came through the streets of the white enclave of The Bensonhurst racist violence is not a sign of racism robbed Indians of their lands. Bensonhurst. The names of most of those involved are on the rise. It is a defensive action of a small minority. The Cuban revolutionist also learned from and known, and there are ample witnesses. Like the incident in other enclaves - Howard Beach, or solidarized with the U.S. working class as it waged battles Any attempts to paint up the killing as something else the one in Forsyth County, Georgia, in 1987 -racists against the capitalist bosses. Marti was not a socialist, but fly in the face of facts, as do assertions by investigators seek to keep these areas off limits to Blacks in the face of his experiences inside "the monster" led to a greater under­ that testimony by witnesses may not hold up in court. the great majority's acceptance that Jim Crow segrega­ standing of the class struggle and solidarity with the ex­ What must be done is also clear. Only six of the attack­ tion, defeated by the civil rights movement, should not be ploited classes. ers have been arrested and two have been indicted for restored. Marti was the central leader of the Cuban Revolutionary murder. The full weight of city, state, and federal authori­ There has been no reversal of the big changes brought Party, founded in 1892 to lead a second war of indepen­ ties must immediately come to bear in apprehending about by the victories of the civil rights movement, espe­ dence. The first was waged from 1868 to 1878. every single thug involved and all should be prosecuted to cially in the self-confidence of Blacks and the greater The new movement, standing on the shoulders of the first the fullest extent of the law. acceptance of whites that Blacks are human beings with independence struggle, attempted to avoid some of its The state and federal governments have enough evi­ equal rights. There is at this time no rise in right-wing or shortcomings. For one thing it was based more on work­ dence of civil rights violations to act in this case. Convic­ racist organizations, like the Ku Klux Klan. ing-class than well-to-do Cubans. tions and maximum sentences would serve as effective For more than a decade the employers and the govern­ It also sought to overcome the racial divisions that weak­ deterrents for others who would consider beating or kill­ ment have been attempting to chip away at the gains won ened the frrst revolutionary struggle. In the March 25, 1895, ing anyone because of their skin color. by working people for the rights of Blacks and women. As Manifesto of Montecristi, Marti declared that the participa­ No more legislation is needed to accomplish this. these efforts are escalated, like the recent rulings by the tion of Blacks was necessary for victory. He said the charge Plenty of laws are already on the books. What is required Supreme Court attacking affirmative action and abortion that "the Negro race is a threat" was "wickedly made by are protests in the streets focusing their fire on the govern­ rights, anger mounts and increased protests are organized. the beneficiaries of the Spanish regime in order to stir up ment and demanding that the laws be fully enforced. fear of the revolution." Pressure should especially be brought against city hall The march of 25,000 in defense of affirmative action in Washington, D.C., on August 26 or the march of 500,000 Moreover, the Revolutionary Party adopted a nonexclu­ and New York Mayor Edward Koch. for abortion rights last April, including large contingents sion policy, admitting into its ranks socialists. The mayor's condemnations of the protests against rac­ of unionists, show that working people are finding they In addition to these principles, Marti recognized that the ist violence as "inflammatory" only puts wind in the sails have more to gain by linking up in struggle against com­ independence struggles of Puerto Rico and Cuba were of the racists. Koch would like nothing better than for the mon enemies. closely linked. The frrst article in the Platform of the Cuban protests to end so that he can avoid responsibility for Revolutionary Party declared that the party was "formed to doing what is necessary. It fits a pattern in a city where The solidarity that has been extended across the coun­ achieve absolute independence for the island of Cuba, and cops routinely gun down Black, Latino, and working­ try to Eastern Airlines strikers and miners on strike to aid and encourage that of Puerto Rico." class youth and walk away with at most a suspension or against Pittston Coal in Virginia, West Virginia, and Ken­ Puerto Ricans were active in the Cuban Revolutionary some other slap on the wrist; and where institutionalized tucky is also a sign of this. Party and the assistant editor of the party's paper, Patria, discrimination in housing, education, health care, and A real blow for justice can be struck by reaching to the was Sotero Figueroa, a Puerto Rican. other areas is worsening. millions in New York of every race and nationality to If Radio Marti or TV Marti were to champion indepen­ Now is the time to call city hall to order and to force mobilize a massive protest to demand city hall and the dence for Puerto Rico, they might be able to make a more Koch and other officials to take action. The protests that government apprehend and jail all the attackers of Yusef plausible case for usurping the name of Cuba's most prom­ forced the appointment of a special prosecutor and the Hawkins. inent independence fighter. Or if they were to call for lifting conviction of the racist killers of Michael Griffith show We urge our readers in New York to talk to every union, Washington's economic blockade of Cuba and withdrawing this is possible. Griffith, a 23-year-old Black man, was student group, church, and other organization that you U.S. troops from the Guantanamo naval base on Cuban soil, struck and killed by a car in 1986 while being chased by a know or are a member of, and to all your coworkers, they might be able to lay a better claim to Marti's name. group of bat-wielding thugs in Howard Beach. friends, and families about the need to march and rally But this is not on the agenda of the imperialist "monster" The Hawkins' killing has angered many working peo­ around the demand: in the United States. Marti's true heirs are Cuba's revolu­ ple, Black and white, across the city. Many want to do Apprehend, convict, and jail all those responsible for tionary working people who have fought to free Cuba from something to see that justice is done and that the rights of the lynch attack on Yusef Hawkins! the imperialist boot, who continue to defend their revolu­ tion arms in hand, and are charting a course toward full social emancipation.

