FIGHT BACK! News and Views from the People’s Struggle www.fightbacknews.org 50 cents December/January 2009 Vol. 11 No. 5 Economy in Crisis Commentary by editors of Fight Back! continue to hoard cash, with U.S. contributed to the current financial with advertising that invades every banks sitting on some $300 billion in crisis. But the roots of the crisis go corner of our lives and easy credit, Two years after the current financial ‘excess reserves’ that could be loaned much deeper than just the policies of these corporations can produce more crisis began, the situation has gone out. Bush and Greenspan. The economic cars, steel, airplanes, etc. than can be from bad to worse. What began with system of monopoly capitalism itself is sold. the failure of small mortgage lenders Almost everyone recognizes that the the cause of the current crisis. Today has toppled Wall Street investment laissez-faire (free-market) policies of giant multinational corporations - that U.S. businesses have been on an banks, the largest mortgage company the Bush administration and former produce more than they can sell - in the world and a trillion-dollar Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan dominate the world economy. Even Crisis, continued on page 2 insurance firm. In October stock markets around the world tanked, bringing back memories of 1929. The CHICAGO economy continues to get worse month by month, as more than a million jobs have been lost and foreclosures Victory for Republic Windows continue to rise. More and more companies declare bankruptcy as consumers cut back on spending, Workers and the U.S. especially on cars. State and local governments and school districts are cutting workers and services as their Working Class budget deficits grow. The crisis has spread around the world as banks fail, currencies crash and layoffs rise in Europe and Asia.

At each stage of the crisis the U.S. government and central bank have had to take bigger and bigger actions to try to stabilize the crisis. The Federal Reserve has loaned out about $700 billion to banks and other institutions, while the U.S. government has committed another $300 billion in loans and is putting $250 billion into banks and has another $450 billion committed to helping the financial sector. The auto industry is getting a $25 billion loan and the Federal Reserve is starting to provide loans to businesses. European and Asian nations are also putting hundreds of billions of dollars to shore up their banks and stock markets. But the economy continues to suffer as banks INSIDE:

Fight Back! photo by Kim DeFranco Minnesota: Workers at Republic Window and Door celebrate victory in their struggle to gain wages and benefits owed to Demand a People’s them. Workers occupied the Chicago, Illinois plant for six days. Bailout page 3 By Cynthia Martinez and Stephanie Weiner the halls and all the workers rate. Their fight was with an streamed out. Cheers went up. The employer that was secretly setting up a Los Angeles: Chicago, IL - After a six-day occupa- settlement was announced: The Bank low-wage factory in another state, but tion of the plant which brought them of America and CHASE had agreed also with the Bank of America, which No to raids and nationwide attention, the Republic to a $1.75 million loan. The had received $25 billion in taxpayers’ deportations Windows and Doors workers met workers will receive the eight bailout money. page 4 inside their factory Dec. 10, to vote on weeks of pay due to them by the the settlement offer from their WARN act, two months of health Armando Robles, president of United Protests at employer. A roomful of politicians insurance and their earned vacation Electrical workers Local 1110, Republican watched and a knot of supporters pay. remarked in summation, “You can do National Convention waited for the results with great anything when you have the support page 6 anticipation. Their cause had become a symbol of every one of your co-workers.” of the anger that workers everywhere He added, “This is not a victory After a few minutes, the chants felt over the Wall Street just for us. It is a victory for every of “Sí se puede!” were heard in bailout and the rising unemployment worker in the country.” FIGHT BACK! DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 PAGE 2 Make the Rich Fight Back! News Pay For the Crisis on the scene of the

