Lucha en China PARTE 5 12

Workers and oppressed peoples of the world unite! workers.org MAY 24, 2012 Vol. 54, No. 20 $1 ‘99% Spring’ targets Wall Street South By Dante Strobino Charlotte, N.C.

More than 1,000 people defi ed police threats and arrests to protest the Bank of America shareholders’ meeting here May 9. Their three main demands were to end home foreclosures, end the fi nancing of dirty coal, and assert workers’ rights against banks’ con- trol of politicians and the electoral system. The action showed that a fi ghting movement is brewing across the United States. This movement is passionately fi ghting for people’s needs to be placed before the needs of private profi ts of the banks and corporations. Protesters in Charlotte included domestic workers from Atlanta, migrant workers from New Orleans, state workers from across North Carolina, and pub- lic housing residents from New York City to Dur- ham, N.C. Students, workers, the structurally unem- ployed, immigrants and many others joined. Three issue-based feeder marches joining the protesters symbolized the three main demands of the protest. This action was part of the “99% Spring” protests against shareholder meetings of such major corpo- rations and banks as General Electric, Wells Fargo, Walmart, RJ Reynolds Tobacco and others all across the country. The recently formed North Carolina Marchers descend on Bank of America headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., on May 9. Coalition Against Corporate Power coordinated the PHOTO: KEVIN SMITH Charlotte protest. The occupiers assembled behind a 10-foot-tall Charlotte’s city government used the May 9 protest ball and chain marked “debt.” This symbolized all 2 to trigger a new repressive ordinance that restricted the debt that state and city governments, students, WW LEADERS VISIT MUMIA people’s ability to assemble and speak freely. The or- homeowners and others are strapped to because of dinance was passed in response to Occupy Charlotte the Bank of America’s capitalist, predatory practices. and in preparation for the upcoming Democratic Na- Trapped also by long-term unemployment, many EDUCATION UNDER ATTACK 3, 4 tional Convention. marchers will never be able to pay back their debt. Raul Jimenez Arce, member of Raleigh-Durham Bonita Johnson, a low-wage kitchen worker in a Fight Imperialism, Stand Together (FIST), told state mental health facility in Butner, N.C., and mem- LGBTQ LIBERATION Workers World, “I joined the protest against Bank of ber of the North Carolina Public Service Workers America because I am tired of big corporations decid- Union, Electrical Workers (UE) Local 150, told WW:  North Carolina vote 6 ing our future, buying politicians and creating their “These big banks are making mega money and not own agenda at the expense of the working class.” paying any taxes. We, as state employees, are strug-  Huey P. Newton speaks 10 Despite the new restrictions, protesters bravely gling, working two and three jobs and paying taxes marched into the streets without permits and oc- even on the little that we do have. I knew I had to join  Obama & same-sex marriage cupied two different intersections for a few hours, this protest.” shutting down traffi c to stop business as usual. Since Sylvia Sanchez was the fi rst speaker at the rally. A Editorial 10 Bank of America and Wells Fargo own most uptown member of a community group, Action NC, Sanchez buildings, this was truly a bold step. is a Latina mother of a disabled child. Bank of Ameri- ca is about to foreclose on her Charlotte house. RESISTING STATE VIOLENCE Demand end to foreclosures Marchers demanded that Sanchez’s home be  Alan Blueford  Carlos Montes By 9 a.m., the marchers had taken over the inter- saved and that principal loan costs be written down section at 5th and College streets in uptown Char- on all “underwater” loans to help keep families in  Marissa Alexander  CeCe McDonald lotte, directly in front of where the rich shareholders Continued on page 8 6-7 were meeting and where they had just passed a pay package of $7 million for CEO Bryan “Big Banks” Moynihan.

Subscribe to Workers World 4 weeks trial $4 1 year subscription $30 Sign me up for the WWP Supporter Program. For more information: workers.org/supporters/ 212.627.2994 www.workers.org Name ______

Address ______City / State / Zip ______

Email ______Phone ______Mass protests in Spain Workers World Newspaper 55 W. 17th St. #5C, NY, NY 10011 May 12 in Barcelona: ‘The people are the solution.’ See page 8.

PHOTO: JESUS G. PASTOR

LIBYA What NATO wrought 9 BANGLADESH Protest vs. U.S. visit 9 CHINA Economy slows 11 Page 2 May 24, 2012 workers.org

WORKERS WORLD Political prisoner o death row this week ...

Our visit with Mumia Abu-Jamal  In the U.S. ‘99% Spring’ targets Wall Street South...... 1 By Monica Moorehead Frackville, Pa. Our visit with Mumia Abu-Jamal ...... 2 Attacks on teachers aim to weaken unions...... 3 Larry Holmes and I have been visiting political prisoner Forces behind the privatization of education...... 3 Mumia Abu-Jamal for 16 years. We started visiting him U.S. student debt at all-time high ...... 4 when he was on death row at State Correctional Institution- Greene in Waynesburg, Pa., which is near the West Virginia Homecare workers ght back...... 4 border. Our trips there by car from New York City would ‘Marxism sampler’ commemorates birth of Karl Marx. . . . . 5 take at least seven hours, and even longer by bus. U.S. premature birth rate among world’s worst ...... 5 Our fi rst visit with Mumia — in March 1996 — was also Book review: ‘Samurai Among Panthers’...... 5 the last face-to-face independent video interview of him, thanks to the late Key Martin, a founding member of the Oakland police kill another Black youth ...... 6 Peoples Video Network, who persisted in forcing the prison Carlos Montes’ trial sparks protests...... 6 to grant this three-hour interview. Anti-gay amendment spurs solidarity...... 6 All of our visits at SCI-Greene gave us a glimpse into The conviction of Marissa Alexander...... 7 Mumia’s almost 30 years on death row — that is, the inhu- mane conditions that he and others were forced to endure, Campaign to free CeCe McDonald continues...... 7 including spending 23 and a half hours a day in a tiny, WW PHOTO: LARRY HOLMES Protest calls for moratorium on debt service ...... 8 poorly lit cell; being deprived of exercise, which caused the Monica Moorehead visiting Mumia on death row in 1996. Huey P. Newton on gay, women’s liberation ...... 10 swelling of legs and ankles; and inadequate food and medi- cal care. Around the world Before every visit, Mumia was subjected to an invasive Mumia told us that when a number of Black activists ex- strip search. His wrists and ankles were shackled during pressed to him some misgivings about OWS, his response Protesters tell Spanish gov’t: ‘No bread, no peace!’...... 8 visits. But when we met with him and discussed world was to encourage them to recognize OWS as an evolving Bangladeshi protest vs. U.S.-India state visitors ...... 9 events from a revolutionary perspective, these very oppres- movement — a dynamic, evolving movement that activists Result of U.S.-NATO war on Libya ...... 9 sive conditions would seemingly melt away. Mumia had the must fi nd ways of engaging, ideologically and strategically. Struggle in China, part 7...... 11 ability to make each visit an illuminating political experi- Mumia spoke about the economic basis for OWS, in that ence despite the repressive environment. the predominantly white youth-led movement has been This past December, following the overturn of Mumia’s cut loose by capitalism, especially in this particular stage Editorials death sentence, he was moved to SCI-Mahanoy, a general of deepening global economic crisis. These white youth are The president and same-sex marriage ...... 10 population prison in Frackville, not far from Harrisburg, fi nding out that they have more in common with Black and Pa. Larry and I had the incredible opportunity to visit Brown youth, who have historically known that the only  Noticias En Español Mumia on May 6. We were ecstatic to be able to physically future that capitalism offers is racial profi ling and mass in- hug and shake hands with him for the fi rst time in 16 years. carceration. Lucha en China, Parte 5...... 12 He was in very good spirits, smiling and very animated. These white youth are becoming disillusioned with capi- The visiting room had the atmosphere of a large cafete- talism because, while they have been told they would have ria, including a commissary to allow family members and a better life than their parents, in reality they cannot fi nd friends to purchase food for their loved ones in prison. It any good-paying jobs despite their college degrees. They was very heartening to see and hear children running and are also fi nding out, as they face increasing repression, that laughing throughout the room, and to see open affection the police as an armed force are neither their friends nor being shown towards prisoners, all of whom were wearing workers. jumpsuits with “DOC” — which stands for Department of Mumia stated: “I am profoundly encouraged by the Oc- Workers World 55 West 17 Street Corrections — written on the back. When we asked Mumia cupy movement. It’s good news for revolutionaries every- New York, N.Y. 10011 what it was like to be off death row after 30 years, he re- where when those who once thought that they were privi- Phone: 212.627.2994 plied, “It is still a major adjustment.” leged start to rebel against the system and join with those E-mail: [email protected] He told us how surprised he was that so many prison- of us who have no illusions about or love for imperialism.” Web: www.workers.org ers knew of his case, and the respect they had for him as After we said our goodbyes to Mumia, Larry commented Vol. 54, No. 20 • May 24, 2012 a political prisoner. A Mumia activist told me how a rela- to me: “It was an incredible experience to be able see and Closing date: May 15, 2012 tive of a white prisoner had reproduced Mumia’s fi rst book, touch Mumia without his ankle-to-wrist shackles and en- Editor: Deirdre Griswold “Live from Death Row,” for him to read. Mumia’s books are closed in a small booth behind a plexiglass window, which Technical Editor: Lal Roohk banned outright by the prison. was the only way he could see visitors on death row. We Managing Editors: John Catalinotto, LeiLani Dowell, Mumia also told us how he has become a mentor for a must not be content or rest until Mumia is free.” Leslie Feinberg, Kris Hamel, Monica Moorehead, number of prisoners, especially young ones. One prisoner Moorehead, a WW managing editor, and Larry Gary Wilson in particular is only 20 years and was sentenced to a 40- Holmes, Workers World Party’s First Secretary, are both West Coast Editor: John Parker year prison sentence for attempted murder, not murder! Secretariat members of WWP. To view excerpts from the Contributing Editors: Abayomi Azikiwe, According to Mumia, the prison population is 60 percent 1996 PVN interview, go to tinyurl.com/827fdvq; tinyurl. Greg Butterfi eld, Jaimeson Champion, G. Dunkel, Black, with a large number being Muslim. com/87e79be and tinyurl.com/76spkgw. Fred Goldstein, Teresa Gutierrez, Larry Hales, ‘Profoundly encouraged’ by OWS Berta Joubert-Ceci, Cheryl LaBash, For most of the three and a half hours we visited with THE CLASSROOM & THE CELL: Milt Neidenberg, Bryan G. Pfeifer, Betsey Piette, Mumia, the main discussion focused on the Occupy Wall Conversations on Black Life in America Minnie Bruce Pratt, Gloria Rubac Street movement. Mumia acknowledged that Occupy Phil- Mumia Abu-Jaml & Marc Lamont Hill Technical Staff: Sue Davis, Shelley Ettinger, adelphia forces helped play a decisive role in getting him This book delves into the problems of Black life in America Bob McCubbin, Maggie Vascassenno off of death row by joining forces with veteran pro-Mumia and o ers real, concrete solutions. Mundo Obrero: Carl Glenn, Teresa Gutierrez, activists like Pam Africa. Order at: www.freemumia.com/?p=684 Berta Joubert-Ceci, Donna Lazarus, Michael Martínez, Carlos Vargas Supporter Program: Sue Davis, coordinator join us Copyright © 2011 Workers World. Verbatim copying National O ce Bu alo, N.Y. Durham, N.C. Pittsburgh and distribution of articles is permitted in any medium Workers World Party 55 W. 17 St. 367 Delaware Ave. 331 W. Main St., Ste. 408 [email protected] without royalty provided this notice is preserved. (WWP) ghts for New York, NY 10011 Bu alo, NY 14202 Durham, NC 27701 Rochester, N.Y. Workers World (ISSN-1070-4205) is published weekly socialism and engages 212.627.2994 716.883.2534 919.322.9970 585.436.6458 except the fi rst week of January by WW Publishers, 55 in struggles on all [email protected] bu [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] W. 17 St., N.Y., N.Y. 10011. Phone: 212.627.2994. Sub- the issues that face Atlanta Chicago Houston San Diego scriptions: One year: $30; institutions: $35. Letters to the working class & P.O. Box 5565 27 N. Wacker Dr. #138 P.O. Box 3454 P.O. Box 33447 the editor may be condensed and edited. Articles can be oppressed peoples — Atlanta, GA 30307 Chicago, IL 60606 Houston, TX 77253-3454 San Diego, CA 92163 freely reprinted, with credit to Workers World, 55 W. 17 Black & white, Latino/a, 404.627.0185 [email protected] 713.503.2633 619.692.0355 St., New York, NY 10011. Back issues and individual ar- [email protected] 312.229.0161 Asian, Arab and Native [email protected] [email protected] ticles are available on microfi lm and/or photocopy from peoples, women & men, Baltimore Cleveland Los Angeles San Francisco University Microfi lms International, 300 Zeeb Road, young & old, lesbian, c/o Solidarity Center P.O. Box 5963 1905 Rodeo Rd. 2940 16th St., #207 Ann Arbor, Mich. 48106. A searchable archive is Cleveland, OH 44101 gay, bi, straight, trans, 2011 N. Charles St. Los Angeles, CA 90018 San Francisco available on the Web at www.workers.org. Baltimore, MD 21218 216.738.0320 [email protected] CA 94103 disabled, working, A headline digest is available via e-mail subscription. 443.909.8964 [email protected] 323.515.5870 415.738.4739 unemployed, undocu- Subscription information is at www.workers.org/email. [email protected] Denver Milwaukee [email protected] mented & students. php. [email protected] [email protected] Tucson, Ariz. If you would like to Boston 284 Amory St. [email protected] Periodicals postage paid at New York, N.Y. know more about WWP, Detroit Philadelphia Boston, MA 02130 5920 Second Ave. P.O. Box 34249 Washington, D.C. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to or to join us in these 617.522.6626 Detroit, MI 48202 Philadelphia, PA 19101 P.O. Box 57300 Workers World, 55 W. 17 St., 5th Floor, struggles, contact the Fax 617.983.3836 313.459.0777 610.931.2615 Washington, DC 20037 New York, N.Y. 10011. branch nearest you. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] workers.org May 24, 2012 Page 3 Attacks on teachers aim to weaken unions

