Feb. 27, 2003 Vol. 45, No. 8

50¢ NUEVA YORK Llamado de acción a la comunidad Africana-Americana 12 Washington can’t deny it now World says NOto Bush’s war

By John Catalinotto meet with Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to repeat his support for U.S. policies—faced an A worldwide anti-war movement of a uprising. There a total of something like A body blow to Mumia size and breadth never seen before has 5-7 million, or over 10 percent of the peo- arisen to challenge the aggressive arro- ple, demonstrated in 70 cities. Some 1.5 plan for world from gance of U.S. imperialism and its closest million marched in both Madrid and death allies. Barcelona, “collapsing” these cities, par- 4 row On Feb. 15 and 16, millions of people ticipants reported. conquest demonstrated worldwide. Ten million had For Blair, Aznar and Berlusconi to con- ‘Lottism–without Lott’3 been predicted, but the turnout far tinue to back Bush’s war puts them on a exceeded that. They protested in 600 collision course with the population of cities in 100 countries, from Antarctica to their countries. Iceland, in Africa, Asia and Latin America, In the smaller European imperialist in Europe, North America and Oceania. countries whose regimes supported the CODE ORANGE Called last Nov. 10 when the European U.S. within NATO—the Netherlands, Social Forum met in Florence, the inter- Norway, Denmark—there were also Didn't halt protests 3 & 7 national day caught fire worldwide as strong demonstrations of between Washington’s intransigence showed the 40,000 and 80,000 people. Protests were world that it, and not Baghdad, is the main about this size in non-NATO Sweden and threat to world peace. The demonstrators’ Switzerland. BOLIVIA REBELS political message was clear: no war on In Portugal, where the Portuguese Iraq, with or without a UN resolution. Communist Party and the union confed- Rome, Feb 15 Weight of U.S., It is fitting that the largest demonstra- eration (CFGT) were the main forces IMF regime 11 tions on Feb. 15 took place in the major behind the demonstrations, some NATO countries most closely aligned with 100,000 people clogged Lisbon in the Standing up to Bush the Bush administration’s pro-war policy. largest peace march in Portugal’s history. Only the week before the Portuguese & his generals: Bush’s toadies targeted workers had held a massive protest of new EDITORIALS: Two million people, altogether, anti-worker laws the rightist government Protests in 150 cities marched in London and in Glasgow, is trying to put into effect. across U.S. 6-7 • Korea’s passion 10 Scotland, against war and against Prime Minister Tony Blair, Bush’s war salesman. Protests in ‘new Europe’ and old Youth call walk-outs, • Bush shell game 10 In Rome, where the rightist Prime The Bush administration got no free teach-ins 5 Where are the AIDS funds Minister Silvio Berlusconi has buttered up ride in what it calls the “new Europe,” that for Africa? to Bush, nearly 3 million protested Bush’s is, the formerly socialist countries that are Poets wax eloquent war policy. now colonies of the West. Bush’s war against war 5 And in Spain right-wing Prime Minister drive has sparked the birth of new anti- Juan Maria Aznar—who on Feb. 17 was to Continued on page 8

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ADDRESS WORKERS WORLD NEWSPAPER 55 W. 17 St. NY, NY 10011 (212) 627-2994 www.workers.org Front of the anti-war march on Market Street in San Francisco. WW PHOTO: BILL HACKWELL Page 2 Feb. 27, 2003 www.workers.org

National Mumia on Lottism without Lott ...... 3 Code Orange fails to keep protesters at home...... 3 A body blow to plan for world conquest ...... 4 Youth and Student ANSWER calls walkouts ...... 5 Poets wax eloquent against Pentagon war ...... 5 Demonstrations in more than 150 cities in U.S...... 6 San Francisco: 200,000 march ...... 6 Half a million in NYC demand peace ...... 7 Los Angeles: 100,000 say no to war ...... 7

International World says NO to Bush’s war ...... 1 Canary Island protest ...... 8 London: 2 million in the streets...... 9 Bolivia rebels against U.S., IMF regime ...... 11

Editorial Korea’s passion ...... 10 Where’s the AIDS money? ...... 10

Noticias En Español La posición de organizaciones laborales ...... 12 Un llamado de acción...... 12

WW CALENDAR

NEW YORK.. Jean Damu, NCOBRA; B.J. Jennings, It's About Time; Sat., March 8 and hip hop artist Mr. Lif. 7 On International Women’s p.m. Sponsored by the S.F. Day--No War. March in soli- African-American Historical darity with the women of Society and International Iraq and all women under Action Center. At African- attack. Rally at noon in Union American Art & Culture Square, 14th St. and Complex, 762 Fulton St. For Broadway, Manhattan. 1 p.m. info (415) 821-6545. march to City Hall to demand a new contract for day care Every Saturday workers. Initiated by NY Workers World Party weekly ANSWER. For info (212) 633- meetings. These educational 6646. meetings cover current events as well as struggles of peoples from all over the SAN FRANCISCO.. world. 5 p.m. At 2489 Mission St, room 28. Sat., Feb. 22 African-American History MARCH 15: Emergency Anti-War Convergence Month Celebration: Clayborne Carson, director of the King Papers Project, will be the on the White House and those on Jan. 18 that global coordination is a key featured speaker at event. component of the strength of the anti-war movement,” Other speakers will include says the coalition. Dr. Ted Frazier, NAACP-SF MARCH 1: “March 1 is still a significant date and we encourage Chapter, Leilani Dowell, ANSWER youth organizer; Locally coordinated actions coordinated local demonstrations on that date.” That is when UN inspectors are scheduled to give a follow-up The ANSWER coalition—Act Now to Stop War & End report to the United Nations. Workers World Racism—and other organizations have called for an Visit www.InternationalANSWER.org to find organizing Emergency National Anti-War Convergence on March 15 and transportation information, downloadable flyers, 55 West 17 Street to Take it to the White House. posters and stickers, forms to submit details about local New York, N.Y. 10011 Referring to this change of date, a statement from the transportation to Washington, D.C., and additional logis- Phone: (212) 627-2994 • Fax: (212) 675-7869 coalition says, “We originally selected March 1 because tical information. E-mail: [email protected] we wanted to continue to mobilize pro-actively to pre- Web: http://www.workers.org/ Mark these important activities on your activist calendar: vent war before it started. Three weeks ago it looked as Vol. 45, No. 8 • Feb. 27, 2003 if the war would start well before March 15. And it may • MARCH 1: Locally coordinated actions Closing date: Feb. 19, 2003 still. But now the Bush war timetable has been pushed back because of the political developments in recent • MARCH 5: National Moratorium Editor: Deirdre Griswold; Technical Editor: Lal Roohk; days that took the administration by surprise.” • MARCH 8: International Women’s Day anti-war Managing Editors: Greg Butterfield, John Organizers note that two additional weeks of organiz- Catalinotto, Leslie Feinberg, Monica Moorehead, ing time will help build a significantly larger mobiliza- events around the world Gary Wilson; tion. There will also be March 15 demonstrations in • MARCH 15: Emergency Anti-War Convergence West Coast Editors: Richard Becker, Gloria La Riva; Contributing Editors: Joyce Chediac, Pat Chin, Spain, Greece, Japan and a growing number of countries. on the White House Naomi Cohen, Shelley Ettinger, Teresa Gutierrez; “We can see from the demonstrations on Feb. 15-16 Technical Staff: Rebecca Finkel, Elena J. 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By Mumia Abu-Jamal Code Orange fails to from death row Pennsylvania keep protesters at home ‘Lottism–without Lott’ By Heather Cottin “Yes—I believe in affirmative action.” “You—you believe in affirmative action?” “Yes, I do.” If the Bush administration thought it would —Sen. Trent Lott, speaking on BET cable network slow down the anti-war movement by declar- ing a Code Orange alert the week of worldwide ith the recent remarks of U.S. President George Bush, announcing his demonstrations, it didn’t work. W personal (and political) opposition to affirmative action in American The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, higher education, the question of the future of college-rank education “Fear ... reigns with the tyrant.” But fear only takes center stage in the ever-troubling psychological pools of America works when people are cowed and meek. and race. They’re not. The rapid dethronement of Sen. Lott from the prestigious post of For one thing, there is a general distrust of Senate Majority Leader seems to suggest that the GOP has had a rethink- anything the Bush administration says. In the ing of its historical position on race. South, where anti-war sentiment is growing It appears, from press reports at least, that the problem arose from Lott’s injudicious praise of “the good ole” days of segregation [and] led daily, a reader wrote to the Atlanta Constitution to his demotion from the leadership post. on Feb. 14: “This is like living in a dictatorship. In fact, it appears that his later comments on BET cable network Our officials are telling us who to be afraid of. (agreeing to affirmative action! to the utter disbelief of his interviewer [It’s] just a ploy to keep us as a nation of fear.” and much of Afro-America) was the final straw for those who led the Another reader said, “It seems mighty sus- party, and wished to have nothing to do with such remarks. To long for picious that a high alert has been declared by the “good ole days” of Dixie was one thing, they reasoned: to say, pub- the United States government just as it is try- licly, that he supported affirmative action, and would support it in the ing to drum up support for a war in Iraq.” future!? Well—that was another. The St. Petersburg Times of Feb. 12 quoted And now, if there was any real question about where the Party’s inter- a retiree: “It’s ludicrous. I’m not going to be ests really lay, President Bush’s broadside about “opposing quotas,” a running around here paranoid with tape and all racist buzz word sure to inflame and activate his real constituency (pre- dominantly white males) makes the point that, while Lott may be gone that kind of stuff.” from the highest levels of Senate, the ideas that nurtured him, sustained He was right. Science writer Gregg him, and carried his career (i.e., white supremacy, above all costs) are Easterbrook said in the Feb. 16 New York alive and well in the Grand Old Party. Times, “A terrorist release of chemical weapons Speaking with a script, and taking no questions from the press on this in an American city would probably have hot-button, contentious issue, the president spoke briefly and strolled effects confined to a few blocks, making any one out, seemingly oblivious to the cacophony his remarks unleashed: person’s odds of harm far less than a million to ”Our Constitution makes it clear that people of all races must be one.” Conventional explosives would do more treated equally under the law. Yet we know that our society has not harm than chemical or biological weapons, said into a state of apprehension by the news media, fully achieved that ideal. ... As we work to address the wrong of racial prejudice, we must not use another means to create another wrong.” Easterbrook, adding that “millions cowering said ABC news, the FBI gave the informant a behind plastic sheets as clouds of biological Bush claimed the University of Michigan admissions policies, which polygraph test. He failed, but Code Orange take race into account among other factors when considering admis- weapons envelop a city owes more to science remained in force. sions, were “fundamentally flawed.” fiction than reality.” Everyone knows that a good detective looks With those brief words, Bush sent a sotto voce Visit The Code Orange trick raised anxiety levels for the motive. The government had several message to millions of conservatives: “The ‘Lott to cold war highs. Administrators in schools, motives: to dissuade people from coming to the Mess’ is over. We are back in the saddle. We’re your www. hospitals, railroad stations and other public major cities where anti-war demonstrations home. Don’t believe that ‘bushwah’ about us want- buildings beefed up security and subjected were to take place, and to divert attention from ing to court Blacks.” Millions4Mumia ordinary folks to a circus of terror alerts. the declining economy. The communication couldn’t be clearer. It .org According to ABC news on Feb. 13, the whole If the plan was to get people to stay away demonstrated, on the national stage, in the glare of reason for the alert came down to the govern- from the massive protests in New York, Los the klieg lights, that while Mr. Lott may no longer call the shots in the Senate, Lottism, or the exclusionist, white suprema- ment’s claim that one informant said there was Angeles and San Francisco, it backfired. going to be a “dirty bomb” attack somewhere cist, race-baiting politics a la Thurmond and Helms (but slightly better Opponents of Washington’s war plans were dressed) still run the show. in the country. The new Department of infuriated by the manipulation of fear and cyn- Bush ran for president on a stealth campaign of symbols and imagery, Homeland Security, which receives scads of ical assertions that the U.S. was under attack, and a smirk of a smile, under the banner of a former U.S. president, and false alarms every day, then encouraged public when in fact the Pentagon was planning a geno- loaded to the gills with money from his corporate homies. It didn’t hurt panic by broadcasting this alleged threat and cidal blitzkrieg of Iraq. that he practiced the take-no-prisoners politics of death (as in a vigor- calling for a Code Orange alert. They turned out for the demonstrations in ous application of the death penalty to all without the shadow of the After portions of the population were driven record numbers. electric chair). With words like “compassionate conservative” and “affirmative access,” Bush winked and smirked his way in (or to the Supreme Court, at least, which did the trick anyway). Almost everything he said or promised during his campaign has been jettisoned in his feverish hunger for power, and the ability to further enrich his class. Now, with affirmative action on the altar of judicial sacrifice, he has rushed into the breach to butter up the servings, to ensure it will not last for many days more. It is beyond ironic that at the same time Bush Administration officials rush to scuttle the remnants of affirmative action, the Grand Old Party enters a congressional year when none of its representatives on the floor of the House is African-American, and their only one (outgoing House member J.C. Watts of Oklahoma) is gone. Is this the face that they really want to project, and see reflected in higher academia in America? In their looking glass, the faces that stare back are pink ones, it seems. While the Democrats will undoubtedly try to play this issue to their advantage, the Achilles heel for both parties is the shameful state of American education, especially in its inner cities. Both parties are longing for their heydays of the distant past, while the multicultured and polychromed world around them moves to anoth- er beat. The politics of yesteryear will not play these days. Using new code language to mean essentially the same thing will not suffice. Lottism without Lott is the same old poison.