Crisis, continued from page 1 companies. Today, the four biggest people’s struggle U.S. banks now control over half of all anti-union drive for 25 years, making it banking deposits. Big U.S. companies easier to cut wages and benefits. Their continue to pour capital into other lobbying in Congress has led to cuts in countries. The same week that GM welfare, the real minimum wage and said that it would run out of cash and unemployment benefits, forcing more lobbied for another $50 billion in and more workers to take low-paying government loans, they opened a brand jobs. They shamelessly exploit new auto plant in Russia! millions of new immigrants, even children, and call the ICE if the Today the pendulum is swinging back, immigrant workers try to fight back. with billionaires, politicians and Corporations send their work to other mainstream economists abandoning countries, eliminating better paying their free-market rhetoric and calling jobs here in the United States. At the for more regulation and government same time the workers in Asia and monies to help shore up the financial Latin America earn just a fraction of system. Of course, we have no what the jobs were paying in the problem in principle with government United States. intervention in the economy. But we have to point out the hypocrisy of the While this leads to ever-greater profits Bush administration that opposed for a handful of the super-wealthy, it spending a few billion more for health means that the masses of working care for low-income children, opposed people cannot afford to buy back what extending unemployment insurance they have produced. This is not just a for laid off workers and was not result of greedy CEOs (although there willing to spend one dime on millions is no lack of them). This is a result of a of households losing their homes to drive for profit that is part and parcel foreclosures. But when the big banks of capitalism. Under a capitalist and insurance companies are in economic system, production is social trouble, all of a sudden hundreds of - with hundreds and thousands of billions of dollars are available. workers contributing to the production, distribution and sale of goods and This crisis has made it painfully clear services - while the means of how much the U.S. relies on foreign production (factories, transport and capital to keep the economy running. stores) are privately owned, with the The government takeover of Fannie Fight Back! photo by Kim DeFranco profits flowing to a small capitalist Mae and Freddie Mac was in part to Boots Riley of the Coup and Hatem Abudayyeh with a special edition of class. This contradiction is at the root calm the fears of other countries, Fight Back! at the Republican National Convention protests. of economic crisis under capitalism. which have lent Fannie and Freddie more than $1.5 trillion. The Bush protect our schools, clinics, jobs and With a lack of investment administration needs to borrow more homes needs to unite with peace and The crisis has made it even clearer for opportunities in the production of than $500 billion in November and justice movements to end the wars in all to see that both the Republicans and goods and services, profits have December alone to help pay for the Iraq and Afghanistan and to stop the Democrats are parties of big business. flowed into a financial sector that has bank bailout, with most of this coming wave of raids and deportations Both parties’ leadership and been growing like a cancer the last 30 from foreign countries. targeting Latino communities. Only presidential candidates supported the years. Today there are more than $600 such a movement can put the heat on $700 billion bailout for bankers and trillion in financial derivatives such as In the face of growing cuts at the state the new administration to meet the billionaires. Having said that, the Collateralized Debt Obligations, etc. and local level, our focus needs to be people’s needs. defeat of the Republicans in the whose value is 40 times the entire U.S. building a grassroots movement that elections was a repudiation of their economy. Banks and corporations are can fight for the people’s needs: to Our slogans need to be, “Make the rich leadership on deregulating the also taking advantage of government fund our schools, to provide health pay! Jobs or income now!” Taxes need economy into crisis at home and monies to gobble up their competitors, care for all, to provide jobs or income to be raised on the rich, starting with charging into war abroad. A massive leading to even more concentration of for laid-off workers and to stop the making the social security payroll tax popular outrage had the power to economic power in fewer and fewer wave of foreclosures. The struggle to apply to all income, restoring the top derail the bi-partisan bank bailout plan, income tax rates on high-income at least temporarily. We need an households and imposing a tax on the organized, massive people’s sale of stocks and