By G. Dunkel crumbling buildings, rooms too hot or too Professional Performance Reviews. In re- On April 26, the city’s Panel for Edu- New York cold, rain entering classrooms through sponse, the administration of billionaire cational Policy, appointed by Bloomberg, windows that don’t close, etc., are all Mayor Michael Bloomberg has closed voted to shutter 24 additional “strug- A wave of teacher layoffs, the rise of ignored. Plus teachers lose weeks of in- schools arbitrarily defined as “failing.” gling” schools, using the federal turn- charter schools, and a claim that teachers struction time grading tests that are often After laying off half the staff, his admin- around model. Earlier that day, Michael and their unions are opposed to evalua- incompetently produced. istration will re-open them in the fall with Mulgrew, UFT president, led a protest of tions have turned into a U.S.-wide assault Chicago and San Francisco teacher different names. parents and teachers outside City Hall on teacher unions. unions have announced they may strike Generally, the BOE sweeps out the old- with signs that read “Support our kids” The two major educational unions, the next fall. In San Francisco, the district er, more experienced teachers, who also and “True reform requires investment.” American Federation of Teachers and plans to cut wages and benefits by $30 earn the highest pay. Their replacements On May 7, the UFT and the princi- the National Education Association, are million in the next two years. are younger, less experienced and — of pals’ union sued the city to prevent the among the largest unions in the United In Chicago, teachers are protesting course — paid less. closings. Ernest Logan, of the Council of States. Even in states like North Dakota, changes in the school day, in how teacher This is the turnaround model estab- School Supervisors and Administrators, where unions represent only 3.2 percent pay is determined and how performance lished by the federal government for called them “sham closings” and “an at- of workers, or South Carolina and Geor- is evaluated. Chicago Teachers Union schools it deems are “failing.” tempt to go around collective bargaining.” gia, where it is illegal for public employers President Karen Lewis said, “I have never, A teacher in a specialized New York (Daily News, May 7) Bloomberg’s attack to bargain with teacher unions, they still in my 22 years of teaching and being in City high school, whose classes have been on the union over the suit got wide media exist and function. the classroom, seen this kind of hostility videotaped and posted on a national web- play. The UFT and the CSSA have sued A staggering 300,000 teachers lost and this disrespect for teachers.” (Huff- site, told Workers World, “I feel attacked the city twice before without much effect. their jobs from August 2008 to August ington Post, May 13) as a woman, teacher and union member The UFT has made some efforts to 2011, a 7.1 percent decline. According to by [Bloomberg’s] administration.” build coalitions involving the parents and the White House report “Teacher Jobs NYC unions ght school closings Mayor Bloomberg has closed 117 schools other unions. It has also organized teach- at Risk,” another 280,000 educational New York City has about 1.1 million since taking control of the school system ers at non-union charter schools. But its workers face layoffs in 2012. K-12 students in public schools. New in 2002, while opening 396 new schools main thrust has been to support the Dem- Rightists have targeted teacher unions York’s United Federation of Teachers, the that rarely serve the same high-needs stu- ocratic Party in elections. for the educational system’s deficiencies largest AFT local, has withheld its signa- dents. Parents, students and teachers have More than this will be required to save and failures, whatever the teacher’s role. ture on an agreement with the Board of often protested these closings; they say the the city’s schools for students and teach- Staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms, Education regarding a scheme for Annual real solution is more resources. ers. Forces behind the privatization of education

By Betsey Piette Philadelphia students protest chain of for-profit career colleges and school closings and cuts in sta . other for-profit educational institutions. The basic formula behind the WW PHOTO: JOE PIETTE The corporation’s FY2010 earnings were drive for for-profit education $4.93 billion. varies little from state to state: With the drive to privatize Apollo’s Connections Academy and Close public schools, open pri- public schools picking up Connections Education had total rev- vately managed schools, cut the steam over the last decade, enues of $2.1 billion in 2010. Connections budget. It is usually coupled with education management cor- Academy is also a member of ALEC. As of the negation of union contracts porations are raking in lucra- 2011, Mickey Revenaugh, the company’s and lower wages and benefits tive profits. Several of these co-founder and a vice president, was co- for school workers. While char- companies are members of chair of ALEC’s Education Task Forces. ter schools are paid out of public ALEC, whose Next Genera- Apollo initially ran the online Insight tax funds, they are exempt from tion Charter Schools Act has School in Washington state. Most of In- many state and local regulations, been used as a model for sight’s teachers were non-union and part- especially those protecting work charter school legislation in time. Staff ratio was one teacher for every conditions and employee rights. 42 states and the District of 53 online students. State records found According to a January report from $858 per year for public schools com- Columbia. many Insight students were struggling. ALEC is the right-wing power behind the National Education Policy Center and pared to $517 for charters. In school year 2009-10, only 50 percent Florida’s racist “Stand Your Ground” law, Western Michigan University, 35 percent were passing their classes, 45 percent had Surge in for-prot EMOs which George Zimmerman will use in his of all U.S. charter schools are operated by dropped out, and only 7.2 percent were While nonprofit EMO corporations defense for killing unarmed Black teenager private education management organiza- expected to graduate on time. (KING 5 have grown from 46 in 1999 to 197 in Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26. It’s also behind tions (EMOs), accounting for about 42 other reactionary legislation targeting un- News, Oct. 31) 2011, with total enrollment growing from percent of all school enrollment. By 2010, documented workers and women and sup- In school year 2010-11, a new for-profit 20,133 to 384,067, for-profit EMO corpo- there were around 5,000 charter schools in porting the prison-industrial complex. charter corporation, K12, took over the rations increased from 33 in 1999 to 99 in the U.S., with around 1.5 million students. On the website alecexposed.org, the Insight schools. Also an ALEC member, 2011, with total student enrollment grow- The name EMOs was coined by Wall Center for Media and Democracy gives K12 was established as a publicly traded ing from 70,743 to 394,096. Street after its name for Health Main- a summary of the provisions of the Next entity in 2007, with $90 million from Mi- Enrollment in EMO-operated online tenance Organizations. HMOs were the Generation Charter Schools Act. CMD chael R. Milken, the junk-bond dealer and charters has grown from 11,500 in 2003- health insurance industry’s business mod- describes this “model” legislation as an securities-fraud felon. 04 to around 115,000 in 2010-11. These el for increasing profits by denying ser- “attempt to have state taxpayers subsidize K12 now has 81,000 students in 27 virtual schools account for 10 percent of vices. The first EMO was legalized in Min- charter schools … to compete with public states. While K12′s schools are designated all for-profit EMOs. A considerable por- nesota in 1991, but financial deregulation schools, while exempting charter schools “nonprofit,” states hire them as a for-prof- tion of public funding for online schools in the 1990s provided Wall Street with the from complying with any of the legal re- it management company. This arrange- ends up paying for advertising. (nepc. incentive to get into the education busi- quirements that govern public schools.” ment allowed K12 to corner the Penn- colorado.edu, Jan. 12) ness. Recently, the Obama administration Under the model legislation, charter sylvania online charter market where Charter schools are heavily concen- has pumped hundreds of millions of dol- schools don’t have to adhere to qualifica- it received 80 percent of the funding of trated in urban areas in lower-income, lars of federal “education” money to facili- tion standards when hiring teachers or traditional schools — $8,000 per student working-class and poor communities. tate the privatization drive. principals, nor do they have to stick to — while providing no buildings, books or U.S.-based online schools have expanded Charter schools drain money away prevailing wage and hourly requirements, teachers. Its students are home-schooled. to Britain, Chile and Mexico. from local public school districts. Unlike giving them a competitive edge over pub- According to a 2011 study by West- Historically, the largest for-profit EMO public schools, EMOs can dismiss stu- lic schools. ern Michigan University, three-quarters was EdisonLearning (formerly Edison dents who have “disciplinary problems” The act gives state governors “unilat- of K12’s students failed to achieve An- Schools), whose revenues grew from $12 or even refuse to admit them. eral power to appoint separate, un-demo- nual Yearly Progress goals. In June 2011, million in 1995 to $217 million in 2000. Charter schools are not obliged to pro- cratic charter school boards, whose mem- Pennsylvania filed a complaint against Edison was the first for-profit EMO to vide instruction in English as a second bers would not be compensated by the K12 for its students’ failures in reading move into the Philadelphia school dis- language. National studies have shown state,” with “no rules against conflict of and math proficiency. (Bloomberg Busi- trict, despite massive opposition from that EMOs are more likely to increase interest by whomever actually employs” nessweek, June 2) K12 generated $500 students, parents and teachers. school segregation and isolate students them. The act also removes limits on the million in revenue in 2011. by race and class than public schools. Behind privatization: ALEC number of charter schools in a given state. One of the largest for-profit EMOs is A 2010 Western Michigan University- In 2012, the major EMOs nationally National Heritage Academies, another Top three for-prot EMOs sponsored study found charter schools include The Apollo Group, K12 and the ALEC supporter, which has led the way spent proportionately more on admin- National Heritage Academies, which all Among the for-profit education corpo- in profiting off public education. Based istrative costs than traditional public share a common connection — mem- rations with membership in ALEC is the in Grand Rapids, Mich., the company schools and less on instruction. It found bership in the American Legislative Ex- leading online EMO, The Apollo Group, operates 71 schools across the country, that student support services averaged change Council. a Phoenix-based company known for its Continued on page 4 Page 4 May 24, 2012 workers.org U.S. student debt at all-time high Quebec students show how to  ght