14 The Militant September 8, 1989 'Long live free Cuba-30 years of revolution'

Areito. Subscriptions: $12 a year, United States and U.S. government's blockade against Cuba, with 54 percent mittee of the Cuban Communist Party, Carlos Aldana, Puerto Rico; $18 other countries. P.O. Box 44-1403, in favor of nonnalization of relations with Cuba. Seventy­ condemns the U.S. government's preparations to illegally Miami, Fla. 33144. Published in Spanish, four times a two percent were in favor of Cubans in the United States broadcast television programs into Cuba through "1V year. being able to visit their homeland, with 52 percent saying Martf." they would go if it were made easier. Other articles take up the U.S. embargo against Cuba, BY SUSAN APSTEIN Moreover, the younger those polled, the more these Haitian refugees in the United States, and the process known "Long live free Cuba!"- the theme of the July issue of percentages increased. For those between 18 and 24 years, as rectification in which Cuban working people are placing Are{to magazine, published by Cubans living in the United the percentage favoring nonnalization shot up to 75. An themselves at the center of transfonning their society. States- is a thought-provoking celebration of the 30th overwhelming majority of all emigrants, regardless of age, In "Fidel: the craft of the spoken word," novelist Gabriel anniversary of the Cuban revolution. Its subjects are the who left Cuba after 1980 support nonnalization and the Garcfa Marquez from Colombia describes the Cuban challenges Cubans face today, the U.S. government's con­ lifting of the blockade, a much greater percentage than those leader's development of his speech-making skills. tinuing campaign of aggression against the Caribbean coun­ who emigrated between 1959 and 1966. A week after the triumph of the revolution, Castro spoke try, and how the Cuban community in Miami is changing. In the anniversary issue, editor Andres G6mez interviews on television nonstop for seven hours. Roberto Robaina, first secretary of the 600,000-member "It must be a. world record," Garcfa Marquez writes. Arefto favors a dialogue between Cuban-Americans and Cuban communist youth organization, the Union of Young "Residents of Havana who weren't yet familiar with the the people and government of Cuba, and the nonnalization Communists. He asks how the generation of Cuban youth hypnotic power of Fidel's voice sat down to listen in the born since 1959 who did not experience firsthand the horrors traditional manner." But as time passed, they returned to of life in capitalist Cuba can understand the significance of their labors, the author says, "with one ear on the business IN REVIEW what has been accomplished there. at hand and another tuned to the speech." Robaina describes the experiences of thousands of young "I had arrived the day before with a group of journalists Cubans who have traveled to Third World countries as from Caracas," he continues, "and we started out listening of relations between the U.S. and Cuban governments. Its internationalist aid volunteers. They include medical work­ to the speech in the hotel, then in the elevator, the taxi ... goal is to promote a free and open discussion in the Cuban ers, teachers, construction workers, and soldiers. This has as we walked through the streets, the blast from the radios community of the United States. First published in Miami been one of the best ways, he says, for Cubans to see with reached us at full volume from the windows. By nightfall, in 197 4, the magazine was soon forced by right-wing threats their own eyes the human misery that imperialist domination everyone had carried out the day's tasks without missing a to move to New York. But in 1987 it returned to Miami. brings. He tells of his own experiences as part of a combat word." Arefto polled 500 family members in the Miami Cuban unit in Angola. "A doctor who heard him that day," Garcia Marquez community in May and June this year. The results show But the best way for Cuban youth to strengthen their notes, "wrote a dissertation on the nature of those breaks in opinions that aren't reflected in the press and media of the political awareness and leadership abilities, Robaina says, his voice, concluding that Fidel was condemned to lose his city - opinions that diverge sharply from the positions of is