other financial movement that can pressure contracts. We need an extension of Democrats in power to grant more WHERE WE STAND unemployment benefits and we need reforms that benefit working people. government jobs programs. We need a At the same time we need to show universal health care system that will more and more people that Democrats This newspaper exists to build nationality movements, on the eliminate costly insurance companies are not for real economic change. Only the people’s struggle! We pro- campuses and in other peo- and tell the big drug companies to socialism can bring that about. vide coverage and analysis of ple’s movements. We welcome lower their prices - or else. some of the key battles facing articles, letters, comments and working and low-income peo- criticisms. Some of us work- ple. ing to put out this paper are members of Freedom Road SUBSCRIBE TO FIGHT BACK! We are not ‘neutral’ or ‘even- Socialist Organization. Keep up with the people’s struggle handed’ in our coverage. We Articles represent the views of are opposed to exploitation, the people and organizations $5.00 for 5 issues - Individuals discrimination and oppression. that author them. We hold that the rich class of $25.00 for 5 issues - Institutions people, who run the economy For the time being, Fight Name ______and government of this coun- Back! is being published five try, are unfit to rule. We sup- times a year Address ______port all movements that chal- lenge their power and privi- To contact us, write: City ______lege. FIGHT BACK! State ______Zip Code______The writers and staff of Fight P.O. Box 582564 Back! are activists and organiz- Minneapolis,MN 55458 Send subscription request to: ers - in the trade unions, low- income community, oppressed [email protected] FIGHT BACK, P.O. Box 582564, Minneapolis MN 55458 FIGHT BACK! DECEMBER/JANUARY PAGE 3 MINNESOTA Protest Demands a People’s Bailout By staff ty groups, labor unions, immigrant Coalition leaders vow to combat promises to be a tough battle at the rights organizations and others attempts to balance the budget on the capitol in 2009. Minnesota Governor St. Paul, MN - While state officials who are working for justice are backs of poor and working people, and Tim Pawlenty, who is politically announced a record $5.2 billion dollar coming together to meet the effects of will oppose any attacks on undocu- close to the failed presidential budget deficit at the State Capitol here, the economic crisis head on. We mented immigrant workers. candidate John McCain, has ordered Dec. 4, about 25 members of the cannot afford to allow the funding state agencies to prepare for 10% Minnesota Coalition for a People’s and programs that serve working and Phyllis Walker, a Coalition leader and spending cuts. The state legislative Bailout were outside the room chanti- low-income families to be placed on president of AFSCME Local 3800 leadership (all Democrats) have not ng, “Hey politicians, here’s the fix! Tax the chopping block. We need says, “We reject the notion that we raised the possibility of taxing the the rich! Tax the rich!” solutions to the problems we face.” all need to ‘tighten our belts,’ when our wealthy or rolling back past corporate Members of the Welfare Rights belts are already on the last notch. tax breaks. Calling the budget situation “ugly,” Committee held a banner reading, We also reject the notion that we ‘all state economist Tom Stinson raised the “Bail out poor and working people, not have to suffer a little.’ We are already “We fully expect that the governor and possibility the economy could be enter- billionaires.” suffering too much. While the rich many legislators will be pushing for ing its worst period since big recession were enjoying their ‘tax relief,’ we schemes to further impoverish of the 1980s or the great depression of The MN Coalition for a People’s have been living through rising Minnesota’s people. We will not stand the 1930s. Bailout is pressing for legislation that unemployment, poverty and for it. We ‘forecast’ that working would provide income and jobs to the skyrocketing homelessness. Poor and people and low-income people of Deb Konechne, of the MN Coalition unemployed, a moratorium on home working-class families did not cause Minnesota will fight them every step for a People’s Bailout and the Welfare foreclosures and evictions from the budget crisis and we should not of the way. And AFSCME Local Rights Committee, talked to reporters foreclosures and measures to prevent have to pay for it.” 3800, a partner in the MN Coalition for outside the forecast presentation about layoffs to public employees. Together, a People’s Bailout, will be in the fore- fighting the effects of the crisis, stating these measures constitute a bailout The Dec. 4 forecast presentation and front of that fight,” said Phyllis “Low-income organizations, communi- for poor and working Minnesotans. protest was another round in what Walker. Broad Support for Republic Windows Occupation