By Deirdre Griswold percent rate, but the Federal Student Aid website is already warning prospective Can students fi ght the rising costs of ed- Some 200,000 students in borrowers that they will be paying the ucation? Young people in Quebec say yes. Montreal protested tuition higher rate as of July 1. Some 164 student associations there, increase on March 22. By contrast, if a student’s family has representing 155,000 university students, been able to scrape together some money have been on an open-ended general strike and put it into a bank savings account against tuition hikes. On March 22, more toward their child’s education, these ac- than 200,000 of them packed into the nar- counts now typically earn less than 1 per- row canyons of downtown Montreal for “Will Student cent interest. the largest demonstration ever held there. Loans Hurt Your The amount of federal aid available to A Quebec government proposal on rais- Stocks?” (fool. students is based on their family income. ing tuition has been rejected by 115 asso- com, April 16) That is also changing as of July 1. To re- ciations, representing 342,000 students. and “Student ceive the maximum aid available, families (bloquonslahausse.com) Tens of thou- ence held in Austin, Texas, that this was Loan Delinquency Reached $85 Billion used to be eligible if they earned up to sands of young people occupied banks in vastly understated — student debt had in Third Quarter.” (Bloomberg, March 5) $32,000 a year — not much by any ac- Montreal and Quebec City on April 11. already surpassed the $1 trillion mark. The federal government holds the lion’s count. But now even that amount will be These pro-active students are saying (Wall Street Journal, March 22) The aver- share of outstanding student debt. Its lowered to $23,000. that tuition should be free. Their demands age debt of a student leaving college had stated purpose is to make higher educa- If the family earns more than that, they sound revolutionary at a time when bud- risen to more than $25,000. Even with tion affordable for those who can’t pay will have to pay out in advance a portion gets for everything but repression are being a college degree, many young workers in high tuition without some help. Even the of the money for their child’s education. slashed throughout the capitalist world. the present economy make less than that government’s main lending instrument, This effectively bars low-income families The media in the United States have — if they are lucky enough to fi nd a job. however, has been turning a profi t for from being able to send their kids to any virtually ignored this uprising of youth private investors. Traded on the Nasdaq Capitalist jobs crisis the culprit kind of college without a full scholarship. in our neighbor to the north. What they stock exchange as SLM Corp., Sallie Mae’s (studentaid.ed.gov) are reporting is the meteoric rise here in Now the corporate media have got hold fi rst-quarter core earnings “came in at tuition rates in recent years — and with it of the story and are reporting the great dif- $284 million or 55 cents per share” this Time to change the game rules the accumulation of student debt. fi culties students and universities are hav- year. (community.nasdaq.com, April 19) In the media, the student debt crisis is ing because of the debt problem. What they Various private fi nancial institutions now eclipsing other areas of the economy A generation of debtors fail to mention, however, is what underlies have been issuing student loans at an as the “number one threat.” However, this Millions of young people dared to be- this sorry state: the persistent crisis of cap- even heftier price. With the rise in loan is confusing cause with result. Student lieve a higher education would lead to italism, from Europe to the United States defaults, however, big private banks are debt is not the cause of what could be an- the kind of job that would let them repay to everywhere else in the world where the now getting out of the business. other downturn in the economy. It is the their student loans. Those hopes have profi t motive is what drives the economy. U.S. Bancorp pulled out of student loans result of the complete economic instabil- been dashed. This is not just a cyclical crisis to be in April. Until then it had claimed that it ity that characterizes this period: the end- U.S. student debt now exceeds $1 tril- soon overcome. It refl ects the fact that was “committed to giving students every game of the capitalist system. lion, surpassing credit card debt. Some 27 productivity has become so high in the opportunity to realize their potential. Edu- Is there plenty of wealth in the United percent of these loans are past due. developed capitalist countries, and the cation changes lives.” But once it was clear States? If you doubt it, just look into what This surge in unpayable debt is the expanding world market has made it pos- there might not be much profi t in doing waterfront mansions and private jets are other shoe dropping in the prolonged sible to outsource so many millions of la- this, the bank’s commitment to education selling for. Look into the billions — nay, capitalist economic crisis, which fi rst be- bor-intensive jobs to low-wage countries, vanished. trillions — of dollars in private and corpo- came visible when the bottom fell out of that the permanent army of unemployed JPMorgan Chase recently announced it rate hands that are not being invested in the housing market. That, too, was a debt here has soared. would stop issuing new student loans in production because there aren’t enough crisis. Ballooning mortgage rates caught This is falling like a ton of bricks on the July. Other banks will surely follow and buyers for all the current goods and ser- up with homeowners just as better-paying younger generation. Raised to believe that interest rates on new loans will only go up vices out there. jobs were disappearing. The result: mil- most people in the U.S. could lead a “mid- further. Yet, with all this wealth, the capital- lions of defaults on mortgage payments, dle-class” existence, they have found that At the same time that job opportuni- ist class won’t willingly give up a nickel followed by illegal mass robo-signing of capitalism doesn’t work that way. Higher ties are shrinking, tuition costs are rising, an hour to a worker at Walmart or cover foreclosure notices. productivity doesn’t mean more leisure some exponentially. The budget crisis in health insurance or pensions for millions Student debt has been ballooning ever or easier jobs; it means eliminating jobs California, for example, means that tu- of workers. since the unemployment crisis hit. and cutting the wages of those still lucky ition in the state university system may The Quebec students, and the people in On March 5, the Federal Reserve Bank enough to fi nd work. For young people — soon be double what it was just fi ve years this country who have fl ooded into Occupy of New York released a report saying stu- and their parents — who went deeply into ago — this in a state where a university Wall Street, have it right: Organized strug- dent debt had reached $867 billion by the debt as a way out of the rat race, the awful education was once free. gle is the only way to fi ght this system. end of the third quarter of 2011. At that truth is unavoidable. It’s the only way to force concessions time, 37 million people had outstanding Double whammy on July 1 out of the lords of capital. And it’s the student loans; 5.4 million of them had Milking student debt The interest rate that students pay for only way to change the rules of the game missed enough payments to be declared While the general public reads stories subsidized loans from the federal govern- so capitalism itself is made obsolete. Then delinquent. (Bloomberg, March 5) sympathizing with the plight of students ment is scheduled to double — from 3.4 — as youth and workers build a social- But two weeks later, offi cials of the and university offi cials, the fi nancial percent to 6.8 percent — on July 1. The ist society — education, along with jobs, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a pages and blogs tell another story. Their Obama administration’s budget request medical care and all the necessities of life, federal agency, said at a banking confer- concern can be seen in headlines like for fi scal year 2013 would keep the 3.4 will be guaranteed for everyone. Homecare workers ght back Privatization of education Continued from page 3 Contrary to the hype of “Waiting for Su- including 43 in Michigan. National Heri- perman,” there is little proof that private tage Academies was established by J. C. charter schools are capable of providing Huizenga, son of the billionaire founder any better education than seriously un- of Waste Management, Inc. and Block- derfunded public schools. In fact, studies buster video. have shown that the opposite is true. In National Heritage Academies is basi- the fi lm, it is even admitted that only 1 in cally a Christian school system. It was 5 charter schools has achieved the “amaz- successfully sued in 2000 by the Ameri- ing results” promised. can Civil Liberties Union for teaching cre- Stanford economist Margaret Raymond ationism with public funds. conducted a national study of charter Promotion of charter schools has also schools in 2009 which evaluated student proven to be lucrative for politicians. progress on math tests in half of the 5,000 Pennsylvania’s Gov. Tom Corbett re- charter schools in the U.S. The study found Homecare workers, members of Service 1. Among the benefi ts taken away were ceived $334,000 in campaign contribu- that 17 percent were superior to a matched Employees 1199, and their supporters pro- vacation days, sick time, shift differential tions in 2010 from the founder and CEO traditional public school, while 37 percent tested in Brooklyn, N.Y., on May 9 as part pay and medical benefi ts. These low-paid, of Chester Community Charter, the state’s were worse than a public school. The re- of continuing actions against the home- mostly women workers, chanted, “We’re largest EMO, which now enrolls more maining 46 percent had academic gains care agency bosses who arbitrarily cut health care workers fi ghting back!” than half of the impoverished Chester Up- no different than those in similar public the workers’ contractual benefi ts on Jan. — Report & photo by Anne Pruden land school district’s K-8 students. schools. (Washington Post, Oct. 11) workers.org May 24, 2012 Page 5

‘Marxism sampler’ commemorates birth of Karl Marx

Workers World Party marked the May and self determination; for lesbian, gay, WORKERS WORLD PARTY FORUM 5 birth of Karl Marx with a forum in New bisexual, transgender and queer rights; York City applying the science of Marxism and against women’s oppression. to the burning issues of today. Presenting The speakers were Teresa Gutierrez, a this ‘Marxism sampler’ were five leaders member of the WWP secretariat and orga- of WWP, some of whom are also leaders nizer for the May 1 Coalition for Worker & in coalitions and mass movements. “How Immigrant Rights; Larry Holmes, WWP’s would Marx view the world capitalist crisis First Secretary and an organizer of Oc- today?” and “Marxist theory and practice cupy 4 Jobs; Larry Hales, Workers World on victory through class struggle” were newspaper contributing editor and activ- Julie Fry, LeiLani Dowell, Larry Hales, Joyce Chediac, Larry Holmes & Teresa Gutierrez addressed. Speakers also demonstrated ist against racist state repression; LeiLani WW PHOTO: JOHN CATALINOTTO how Marxism contributes to understand- Dowell, Workers World newspaper man- Association of Legal Aid Attorneys, an ac- chaired the meeting. Go to www.youtube. ing and pursuing gains in the fight for aging editor and LGBTQ activist; and Ju- tivist and people’s lawyer. Joyce Chediac, com/WWPvideo to view the talks. immigrant rights; for national liberation lie Fry, vice president of UAW Local 2325, a WW Education Committee member, — Joyce Chediac As world health report shows U.S. premature birth rate among world’s worst

By Ellen Catalinotto rates in war- and famine-torn countries in — especially for teens — prenatal care to mother for warmth, early and exclusive Asia and Africa, and only slightly less than screen for and treat infections and dis- breastfeeding, and cleaning and care of Worldwide rates of premature births in Malawi, which has the highest rate in eases, such as diabetes; nutritional sup- the umbilical cord. are increasing in both industrialized and the world — 18.1 percent. port; and prevention of violence against Those born very premature — from 28 poorer countries, with more than one out There is a wide and growing gap be- women. These public health measures are to 32 weeks — or extremely premature, of 10 — or 15 million — babies born pre- tween rich and poor countries in survival under attack by the right-wing of the capi- before 28 weeks, will need more intensive, maturely in 2010. More than 1 million of of the most fragile babies. In low-income talist class, which promotes free markets, expensive care to survive. Such babies of- these infants will die in the first month countries, where more than 90 percent privatization and austerity, both in the ten suffer physical and learning disabili- of life, making prematurity the leading of such births occur, infections, malaria, U.S. and around the world. ties even when cared for in the most ad- cause of newborn death. HIV and high rates of adolescent pregnan- Once preterm labor has begun, a cor- vanced newborn intensive care units. Many survivors have lifelong learning cies are among the main known causes of ticosteroid injection to the mother cost- The report recommends upgrading the disabilities, chronic lung disease, and loss preterm births. In more industrialized ing $1 will help the baby’s lungs develop, skills of health providers to care for pre- of vision and hearing, according to “Born countries, including the U.S., medically greatly reducing breathing problems after mature babies, providing essential medi- Too Soon,” a report on prematurity pub- unnecessary cesareans and inductions of birth. Antibiotics may delay labor and cines and equipment in poor countries, lished May 2 by the World Health Organi- labor before pregnancies reach full term prevent infection when the membranes and further study into the causes and zation, in conjunction with experts in this contribute to premature births. However, surrounding the fetus rupture before the prevention of preterm labor. Countries field from 11 countries. in both rich and poor countries about baby is full term. squeezed by the global capitalist econom- The United States ranks 130 out of 184 half of preterm births have no identified More than four out of five preterm ic crisis and the for-profit health industry countries. The U.S. has one of the worst cause. Indoor air pollution and second- births occur between 32 to 37 weeks of cannot be counted on to implement these rates, with 12 premature babies per 100 hand smoke are the only environmental pregnancy. Supportive low-tech care for recommendations. births. Within the U.S., the African- risks mentioned in the report. these babies can save most of their lives Women around the world will have to American prematurity rate of 17.5 percent Many premature births can be averted and reduce disability. These measures struggle to make them a reality. is higher than estimated preterm birth by universal access to free family planning include skin-to-skin contact with the Catalinotto is a licensed midwife. ‘Samurai Among Panthers’ BOOK REVIEW