MUMIA SPEAKS An interview with Mumia from death row. Columns by the Black journalist on prisons, capitalism, politics, revolution and solidarity. Additional essays on the prison-industrial complex by Monica Moorehead, Larry Holmes and Teresa Gutierrez Order from International Action Center 39 West 14 St. #206 New York, NY 10011 $3 Page 4 Feb. 27, 2003 www.workers.org A body blow to Bush’s plan for world conquest By Fred Goldstein strongest backing to Washington. In addi- tion to London, from 4 to 7 million people The war against Iraq The massive, worldwide wave of anti- demonstrated in Spain, 1.3 million people is the first test case war demonstrations over the weekend of in Barcelona alone. In Italy at least 3 mil- Feb.15-16 has dealt a major political set- lion people demonstrated, including over of the empire-build- back to the Bush administration in its 2 million in Rome. ing strategy of the drive to war with Iraq and a body blow to group now leading its strategy for world domination. Collapse of the “preemptive Well more than 10 million people in war” doctrine U.S. imperialism. thousands of cities around the globe, But while the political setback for the The millions of including at least a million in North Amer- Bush administration may further isolate demonstrators on ica, participated in the latest of a steadily it, perhaps the more fundamental blow is swelling wave of anti-war protests. to a vital pillar of its strategy for world Feb.15-16 have This anti-war earthquake exceeded the domination–the doctrine of preemptive profoundly expectations of organizers everywhere. It war. rejected it. caused escalated political anxiety and hes- The National Security Strategy docu- itation among the rulers in capitals across ment issued by the Bush administration the globe. The weekend of coordinated on Sept. 20, 2002, spelled out Washing- to prepare for a war of unpro- Feb. 15. demonstrations surpassed in number ton’s plan for world domination. Its fun- voked aggression, a war which LONDON, even the largest day of worldwide protests damental premise was that no power or would openly override Iraq’s sovereignty, Every television network and major against the war in Vietnam and caused combination of powers, friend or foe, independence and right of self-determi- capitalist newspaper is promoting the political ripples throughout the globe. would be allowed to equal the power of the nation in the name of “taking anticipato- war, only leaving open the question of While the White House and the Pentagon. ry action,” as Bush put it at West Point. whether or not to give inspections a bit Pentagon are as determined as ever to But the doctrine of preemption is the Hence the relentless, ubiquitous cam- more time before the war begins. Their move into battle, the political fallout is still tenet that proclaims Washington’s right to paign of demonization against Iraq and correspondents and even their anchors— settling. The nearly 2 million people who declare as an “enemy” any government Saddam Hussein from every platform of Dan Rather of CBS, Tom Brokaw of NBC, took to the streets of London, and the that stands in its way, any oppressed government and in the entire capitalist Bill Hemmer of CNN, among others—are announcement by the anti-war movement country that tries to maintain its sover- media. All this was meant to lay the basis over in Kuwait trying to create an immi- and the labor movement there that they eignty and independence and its rights of for a preemptive war to overthrow the nent pre-war psychology. Reporters are intend to open up a campaign of resistance, self-determination and self-defense Iraqi government. Washington declared being trained by the Pentagon for cover- have caused Prime Minister Tony Blair and against imperialist aggression. Iraq to be the “enemy,” part of the “axis of age under conditions of chemical and bio- Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to reinforce This was first set out in the National evil,” and an imminent threat requiring logical warfare. their demand of Bush that he come up Security Strategy document as follows: “regime change.” The media has turned into a govern- with a United Nations Security Council “The greater the threat, the greater the risk The war against Iraq is the first test ment-orchestrated war propaganda resolution blessing the war. of inaction and the more compelling the case, the first open implementation of this machine that would truly make the most case for taking anticipatory action to colonialist, empire-building strategy of authoritarian regimes envious. Blair, under fire, defend ourselves, even if uncertainty the group now leading U.S. imperialism. At this moment in the history of the pushes Bush to UN remains as to the time and place of the The millions of demonstrators on the struggle, however, the imperialist govern- Fearing a weakening or even a defection enemy’s attack. To forestall or prevent weekend of Feb. 15-16 have profoundly ment is moving in the direction of war of their servants in London has further such hostile acts by our adversaries, the rejected this war of conquest. They have while the masses of people are moving in enmeshed the Bush administration in United States will, if necessary, act pre- seen through the arguments justifying it the opposite direction. In spite of all the Security Council politics, which it wanted emptively.” (Reprinted in the New York on the grounds of “eliminating a threat of demonization of Saddam Hussein, in spite to avoid altogether. It has forced Wash- Times of Sept. 21, 2002) weapons of mass destruction.” Even of all the attempts to terrorize people into ington to deal politically with its chief Bush had given a preview of this doc- though the all-out attack has not yet start- submitting to war on the pretext of pro- European rivals, France and Germany, trine of preemption in a speech at West ed, the people of the world, and most tecting them from weapons of mass who are playing an obstructionist role Point on June 1, 2002. In it he tried to cap- importantly, of the U.S., have seen destruction, in spite of the attempts to link right now in a campaign of maneuver italize on the post-Sept.11 atmosphere and through this fraudulent scheme to grab Iraq to Osama bin Laden and the attacks against the U.S. overlord. use the fear generated by the World Trade oil-rich territory. on Sept. 11, the opposition to the war is Both imperialist governments, with a Center disaster to promote a new era of The doctrine of “preemption” in any spreading farther and wider. long history of plunder of oppressed peo- “endless war” and aggression. “dark corner of the world”—a racist allu- The experiment in winning the masses ples, are giving signs that they will unite “Our security,” Bush told the future offi- sion to the oppressed countries—is meant over to the idea of “preemptive war” has against Iraq when push comes to shove. cers, “will require transforming the mili- to lay the basis for a new era of open colo- totally collapsed in the case of Iraq. The But the so-called “anti-war” maneuvers of tary you will lead–a military that must be nialism. It is an essential part of Wash- war is seen for what it is–an unprovoked Berlin and Paris in the UN, NATO and the ready to strike at a moment’s notice in any ington’s plan to restructure the world in war of aggression that will endanger mil- European Union are causing political pro- dark corner of the world. And our securi- the post-Soviet era. It envisions a vast lions of Iraqis and force U.S. troops to kill blems for Washington. This split, which ty will require all Americans to be for- range of operations for the U.S. military, or be killed for oil. has been immeasurably deepened by the ward-looking and resolute, to be ready for which could be directed at Syria, Iran, Pat Tyler wrote in the New York Times powerful turnouts around the globe, is preemptive action when necessary to Libya, the Democratic People’s Republic of Feb. 17 that “the fracturing of the West- giving time and momentum to the anti- defend our liberty and to defend our lives.” of Korea, or any other regime that does not ern alliance over Iraq and the huge anti- war movement. (www.newsmax.com) open up its doors to Wall Street and bow war demonstrations around the world this The demonstrations have caused the This doctrine was included in a general to the Pentagon. weekend are reminders that there may Turkish regime to hesitate, at least for the plan for world domination, which first It is a great step forward for the anti-war still be two superpowers on the planet: the moment, over committing its territory and surfaced in March 1992 in a document movement and a blow to the long-term United States and world public opinion.” troops to a U.S. invasion of Iraq from the entitled “Defense Planning Guide.” It was strategy of the Bush administration that This was a journalistic appreciation of the north–a vital part of the Pentagon’s war the work of present-day Vice President the masses of the people have seen growing crisis of the Bush administration, plan. Dick Cheney, then secretary of defense, through it and are resisting the war in ever even if it has not reached the conscious- In Cairo, the Arab League foreign min- and present-day Assistant Secretary of greater numbers. It bodes ill for ness of the White House yet. It was a isters met to plan a summit meeting. But Defense Paul Wolfowitz, among others. It Washington’s strategy of recolonization. grudging tribute to the volcanic surfacing the ministers were split when Syria was so shockingly aggressive that it was of the anti-war movement. But in one demanded that any summit meeting disavowed by the first Bush administra- Ruling class versus the people respect it needs correction. should warn the U.S. against war with tion when it came to light. The ruling class in this country, howev- World public opinion, meaning the Iraq. Egypt, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia had The grouping that originated that strat- er, has had its appetite so whetted by the mass turnout and the even broader pop- wanted to exert pressure on Iraq. egy is now in control of the capitalist gov- hawks in Washington and is now so fixat- ular sentiment that it represents, speaks Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal ernment. They brought this new strategy ed on taking over Iraq, as well as over- only to the potential of creating a power gave a special interview to the BBC warn- to Washington and made it a primary coming its imperialist rivals in Europe, that can match the might of the U.S. rul- ing the U.S. against going to war without objective to overthrow the government of that it is turning a deaf ear to the rising ing class. The imperialist ruling class UN support, saying it would be viewed as Saddam Hussein and reconquer Iraq in resistance. will never give way to mere “opinion” in “a war of aggression” and calling it a “dan- pursuit of U.S. imperialist strategic inter- In a press conference on Feb. 18, Bush matters of a predatory war for untold gerous thing to do.” (Reuters, Feb. 18) The ests in the Middle East. One of the first for- addressed the question of the huge num- loot and to further its world-dominating reactionary feudal oil monarchy saw the eign policy acts of the present Bush bers that demonstrated all over the world ambitions. The only thing it understands demonstrations throughout the Middle administration was to bomb Iraq. by saying, “Numbers, if you go by numbers is resistance. East, including 100,000 in Syria, and felt Seizing upon Sept. 11 as a pretext, Bush, then you are making policy by focus The massive turnout this past weekend the ground quaking under it. Rumsfeld, Cheney, Wolfowitz and com- groups.” More than 10 million people shows how much the people hate the war. The biggest demonstrations took place pany decided to implement the doctrine of worldwide are reduced to the status of a When fervent protest grows so great, mil- in the countries that have given the preemptive war against Iraq. They began focus group. itant resistance is sure to follow. www.workers.org Feb. 27, 2003 Page 5 Multiracial and high-energy Youth and Student ANSWER calls walkouts, teach-ins By Julie Fry labor and community organizing, and an thought this was recognition for The demonstration was “a good way to exploration of U.S. imperialism. There ANSWER’s having organized major show the power of youth,” says an Youth and students from around the was full participation by the youth mem- demonstrations on Jan. 18 and earlier. American University student who was one country have played a major role in the bers of ANSWER in the panels. “The U.S. has a reputation for being of the organizers. She described the action U.S. anti-war movement. Workers World spoke with a group of apolitical,” explained Ben Becker, a stu- on the 19th as “militant and powerful.” She On Feb. 14, youth organizers played a organizers from Youth and Student dent at Columbia University. But all five added that she thought it was important vital role in a teach-in at the Community ANSWER about the role of their organiza- ANSWER delegates sent to the conference for youth to make their voices heard in Church in Manhattan called by the tion in the anti-war struggle. These orga- were asked to speak at workshops. Becker, their own way. “We’ll be the ones leading International ANSWER coalition—Act nizers were all part of a delegation that a student at Columbia University in New the movement in the future, so it’s impor- Now to Stop War & End Racism. The all- recently returned from a pan-Canadian York, gave a talk on the history of U.S. tant to show why we’re against the war.” day event drew anti-war activists from up student anti-war conference in Toronto. imperialism in the Middle East. Peta Lindsay also thought the 19th a and down the East Coast. Peta Lindsay, a student at Howard Youth and Student ANSWER has been success. She said the demonstration was The purpose of the teach-in was to dis- University in Washington, D.C., and a organizing a range of activities for youth “very high energy and very militant.” She cuss building an anti-war movement that member of the ANSWER delegation, said who want to become involved in the anti- noted that it attracted a very multination- connects the struggle against war on Iraq the response from the Canadian students war movement. It organized a rally of al and diverse group of youth. “One of the with the fight for social and economic jus- was “really wonderful.” They had been youth and students on Jan. 19, the day after great things about Youth and Student tice and civil rights at home. very happy to have representatives from the massive demonstration in Washing- ANSWER is that it’s important to us to be The workshops included discussions of the U.S. anti-war movement participate ton, D.C. Hundreds of youth stayed for the multiracial,” Lindsay explained. GI organizing, put together by the Support in the conference. Lindsay noted that, action and marched from the Department Youth and Student ANSWER is working Network for the Armed Forces Union “Every time they mentioned that we were of (In)Justice to the “Presidential Palace,” on a number of upcoming actions for (SNAFU), health-care workers, organized with ANSWER, everyone cheered.” She also called the White House. youth around the country. On Feb. 21, in commemoration of the assassination of Malcolm X, it is organizing a series of anti- war actions around the country. These Poets wax eloquent include student walkouts in some cities, demonstrations and teach-ins in others. It is also organizing campaigns to help stu- against Pentagon war dents get rid of military recruiters on their high school and college campuses. By Minnie Bruce Pratt paralleled its intensive campaign against Minnie Bruce Pratt, a writer and white Asked about these campaigns, Ben other kinds of information. anti-racist activist, was denounced by Becker explained, “Youth and students his- Poets are joining in the mounting, vocif- The FCC threatened to cancel the Sen. Jesse Helms and the right-wing torically have played such an important role erous protests over the Bush administra- licenses of radio stations that aired pro- American Family Association in 1990 in social movements … we have a lot of tion and its drive toward war on Iraq. grams with explicit safe-sex information for the lesbian content of her poetry. momentum going for us right now and I Sam Hamill, founder of Copper Canyon for gay men. (Washington Post, July 13, Her poem, “After the Anti-War March,” is think that youth will play an important part Press, was invited to a White House sym- 1990) Louis Sullivan, at that time Health online at www.poetsagainstthewar.org in the growing anti-war movement.” posium on “Poetry and the American and Human Services secretary, repudi- Voice,” hosted by First Lady Laura Bush. ated portions of a report on youth sui- He asked friends via the internet for anti- cide, commissioned by his own depart- ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY war poems to take with him. ment, because those recommendations In three days he had 1,500, and the were about preventing the deaths of les- Bushes had canceled the symposium. bian and gay young people—and didn’t Now Hamill has received almost 9,000 “strengthen family values.” (Washington poems. And even U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Blade, Oct. 5, 1990) Collins has declared he opposes the war. This suppression of information was (poetsagainstthewar.org) put in place at the same time that the U.S. NO WAR The original date of the symposium, launched its attack on Iraq in the first Gulf March in solidarity Saturday Feb. 12, turned into a day of poetry against War. Students were denied the right to the war. Some 160 poetry readings all protest on university campuses. Arab with thewomen MARCH 8 across the U.S. brought out thousands Americans were questioned by the FBI 12 noon–Rally at Union Sq. who also opposed the U.S. intent to wage about their political beliefs. Conscientious OF 14th St. & Broadway, Manhattan war on Iraq. objectors in the military were shipped out IRAQ Hamill’s efforts recall the earlier before their appeals were processed. 1pm–March to City Hall and all (to demand a new contract action of singer Eartha Kitt. Invited to a Government workers feared their anti- for daycare workers) luncheon at Lyndon Johnson’s White war sentiments could cost them their jobs. women Women and men are encouraged to bring House in 1968, she used the occasion to (Washington Post, Jan. 29, 1991) noisemakers including pots and pans. speak out forcefully against the U.S. war Now, in the build-up toward a new war under in Vietnam. Kitt was viciously attacked on Iraq, it’s déjà vu all over again. attack We demand money for her bravery. Unknown numbers of Muslim, Arab and for human needs, The current poets’ protest was also South Asian individuals have been impris- recently criticized by powerbroker oned in the U.S. since Sept. 11, 2001— not war Leonard Garment. He described their without release of their names or the & racism action as “bad behavior”—as if they were charges against them. Students at univer- unruly children. (New York Times, Feb. 8) sities have been threatened with expulsion But the very fact that Garment had to for protesting against the war. (democra- weigh in with his opinion betrays the sig- ticunderground.com, June 14, 2002) nificance of this cultural resistance to the Meanwhile, a massive tide of resis- war. And his comments contain an under- tance is rising against the domestic and tone of threat that artists who speak out foreign tyrannies of the U.S. govern- will meet with reprisals. ment. And out of this crisis of capitalism, That’s because Garment, once special some artists are infusing old cultural counsel to Richard Nixon, headed up a forms with the new content of struggle: INITIATED BY NEW YORK congressional commission in the 1990s As Pippa Brush writes: A.N.S.W.E.R. Act Now to Stop War & End Racism that set up legislation setting limits on 39 W. 14 St. # 206, NYC, NY 10011 FAX: 212-633-2889 PHONE: 212-633-6646 I will speak out, she says, To endorse, contact [email protected] federal arts grants to certain artists— because I can no longer Initial Endorsers: Jessica Andrepont, Vanguard Coal., Pace Univ.*; Nieves Ayress, La Peña del Bronx*; Nellie Hester Bailey, Harlem Tenants those whose work challenged the reac- stay silent, Council; Eleanor J. Bader, co-author, Targets of Hatred: Anti-Abortion Violence; Barbara Aziz, Exec. Dir., Radius of Arab American Writers, Inc.; tionary religious, economic or gender/ Tibby Brooks & Suzanne Ross, NY Coal. to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal; Pat Chin, Bedford-Stuyvesant Coal. for Peace*; Susan E. Davis, co-chair, because I can no longer Nat’l Writers Union,UAW L.1981, NYC*; Leslie Feinberg, transgender lesbian author/activist; Sara Flounders, Int’l Action Center; Lenore Foerstel, sex status quo. let this happen North American coord., Women for Mutual Security*; Julie Fry, Student Lawyers Guild, Rutgers Univ. NJ*; Ana Ghoreishian, Iranian Activist, Right-wing attacks on feminist, gay and NY ANSWER; Eva Golinger, Venezuela Solidarity Cmte*; Veronica Golos, poet, 2003 co-winner of Nicholas Roerich Poetry Prize; Donna Goodman, in my name, United Univ. Professions, AFT Local 2190 (AFL-CIO)*; Teresa Gutierrez, Comte. To Stop U.S. War in Colombia; Dr. Sue Harris, People's Video lesbian artists by conservative Sen. Jesse Network; Yoomi Jeong, Korea Truth Comm.*; Carolyn Y. Johnson, filmmaker, Dis/illusion Films & Videos; Vondora Jordan, Workfairness; Helms (R-N.C.) and the American Family Micaela Lothrop, Dominican former political prisoner; Betty Maloney, Freedom Socialist Party; Dr. Nadia Marsh, Doctors & Nurses Against the because I want War*; Dorothea Mendoza, Nat’l Co-Chair Gabriella (Filipina Women's Org.); Monica Moorehead, Millions for Mumia; Luz Ortiz, Assoc. of Labor Association gave the opening for this cen- those I am told are Unionists in Solidarity with Colombia*; Minnie Bruce Pratt, anti-racist southern writer; Queers For Peace & Justice; Michelle Quintus, L.Coun. 5 sorship. But the government suppression rep., Assoc. of Flight Attend.*; Fadiya Rafidi, Free Palestine Alliance; Asha Samad, Muslims Against Racism, Religious Targeting & War*; my enemies Speicher-Rubin Women's Center, NJC Univ.; Brenda Stokely, pres. DC1707 AFSCME (AFL-CIO)*; Jennifer Wager, NY Cmte. To Free the Cuban of alternative points of view in the arts to eat, not to die. Five; Gail Walker, IFCO/Pastors for Peace *; Emily Woo Yamasaki, Radical Women (* for identification purposes) Page 6 Feb. 27, 2003 www.workers.org Across United States More than 150 cities, towns, stand up against Bush's war drive By Greg Butterfield anti-war sentiment from spilling into the San Diego: Latino youth streets. with Raza Rights “We froze our butts off for peace!” Media attention focused on the impres- Coalition.