By Stephanie Weiner their sick pay or vacation pay, and their The Chicago Workers Collaborative Against War and Racism, and even the health insurance would end immedi- and Jobs with Justice director James staff of the Venezuelan Consulate. Chicago, IL - Saturday, Dec. 6 ately. Behind him were other occupy- Thindwa called these 260 workers true brought more inspiration from workers ing workers with blankets wrapped heroes. The crowd made it clear that the workers’ action on Friday had Leaders from the United inspired folks far beyond the tradition- Electrical workers, Carl al labor movement. The fundraising Rosen and Leah Fried, bags circulating the room were filled explained that the workers as people came forward to put in $100 were told that Bank of donations. After the event a group of America would not loan 25 people drove to the factory to per- the company money. Bank sonally deliver the $1500 raised. of America denied the loan despite the $25 billion tax- By late night the factory had numerous payer bailout the bank had TV trucks parked outside and was recently received. The 200 busy with Mexican community person crowd assembled members bringing in large silver pots on hours notice chanted, “You got bailed out, we got sold out!”

By the end of the rally, Congressman Luis Gutierrez promised to stick with them until they got justice. People left with concrete plans to return to the 1333 N Hickory Street factory with food, supplies, money, endorsements and Fight Back! photo by Stephanie Weiner ready to get more people for the planned Monday Chicago, IL - Women inside the Republic Windows plant raise their fists, Dec. 5. The and Tuesday events. occupation of this Chicago factory by mainly Latino workers is inspiring people around the world. Local 1110 President Armando Robles and his family spent the late afternoon at Republic Windows and Doors who around them to protect them from the explaining to Chicago activists the Photo by Matt Muchowski are occupying their plant in Chicago. below zero temperatures. details and history of their struggle. As UE Local 1110 President Armando The workers’ union, Local 1110 of the he walked into the packed room Roble speaks at Fight Back! event. United Electrical workers (UE), held a Reverend CJ Hawking from the at the 17th annual People’s Funds were collected for the strug- rally at noon outside the plant doors. Interfaith Committee on Workers’ Thanksgiving fundraising dinner for gle By then, the workers’ militant action Issues called up speaker after speaker Fight Back! newspaper, the ecstatic had already become international to express the importance of the plant crowd chanted “Sí se puede!” of homemade soup through the news. occupation for all workers across the barricaded front doors of the main U.S. Teamsters Local 743 President The room included people from the plant - a plant filled with expensive Lalo Muñoz, a worker in the plant for Richard Berg, AFSCME Council 31 disability rights group Access Living, equipment and merchandise. The 34 years, spoke to the rally and Executive Director Larry Spivak, Iraq Veterans Against the War, workers had already developed explained that they had just been given SEIU Local 73 executive board mem- Southside Together Organized for their own food, housekeeping, notice on Tuesday that the plant would ber Joe Iosbaker, Michelle Aymold, an Power, Sector Latino, the activist fan security and media committees. close Friday. The company had no officer with the Graduate Employees club of the Chicago Fire, SDS, Vicente Rangel, a union steward plans to pay them the 75 days pay Organization at UIC, Moises Zavala Palestine Solidarity Group, National with 15 years in the plant, was on his required in the Illinois WARN Act, nor from UFCW, Martin Unzueta from Lawyers Guild, Chicago Coalition way to a live CNN interview. FIGHT BACK! DECEMBER/JANUARY PAGE 4