By Abayomi Azikiwe period and participated in a strike. through their mutual involvement in the African-American and Asian revolu- Editor, Pan-African News Wire Regarding the Watts Rebellion in Los street activities. In September 1966, Akoi tionary organizations might cause diffi- Angeles, Aoki recounted: “I remember would attend a Black Nationalist confer- culty for the party. “Samurai Among Panthers: when Watts busted loose in 1965. I was ence in San Francisco which brought to- Aoki said that his linking up with the Richard Aoki on Race, Resistance, and working in this one factory where 90 per- gether a number of militant organizations. Panthers was “the greatest political op- a Paradoxical Life,” by Diane C. Fujino. cent of the [300] people working the line The following month, the Black Pan- portunity of my life.” He attributed the Critical American Studies, University were White southerners. Half of them ther Party for Self Defense was formed in decimation of the Panthers to the heavy of Minnesota Press, 2012 didn’t show up for work the day after the Oakland with Huey P. Newton and Bobby repression by the FBI and police agen- This account by Diane C. Fujino of the Watts riots.” Seale as the co-founders. Aoki assisted in cies, the forcing into exile and imprison- life of Richard Aoki, a Japanese-American Aoki states: “I asked the foreman, ‘We distributing the Panther 10-point program ment of its key leadership, the assassina- who, along with his parents, spent time in got to get the show on the road. Where the and soon he was appointed as a captain for tions of officials within the organization, an internment camp in the United States hell is everybody?’ He said, ‘Man they’re the establishment of a branch in Berkeley, and the turn toward reformism and elec- during World War II, covers an important at home in Richmond or wherever in the with him being the only member. toral politics by 1973. period in history when the Civil Rights, tract homes, and they got their front doors But Aoki notes: “Even with these prob- left and Black Power movements had a barricaded and their guns out for that Black Panthers and Red Guards lems, I stand behind my conviction that the tremendous impact in the U.S. invasion coming in from Watts.’ I said, He recounts how a group of Asian formation of the BPP was one of the great- Born in 1938, Aoki was three-and-a-half ‘There ain’t going to be no invasion com- Americans went to Bobby Seale and David est things to happen to twentieth-century years old when his family was relocated to ing from Watts.’” Hilliard requesting to join the Panthers. America as far as the struggle for freedom, the Tanforan Assembly Center in San Bru- Aoki concluded that “on the one hand, At the time, membership was restricted justice, and equality is concerned. It may no, Calif. They were later transferred to these coworkers of mine were strong to African Americans. They soon came up not have been the perfect organization, but the Topaz, Utah, concentration camp. The union people, you know proletarian-ori- with the idea of forming a Panther-like I’m amazed at its importance not only in strain of the internment camps led to the ented, class-conscious workers. But when organization called the Red Guards in San the world but in my personal life.” separation of Aoki’s parents, which had a it came to race, half the workers, being Francisco. The organization was a close In 1969, his attention would focus on tremendous impact on him as a youth. White southerners, were freaked out over ally of the Panther Party. the Third World Liberation Front, which Aoki grew up in the predominantly Watts. I was stunned.” Aoki was also a leading member of the led the student strike at Berkeley. Out of African-American community in West The first contact Aoki made with the Asian American Political Alliance, which this struggle, ethnic studies — encompass- Oakland, Calif. His working-class mother left was with the Socialist Workers Party had a revolutionary perspective. His ac- ing Black, Latino/a and Asian curricula — raised her sons on less than two dollars an and their youth wing, the Young Socialist tivities with the Panthers, the Red Guard were developed. This was part of the battle hour during the 1950s. Alliance. Fujino dates Aoki’s involvement and the AAPA would soon cause him for ethnic studies across the U.S. Aoki described himself at the time as with the YSA to as early as 1961. problems with the SWP/YSA. Aoki finished his graduate work and politically anti-communist, but soon he When he entered the University of Cali- After delivering a report on the Black became a counselor and administrator would pick up a book by Eugene Debs, fornia at Berkeley, Aoki became involved Nationalist conference to the SWP, the within the California university system. the socialist organizer and presidential with the Vietnam Day Committee and the party wanted to reassign him to work on During the 1990s, he advocated for the candidate in the early 20th century. He Tricontinental Movement. His emphasis issues unrelated to the national question. freedom of Mumia Abu-Jamal and other found Debs inspiring and would go on to was on the emergent Black revolutionary He rejected this suggestion and would political prisoners and opposed the re- study the history of the labor movement. movement and Third World radicalism. later resign from the SWP after they ex- peal of affirmative action programs in He landed a job in a factory during this Aoki had known Huey P. Newton pressed concerns that his activities with California. He died in 2009. Page 6 May 24, 2012 workers.org

OAKLAND Police kill another Black youth By Terri Kay been killed. Blueford’s Oakland, Calif. father, Adam Blueford, had been on the phone Alan Blueford, an 18-year-old Black with him shortly before youth, was shot and killed by the Oak- the incident. The family land Police Department in East Oakland rushed to the police sta- on May 6. He and two friends were wait- tion only to have to wait WW PHOTO: TERRI KAY ing for some young women on a corner another two hours be- Protesters rally outside Oakland police station. at 90th and Birch. OPD cops approached fore their son’s identity them with guns drawn for no justifi able and status were confi rmed. Both of his parents, his cousin and other a rally at the Eastmont Mall Police substa- reason. Their apparent “crime” was being The media are trying to blame the vic- friends spoke in Blueford’s memory and tion. Several hundred people from the Black Black young men on a corner. tim after the fact, simply because he was talked about their determination to get community, Occupy Oakland and other ac- Blueford ran for two blocks, after which on juvenile felony probation. The cops justice for their loved one. Other speakers tivists marched and rallied in protest, de- he was shot three times by one of the cops. had actually been called to respond to an- included Cephus Johnson, Oscar Grant’s manding justice for Blueford. Chants includ- The cop originally claimed Blueford had other incident, but stopped to hassle the “Uncle Bobby,” and M.C. Hammer, a close ed, “No justice, no peace, no racist police!” shot him in the stomach, but the latest three young Black men instead. friend of the Bluefords. Diop Olugbala, “OPD you can’t hide, we charge you with OPD report said that the cop actually shot from the International Peoples Demo- genocide!” and “Jail the killer cops now!” himself in the foot. In other words, all shots Community rallies against OPD cratic Uhuru Movement, also spoke. The The family is planning to confront the fi red were from the offi cer’s own gun. The Blueford’s family and friends organized day before Blueford’s killing, that group Oakland City Council at its next meeting shooting offi cer has yet to be identifi ed. a vigil for the slain youth on May 11 in had held a march and trial for Black jus- on May 15 at Oakland City Hall. They will Blueford, who was preparing to gradu- front of the OPD headquarters in down- tice and reparations in the East Oakland demand a full report be released, including ate from Skyline High School, was left ly- town Oakland. More than 100 people neighborhood where Blueford was killed. the name of the cop who killed Alan Blue- ing in the street for more than four hours. gathered to show their sympathy for the The vigil was followed by a march and ford; they also plan to demand a full inves- The injured cop, on the other hand, was family and their anger at yet another out- rally on May 12, starting at the street corner tigation into the killing. They are calling on rushed to the hospital for his self-infl icted rageous murder by the OPD. where Blueford was killed and ending with the community to be there in support and wound. The other two Black youth were to occupy the City Council. held for questioning for six hours and then released. It wasn’t until Blueford’s friends were released and able to call that Blue- DEMAND JUSTICE ford’s parents learned their son had FOR VICTIMS OF RACISM, Carlos Montes’ trial sparks protests

By Scott Sche er warrant that FBI agents produced Los Angeles when they raided the Minneapolis offi ce of the Anti-War Committee in Movement activists are poised September 2010. to protest the frame-up of veteran Twenty-three activists were Chicano organizer Carlos Montes subpoenaed over the next several in Los Angeles. Montes’ trial is set months. All those activists have for May 15. bravely and defi antly refused thus Montes was a founder of the far to answer questions in front of North Carolina marchers Brown Berets, a founder of La- a grand jury. In fact they formed the oppose Amendment One. tinos Against the War, and a Committee to Stop FBI Repression founder and leading activist in in order to combat the attack on the Southern California Immigra- the movement. Refusing to testify NORTH CAROLINA VICTORY IN MIDST OF DEFEAT tion Coalition. He was featured in before a grand jury can result in jail the HBO movie “Walkout” about sentences. the East Los Angeles high school In May 2011, an FBI SWAT team, Anti-gay amendment spurs solidarity walkouts that won important vic- along with Los Angeles County tories for Chicano/a students in Sheriffs, smashed down the door 1968. to Montes’ home at dawn and ar- By Andy Koch His activism has made him a rested him. Their conduct belied Durham, N.C. popular and respected fi gure in their claim that the case is over gun the Los Angeles movement. His possession. Progressive-minded people across the case has drawn union support During more than 40 years of United States watched with dismay on May as well. Hundreds of supporters activism, Montes had accumulated 8 as North Carolina became the 30th state have turned out thus far at court writings and other papers, as well to pass a constitutional amendment defi n- appearances. as photos of many demonstrations. ing marriage as between one man and one PHOTO: ROBERT STUART LOWDEN Despite local and national support for Carlos Montes With Montes handcuffed, the agents woman. However, the feeling here in North Montes during a series of pre-trial court spent hours going through a 40-year ac- Carolina is not one of defeat, but of power appearances, Superior Court Judge George all gun permits must be. Yet the charges cumulation of papers, writings and pho- and hope. The struggle against the amend- Lomeli repeatedly passed on the opportu- against him now center around questions tos, questioning him about the Freedom ment was one of the broadest and most dy- nity to throw out the FBI’s phony case. answered on that permit application. Road Socialist Organization and taking namic the state has seen in years, involving The charges against Montes stem from Two of the original six charges have his computer and cell phone. Clearly this hundreds of community and faith-based a 1969 arrest when police attacked a dem- been dismissed because of the statute of was a political raid by a repressive arm of groups and more than 16,000 volunteers. onstration demanding Chicano studies at limitations. If the prosecution succeeds the capitalist state. “Our win is humongous,” said Kai Lu- East L.A. College. Montes was a leading in getting the 1969 arrest characterized as District Attorney Steve Coolie’s offi ce mumba Barrow, Southerners On New organizer of the demonstration. A cop a felony, such charges as perjury, felony has been fl ooded with phone calls de- Ground organizer, in a video the group claimed he was hit by an empty soda can; possession of a fi rearm and felony pos- manding that the charges against Mon- released on May 9, “because our dialogue then cops charged Montes with throwing session of ammunition could stick, and tes be dropped. An online petition sent is not just about gay marriage. It’s moving the can. Montes could face two to three years in out by the International Action Center toward a dialogue about what does it mean Prosecutors are sticking with their prison for each of four charges. (iacenter.org) has gathered thousands of for poor people, people of color, queer claim that the 1969 arrest was a felony, signatures. people coming together to fi ght for each even though the defense produced a Behind phony charges The trial is set for 8 a.m. starting May other’s liberation. This amendment made document from 1969 that calls it a misde- There is a crystal-clear connection be- 15 at the Criminal Courts Building, 13th that possible.” meanor — a vital legal difference. tween the phony charges against Montes fl oor, Department 100 at 210 West Tem- North Carolina already had a statute on Montes is a legal gun owner. His appli- and an earlier FBI campaign targeting ple Ave. in Los Angeles. More informa- the books prohibiting gay marriage. So why cation to purchase a fi rearm in 2009 was organizers in another region of the coun- tion about support for Montes and how pass this new constitutional amendment? approved by the U.S. Justice Dept — as try. Montes’ name was listed on a search you can help is at stopfbi.net. For one thing, the wording of the amend- workers.org May 24, 2012 Page 7

ANOTHER RACIST OUTCOME The conviction of Marissa Alexander By Monica Moorehead bail indefinitely until he goes to trial. No apply to Alexander because she fired the date has been set for his trial, and his gun out of “anger,” not “fear.” All around the U.S. and the world, people whereabouts are unknown. Martin’s par- It didn’t seem to matter to the prosecu- are reacting with justifiable outrage and ents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, are tor that Alexander had medical records Marissa Alexander shock at the harsh prison sentence leveled demanding that the Department of Justice to prove that she had cuts and bruises on against Marissa Alexander, an African- bring federal charges against Zimmerman her body from the abuse. In fact, Alexan- Daytona Beach, Fla., to Sanford, Fla., to American mother of three, in Jacksonville, for violating their son’s civil rights. der had been the one accused of spousal demand justice for Martin. Fla. Alexander was sentenced to 20 years in In an ironic act that can only be charac- abuse, not the estranged spouse who had Alexander and her family announced prison on May 11 for using the “Stand Your terized as a gross injustice, Corey pushed a documented history of abuse against plans to appeal the sentence. A petition in Ground” law to protect herself from her for prosecuting Alexander. In August 2010, other women. support of freeing Alexander can be found abusive ex-spouse. This state law supposed- following a physical attack by her spouse Greg Newburn, Florida project direc- at tinyurl.com/7s5b7l7. ly upholds the right to self-defense for any- after the birth of her third child, Alexander tor for Families Against Mandatory Mini- It is important for activists to link the one who feels threatened with bodily harm. used a registered handgun to shoot a single nums, said in response to the Alexander struggles for justice for Alexander and The SYG law was used by vigilante George bullet into the wall of their home to force case: ”Florida’s mandatory, 10-20-life gun Martin. Both are victims of a racist judi- Zimmerman, who claimed he felt threat- him to back off. Her spouse had a history law forced the Court to impose an arbitrary, cial system under the guise of the SYG law, ened by an unarmed 17-year-old Black of repeatedly abusing her, including dur- unjust and completely inappropriate sen- which was backed by the reactionary Na- youth, Trayvon Martin, whom he fatally ing her last pregnancy. tence. As long as Florida keeps its inflex- tional Rifle Association. The interpreta- shot on Feb. 26 in Sanford, Fla. The police Alexander was immediately jailed fol- ible gun sentencing laws, we will continue tion of this law is being used to persecute initially refused to arrest Zimmerman for lowing her arrest and never received bail to see cases like Ms. Alexander’s.” (Huff- the most oppressed in Florida, especially this killing because he invoked the law. even though she had no prior criminal re- ington Post, May 12) Newburn’s group is African Americans and women of color. In response to mass protests throughout cord and no one was hurt when she fired organizing to repeal these repressive laws. Justice for Alexander means the im- the U.S. and even worldwide demanding the gun. When the sentence against Alexan- mediate overturning of her conviction Zimmerman’s arrest, an appointed spe- She was convicted on three counts of ag- der was read by the judge, members of and her release from prison to be with cial prosecutor, Angela Corey, was forced gravated assault with a deadly weapon. It Dream Defenders, a youth-led civil rights her children. Justice for Martin means to announce on April 11 that Zimmerman took the jury just 12 minutes to convict her. group, stood in the courtroom chanting, revoking Zimmerman’s bail, finding him had been charged with the second-degree The prosecutor’s office offered Alexan- “No justice, no peace!” and sang, “We guilty and having him spend the rest of murder of Martin. der a plea bargain which would have re- who believe in freedom will not rest un- his life in prison. This kind of real justice On April 20, after spending just nine days duced her sentence to three years if she ac- til it’s won.” (fightbacknews.org, May will only happen when a sustained mass in jail, Zimmerman was released on $15,000 cepted. She refused the offer, hoping that 14) The police physically removed them movement fights for it, using occupations a jury would acquit her. Corey from the courtroom. The Defenders also and other tactics in the struggle against stated that the SYG law did not organized a 40-mile walk in April from racist injustice. FOR VICTIMS OF RACISM, BIGOTRY & REPRESSION JUNE 4 SENTENCING Campaign to free CeCe McDonald continues