That’s how one of the 3,000 anti-war pro- sive rallies of hundreds of thousands in WW PHOTO: GLORIA VERDIEU testers in Madison, Wis., described the New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and local action that was part of “The World many European capitals. But the multi- build demonstrations. The Says No To War” weekend Feb. 15-16. tude of protests held in all parts of the plethora of protest shows It was a sentiment echoed all over the United States was also important. there is fertile ground for United States as record numbers of peo- Organizers from many cities and towns these coalitions to build a ple turned out in over 150 cities, towns and reported the biggest local demonstrations powerful anti-war move- villages to fight back against the Bush since the Vietnam War era. ment in conjunction with administration’s war plans. In most big cities various anti-war local groups all over the Across the country, the weekend saw coalitions, including International country. some of the worst winter weather in years. ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End But flooding rains, blizzards and frigid Racism), Not In Our Name, and United for Organized on short temperatures couldn’t stop the growing Peace and Justice, worked together to notice Probably no one will ever know exactly how many demonstrations were held Feb. 15-16. In many places grassroots protests took shape almost spontaneously, over the course of a week realize they can control their own des- or even a few days, as word spread about tinies.” the international days of protest. Forty people in Bowling Green, Ky., Thousands made the trek to the big braved rain, cold and police harassment regional demonstrations on the East and to make their statement. West coasts. Activists in some areas sent At the State Capitol in Raleigh, N.C., contingents while also holding local ral- 5,000 rallied and marched. “We have a lies. Buffalo, N.Y., groups sent four buses government that is out of control,” said to the New York City rally, but also held a Wendy Wexberg of Raleigh. “I don’t know local action of 300 people. Speakers there if I remember such a mixture of ethnicity were nearly drowned out by the sound of in the early days of the Vietnam War supportive drivers honking car horns. protests, such a mixture of ages.” Others learned about the big marches About 4,000 held a peaceful march in too late to arrange transportation. But Colorado Springs, Colo. Police fired two they felt compelled to take action. rounds of tear gas at the crowd and arrest- They came out 1,500 strong, in down- ed several demonstrators. town Wausau, a small city in Wisconsin, At the State House in Montpelier, Vt., despite heavily publicized police prepara- 600 people braved 0-degree F weather to WW PHOTO tions for “riot control.” make their voices heard. Florida saw A contingent from the newly-formed Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered In Butler County, Pa., 150 people rallied protests in some 20 cities—numbering People for Peace led off the Cleveland march, chanting, "Don't ask, don't tell, war in Diamond Park. Local organizer Bill from 200 in Key West to 1,500 in Sarasota. and bigots go to hell." A moment of silence was held for a Workers World Party Neel said, “Maybe people are starting to founding member, Ted Dostal, who had died days earlier at the age of 96. Continued on page 10

