Come to Young Socialist convention .. 3 THE Socialists' brief against gov't spy f"IIes 10 Garment workers discuss Nicaragua 15

. A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF WORKING· PEOPLE VOL. 51/NO. 18 MAY 15, 1987 75 CENTS

1\farroquin wms• • Contras shot Ben Linder 'amnesty' 'at point-blank range' .work permit Brother urges Father details BY HARRY RING NEW YORK -In an important gain for democratic rights, Hector Marroquin, a volu-nteers U.S.-organized Mexican-born socialist, was granted a six­ month work authorization card while his to Nicaragua murder application for residence here is processed under the "amnesty" provision of the new BY HARVEY McARTHUR BY HARVEY McARTHUR Immigration Reform and Control Act. MANAGUA, Nicaragua - "We will MANAGUA, Nicaragua - U.S. en­ For the past decade, the government has tell the truth in every corner of the United gineer Ben Linder was executed by Wash­ prevented Marroquin from working .and States," declared John Linder, brother of ington's contra terrorists as he lay wounded has been trying to deport him because of Ben Linder, the U.S. engineer murdered from a grenade attack, the Linder family his membership in the Socialist Workers by ciA-trai,ned contras while building a told a news conference here May 5. Party. . hydroelectric facility in northern Nicara­ Pledging to speak out throughout the Marroquin said he was "jubilant" at re- · gua. United States against the U.S.-organized · ceiving the work authorization and de­ "Everything the U.S. government has contra war, the family reported new details clared it represented a significant gain in told us about Nicaragua is a lie," John Lin­ of Linder's murder. his long fight against deportation. der told a May 5 news conference here. He He and two Nicaraguan workers were He predicted it would prove a benefit to said the Linder family is returning to the slain April 28 by a contra gang as they all immigrant workers and appealed to sup­ United States to speak out against Wash- worked on a hydroelectric facility in north­ porters of immigrant rights to redouble em Nicaragua. The killers first ftred gre­ their efforts. to ensure that he would be nades, then moved in on the victims. granted the residency the new law entitles INSIDE: Nicaragua pays tribute Ben Linder's father David, a pathologist him to. to Linder. U.S. protests pledge from Portland, Oregon, told reporters he Marroquin asked supporters to send more volunteers to Nicaragua. met with the Nicaraguan doctor who per­ messages to INS Commissioner Alan Nel-. formed the autopsies. son in Washington, D.C.,. urging swift, See page 2. "The examining physician and I agree positive action on his residency. Ben Linder working on a.hydroelectric that Benjamin was first immobilized by In the early morning hours of May 5, ington' s "illegal and immoral war against project before his murder by terrorists. [grenade] injuries to his legs and arms," opening day to file for legal status under , Nicaragua" and to urge thousands of U.S. Linder told the news conference. "He was the new law, Marroquin was at the door of volunteers to come here to work on pro­ then killed by a gunshot wound to the head. the Immigration and Naturalization Service jects like the one Ben Linder was part of. United States," she said. "I am grateful that The powder bums suggest that he was shot .office set up here to receive applications. Elisabeth Linder, Ben's mother, told the Ben had this three-and-a-half years in Nic­ at very close range, possibly two feet or He was number two in line. But a Pales­ news ..conference that the U.S. government aragua." less away. tinian immigrant who had been there since murdered her son "for bringing electricity . John Linder said that in response to his "What I am telling you is that they blew ,.! .\ 4:30a.m. relinquished first place to Marro­ to a few, poor people in northern Nicara­ brother's murder, "More Americans his brains out at point-blank range as he lay quin on learning the facts of his case. gua. He was murdered because he had a should do what Ben did," by coming to wounded." "I've been waiting for a green card for dream and because he had the courage to Nicaragua to help bring more electricity, Pablo Rosales, one of the Nicaraguans eight years," the Palestinian told a reporter. make that dream come true. water, class rooms, and health care to the slain in the attack, was also only wounded "He's been waiting 13." "We have been overwhelmed by the love Nicaraguan people. He reported that U.S. in the initial grenade assault. He was then The "amnesty" clause was included in and respect of the people of Nicaragua for volunteers have already pledged to finish killed when the contras stabbed him in the the new law in a move to take some of the Ben, for us, and for the people of the the project his brother was working on. chest, Linder said. curse off its reactionary content. The law makes undocumented immigrants even more vulnerable to discrimination and Sllperexploitation by making it a crime for Strike protests apartheid elections them to hold a job here. 'Plose who can document that they have been here since before Jan. 1, ·1982, can be BY ERNEST HARSCH first, followed by Oliver Tambo, the But, declared Winnie Mandela, the na­ granted legal status for 18 months and, As white voters were going to the polls ANC's exiled president. Desmond Tutu, a tional protest strike was "a barometer with after that, can apply for permanent resi­ in South Africa May 6, some 1.5 million prominent anti-apartheid spokesperson and which the · government should measure dency. Blacks were casting their votes against church figure, was third. what their real opposition is .... It is the Marroquin told reporters that under the apartheid by taking part in a national labor In the election results for the white par­ Black nation." terms of the new law, he fully qualifies. and student strike. liament, early returns showed President UDF leader Murphy Morobe made a The long legal record of the government Long denied the right to vote, such ac­ Pieter Botha's governing National Party re­ similar point, stating that the strike showed drive to deport him, he observed, is alone tion was the only way the country's Black taining its solid majority. The liberal Pro­ the government that "when they return to power on May 7, they will find tis more de­ ~ufficient to establish his continuous resi­ majority could express its political views .. gressive Federal Party appeared to have ~~~ncy since before 1982: The two-day strike, which began May 5, lost a few seats, while the far-right Conser­ termined and more united against apartheid A .'ltudent activist in Mexico, Marroquin was called to protest the whites-only char· vative Party picked up a few. and National Party rule." Continued on Page 13 acter of the election. Supporting the action were many labor and anti-apartheid groups, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the United Dem­ New stage in U.S. gov't crisis ocratic Front (UDF), which have been in the forefront of the massive mobilizations BY FRED FELDMAN sins, was so far out of whack with this of the past few years. The widespread indignation throughout mood that they rapidly retreated. The strike was the biggest anti-apartheid the United States against the killing of Ben When the murder became known April demonstration since the regime imposed a Linder by Nicaraguan contras has coin­ 28, presidential spokesperson Marlin Fitz­ state of emergency 11 months ago. In some cided with the opening of congressional water said that U.S. volunteers in Nicara­ parts of the country, such as the Eastern hearings on the Reagan administration's gua "put themselves in harm's way." But Cape, the walkout was total. secret dealings with Iran and arms ship­ Vice-president George Bush was soon "This election has nothing to do with ments to the contras. · prais~ng volunteers and claiming that he us," one Black worker in Tembisa .told a These events mark a new stage in the did not object to their work in Nicaragua. reporter. "That's what the people are say­ deepening crisis that has gripped the U.S. The April 29 New York Times sought to ing by not going to work today." government since the covert operations give credence to the idea that work crews In most Black townships around the· were made public last fall. And they are such as the one Linder participated in are country, students boycotted classes. Stu­ dealing new blows to the dirty war that "part of the Sandinistas' defense structure" dents at the predominantly white univer­ Washington has been waging _itgainst the and that Linder may have been armed and sities in Cape Town and Johannesburg also people of Nicaragua. was thus supposedly fair game for contra shut down their schools. Millions of working people have been hit men. By May 6, however, the Times In Soweto, the huge Black township out~ moved by the glaring contrast between Lin­ was sympathetically describing the mourn­ side Johannesburg, the Sowetan newspaper der's dedication to helping Nicaraguan vil­ ing for the slain volunteer in the village of conducted a mock election. Its largely lagers and the brutality and corruption of El Cua where, in addition to his contribu­ Black readership voted overwhelmingly Washington's contra war. tions as an engineer, he had often enter­ Militant/Martin Koppel for leaders of the anti-apartheid struggle. The initial response of administration of­ tained residents as a clown. Hector Marroquin at immigratioD oftke Nelson Mandela, the imprisoned leader of ficials and editors of many major newspa­ The May 6 report con.ceded that Linder applying for resideaey. die African National Congress, came in pers, which was to apologize for tbe assas- C_._., OD P.. ll U~S ..protests hit murder .of Ben·Linder Activists urge more volunteers to join Nicaragua work brigades

BY NORTON SANDLER pacity, and a few hundred more remained Protests have been held around the coun­ outside. -Participants included circus per­ try in the aftermath of Ben Linder's murder formers who had entertained in Nicaragua. by U.S. government-'backed contras in Lirider- a juggler, circus clown, and uni­ northern Nicaragua. cyclist - had helped arrange their tour The actions have demanded an end to the there. U.S.-run contra war and called for more In Portland, Oregon, Linder's home­ U.S. volunteers to go to Nicaragua to aid town, 1,500 participated in the largest anti­ the revolution. war action there in years the night after the 'Ben Linder Volunteer Campaign' murder. Portland activists are circulating a petition demanding an end to the contra In Los Angeles 300 people turned out on war and are collecting money for projects short notice for a May 2 protest and memo­ in Nicaragua. rial meeting for Linder held at the Federal Building. An article in Portland's daily paper, The The Nicaraguan Task Force and other Oregonian, on May 1 gave information on Los Angeles-area Nicaragua solidarity or­ groups that arrange for volunteers to go to ganizations have announced the formation Nicaragua. Tom Vorhees of the Nicara­ of a "Ben Linder Volunteer Campaign." guan Appropriate Technology Project told "We feel that the assassination of Ben The Oregonian, "We intend to replace Ben Linder won't in any way deter our work, inasmuch as it's possible to replace him." and instead of sending 100 down to Nicara­ Vorhees also said-the contras had failed to gua this year, we're going to send 200 intimidate volunteers from going to Nica­ people down," Stephen Kerpen from Ar­ ragua. chitects and Planners in Support of Nicara­ The Pacific Northwest Joint Board of the gua told the media in Los Angeles follow­ Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Work­ ing Linder's death. ers Union has sent a message to Washing­ ton protesting the U.S. government's role Portland demonstration protesting Linder murder was attended by 1,500. It was Michael Urmman, executive directorof largest antiwar action in that city in years. TechNica, said that his group is organizing in Linder's death and demanding an end to 15 volunteers to work on repairing steam the war. boilers, setting up a sewage system; and Chanting "U :S., CIA out of Nicaragua," Young spoke at the event. He compared , day in Boston. helping to operate a machine shop in Nica­ "CIA murdered Ben, we won't let it ·hap­ Linder with volunteers who had worked in A San Diego protest, also on April 30, ragua. pen again," and "Murder, rape, torture, the South during the civil rights movement. was attended by 45 activists. It drew a Debra Reuben, a leader of the Nicaragua lies, that's what contra moneybuys," 200 The following day, Atlanta activists dem­ friendly response from several sailors who Network~ enthusiastically reported to 200 students at the University ofWashington in' onstrated at the office of U.S. Congress­ passed by. activists at a May 3 meeting in Washing­ ·Seattle marched through campus May 1. man Patrick Swindall, a contra backer. ton; D.C., that solidarity groups in the Los The students demanded that CIA recruiters In New York 300 joineda spirited pro­ This article is based on reports from Ike Angeles area pledged to double the number leave the university. test at Federal Plaza April 30. Nahem, Betsey Stone, Anfbal Yanez, Mari of volunteers going to Nicaragua on work More than 100 participated -in a protest Carrying signs that read, "USA, CIA, Hawkes, Ethel Lohman, Maria Quinones, brigades. in Atlanta May 3. Atlanta Mayor Andrew out of Nicaragua," 150 picketed the same Steven Bograd, and Lisa Bickler: Carlos Tunnermann, Nicaragua's am­ bassador to the United States, told the D.C. meeting that Ben Linder's position on the electrification project had already been Ortega speaks at Linder's funeral filled by another u.s. volunteer. Noting that Linder joins the thousands of Nicaraguans who have been killed by the BY HARVEY McARTHUR ers. during the march. Ben Linder had also U .S.-backed aggression, Tunnermann MANAGUA, Nicaragua - Immedi­ Among those carrying Linder's coffin been a talented clown and once worked for said, "Ben Linder represents the best of ately after U.S. -trained contras murdered were other U.S. volunteers in Nicaragua, the Nicaraguan national circus. North America. How many more must die? Ben Linder, his family flew here from the many of them working in zones also Friends recalled one national· measles When will peace and justice come?" United States to join tens of thousands of threatened by contra attacks. vaccination day when Linder dressed as a Many at the Washington meeting had, Nicaraguans in tributes to his life and U.S. citizens working here have vowed clown and led hundreds of cheering, laugh­ like Linder, spent time in Nicaragua work­ work. that they will not be intimidated by the ing children to the health clinic chanting ing as internationalist volunteers. The 27-year-old Linder had worked as murder of Linder and will continue their ef­ "Death to measles! Death to measles!" an engineer in Nicaragua for three and a forts in projects to help Nicaragua. San Francisco protest half years, building hydroelectric plants for 'Symbolized U.S. solidarity' A procession in San Francisco marched remote farming communities. He and two 'The people of Ben Linder' When the procession reached the en­ from the Federal Building to the Herbst Nicaraguan workers were gunned down by A group of Nicaraguan women who trance of the cemetery, Ortega presented Theater. Many carried a silk-screen poster terrorists organized by the U.S. govern­ themselves had lost sons or daughters to Elisabeth Linder, Ben's mother, with the reading, "Ben Linder presente." ment April 28. the U.S. -organized mercenaries carried a Jose Benito Escobar medal. This is the Several speakerS recounted experiences On April 30, Linder was buried in the hand-lettered placard that read: "The U.S. highest award given to Nicaraguan workers they had shared with Linder in Nicaragua. northern city. of Matagalpa. More than people are not the people of Reagan. They who make outstanding contributions to "Ben was murdered by the government 1,000 people attended the funeral and are the people of Benjamin Linder." production and economic development. of the United States, which arms, trains, many more lined the -streets as the proces­ The march was solemn but not mourn­ The official decree posthumously and finances the contras," said a statement sion passed by. ful. Many marchers were young, and San­ awarding Ben Linder the medal declared from the Linder family read to the meeting. Members of the Linder family marched dinista youth led spirited chants of that he "symbolized the active and mili:ant Guadalupe Martinez of the Nicaraguan arm-in-arm with Nicaraguan President "Throughout the continent, Benjamin Lin­ solidarity of the U.S. people with the organization Mothers of Heroes and Mar­ Daniel Ortega, Foreign Minister Miguel der's presence is felt!" people of Nicaragua." tyrs also spoke. D'Escoto, and Rosario Murillo, head of the Several Nicaraguans paraded dressed as Ortega then told the crowd that Linder The 1 ,000-seat theater was filled to ca- Sandinista Association of Cultural Work- clowns and others performed juggling acts Continued on Page 11 The Militant tells the truth - Subscribe today! The Militant The Militant is written in the Closing news date: May 6, 1987 interests of workers and farm­ Coeditors: MARGARET JAYKO and DOUG JENNESS ers. Every week it tells the truth Circulation Director: MALIK MIAH about the war Washington and Nicaragua Bureau Director: CINDY JAQUITH Business Manager: JIM WHITE the employers are waging Editorial Staff: Susan Apstein, Fred Feldman, Ernest against working people at home Harsch, Arthur Hughes, Sam Manuel, Harvey McArthur and abroad. We provide first­ (Nicaragua), Roberto Kopec (Nicaragua), Harry Ring, hand coverage of events in Norton Sandler. other countries, such as Cuba, Published weekly except one week in August and the last week of December by the Militant (ISSN 0026-3885), 410 Burkina Faso, and the Philip­ West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. Telephone: Editorial Of­ pines. In addition, regular on­ fice, (212) 243-6392; Telex, 497-4278; Business Office, the-scene reports come from (212) 929-3486. our Nicaragua Bureau. Correspondence concerning subscriptions or changes of address should be addressed to The Militant Business Enclosed is Subscribe today. Office, 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. If you already have a sub­ Second-class postage paid at New York, N.Y. POST­ I D $3.00 for 12 weeks, new readers scription, by renewing now for MASTER: Send address changes to The Militant, 410 West D $6.00 for 12 weeks, renewals six months or a year you'll re­ St., New York, N.Y. 10014. Subscriptions: U.S., Canada, D $12.00 for elx month• ceive a free issue of New Inter­ Latin America: for one-year subscription send $24, drawn D $24.00 for one year on a U.S. bank, to above address. By frrst-class (airmail), I.Nmae ______national (cover price $5.00), a send $60. Britain, Ireland, Continental Europe, Africa: magazine of Marxist politics send £25 check or international money order made out to and theory published in New Pathfinder Press and send to Pathfinder, 47 The Cut, ·London I :-______State _____ Zlp ----- York. The current issue fea­ SE1 8LL, England. Australia, Asia, Pacific: send Austra­ Telephone ______Unlon/Sc:hooi/Organlzatlon ------lian $60 to Pathfinder Press, P.O. Box 37, Leichhardt, Syd­ tures the article, "The Coming ney, NSW 2040, Australia. Send to THE MILITANT, 410 Weet St., New York, N.Y. 10014 Revolution in South Africa," by Signed articles by contributors do not necessarily represent 1 Jack Barnes. the Militant's views. 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2 The Militant May 15, 1987 ·El Salvador May·Day march ·draws thousands ' ·. \ ..