By Kris Hamel charges against McDonald to be dropped. [In April], supporters delivered to Hen- The second-degree murder trial of nepin County Attorney Michael Freeman Chrishaun “CeCe” McDonald in Minne- a petition for dropping the charges with apolis started April 30 and ended May 2. over 15,000 signatures and dozens of let- McDonald’s situation highlights the anti- ters of support for McDonald from orga- transgender bigotry and racism rampant in nizations and prominent individuals from society, as well as the inability of the “jus- around the globe.” (supportcece.word- tice” system to mete out justice for the op- press.com, May 2) NORTH CAROLINA VICTORY IN MIDST OF DEFEAT pressed. McDonald, a young African-American Criminalized for ghting back, surviving trans woman, survived a racist, anti-trans Transgender people of color face vio- Anti-gay amendment spurs solidarity attack in July 2011. As she and her friends, lence, murder and injustice daily through- all of them youths, African-American out the United States. For surviving her and queer or allied, walked to a grocery attack, McDonald is criminalized. Others ment not only bans same-sex marriage, but store late one night, they were brutally set are not so “lucky.” would wipe out legal protections for women upon by a group of racist whites outside On April 16, Paige Clay was found dead and children in physically abusive unmar- a bar. McDonald was hit in the face with in Chicago’s West Garfield Park from a sin- ried partnerships, as well as numerous oth- a glass and her cheek severely punctured. gle gunshot to her forehead. Clay, 23, was a er rights that such couples currently hold. WW PHOTO: LESLIE FEINBERG She was jailed and was the only person trans woman of color. No one has been ar- CeCe McDonald touches hands with Leslie The amendment’s right-wing authors in charged after a melee that left one of her rested for her murder. Brandy Martell was Feinberg, WW managing editor, author and the state Legislature would tell you that a attackers, a racist complete with a swas- shot and killed on April 29 in Oakland, Ca- LGBTQ leader, through the plexiglass bar- constitutional amendment ensures that the tika tattooed on his body, dead. lif., as she sat in her car, talking with three ricade during a recent visit. conservative definition of marriage is pro- Originally charged with second-degree trans friends. The killer fired even as she tected from being altered in the future. Such felony murder and facing a possible sen- tried to drive away. Martell, 37, was a trans this system is not designed to deliver jus- reactionary beliefs were a motivator for leg- tence of decades in prison, McDonald woman of color and a peer advocate for tice to young trans women of color. We islators and supporters of the amendment. agreed to the prosecution’s offer of plead- transgender people in need of psychologi- are going to continue to support CeCe as ing guilty to a reduced charge of second- cal and medical assistance. No arrests have she goes through this process and contin- Building solidarity is key degree manslaughter, with a prison term been made. (xojane.com, May 9) ue to stand for justice for all trans people But in order to understand these kinds of of 41 months. The National Coalition of Anti-Vio- and people of color so that this is the last oppressive attacks as a social phenomenon, Katie Burgess, of the Trans Youth Sup- lence Programs issued a report in 2011 on time a young trans woman of color has to we have to look at the class forces at work. port Network, stated in a press release: “hate” violence motivated by gender iden- go through this.” The capitalist ruling class is in some seri- “The executed sentence will be reduced tity and expression, sexuality and HIV Supporters in Minneapolis and sur- ous hot water right now. Their system is in by one-third, for ‘good time’ and credit status. A whopping 70 percent of anti-les- rounding areas are urged to attend her crisis. They’ve had to pull out every trick in for the time McDonald has served pend- bian/gay/bi/trans murders in 2010 were sentencing on June 4 at 1:30 p.m., in the their book to keep profits up — like starting ing this resolution. of people of color. Forty-four percent of courtroom of Hennepin County Judge new wars and the huge bank bailouts — yet “The plea agreement comes nearly a these victims were transgender women. Daniel Moreno. A petition urging Min- they are still struggling. Importantly, the year after McDonald was arrested, inter- (colorlines.com, July 18) nesota’s governor to pardon McDonald people of the U.S. are fighting back against rogated, denied adequate medical care for McDonald, like other trans women, can be signed at change.org/petitions/ their rulers on a scale not seen in decades. a laceration she suffered during the at- will most likely face threats of sexual and gov-mark-dayton-pardon-cece-mcdon- This is what scares the capitalist ruling class tack and held in solitary confinement for other violence when she is incarcerated in ald. Visit supportcece.wordpress.com for most of all. a month for being a transgender person. an all-male facility. more information on how to support jus- So what does the ruling class do? Every- During the pre-trial proceedings, sup- The struggle for justice for McDonald tice for McDonald and other trans people Continued on page 10 porters raised worldwide support for the continues. Stated Burgess: “We know that and people of color. Page 8 May 24, 2012 workers.org

Protesters tell Spanish gov’t: ‘No bread, no peace!’

By John Catalinotto activists held all-night discussions, po- lice forced the remaining thousands out One year after the “indignant ones” be- early in the morning, arresting 12. In all Madrid’s gan their struggle to undermine the Span- participating cities, police refused demon- Puerta del Sol, ish state, mass marches protested the at- strators their right to a public, democratic May 12. tack of the 1% on the people and tried to meeting space. PHOTO: FOTOGRACTION take back the public space they had been Slogans popularized by the crowds re- forced to cede. Police again arrested doz- flected the drastic economic downturn ens to deny public assemblies to workers, for workers in Spain, especially for youth. friendly to the protests. As it became ap- submission to the European bankers’ de- unemployed youths and seniors, all de- Some of the ones seen in photos or chant- parent that the open assemblies were mands. prived of their futures. ed on videos were, “No layoffs, no evic- turning into centers that could generate Federal leaders in the two major trade The movement’s persistence indicates a tions!” and “No bread, no peace!” real struggle, the media began demoniz- union confederations (CCOO and UGT) “re-politicization” of youth. The corporate Despite differences in class-struggle ing the protesters and the police attacked. had made compromises with the PSOE media’s current charges that this move- history between Spain and the U.S., there The process was similar to that of the regime that conceded many rights. Thus, ment has been taken over by extreme left- are enough similarities in the current de- Occupy movement in the United States. these unions — at least on a federal level ists are undoubtedly exaggerated. Still, velopments that each working class can At the same time that workers’ con- — have lost credibility as fighting forces. these charges reflect the Spanish ruling learn from the other’s experiences. ditions plunged in the U.S. starting in Young people look to the smaller, more class’s fears of a new upsurge of struggle 2008, they dropped off a cliff in Spain. grass-roots unions like the Cobas or the that will break the confines of establish- Struggle opened May 15, 2011 Current official unemployment is 23 per- CGT. ment institutions like parliament and The Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings 17 cent overall there, 50 percent for young In regions with a strong conscious- business unionism. months ago inspired the Indignant move- people. Meanwhile, the regime has pro- ness of national oppression — such as the Organizers said hundreds of thousands ment of youth already suffering from moted laws stripping workers of protec- Basque Country in the northeast and Gali- filled streets and squares in nearly 100 the capitalist economic crisis. Surpris- tions against layoffs and cutting pensions, cia in the northwest — the local unions cities and towns on May 12. Solidarity ing nearly everyone, the indignant ones health care and education. have maintained their struggle reputation “12M15M” protests took place in another seized Puerta del Sol in Madrid and Plaza There are 175 home evictions daily. with strong general strikes. 200 cities in Europe, and in Africa, South Catalunya in Barcelona on May 15, 2011, This reflects the housing bubble’s defla- On May 15, the movement plans to once and Central America, and even in the U.S. holding on to them for weeks. tion in 2008 after a decade of credit-driv- again attempt to take back public space. and Canada. Thousands then filled not only these en expansion. They need this for democratic discussion The largest assemblies were in Madrid’s plazas, but also many more public spaces Both the previous “Socialist” (PSOE) on what to do next to confront what more Puerta del Sol central square and Barce- in dozens of cities throughout the coun- government and the current center-right and more people are beginning to realize lona’s Plaza Catalunya. In Madrid, after try. Initially, the corporate media were (PP) regime have promoted austerity and is an unresolvable capitalist crisis. Outside BOA in Detroit Protest calls for moratorium on debt service By Abayomi Azikiwe disenfranchised and the public school sys- Defense Committee, the Southeast Michi- Local 600 Vice President A. J. Freer, and Editor, Pan-African News Wire tem is under the control of an emergency gan Jobs With Justice Coalition, United City Councilperson JoAnn Watson. Detroit manager. Efforts aimed at forcing the Auto Workers Local 600 and the Com- A statement read by the Moratorium Banks are responsible for the destruc- state to nullify Public Act 4, the so-called mittee for Justice for Aiyana Jones — was NOW! Coalition at the demonstration tion of many cities, and Detroit is a prime “dictator law,” have been thwarted by two the first of its kind in the city that spe- pointed out: “The Mayor and the City example, according to demonstrators who Republican members of the State Board cifically focused on the need to stop the Council (5-4 vote) caved in to Gov. Rick gathered outside the downtown Bank of of Canvassers who said that the petitions banks from draining the municipal trea- Snyder and Wall Street by handing the America on May 9 in solidarity with the with 226,000 signatures had the wrong- sury. The Financial Stability Agreement is City over to a Financial Advisory Board. protest that took place in Charlotte, N.C., sized font so they were therefore invalid. mandating large-scale employee and ser- The purpose of the FAB is to guarantee the that same day. In all, more than 200 such The demonstration at BOA, called by vice cuts that include up to 3,500 layoffs looting of Detroit by the banks by insuring demonstrations took place across the the Moratorium NOW! Coalition to Stop and closing the departments of health and the ‘payment in full of the scheduled debt United States. Foreclosures, Evictions & Utility Shutoffs, human services. service requirements on all bonds, notes This embattled city was recently forced demanded that city politicians refuse to and municipal securities’ (Public Act 4).” Don’t pay the banks! into a “Financial Stability Agreement,” pay debt service to the banks and instead The statement stressed that the “Snyder which mandates payment of over $16 keep public monies to fund municipal After picketing at Bank of America, the financial review team reported the City billion to financial institutions. Bank of jobs, public transportation and human demonstrators marched through the finan- of Detroit paid $597 million to the banks America is the second-largest holder of services. Gathering outside the bank at cial district to City Hall, where a rally was in 2010 for debt service. The same banks municipal debt in the U.S. rush hour, protesters chanted, “Money held. Speakers included anti-foreclosure that destroyed the neighborhoods of De- In Detroit, which has perhaps been the for the city, not for banks!” attorney Vanessa Fluker, Wayne County troit by their racist, predatory, sub-prime, hardest hit municipality in the current This demonstration — which was en- Commissioner Martha G. Scott, Moratori- criminal mortgages will be assured of get- economic crisis, the electorate has been dorsed by the Occupy Detroit Eviction um NOW! organizer Jerry Goldberg, UAW ting paid from the City’s treasury.”