SAN FRANCISCO. 200,000 weigh in to stop Pentagon assault

By Brenda Sandburg San Francisco

More than 200,000 people marched in PHOTO: PETER MAIDEN/SF INDYMEDIA San Francisco on Feb. 16, loudly chanting, Front of the anti-war march. “No blood for oil.” It was the second mas- Trent Willis, of International Longshore sive outpouring here in less than a month. and Warehouse Union Local 10, Four coalitions sponsored the protest: speaking at Civic Center rally International ANSWER (Act Now to Stop WW PHOTO: GLORIA LA RIVA War and End Racism), Bay Area United Against War, United for Peace and transgender group called Out Against the Justice, and Not In Our Name. War. The protest drew students, labor A big contingent of Native peoples from unions, civil-rights activists and others. the American Indian Movement and the Until recently, many had never partici- International Indian Treaty Council par- pated in a demonstration. ticipated. The Chinese Association At least 150,000 people had taken part marched with a festive dragon. in demonstrations throughout California Speakers at the opening and closing the previous day—including 100,000 in rallies reflected the crowd’s great diver- Los Angeles, 10,000 in Sacramento, sity. Vernon Bellecourt, a longtime AIM 10,000 in San Diego County, 4,000 in San leader, said: “Across this country Indian Jose, and 4,000 in Fresno. mothers are grieving, are sad for their children who went into the military to Colorful, vibrant march Civic Center. others. There were veterans, labor unions, get an education and a better way of life, In San Francisco it took three hours for There were many contingents, includ- students and youths, religious groups, who were told ‘Be all you can be.’ But protesters to march 1.7 miles down ing a people of color contingent of African parents with toddlers in strollers, envi- they didn’t tell them you could be dead Market Street from Embarcadero to the Americans, Filipinos, Palestinians and ronmentalists and a lesbian, gay, bi and Continued on page 11 www.workers.org Feb. 27, 2003 Page 7 Despite scare campaign and police obstruction Half a million in NYC demand peace