for Cuba to place responsibility in young people's hands voice completely within five years.... Thirty years have right-wing political organizations in Miami. for solving the problems the country faces today. passed since then, and Fidel's voice continues to be one of Among those polled, 55 percent favored the lifting of the In another interview, the secretary of the Central Com- his most useful instruments." -LETTERS------Supports Curtis intelligently and thoroughly re­ When we at Roseburg Forest Prod­ I worked at Swift Co. in Des ported. ucts struck this year? Moines with Mark Curtis in the I especially thought Fred This rally is a sellout to those of Feldman's series on China was ex­ packaging department. When I us who stood on the picket line fight­ came to work at 2:30p.m. on March cellent. The establishment of a new ing the greed of the timber industry 1, 1988, and saw several U.S. gov­ ruling "caste" in the guise of com­ for the past few years and to those ernment cars, it frightened me. I munism was something I really who will no doubt be standing on hadn't known of. wondered what was going on, but the picket line in 1992. went in the gate. One thing that puzzles me - Gene Lawhorn They were rounding up all the how do you reconcile the trend of Portland, Oregon immigrants. The government agents almost every socialist state toward totalitarianism? Why must freeing waited until the workers got dressed Telephone workers for work and asked for their IDs in society of exploiters and the ex­ ploited depend on suppressing indi­ More than 300 angry striking the locker room. They had names workers from New York Telephone and pictures. vidual intellectual freedoms? Shouldn't socialism evolve toward rallied in Catskill, New York, to pro­ By the time they were done they test the police barricades set up to had arrested 17 people, a few I knew. less and less government control? If you could guide me toward a prevent workers from picketing in They were hard workers. It bothered front of the main entrance. Members me because they were human just publication that addresses this ques­ tion, I'd be grateful. of the Communications Workers of like we were. They were good work­ America, they also protested the ers. P.C. Columbus, Ohio company's hiring of temporary Shortly afterward, I was on my workers. way to work again and in the Swift Editor's reply,· The militant show of strength Au­ parking lot I was stopped and told gust 23 resulted in 13 arrests and one about Mark's arrest and his beating Some works that address the questions P.C. raises are: Socialism injury. All 13 pleaded not guilty and by police. I donated $5 to the defense were released on bail that ranged fund and asked for defense leaflets and Man, by Emesto Che Guevara; The State and Revolution, by from $100 to $500. to distribute in the Black commu­ V.I. Lenin; and The Revolution I went down to the picket line the nity. Mark's story got a good re­ next day and spoke to three women sponse there. Betrayed: What is the Soviet Union and Where Is It Going?, by Leon determined to stick it out despite the I met Mark here at the prison in Grin & Bear It by Wagner Trotsky. All three are available from police intimidation. One woman had Anamosa for the first time while on a T-shirt with a skull and cross­ "If we give the union an 8 percent raise, we'll have to hold ours down working in the clothing room. When Pathfinder, 410 West St., New York, to 45 percent." N.Y. 10014. bones that said, "Scabs will pay." we talked I told him right up front When I asked her about it, she said that I thought he was framed because she meant that those who are cross­ twice a month since Nemaha County he was in Iowa and because of what and had to sign in every day at noon Timber industry rally ing the line are not only doing the was chosen as one of three possible he stood for. at a police station. On September 8 members of four union workers in but themselves in sites in Nebraska for the storage of I have seen similar situations over He is now accused of attacking 'unions will be asked to participate the long run as well. low-level radioactive waste from the the last 10 years here. The police police and will be tried September in a "labor rally" in Salem, Oregon. I urge everyone who sympathizes states of Nebraska, Kansas, Okla­ department seems to treat activists 18. The