BY ERNE~T MAILHOT The turnout was . especially significant 'SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - considering the massive government cam­ Thousands of workers gathered here in the paign to violence-bait the action in the Reloj de Flores plaza here for a May Day newspapers and on TV and radio. The gov­ march and protest. ernment claimed the Farabundo MartiNa­ The plaza was filled with banners repre­ tional Liberation Front planned violent at­ senting the many unions that are part of the tacks at different points along the march National Union of Salvadoran Workers route. (UNTS), the federation sponsoring the The violence that did occur on May 1 march. came from the government of Jose Napo­ Otller young people moved through the leon Duarte. The body of a disappeared plaza' putting up union posters and posters peasant leader was found on April 30, and from Co-Madre, an organization demand­ in Usulutan another peasant leader was kid­ ing that the government account for those napped on May 1. who have disappeared at the hands of the Several speakers from the UNTS spoke government and right-wing death squads. at the demonstration, including Febe Ve­ A helicopter flew overhead. The crowd llisquez from the National Federation of saw soldiers inside taking pictures, and the Salvadoran Workers Unions and Marco whole plaza began chanting, "iEl pueblo Tulia Lima, head of International and Na­ unido jamas sera vencido! (the people tional Relations for the UNTS. These speakers . demanded the replace­ united will never be defeated!)" No other MillitaJlt/I)on Gurewitz ment of the Duarte government with a new military or police were in sight. March organized by National Union of Salvadoran Workers in November 1986 Dozens of international guests were near government really representative of the the front ofthe march when it stepped off. Salvadoran people. They called for a genu­ One group of North Americans carried a ine land reform; a halt to austerity meas­ Latin America and around the world. people had marched in Washington, D.C., banner denouncing U.S. intervention in ures, which have meant a large increase in Two North Americans spoke, including and San Francisco on April 25 against the Central America. Another group represent­ prices; and an end to political repression. Bill Rayson from Postal Workers for U.S. war in Central America. ing postal workers from many parts of the They also demanded an end to Washing­ Peace. Rayson denounced Washington's United States carried a banner saying, "No ton's intervention in El Salvador and con­ backing for the Salvadoran regime and de­ Ernest Mailhot is a member of Interna­ U.S. intervention- workers solidarity." demned the role the American Institute for manded that AIFLD leave El Salvador im­ tional Association ofMa chinists Local 702 This group, called Postal Workers for· Free Labor Development is playing here. mediately. in Miami and visited El Salvador and Nic­ Peace, was followed by several Italian, AIFLD is the AFL-CIO-sponsored organi­ One of the largest ovations of the day aragua with the Postal Workers for Peace Brazilian, and Swiss unionists. zation that works closely with the CIA in came when he reported that 200,000 tour. Contingents of students and community organizations also joined in. A large ban­ ner hanging over the street read, "For the right to work, everyone to the struggle." It Internat'l support to April 25 marches was signed by the workers of the national lottery. The following solidarity message was tary of the Socialist Bloc of the Domini­ the foreign debt, and a new international We entered Parque Libertad (Liberty sent to the April 25 antiwar, anti-apart­ can Republic. economic order, based on justice. Park), across from a large church that had heid demonstrations in Washington, • For the Caribbean and Central Amer­ been condemned because of damage suf­ D.C., and San Francisco by the Anti-Im­ The Caribbean and Central America, ica as a zone of peace, without foreign in­ fered in last year's earthquake. Young mil­ perialist Organizations of Central victims of continuing aggression but united tervention or colonies. itants quickly climbed the several-story America and the Caribbean. in their struggle for independence and building and hung dozens of union banners Founded in 1984, the coalition in­ sovereignty, salute·this trench of solidarity * * * from it. cludes more than 30 parties from some in the heart of the imperialist monster-. In the week preceeding April 25, an ad By now several thousand people had 20 countries in the Spanish-, English-, The Caribbean and C.entral America - supporting the demonstrations appeared in gathered at the park for one of the four May French-, and Dutch-speaking Caribbean with the oldest colonial presence in Puerto the Irish Echo and Irish People, newspa­ Day rallies held around the country. and. Central America. Rafael ''Fafa" Rico, Martinique and Guadeloupe, the Vir­ pers published in the United States. Signed Thousands more marched in Santa Ana, Taveras, president of the Anti-Im­ gin Islands, and the Dutch West Indies; by activists in Ireland and the United San Miguel, and Usulutan. perialist Organizations, is general secre- with colonial enclaves in Panama, Guan­ States, it read in part: tanamo, and Honduras; and dozens of mil­ "We who have worked to end Britain's itary bases - is the main region for U.S .. occupation of the north of Ireland and for Building brigades to Nicaragua political, economic, and military interven­ Ireland's freedom and independence, sa­ tion in Latin America tooay. lute the April 25 demonstrations for free­ dom and justice in southern Africa and to be focus of YSA convention In no other place on the continent is for­ Central America. eign domination so deep, so extensive, and "The nationalist population in the north BY MALIK MIAH Forging an International Revolutionary so recent - the permanent aggression of Ireland suffers from an all-encompas­ Defense of the Nicaraguan revolution Working-Class Leadership," by Rena against the Cuban revolution, the invasion sing discrimination strikingly similar to the against U.S.-backed aggression, and de­ Cacoullos, YSA national secretary; "The of the Dominican Republic in April 1965, vicious apartheid system of racial domina­ fense of the political rights of U.S. work­ Turn to the Industrial Unions and Building the occupation of Grenada in 1983, and the tion in South Africa. ing people and students, will be the center­ the YSA," by Greg McCartan; and "Sum­ current intervention in Central America, "Just as Margaret Thatcher pays for an piece of the upcoming national convention mer Tasks and Perspectives," by James which seek$ to reverse the Nicaraguan rev­ army of occupation in the north of Ireland, of the Young Socialist Alliance. Winfield. Delegates elected by their chap­ olution and halt the struggle of the Sal­ the United States government funds the The YSA, a national organization of ters will discuss and vote on the reports. vadoran people. contras, who are waging war against inno­ young workers and students, will use its A new YSA National Committee will be Therefore, struggles against new and old cent men, women, and children in Nicara­ convention to urge U.S. youth to emulate elected. Classes on such topics as the un­ wounds - extermination of indigenous gua." the example of volunteer Ben Linder, who folding revolution in South Africa will be populations, introduction of colonialism Signers of the ad from Ireland included was murdered by contras, by participating given. and slavery, partitioning of our territories longtime activist Bernadette Devlin · in a work brigade to Nicaragua in the com­ The YSA is fielding convention-build­ among foreign powers - have forged a McAliskey; John Carroll, president of the ing months. The possibility and necessity ing teams in California; the Midwest, and united consciousness, in the past and fu­ Irish Congress of Trade Unions; and Gerry for thousands of U.S. workers and students Chicago. They are selling subscriptions to ture, of interests and current struggles in· Adams, president of Sinn Fein and mem~r to take Linder's place will be the theme of the Militant and Perspectiva Mundial and the region. . of British Parliament from West Belfast. a public rally at the three-day gathering. signing up young people to come to the • Against all forms of oppression, dis­ Signers from the United States included convention. All those interested in being part of the crimination, and abuse, especially apart­ Daniel Kane, president of the Communica­ YSA National Executive Committee fight against war, racism, sexism, and po­ heid. tions Trade Division of the T eamsters member Greg Rosenberg, captain of the litical repression are invited to the conven­ • For the most complete independence union; James Devine, president of Com­ Midwest team, reports that six students tion. and the broadest solidarity. munications Workers of America Local from the University of Wisconsin in Madi­ It will be held May 23-25 at the Hyatt­ • Against U.S. imperialism. 1116; and Philadelphia Daily News colum­ son are coming to the convention; one of Regency Hotel in downtown Chicago. • For continental unity, nonpayment of nist Jack McKinney. them also joined the YSA. The team sold Registration begins Friday, May 22; the convention opens at 9:00a.m. on Saturday 11 Militant and three Perspectiva Mundial subscriptions to Madison students. Socialist education conference and will close at 6:00p.m. on Monday. For most YSA members this will be their The Political Rights Defense Fund will first convention. It will be an opportunity The Socialist Workers Party and sponsor a public meeting Saturday evening to meet other members and supporters to focus on defense of political and demo­ Young Socialist Alliance invite you to around the country and to discuss national cratic rights. an educational weekend ... and international politics. Hector Marroquin will be a featured The YSA in Chicago, along with the speaker. Marroquin recently won a tempo­ North-west Socialist Conference SWP branch there, is organizing a series of rary work permit- an important victory in preconvention classes for members and his decade-long fight against the Immigra­ Seattle May 9-10 friends. A youth speak-out is set for May tion and Naturalization Service's attempts Saturday, May 9, 2 p.m. 7:30p.m. 16. The New York YSA is organizing a to deport him because of his membership in U.S. lAbor at the Crossroads The Future of the Soviet Union: speak-out on May 15 . the Socialist Workers Party. Hear Craig Gannon, member Lenin's Unfinished Fight SWP members are also helping to distri­ The rally will also hear speakers on the SWP Trade Union Bureau Hear Doug Jenness, bute convention-building brochures to stu­ fight to prevent Attorney General Edwin 5517 Rainer Ave. South editor of the 'Militant' dents arid workers. Meese from letting the FBI, CIA, and other at Camp 72218th Ave. at Cherry St. The convention is open to all those inter­ government agencies use millions of ille- · ested in revolutionary politics, especially Sunday May 10, 10 a.m. gally obtained spy files to harass and vio­ for youth interested in a socialist youth or­ Next Steps in Building a Party of Communist Workers late the rights of SWP and YSA members, ganization. Hear John Gaige, member SWP Organization Bureau supporters, and friends. For more information, write to YSA, 64 5517 Rainier Ave. South The convention agenda will include Watts St. , New York, N.Y. 10013, or con­ For more information contact Seattle or Portland SW P and YSA listed in three political reports given by YSA na­ tact the YSA chapter nearest you. (See di­ directory on page 12. tional leaders: "Communism Today and rectory on page 12.)

May 15, 1987 : The Militant 3 ·~: · t) .~· ·. i ~ ·{ t~ ~.-l .1 r:~x.J~ ; l ~\~i · H~ .f t Cll311enges f~cing · Nicaraguan gov't on Corn Island BY HARVEY McARTHUR that gives you the idea that Corn Island BLUEFIELDS, Nicaragua - Hurley people just didn't like to have anything to Morgan is the mayor of Corn Island, a do with politics or revolution." community of 6,000 people living on two Nonetheless, there was a group of "the small islands about 40 miles east of this At­ younger boys" who were sympathizers of lantic Coast seaport. While he was in the Sandinistas, Morgan said. Bluefields last November, Morgan talked Corn Island learned about the July 1979 to the Militant about the challenges for the overthrow of Somoza via Costa Rican Sandinista revolution on Corn Island. radio and television. The people then tried Morgan, like most Corn Islanders, is an to set up a new government. English-speaking Black, or "Creole." In The first local government, or junta, addition to Creoles, Miskito Indians com­ quickly fell apart. Com Island ran through prise about 30 percent of the Com Island three more juntas in unsuccessful attempts · population, and a smaller number are to establish a stable government. The third Spanish-speaking mestizos. one ended in disaster when its members Morgan was born in 1933, and grew up worked with a national government attor­ . during the early years of the Somoza fam­ ney to confiscate some 30 homes belonging Residents of Corn Island. Expansion of badly needed social programs is hampered by ily's tyranny. He suffered personally from to Corn Islanders accused of supporting the impact of U.S.-backed contra war. the abuse meted out to Nicarguans who Somoza regime. were Black or Indians. When.his parents · "That's the first time in history that I could not afford to pay for his secondary ever saw 90 percent of Corn Island people Under the early juntas, attempts were positive that they agreed with the process school education, they sent him to Mana­ get together in a demonstration," Morgan made to build mass organizations on Corn of autonomy." Now, they are getting impa­ gua to personally ask for a scholarship said. "They nearly killed [the attorney] be­ Island, as was being done throughout Nic­ tient with the lengthy process of drafting from Anastasio Somoza Garcia (the father cause the way the people saw it, there aragua. Many Corn Islanders were en­ the autonomy statutes, and want to see . of the Somoza overthrown in 1979). How­ weren't any people who deserved being thusiastic and joined at first, Morgan said, them implemented right away, he added. ever, he never got to see Somoza. One of confiscated." The houses were returned, he but as the juntas failed they discredited the As part of the autonomy discussions, the dictator's secretaries curtly informed added. mass organizations and the members be­ Corn Island is also taking up the long­ Morgan that he would not get the grant. At that mass demonstration, Morgan and came discouraged. Today, . the number of standing problem of racial discrimination. Years later, while working as a farmer in another islander were elected to the junta to people participating in these organizations "Before, the Creoles thought they were southern Nicaragua, Morgan was arrested "see that the three other [members] went is still relatively small. superior to the Miskitos, and the mestizo:; by the dictator's National Guard, who ac­ straight." After discussions with the region­ thought they were superior to the Creoles," cused him of aiding the Sandinista guerril­ al government in Bluefields, Corn Islanders Challenges and accomplishments Morgan said. :'But especially since we las. held their own general election in September Morgan recounted some of the difficul­ started explaining about the autonomy and "I don't know if [the charges] were true 1980. Morgan was elected mayor. ties and frustrations he has faced in trying that we're all one people, everybody is or not," Morgan said. The tradition in to implement badly needed social and eco­ working together, understanding each farming communities is that "if some nomic programs. He repeatedly pointed to other. So I think we're getting along here." people come by, you feed them and give the impact of the U.S. -organized contra When the Militant talked with Morgan, them rides. I don't know who they were." war, which forces the Nicaraguan govern­ he had recently returned from a 10-day trip He was released after a month in prison, ment to use half its scarce resources for de­ to Cuba to learn about the municipal gov­ but fearing that he would be arrested again, fense, limiting funds for social programs. ernments there. he left the family fami and went back to "I wish I had bad this experience years Corn Island to work as a lobster fisherman. There is only one small health clinic on Corn Island. Patients with serious illnesses ago," he said. "I learned a lot in that trip, Revolution comes to Corn Island must be taken to Bluefields by boat or, but to put it into practice, we need fi- when possible, by plane. The government nances. The Somoza family owned some land "Of course," he concluded, "we have and the fishing company on Corn Island, has plans for a 15-room hospital, but be­ cause of the war, they have not yet re­ had only seven years of revolution, while which remained very poor and underde­ they've had 27 years." · veloped during the family's rule. How­ ceived the funding, Morgan said. ever, Com Island did not suffer the brutal Important gains have been made in edu­ repression that was common in the Pacific cation, however. Com Island now has a Coast regions of Nicaragua and no mass in­ secondary school. Some island students U.S. Blacks to tour surrection against the dictatorship occurred have received scholarships for advanced there. study in mainland Nicaraguan universities Atlantic Coast or in Cuba. There is also an adult education "It was an island of peace," Morgan of Nicaragua and literacy program. said. "We were being governed in Militant/Harvey McArthur Somoza's time by only three people, and Com Island Mayor Hurley Morgan Corn Island's main source of income is A tour for Blacks from the United States lobster fishing. Some people work at the will visit Nicaragua's Atlantic Coast in state-owned Promar company, while June. others work as independent fishermen. _ "The residents of the Atlantic Coast have Do you know someone who reads Spanish? There is an acute shortage of boats now, always been considered renegades. During since many captains left with theirs at the the 16th and 17th centuries the Atlantic Cuban youth speak time of the revolution. The Nicaraguan Coast was a basin for pirates," explained a Tens of thousands of Cuban government is purchasing 50 boats from brochure put out by organizers of the Har­ youth take part in missions of in­ PerspecJ~va Brazil that will go to Promar and to private riet Tubman Delegation. ternational solidarity around the fishermen on the island. "It was a British Protectorate from 1687 world. "If there is a country that M1indlal When Nicaragua instituted a military to 1780. Until 10 years ago the Atlantic draft in 1984, it was not accepted by most needs our technical or medical 200 mil dicen 'no' a los Coast and Pacific Coast had no highway to skills, or . . . our help to defend Corn Islanders. Many youth fled to avoid connect them, so each regime that came to their sovereignty, it's a moral ob­ contras y al apartheid the draft until Commander Lumberto power in Nicaragua exploited this cultural Campbell, head of the regional govern­ and geographic difference to their advan- ligation, even a privilege for us to ment in Bluefields, made "an arrangement tage. . do this," said Raul Castellanos with Managua and got them to knock off "The current Nicaraguan government Lage, outgoing member ofthe Na­ the military service," Morgan said. has for the past three years been working tional Bureau of the Union of (Since the interview with Morgan, sup­ on a plan of autonomy for the Atlantic Young Communists (UJC) in port for military defense of the revolution Coast which will allow the residents of the Cuba. has deepened on the island. Today, the Atlantic Coast to select a government and For its May issue, Perspectiva draft is compulsory. One hundred Corn Is­ leaders of their choosing. . Mundial did an exclusive inter­ landers are now either serving in the "Prior to the Triumph in 1979, the At­ view with Castellanos and draftee army or in the army reserves.) lantic Coast had an illiteracy rate of 80 per­ another Cuban youth leader, FBI exige Como triunf6 Morgan spoke enthusiastically of the re­ derecho de usar Ia huelga de cent. The current government launched a Juan Contino Asian, at the end of archivos ilegales Watsonville gional autonomy project being developed literacy campaign that educated the resi­ the recent UJC convention in on the Atlantic Coast. It is aimed at estab­ dents of the Atlantic Coast in their own lan­ Havana. lishing local governments that will deter­ guage. In addition to English and Spanish, Contino had j\lst come back Subscriptions: $7 for one year; mine the use of the region's natural re­ several Indian dialects are spoken by the from an internationalist mission $4 for six months; Introductory sources, promote the languages and cul­ various Indian tribes that have thrived there in Angola, which is under attack offer, $2.00 for five months. tures of all the racial groups, develop social for centuries." by South Africa's apartheid re­ 0 Begin my sub with current and economic programs that meet the Between June 13-19, tour participants gime. Castellanos served as a doc­ issue. population's aspirations, and find the most will visit schools, churches, and health tor in Nicaragua for 26 months. appropriate ways to carry out military de­ clinics and meet with the mayor of Perspectiva Mundial is the Name ·------­ fense. Bluefields, the largest city on the Atlantic Morgan organized a group of teachers Coast, as well as talk to artists and musi­ Spanish-language socialist maga­ Address ------­ and students who carried out a house-by­ cians. zine that every month brings you City/State/Zip house consultation on Corn Island to ex­ The round-trip cost of the tour from New the truth about the struggles -of plain the autonomy project and find out York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and working people and the oppressed Clip and mail to PM, 410 West St., what people wanted to see in their govern­ San Francisco is $850. The deadline for ap­ in the U .S. and around the world. New York, NY 10014. ment. plications is May 15. Contact the Harriet "I think it was very fruitful," he said of Tubman Delegation, P.O. Box 14757, San the consultation. "Ninety percent were Francisco, Calif. 94114. ·om