By Deirdre Griswold Avenue were told to stop by police, who and Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond committee member Larry Holmes spoke New York then chased them from corner to corner Tutu were urging the U.S. government to at the rally, calling for a demonstration in as they tried to exercise their First heed world public opinion and refrain Washington to “bring the troops home” Half a million people demonstrated in Amendment rights. But the crowds got so from launching a war against Iraq. and also raising the case of the Cuban 5 this city on Feb. 15. There’s never been big the cops couldn’t handle them and the Derrill Bodley of September 11th prisoners held in U.S. jails. anything like it. distributions resumed. Families for Peaceful Tomorrows spoke Meanwhile, back in the streets, the The huge protest, coinciding with even “Around 3:30, the police decided to for a delegation of people who had lost police were trying to break up the crowds more massive demonstrations around the drive out the protesters,” reported loved ones in the attack on the World with pepper spray and mass arrests. A world, came in spite of frigid weather and Heather Cottin. She described how a pha- Trade Center. Their message: no war in reporter for the Daily News was beaten a weeklong government and media cam- lanx of police on foot with clubs cleared their name. when cops waded into a large group of paign to scare people away from the the sidewalks and street from 50th to 51st, The Rev. Al Sharpton spoke, as did protesters at 39th Street and Seventh metropolis with a “Code Orange” terror- “and cops on horseback attacked people Richie Perez of the National Congress for Avenue. ism alert. from 49th to 50th. People were yelling: Puerto Rican Rights. Many religious fig- “Does killing Iraqi children make you The whole East Side in the area around ‘Whose streets? Our streets!’” ures as well as celebrities participated. feel safer?” people in the crowd yelled at the United Nations was awash with anti- A contingent from Al-Awda waved a The ANSWER coalition supported the the police. “Yes, it definitely does,” replied war protesters. Because the city, report- large flag and chanted, “Free Palestine.” protest, and its signs and banners were to one, whose badge identified him as Officer edly on orders from Washington, had The police sealed off the block in front be seen everywhere. ANSWER steering Plunkett. denied the organizers a permit to march, of the Mid-Manhattan Library on Fifth the protesters clogged the avenues and Avenue and 40th Street by mid-afternoon, connecting streets. penning hundreds of people behind metal They were trying to get to the area of a barricades, but about 60 were still in the rally at 51st Street and First Avenue. But street. Mounted police moved in and only a few tens of thousands of the im- arrested many just for being there. Police mense crowd got to hear any of the speech- threw an artist’s puppet into the street and es or even see the speakers’ platform. cuffed him as the crowd chanted, “Get the The vast majority were stopped by animals off those horses.” police as they tried to move east from sub- One woman who had stepped up on the ways and train stations and were then base of a lamppost to see better was herded into sidewalk pens on each block. dragged down and cuffed. Her young They soon overflowed into the avenues, daughter was yelling, “Mommy!” as police however. took the woman away. First Avenue was eventually packed Bruce Burleson, who came to the from 51st all the way to 80th—one and a protest from Massachusetts with half miles. Second, Third and Lexington Dorchester People for Peace, said: “The avenues in the 40s and 50s were soon full, police had locked down virtually all of too. Eventually, crowds of demonstrators midtown Manhattan, using helmeted could be found all the way down to 40th police and mounted troops to cordon off and Fifth, and west to Times Square. marchers. It was the closest thing to mar- The demonstration was peaceful. Every- tial law that I’ve ever seen. Police check- one has seen that phrase dozens of times. points were everywhere. It means the people on the demonstration “Despite the huge crowds trying to get tried to keep their cool, tried not to be pro- to First Avenue, the police kept trying to voked, tried to act in an orderly way. force everyone back onto the sidewalks. But it doesn’t mean the cops were They used cops mounted on horses to peaceful. intimidate the marchers. I was nearly The National Lawyers Guild reported trampled by a horse myself. 320 arrests of demonstrators that day, “I witnessed at least 10 people arrested, most for “disorderly conduct.” They were ostensibly for ‘disorderly conduct.” handcuffed tightly behind their backs and Meanwhile, over at the rally organized made to wait in buses for hours without by United for Peace and Justice near the WW PHOTO: DEIRDRE GRISWOLD toilet facilities or water. UN, speakers like South African Bishop Protesters at 1st Ave. and 52nd St. on Feb. 15. Workers World got first-hand accounts of what happened from many participants in different areas. LOS ANGELES. Thousands march in labor contingents About 2,000 union members gathered Multinational city at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue to march with the New York Labor Against the War contingent. Members of the state univer- unites against war sity system’s Professional Staff Congress were there, along with librarians, teach- By Adrian Garcia ers, railroad workers, members of Los Angeles Communication Workers District 1, legal aid attorneys, public workers from Albany If Los Angeles has been viewed as a city of lukewarm and Troy, N.Y., and many members of and sometimes dormant activism, the massive protest in Transport Workers Local 100. Hollywood Feb. 15 should dispel that notion. Their lead banner read, “Labor’s enemy Some 100,000 protesters answered the call for global is in the White House and boardrooms, anti-war solidarity. They rallied and marched down world- not Iraq.” famous Hollywood Boulevard, calling for the Bush admin- Another big union delegation from istration to halt its war campaign against the people of Service Employees Union 1199, including Iraq. Angelica Houston, Rob Reiner and Martin Sheen were 300 health and hospital workers from among the numerous Hollywood celebrities and artists Syracuse, N.Y., marched from 54th Street who lent their support to the burgeoning anti-war move- and Third Avenue. ment. After marching east on 59th Street, the “I’m here to support peace against this war with Iraq,” NYCLAW contingent ran into police bar- said Tom Morello, guitarist for the rock group Audioslave. ricades but the unionists were able to take “I think it’s entirely about oil and about Bush trying to the streets. On Second Avenue, two get his horrible domestic record off the front pages.” marchers were shoved to the ground and The demonstration included a diverse assembly of reli- arrested by cops because they couldn’t get gious groups, labor organizations, students, environmen- talists and families. on the sidewalks, which were packed with WW PHOTO: JULIA LA RIVA “I don’t believe that a war on Iraq is good for children people. Alfre Woodard marched on Feb. 15, as did fellow actors Daniel anywhere in the world,” said 10-year-old activist Marcus People distributing Workers World Benzali, Kelly Lynch, Angelica Houston, Tyne Daly, Mike Farrell, newspaper in the morning on Third James Cromwell, Christine Lahti, Winona Ryder and Martin Sheen. Continued on page 11 Page 8 Feb. 27, 2003 www.workers.org

CANARY ISLANDS. 10 percent of population turns out

In the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, as in 71 other cities in the Spanish state, 10 percent or more of the population came out into the streets to say “No war on Iraq” and to chal- lenge the pro-Washington policy of Spanish Prime Minister Juan Maria Aznar. Among those addressing the crowd of 60,000 in

Tenerife on Feb. 15 was PVN PHOTO WW PHOTOS: G. DUNKEL WW PHOTOS: Berta Joubert-Ceci of the Above, Berta Joubert- Philadelphia International Action Ceci speaking. Center. The IAC had been invited to speak at a conference on the Canary Island “USA’s new police state and the marchers, left. anti-war resistance” by the PHOTO BY BERTA JOUBERT-CECI Citizen’s Action Against Neoliberal Globalization in Grand Canary and by the Platform for Peace of Tenerife. —John Catalinotto

Above, Johannesburg, South Africa. Right, Barcelona, Spain. Massive turnouts exceed expectations Anti-war actions around the globe

Continued from page 1 delayed compliance with U.S. orders to 10,000 people demonstrated against the strated in Damascus, Syria. Over 100,000 war movements in these countries to NATO, another 80,000 demonstrated. U.S. war plans and the Turkish regime’s Iraqis in Baghdad demonstrated their counter the puppet regimes’ policies of In Ireland, over 100,000 demonstrated plans to allow the U.S. to use bases in determination, rifles in hand, to defend providing military aid for the U.S. in Dublin against the war, and in Belfast, southeastern Turkey to launch air and their country against a U.S. invasion. Tens of thousands demonstrated in both Irish Republicans and Unionists ground attacks on Iraq. According to a There were also protests in Bahrain, in Budapest, Hungary, while other thousands joined the anti-war protest in what was the participant, “police were brutal with the Beirut, Lebanon, in Amman, Jordan, and protested in Warsaw and other Polish largest such demonstration in history. demonstrators, especially with the Kurds, in Ramallah and other cities of occupied cities and in Prague, Czech Republic. In Greece, where the movement was and 1,000 were arrested.” Other thou- Palestine. In Tel Aviv, some 2,000 Israelis Thousands marched in Sofia, Bulgaria, in strongest worldwide during the 1999 U.S.- sands demonstrated in Ankara. and Palestinians marched together to Kiev, Ukraine, in Minsk, Belarus. Hun- NATO aggression on Yugoslavia, 200,000 In Egypt the Mubarak regime made a demand no war on Iraq. dreds more came out in Moscow and in the people demonstrated in Athens, and preemptive strike on the demonstration, Though these protests were not as mas- Baltic states. In Zagreb, Croatia, a surpris- young people clashed with the police. The arresting 13 of the organizers in the days sive as those in Europe, North America ing 10,000 came out, with working class-led before Feb. 15. A letter from former and Australia, they represented strong marches also taking place Greek movement plans Algerian President Ahmed Ben Bella and anti-imperialist feelings in the masses and in other Croatian cities. direct actions and job British anti-war leaders George Gallo- forced the regimes to act. On Feb. 16, a Back in what War actions to stop the U.S. way and John Rees reports that 11 of the meeting of Arab League foreign ministers Secretary Donald war machine. 13 were tortured while in custody; it in Cairo began making proposals to avoid Rumsfeld called “old asked for messages of protest to the a war in the region. Europe,” 500,000 people Defying the Egyptian government. The international day of protest also met at the Brandenburg authorities Despite the repression, more than a sparked actions in Lahore, Islamabad and Gate in Berlin, Germany. In some countries thousand people openly protested in Cairo other Pakistani cities as well as in Bombay, Other hundreds of thou- where an anti-imperi- on Feb. 15, representing the vast majority Delhi and Calcutta in India and in Dhaka, sands marched in Paris, alist demonstration of Egyptians. Bangladesh. joined by large protests in implicitly confronts the In Arab countries where the govern- Africa, Latin America speak other French cities. In regime, demonstrators ments have spoken openly against a U.S. Brussels, Belgium, where faced repression. attack on Iraq, the popular protests were Before this round of demonstrations, Nelson Mandela and others from the the government also had Istanbul, Turkey In Istanbul, Turkey, massive. Some 200,000 people demon- www.workers.org Feb. 27, 2003 Page 9