timber and pulp-and-paper in­ with this struggle for decent com­ Ali was riding in a friend's car, homa, Louisiana, and Arkansas. differently than they do other citi­ dustries are even going to give us pensation for work done (the biggest zens. together with his wife and daughter, It is proposed that the site selected the day off to attend. And lo and issue is health-care benefits), to go on the way to the hospital. He was receive one truckload of radioactive Had Mark not been known to the behold, Roseburg Forest Products, on down to the picket line in your police department, he would not stopped and asked to identify him­ material a day for the next 33 years. where I work, is even going to pay area and show your support and sol­ self. Three policemen who knew The bulk of the waste will be the have received the serious injuries. for the buses to send us to Salem. idarity! This happens all the time in Des him tried to provoke him by asking nuclear power plants themselves, The unions are the United Paper Sam Chetta about his imprisonment and insult­ which will have become so radioac­ Moines, Iowa. But Mark let it be Catskill, New York known throughout the country. Workers International Union, Inter­ ing him. Because Ali did not react tive after 30 to 40 years' use that I happen to be a member of the national Woodworkers of America, to their provocations, they attacked . they can no longer be operated. Martin Luther King, Jr., Organiza­ Western Council oflndustrial Work­ Ali Mohammed Jedda him and one struck his head with a The point is to transfer liability tion here in Anamosa. Mark is our ers, and International Longshore­ Ali Mohammed Jedda works in gun butt. He was jailed and then for thousands of tons of radioactive secretary and is a very good one. I men's and Warehousemen's Union. the Alternative Infonnation Centre released on bail. concrete and steel from the corpo­ am going to work for Mark upon my In fact, this is not a labor rally. It as a journalist, focusing on the col­ We call on everyone who sup­ rations that built and operated the release and keep him infonned ofmy is a rally to support the timber lection of news and background ma­ ports freedom of expression to pro­ plants into the hands of the waste efforts. industry's efforts to block environ­ terial concerning the situation in the test this. People abroad should write management company for as long to Israeli embassies (in the United I feel Mark is doing time to keep mentalists from listing the spotted occupied territories for the Israeli as the dump is operating, and into States, 3514 International NW, him from fulfilling his dream of owl as an endangered species, and foreign press. Dr. the hands of the state of Nebraska Washington, D.C. 20008) or Minis­ helping others fulfill their dreams. thereby clearing the way to unre­ after that. Ali spent 17 years as a political ter of Police Haim Bar Lev, the Mark's case will be known in every stricted logging in old-growth for­ Brian Fitzpatrick prisoner in Israeli jails until his re­ Knesset, Jerusalem, Israel. Omaha, Nebraska city I go to until justice is done. ests. lease as part of the Ahmed Jibril A prisoner The rally is sponsored by labor Alternative Inf ormation Centre prisoner exchange in 1985. Since Jerusalem, Israel Anamosa, Iowa bureaucrats who are collaborating The letters column is an open then he has been working at the forum for all viewpoints on sub­ with the people who just cut our center in Jerusalem. wages, slashed our benefits, and op­ Radioactive waste jects of general interest to our Socialism pose labor unions at every opportu­ Since his release the Israeli au­ A groupofabout lOOpeoplegath­ readers. Please keep your letters I would like to compliment you nity. thorities have put him under town ered in Auburn, Nebraska, to discuss brief. Where necessary they will on your fine newspaper. I don't Where were the support rallies arrest twice, each time for six with Dr. Judith Johnsrud the dangers be abridged. Please indicate if agree with all of your views, blit you when the woodworkers and paper­ months. This meant he was forbid­ of low-level radioactive waste. The you prefer that your initials be usually offer perspectives that are workers were on strike last year? den to leave his home after sunset group has been meeting once or used rather than your full name.