BY BILL KALMAN unionists and community representatives to AND SUSAN LAMONT investigate the OBES. CLEVELAND - Meat-packers at Workers also discussed Genshaft' s in­ Superior's Brand Meats in Massillon, timidation campaign aimed at blocking the Ohio, are determined to continue their fight UFCW's organizing efforts at the non­ to regain their jobs in the face of a serious union Salem plant. And they discussed his blow dealt them by the Ohio Bureau of harassment and threats against unionized. Employment Services (OBES). workers (also members of Local 17 A) at Since last December, members of the Sugardale packing plant in Canton. United Food and Commercial Workers Several workers have been arbitrarily fired (UFCW) Local 17 A have been protesting there recently. layoffs at Superior's and the transfer of work they had been doing to a new, non­ On April 11 several hundred UFCW union plant in Salem, Ohio, owned by their members ancj their supporters demonstrat­ boss, Neil Genshaft. More than 400 Local ed outside the Statehouse in Columbus. 17 A members have been laid off at Local 17 A President Gary Feiock said they Superior's. Around a hundred are still were there "to bring to the governor's at­ working. tention that federal funding is being used to Genshaft used nearly half a million dol­ undercut the union." A liberal Democrat, lars in federal · job-training funds to open Ohio Gov. Richard Celeste was elected the nonunion plant in Salem. This was with the backing of many unions. done in violation of a raft of regulations A representative in Celeste's office told that are supposed to prevent these funds Local 17 A that if it wanted a meeting with Militant/Bill Kalman from being used to break unions, deter the governor, it would have to call off the Several hundred meat-packers and their supporters protested outside Ohio union organizing, cause layoffs, or lower demonstration. The meat-packers refused. Statehouse in Columbus Aprilll. prevailing wage rates. The local has been reaching out for sol­ idarity and support from the community, especially the labor movement, in the Mas­ Auto union holds· bargaining convention sillon area. It has organized several large, well-publicized demonstrations. BY JEFF POWERS that 11 plants, employing nearly 30,000 "It's obvious that the companies have Since the end of March, the UFCW has CHICAGO- United Auto Workers of­ workers, will be shut. not been fazed by either the deterrent or the been presenting testimony at a hearing in ficials are proposing measures in the up­ Since 1982, UAW officials have agreed commitment," he said. Salem on Genshaft' s misuse of job-training coming negotiations with Ford and General to sacrifice wages, benefits, and working funds. The hearing is being conducted in Motors that will lead to more concessions conditions for phony company promises of Bieber also devoted a substantial portion of his remarks to urging Congress to pass front of an officer appointed by the OBES. being forced on the union membership. job security. Although the Salem hearing is still in That's the meaning of the UAW Special stronger protectionist measures, which he "The contraction of the work force has progress, the OBES went ahead and issued Bargaining Convention held here April 12- said would save jobs for U.S. workers. a report April 13 on the "investigation" it 15. got to be done in a rational and orderly A picket line of 200 union members de­ manner," Bieber said. He said the UAW had conducted in March. That report finds The purpose of the gathering, which was manding an end to plant closings was held will bargain to keep the Guaranteed In­ no violations of the regulations governing attended by 1 ,500 delegates, was to outline outside the convention. "Keep jobs in come Stream program (GIS), which en­ the dispersal of job-training funds, with the the union's bargaining strategy when the America" was one of their chants. ables high-seniority employees to collect exception of admitting that the union was Ford and GM contracts expire in Sep­ The New Directions caucus and the ·No up to 75 percent of their pay if they are laid not consulted as it should have been when tember. More Concessions caucus ·both had dele­ the work was transferred. off and there is no job available for them at gates at the bargaining convention. They Nearly I 00 Local 17 A members partici­ 'Guaranteed employment' another one of the company's plants. offered no alternative strategy to that of the Recent experience shows that this pro­ pated in a well-attended news conference In his opening speech, UAW President Bieber leadership. The two caucuses fo­ gram has liUle impact on providing job se­ April 16 to denounce the OBES action and Owen Bieber said, "Guaranteed employ­ cused their attention on trying to get a res­ curity. .. . · to reiterate their detennination to continue ment is a concept whose time has come." olution passed against whipsawing -'- a Bieber said the union will fight for a to fight for their jobs. At the bargaining conference three years company practice of playing one plant off wage increase (there has not been a con­ against another to try to force through The news conference turned into a dis­ ago on the eve of the last Ford and GM tractual hourly raise for auto workers since cussion of what to do next, with a broad negotiations, Bieber made a similar work-rule changes and other concessions. 1982) and retention of the cost-of-living The resolution did not pass. However, range of ideas suggested. speech. pay increase. · the U AW has a longstanding record against The Local 17 A leadership has proposed But the UAW has been shrinking. And But if the last two rounds of negotiations whipsawing. But as with all its bargaining the formation of a citizen's committee of GM management announced in December \_ serve as an example, the UAW tops will demands.- from higher wages to an end to rapidly junk these demands for what they forced overtime - they mean nothing un­ claim are "job security" guarantees. lds the membership is mobilized and or­ Safety on job, union recognition ganized to carry out a fight for them. And. Forced overtime that fight can't just be at contract time; it The question of forced overtime is an ex­ has to be organized every day on the shop big issues in Connecticut strike . ample of how weak the UAW's bargaining floor. strategy ha~ become. Ford works people 9 "The union has been letting the company BY PETER KRALA concerned. Uretek and its sister company, or lO hours a day, six days a week. Last get away with anything they want," com­ NEW HAYEN, Conn. - Some 55 Chemtek, are located in the Fair Haven year Ford scheduled an average of 3 mil­ mented a worker about to lose his job at the workers at the Uretek plant here have been Heights section of New Haven, overlook­ lion hours of overtime a month. Simply re­ Norwood, Ohio, GM plant. "They took on strike for three months. They are de­ ing the Quinnipiac River. This working­ turning to the 40-hour workweek would things from us a step at a time, and one day manding that the company recognize the class neighborhood has rallied to the work­ mean thousands of workers would get auto we woke up and realized we were going to International Ladies' Garment Workers' ers' side. jobs. be without a job. We all have to get to­ Union (ILGWU) as their bargaining repre­ When organizers from the ILGWU visit­ As Bieber explained, "We put a·deter­ gether- Ford, Chrysler, GM, the parts sentative. A vote on union recognition will ed the Uretek plant, they found a ready au­ rent [in the last round of negotiations]' on plants and everybody else - to fight for be held soon. dience. It didn' t take long before the over­ overtime hours that exceed 5 percent of our rights." A recent visit to the picket line and strike whelming majority of the work force - straight time hours. The companies also headquarters showed that the workers are which is predominantly Hispanic - was agreed to aim for the goal of reducing Jeff Powers is a member of UAW Local93 determined to organize a union and to pro­ backing the union 100 percent. When man­ weekly overtime by two hours." in Kansas City. tect their health and livelihood. Though the agement refused to bargain, the strike strike was initiated over unfair labor prac­ began. tices, the health issue is important. Another issue is low pay. Most workers In December, health officials at Yale­ earn between $4 and $6 an hour. One L.A.· garment workers fight firings New Haven Hospital noticed a suspicious younger worker pointed to a man in his 50s concentration of noninfectious hepatitis who is a maintenance mechanic. He had BY SETH GALINSKY David Young, an ILGWU organizer, among Uretek workers. Out of 50 workers been at the company 14 years, was making LOS ANGELES - Some 200 workers pointed out that Ideal's sales rose from $6 who voluntarily submitted to testing, 36 $6.50 an hour, and had no benefits. at Ideal Garment Dyers, Inc. walked off million in 1980 to $75 million in 1986. But had abnormalities. Ten had toxic hepatitis Twelve hour shifts are common. Work their jobs March 26 to protest the firing of the workers, who make profits for the com­ and were too sick to work. Three had to be uniforms are not provided even though, as workers for union activity. The workers pany, get nothing in return. hospitalized. one worker explained, "Your clothes have have been fighting to get the International Steve Nutter, regional director of the Uretek coats various fabrics that are used to be thrown out after a couple of days." Ladies' Garment Workers' Union Western States Region of the ILGWU, told in everything from parachutes and tar­ The Occupational Safety and Health Ad­ (ILGWU) recognized at the plant. the press, "This is the first area garment in­ paulins to sleeping bags. In this process, ministration has indicated that it will take Most workers make only $3.35 an hour, dustry strike since the Immigration Reform solid polyurethane is dissolved in di­ six to eight weeks to assess the hazard the legal minimum wage. They have no and Control Act took effect last November: methylformamide (DMF) to form a syrupy posed by Uretek's operation. In the mean­ medical insurance, no paid holidays, and It provd'the new law has not cowed work­ liquid. After being coated, the fabric is time the plant is operating with manage­ no paid vacations. Most are from Mexico, ers into taking whatever a company dishes heated in an oven to dry. DMF is fingered ment personnel and a handful of scabs. Guatemala, and El Salvador. out - in this case a whole series of dis­ as the chief suspect in the health problems Top company officers Harold Hodrer At a spirited rally in front of the plant criminatory firings, layoffs, and harass­ at the company. and John Andrews are no strangers to pol­ April 10, strikers and their supporters, car­ ment." Often the workers are required to eat at lution. In January both officials were con­ rying red and black flags, chanted, "The Contributions to the Ideal Strike Fund their stations, where their food is exposed victed of illegally dumping toxic waste. workers united will never be defeated." can be sent to the ILGWU at 675 S. Park to DMF. They face a possible fine of $5 million and A worker who addressed the rally said, View St. , 2nd Eloor, Los Angeles, Calif. Some 1 ,500 workers have passed two years in jail. "We want fair treatment, and what we are 90057. through the plant in the 16 years of its oper­ Messages of support and financial assis­ asking for is fair. Here they treat animals ation. All face potential health risks as a tance can be sent to the Uretek strikers, better, but we are people. We want a con­ Seth Galinsky is a member of ILGWU consequence of their employment. care of ILGWU, 12 Orange St., New tract and insurance. We have determina­ Local 482. at Manny Industries in Los Those living around the plant are also Haven, Conn. 065 11. tion, and that is why we will win." Angeles.

Ma:ylS, 1987 The· Militant s Big push needed·· to make subscription goal 'Militant' supporters ll:rged to join 12 days of target sales starting May 26

BY MALIK MIAH as to working-class communities and at There are five weeks left in our cam­ plant gates at industrial worksites. paign to sign up 6, 700 new subscribers to the Militant and another 1 ,800 new readers Target 12 days of the Spanish-language monthly Perspec­ To make the national goal, the business tiva Mundial. As the scoreboard below office needs to receive an average of 770 shows, we fell slightly behind schedule subscriptions per week. This figure in­ over the past week. cludes the week of the YSA convention. To help ensure reaching our goal, sup­ After very successful sales on April 25 porters should start planning now for 12 in San Francisco and Washington, D. C., at days of sales immediately following the the antiwar and anti-apartheid demonstra­ close of the YSA convention. These 12 tions, sales supporters around the country target days, ending the final day of the are stepping back to evaluate their progress spring sales campaign, June 6, can include and charting plans to make their local special weeknight teams, as well as goals. weekend sales. Some areas are discussing raising their One goal will be to get maximum par­ targets. New York is increasing its goal by ticipation by all supporters over the 12 100. One area, Houston, plans to lower its days, including joining several sales teams goal since a number of supporters have re­ over the two-week period. cently moved to other cities to help build Prospects good the socialist movement. Militant Overall, however, prospects are fairly Our success so far, especially on April Member of recently concluded southern IDinois team selling Militant. New teams good to make the national goal and to begin 25, puts us in a good position to make the have been launched to Puerto Rico, western coalfields, and Yakima Valley in Wash­ the necessary subscription renewal work to drive. Even though our totals over the past ington State. week were a little low, we continue to meet turn introductory subscriptions into long~ term ones: political people- workers, students, and others -who want to read papers that pro­ Pathfinder Bookstore of New York also Washington State talking to striking farm Outrage over the murder of Ben Linder vide the facts about what's going on here sold about $500 worth of literature to the workers and students. A second leaves by the contras will lead many · people to and abroad. several thousand people who came as pub­ midweek from Utah to travel to coal-min­ want to read what the Militant · and PM Over the May 1-3 weekend in New lishers, distributors, or simply to browse ing areas out West. And a third team is in have to say about the Sandinista revolu­ York, for example, a team of salespeople and buy books on display. Puerto Rico. tion. Thousands of people - workers, sold 64 PM and Militant subscriptions at The effort of these national sales teams, farmers, students, professionals, and The national sales teams continue to do the Second Latin American Book Fair held well. In addition to the YSA convention­ combined with the extra push to reach out others - have traveled to Nicaragua since at City College of New York in Manhattan. to students leading up to the YSA conven­ 1979. Many more will go there to replace building and subscription teams in the Most of the new readers bought subscrip­ Chicago area, a team in the Alabama coal­ tion, followed by a big mobilization the Linder. Militant and PM salespeople tions to PM- a total of 54. last 12 days of the drive, should put us in a should try to contact supporters of Nicara­ fields and at nearby college campuses re­ Conference participants from the cently sold scores of papers. position to 'make our goal. It won't be easy, gua in their area about buying or renewing Dominican Republic bought the most PM but with the areas with the largest goals - their subscriptions to the Militant and PM. subscriptions. Many people knew of PM Three new teams hit the road beginning New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago­ May 4. One is in the Yakima Valley in YSA convention and already had subscriptions. leading the way, the target is realistic. Supporters in Chicago, New York, and a number of other cities are planning a big push in ·sales to students before many col­ Asian A~nericans in N. Y. protest cop attacks leges go on summer break. The Young Socialist Alliance is organizing a special BY BOBBIS MISAILIDES . police brutality that occurred four months the Coalition Against Anti-Asian Vio­ sales team directed at students in the Mid­ NEW YORK-Chanting, "What do we ago and remains unresolved. lence. west to help ·build its national convention, want? Prosecution! When do we want it? On January 2, two cops broke down the They demanded that charges brought which will take place in Chicago May 23- Now!" and "What do we want? Justice! apartment door of a Chinese family, beat against the family be dropped and that 25. When do we want it? Now!" hundreds of the family members, the Wongs and Woos, there be a full investigation of the police people gathered at a protest rally here April A national sales team will also be in and subjected them to racist abuse. role, with the guilty cops brought to jus­ 21. Chicago the week leading up oo the YSA The cops arrested everyone present on tice. convention. The predominantly Asian-American charges of bootlegging cable TV, assault, crowd had marched from Chinatown to the and resisting arrest. In two weeks, a petition supporting these Supporters of the Militant and PM na~ Manhattan district attorney's office. They demands was signed by 4,000 people in the tionally should consider stepping·up sales were joined by a ·contingent of members Various injuries were suffered. Mrs. streets of Chinatown. It also had the sup­ to students and urging young people we and officials of the International Ladies' Wong required 12 stitches for a cut above port of many Asian-Americ~ community meet to attend the conference. (See YSA Garment Workers' Union Local 23-25. A the eye from a blow by handcuffs one cop organizations, labor and civil rights convention ad on page 8.) majority of the local's members are swung at her. groups, as well as organizations from the More Militant and PM sales teams to Chinese Americans. The rally on their behalf was organized Black and Puerto Rican communities. high schools can also be organized, as well The action was Ci}lled to protest a case of by the Wong/Woo Support Committee of Under the pressure generated by this broad response, all charges against the family members were dismissed. But supporters of the case blasted the Spring Su,bscription Scoreboard district .attorney for failing to indict the cops guilty of the racist brutality and Goals Sold Goals Sold pressed the demand for action against them. Perspectiva Perspectiva % Perspectiva Perspectiva % Area Militant Mundial Militant Mundial Sold Area Militant Mundial Militant Mundial Sold Phoenix 80 80 48 72 75 Wilmington, De. 5 2 40 Right-wing Nicaraguans . Los Angeles 250 200 204 116 71 Dallas 120 60 53 18 39 New Paltz, N.Y. 10 7 70 Kansas City 120 20 52 3 39 not welcome New York 550 300 371 215 69 Washington, D.C. 160 50 65 15 38 in N.Y.'s 'El Barrio' Milwaukee 100 25 79 7 69 Philadelphia 150 50 58 17 38 Chicago 250 100 169 58 65 Capital Dist, N.Y. 110 12 40 5 37 BY FRANCISCO PICADO Baltimore 150 8 85 16 64 Houston 125 25 48 6 36 NEW YORK - David Givens, presi­ Des Moines, Iowa 100 10 53 16 63 Austin, Minn. 80 10 30 2 36 dent of New York's Community Board Stony Brook, N.Y. 10 6 60 Binningham, Ala. 130 2 46 0 35 #11, declared that members of the right­ Pittsburgh 90 10 52 7 59 Cincinnati 70 5 22 4 35 wing Nicaraguan opposition were not wel­ Atlanta 110 10 57 7 53 St. Louis 250 12 81 5 33 come in the Puerto Rican neighborhood of Portland, Ore. 125 25 64 15 53 Cleveland 125 15 37 7 31 El Barrio, in uptown Manhattan. Boston 240 60 104 52 52 Omaha, Neb. 100 15 29 6 30 The board's statement, signed by Morgantown, W.Va. 95 5 48 4 52 Salt Lake City 100 30 31 3 26 Givens, was quoted in the April 9 El Twin Cities, Minn. 200 15 99 12 52 New Orleans 90 10 23 0 23 Diario. He said that the aid the U.S. gov­ Amherst, Mass. 10 4 1 50 Anpandale, N.Y . 70 10 18 0 23 ernment is giving to the rightist Nicara­ Newark, N.J. 375 175 203 72 50 Ames, iowa 5 0 1 20 guans is being used to "kill innocent Greensboro, N.C. 115 10 60 2 50 Columbus, Ohio 25 5 3 2 ' 17 people." 45 2 5 0 11 Seattle 180 50 89 24 49 Price, Utah The statement was issued after a member Miami 110 40 57 14 47 Honolulu, Hawaii 15 1 - 7 0 0 of the community board, William Nieves, Denver 100 15 49 5 47 Clovis, Calif. 5 received a phone call and letter from Dan Edmond, Okla. 5 0 0 San Francisco 100 60 47 27 46 Traub requesting a reception for the right­ Oberlin, Ohio 5 0 0 Charleston, W.Va. 100 44 2 46 wing politicians in the name of the United Tucson, Ariz. 2 3 0 0 0 San Jose, Calif. 180 100 88 40 46 States Information Agency. 5 0 0 Toledo, Ohio 100 5 45 2 45 West Haven, Conn. Estela Vasquez, also a board member, San Diego 85 55 42 19 44 W. Palm Beach, Fla. 5 0 0 264 29 called the request, "an insult to a neighbor­ Oakland, Calif. 150 50 69 16 43 Teams . hood that has suffered in its own flesh cuts Other 62 43 Detroit . 190 20 76 8 40 in funding for housing construction, at the Totals 6,700 1,800 3,289 995 50 same time the administration was supply­ To be on schedule 3,484 936 52 ing $100 million for the actions of the Nic­ araguan contras."