2 million in London Leaders say next step is resistance

By Jack A. Smith their way three-and-a-half miles to Hyde Millions pack London Park for a huge rally. Piccadilly, Signs included: “Stop the war,” “Don’t London, Feb. 15, An estimated 2 million people took part atack Iraq” and “Freedom for Palestine.” as they march to Hyde Park. in London’s Stop the War march and rally Dozens of left organizations marched with Feb. 15—the largest demonstration of any red flags. kind in British history. The crowd was multinational, young to Prime Minister Tony Blair sought to old, working class to middle class. Many diminish the significance of the extraor- families with young children were evident. Many stated that dinary outpouring. But the governing Rally speakers included Lindsey without Blair’s sup- Labor Party which he leads is sharply split German, a leader of the Stop the War port it would be much on the issue of following the United States Coalition; Alan Simpson, Labor Member more difficult for into a preemptive war of aggression of Parliament; Ken Livingstone, London’s President George W. against Iraq. mayor; the Rev. Jesse Jackson from the Bush to attack Iraq. The historic protest was organized by U.S.; Ms. Dynamite, a popular young rap The coalition and its the Stop the War Coalition, composed of singer; playwright Harold Pinter and a co-sponsors repeat- some 450 left, liberal, labor and peace variety of labor and political figures. edly made it clear that organizations. It was co-sponsored by the Speaking for the coalition, German said they must continue to Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and that if Blair supports a U.S. invasion, “We oppose the war even if the Muslim Association of Britain. want people to walk out of their offices, the United Nations Organizers had expected, at most, a strike, sit down, occupy buildings, demon- eventually is “bribed million. But as some 1,500 out-of-town strate, take direct action and do whatever or bullied” into line, charter buses began to arrive at the two they think fit the moment war starts. We that the withdrawal main assembly points, joined by many want to completely close down Whitehall of Israel from the hundreds of thousands of Londoners, it and prevent the Ministry of Defense going occupied territories was clear this figure was low. to work.” and “Freedom for The multitudes, crammed shoulder- Pinter began his short talk dramatical- Palestine” was essen- to-shoulder across the broad avenues ly: “The U.S. is a monster out of control!” tial for genuine peace and sidewalks of Bloomsbury in the to which it seemed more than a million in the region and that north and the Victoria Embankment in voices cheered in unison. the unity of all anti- the south, began marching shortly after Mayor Livingstone drew a multitude of war forces, from noon. The two prongs of the march cheers when he declared, “The British mainstream and lib- joined at Piccadilly Circus to form ranks people will not tolerate being used to prop eral to left and social- some 150 abreast. It took more than six up the most corrupt and racist American ist, was essential. hours for the last of the throng to make administration in over 80 years.”

Mexico City In Tel Aviv. Israelis and Palestinians marched together against Bush’s war. prestigious leadership of the anti- There were also demonstrations in East Asia, Oceania, Howard is a Bush supporter and has apartheid struggle weighed in against Nigeria, Kenya and Rwanda. North America promised Australian ships and troops U.S. aggression and sparked demonstra- Throughout Latin America, where the In Southeast Asia, thousands in Kuala for the war on Iraq. In Melbourne, tions in South Africa. Led by the African workers and farmers have many reasons Lumpur, Malaysia, defied police to protest 200,000 demonstrated, only to be one- National Congress, the Congress of to protest against U.S. imperialist inter- at the U.S. Embassy. Three thousand upped by Sydney the following day when South African Trade Unions, the South vention—like the Free Trade Area of the protested in Bangkok, Thailand, and 250,000 took to the streets. Other African Communist Party and other Americas scheme and Plan Colombia— another 10,000 in Pattani in the south. In actions took place in Perth, Adelaide, anti-imperialist organizations, thou- tens of thousands joined the anti-war Hong Kong, China, and in Taipei in Canberra and other Australian cities, sands of people demonstrated in day. The largest actions were in Mexico Taiwan, hundreds of Chinese joined with and in Wellington and Auckland in New Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bloem- City, Mexico, and Montevideo, Uruguay, expatriates to say “no war.” Zealand. fontein and Durban. They carried South with a reported 50,000 in each. In Brazil In still-occupied South Korea, the In North America, 150,000 people African, Palestinian and Iraqi flags. more than 100,000 protested altogether anti-war movement brought out 10,000 made it a record-setting protest in Cape Town’s placards carried the slo- in San Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador to Seoul, where they also called for no Montreal, with other tens of thousands gans: “By George, Bush is Just an Empty da Bahia and other cities. U.S. war moves against North Korea. In protesting in dozens of Canadian cities Warhead,” “Blix Start Searching Israel,” There were also major actions in still-occupied Japan, 25,000 people from the Maritime Provinces to Toronto “Let’s Make War Against Poverty” and Argentina, Venezuela,Peru, Bolivia, protested the threats against Iraq on and Edmonton, Calgary and on to Van- “Behind Every Bush is a Terrorist.” Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, Haiti Jan. 14, with thousands taking to the couver in the West. Africa’s people stand to suffer from a and the Dominican Republic. In Cuba streets of Tokyo the next day. Two thou- Here, in the belly of the beast, over a war on Iraq even if they are not drawn some 10,000 took part in a “tribunal” sand in Manila protested U.S. imperial- million people demonstrated altogether in into it, as a rise in the price of oil will fur- discussing U.S. crimes, and in Puerto ism’s attempt to return its military bases New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Minnea- ther impoverish a population devastated Rico 1,000 people protested both the to the Philippines, burning a U.S. flag at polis, Chicago and a hundred other cities by the collapse of the price of Africa’s Iraq war and the U.S. Navy’s continued the demonstration. from Hawaii and Alaska to Texas and raw materials in the imperialist-con- use of Vieques to train its bomber pilots. Feb. 15 began in New Zealand and Florida on Feb. 15 and on the next day in trolled world market. Australia, where Prime Minister John San Francisco. Page 10 Feb. 27, 2003 www.workers.org