September 8~ 1989 The Militant 15 TH£ MILITANT Nicaraguan reactions vary to gov't election pact with opposition

BY SETH GALINSKY plete," it does represent "a giant step in favor demand that Nicaraguans living abroad be What is new, Garcia said, "is that with the MANAGUA, Nicaragua- A variety of of peace and democracy." allowed to vote in embassies and consulates. defeat of the contras, these people have had opinions on the meaning of the agreement Jaime Bonilla, a leader of the Liberal In­ They also warned that Ortega might break to return, and now they have the opportunity, between the Nicaraguan government and op­ dependent Party (PLI) and UNO, told the agreement. once again, to win their place in the govern­ position groups have been expressed here. Barricada, "We have decided to participate Leaders of the FSLN and pro-FSLN ment." 1be August 4 accord gave the government, in the electoral process." Some forces in the unions see the accords as growing out of led by the Sandinista National Liberation coalition had still been holding open the Nicaragua's victory over the U.S.-backed FSLN: 'Really satisfied' Front (FSLN), support for dismantling the After signing the agreement, Bayardo contra bases in Honduras and a commitment Arce, a member of the National Directorate by the opposition to participate in the, Febru­ of the FSLN, said, "We are really satisfied, ary 1990 elections. In return, antigovernment because we have reached a new level of groups won political concessions, including understanding, communication, and accord changes in the way the election campaign with all of the nation's political forces, inde­ will be conducted. pendent of ideological divergences." He added, "This is a triumph for peace, without Demobilization of contras endangering the legitimate conquests of our The 43-point agreement was signed by people and the revolutionary process." President Daniel Ortega; the FSLN; repre­ Rene Bonilla, a national leader of the sentatives of the United National Opposition Sandinista Workers Federation (CST), told (UNO), a coalition of 12 parties; and other the Militant the agreement helped to obtain opposition groups. a definitive peace for Nicaragua by leading Among the points included in the accord to the Tela accords. "But now the opposition are: parties want to win through the elections what • A call to the Central American presi­ they could not win militarily," he stated. dents to approve a plan for demobilizing the "They believe the FSLN's historical project contras before the elections. An August 5--6 of organizing a new social system has been summit meeting in Tela, Honduras, subse­ a failure, but we believe they are the ones quently approved this plan. who have failed. • A six -month suspension of the military "For us this is not an agreement for sharing draft, lasting through the elections. political power," Bonilla continued. "Instead, • An amnesty for prisoners convicted of Kopec it is an agreement for the private and public collaborating with the contras, to go into Nicaraguan soldiers, Jinotega 1987. Election pact calls for six-month suspension of the military draft. sectors to compete economically." Nicaragua effect as soon as the contra bases in Honduras needs foreign investment, and hopefully the begin to be dismantled, and a review for agreement will make that more possible, he possible release of prisoners "detained for possibility of boycotting the elections. "Ab­ contras, and further consolidating the peace added. political activities" who belong to opposition stentionism is now totally ruled out inside that victory made possible. Trinchera, a weekly paper published by parties. UNO," he asserted. According to Edgardo Garcia, president of the CST, the ATC, and other pro-FSLN • An agreement to move up the date for Duilio Baltodano of the National Action the Association of Rural Workers (ATC), the unions, ran an article on the agreement enti­ taking office for most posts to April 1990. Party told the Associated Press that the accord agreement "is not really new. In practice the tled, "Signing of the accords: a historic deed Under the present law officials elected in the is "a triumph of patriotism." He said his party government has always included citizens of without precedent in Latin America." The February elections would not assume their hopes the government "will fulfill all its all points of view." article said, "Ortega recognized that with the positions until 1991. pledges. We will stand ready to demand this In an interview with the Militant, Garcia agreement a very important step has been • Changes in the public security and of them." pointed out that the five-person junta of the taken in favor of peace and in strengthening criminal laws, including a suspension of the The right-wing newspaper La Prensa Government of National Reconstruction, a multiparty, nonaligned society with a mixed right of the police to hold a suspect for up to wrote in an August 4 editorial that "the true brought to power by the 1979 insurrection, economy." It is important to note, Trinchera nine days before turning the case over to the fruits" of the discussion "will have to be seen included leading opponents of the FSLN such commented, that "this is the first dialogue courts. in the future." The editors complained that as Alfonso Robelo and Violeta Chamorro. between the government and the political • A reaffirmation that private property "is the opposition had still not won the right