~6 :fl'aerMilaant !.May ._15, ' {~!7 Sugar workers in Philippines demand land,.~

BY RUSSELL JOHNSON tive fund-raising and food-growing pro~ AND DEB ·sHNOOKAL jects. Bananas, sweet potatoes, and gabi BACOLOD, Philippines - In March (an edible root) grow along the banks of a 1986, shortly afterthe overthrow of Philip­ stream. The villagers raise pigs and ducks. pines dictator Ferdinand Marcos, we visit­ Shingle is hand-dredged from the stream to ed the island ofNegros as guests of the Na­ sell for construction purposes. tional Federation of Sugar Workers Marlen, who showed us around her vil­ (NFSW). A year later we were able tore­ lage, explained that the NFSW has been or­ turn. Much has changed. ganizing on the plantation since 1972. In 1984 the· entire village was arrested and The fight for land held for three days. But, she said, uniting The Negros sugar workers have been through the NFSW has given them the con­ Militant/Russell Johnson able to seize the democratic opening pro­ fidence to resist such intimidation. Families of contract sugar workers live·in barracks-like housing in Hacienda Con­ vided by the "people power" overthrow of Scattered through a crowd in the village suelo on Negros island. They are paid 50 cents to $1 per day during the five months Marcos to expand and consolidate their for a fund-raising fiesta were armed mem­ each year when work is available. militant organization and deepen their bers of the Civilian Home Defense Force struggle for land. (CHDF), a cut-throat militia funded by the because of the cooperative farm-lot plan. czar" - top Marcos crony Roberto Be­ We were especially interested to learn of planters. Nine of the cooperative organizers had nedicto. Officially taken over by the the progress of the NFSW's "farm lot" Leaving the plantation we noticed a reg­ been forced to register themselves with the Aquino government after Benedicto fled campaign. The campaign has been central ular army detachment guarding a cattle­ military authorities to avoid further harass­ the country, the plantation continues to be to the union's response to the collapse of breeding project nearby. The planters pay ment of the village. They were listed as run by Benedicto' s manager. And little else sugar prices on the world market in recent the soldiers a bonus to protect their prop­ "NPA surrenderees," and were forced to go has changed. years. erty frotn hungry peasants, our guides through a three-day "reindoctrination" Tomas and Elma Alcala are one of 12 re­ Of the 400,000 sugar workers on explained. seminar. Hermondenes showed us his cer­ maining families who live permanently on Negros, 250,000 have been displaced from tificate from the course -.,... he called it his the plantation. They have not been able to regular employment, as the plantation Workers cultivate abandoned plantation "life insurance policy." work there, however, since 1976. For 10 years they had been locked out in a battle owners sharply cut back their sugar cane Hacienda Kanla-on III is nestled against Hacienda Isabel plantings. The NFSW is demanding that at the foothills of Mt. Kanla-on. When sugar for union recognition, after secretly joining least a portion of plantation land now lying prices fell, the owner abandoned it, along Hacienda Isabel was owned by the J alan­ the NFSW in 1974. idle be distributed to sugar workers for with 72 families living there. Through the donis, one of the wealthiest ruling families There were 150 workers from 58 farm lots to grow food to keep themselves NFSW, the families had pressured the of Negros. The best-known Jalandoni, families involved in the lockout, but 90 re­ and their families from starving. landowner to loan them some 20 acres however, is Luis. A former priest, he aban­ turned to work after two years. A condition Under the pressure of angry and hungry from his 500 acres of idle plantation. He doned the planter class to join the revolu­ of reemployment was to leave the NFSW. sugar workers, provincial governor Daniel gave them the worst hilly land. Through tionary peasant movement. He is now in­ However the rehired workers continued to Lacson - who was appointed by President weeks . of back-breaking labor with only ternational representative of the National secretly sustain the 60 holding out. Corazon Aquino - has urged the planters primitive tools, they had transformed the Democratic Front (NDF), the political um­ In 1982 Benedicto bought out the previ­ to agree that only 60 percent of the sugar hillside into terraced, irrigated rice lands. brella group supporting the New People's ous owners of Consuelo and fired the entire lands will continue to be planted in sugar. Now they were demanding another 17 Army. workforce in order to block a new union Under his plan, an additional 30 percent acres and two caribao (water buffalo) for We spoke to Enrique and Cesar, two certification election, replacing them with would be made available to foreign and plowing. NFSW leaders on the plantation. Most of contract labor from Panay. He tried to shift domestic capitalists to develop new export In addition to the cooperative rice fields, the 78 families were still employed there ir­ the families off the hacienda. The 12 re­ crops. The remaining 10 percent would be individual households grew com elsewhere regularly. Pay rates were abysmally low. jected his meager compensation offer and After a week of weeding sugar cane on a refused to budge from their homes despite j\ol~ to the sugar workers. Oft . ~ plantation. This is sold in order to . Lacson, who is himself from a planting buy fish and other necessities from the piece-rate basis, 10 workers would have to intimidation from troops housed in Be­ family, has run into stiff opposition from market. One acre of com, it was explained share the equivalent of $15. nedicto' s compound nearby. the planters, who fear that this will open to us, could earn a family the equivalent of This meager income was now being sup­ These families held out by establishing the door to a more comprehensive land re­ about $57, or more than a fully employed plen:tented by two-and-a-half acres of com, gardens along stream banks on the planta­ form. sugar worker could earn in one or even two rice, and vegetables. tion, and collecting firewood and shellfish Nita Chemiguin, of the NFSW's inter­ months. Enrique and Cesar outlined the history of from neighboring areas. During the rainy national solidarity office, told us the The beneficial effects of the farm-lot the hacienda workers' struggle for these season the vegetables alone could bring the NFSW has given conditional support to the program were evident at Kanla-on III. De­ farm lots. The NFSW had begun organiz­ families from $7.50 to $10 per week, the "60-30-10" proposal as a first step. spite their obvious poverty, the farm work­ ing there in 1979. But this had to be done Alcalas estimated. By contrast, the con­ At the same time, she said, the union ers, especially their children, looked rela­ secretly to avoid harassment until they had tract laborers earned only the equivalent of · had so far been able to sign contracts with tively well-fed and healthy. This was in won a majority of the workers to the union 50 cents to $1 a day during the five months planters for the use of nearly 10,000 acres contrast to the semi-starved condition of a,nd could demand a certification election. of each year they worked. of plantation land for the NFSW farm-lot the employed sugar workers we had met in Their demands focused on higher program. One thousand acres were already the Murcia area in 1986. wages. But when the landowner insisted Contract laborers under cultivation. that he couldn't afford to pay more because Tomas took us across the road to the Army harassment of the sugar· crisis, they began demanding quarters of the contract laborers. More than Lockout The farm lots were also at the center of that Jalandoni provide land on which they 100 workers and their families were The workers at·Hacienda Camillie were the NFSW organization in the village. This could grow food. In September 1985 they crowded into the narrow concrete barracks, locked out in March 1982, when they tried made them a focus of military harassment.. finally won some land from him after perhaps 150 feet long. Each family was to get the planter to pay theni the minimum Hemondenes, a direCtor of the farm-lot threatening to take it themselves. housed on a concrete platform the size of a double bed. Some had built bamboo legal wage required by the Ministry of program on the plantation explained that But this step forward came at a price. On Labor and Employment. Ever since, the before the 60-day ceasefire between the March 8, 1986, one of their members, screens on these to allow a little privacy·. Tomas explained that the laborers were plantation has been run by contract labor New People's Army (NPA) and the gov­ Jerry Montero, was arrested by a paramili­ debt slaves. Recruited on their home island imported from the neighboring island of ernment, which began last December 10, tary unit as an "NPA suspect." He was later by ~labor contractor, who advanced each Panay. the military harassed them constantly. The found pegged out across a rock, skinned With the help of the sugar workers' fed­ army would go door-to-door questioning alive. · of them $25, they received only food al­ eration, the village is surviving the lockout them and beating them up. They wei:e ac­ lowance un~il the end of cane-cutting sea­ through organizing a number of coopera-· cused of being communists, he explained, Ceaseftre son. This meant they had to borrow further from the contractor. Their starvation wages The Isabel sugar workers had welcomed meant that they remained permanently in the ceasefrre, Enrique and Cesar said, be­ his debt and so had to return each year. cause it had at least temporarily halted NEW FROM PATHFINDER! The NFSW members approached them much of the military harassment and given as fellow exploited workers, Tomas em­ them greater space in which to organize. A phasized. They sought to befriend them, Fidel Castro's Political Strategy big contingent from the plantation had talk to them, and win them to the union, gone to Bacolod December 10 to partici­ despite management efforts to block this. It Fro~ pate in a giant peace rally that marked the Moncada to Victory was difficult, however, because the labor­ beginning of the ceasefire. ers were returned to Panay at the end of How did Fidel Castro forge a revolutionary strategy to In the words of one NFSW leader we each season. bring down the U.S.-backed Batista dictatorship in spoke to, the 60-day ceasefrre had been "an The Consuelo workers are demanding 1959? This new book tells the story, using letters, opportunity to meet with the NDF and that the govenunent reinstate them in their documents, and speeches of Fidel Castro and other NPA openly, to know better who they are former jobs and give them a section of the leaders of the July 26th Movement. and what they stand for." plantation to till. This is in line with They estimated that most workers at Aquino's promise to tum over .lands for­ a new book by Hacienda Isabel had voted "yes" in the merly owned by Marcos cronies to the plebiscite on the constitution proposed by landless, Elma explained. Marta Hamecker the government of Corazon Aquino. They If this did not happen soon, she pre­ Author of Cuba: Dictatorship or Democracy and The were giving her another chance to imple­ dicted, sugar workers would begin to take Great Challenge: An Interoiew with Jaime Wheelock ment her promise to bring land reform and over vacant and.abandoned lands and plant 160 pp., $7.95 peace to the countryside. them. The threat of military intervention would not stop them. "They are already ANilable June 1 from Pathfinder, 410 West Street, New York, N.Y. 10014 (include $.75 for post­ 'Sugar czar' killing us little by little from starvation by age) or from your local Pathfinder bookstore (see directory on p.12). Write for a catalog. Hacienda Consuelo was one of 26 refusing us work or land," she said. "So Negros plantations owned by the "sugar- what have we got to lose?"

May ,IS, ,1917 :JT renada l~day: 31/2 years after lhe U.S. invasion Interview with a revolutionary youth leader

The following is an interview with Terry tributable to the economic situation. activity. Up to now it has been very diffi­ Marryshow, general secretary of the The government of today, the govern­ cult to motivate youth politically. Maurice Bishop Youth Organisation ment of Herbert Blaize, has no programs The actual situation in the country, how­ (MBYO) of Grenada. The . MBYO is the for the development of the youth of Gre­ ever, is beginning to motivate them. Be­ youth group ofthe Maurice Bishop Patriot­ nada. Through the media, through televi­ cause each day, the more we feel the ef­ ic Movement. sion, through the radio and the newspa­ fects of the invasion, the more we begin to The MBPM is a revolutionary party pers, all efforts are being made to inculcate miss the gains we made during the revolu­ formed in May ·1984. It is named after Gre­ different values into the youth than the tion, in temis of the right to work, the right nada's late prime minister and revolution­ values the revolution advanced. to free education, the right to go away on Grenada's late prime minister Maurice B ary leader Maurice Bishop, who, along scholarships and study. Cuba, the only country standing up to iul with other key leaders, was murdered in a Youth politically apathetic These kinds of rights have been abro­ agricultural and industrial production. counterrevolutionary coup in October Instead of having a sense of identity with gated by the government. And the more we 1983. That coup opened the way for the our own history, our own conditions and feel it, the more this inspires the youth to are much more extensive than their own subsequent massive U.S. invasion of this struggles, many of the youth today identify get out of this period of lethargy and apathy courses. eastern Caribbean island less ·than a week more with the values projected in the North so they can fight once again. Fighting for right to work later. American media. Our main goal is to motivate youth and The interview was obtained in Havana, So we have a si~ation today where the help them in this area. This is really the test In my particular case, I returned to Gre­ Cuba, by Rena Cacoullos and Mary-Alice youth of the country are politically apathet­ of our organization in both the short and nada in August 1986 as a medical doctor. Waters in April, during the Fifth Congress ic. The downfall of the Grenada revolution long term. But I have not yet been able to work. of Cuba's Union of Young Communists. has left them without a perspective, and There are still quite a number of us wl ' they have absolutely nothing to do. Q. Are there any concrete demands are unemployed more than one year' in * * * being raised around unemployment? some cases two years, after returning. Question. Can you explain to us the Q. What are the main activities of the A. Well, maybe I can refer to my par­ situation facing working people, particu­ Maurice Bishop Youth Organisation? Q. Are doctors educated in Cuba being larly young people in Grenada since the What demands are you raising around un­ ticular case as an example. I am fighting singled out by the government? Or is the U.S. invasion of October 1983? employment and other issues affecting for the right to work in Grenada, to use my discrimination more general? education to help my people. Answer. In answering that question, young people in Grenada today? A. It has been quite general. But the you have to compare the youth of the revo­ A. As a progressive organization, we Q. You are a doctor, aren't you? You doctors face a unique problem becau5e th, / lutionary period [1979 to 1983] to the have a very hard time operating within graduated from medical school in Cuba? are the only ones who need a license to youth of today. Grenada today because the tremendous practice within the country. Youth were fully involved in the revolu­ amount of ·propaganda that is waged A. Yes. During the revolutionary People who have graduated in other tionary process. They were involved in a against the left has an impact. period, the government arranged for as fields do not need a government license to very complete way- in cooperatives, in Our call to the youth is to stand up and many as 200 young people to study in the work. So they can go into the private sec­ participation in sports and culture, in de­ fight again for sovereignty and indepen­ socialist countries. Over the last two years, tor. They can even create their own enter­ fense of the country, in the militia, in the dence, which we lost after the invasion. 80 to 90 graduates, in all different fields - prises. army. I was just referring to this question of medicine, dentistry, engineering, agricul­ In the case of doctors, however, on o· • ture, food processing -have returned to Today, however, in the wake of the patriotism. It does not exist among the return to Grenada, we were first informed downfall of the Grenada revolution and the youth anymore. Because of the heavy Grenada. that in order to be licensed we had to sit invasion of 1983, you have a completely American influence. in the country, we The problem, however, is that on return­ [take] an exam -an exam that in fact does different situation. Firstly, unemployment really feel as if we had returned or re­ ing to Grenada, because of the heavy not exist. We protested against this, and American influence and the anti-com­ is very serious. It is around 40 percent; 60 gressed to the colonial period - when we eventually this precondition was removed. percent among the youth: were a colony of England. The only differ­ munist propaganda that is being directed The government then instituted new against the progressive forces in Grenada, The economic situation is disastrous. ence is that today we are a colony of the conditions. It said we must do two years of What we have now is the increasing use of United States. the graduates from socialist countries are internship, after having already done oPe drugs, hard drugs, like cocaine, which was Their goal is to try to deter the youth being looked upon as threats, as people year of internship in Cuba. in other wordl>, never present during the revolutionary from struggling again, to demoralize them, who have been "indoctrinated." eight years in all before being licensed to period. to create economic conditions in which So we face serious discrimination, even practice on the island of Grenada. Also, along with this increase in drugs, they cannot feed themselves, they cannot though our degrees are recognized by re­ In addition, the opportunity to complete we have seen an increase in the rate of work. gional universities. this internship has only been extended to a crime in the country. Our call is for the youth to stand up once For example, the University of the West limited number of doctors. The govern­ The women of Grenada, who had gained again for the right of independence, for the Indies has given full accreditation to the ment has said that it has economic con­ so much pride and dignity during the revo­ right to self-determination, for which we Cuban degees . They have evaluated them straints, and so initially, they gave spaces lutionary period, are ·being pushed down fought so hard. and have ·given them very, very high to only five out of the 10 to practice. T.. ; once more. We have a resurgence of pros­ Through sports, through recreational ac­ marks. In fact, they have said that many of other five necessarily have to look for other titution in the country. Again, this is at- tivities, we try to draw the youth back into the courses offered at Cuban universities places in the Caribbean or go where they can to be employed gainfully.

Q. Some of the doctors are practicing elsewhere in the Caribbean? A. Yes. In fact, two have left. One went to St. Vincent, and one went to Jamaica. The impact of the government's policies is that the right to work has been taken away from us . We do not have the right to go into private practice.

Q. So the right to work and the right to be able to use your education to help the Grenadian people is one of the concn ~ Meet members of a revolutionary organization of stu­ demands that the youth organization is dents, workers, and farmers from more than 80 cities - fightingfor? people who joined brigades to Nicaragua, unionists who have organized support for striking meat-packers, and A . Of course. In fact, in the newspaper antiracist fighters who have marched in Forsyth County of the Maurice Bishop Patriotic Move- · and Howard Beach. ment, we have highlighted the struggle over the right to work. We believe that the doctors must have the right to work. All D Send me more information on the YSA convention. people must have the right to work. D I would like to join the YSA . Contact me. D Enclosed is $3 .00 for six issues of the Young Socialist. And it's not something that we alone are calling for. I must also mention that even Name ______some of the reactionary newspapers in the Address ______country support the right of all graduates to work, irrespective of whether they earned City - --. State _____.....: Zip------their degrees in socialist countries or not. We believe this is a fundamental ques­ U nion/Schooi!Organization -----,------___:.______tion that we all should fight for. Phone ______Destruction of social programs Mail to: YSA, 64 Watts St., N .Y . , N .Y . 10013 Q. Could you give some examples of what has happened since the U.S. invasion It takes Revolutionaries. to some of the programs that existed under the People's Revolutionary Government?

8 The Militant May 15, 1987 ',.' . . Kevin Williams •hop ~cent~r),.Danked by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, left, and Cuban President Fidel Castro. "In wake of downfall of Grenada revolution," Marryshow says, "apart from Jeri8lism IS Nicaragua." Photo on right shows People's Revolutionary Army and militia members tilling soil. After invasion, U.S.-imposed regime eliminated programs to advance.