especially since this region is home to well over 60 percent of all foreign direct ‘99% Spring’ hits Wall St. South economic investment — the construction of industrial productive factories — and Continued from page 1 constitutional amendment that banned all a vast unorganized, non-union, low-wage their homes. Some demanded the federal civil unions and rights of domestic part- work force who offer a vast potential for government put a moratorium on fore- ners. This reactionary amendment passed organization. closures altogether, so families can stay during the May 8 primary ballot. The time is ripe for a mass, militant in their homes while payment terms are march on Wall Street South — Charlotte negotiated. Protesters take the streets — that can truly unite all sectors of the “Let Johnny in, let Johnny in!” chanted Protesters then began marching up working class from across the region. This the marchers in support of Johnny Rosa, Trade Street and south on Tryon Street, will be the next giant step forward for full an African-American man whose home completely blocking one direction of democratic rights and ownership over all BOA was foreclosing on. Rosa was sim- traffic as they marched toward the Bank the factories, the schools, the banks and all ply asking for a voice at the table to be of America stadium, where President institutions that make society run. It can heard by the bank’s top executives. Cops Barack Obama will give his acceptance truly challenge the ownership and prop- swarmed Rosa, threw him to the ground speech during the September Democratic erty rights of the 1% and begin to leverage and quickly arrested him, but not without National Convention. Environmental ac- WW PHOTO: DANTE STROBINO power and democratic control of these in- Protesters to BOA: ‘No business as usual!’ the crowd standing up for him. tivists, who draped a huge banner over its stitutions in the hands of the 99%. Four other courageous protesters were facade days before the protest, now call onstrate an even bigger challenge to the Organizers call on people from all over also arrested throughout the course of the this arena “Bank of Coal stadium.” big banks, corporations and both corpo- the U.S. to join them in the streets of day, most in planned civil disobedience. Yen Acala, member of Occupy Char- rate parties during the DNC. Charlotte from Sept. 2-6 during the Dem- Many other movement leaders spoke, lotte and leader in the Coalition to March All regions of the country will have ocratic National Convention. You won’t including members of All of Us NC, a lesbi- on Wall Street South, underlined the sig- their own face, their own struggles. That want to miss it! an, gay, bi, transgender, queer organization nificance of the May 9 event, saying it will such a struggle movement is now brew- For more information, visit wallst- that led a grassroots fight against a state help spark people’s enthusiasm to dem- ing in the U.S. South has epic potential, south.org. workers.org May 24, 2012 Page 9

Bangladeshi protest vs. Excerpted from a Socialist Party of ensure U.S. dominance over the region, Bangladesh release. including Nepal, all of South Asia and Vietnam, with India as Washington’s local Bangladeshi workers protested the visit crony. U.S.-India state visitors of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clin- The “USA and India both have expand- ton and Indian Finance Minister Pranab ed their markets in our country to export Mukherjee to Bangladesh on May 4. their capital to exploit our cheap labor,” The Socialist Party of Bangladesh, Khalequzzaman said. “Our garments sec- which is the main revolutionary work- tor is one of the stunning examples of ers’ party in the country, organized the USA’s exploitation here. … Now they plan protest in Dhaka, the capital. Among the to loot our natural resources [of] oil, gas, main speakers was SPB General Secretary coal etc., especially the huge gas reserve Comrade Khalequzzaman. in our deep sea area.” In his speech Khalequzzaman stated The SPB leader criticized Bangladesh’s that the U.S. is the leader of the pro-war government and opposition pro-capitalist imperialist powers. “We saw the brutality parties for their “immoral, corrupted and of their policy in Iraq, Afghanistan, and destructive politics” and for “compromis- Palestine. We have witnessed their policy ing with the imperialist forces.” very recently in the Arab zone. Presently “Taking advantage of this situation, South and Southeast Asia [have] become US-India imperialist force is trying to in- a playground for imperialist maneuvers, terfere in our internal affairs.” He called intrigues and conspiracies.” on “left-progressive-democratic minds to Khalequzzaman saw the visit from unite” to form a left alternative “to resist Clinton and Mukherjee as a threat to Ban- this imperialist aggression and the native PHOTO: SOCIALIST PARTY OF BANGLADESH May 4 march in Dhaka. gladeshi sovereignty whose purpose is to exploiters.” Result of U.S.-NATO war on Libya: Corruption, torture, chaos By Abayomi Azikiwe With the exposure of widespread cor- (Agence France Presse, May 11) anti-Gadhafi rebellion began in February Editor, Pan-African News Wire ruption in Libya, the interim finance min- The detainees are accused of fighting 2011, the so-called Barqa Council, have re- ister Hassan Ziglam announced on May in the Libyan military against the 2011 jected the election process and are calling The regime that NATO and the Pen- 11 that he would soon resign. The reason uprising or against air or sea attacks. The for a boycott. The leadership within the re- tagon brought to Libya denies human for his departure is the “wastage of public NTC regime passed a law that ordered gion, which calls itself the Council of Cyre- rights, breeds corruption and is leading funds.” (Reuters, May 11) militias to round up for prosecution any- naica, is pushing for autonomous status the country toward increasing chaos day Interim Prime Minister Abdurrahim one who supported the former political outside the authority of the NTC in Tripoli. by day. al-Keib, the assassin’s target, called those system that ruled the country for 42 years At the same time, in the southern re- Some 200 disgruntled soldiers who responsible for the shooting, which left and that also eliminated all these people gion of Libya, reports of ongoing conflict were part of the army that the Pentagon at least one person dead, “outlaws.” The from upcoming elections. continue. Fighting over the last several and NATO backed in the military mission various militia groups scattered through- Threats against supporters of the for- months between what is described as the against the Libyan government during out the capital of Tripoli and other parts mer Gadhafi government also extend out- Toubou people and Arab tribesmen has 2011 tried to assassinate interim Prime of the country have never been brought side Libya. The previous oil minister and killed many. Minister Abdurrahim al-Keib on May 8. together into a national army. Prime Minister Dr. Shokri Ghanem was On May 14, the Agence France Presse re- These rebel soldiers were reportedly an- Other allegations of corruption over the found dead, floating in the Danube River ported, “A candidate in the upcoming poll gry over the cancellation of monthly pay- last several months have included irregu- in Vienna in late April. for a constituent assembly was murdered ments to ground troops who were militia larities with the Libyan Investment Au- The son of Moammar Gadhafi, Seif al- in Libya’s southern desert on Sunday members in the campaign that overthrew thority and an unaccounted-for $2.5 bil- Islam, is still being held in a secret prison shortly after submitting his registration.” and assassinated Col. Moammar Gadhafi. lion in oil revenues. The foreign assets the in Zintan and is not being allowed to have The compensation program for the imperialist states froze early in the war on legal representation of his choice. An In- Fruits of imperialist war in Africa rebels, which distributed $1.4 billion, has Libya remain a source of dispute. ternational Criminal Court representative All wars in the past 15 years that the been riddled with fraud. Payments were visited him recently for an interview and U.S. and other imperialist countries have suspended in April. There were reports Human rights ignored witnessed that two of his fingers had been initiated under the pretext of humanitar- that people already dead were on lists of The pretext for the imperialist war severed and a tooth was missing. ian concerns have resulted in worsening militia members and that some who nev- on Libya during 2011 was that the pro- ICC prosecutors are allowing the de- conditions for the masses in the respec- er joined the anti-Gadhafi efforts also re- Gadhafi government was violating the tention of Seif al-Islam inside Libya, al- tive countries. ceived funds. Others who had never been human rights of its citizens. U.N. Secu- though the NTC government claims that In the U.S. itself, the economic crisis is injured were nevertheless sent abroad rity Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 it is not in control of the facility where he causing the destruction of the cities and the “for medical treatment.” backed the war, although no concrete evi- is being held. Any trial held under such rise in racist violence. Runaway military NATO’s war against Libya included an dence of such rights’ violations was ever conditions will be a farce. spending has not created any job growth arms embargo against the Gadhafi govern- uncovered. Meanwhile, the pro-Gadhafi for tens of millions of unemployed workers. ment, a naval blockade, sanctions, seizure government faced an armed rebellion the Sham elections due In Canada, which ostensibly led the of Libya’s foreign assets, and bombing imperialists financed and coordinated. There is no way that the elections NATO operations in Libya, a scandal is and reconnaissance missions involving Reports indicate that the current NTC scheduled for June 19 can be considered emerging over the cover-up of the cost of 26,000 sorties and 10,000 air strikes. Libyan regime is detaining at least 7,000 free and fair. The former officials of the the war. Press reports say that the actual Corruption has been endemic to the so- people inside the country. Many have suf- Gadhafi government and their supporters total cost of the Libya bombing campaign called National Transitional Council since fered torture and/or extrajudicial killings. have been criminalized and many of them for Canada, which was quoted as $50 mil- the inception of last year’s war and after According to Ian Martin, who heads the remain outside the country. lion last October, was actually $347 million, being placed in power in Tripoli in late U.N. mission to Libya, “Cases of mistreat- Meanwhile, the secessionist elements in seven times higher than what has been pre- August. Since the brutal murder of Gad- ment and torture of detainees continue.” the eastern part of the country where the viously stated. (CBC News, May 11) hafi on Oct. 20, billions of dollars have gone missing from the national treasury. A NEW RELEASE AFRICA & IMPERIALISM  Evaluates the Pentagon’s The occupation of Bosnia by inability to prevail in any Articles by Abayomi Azikiwe “ U.S.-led NATO forces takes its toll struggle in this century, con- from the pages of Workers World not only on the peoples who are rmed in Afghanistan and Iraq. n Africa struggles against imperialism subjugated militarily. It also exacts  Alerts us to the danger of a n WikiLeaks on U.S. role in Africa a silent price here in the U.S. The U.S. attack on Iran, greater n Tunisian masses rebel Pentagon is soaking up every now because of U.S. setbacks in Western and Central Asia. n South African workers strike available dollar that could feed or heal or educate or provide em-  Gives perspective on n Famine in the Sahel ployment. And with every dollar it opposing the 1% by building n Women at forefront of liberation struggles absorbs, this military monstrosity solidarity with all oppressed n Africa increases trade with China grows ever more powerful, arro- peoples and groups. gant, and aggressive.” Order from Workers World Order from Workers World 55 W. 17 St., 5C, NY, NY 10011 From the Introduction to 55 W. 17 St., 5C, NY, NY 10011 Enclose $2 (plus $1 shipping) Nato in the Balkans, 1998. Enclose $15.95 for each book for each pamphlet iacenter.org/bosnia/nbtoc.htm plus $3 shipping Page 10 May 24, 2012 workers.org editorial A Black Panther’s view in 1970: The president and Huey P. Newton on gay, same-sex marriage women’s liberation The following speech was given by the decadence of capitalism. I don’t know if that resident Barack Obama’s marriage has been legalized, federal late Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the is the case; I rather doubt it. But whatever recent statement in support of benefi ts of marriage are still denied Black Panther Party, on Aug. 15, 1970, on the case is, we know that homosexuality is a same-sex marriages refl ects the to married same-sex couples. gay and women’s rights. Shelley Ettinger, fact that exists, and we must understand it in P a member of Workers World Party and a its purest form: that is, a person should have hard work of lesbian, gay, bisexual, However, while it is notable that transgender and queer organizations, Obama took this bold step in openly lesbian activist, wrote on her blog, “Read the freedom to use his body in whatever way activists and allies to demand the supporting same-sex marriage, his Red,” about Newton’s speech: “I think it's he wants. right of equality for LGBTQ people. statement made clear that he and important to remember this speech be- That is not endorsing things in homosexu- The fact that Obama made this Washington would not be doing cause the Black liberation movement and ality that we wouldn’t view as revolutionary. statement in an election year — in much to secure that right for LGBTQ even the Black community as a whole are But there is nothing to say that a homosexual which he is obviously concerned with people. After stating that it was his so often slandered as though they're some- cannot also be a revolutionary. And maybe receiving as many votes as possible — personal belief that same-sex couples how more sexist and/or homophobic than I’m now injecting some of my prejudice by speaks as a testament to the changing should be allowed to marry, Obama other movements or other sectors of soci- saying that “even a homosexual can be a rev- consciousness in U.S. society around quickly added, “And I continue to ety, and here we have a great revolution- olutionary.” Quite the contrary, maybe a ho- LGBTQ rights and ending anti- believe that this is an issue that is go- ary leader speaking out just one year after mosexual could be the most revolutionary. LGBTQ bigotry. That consciousness ing to be worked out at the local level, the Stonewall Rebellion, far earlier than When we have revolutionary conferences, has only come through decades of because historically this has not been almost anyone else.” In light of President rallies, and demonstrations, there should be struggle by LGBTQ people and allies. a federal issue.” (ABC News, May 9) Barack Obama’s recent announcement full participation of the gay liberation move- It is also signifi cant that the fi rst Obama made his remarks, in an in support of same-sex marriage, WW is ment and the women’s liberation move- president to come out in support interview with ABC news reporter reprinting in its entirety Newton’s historic ment. Some groups might be more revolu- of same-sex marriage is also the Robin Roberts, just one day af- speech that urged revolutionary class soli- tionary than others. We should not use the country’s fi rst African-American ter North Carolina passed a state darity with these oppressed groupings. actions of a few to say that they are all re- president. Capitalism always at- constitutional amendment defi ning actionary or counter-revolutionary, tempts to divide workers and tell marriage as solely between a man and uring the past few years strong because they are not. them that they do not share the same a woman. Dmovements have developed We should deal with the fac- interests. In this instance, the Black African-American Rep. James among women and among ho- tions just as we deal with any community is consistently baited in Clyburn of South Carolina called mosexuals seeking their libera- other group or party that claims the corporate media as being anti- Obama’s upholding of states’ rights a tion. There has been some un- to be revolutionary. We should LGBTQ — despite the fact that many mistake: "If we consider this to be a certainty about how to relate to try to judge, somehow, whether people in the LGBTQ community are civil right, and I do, I don’t think civil these movements. they are operating in a sincere rev- African American, and that many of rights ought to be left up to a state- Whatever your personal opinions olutionary fashion and from a their family members and friends are by-state approach. I think we should and your insecurities about homosexu- really oppressed situation. also African American. The media have a national policy on this." ality and the various liberation move- (And we will grant that if even go so far as to demonize African ( MSNBC, May 14) ments among homosexuals and wom- they are women they are countries as being anti-LGBTQ — It was a national approach that en (and I speak of the homosexuals probably oppressed.) If as if the U.S. has some moral high overturned the laws against marriage and women as oppressed groups), we they do things that are ground from which to speak in terms between whites and people of color should try to unite with them in a revo- unrevolutionary or coun- of LGBTQ rights. in 1967. In Loving v. Virginia, the lutionary fashion. ter-revolutionary, then crit- Workers World reporter Frank U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Vir- I say “whatever your insecurities are” be- icize that action. Neisser wrote in 2004: “The right to ginia’s anti-miscegenation laws were cause as we very well know, sometimes our If we feel that the group in spirit marry is a basic question of equality. unconstitutional, laying the basis fi rst instinct is to want to hit a homosexual means to be revolutionary in practice, but There are more than 1,000 benefi ts for the nullifi cation of all race-based in the mouth, and want a woman to be quiet. they make mistakes in interpretation of the on the state and federal level associ- marriage legislation in the U.S. Like We want to hit a homosexual in the mouth revolutionary philosophy, or they do not un- ated with marriage that are currently Obama’s statement, the Supreme because we are afraid that we might be ho- derstand the dialectics of the social forces denied to same-sex partners, includ- Court’s 1967 ruling was a manifesta- mosexual; and we want to hit the women or in operation, we should criticize that and ing numerous tax, insurance, hospital tion of years of struggle by grassroots shut her up because we are afraid that she not criticize them because they are women visitation and bereavement rights. activists and communities. might castrate us, or take the nuts that we trying to be free. And the same is true for Civil unions only provide a small As always, it will be the continued might not have to start with. homosexuals. We should never say a whole number of these and … create an in- struggles of LGBTQ people and their We must gain security in ourselves and movement is dishonest when in fact they ferior second-class status.” (Feb. 19, allies that will win their true and full therefore have respect and feelings for all are trying to be honest. They are just mak- 2004) Even in states where same-sex liberation. oppressed people. We must not use the rac- ing honest mistakes. Friends are allowed to ist attitude that the white racists use against make mistakes. The enemy is not allowed to our people because they are Black and poor. make mistakes because his whole existence Many times the poorest white person is is a mistake, and we suffer from it. But the The Lavender & Red series of articles by Leslie Feinberg, author of the most racist because he is afraid that he women’s liberation front and gay liberation Stone Butch Blues, is now available online. workers.org/lavender-red/ might lose something, or discover some- front are our friends, they are our potential The series includes: thing that he does not have. So you’re some allies, and we need as many allies as possible. kind of a threat to him. This kind of psychol- We should be willing to discuss the inse- Rainbow Solidarity ogy is in operation when we view oppressed curities that many people have about homo- people and we are angry with them because sexuality. When I say “insecurities,” I mean In Defense of CUBA of their particular kind of behavior, or their the fear that they are some kind of threat to This groundbreaking book documents revolutionary Cuba’s particular kind of deviation from the estab- our manhood. I can understand this fear. inspiring trajectory of progress towards liberation of sexu- lished norm. Because of the long conditioning process alities, genders and sexes. Book available at Amazon.com Remember, we have not established a which builds insecurity in the American revolutionary value system; we are only in male, homosexuality might produce cer- the process of establishing it. I do not re- tain hang-ups in us. I have hang-ups my- Anti-gay amendment spurs solidarity member our ever constituting any value that self about male homosexuality. But on the said that a revolutionary must say offensive other hand, I have no hang-up about female Continued from page 7 wage an offensive struggle against the things towards homosexuals, or that a revo- homosexuality. And that is a phenomenon thing they can to put the working class ruling class. They hope that the work- lutionary should make sure that women do in itself. I think it is probably because male and oppressed people on the defen- ing class and oppressed people will be not speak out about their own particular homosexuality is a threat to me and female sive. They take back welfare protec- further divided by LGBTQ oppression. kind of oppression. As a matter of fact, it is homosexuality is not. tions that people won through mass And this division is a very real dan- just the opposite: we say that we recognize We should be careful about using those struggle. They slash state budgets for ger — the U.S. South has had a histori- the women’s right to be free. We have not terms that might turn our friends off. The public services and education. They cally weak labor movement due to the said much about the homosexual at all, but terms “faggot” and “punk” should be delet- smash unions and collective bargain- divisive effects of white supremacy. we must relate to the homosexual move- ed from our vocabulary, and especially we ing rights. The only way that this division can be ment because it is a real thing. And I know should not attach names normally designed Intensifying the oppression of lesbi- overcome is through unconditional through reading, and through my life expe- for homosexuals to men who are enemies an/gay/bi/trans/queer people by put- solidarity among the working class rience and observations that homosexuals of the people, such as [Richard] Nixon or ting discrimination into the state con- and all oppressed people. The progres- are not given freedom and liberty by anyone [John] Mitchell. Homosexuals are not en- stitution is also part of their strategy. sive people of North Carolina don’t in the society. They might be the most op- emies of the people. Capitalists across the country and in feel defeated at the passage of this pressed people in the society. We should try to form a working coalition North Carolina hope the people will be anti-LGBTQ amendment because the And what made them homosexual? Per- with the gay liberation and women’s libera- too busy defending themselves against struggle against it has been a shining haps it’s a phenomenon that I don’t under- tion groups. We must always handle social new attacks on their human rights to example of this kind of solidarity. stand entirely. Some people say that it is the forces in the most appropriate manner. workers.org May 24, 2012 Page 11