Korea’s passion

t a recent anti-war teach-in in wing revolt and was relieved of his com- New York organized by mand, went on to become a darling of ANSWER, a South Korean the “World Anti-Communist League,” set A woman told, with intense up by the notorious Rev. Sun Myong pride, how the people in her country are Moon, himself a creation of the CIA. finally able to stand up to the U.S. by the Even though Singlaub was forcibly millions and demand an end to military retired, however, the militarists won. occupation. But her pride was mixed The U.S. force in Korea was not reduced, with unbearable pain. Tears ran down not even by one soldier, and it is this that her face and her voice broke as she is provoking yet another crisis in the recalled the tens of thousands of her world today. compatriots who were jailed and tor- If the Vietnam War had ended in the tured, especially during the long years of division of that country, there would military dictatorship, because they spoke undoubtedly be the same lobby in the out for Korea’s sovereignty and self- U.S. to keep that occupation going indef- determination. initely. U.S. military occupation any- It was a moment that should have where provides lucrative business for all been shown by every television network kinds of profiteers. Fortunately, that did- in North America. If ordinary people n’t happen. The U.S. “lost” all of here could see her honest passion, they Vietnam. But it was no loss for the peo- would begin to get a sense of what is ple here. It was the beginning of a new really happening right now in Korea. phase in the struggle that will only grow Instead, they hear the same old lies as the billionaire class tries to push the over and over again. The same tired people into new military adventures. phrases are repeated from network to The anti-war movement of the 1960s PHILADELPHIA network, newspaper to newspaper, by and 1970s was no mere “syndrome.” It people who know nothing about Korea. took a while before the people became But they do know what their job is: to conscious of Vietnam’s history, its long sell the public on the righteousness of a struggle against colonial occupation, and Across the U.S. bloody war that killed millions of the deep desire of the people there for Koreans, and to justify the 50 years of self-determination. But eventually the U.S. military occupation of the south masses of people here saw through the that have followed. “domino theory” and all the other justifi- Cities, towns, stand up Nothing seems to outrage the right cations being given for the war. By the wing in this country more than the idea millions, they passionately rejected the that the U.S. should get out of Korea. role of being killers and cannon fodder against Bush's war drive When there was talk for a brief period for billionaire corporations and banks. Continued from page 6 predominately South Asian neighbor- during the Carter administration about Now the movement is back bigger than That’s just a sampling of the impressive hood, in solidarity with the embattled reducing the number of U.S. troops ever, and if the next target of aggression actions held in smaller cities and towns. there, the Army brass almost mutinied. is Korea, it will educate itself on this sub- Muslim and immigrant communities. Gen. John Singlaub, who led this right- ject, too. Record numbers turn out Pakistani groups staged the action in cooperation with the Chicago Coalition In Seattle, birthplace of the U.S. anti- Against War and Racism and 100 other globalization movement, some 55,000 endorsing organizations. There were signs protesters converged on the Seattle Center in Urdu, Arabic, Turkish, Korean, Spanish to demand: “Stop the war on Iraq! Stop the and English. Where's the war on immigrants!” In Cleveland, where temperatures also Local activists called it a record turnout bottomed out near zero, over 1,000 peo- for an anti-war protest. It drew many fam- ple turned out to hear the head of the AIDS money? ilies with children, union members, reli- Cleveland Federation of Labor, prominent gious groups, seniors, youths and immi- clergy members, Arab and African ast month when Bush was trying should be pledged to fight AIDS in grants. After the rally they marched near- American community leaders speak out to sell his war on Iraq together Africa. ly three miles to the Immigration and against the war. A moment of silence was Lwith a budget of giveaways to the But, as they say, show us the money. Naturalization Services Detention Center held for legendary local activist and rich in his State of Union speech, he sur- When Bush’s real budget was presented to show solidarity with the many immi- Workers World Party founding member prised everyone by including a humani- to Congress, it had only $550 million in grants imprisoned there. Ted Dostal, who had died days before at tarian gesture. He pledged $10 billion in new funds to fight AIDS, and that is off- Texans, too, turned out in historic num- age 96. After the rally a contingent from new funds to fight AIDS in Africa. That set by his proposed cuts in international bers. An anti-war protest was held in every the newly formed Lesbians, Gays, was a first for the Bush administration health-care programs for children. Add major city in George W. Bush’s home Bisexuals and Transgendered People for and was supposed to make everything to that the move this week by the Bush state. Peace led off the march, chanting, “Don’t else okay. administration to block inexpensive Austin, the Texas state capital, saw its ask, don’t tell, war and bigots go to hell.” You’ll pardon us if we weren’t con- drugs for people in developing countries. biggest rally and march ever–more than In San Diego, 7,000 people attended a vinced at the time. The guy who says that At World Trade Organization talks in 10,000 people. Five thousand demon- morning protest at the Federal Building bombing Iraq will save it—military Geneva the U.S. blocked efforts to reduce strated in Dallas, while another 5,000 called by the local Peace & Justice experts now say that at least a million the costs for drugs, including AIDS med- marched from Houston’s Federal Coalition. Over 1,000 turned out later that Iraqi children are sure to be killed by any ications. Building to a local park. The Houston afternoon for a march, organized by U.S. bombing campaign—is going to help If asked about this, Bush’s answer action was dedicated to Native activist ANSWER, to a Navy installation. San fight AIDS in Africa. would probably be something along the Standing Deer, who was killed there in Diego County hosted no fewer than five Of course, $10 billion and much more line of “let them eat cake.” January. anti-war protests Feb. 15. On the U.S./Mexico border, marchers Atlanta activists found a creative way to from El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico, spread their anti-war message. They met on the International Bridge. formed a Peace Caravan, with chants ring- Up to 15,000 people took to the streets ing out from a sound system affixed to a Subscribe to Workers World of Philadelphia for that city’s biggest anti- flatbed truck, a bus draped in anti-war war event in over 30 years. SPECIAL TRIAL SUBSCRIPTION banners, and dozens of other vehicles. In Minneapolis 10,000 marched. $2 FOR EIGHT WEEKS (NEW SUBSCRIPTION) $25 for one year They traveled to six of the city’s busiest In Detroit 5,000 marched downtown to shopping districts, including Decatur the Cobo Center, and 1,200 attended an Name ______Square, where 250 people met the caravan indoor rally to hear Auto Workers union to declare a “No War Zone.” Phone number ______officials, Yemeni community leaders, Rep. John Conyers and other anti-war voices. With reports from Jane Cutter, Address______In Chicago over 7,000 people demon- Martha Grevatt, Kris Hamel, Bev strated in bitter cold. On the initiative of Heistand, Bob McCubbin, Dianne City/State/Zip ______a mass meeting of the Pakistani commu- Mathiowetz, Lou Paulsen, Workers World Newspaper 55 West 17 St. NY, NY 10011 (212) 627-2994 nity, the rally and march were held in a Betsey Piette and Gloria Rubac. www.workers.org Feb. 27, 2003 Page 11 Bolivia rebels against U.S., IMF regime By Andy McInerney of the traditional Indigenous culture. The new economic austerity program, cutting Staff was formed by “MAS, the COB, and international drug market has turned the government spending by 10 percent and unions of teachers, peasant farmers and The tide of protest that has swept Latin leaf into a commodity, but the billions of raising taxes. The economic program was students,” according to a Jan. 20 Inter America, threatening U.S. client regimes dollars in drug profits do not reach the designed to reduce the government deficit Press dispatch. from Argentina to Colombia, has reached coca growers. from 8.5 percent to 5 percent, a require- A Feb. 15 statement by the General Staff the Andean nation of Bolivia. In recent At the same time that the coca-growing ment imposed by the International analyzed the current struggle. “The social weeks thousands of workers, students and peasants blocked the main highway from Monetary Fund. crisis that the country is going through peasants have staged strikes, roadblocks Cochabamba to Santa Cruz, some 10,000 The austerity plan provoked angry originates in authoritarianism, the inca- and street battles against the U.S.-backed pensioners gathered in Calamarca to responses. “The government prefers that pacity of the government, and its submis- government of President Gonzalo Sánchez block the highway between the capital La the poor bear the burden of the crisis,” Evo sion to policies dictated by foreign powers de Lozada. Paz and Oruro, a link to Chilean trading Morales told the Associated Press on Feb. (the U.S. embassy, the World Bank, and The protests have already had two im- ports on the Pacific Ocean. The retirees 10. Morales, a Congressional deputy from the IMF),” the manifesto begins. portant effects. First, the Bolivian state were protesting the falling value of their the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) It goes on to call for the resignation of apparatus—the armed forces that protect pensions due to a peg linking pensions to party and winner of the popular vote for the Sánchez de Lozada government and the tiny ruling class and U.S. interests the U.S. dollar. Bolivia’s presidency last June, is a leader the formation of a transitional govern- there— has split. The police are siding with The demonstrators also protested of the coca growers’ protest. ment to change the neoliberal economic the popular demonstrations while the army Bolivian government plans to join the Free Broader forces joined the opposition model, regain control of the country’s has remained loyal to the government. Trade Area of the Americas. The FTAA is movement. Union leaders called for a one- national resources and redistribute land. Second, the working-class opposition, the proposed U.S.-dominated market that day strike. Even business leaders opposed The Bush administration reacted to the including peasants and students, has coa- would eliminate the ability of countries in the proposed tax increase. developments in Bolivia with alarm. Bush lesced into a “General Staff of the Bolivian the region to protect their economies from On Feb. 12, police in La Paz split from himself was “deeply concerned,” White People,” united around the goal of unseat- U.S. domination. the government and sided with the House spokesperson Ari Fleischer said ing Sánchez de Lozada. Bolivia is among the poorest countries protests. Police took over the building Feb. 13. A Feb. 14 State Department The current round of protests has its in Latin America. Seventy percent of the housing the foreign ministry and joined a release called for “all Bolivians to respect roots in coordinated actions that began in people live below the poverty line. Many demonstration laying siege to the presi- the constitutionally elected government mid-January. Farmers growing coca survive on less than $1 per day. dential palace. and refrain from violence.” A State clashed with army troops at roadblocks set The pensioners managed to win some The mutinying officers fired rounds of Department official was sent to Bolivia for up to demand that the government allow concessions from the government. But the tear gas into the detachments of govern- meetings with the government on Feb. 17. coca growing for limited non-narcotic use coca growers’ protest continued, drawing ment military troops deployed against the The stakes in Bolivia are heightened by and that it end a U.S.-sponsored defolia- wider support from leaders of Aymara protests. At least 17 people were killed in the fact that the country is one link in a tion campaign against coca crops. Indigenous communities. clashes with the army. chain of Latin American countries where Farmers have grown coca in the Andean On Feb. 9, Sánchez de Lozado poured Within days, Sánchez de Lozada with- the traditional political elites have proved highlands for centuries. The plant is part more gasoline on the fire. He decreed a drew the unpopular tax plan. But the unable to impose the dictates of Wall MAS, the Bolivian Workers Federation Street and the IMF on the backs of the (COB), and other groups continued to working class. Millions of workers across pressure for the president’s resignation. the continent—from Colombia to SAN FRANCISCO. The center of the opposition is now Argentina, from Venezuela to Ecuador the General Staff of the Bolivian People, and Brazil—feel the struggle of the 200,000 weigh in to stop formed in late January. The General Bolivians as their own. Pentagon assault

Continued from page 6 Terror. for a barrel of oil.” Hatem Bazian, a Palestinian-American Hari Dillon, from the Vanguard professor at the University of California at Foundation and a march organizer, was Berkeley, said, “This is not a democracy cheered when he said: “We say to you, by the people or for the people; it’s by cor- President Bush: The murder of people of porations and for the corporations.” color around the world is a crime against Richard Becker, an ANSWER steering humanity.” committee member, said: “It is the power Maudelle Shirek, the 91-year-old vice- of the people that has done something mayor of Berkeley and a veteran of peace truly historic. The mobilization of tens of and civil rights struggles, was greeted millions of people yesterday has held back with loud applause. “We want to end the the hand of those in Washington who are system that makes war necessary, to end dying for a new war, or more properly the system that sends our children to said, who want the people of Iraq and the war, and to end the system that says that young people of this country to die for big profit is more important than life.” oil, for colonialism, for empire.” PHOTO: KELLY WINE Organized labor participation included Musicians Joan Baez and Bonnie Raitt more than 80 unions. San Francisco performed, along with MC Rai Nar, the LOS ANGELES. Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Bay Area Gay Peace Chorus and the Walter Johnson, Trent Willis of Dance Brigade. Writer Alice Walker International Longshore and Warehouse spoke. Actor Danny Glover emceed, along Union Local 10, and ILWU Local 250 with ANSWER’s Gloria La Riva and Jeff Multinational city President Sal Roselli were among the Mackler of Bay Area United Against War. speakers. Other speakers included Rep. Barbara unites against war Sebastiana Pastor of the Free the Five Lee, Jeremy Corbyn of the British Committee and attorney Leonard Parliament and Stop the War Coalition, Continued from page 7 brought to the forefront. Civil-rights Weinglass talked about the case of the five California State Sen. John Burton, the Rogers, who was accompanied by his lawyer Leonard Weinglass urged the Cubans imprisoned in the United States Rev. Cecil Williams, the Rev. Amos Brown mother at the demonstration. crowd to become involved in the cam- for trying to stop terrorist attacks on Cuba. of the NAACP, KPFA-Pacifica Radio rep- An electrifying rally preceded the paign to free the five Cuban political pris- Mario Santos of BAYAN and ANSWER resentatives Miguel Molina, Joy Moore, march. Many speakers took note of the oners being held in U.S. prisons. spoke of the people’s uprising in the Davey D and Dennis Bernstein, Leilani enormous protests being held around the Weinglass represents the five in their Philippines. Dowell of ANSWER’s student and youth globe. appeals process. He equated the struggle committee, Riva Enteen of the National Writer Gore Vidal commended the for freeing the Cuban Five, who worked Palestine and Iraq Lawyers Guild, Howard Wallace of the crowd for its struggle against the Bush to end U.S.-based terrorism against their homeland, with the struggle to end U.S. Several speakers linked the struggles Senior Action Network, Rabbi Pam administration’s tyranny. “I never once believed that I would ever see a day like imperialist aggression against Iraq. of the Palestinian and Iraqi peoples for Frydman, Rabbi David Cooper, Tania this, where the great part of the nation of The march made its way toward an self-determination. They included Elias Mayo of Not In Our Name, Andrea Buffa we the people should be obliged to march Army recruiting station on the corner of Rashmawi of the Free Palestine Alliance, of United for Peace and Justice, and against an arbitrary and secret govern- Sunset and La Brea boulevards. Barbara Lubin of Middle East Children’s Lamis Andoni of the Blue Triangle ment preparing wars for us to fight in,” Protesters found that their strength had Alliance, and Kate Raphael of Women in Network. he said. forced the military recruiters to close Black and Queers Undermining Israeli A broad array of issues and causes were their doors for the day. La posición de organizaciones laborales atrae furia de la derecha