A. A comprehensive health system was paramilitary police force in Grenada has the country, to give adequate health, hous­ been tied to the capitalist system, in the being developed in Grenada. Its expansion killed a number of youths. ing, and education to the majority of Gre­ years that we have been dominated by im­ depended on the return of doctors from nadian people. But literally, overnight, all perialism, we have really nothing to show training in Cuba. · A. Over the last three years, six people of this was destroyed. for it. Emphasis was going to be on primary have been killed. We have ·a clear position. Maurice In fact, what we have to show for it is But no inquests have been carried out. health care, initially. Then we would have Bishop represented the most sincere wishes high unemployment. We have drugs. We begun to train our own specialists to take Our party has called for an inquiry into of the Grenadian people to build a new so­ have inadequate housing, improper health the circumstances surrounding these shoot­ care. t.~ places of many of the foreign ciety, especially after the years of exploita­ specialists who were in Grenada at the ings and demanded that the perpetrators be tion we had suffered under the dictator Nicaragua today represents the symbol brought to justice. time. [Eric] Gairy. of freedom and independence for strug­ The reason for the downfall of the revo­ gling Third World peoples. Since the invasion, this has stopped. The The U.S. presence Cuban doctors were deported back to lu!ion was the personal ambition and the Of course, in the Caribbean, in Latin Q. How strong is the U.S. presence in dogmatism of a group of people within the America, in Central America, with all Cuba, and health care is no longer a right of Grenada? · the people. It has become, once ·again, a Central Committee of the New Jewel that's happened, the struggling and pro­ privilege. Because only if you can afford to A. In terms of. actual numbers? Movement who were bent on attaining gressive forces in the region have realized h to a private doctor who is good, can you These are figures we really .don't know. power. Of course, you know that this once and for all what imperialism is capa­ get quality health care within the country. All we know is that almost every single de­ group was led by Bernard Coard. They ble of doing. As of this year, the government has insti­ partment of government has an American were motivated more by greed and per­ Certainly in El Salvador, the struggle tuted fees for ordinary analysis and hospital adviser. sonal ambition rather than putting the inter­ has increased because of this. There is a care. There are a number of American advis­ ests of the Grenadian people before them­ greater sense of vigilance as to what our Of course, the health system established ers who train the Special Security Unit. selves. role should be. It is important for us to by the revolutionary government gave all They carry M-16 arms and dress in Coard and others were subsequently stand up at all costs to imperialism. of the people in different parts of the camouflage uniforms, very similar to what tried and convicted in the Grenadian But it is Cuba that has given the greatest c untry access to health care. Today, this you see in the Central American countries. courts - under the auspices of the invad­ example. All you have to do is walk around is only possible in the city [of St. ing forces, under the auspices of im­ and see the level of development that the George's], which has a hospital and many Q. What has happened to the trade perialism. people have obtained in such a short time doctors. union movement since the revolution was But at the same time we fully believe -only 27 years. But the people who live in the rural dis­ destroyed and the U.S.-imposed govern­ that they were the ones responSible. Compared with many of the Latin Amer­ tricts are deprived of this privilege. The ment was set up? We do not believe that they were revolu­ ican countries, Cuba has come a long way clinics· close at 4:00 in the afternoon ~ tionaries. We believe that they were coun-. in terms of eliminating many of the social, A. The main thing that has happened is they go from to and once the terrevolutionaries. economic, and political problems that 8:00 4:00- that the leadership of many unions has clinic is closed, you do not have the right to Maurice Bishop represented the symbol other countries face. Today, the right to passed from a progressive leadership to one . , g.-t sick anymore. of freedom and independence, not only education, the right to quality health care, that is reactionary in every sense of the for the Grenadian people but for all the the right to work - all of these things are Also, befm:e, we had a district medical word. officer in eac;h district. Now we have one peoples of the Caribbean and the Third · guaranteed by the Cuban revolution. At the present time, the Public Workers medical officer, who goes to a different World. For us, it is important that a process like Union is facing a serious confrontation district every day. Again, people of a par­ In four and a half years he had attained the Nicaraguan process is there because it over the firing of 1,800 workers from the tremendous international respect and pres­ means that others are on their way to ticular district have to choose a particular civil service. But the union has been very day to get sick. tige and the revolution;-as a consequence accomplishing the same things as Cuba. passive about all of this. [See story on back of this, had won prestige and admiration There are many other programs that have page.] <. Jappeared. For example, the develop­ worldwide. In the prerevolutionary time, such an at­ ment of farming cooperatives, livestock When he died, the revolution died with tack on the workers would have been suffi­ and agricultural cooperatives, which uti­ him and left in its wake a people who are New International cient, more than sufficient, to bring people lized many of the lands that were previ­ right now disoriented, overwhelmed by the a magazine of Marxist out onto the streets. The lack of response ously unutilized, has ceased. forces of imperialism, with little im­ politics and theory gives you an idea of the kind of leadership mediate hope for the future. The program aimed at using all the idle next issue coming soon we have at the level of the trade unions We, however, believe that even in hands and all the idle lands to increase pro­ today. duction, of course, has been eliminated. death, Maurice Bishop still represents the "The symbol for our struggle because he repre­ 1' •any of the private lands that had been ac­ Q. Let's talk about the international im­ sented one who stood up to imperialism, Second Assassination quired by the revolutionary government pact of the Grenada revolution and its de­ of Maurice Bishop" and put into production have been returned feat. one who was able to say no to them- that to their previous owners. Many of these we want to be independent, we want our by Steve Clark · cooperatives have been completely de­ A. The assassination of Maurice right to self-determination, we want to A response to recent stroyed. Bishop and the other leaders of the revo­ build a new and just.society for all of the slanders of Maurice Bishop - lution by forces led by former deputy Grenadian people. We no longer want to be and his politic.al contribu­ There remains a vestige of the literacy prime minister Bernard Coard, followed exploited, and we want to have our own program that was developed by the revolu­ by the U.S. military invasion, has had po­ friends. We want to develop relations with tions to the revolutionary­ f nary government, aimed at eliminating litical repercussions throughout the entire all of the countries we desire, that we must struggle in Grenada and ill~teracy among the vast majority of the Caribbean. Progressive working-class and not be dictated to. throughout the Caribbean population. But today it is implemented in revolutionary-minded people throughout These are the things that we have lost. and Central America. a very minimal way, not as it was during the region are all discussing the lessons of Today we are once more in a situation also the revolutionary period. Grenada. where we are dependent, we are subser­ This has had serious consequences for vient. We have lost that respect that. we "Building a Worker-Farmer our people because it means that they con­ Lessons of defeat had gained during the revolutionary AlUance in Canada" tinue in ignorance. Many of them cannot Q. What's the importance of this dis­ period. by Michel Dugre r'"'ld or write. This serves the ends of the cussion, especially for young people who and ruling regime and imperialism. are trying to understand what happened in Nicaragua's example Q. Fidel Castro on how to Participation in the militia during the Grenada? What about Nicaragua? What has revolutionary process was for the most part been the impact of that revolution through­ advance Cuba's economic A. Well, I think this is an. ongoing de­ out the region? symbolic. But at the same time it de­ bate that will continue for a long time to and social development. veloped a sense of patriotism and identity come. A. There was one time when Cuba, Gre­ Articles by Sandinista with the revolutionary process. The militia As young people, we put a great deal nada, and Nicaragua were united and re­ leaders Tom.as Borge on has been disbanded, of course. of trust and confidence. in the revolution­ garded as the giants of the region. The revolution and culture, and What we have now is a paramilitary ary process and consequently in the fu­ three giants. by Lum.berto Cam.p­ force, the SSU, or Special Security Unit, ture. In the wake of the downfall of the Gre­ on Nicaragua as a which has been trained by American mili­ Many of us went out of Grenada to nada revolution, it means that today, apart bell tary advisers. Its basic aim is to quell any study, confident that we were going to re­ from Cuba, which has had more than 27 Caribbean country. social unrest in the country. turn to build a new and just society. This is years of revolution, the only country stand­ Send $5 to New International, 410 what the revolution set out to build - to ing up to imperialism is Nicaragua. West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. Q. Last night you mentioned that this eliminate exploitation and oppression in Let's face it, in the years that we have I

May 15, 1987 The Militant 9 In, court fighf over FBI files,. gov't claims right to spy on all On Aug. 25, 1986 fe

Continued from front page vance the war, and he insisted that he had Costa Rica when his role in arming and The crisis in Washington has punctured was killed while "taking measurements for been told that Vice-president Bush knew of helping organize the contras · was made the pretense that .the administration was a dam that was to provide electrical power the covert operation to arm the mer­ public, told the May 3 New York Times: pursuing a "Reagan doctrine" enabling it to for the village of San Jose de Bocay" and cenaries. "The people who gave us the orders are try­ roll back popular freedom struggles in Cen­ noted contra threats that workers on such "We believed very much," said Secord, ing to paint us as running amok. It's in- tral America, southern Africa, Southeast humanitarian projects will continue to be "that our conduct was in furtherance of the sane." · Asia, and the Middle East. The resistance targets. · president's policies. 'I also understood that Tambs said his instructions came from of U.S. working people to new Vietnam The attempts to cover up for the contras this administration knew of my conduct the Restricted Interagency Group, a gov­ wars has not only not been overcome, but not only contradicted the facts, but ran and approved it." ernment body that included North; Alan has deepened. It was to get around this op­ counter to the identification that U.S. Although he is sometimes portrayed as a Fiers, head of the CIA Central American position that the administration launched workers and fanners, and all progressive­ free-lance adventurer, Se~;;ord has been in­ Task Force; and Assistant . Secretary of the "covert," "private" war that. has now minded persons, feel with the efforts of volved in covert operations directed by the State Elliott Abrams. mired it in scandal. volunteers like Linder to use their skills to U.S. government for more than two de­ Part of this crisis is the failure of the make life better for others. Through iden­ cades. He operated in South Vietnam as an 'Reagan knew what was happening' Reagan administration's stepped-up efforts tifying with Linder, they are also recogniz­ adviser to the government Washington set As ever higher figures in the administra­ to further isolate Cuba diplomatically and ing the Nicaraguan revolution's attempts to up there, helped run a secret air war against tion are implicated, the issue of the respon­ economically. Or to force Cuba's revolu­ improve the social and economic welfare Laos during the war in Indochina, headed sibility of Reagan himself is becoming an tionary government to make any accom­ of workers and fanners. up the 1 ,000-man Air Force assistance ever more central issue. Senator Daniel modations to Washington in either domes­ The virtual explosion of sympathy for group aiding the brutal regime of the shah Inouye, Democrat from Hawaii, who tic or foreign policies. Linder and his family and outrage against of Iran before the Iranian revolution, and chairs the Senate committee investigation, In the face of the defeats being dealt to the contras shows that the U.S. population served for a time under Reagan as deputy commented, "People have suggested that the Reagan administration's war against is "war weary by anticipation," a descrip~ assistant.secretary of defense. [Reagan] was getting old and he didn't Nicaragua, not a single leading Democrat tion used several months ago by Colorado know what was happening. What we're in Congress has proposed a clear alterna~ Rep. Patricia Schroeder. 'High officials' may be indicted · saying is that from what we have seen in tive policy. None proposes to end the con'­ The killing comes in the context of the Federal special prosecutor Lawrence some of the notes [in his diary], he knew tra war once and for all and recognize Nic­ governmental crisis in Washington that has Walsh has indicated that "high government what was happening." aragua's right to self-determination. None been boiling since the Iran-contra scandal officials" may soon face indictment. In an After years of loudly identifying himself calls on the U.S. government to aid the broke last November. April 28 report to Congress, Walsh de­ with efforts to back the contra war, Reagan Nicaraguan government's efforts - un­ scribed "ongoing investigations" of the has retreated to the feeble and incredible precedented in that country's histpry - to New stage in government crisis White House, the office of Vice-president claim that he knew only that ·money was raise the living standards and culture of the · This crisis has entered a new stage with Bush, and eight other federal agencies and being raised for pro-contra television ad­ population. the beginning of nationally televised con­ offices. Among them are the Department vertisements. But the response of U.S. working people gressional hearings on the scandals~ May 5. of State, Justice Department, and the CIA. The response to the murder of Ben Lin­ to the murder of Ben Linder shows that This opens a process in. which people will The first prosecution stemming from the der has further undehnined Reagan's ef­ millions want an end now to the use of watch daily as government officials, scandals occurred April 29 when Carl forts to duck responsibility for the crimes U.S. dollars to slaughter Nicaraguans and former officials, and other witnesses testify Channell, head of the right-wing National of his administration. As David Linder, those who aid them. They want the U.S. about the Reagan administration's secret Endowment for the Preservation of Lib­ Ben's father, pointed out, responsibility government to aid the efforts of the Nicara­ operations to continue a war opposed by erty, pleaded guilty to charges of tax fraud. for the slaying goes "down the line to the guan government and people to build a bet­ the great majority of the U.S. population. He admitted illegally using a tax-exempt president of the United States." ter future. And as each day goes by, they will see the foundation to raise money to ann the con­ responsibility for the illegal operation in­ tras. creasingly placed on Presidenf Reagan The charges against Channell also cited himself. . . The first witness was retired U.S. Air Oliver North "and others known and un­ - .WORLD NEWS BRIEFS-- Force general Richard Secord .. He de­ known" as co-conspirators. scribed being recruited by former National Some of those who served as point men CIA training dock in the island group each year. Security Council official . Oliver North to for the administration in the war against The new government of Prime Minis­ set up a network to secretly ann the con­ Nicaragua are now refusing to take the fall of Honduran torturers ter Timoci Bavadra, a coalition of the tras. He told about meetings with former for the higher-ups. Lewis Tambs, who re­ National Federation Party and the Labor Honduran army "interrogation" teams CIA director William Casey on how to ad- cently resigned as U.S. ambassador to Party, was elected April 12. One of its trained by the CIA systematically kid­ campaign pledges had been to ban U.S. napped, tortured, and killed hundreds of nuclear warships from Fiji. It defeated Hondurans, according to Florencio the right-wing government of Ratu Caballero, a former interrogator. Ortega addresses Li.nder's funeral Kamisese Mara, who had been in power In interviews with the New York since Fiji gained its independence from brother, Miriam and John, and two close Times and members of Americas Watch, Continued from Page 2 Britain in 1970. friends were guests of honor at the big May a U.S. human-rights organization, was "a U.S. citizen who, full of love and As in other South Pacific countries, Day rally in Managua. They shared tile Caballero estimated that nearly 200 sus­ joy, gave his life for the Nicaraguan peas­ there. has been considerable opposition platform with national trade union leaders pected leftists were murdered in this way ants. in Fiji to ongoing nuclear testing in the and Sandinista National Liberation Front between 1980 and 1984. ''He did not arrive on a flight carrying region. This was heightened by Wash­ (FSLN) leaders Victor Tirado, Bayardo He said the captives were tortured by arms or millions of dollars," Ortega said. ington's announcement in February that Arce, and Jaime Wheelock. "as many electric prods on their genitals "He came on a flight loaded·with dreams it would not sign an agreement adopted The tens of thousands of trade unionists as necessary," as well-as by submersion that were born of his conviction that· the by a number of South Pacific countries who packed the Plaza of the Revolution in a barrel of, freezing water, sexual ethical values of the U.S. people are much calling for an end to such testing. higher than the illegal policy of the U.S. were visibly moved and paid close atten­ humiliation, beatings, and not being al­ government. He showed that the U.S. tion as Miriam and John Linder addressed lowed to sleep. "All talked and all were people are a noble people, that they are the the rally. The ~rowd repeatedly interrupted killed," Caballero said: U.S., Bolivian troops enemy of those who ·assassinate ·children; them witll applause, and many workers In 1979, Caballero said, he was sent women, youth, and Nicaraguan peasants.'' . could be heard commenting "that's right" . to Houston, Texas, where CIA instruc­ in joint maneuvers David Linder told the crowd that his son and "that's true" as they spoke. tors taught him how to use sleep depriva­ had "wanted to go someplace where he Miriam Linder said, "We try to imagine tion, cold, and isolation against prison­ The government of Bolivia an-. could help people" after gniduating as an the pain we feel multiplied by the ers. nounced April 13 that about 300 U.S. engineer. thousands who have given their lives in the The CIA, formally claimed that it op­ Marines from the Southern Command, "He chose Nicaragua, fresh into its revo­ revolution and in the continuing fight for posed the use of torture. But as Ca­ based in Panama, would participate in lution for freedom, where the important the freedom of Nicaragua. ballero and several other Honduran and joint military maneuvers with Bolivian thing is people and what you can do to help "This war must end and it must end now! U.S. sources indicated to the New York forces in May. U.S: fighter planes them. He came to learn from the convic­ The people ofNicaragua must be allowed Times, CIA officials were well aware of would also take part. tions of this people and he gave his life for the opportunity to create the country of the tortures and killings. The exercises, called "Bol-USA-3," your ideals. I and my family are proud to freedom of which they dream." Caballero also confirmed that several will take place in the jungle zones bor­ have Ben come to rest in your city." Speaking in Spanish and English, John dozen leftist guerrillas and a U.S. priest, dering Peru. The Bolivian government The next day, Ben Linder's sister and Linder said that "the people of the United James Carney, were captured alive in has expressed concern about possible ac­ States, the youth, the workers, the fanners, 1983 and then killed. At the time, the tivities in the region by Peru's Shining want peace" with Nicaragua, not war. Honduran army and U.S. embassy Path guerrilla movement. The weapons that killed his brother and claimed most of the guerrillas had been From two Nicaraguans "were paid for and deliv­ killed in combat and that Carney died of ered by the U.S. government," he said. exposure in the jungle. Ecuadoran legislator Pathfinder Press "The attack was planned by the U.S. gov­ Caballero said he questioned several ernment. of the captured guerrillas before they hits U.S. troop presence Apartheid•s Great Land Theh: "It is a crime that the U.S. government, were shot. "The orders from the army speaking in the name of democracy, is high command were to take no more Enrique Ayala, vice-president of The .Struggle for the Right to waging a war against the interests of the prisoners," he said. "The American Ecuador's Congress, has publicly Fann in South Africa by Ernest big majority of the U.S. people. In the priest was killed." criticized the arrival of some 6,000 U.S. Harsch. United States and throughout the world, soldiers in that country. Tells the story of the fight over land, the death of my brother has given rise tore­ Ayala, a member of the Ecuadoran which has been at the center of the doubled voices saying 'No aid to the con­ Fiji weighs curbs Socialist Party, said the U.S. troops struggle between South Africa's tras!' and 'Let Nicaragua live in peace!' would occupy parts of eastern Ecuador white rulers and its subjugated Black "With the solidarity of the people of the on U.S. nuclear ships and of the coastal region of Manabi Prov­ majority. world, and especially the people of my ince under the guise of rebuilding some of country, you will win," he concluded, to The new government of the South the roads destroyed by th~ recent earth­ It is available at the Pathfinder BoOk­ prolonged applause. Pacific country of Fiji is studying vari­ quake. store nearest you (see directory on Victor Tirado addressed the rally on be­ ous options to cut off port access to nu­ Ayala noted that historically, U.S. mil­ page 12) or from Pathfinder Press, half of the FSLN National Directorate. He clear-armed or nuclear-powered ships, itary support for the Ecuadoran govern­ 410 West St., New York, N.Y. said Ben Linder represents the future of Foreign Minister Krishna Datt declared ment has brought repression. He said the 10014. 56 pp., $1.25. Please in­ U.S.-Nicaraguan relations and is a symbol April 29. This could apply, in particular, arrival of the troops harms Ecuador's na­ clude $. 75 for handling. of the "spirit of democracy, solidarity, and to U.S. navy ships, several of which tional sovereignty. internationalism" of the U.S. people. Subversion in Indiana-State dianapolis next August, the mayor in the Boston Globe. But one re­ man for indicted right-wing fund­ elUPloyers to hire prison inmates Dept. pointman Elliott Abrams was planning a baseball game be­ cent query proved a stumper: Q. In raiser Cad "S{litz" Channell. at prison wages. In Florida, shoes waged a furious arm-twisting cam­ tween his staff and Fidel's. Mean­ the event of a nuclear war between and furniture are being made for paign to get Indiana businessmen while, the Cuban president indi­ the United States and USSR and What tbe hell, nobody will state agencies by inmates getting cated he couldn't make it. other countries, where is the best notice- The government's Han­ 55 cents to $1.10 an hour. That's place to keep or invest money? A. ford nuke reservation in Washing­ not so cheap, an official said. Should have thrown the key You will have to pose that kind of ton, which processes plutonium "We're competing against Hong away - A San Francisco invest­ question to some contemporary for nuclear weapons, has been Kong and Korea." ment banking house threw a din­ Solomon. spewing carbon tetrachloride into ner bash for 600 coq)orate execs in · the air and doing nothing to stop it Harry a cellblock at Alcatraz Island. The And yet they both got caught - 20 tons in two years of the col­ Keeping up with the Yuppie former federal maximum security -"Spitz is a wonderful sideshow. orless, poisonous liquid that the Joneses- "LAWN PAINTING. Ring pen is now being promoted as a He has a limousine, gets up at · government labels a "suspected" Tired of your lawn being the same park. noon, and then conducts business carcinogen. color as everyone else's? Let me over lunch for hours. Someone custom·color paint it now. Be the and politicians to cancel an invite Can't take it with you? - like Ollie North has no life style. frrst on your block." - Ad in Fal­ to Fidel Castro. To promote the With deft assurance, Beatson Wal­ He just gets up and goes to work Ultimate answer to imports­ mouth-Mashpee, Mass. throw­ Pan American Games in In- lace answers investors' questions every day."-Jared Cameron, PR Half the states now permit private away.