A Black Panther’s view in 1970: How to deal with impending crisis Struggle in China, Part 7 Huey P. Newton on gay, Global economic slowdown women’s liberation & leadership struggle in China

By Fred Goldstein state intervention and planning, plus give China. Zhou is firmly in the camp of the when such an anti-capitalist approach is aid to the masses who will be affected by “reform and open up” grouping. He told urgently needed. The Chinese economy is slowing down this slowdown, as the CPC did during the U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner as part of the global economic slowdown 2008-2009 crisis? during recent negotiations in Beijing that Socialist state intervention the answer now engulfing the capitalist world. China Of course, that crisis was far more China should surrender to long-standing With the Chinese economy in an across- is also suffering from internal capitalist acute and severe. Some 20 million manu- U.S. pressure to raise the value of its cur- the-board slowdown in investment, retail contradictions of its own. facturing workers in the eastern prov- rency so that U.S. capitalist exporters sales, exports, imports, electrical energy The leadership of the Communist inces of Guangdong, Zhejiang and other could more easily penetrate the Chinese output, construction and bank lending, Party of China is now confronted with a export-oriented areas lost their jobs. The market and Chinese goods would be more and having to cope with a housing bub- decision about how to deal with this slow- measures taken to counteract this crisis, expensive to sell abroad. ble, manipulating the capitalist market is down. And this decision comes at the very brought on by world capitalism, were The May 3 New York Times quoted a negative prescription for the economy moment that the “reform and open up” massive and effective in creating an equal Zhou as saying: “The two sides have some and potentially spells hardship for the faction has just carried out a political number of jobs and raising the income of views in common. They both think that workers and peasants. Compared to the purge of the forces in the CPC headed the population during the crisis. (See Part exchange rates should be determined by progressive, interventionist manner in by Bo Xilai. Bo’s grouping had wanted 2 of this series, “Capitalist crisis versus a market system.” which the Chinese government reacted to strengthen the state-owned, planning planning,” March 27.) The article continued, “The official also to the 2008-2009 crisis — with massive side of the economy as opposed to those The New York Times of May 13 de- praised recent Chinese policy changes to planning, vigorous intervention by the who wanted to deepen reliance on the scribed the present slowdown: “China’s allow more foreign investment and lib- state-owned enterprises and raising the capitalist market. General Administration of Customs an- eralize markets, an outgrowth of closer income of the lowest-income people — us- The issues in the purge of Bo were stat- nounced on Thursday that growth in im- talks.” ing bourgeois monetary methods to com- ed bluntly by Premier Wen Jiabao. In a ports had come to a virtual halt in April Another key figure in making policy is bat the slowdown would be a drastic step March 14 news conference, Wen blamed compared with a year earlier. The devel- Li Keqiang, who is scheduled to replace backwards. Bo for the “incident” in which Wang Li- opment was unexpected in an economy Wen Jiabao as premier. Stimulating the economy with cheap jun, former police chief of Chongqing, that depends heavily on imported raw The German newspaper Deutsche Welt credit for the capitalists or trying to pro- went to the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu materials as well as on imported comput- explained in its online edition: “Chinese mote recovery through tax breaks would where he is said to have made charges er chips, sophisticated factory tools and Vice Premier Li Keqiang commissioned only make a bad situation worse. Planned, against Bo Xilai and showed documents other high-end imports for its industrial- the study ‘China 2030’ during a visit by socially useful investment that deals with to U.S. officials. ization. [World Bank head] Robert Zoellick in the economic downturn by ensuring the Wen made clear that he linked what “China’s exports also grew half as fast 2010. Li oversees economic policies and well-being of the masses and helping na- he called “the Wang Lijun incident” to a as expected in April. appears to be the most promising candi- tional development is the best antidote to broader agenda. Answering a question “Figures released on Friday by the date to run for office of prime minister in the downturn at the moment. about Chongqing and Wang’s flight to the National Bureau of Statistics in Beijing 2013. The main focus of the World Bank If anything, the developing downturn consulate, Wen said, “We’ve taken the showed that industrial production, fixed- study is the state-owned enterprises, only vindicates the left forces, represent- major decision of conducting reform and asset investment and retail sales in April which have control over the energy sec- ed by Bo, who want to limit the market, opening up in China, a decision that’s all increased somewhat more slowly than tor, raw materials, telecommunications emphasize state intervention and fight crucial for China’s future and destiny.” expected. Separate figures from the cen- and the infrastructure. They dominate the growing economic inequality. (Washington Post, April 26) tral bank also showed weak growth in public sector. Of course, what is needed in the long run But Wen and the “reform and open up” bank lending. “The World Bank suggests implement- is a full-scale return to the socialist road current of which he is the leader are now “China’s central bank has been work- ing oversight of the state-owned compa- and the complete abandonment of the cap- faced with a stark contradiction. Can a ing behind the scenes to make it easier nies by independent, outside managers italist road disguised under the false label deeper reliance on the capitalist market for banks to lend, but so far that appears will help. The managers will ensure the of “market socialism.” The capitalist mar- and the further intervention of imperial- to be having little impact. New loans fell companies are run in accordance with ket and socialist society are totally at odds ist corporations reverse the current slow- to 681 billion yuan in April, down from the rules of the market economy and thus and cannot coexist indefinitely. down in China? Or will the leadership 1,010 billion yuan in March and their become more politically independent. Re- Hopefully, the left can take advantage reverse its current course and strengthen lowest level so far this year.” dundant units should be sold off, which of the present slowdown to regroup and planned state intervention by the state He Weisheng, a China strategist at Ci- will greatly benefit private competition. point to the repetitive crises that are en- banks and the state-owned enterprises tibank, said this reflected weak demand In addition, Zoellick suggests China re- demic to capitalism, both international to counteract the effects of capitalism in for loans rather than insufficient capital duce restrictions and obstacles for private and domestic. What is needed is to go on China? at banks. “The banks have the money to companies.” (“The World Bank warns the political offensive against the right, lend; the problem is that firms don’t see China of an upcoming crisis,” www. begin to chart a course away from depen- Global capitalist economic profitable opportunities to invest, so they dw.de, Feb. 29) dence on the capitalist market and rein- slowdown spreading don’t want to borrow.” (Wall Street Jour- The fact that the highest “reform” of- state socialist norms, including the em- Right now the economy of India is nal, May 11) ficials in charge of the Chinese economy powerment of the workers and peasants. slowing down, as is the Brazilian econo- The People’s Bank of China — the cen- have temporarily won out in the struggle To be continued. my. This is the result of the slow growth tral bank — is reacting to the crisis with against the left forces within the party Goldstein is the author of “Low-Wage of the U.S. and Japanese economies and bourgeois monetary methods similar to establishment — who want to limit the Capitalism” and “Capitalism at a Dead the outright downturn in Europe. Given those of the Federal Reserve Board in the market, emphasize state investment and End.” More information on both books its partial integration with world capital- U.S. It is allowing the banks to have more prioritize the fight against growing in- is available at www.lowwagecapitalism. ism, China cannot but be seriously affect- money to loan to private capitalists. But equality — is a dangerous conjuncture of com. The author can be reached at fgold- ed by this development. they see no profit in any further invest- circumstances. This is the very moment [email protected]. This sharply poses the question of ment and thus don’t want to borrow. what measures to take to protect the Chi- ‘Reformers’ in charge after defeating Bo nese economy and the Chinese workers and peasants from the downturn. Will Among the chief economic officials in MUNDO OBRERO the leadership rely on the capitalist mar- China are Premier Wen Jiabao and Zhou ket, or will it pull back and strengthen Xiaochuan, head of the People’s Bank of Lucha en China 5ta parte