to "But when the masses demanded land, union parties where positive results have been not subject to confiscations, expropriations, their own private television station or their rights, and freedom, these people left." achieved." or affectations for purely political reasons." Most of the other points approved have to do with election regulations, campaigning, and voter registration. A separate three-point agreement was Proindependence activist Ojeda signed by Ortega and the FSLN with three groups that present themselves as left-wing opponents of the FSLN: the Revolutionary Workers Party (PRT), the People's Action acquitted by Puerto Rican jury Movement- Marxist-Leninist (MAP-ML), and the Movement for Revolutionary Unity BY EDUARDO VELEZ courthouse. Spectators were subjected to house. He explained that his actions were (MUR). It calls for dismantling the contra SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico- On August multiple searches and had to present photo based on prior threats made against his life bases, an end to CIA intervention in Nicara­ 26 a jury in a U.S. federal court here found identification before being allowed into the by FBI agents, the fact that numerous agents gua, and a continuing dialogue between the Filiberto Ojeda Rios not guilty on all eight courtroom. armed with assault and other weapons had president and these parties to improve con­ charges he faced. If convicted, proindepend­ Jury selection for Ojeda's trial started June surrounded his home using helicopters, and ditions for "the democratic involvement of ence activist Ojeda could have been sen­ 27. The trial began July 18 and lasted more on his knowledge of the FBI's repressive the working masses" in the electoral contest. tenced to 60 years in prison. than a month. During this time the prosecu­ tactics in dealing with proindependence ac­ For the first time since the FSLN-led gov­ tion presented 14 witnesses, 13 of whom were tivists. ernment came to power in 1979, opposition "This is a historic verdict. It sends the U.S. FBI agents. groups have hailed an agreement reached government a powerful message," stated The defense shed light on many discrep­ In Puerto Rico, where the language is with the government. Ojeda after the ruling, "especially now when ancies in the original testimony of the FBI at Spanish and where everyone involved in the there is an attempt to fool our people with a the time of the arrest. trial speaks Spanish, the proceedings of this Praise from some in opposition plebiscitary farce." Some of these involved the number of and other trials in federal court are in English. Luis Humberto Guzman, editor of the op­ Ojeda was on trial for allegedly resisting agents involved in the raid, where they were In the Ojeda trial, potential jury members had position weekly La Cronica, which presents arrest and wounding an FBI agent. He was when they began shooting at Ojeda, the type to take an English proficiency test to serve itself as part of the "moderate" anti­ arrested on Aug. 30, 1985, during a raid by of weapons they used, and how many shots on the jury. Sandinista forces, gave his assessment of the FBI agents against proindependence activists were fired. After the trial began, regular protests took agreement in the August 17 issue of the paper. in Puerto Rico. One of Ojeda's neighbors at the time of place outside the federal court building de­ "This pact on National Unity is not a super­ Ojeda is one of the 15 Puerto Rican activ­ the raid, for example, testified that up to 30 manding Ojeda's release. At one point the ficial agreement," he wrote. "Quite the con­ ists arrested and accused of participating in heavily armed FBI agents were involved in protests were declared illegal and only re­ trary. It is important. It means that the elec­ a $7 million robbery of a Wells Fargo depot the raid, contradicting FBI accounts that there sumed when the protesters appealed the rul­ tions are meant to measure the strength, the in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1983. Five of the were only half that many. ing. degree of representativeness of each side, and 15 have been tried and sentenced, one has The defense also raised questions as to The day after the verdict, hundreds of in this way establish the quota of influence been acquitted, and nine others, including whether the wounded agent, who was hit in proindependence activists marched to the that each one will have in the government Ojeda, are still awaiting trial on robbery the eye, was actually struck by a fragment federal court building to celebrate. that arises as a result of the elections next charges. from a ricocheting bullet that was fired by "This a a big blow against the U.S. gov­ year." Except for a brief time, Ojeda was held Ojeda, or by a fragment of concrete knocked ernment, the FBI, and the federal prosecu­ Eli Altamirano, a leader of the Communist under "preventive detention" since his arrest loose during the shoot-out. tors," explained Hfram Melendez, organiza­ Party of Nicaragua (PCDN) and a prominent in 1985. At the trial Ojeda acknowledged that he tional secretary of the Puerto Rican spokesperson of UNO, told El Nuevo Diario The trial took place under extreme security resisted the FBI agents with his own weapon Independence Party (PIP), referring to the that although the agreement is not "com- measures. U.S. marshals surrounded the as they sledgehammered the doors to his verdict.

16 The Militant September 8, 1989