-CALENDAR~--_____,;,______NEW YORK CALIFORNIA MARYLAND Hector Marroquin, Socialist Workers Party member fighting deportation for his political Manhattan Los Angeles Baltimore views; others to be announced. Translation to Contragate-Vietnam: What's the Con­ What We Can Learn from Platoon. A panel Burkina Faso: Eyewitness Account of an M­ Spanish. Sat., May 16, 7:30p.m. 141 Halsey nection? Speakers: Bui Xuan Nhat, am­ discussion. Speakers: Rick Trujillo,· Vietnam rican Revolution. Speakers: Jean Diasso, St. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor bassador to United Nations, Socialist Re­ veteran, member Amalgamated Transit Work­ charge d'affaires, Burkina Faso embassy. Er­ Forum. For more information call (201)-643- public of Vietnam; Barry Romo, national ers Union and Socialist Workers Party; Ruben nest Harsch, staff writer for the Militant, re­ 3341. coordinator, Vietnam Veterans Against Gomez, Vietnam veteran, peace activist, and cently returned from three-week trip to Burkina the War; Eddie Demmings, National member of Veterans for Peace. Sat., May 9, Faso. Sat., May 16, reception and dinner, 6 NEW YORK Conference of Black Lawyers. Sun., 7:30p.m. 2546 W Pico. Donation: $2. Sponsor: p.m.; program, 7:30p.m. Donation: $2, dinner, May 17, 2 p.m. Casa'de las Americas, Militant Labor Forum. For more information $3. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For more Annandale-on-Hudson 104 W 14th St. Donation: $5. Sponsor: call (213) 380-9460. information call (301) 235-0013. The U.S. Political Situation and Working­ Committee in Solidarity with Vietnam, Protest the Murder of Ben Linder: Join the class Perspectives. Speaker: James Harris, Kampuchea and Laos. For more informa­ Brigades to Nicaragua. Speakers: Dave MASSACHUSETTS Socialist Workers Party. Thurs., May 14, 7 tion call (718) 643-0201. Brown, Southern California coordinator for p.m. Committee Room of Kline Commons, Boston Bard College. Donation: $1. Sponsor: Mid­ brigades to Nicaragua; others to be announced. A Visit to Cuba. Slideshow report. Speaker: Sat., May 16, 7:30p.m. 2546 W Pico. Dona­ Hudson Young Socialist Alliance. For more in­ John Cotman, Ford Foundation fellow. Transla­ formation call (914) 758-0408 or 757-5411. tion: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For tion to Spanish. Sat., May 16, 7:30p.m. 107 U.S. Contra War and South African Apart­ more information call (213) 380-9460. Brighton Ave., 2nd floor, Allston. Donation: Manhattan heid. Speakers to be announced. Sat., May 9, 7 The Simpson-Mazzoli Immigration Law: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For more Issues in the "Baby M" Case: What Position p.m. 23 S Carbon Ave., Rm. 19. Donation: $2. Why It Is an Attack on AU Working People. information call (617) 787-0275. Should Working People Take? Speaker: Sponsor: Militant Forum. For more information Speakers: Olga Rodriguez, Socialist Workers Cindy Jaquith, Militant staff writer. Translation call (801) 637-6294. Party; others. Sat., May 30, 7:30p.m. 2546 W MINNESOTA to Spanish. Fri.; May 8. Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Pico. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor forum, 7:30 p.m. 79 Leonard St. Donation: WASIDNGTON Forum. For more information call (213) 380- St. Paul forum, $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum/Foro 9460. Clouded Land. Celebrate Minnesota Indian Perspectiva Mundial. For more information call Seattle month. Film by Minnesota filmmaker Randy (212) 226-8445. Behind the Assassination of Ben Linder. A GEORGIA Croce on Indian land rights. Speaker: John Youth Speak Out Against U.S. Intervention panel discussion. Sat., May 16, 7:30p.m. 5517 Rainier Ave. S. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Mili­ Atlanta Morin of Anishinabe Akeeng of White Earth in Central America and Apartheid in South Reservation. Sat., May 16, 7:30 p.m. 508 N Mrica. Speakers: representative, African Na­ tant Labor Forum. For more information call Issues in the "Baby M" Court Case. Speaker: Snelling Ave. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant (206) 723-5330. Kate Daher, chairperson Socialist Workers tional Congress Youth Section; representative, Forum. For more information call (612) 644- Anti-Nuclear Group Representing the Young Party, member Amalgamated Clothing and 6325. Textile Workers Union Local 2365. Sat.,May (ANGRY); representative, Young Socialist Al­ WEST VIRGINIA 9, 7:30 p.m. 132 Cone St. NW. Donation: MISSOURI liance; others. Translation to Spanish. Fri., Charleston $2.50. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. For May 15, dinner 6:30p.m., program, 7:30p.m. March and Rally Against KJan Violence. more information call (404) 577-4065. St. Louis 79 Leonard St. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Sat., May 9, noon. Assemble at Martin Luther Youth Speak Out. Panel discussion among Labor Forum. For more information call (212) King Center, march to Flack Plaza. ILLINOIS participants in April 25 antiwar, anti-apartheid 226-8445. Pathf'mder Bookstore Open House. Hear Chicago demonstration in Washington, D.C. Speakers: taped speeches by Malcolm X. Sat. , May 9, 3 Derek Bracey, chairperson Young Socialist Al­ OHIO p.m. 116 McFarland St., Sponsor: Pathfinder. The Latin American .Debt Crisis. Speaker: liance; Ted Kayser, member United Auto Nelson GonzAlez, Socialist Workers Party, Cincinnati For more information call (304) 345-3040. Workers Local 2250 and student at Washington Issues in the "Baby M" Court Case. Speakers U.S. Supreme Court Decision on AfTarmative United Steelworkers of America Local 3384. University; Tanja, high school student. Sat., Translation to Spanish. Sat., May 9, 7:30p.m. to be announced. Sun., May 10, 7 p.m. 4945 Action: Victory Against Job Segregation. May 9, 7 p.m. 4907 Martin Luther King Dr. Paddock Rd. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Speakers: Steve Starks, editor Beacon Digest; 3455 S MichiganAve. Donation: $2. Sponsor: YSA fundraising dinner, 6 p.m. Party to follow Militant · Labor Forum. For more information Labor Forum. For more information call (513) Joanne Murphy, Socialist Workers Party; forum. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor. 242-7161. others. Sun., May 10, 7 p.m. 116 McFarland call (312) 326-5853. Forum andYoung Socialist Alliance. For more Youth Say No to U.S. War in Central Amer­ St. Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Forum. For information call (314) 361-0250. Cleveland more information call (304) 345-3040. ica and Support to Apartheid. Translation to Issues in the ''Baby M" Court Case. Speakers The Soviet Union: Its Real Role in World Spanish. Two classes: 1. The Cuban and Nica­ to be announced. Sat., May 16, 7 p.m. 4907 Politics. Speaker: Jim Wright, political activist Morgantown raguan Revolutions Today- the Truth. Wed., Martin Luther King Dr. Donation: $2. Sponsor: who visited the Soviet Union in 1985. Sat., Eyewitness Reports and Slideshow from El May 13, 5:30p.m. 2 ..Malcolm X: Lessons for Militant Labor Forum. For more information May 9, 7:30p.m. 2521 Market Ave. Donation: Salvador. Speakers: Dave Evans, Vietnam vet­ Revolutionaries Today. Wed., May 20, 5:30 call (314) 361-0250. $2. Sponsor: Militant Forum. For mote infor~ eran and· director of the prosthetics program of p.m. Youth Speak Out: Young Socialist Al­ mation call (216) 861-6150. Medical Aid for El Salvador; Kipp Dawson, liance Forum. Sat., May 16, 7:30p.m. 3455 S NEW JERSEY member United Mine Workers .of America, Michigan Ave. Donation: $2. All events spon­ Socialist Workers Party. Sat:, May 16, dinner, sored by Young Socialist Alliance. Rides pro­ Newark UTAH 6:30p.m., program, 7:30p.m. 221 Pleasant St. vided. For more information call (312) 326- Protest Attack on Immigrant Workers: Gov­ Price Donation: $2. Sponsor: Militant Labor Forum. 5853. ernment's Phony "Amnesty" Blll. Speakers: The Unions' Stake in the Fight Against the For more information call (304) 296-0055. -IF YOU LIKE . THIS PAPER, LOOK US · UP·------Where to find the Socialist Workers Party, St. NW, 2nd Floor. Zip: 30303. Tel: (404) 577- Louis: SWP, YSA , 4907 Martin Luther King PENNSYLVANIA: Edinboro: YSA, c/o Young Socialist Alliance, and Pathfinder 4065. Dr. Zip: 63113. Tel: (314) 361-0250. Mark Mateja, Edinboro University of Pa. Zip: bookstores. ILLINOIS: Chicago: SWP, YSA, 3455 S. NEBRASKA: Omaha: SWP, YSA, 140 S. 16412. Tel: (814) 398-2574. Pblladelphia: Michigan Ave. Zip: 60616. Tel: (312) 326- 40th St. Zip: 68131. Tel: (402) 553-0245. SWP, YSA, 2744 Germantown Ave. Zip: ALABAMA: Birmingham: SWP, YSA, 5853 or326-5453. NEW JERSEY: Newark: SWP, YSA, 141 19133. Tel: (215) 225-0213. Pittsburgh: SWP, 1306 1st Ave. N. Zip: 35203. Tel: (205) 323- IOWA: Des Moines: SWP, YSA, 2105 For­ Halsey. Zip: 07102. Tel: (201) 643-3341. YSA, 402 N. Highland Ave. Zip: 15206. Tel: 3079. est Ave. Zip: 50311. Tel: (515) 246-1695. NEW YORK: Barrytown: YSA, c/o Ben (412) 362-6767. ARIZONA: Phoenix: SWP, YSA, 1809 W. KANSAS: Lawrence: YSA, c/o Rob Binns, Fiering, Barrytown Hotel. Zip: 12507. Tel: TEXAS: Austin: YSA, c/o Mike Rose, 7409 Indian School Rd. Zip: 85015. Tel: (602) 279- 1039 Rhode Island. Zip: 66044. (914) 758-0408. Capital District (Albany): Berkman Dr. Zip: 78752. Tel. (512) 452-3923. 5850. Tucson: YSA, c/o Ursula Kolb, P.O. LOUISIANA: Baton Rouge: YSA, 4264 SWP, YSA, 114E Quail St. Zip: 12206. Tel: Dallas: SWP, YSA, 336 W. Jefferson. Zip: Box 853. Zip: 85702. Tel: (602) 795-5810. Oxford Ave. #4, Zip: 70808. Tel: (504) 766- (518) 434-3247. New York: SWP, YSA, 79 75208. Tel: (214) 943-5195. Houston: SWP, CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles: SWP, YSA, 0510. New Orleans: SWP, YSA, 3640 Maga­ Leonard St. Zip: 10013. Tel: (212) 219-3679 or YSA, 4806 Almeda. Zip: 77004. Tel: (713) 2546 W. Pico Blvd. Zip: 90006. Tel: (2i3) 380- zine St. Zip: 70115. Tel: (504) 895-1961. 925-1668. Pathfinder Books, 226-8445. Stony 522-8054. 9460. Oakland: SWP, YSA, 3808 E 14th St. MARYLAND: Baltimore: SWP, YSA, 2913 Brook: YSA, c/o Jordy Rockowitz, Wagner UTAH: Price: SWP, YSA, 23 S. Carbon Zip: 94601. Tel: (415) 261-3014. San Diego: GreenmountAve. Zip: 21218. Tel: (301) 235- 120, Stony Brook College. Zip: 11794. Ave., Suite 19, P.O. Box 758. Zip: 84501. Tel: SWP, YSA, 2803 B St. Zip: 92102. Tel: (619) 0013. NORTH CAROLINA: Greensboro: SWP, (801) 637-6294. Salt Lake City: SWP, YSA, 234-4630. San Francisco: SWP, YSA, 3284 MASSACHUSETTS: Amherst: YSA, P.O. YSA, 2219 E Market. Zip: 27401. Tel: (919) 767 S. State, 3rd floor. Zip: 84111. Tel; (801) 23rd St. Zip: 94110. Tel: (415) 282-6255. San Box 1383 Hampshire College. Zip: 01002. 272-5996. 355-1124. Jose: SWP, YSA, 461/z Race St. Zip: 95126. Boston: SWP, YSA, 107 Brighton Ave., 2nd OHIO: Athens: c/o Jake Hiles, 1891f2 W. WASHINGTON, D.C.: SWP, YSA, Tel: (408) 998-4007. Seaside: YSA , P.O. Box floor, Allston. Zip: 02134. Tel: (617) 787- Washington, Apt. A. Zip:45701. Tel: (614)594- 3106 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. Zip: 20010. Tel: 1645. Zip: 93955. Tel: (408) 394-1855. Stock­ 0275. 8450. Cincinnati: SWP; YSA, 4945 Paddock (202) 797-7699, 797-7021. . ton: YSA, c/o Ted Barratt and Gustavo Men­ MICHIGAN: Detroit: SWP, YSA, 2135 Rd. Zip:45237. Tel: (513)242-7161. Cleveland: WASIDNGTON: Seattle: SWP, YSA, doza, 825 N. San Jose St. Zip: 95203. Tel: Woodward Ave. Zip: 48201. Tel: (313) 961-0395. SWP, YSA, 2521 Market Ave. Zip: 44113. Tel: 5517 Rainier Ave. South. Zip: 98118. Tel: (209) 941-8544. MINNESOTA: Austin: SWP, YSA, 4071h N. (216) 861-6150. Columbus: YSA, P.O. Box (206) 723-5330. COLORADO: Denver: SWP, YSA, 25 W. Main. Zip: 55912. Tel: (507) 433-3461. North­ 02097. Zip: 43202. Toledo: SWP, YSA, 1701 WEST VIRGINIA: Charleston: SWP, 3rd Ave. Zip: 80223. Tel: (303) 698-2550. field: YSA, c/o Heiko Koester and Pat Rombero, W. Bancroft St. Zip: 43606. Tel: (419) 536- YSA, 116 McFarland St. Zip: 25301. Tel: (304) FLORIDA: Miami: SWP; YSA, 137 NE Carlton College. Zip: 55057. Tel: (507) 663- 0383. 345-3040. Morgantown: SWP, YSA, 221 54th St. Mailing address: P.O. Box 370486. 4000,ext. 4570or4563. Twin Cities: SWP, YSA, OKLAHOMA: Edmond: YSA, c/o Ricky Pleasant St. Zip: 26505 .' Tel: (304) 296- Zip: 33137. Tel: (305) 756-1020. Tallahassee: 508 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul. Zip: 55104. Tel: Garcia, 1308 N. Blvd. F-46. Zip: 73033. Tel: 0055. YSA, P.O. Box 20715. Zip: 32316. Tel: (904) (612) 644-6325. (405) 340-3868. WISCONSIN: Mllwaukee: SWP, YSA, 222-4434. MISSOURI: Kansas City: SWP, YSA,4725 OREGON: Portland: SWP, YSA, 2732 NE 4707 W. Lisbon Ave. Zip: 53208. Tel: (414) GEORGIA: Atlanta: SWP, YSA, 132 Cone Troost. Zip: 64110. Tel: (816) 753-0404. St. Union. Zip: 97212. Tel: (503) 287-7416. 445-2076.