Low-Wage Capitalism Continua de página 12 bería considerar la lucha contra Bo. Él Capitalism What the new globalized levantó la consigna del “PIB Rojo”, que at a Dead End high-tech imperialism means Así que Wenzhou sufría una crisis cap- significa que el desarrollo tiene que ser for the class struggle in the U.S. italista. Hay cerca de 400.000 empresas logrado teniendo en cuenta a los/as tra- Job destruction, LowWageCapitalism.com allí. Quizás un tercio de ellas está en cri- bajadores/as y campesinos/as. Esta con- Overproduction sis. signa está muy lejos de ser una demanda and CRISIS in the Esta crisis en el lugar del nacimiento del para el total restablecimiento del socialis- High-Tech Era High Tech, Low Pay A Marxist analysis of the changing capitalismo chino bajo el régimen post- mo. Pero desde el punto de vista de clase, A Marxist View character of the working class Mao de “socialismo de mercado” es tam- dada la lucha en China, la orientación de bién una crisis para la clase trabajadora de To order send $12 to workers.org/Marcy/HighTech/ Bo es un reflejo de las necesidades de las Wenzhou. Ni una palabra sobre su crisis World View Forum, Low-Wage Capitalism and masas en contraposición a Wen, cuya per- ha sido emitida por el Consejo de Estado. 55 W. 17 St., 5th Fl., High Tech, Low Pay are available spectiva es un copia del programa avan- Se trata solamente de los flujos de capital. NY, NY 10011. at Amazon & bookstores around zado por el Banco Mundial y el capital the country Es en esta perspectiva en la que se de- mundial. Correspondencia sobre artículos en Workers World/Mundo Obrero pueden ser enviadas a: [email protected]

Proletarios y oprimidos de todos los paises unios! Lucha en China, 5ta parte El programa piloto de Wenzhou Después de la expulsión de Bo, el capital da otro paso

Por Fred Goldstein monopolio. Sólo cuando nos acercamos a estos bancos “La industria privada de préstamos en China se estima podemos exitosamente conseguir préstamos, si vamos a que ha crecido 4 billones de yuanes (634 mil millones La campaña en China para desprestigiar a Bo Xilai ha otros lugares es muy difícil. de dólares) el año pasado, según un informe de investig- alcanzado un nuevo crescendo. Todos los periódicos y “Lo que podemos hacer ahora para facilitar el fl ujo de ación por CITIC Securities basada en Beijing. estaciones de radio y televisión en el país han publicado capital privado en el sistema fi nanciero, fundamental- “En Wenzhou, el tamaño de esta industria era de declaraciones ofi ciales y editoriales atacando a Bo y re- mente hablando, es romper este monopolio”. unos 180 millones de yuanes (28,57 miles de millones pitiendo la acusación de que está bajo investigación por El periódico indonesio comentó que “China ha visto de dólares), con casi el 90 por ciento de los/as residen- indeterminadas “violaciones disciplinarias graves”. una explosión de préstamos ilícitos alimentada por las tes de la ciudad involucrados/as en negocios usureros, Las facciones en el liderazgo del Partido Comunista restricciones de crédito, provocando preocupación entre de acuerdo con el Banco de Wenzhou, el mayor banco Chino que están a cargo de esta campaña tienen miedo los líderes sobre un aumento de deudas incobrables y comercial local”. de atacar a Bo por sus políticas progresistas dado que morosidad en el sector privado. Básicamente, esto signifi ca que los préstamos usu- cuando era Secretario del Partido en la megaciudad de “Los dueños de negocios independientes han tenido reros están siendo legalizados, dejando que casi 30 mil Chongqing trató de reducir la desigualdad, construyó que tomar préstamos a tasas de interés muy elevadas de millones de dólares en capital fi nanciero operen a rienda viviendas a bajo costo para los/as trabajadores/as, per- prestamistas informales después de ser rechazados por suelta en Wenzhou. mitió a los/as campesinos/as mudarse a las ciudades y los principales bancos, que favorecen otras empresas promovió “valores socialistas” y el canto de “canciones controladas por el estado”. Banco Mundial y Wenzhou rojas” de la época de la Revolución Cultural. La cita del artículo de la revista Beijing Review refi rién- Irónicamente, el caso de Bo se ha convertido en mo- Capital  nanciero privado chino obtiene gran impulso dose a la creación de capital de riesgo y empresas de tivo de una campaña nacional contra la corrupción, El programa piloto de Wenzhou es un avance más para capital riesgoso es importante tenerla en cuenta. En el implicando que la corrupción y Bo están vinculados de los capitalistas privados. Permite que capitales privados documento de 450 páginas del Banco Mundial titulado alguna manera. fl uyan a la ciudad. Este capital fi nanciero privado puede “China 2030″, copatrocinado por el Centro de Investig- De hecho, Bo inició una campaña de gran alcance en concentrarse y crecer. Mejorará considerablemente la ación del Desarrollo, un órgano del Consejo de Estado, Chongqing contra funcionarios gubernamentales y em- acumulación de capital por parte de la burguesía. hay una fuerte recomendación para que se transformen presarios corruptos, funcionarios del Partido y el sub- El fi nanciamiento privado también debilita el control a los bancos del estado, y parte de esa recomendación mundo criminal. Antes de la expulsión de Bo, su cam- de los bancos del estado sobre las decisiones de inversión incluye confi gurar exactamente el mismo modelo de paña logró mucho apoyo a lo largo de China, la cual está y la asignación de los recursos nacionales. Los bancos del capital fi nanciero privado tal y como se recomienda en plagada de funcionarios corruptos. estado funcionan sobre una base comercial, pero en últi- el programa de Wenzhou. Numerosos funcionarios cercanos a Bo también están ma instancia están bajo la supervisión y la dirección del El documento dice: “una ventaja clave de los mer- bajo investigación mientras la campaña de difamación e Partido Comunista, el gobierno y el aparato de planifi - cados de capital respecto a los bancos surge del hecho intimidación alcanza alturas cada vez mayores. Esto sólo cación del estado. En esta capacidad pueden prestar con- de que varios inversores potenciales valoran oportuni- puede signifi car miedo al apoyo a Bo y la decisión de ter- forme a las prioridades y las políticas del desarrollo na- dades de negocios, lo que puede ayudar a evaluar la via- minarlo. cional, incluso cuando los préstamos entren en confl icto bilidad de las nuevas tecnologías. El capital de riesgo y con los márgenes de ganancias y el mercado capitalista. las industrias privadas de capital riesgoso tendrán que Wen: Romper el “monopolio” de los bancos estatales Los planes para el programa piloto de Wenzhou han desempeñar un mayor papel en el fi nanciamiento de las Mientras tanto, otra secuencia de eventos se ha de- languidecido en el Consejo de Estado por un largo tiem- industrias tecnológicamente avanzadas. sarrollado, culminando en la aprobación del llamado po. Los capitalistas de Wenzhou sufrieron con la crisis Los inversores institucionales también desempe- “Programa piloto Wenzhou”. Esto expone las cuestiones capitalista mundial del 2007-2008 y han estado presion- ñarán un papel cada vez más importante en el desar- políticas subyacentes en la lucha faccionaria. ando para obtener fi nanciamiento y poder recuperarse y rollo del mercado de capitales de China” (“China 2030″ El 15 de marzo, el primer Ministro Wen Jiabao atacó crecer. Según Beijing Review, “la idea de cambiar el en- por el Banco Mundial y el Centro de Investigaciones de públicamente a Bo diciendo: “las reformas han llegado torno fi nanciero de Wenzhou surgió por primera vez a fi - Desarrollo del Consejo de Estado, República Popular de a una etapa crítica. Sin el éxito de las reformas políti- nales de 2011, y la tan esperada decisión llegó cuando las China, pág. 128) cas, las reformas económicas no pueden llevarse a cabo. actividades ilegales de fi nanciamiento privado en Wen- Desde el derrocamiento de Bo, Wen y el Consejo de El resultado de lo que hemos logrado se puede perder. zhou suscitaban disputas fi nancieras y crimen mientras Estado se han apresurado para establecer las institucio- Una tragedia histórica como la Revolución Cultural amenazaban la estabilidad fi nanciera y económica de nes recomendadas por el Banco Mundial que habla por puede ocurrir de nuevo. Cada miembro del partido y Wenzhou. (bjreview.com, 16 de abril) el capital fi nanciero mundial. cada cuadro debe tener un sentido de urgencia”. Al día El debate sobre el experimento de Wenzhou se re- Además de establecer el fi nanciamiento privado para siguiente se anunció que se había destituido a Bo de to- monta más allá de a fi nales de 2011. Obviamente ha sido competir con los bancos estatales, el “experimento” va dos sus cargos. el tema de la lucha interna. De hecho, en un momento a elevar el límite de inversión extranjera de 50 millones Wen ha sido líder de la derecha en el liderazgo del dado el permiso fue concedido para ampliar las cuotas a 200 millones de dólares y ampliar el alcance más Partido Comunista Chino. Impulsó reformas políticas de de inversión extranjera de Wenzhou, pero luego fue can- allá del control del estado. ”La nueva política estipula estilo burgués y la profundización y ampliación del papel celado. Pero el punto importante es que fue sólo después que la inversión máxima directa por año no exceda los del mercado capitalista en China. de que Bo fuera expulsado y Wen y su facción hubieran 200 millones de dólares por persona y 1.000 millones El 28 de marzo Wen presidió una reunión ejecutiva tomado la iniciativa, que fi nalmente fue aprobado este de dólares por varias personas en el mismo proyecto. del Consejo de Estado que aprobó avanzar la legal- desencadenamiento de capital fi nanciero privado en Los inversores pueden formar empresas no fi nancieras ización de préstamos de capital privado a las empresas Wenzhou. en el extranjero ya sea estableciéndolas, fusionándose en la ciudad de Wenzhou, una práctica que había sido La revista Beijing Review continuó: “Según el pro- o compartiendo acciones; pueden también obtener la ilegal. (xi nhuanet.com, 5 de abril) Hasta ese momento, el grama, a los prestamistas informales se les exhortará a propiedad y la administración de empresas no fi nan- derecho a extender préstamos comerciales en Wenzhou registrarse como instituciones privadas de crédito para cieras preexistentes en el extranjero a través de las for- sólo lo tenían los bancos estatales. operar libremente con la bendición del estado. mas mencionadas”. (U.S.-China Policy Foundation, 6 de Wenzhou es una ciudad costera industrial y comercial “La participación del capital privado, en la forma de abril, uscpf.org) de 3 millones, con un área metropolitana de 9 millones. establecer o tomar acciones de los bancos rurales y em- La Beijing Review citó a las autoridades que aprobar- Ha sido centro clave del desarrollo del capitalismo en presas de crédito, es alentado y apoyado en el proceso on los cambios: “La reforma quitará la economía real de China desde el comienzo de la introducción del llamado de reforma. Empresas elegibles de micro fi nanzas po- Wenzhou de la difícil situación en que se encuentra aho- “socialismo de mercado” a fi nales de la década de 1970 drían transformarse en bancos rurales. Fondos privados ra y recuperará la reputación de las empresas privadas bajo Deng Xiaoping. también serían orientados hacia la creación de capitales de Wenzhou”, dijo Zheng Chen’ai, Director de la Aso- Según el Jakarta Globe (en línea) del 4 de abril, Wen y actividades riesgosas, así como otros tipos de organis- ciación de Moda de Wenzhou. declaró por Radio Nacional de China que el país tiene la mos de inversión. “El gobierno tiene como objetivo probar las aguas a necesidad de romper el “monopolio” de los bancos es- “‘El programa señala la dirección en la que el capi- través de Wenzhou y luego acumular experiencias para tatales. tal privado debe ser canalizado. El requisito de registro aplicar la reforma en todo el país”, dijo Guo Tianyong, “En lo que respecta al costo de fi nanciamiento, per- para el capital privado convertirá a los préstamos priva- Director del Centro de Investigaciones de la Industria mítanme decir sinceramente que nuestros bancos están dos ilegales en préstamos formales”, dijo Zhang Yili, Bancaria de China en la Universidad Central de Finan- haciendo una ganancia muy fácilmente. ¿Por qué? Es vice decano de la Escuela de Negocios de la Universidad zas y Economía”. porque algunos bancos grandes están en una posición de de Wenzhou. Continua a página 11