Por Milt Neidenberg reportó que el mes pasado Tom DeLay, el Bush, el Vice Presidente Dick Cheney y Es posible que Hoffa no quiere aislarse líder de la Cámara de Representantes, Condoleezza Rice Asesora de la Seguridad de los trabajadores miembros del sindica- Mientras que la administración de Bush firmó una carta diciendo que los “pat- Nacional, el General Colin Powell y el Sec- to y la tendencia progresista emergente continúa agrupando armas de destrucción rones” sindicales usan las “emergencias retario de la Defensa Donald Rumsfeld, que está en desarrollo en el movimiento masiva contra el pueblo iraquí, el movi- nacionales” para “tomar más poder”. DeLay han adoptado los intereses de la sindical. Es posible que tendrá que ale- miento de las organizaciones de labor está La carta fue escrita por la Fundación de ExxonMobil, Halliburton, Chevron/ Texaco jarse de su alianza con los criminales de la agrupando una oposición masiva anti la Defensa y Educación Legal del Derecho y la British Petroleum—todos planeando Casa Blanca y sus conspiradores de la guerra que está creciendo como un fuego Nacional al Trabajo, una organización anti con el ejército la toma del petróleo de Irak industria petrolera. alimentado por la catastrófica crisis capi- sindical con conexiones a la administra- inmediatamente después del ataque. talista de guerra y recesión. Esta crisis ha ción Bush. Esta dice que las huelgas son Pero DeLay tuvo que dar paso atrás Nacimiento de un movimiento puesto en peligro muchos contratos sindi- un peligro para el gobierno. Esta men- diciendo que él nunca firmó la carta. El El nuevo movimiento sindical opuesto cales que provee beneficios de jubilación cionó a la huelga de los trabajadores de supuestamente hizo eso después que reci- a la guerra entre las filas del movimiento y salud para sus miembros y jubilados. Lockheed-Martin el año pasado. Estos biera una respuesta indigna del del sindi- laboral comenzó cuando Bush inició la Más de 2 millones de empleos han sido trabajadores construyen jets F-22 y C-130- cato de Teamster, James Hoffa, quien guerra contra el pueblo de Afganistán. perdidos desde marzo del 2002, según el J. Su huelga fue caracterizada como un regaño a DeLay por dudar de “mi patrio- Sindicalistas participaron con las decenas Departamento de Labor. Casi 1.9 millones ejemplo de “bochornosamente explotar tismo y en particular afrontar a nuestros de miles de manifestantes que respondi- de personas quienes activamente buscan las necesidades criticas de guerra de la Hermanos y Hermanas Teamster que son eron rápidamente a esa guerra. Ellos lle- empleos han estado sin trabajo por lo nación.” llamados al servicio activo. varon sus experiencias consigo a sus her- menos seis meses. Esta cifra es el triple de La carta falsamente acusó a acusó al DeLay solo retrocedería bajo ordenes manos y hermanas sindicales y, como hace dos años. sindicato de los trabajadores de puerto, de la administración Bush. Hoffa, un resultado, comenzaron a emerger resolu- La administración de Bush sabe muy International Longshore Workers Union, favorito en la Casa Blanca, recientemente ciones sindicales en contra de la guerra. bien de que el movimiento laboral ha co- de cerrar los puertos de la costa occiden- volvió en un miembro fundador de un Mientras que aceleraron las amenazas menzado a confrontar sus planes de un tal recientemente. Esto en realidad fue un grupo llamado, “El Comité por la Liber- bélicas contra Irak, protestas en contra de ataque de “anticipo” contra el trabajo cierre patronal. El récord progresista de ación de Irak.” Él ha desarrollado conex- la guerra incrementaron. organizado y en contra del pueblo iraquí. este sindicato orgulloso, uno de los iones estrechas con Rumsfeld y Cheney, Organizados por el grupo International La lucha de clases se está calentando y el primeros en encabezar y forjar un quienes pertenecen a la junta del comité ANSWER (“respuesta internacional” movimiento laboral anti guerra está cre- movimiento laboral anti guerra, es la real así como ejecutivos de Lockheed-Martin, siglas que significa actúa ahora para poner ciendo. razón de este ataque. Lehman Brothers, Bechtel y Charles un alto a la guerra y acabar con el racis- Bush y sus colaboradores en Wall Street DeLay es un ultra derechista, halcón de Schwab. No querían antagonizar a este mo) que es una coalición que coordinó las han comenzado una campaña para deten- guerras imperialistas a quien le han nom- importante contacto sindical. protestas del 26 de octubre y el 18 de enero erlo. Ellos quieren convencer al público brado el “martillo” en el Congreso. El ha Mientras tanto, Hoffa está mirando por que concentraron millones de activistas que el movimiento laboral anti guerra es estado al frente de legislaciones reac- encima del hombro a la Local 705 de los anti guerra y anti racista en Washington, “anti patriótico.” Y esperan que las leyes cionarias, racistas anti sindicales y anti Tronquistas en Chicago, el sindicato de DC, San Francisco y muchas otras ciu- represivas como el “Acta Patriota” les dará lesbianas y gays. Él apoyó al Apartheid en chóferes de camiones y almaceneros dades en los Estados Unidos y alrededor libertad para conseguir sus objetivos Sur África. A El se le conoce muy bien en segundo en tamaño en el país. del mundo. imperialistas bajo el pretexto de la seguri- los círculos de corrupción y de actividades Recientemente la local aprobó una res- Sindicalistas, muchos de ellos inspira- dad nacional. criminales de los magnates del petróleo y olución opuesta a la guerra por un voto de dos por líderes negros, ayudaron en au- Esta táctica se pudo ver en la edición del gas. Y su carrera estuvo inextricablemente 399 a uno que declaró, “Valoramos las mentar las filas de estas protestas. 8 de febrero del New York Times bajo el entrelazada con Enron y su ex Oficial vidas de nuestros hermanos y hermanas Presidente del sindicato AFSCME District titulo de “El Patriotismo de Organi- Ejecutivo, Kenneth Lay. más que el control de Bush de las ganan- Council 1707, Brenda Stokely y Clarence zaciones Laborales en Duda”. El Times Junto con el Presidente George W. cias petroleras en el Medio Oriente”. Thomas, un oficial del local 10 del ILWU habló del podio en las manifestaciones masivas anti guerra. Los sindicalistas, incluso un equipo que vino desde San Francisco encabezaron a la marcha, que Un llamado de acción por atrajo una cifra sustancial de trabajadores sindicalistas. Mientras que resoluciones sindicales líderes africano-americanos fueron aprobadas a través del país por sin- dicatos locales, consejos de trabajo central Un llamado para “Maximar la Participación de Africanos- y federaciones estatales, demasiado que Americanos en el Movimiento de nombrar, y se quedó claro que un movi- Paz” fue iniciado en Nueva York a miento anti guerra en el sector progresista comienzos de febrero por el del movimiento sindical estaba en proce- Reverendo Herbert Daughtry y otros. so de nacer. Y se fue volviendo más efec- tivo e influyente, alcanzando las capas Un llamado de acción más altas del AFL-CIO. La gente de descendencia Africana Más importante, los textos de las res- tiene un papel único en el oluciones anti guerra tuvieron un tema movimiento para detener la guerra común. Hicieron una conexión entre la de Bush contra Irak. Si la guerra guerra, la crisis económica, ataques con- llega serán los soldados de descen- tra trabajadores, despidos, recortes pre- dencia africanos-americanos los que estarán al frente de la lucha y los supuestarios, y amenazas a los derechos primeros que morirán. Esta comu- civiles. Las resoluciones recordaron al nidad también verá deprivación público que son los hijos e hijas de famil- como resultado de los fondos ias de la clase trabajadora que tienen que FOTO: DEIRDRE GRISWOLD masivos invertidos en la guerra, dinero soportar la carga de la guerra y la rece- que es robado de los programas de stros jóvenes ingresan al ejército en Apoyemos a los estudiantes el 21 de sión. salud, educación, nutrición y empleos. busca de oportunidad de trabajos y edu- febrero en su protesta. La mayoría de las resoluciones criti- En el mes de la Herencia Africana- cación que no tienen en la sociedad civil. El 21 de febrero, estudiantes contra la caron los cientos de de mil millones entre- americana urgimos a todos los que Nuestra protesta no es en contra de estos guerra en todo el país conmemorarán el gados al Pentágono, la Oficina de Segur- planean un programa de celebración a soldados, sí contra una guerra injusta. 28 aniversario del asesinato de Malcolm idad de la Patria y los imperios militares nuestra herencia en Febrero, ya sea en Protestamos con esperanza de salvar las X (Al Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) dejando las industriales como Lockheed-Martin, la escuela, instituciones religiosas o cen- vidas de soldados estadounidenses e clases para protestar contra la guerra. Boeing y otros, por ejemplo, que conducen tros de la comunidad, la sala de los iraquíes. Abramos nuestros brazos con Urgimos a estudiantes y la facultad al a estafar a los programas de seguro social sindicatos o en las calles a que dediquen apoyo moral y asistencia práctica para igual que a la comunidad en general a sus programas a la protesta a la guerra. aquellos soldados, hombres y mujeres, que participen en este importante día de y cuidados médicos y los fondos discre- Muchos de nosotros tenemos miembros que deciden en buena conciencia no protesta y ayuda hacerlo masiva y cionales que se necesitan urgentemente de familia en el ejército. Muchos de nue- pueden participar en esta guerra injusta. poderosa. los pobres y comunidades oprimidas.