Tli~ 'Militaid May rs~ 1987 ·M ~oqutn· ~ · .WJns . ' temporary";~r1<,1Jl!mdt. . .·. . . .······· ·.··· ...· . ·... . .· ·.·.·'

Continued from front page But, Studer added, when Judge Thorn­ fled political persecution there in 1974. Ar­ mas Griesa issued his decision in the case, rested here in 1977, he applied for political he said the INS had informed him it had asylum. Supported by the Political Rights dropped any plan to "proscribe" the SWP. Defense Fund, his case was pursued all the way to the Supreme Court. But in 1983, Long interview that body upheld the denial of asylum to When the line of applicants waiting in Marroquin by refusing to review the case. the .street was finally escorted upstairs, they discovered that a· church-organized Waiting for green card group had been brought in another en­ Married to a U.S. citizen, Priscilla trance, by special arrangement with the Schenk, Marroquin then applied for legal INS, and was being issued numbers one residency- a "green card." His applica­ through 30. tion has been pending and unanswered for Marroquin found himself in this line and · four years. obtained number 27. After paying his $185 Meanwhile, support for his fight has as­ filing fee, with a required certified check, sumed impressive proportions. This was his application form was accepted. indicated by the Political Rights Defense But when his interview number came Fund supporters who accompanied Marro­ up, his application had, inexplicably, been quin to the immigration office. lost. Fortunately, Marroquin had several These included Guillermo Chavez, di­ additional copies. rector: of the Political and Human Rights After a wait of several hours, he was Department of the United Methodist called in for his preliminary interview. For Militant/Martin Koppel Church, and Sister Elizabeth Kelliher, of most applicants, this took about 20 min­ Hector Marroquin being interviewed by reporters at INS offices the Labor and Religious Coalition .. utes. In Marroquin's case, it took an hour Holding a placard demanding, "Am­ and a half. ing room, he had to make his way past a you're working for any violent cause." nesty for Hector Marroquin now!" was vet­ Among other things, the application circle of reporters, camera people, and eran Irish activist George Harrison. Kathy In response to an earlier question, Nel­ form requires listing all organizations of photograpers grouped around Marroquin. son said no one will be denied amnesty "for . Andrade, education director of Interna­ which the applicant is a member, "to assist their beliefs." tional Ladies' Garment Workers' Union in establishing the required residence." Avoids issue Asked by a radio interviewer to com­ LOcal 23-25, also came to support Marro­ In response, Marroquin listed the ment on this, Marroquin said, "I surely .quin. Socialist Workers Party, which seemed to At the news conference, Nelson was asked about Marroquin: Could he be de­ hope so. The right to freedom of political A number of prominent figures sent be a sticking point for the interviewer. Fi­ association should not be denied to anyone statements of support, including Ernesto nally a supervisor materialized and decided nied amnesty because he's a socialist? Dodging the question, Nelson said, because of color, sex, or national origin." Jofre, coordinator of the New York area this ·was not a barrier to recommending Labor Committee in Support of Democ­ Marroquin for temporary 'residence and "We're not going to discuss individual With his work authorization card in cases, particularly cases of political racy and Human Rights in El Salvador, and granting him a work ID. hand, Marroquin said his next step was to two members of Congress, Esteban Torres While waiting to be photographed and asylum." obtain a social security number so he could and Mickey Leland. receive the ID card, Marroquin was inter­ "In general," he was asked, "can people get a job, become a union activist, and Also accompanying Marroquin was viewed by more members of the media, be denied amnesty for being socialists?" press the fight for a better world. Johll Studer, executive director of the Po­ with the Spanish-language press and TV Dodging again, the commissioner re­ sponded, "We're not going to discuss indi­ litical Rights Defense Fund; Marroquin's showing particular interest in his case. And he announced that when he finally lawyer, Claudia Slovinsky; and Priscilla Asked about the fact that the application vidual cases." He went on to note that wins his residency, he will "follow the ex­ Schenk. form was available only in English, Marro­ existing immigration law provides for ex­ ample of Ben Linder and volunteer for a Studer told reporters that the INS would quin responded, "I think it's an act of arro­ clusion "if you advocate the violent over­ brigade to help build a better life for the have a difficult political, legal problem if it gance, an act of discrimination. I think it throw of the American government, or if workers and farmers of Nicaragua." tried to deny amnesty to Marroquin. should have been in Spanish, French, the He explained that last August the Asian languages, and any other languages Socialist Workers Party had won a suit the people of this country speak." -10AND25 YEARS AGO--- against various government agencies, in­ cluding the INS, for political viCtimiza­ 'Will intensify discrimination' convention in the UAW's 25-year history. tion. Discussing the plight of the great major­ THE MiliTANT The biggest of the big -name guest speak­ ity of undocumented immigrants, those ers is President. John Kennedy, and the SWP not 'proscribed' who don't qualify for amnesty, Marroquin dominant feature of the nine-day conven­ The court decision, Studer said, specif­ said, "I think it will intensify the discrimi­ May 13,1977 tion is the support by UAW President Wal­ ically' provided that membership in the nation. I don't think it will stop immigrants ter Reuther for the Kennedy administration party could not be used to deny immigra­ from coming in or bosses from hiring In a protest against steep rent increases, and the subordination of the policies of the tion relief. them. thousands of Black high school students union to Kennedy's national and intema- · He explained that the INS had consid­ "It's just going to make the un­ demonstrated in Soweto April 27. The pro­ tional program, including the cold war and ered listing the SWP as a "proscribed" or­ documented more vulnerable. The employ­ tests were called by the Soweto Students nuclear testing. ganization, whose members and supporters ers will use the supposed threat of a fine to Representative Council (SRC), which ini­ Concern for Kennedy's image 9omi­ would be liable to deportation under terms pay you even less than they used to." tiated many of the maSs Black protests that nates the resolutions. The civil rights reso­ of the McCarran-Walter thought-control Earlier in the day, INS Commissioner swept South Africa last year. lution, for example, is in great part devoted immigration statute, which bars promotion Alan Nelson <;arne to the office to hold a According to one report, "At Morris to praising Kennedy for actions exposed of "world communism." press conference. On his way to the briefc Isaacson high school in Orlando, police es­ even by the conservative NAACP as inef­ timated that 2,000 students gathered early fective window dressing. this morning. Many carried angry banners The Kennedy administration is praised declaring: 'We will not pay,' and 'Away in almost every resolution reported out of Broad support for Marroquin's with capitalism.'" committee. On the surface, this is in line Leaders of the SRC had planned a peace­ with the present feeling of the· great major­ ful march to the white administrative of­ ity of the delegates. right to remain in U.S. fices in Soweto to protest the rent hike, but Kennedy's popularity is one factor being police riot vans stopped them. used by Reuther to push through a program NEW YORK - Among those issuing become what appears to be an exclusionary by which the UAW's political power, and statements of support for Hector Marro­ tactic against those persons whose political The actions were sparked by a govern­ even some of its finances, will be quin was Esteban Torres, member of Con­ views seem to differ from the norm." ment announcement that rents on all homes mobilized behind Kennedy's international gress from California. He said any refusal Eleanor Furman of the Bill of Rights in Soweto, which are government owned, as well as national policies. It is also clear by the Immigration and Naturalization Ser­ Foundation urged the INS to grant Marro­ would be raised by 40 to 80 percent by May that the Reuther leadership looks to the vice "to swiftly grant Mr. Marroquin legal quin legal residence and "put to rest serious 1. The notice of the rent hikes came at a Kennedy administration, rather than to the status in this country could only stem from questions of past discrimination." time when Soweto's poverty-ridden popu­ independent power of the UAW or the an improper desire to victimize him further Mickey Leland, member of Congress lation was already facing additional labor movement, for solutions to the because of his political opinions." from Texas, noted that Marroquin clearly hardships. Unemployment among Blacks union's major problems, including mass qualifies for amnesty and added, "I will throughout the country is estimated at more Marroquin's application "will be an im­ unemployment. continue to monitor his situation until his than 1 million and is rising by about 15,000 The U AW' s traditiQnal solution -·the portant test case for the new amnesty law," case is resolved." persons a month. Earlier this year, the re­ Torres said. shorter workweek at no reduction in pay­ Constance Gilbert-Neiss, a leader of the . gime approved sharp increases in the rail has been abandoned here as a collective Joining in was Ernesto Jofre, a New National Organization for Women in New fares paid by Soweto's 220,000 commut­ York business agent for the Amalgamated bargaining demand. In its place appears a Jersey, said denial of Marroquin's applica­ ers. resolution for a "flexible workweek" Clothing and Textile Workers Union and tion "would be a travesty of the democracy coordinator of the New York area Labor through passage of a federal law. we all cherish." Committee in Support of Democracy and The central features of this convention A statement declaring that turning down Human Rights in El Salvador. - Reuther's policies and techniques, the Marroquin's claim would be "a serious at­ THE mood of the delegates and the nature of the Jofre said he was concerned that Marro­ tack on democratic rights .. . and a blow to opposition - are neatly summed up in the quin "win this fight, which can mark a his­ the rights of all undocumented immi­ events around one resolution. It was a pro­ torical precedent at this juncture for the grants" included Jerome Audige of the .MILITANT posal to divert about $1.5 million a year to rights of immigrants and the trade union New· Jersey Haitian/ American Cultural Published in the Interests of the Working People a special fund under control of the Interna­ movement." Foundation; Lawrence Hamm, chair, New May 14,1962 l '1w•· I lk tional Executive Board for use .overseas. Guillermo Chavez, director of the Polit­ Jersey Rainbow Coalition; David Cline, In reporting the proposal to the Reuther ical and Human Rights Department of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War; Mary ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., May 7-The caucus UAW Vice-president Leonard United Methodist Church, released a state­ Dunlevy, Teamsters LOcal 877; Rev. weather is fine and there are lots of big­ Woodcock said the money would be used ment from the church explaining, "The Canon Henry L. Atkins, Episcopal chap­ name speakers, banquets, and parties here to combat revolutionary socialist and com­ case of Mr. Hector Marroquin Manriquez lain, Rutgers University, New Brunswick; at the 18th constitutional convention of the munist tendencies in the labor movement demonstrates that, once again, the immi­ Valorie Caffee, District 65, United Auto United Auto Workers. But in terms of seri~ overseas, and that in colonial areas such gration laws in the United States rather Workers human rights director; and Karen ous union politics and debate this is by all money could not come from the U.S. gov­ than supply the necessary remedy to the Walden, Peace Center of Central New Jer­ odds the quietest - "dullest" is the word ernment because it would be branded as immigration problems in this country, have sey. used by many experienced observers - "imperialist money."

13 :l..i ~EDITORIALS-.. ------~-- .Debating . . . a conservative on The anti-immigrant 'reform' law the Bill of Rights

On May 5, the first phase of the Immigration Reform stantial penalties ....,..- criminal prosecution for making a BY DOUG JENNESS and Control Act of 1986 went into effect. · false claim under oath, with the possibility of stiff fines A few weeks ago, I participated in a debate on the Bill "Control" is the relevant word in the title. "Reform" and jail terms. of Rights held at Davis and Elkins College, a small pri­ was included to prettify it, to suggest an improvement in Until now, the boss demanded the undocumented ac­ vate school nestled in the hills of West Virginia. My op­ existing immigration law. But any suggestion that it's a cept harder work, longer hours, and lower wages because position was William Stanmyer, director of the Lincoln change for the better as far as working people .are con­ he was doing them a "favor." Center for Legal Studies, a conservative outfit based in cerned is a fraud. Now the refrain will be, "I'm taking a big risk in hav­ Arlington, Virginia. Hector Marroquin, who is fighting U.S. government ing you here;" and the push for even lower wages and Stanmyer, who has a law pedigree a mile long, argued attempts to deport him, told reporters when he applied for worse living and working conditions will proceed accord­ that the Bill of Rights limits the powers only of federal legalized status that the new law is not intended to keep ingly. undocumented workers out of the United States. It is not Those branded illegal will continue to be subjected to intended to keep employers fr9m hiring them. Nor is it a ripoffs by rent-gouging slumlords, E-Z credit merchants, plan for a wholesale expulsion of the undocumented. Too bribe-hungry migra agents, and cops. LEARNING ABOUT many employers pocket lucrative added profits from the Use of health-care facilities and other social services sweat of the undocumented for that. are a risk. · SOCIALISM Rather, the law's purpose is to institutionalize within Inevitably, the discrimination spills over - legal im­ the U.S, working class an entire sector with no rights, a migrants, Puerto Ricans, Chicanos, Asian Americans, sector of "illegal" pariahs. other citizens, will be subjected to added employment bodies, not state and local governments. He complained Until now, the capitalist politicians and media have fo­ bias. that it was "disturbing" that "five of the nine men and cused public attention on the "amnesty" provision of the Speaking at a Chicano studies conference in Salt Lake women [on the Supreme Court] can strike down the laws new law. But even this is a sharply limited proposition City, Denver activist Lucia Aguilar Navarro said of the 50 states." loaded with Catch-22s. · Chicanos will be hit because of "the color of our skin, our The kind of decisions that "disturbed" him became ap­ Those of the undocumented ready to risk putting them­ last names, or our accents." parent during the debate. They included rulings against selves in the hands of the justly hated Immigration and And, it can be added for sure, union activists will be a state laws that outlawed abortion, banned pornography, Naturalization Service cops -Ia migra- have a lot to particular target. and permitted prayers in public schools. contend with: a $185 fee per adult family member, I responded that his "states' rights" argument had the The undocumented are not "aliens." They are an inte­ odor of the legal pretension used for so many years to documentary proof of more than five years residence, gral part of the U.S. working class. The blows aimed at proof of financial responsibility, passing a medical test, maintain the Jim Crow system of racial segregation in the them divide working people and strengthen the hand of South. · the possibility of some family members being granted the employers and their government. legal status and others denied it, and the risk of jail if Moreover, regardless of how one interprets the inten­ Increasingly, immigrant workers are coming to recog­ tions.of the Constitution's authors, the 14th Amendment, documentation is deemed fake. nize that they are part of the U.S. working-class, that · Clearly, only a small minority of the undocumented adopted in the wake of the Union military victory that they have a right to be here, and that by fighting to extend brought down slavery in 1865, unambiguously affirmed, will qualify for this one-time amnesty deal. the protections of the Constitution to themselves they can And for all the rest, the situation is much more difficult "No state shall make or enforce any law which shall win support from other working people. abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the than before. This determination and militancy was demonstrated by Under tire new "control" act, it's a crime for an un­ United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of the Latino contingent in the April25 Washington, D.C., life, liberty, or property without due process oflaw; nor documented worker to hold a job. According to the INS, antiwar and anti-apartheid march. ·Jt,. favorite chant was, the law "requires all job applicants, even U.S. citizens, deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal pro­ "jEstamos aqui. No nos vamosr' In English, that trans­ tection of the law." to present proof of authorization to work." latesroughly into: "We are here and we're not leaving!" Birth certificates, drivers' licenses, passports, this provision, along with the other sections of the 14th Amendment, were aimed at preventing the fomier naturalization or legal residency documents will ha~ to Opposition to U.S. intervention in Central America be submitted and a record kept in employers' files. This has also generated support for the idea that immigrant slaveholders from regaining influence in the southern in a time of increasing attempts to curb democratic rights workers and political refugees should be allowed to stay state governments after the Civil War and at setting and invade privacy. in this country. The impressive support given to Hector guidelines for the admission of new reconstruction gov­ Under the law, beginning June I, 1988- some 13 Marroquin testifies to this, as does the strength of the ernments. months from now - employers who "knowingly" hire movement for sanctuary for Central American refugees. Like the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, undocumented workers are subject to fines. Those The union movement has a major responsibility to sup­ and the 15th Amendment, which said the right of a citi­ deemed to be persistent offenders face, theoretically, port and help lead the fight for full citizenship rights for zen to vote could not be denied due to race, color, or pre­ criminal prosecution. The ·maximum sentence? Six all immigrants. Repeal of the reactionary immigration vious condition of servitude, the 14th Amendment was an extension, won through struggle, of the democratic months. control law should be pressed for and every one of its But workers who submit invatid documents face sub- targeted victims defended. guarantees in the Bill of Rights. Stanmyer bemoaned court rulings of the past 25 years that have upheld, on the basis of the 14th Amendment, the right of Blacks and women to equality, including af­ firmative action programs in hiring and education. "If those who passed the 14th Amendment knew what it was going to be used for, they wouldn't have passed it," he said. That's probably true; but so what. Since 1868, when the 14th Amendment was ratified, humanity has made some.advances. As a result of battles, in which many have paid with their lives, working people have broadened the recognition of what sectors of the population are full and equal human beings and the scope of the rights and protections they are entitled to. Blacks, Latinos, undocumented workers, women, youth, the handicapped, homosexuals, veterans, and others have won increased respect and important legal guarantees of their rights. And these struggles continue. The fact that the 14th Amendment had been won - that it was there- gave rights fighters a legal weapon. Its wording was clear: no person should be denied "equal protection of the law." And it was this that the civil rights Militant/Selva Nebbia ~ovement and other struggles forced the courts to recog­ April2S demonstrators:·'Halt deportation of Central American refugees. We will not be moved.' mze. Stanmyer was especially piqued at court rulings that have applied 14th Amendment rights to women. "The ERA [Equal Rights Amendment] was the way" to outlaw sexism, he said, "and it wasn't passed." So what conclusion are we to draw - that discrimina­ Racist killer of Chin acquitted tion based on sex is legal because the ERA wasn't ratified by a sufficient number of state governments? The decade-long effort to get the ERA adopted was foreman Ebens to beat Chin to death. When a racist can club a Chinese American to death dropped in 1982 when 38 ofthe state legislatures failed to When the courts allow such overt acts of racist vio­ with a baseball bat in front of witnesses and not wind up ratify it. An attempt to revive it the following year was lence to go unpunished, it invites more such attacks. behind bars, it should send a warning signal to all oppo­ defeated by Congress. nents of racist violence. Unlike the U.S. rulers, the majority of people in this The recent acquittal ·of Ronald Ebens in the killing of country - Black, white, Asian, and Latino - oppose If the ERA had won, it would have given all those Vincent Chin (see story on back page) is an outrage that violence directed against people because of the color of fighting for women's rights greater confidence to push demands response. Asian Americans have pointed out their skin, their country of origin,, or the language they ahead and break down barriers based· on sex - in the this was not an isolated case, noting incidents of anti­ speak. workplace, in schools, in public services, etc. Asian violence and other racist acts against Asians in Eben's acquittal should be a signal to step up the fight But the fact is that the constitutional guarantee of equal various parts of the country. to arrest, convict, and throw in jail every perpetrator of protection for women !llready exists, in the 14th Amend­ One current example is that of a family in New York's racist violence. ment and other measures, despite the assertions of Stan­ Chinatown. (See story on page 6.) The cops who The fight to prevent future victims like Vincent Chin royer and others of his ilk. smashed into the apartment and brutalized the family . means demanding the conviction of Bernhard Goetz, the Stanmyer pooh-poohed the Bill of Rights as "just members, the Wongs and Woos, still have not been trigger-happy New York racist vigilante. amendments," just a "tail" on the Constitution. But for punished. It means pressing for a full , vigorous prosecution of working people, these 10 amendments and the sub­ In the case of Vincent Chin, the campaign of the em­ the Howard Beach lynch gang, a prosecution that will put sequent ones that have extended democratic rights, far ployers and their government to deflect attention from the killers of Michael Griffith in prison. from being the tail, are at the very heart of the Constitu­ themselves by blaming workers in other countries for And it means joining the fight to bring to justice the tion. They are what we've conquered and continue to de- U.S. unemployment directly contributed to inciting auto New York cops who attacked the Wong and Woo family. fend and fight to extend. .

1!\ ~. 1~, . 198,7. ,_, ' ~ -. -_,_ r -., ~- -,_ • .'! ~ 1 Nic~~gua ~rip sparks discussion in·garment ·shop ·.-... BY ELLIE BETH BRADY when I explained that it's important for U.S. working a war-torn country than to be working here," one worker I recently bad the opportunity to participate in a wqrk people to travel to Nicaragua and see for themselves how said. brigade to h~est coffee in Nicaragua. 'This was a r~al the revolution has changed the lives of workers and fai'm­ Upon my return everyone wanted to know how it education - especially seeing frrsthand the toll of the ers there and also to see the effects of the U.S.-run war. went. Several had seen Nicaraguan coffee harvesters on U.S.-backed contra war. I said it's also important to let the Nicaraguan people the evening news and were excited that I had partici­ Almost all Nicaraguans have had someone in their know that the majority ofU.S. working people don't sup­ pated. They wanted to know how many countries the vol­ family go to the front to defend the country or have lost a port our government's war poliCy. Most workers agreed unteers had come from. My trip also received coverage in with this. Many felt that even though they weren't in a local newspapers. · position to go to Nicaragua, they thought it was great that someone from the plant was going. Although no one openly said I was kind of crazy for going, I think there were some discussions of that nature. UNION TALK People asked about the history of Nicaragua and why One woman said, "Some people say, 'Why would she it's such a poor country. Others wanted to know why want to do a thing like that?' But I told them that if I relative in the war. And Nicaraguans feel the economic Washington is pursuing the contra war. Most stated that didn't have the kids I'd love to go and do that." price of the war since 60 percent of the national budget Nicaragua ~d no threat to the United States. Another woman asked for information on how to sign has to go for defense. Without the war, that money would Before leaving for Nicaragua, I made a brief presenta­ be used to feed and educate the Nicaraguan people and tion on the trip at a union meeting. up for a brigade. help develop the country. One worker wanted to know why anybody would want I gave another report to a union meeting when I came But in the face of this, Nicaraguans are united against to go there to help when there are so many homeless and back. A lunch-time slideshow is planned that will give the U.S.-backed contras and are fighting to advance the jobless in the United States. One reason is that the Nica­ me a chance to summarize some of what I learned. gains they've already made. raguan government is different than the U.S. govern­ Overall, I think the response to the brigade says loud One of the questions I was asked most in Nicaragua ment. and clear, "U.S. workers aren't interested in another was, "What are U.S. citizens doing to stop their govern­ In Nicaragua, the government puts the needs of the Vietnam-type war in Central America." What I am find­ ment from continuing to aid the contras?'' majority -the workers and peasants- first. Health care ing is that rather than being pro-war, workers are "pro­ I was able to participate in the coffee brigade after is free, farmers are getting land, and the workers are peace" ·with Nicaragua. Instead of fighting this heroic being granted a 4-week leave of absence from my job in building and strengthening their unions. people, my coworkers would rather learn about Nicara­ a garment shop in Morgantown, West Virginia. Internationalist volunteers who come to Nicaragua gua and encourage solidarity. Washington's contra war doesn't have much support participate in that process. That's a sharp contrast to this among the U.S. people. That's certainly the case where I country where the government is cutting much neede~ Ellie Beth Brady is a member of Amalgamated Clothing work. From the moment other workers heard about my social services, farmers are being forced off the land, and and Textile Workers Union Local 347 in Morgantown, planned trip, discussions began. I got a lot of support factories are being shut down. "I guess it's better to go to West Virginia. How U.S. unionist aided Matagalpa coffee harvest

The foUowing article appeared in the lcitchen; she would walk "a couple of The lower grade of bean. ~ are kept inside North Americans. She met 30 people from March 28 Domhiion Post, which is pub­ miles" to a mountainous area where she Nicaragua. the United States, including a former dairy lished in Morgantown, West Virginia._lt would pick beans alongside peasants and Peasants pick about 300 pounds of cof­ farmer from New Mexico. Brady said the was one of two articles reporting on gar- ·· Sandinistas, who carried guns for protec­ fee beans daily and receive about I ,800 dairy farmer came to Nicaragua after his ment worker EUie Beth Brady's recent tion. cordobas for their efforts. Brady and her outrage at the U.S. government order 'to trip to Nicaragua as part of a brigade-to Brady explained that Contra rebels are North American companions picked about ·kill dairy cattle in an effort to halt the over-. harvest coffee. raiding ·coffee fields to prevent portions of 30 pounds aday. The money that Brady production of milk. He went to California, exportation dollars from going to the San­ · would have received went into a special she said, where he solicited financial help dinista government for defense. fund that wijl be used next year to build a to fund a I2-month project in Nicaragua­ BY P. KAY NOTTINGHAM Peak picking hours are between 6:30 day-care center for the farm. artifically inseminating a stronger strain of The first night Ellie Beth Brady of West­ a.m. and 12:30 p.m., before the tempera- : . - dairy cattle to help beef up nutrition. over arrived at the farm near Matagalpa, ture reaches into the 90s under afternoon Dinner - again beans and rice - was Three days before the end of her three Nicaragua, she and 28 other North Ameri­ sun. served at about 6 p.m. weeks in Nicaragua, Brady met with gov­ cans were herded from their pickup truck Nights, however, are different. Thirty­ Brady and her group would return to ernment leaders, health workers and mem­ into a barracks where they prepared for to 40-degree nights are common. their barracks after dinner, where they slept bers of a farmer's union, an agriculture evacuation. Lunch break begins when two oxen car­ eight to a room, to write in their notebooks worker's union and a telecommunications Contra activity had been reported. rying a cart of beans and rice arrive at a by candlelight or "try to wash up." Two worker's union. As it turned out, her party didn't have to central location. in the field. The peasants bulbs in the hallway was the only source of From the meetings, Brady said she leave. She didn't see any contra rebels that [she] worked with ate their beans and rice light. learned that while life in Nicaragua may night, but she did hear gunfire. · on a tortilla, only. The same pattern continued six days a seem tough compared to standards she is week. Occasionally, two members of the accustomed to, the Nicaraguans are better "It was shocking," she said. "I thought I Brady and her crew ate their beans and group would remain behind to wash clothes off today than they were even five years would be scared, but I had a lot of confi­ rice from mess kit utensils. - on stones. Clothes were stiff without ~ago. For instance, a case of polio hasn't dence in the Nicaraguans. They seemed to "They think you're kind of weird [for fabric softener or dryer sheets, but they been reported in three years. A woman's put a high priority on keeping us safe." using utensils], but they're glad you're were clean. organization has been formed to insure that Brady was in Nicaragua to help cam­ there," she said. Sunday, however, was different. women get jobs, get paid for their jobs and pesinos (peasants) harvest coffee beans, Picking lasts about 1112 hours after lunch. Brady would walk 2 112 hours, one way, be recognized as productive human beings. the chief export crop. The group returned to their living area at into the nearest town for a meal in a restau­ The work was hard, the living conditions Her day began at 4:30 a.m. After a about 3 p.m. to sort coffee beans. The red­ rant, which cost about $1 in American dol­ were not the greatest, but Brady says she is breakfast of beans and rice in a state der and higher grade of beans are exported. lars, and discussions with Nicaraguans and ready for another work brigade.

-LETTERS~------~------~------Ben Linder-1 added to the 20,000 Nicaraguans imaginable. Ben made quite a sen­ ers. During the busiest times of the Divestment We met Ben Linder on a plane and [nine] internationalists mur- sation when that toothy smile went day, baggage handlers hurry to Yale University has notified the from Miami to Managua, Nicara­ dered by the U.S.-directed and behind clown makeup and he flights with passenger baggage, Texaco, Mobil, and Chevron oil gua, a few years ago. We were all -financed mercenaries. pedaled through town protesting mail, and freight before departure. companies that it will divest itself going to Nicaragua, like tens of Every American should be out- Washi~gton's latest atrocities with Usually there are only three em­ of their stock. The reason for this thousands of other Americans, to raged~ as we are, by the fact that ~ other crrcus workers. ployees to cover a flight. move was the pooling system by find out for ourselws about the Ben was killed by ·soldiers on the Ben's sense of both hard work Because of the lack of a transi­ which these companies share re­ revolution that had taken place U.S. payroll. and play will be sorely missed by tion agreement, Northwest is as fining services and products with inconsiderate to its employees as it the South African government. there. So that no more Americans or all who knew him. is to its customers. The pay dif­ Exxon is no longer involved in Nicaraguans die, we must all de­ Militant readers can pay special Ben had just graduated from ferential has made many employ­ such arrangements. mand an immediate end to all U.S. tribute to his internationalist ef­ college with a degree in engineer­ ees unhappy. Some baggage hand­ The university has been under a support for these contra terrorists. forts by building more massive ing, and he wanted to put his skills lers are making $I5 an hour, com­ great deal of pressure by anti­ Diana Scalera protests like the two held April 25 to use in a way that would contrib­ pared with others working part­ apartheid activists to divest from Beth Katz and by participating in one of the ute to people's basic needs. He time at $6 an hour. South Africa, something that Yale found a home in Nicaragua. New York, New York many harvest or technical brigades The worst mudslinging of all is has refused until now to do. headed to Nicaragua. While the move does represent Since that time, Ben had been Jane Harris the unfounded accusation that a working on_ hydroelectric projects Ben Linder•II "disgruntled employee" tampered a modest victory by anti-apartheid Jersey City, New Jersey forces in breaking ·the shell of to provide .}ight and electricity to Ben Linder, a 2?-year-old with an aircraft. It is obvious, communities that never had it be- though, who has profited from Yale's intransigence, it does not mechanical engineer from Port- Northwest Airlines mean any change by Yale in its fore. In a letter, he explained,~ land; Oregon, had his life ~nd these types of accusations: those "There is a truly beautiful feeling - k t'' ·h rt , ··h th . u s _ An article by Isabel Wilkerson who do not want a uriited work stance toward divestment. In a re­ "ld' -· ·t ·Th wor cu s o w en e . . .. cent meeting of· the trustees on o f re b u1 mg a Qf;:W S()Cle y. ere . tr · ed . tr · · d h" d in the March 20 New York Times force on the goun'd. is knowledge that anything can be . am . con as gunne . tm. own . . describes problems at the Detroit Representation elections are April 11, no further divestment d B t ·t · · al' · f; db He was targeted for helpmg to airport since the Northwest-Re­ currently taking place. Ifthe Inter­ was announced. ' ,.ofnthe .. UUSl ts lwd ayt s pthre ace y bring electrification to Nicara- public merger October I last year. Peter Krala 1 e . . wou s op e aggres- a' . ·1 . · national Association of Machinists . , , . ·gu s rura poor. The article then blames employees New Haven, Connecticut ston. I used-to run into Ben from time wiris, there will be one union on for these horror stories. the 20,00o strong. Cleri­ Ben also wrote about the danger to time while working on the Mil­ ~~mind, The truth is that Northwest went cal workers, ticket agents, and res­ of being killed by the contras. The itant's Managua bureau. The letters column is an open into the merger without properly ervationists will join mechanics, forum for all viewpoints on sub­ fact that he was working in a war Beri not only collaborated with preparing for it. The schedules are baggage' handlers, and aircraft jects of general interest to our zone reflects his courage and con- viction, oot, as the U.S. govern- the Nicaraguan power and light impossible, and there are not cleaners to create the type ofunion readers. Please keep your letters company' but also with the circus enough . employees to meet the needed to face these chaotic times brief. Where necessary they will ment suggests, that he ignored workers. He was a natural for this flights. The result of all this is un­ in the airline industry. be abridged. Please indicate if their warnings. as he was a terrific unicyclist and safe conditions on the ramp and Dale Folenauer you· prefer that your initials be Ben Linder's name will now be had the broadest, toothiest smile poor service to Northwest custom- Prior Lake, Minnesota used rather than your full name.

Mily' l'S,"1987 The Militant 15 TH£ MILITANT U.S.-imposed regime in Grenada to .dismiss 1,800 public workers

BY MALIK MIAH previously rival capitalist and middle-class The U.S.-imposed government of Gre­ political forces around Alexis, Thomas, nada is pushing ahead with plans to lay off and Brizan. 1,800 public workers over the next year. In this way, Washington successfully These layoffs will eliminate more than avoided the political embarrassment of a one-quarter of the country's 7,000 govern­ divided race in which a plurality could ment employees. The small east Caribbean have been won by Eric Gairy, whose cor­ island has a population of some 115,000. rupt dictatorship .had been toppled by the popular 1979 revolution. The NNP won 14 Unemployment in Grenada is already es­ of 15 parliamentary seats. timated to have reached 40 percent. Under But the NNP's credibility has been un­ the previous government - the People's dermined since 1984 by worsening eco­ nomic and social conditions and failure to Interview with Grenadian bring the "prosperity'' promised by its U.S. sponsors. Alexis, Brizan, and Thomas now youth leader Terry Marry­ hope to reap the political benefits from show. See pages 8-9. Blaize's growing unpopularity.

_,-~, ·. . The only political organization in Gre­ Revolutionary Government (PRG) ·led by nada that opposes U.S. domination and de­ Maurice Bishop - joblessness had been fends. the interests of working people is the reduced to less than 15 percent. · Maurice Bishop Patriotic Movement. The MBPM has spoken out against the NNP's Defending the layoffs, Prime Minister steady dismantling of the vestiges of edu­ VENEZUELA Herbert Blaize recently declared, "Re­ cation, health, and other social programs trenchment in the public service is not a established under the PRG. o...... - matter of choice. It is a need and vital In a telephone interview with the Mili­ necessity for the country to survive." tant, from St. George's, MBPM leader were improving year by year. in their efforts to take over the labor move­ The Blaize government has also flatly Kendrick Radix - a former member of the PRG cabinet - said that "the working Although some unions have protested ment lock, stock, and barrel. refused to discuss demands by three public the people's right to employment is being regime's layoff plans and other cut­ employees' unions for a wage increase. It backs, there have so far been no strikes or Their attempts were blocked once again steadily eroded" by the U.S.-installed re­ April4, when Anslem De Bourg-a well­ claims that it can't even meet the current street protests. salaries. gime. "People are seeing very real known supporter of the PRG - was hardships." The U.S. government and its Grenadian elected president of the Grenada Trade The devastating social impact that the Radix contrasted this situation to the backers have worked hard since October , Union Council, which groups the island's proposed 1,800 dismissals will have on the years of the PRG, when the social and eco­ 1983 to housebreak the unions. Proim­ unions. De Bourg is president of the Com­ island is already creating a government nomic conditions of the Grenadian people perialist bureaucrats, however, have failed mercial and Industrial Workers Union. crisis. On April t3 three cabinet members -Francis Alexis, George Brizan, and Til­ man Thomas- resigned. All three stated disagreement with the layoffs. Alexis and Thomas were outspoken op­ Racist killer of Asian acquitted ponents of Bishop's government and its so­ cial programs throughout the 1979-1983 BY MORRIS STARSKY support group for Chin, worked to build son for the American Citizens for Justice, revolution. Brizan held a post in the PRG CINCINNATI- Ronald Ebens, the ad­ pressure for a conviction. It established a said he was angered by the verdict. "I will but quickly embraced the U.S. -imposed re­ mitted murdere.r of Vincent Chin, was ac­ court watch to try to ensure the government never accept it," he said. "As far as I'm gime following the October 1983 invasion. quitted May 1 of violating Chin's civil would prosecute the case vigorously. concerned, it was a racial killing." In prepalfltion for elections in December rights. Following an eight-day trial, the At the opening of the trial, Cincinnati's Gene Goto of the Cinciimati-based 1984 to legitimize the government it had jury arrived at its verdict in 10 hours. Asian-American community held a public Roundtable of Americans of Asian Descent installed, Washington sponsored a new The case goes back five years. On the vigil demanding conviction for this racist said the verdict showed people are still not capitalist political party, the New National night of June 19, 1982, Chin, a Chinese murderer. conscious of the racism directed against Party. The NNP patched together Blaize's American, was celebrating his upcoming Members of the jury that brought in the Asian Americans. "We need to begin longstanding Grenada National Party with wedding with friends in a suburban Detroit not-guilty verdict refused to discuss their educating people that there is strong anti­ bar. Ronald Ebens, an unemployed auto decision with the media. At the trial the de­ Asian sentiment in this country," he said. plant foreman, and his stepson, Michael fense presented the crooked argument that Ebens still faces a civil lawsuit filed by Nitz, were also at the bar. what had happened was simply a drunken the Chin estate. Last month, his stepson Gr~nada youth Ebens began directing racist remarks at brawl between bar patrons. agreed to pay $65,500 in settlement of a Chin, calling him a "Chink" and a "Nip." James Shimoura of Detroit, a spokesper- similar suit. leader to tour Witnesses quoted him as saying it is Asians' fault that "we're out of work." United States This provoked a confrontation, and bar employees threw Chin, Ebens, and Nitz Roving pickets shut down Youth leader Terry Marryshow from out. Grenada wlil speak in Brooklyn, New Ebens got a baseball bat from his step­ York, May 16. He will discuss current po­ son's car and pursued Chin. He caught him South Dakota packing plant litical developments in Grenada and the and beat him mercilessly with the bat. Chin Caribbean Basin. died ftlur days later. BY DIANE SHUR from both Morrell plants blocked the main OMAHA, Neb. -Roving pickets from Ebens and Nitz were charged with sec­ gates of the South Dakota plant to prevent Marryshow is general secretary of the Iowa have closed down the John Morrell & scabs from entering. Maurice Bishop Youth Organisation in ond-degree murder, but in a scandalous Co, meat-packing plant in Sioux Falls, Afterward Morrell went to court and was Grenada and a leader of the Maurice plea bargain, they were allowed to plead South Dakota. awarded a temporary restraining order Bishop Patriotic Movement. He has served guilty to manslaughter. They were each fined $3,850 and given three years proba­ Members of United Food and Commer­ limiting pickets to 25. The company as the Caribbean representative for the cial Workers union Local 1142 have been tion. charged in an affidavit that ~everal acts of World Federation of Democratic Youth. on strike at Morrell's plant in Sioux City, violence had taken place outside the South Marryshow graduated from medical Explaining this sentence, the judge said Iowa, since March 9. Dakota plant. school in Cuba, where he was a leader of Ebens and Nitz weren't "the kind of people Localll42 had earlier rejected a conces­ Local 304A President Dennis Foster re­ Grenadian youths studying in that country. you put in jail." sion contract that would have cut wages. sponded by saying he was proud of the · He is now fighting the undemocratic move But union members decided to continue union members and did not think the situa­ by the U.S.-imposed government in Gre­ Angry protests by Asian Americans and working and press the company to tion outside the plant was bad. Local 304A nada to others forced the federal government into prevent· him from practicing negotiate further. The strike began when in the meantime has voted to continue hon­ medicine in Grenada on political grounds. the case. Finally this led to Ebens being convicted of violating Chin's civil rights. Morrell arbitrarily fired several unionists. oring Local 1142's roving picket line. In addition to this New York City meet­ He was sentenced to a 25-year prison term. The company has since restarted produc­ Local 304A members on two occasions ing, Marryshow will speak in several other tion with scabs. last August also honored picket lines set up cities during his brief visit to the United However, an appeals court threw out the Local l142 set up roving pickets outside· outside their plant by UFCW members on States during the last two weeks of May. conviction on legal-technical grounds. the South Dakota Morrell plant in the mid­ strike at Morrell's Arkansas City, Kansas, The Brooklyn meeting is sponsored by When a federal attorney reinstituted the dle of the night on May I. This effectively plant. At the time, a federal judge ordered the Maurice Bishop Patriotic Movement case, the defense won a change of venue to shut down production, as members of the union members back to work, but a Support Group, in cooperation with the Cincinnati on grounds that the publicity UFCW Local 304A honored the picket higher court ruled that sympathy strikes Grenada Foundation. The meeting will surrounding the case meant they could not line. The company responded by advertis­ cannot be stopped by an injunction. The take place at 7:00 p.m., at Medgar Evers get a fair trial in Detroit. ing in the papers for scabs. Arkansas City strike ended earlier this College, 1150 Carrol St. The American Citizens for Justice, a On May 4, several hundred unionists year.

16 · The Militant May 15, 1987