CHICAGO Latino Community to UIC, ‘Keep the Doors Open’ By Joe Iosbaker This would mean the legislature taking back funding. Chancellor Eric Chicago, IL - Hundreds of Latino Gislason told the state legislators at the students from the University of hearing that there will be a rescission Illinois-Chicago (UIC) and Chicago and that it could be 5%. Other sources high schools packed into the UIC suggest it could be as much as 10%. Forum on Oct. 27 to defend their right to an education. The occasion was a Gislason’s message to the hearing hearing on the Status of Latinos at UIC was that UIC is doing enough to held by the Illinois Latino Legislative help Latinos. Further, he said that he Caucus. would not promise that LARES and other support programs would be North Carolina protests raids by ICE and racial profiling by local police. Students were joined by community spared when the cuts come down. members, faculty and employees who turned out in response to an attack UIC Workers to Face Layoffs NORTH CAROLINA on the Latin American Recruitment and Education Services (LARES) pro- Workers at UIC are also preparing gram and other support services. for layoffs as the rescission deepens. Demonstrations Held LARES was created 33 years ago Sirlena Perry, a clerical employee when there were only 100 Latino stu- and union activist with the Service Against ICE Raids dents enrolled at UIC. Through the Employees International Union struggles of the Latino communities (SEIU) Local 73, responded, “The By Michael Graham Courthouse, with signs bearing the for UIC to open its doors, plus the state should raise taxes on the rich, names of the workers who were efforts of LARES, today there are not cut back services to the working Asheville, NC - Demonstrations were detained, under a banner reading, “ICE 3300 Latino students. class and the poor.” She expressed held in Asheville, North Carolina and out now!” the feeling of many union workers neighboring Hendersonville Oct. 12 However, that is the same number that here. “They can’t just balance against recent raids by ICE, the federal Called to account was the newly elect- was present here ten years ago. In the their budget on the backs of the Immigration and Customs ed Sheriff Van Duncan of Buncombe past decade, there has been further workers - if there are cuts, Enforcement agency. ICE recently County. Sheriff Van Duncan was elect- growth in the immigrant population management should take the first and raided Mills Manufacturing, a military ed to replace Sheriff Medford, who is in the Chicago area. Today, while 13% the deepest.” contractor that produces parachutes for now convicted on corruption charges. of UIC students are Latinos, almost the Army. Over 50 workers were Van Duncan promised an end to racial 30% of Chicago is Latino. The Illinois has one of the lowest rates detained in the raid. Many of these profiling and harassment of immi- Black student population has been of taxation of the wealthy of any workers have families and strong ties grants who have committed no serious declining compared to their percent- state in the U.S. Over the years of to the community. crimes, but he has failed to deliver on ages in the state and city as well, down deregulation of the stock market, the this promise. Demonstrators chanted, to only 9% at UIC, while 35% of richest 1% in the country has made The demonstration brought together “Sheriff, we’re here! We don’t want to Chicago is Black. enormous wealth. Now their greed has over 200 people to demand an end to live in fear!” and “No mas, no more!” caused the biggest crisis since the the raids. Protesters, including mem- LARES has seen its operating budget Great Depression. Then, when Wall bers of Freedom Road Socialist The protesters called for an end to the cut from over $100,000 a decade Street was in trouble, the U.S. Organization and Students for a harassment of students just because ago, to less than $10,000 this year. Congress bailed them out with billions Democratic Society, marched from they speak Spanish, an end to the Now the state is threatening a Mills Manufacturing Company to a offense of ‘driving while Latino’ and ‘rescission’ of UIC’s overall budget. UIC, continued on page 7 rally at the Buncombe County an end to local police working for ICE.

LOS ANGELES Students and families protest raids and deportations By staff

Los Angeles, CA - Students and their families gathered here Oct. 10 to oppose raids on the undocumented by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Chants included demands for equal rights and full equality now, to stop racist raids, detentions and deportations and for the defeat of John McCain.

Said veteran Chicano activist Carlos Montes, “This protest was very impor- tant because it shows that the whole community is angry with the ICE repression and is willing to fight back and stand up for their families and demand equality.”

The protest was led by the Chicano Student Club, El Sereno Middle School and supported by Latinos Against War. It was held in solidarity with the national Ya Basta call and International Indigenous Peoples Day. FIGHT BACK! DECEMBER/JANUARY PAGE 5 CALIFORNIA Protesters Speak Out Against McCain’s 100 Years of War By Charla Schlueter ing that she was there because she sup- ported, “the guy [a protester in the Lake Forest, CA - Presidential candi- crowd] holding the ‘Go to hell dates Barack Obama and John McCain McCain’ sign.” Another activist, Mike, stood together in Orange County at the who stood with the anti-war delegation SaddleBack mega-church, Aug. 16, said that he also had plans to go march home of evangelical pastor Rick at the Republican National Convention Warren, to engage in a ‘civil forum.’ Sept. 1 to protest against the nomina- tion of the war criminal John McCain. Outside of the church gates, hundreds of demonstrators awaited the candi- During the civil forum McCain reiter- dates. Groups of protesters faced off ated his plans for becoming a war pres- across the intersection. On one side ident. When Warren asked McCain if there were Minutemen, anti-choice, he believed in evil the presidential can- anti-gay marriage fundamentalists and didate answered with a resounding, pro-war reactionaries that came to pro- “Of course,” and that, “it must be mote McCain’s agenda of racism, sex- defeated.” He went on to state that the ism and endless war. Opposing this battlefield in which evil was being right-wing agenda was a group that fought was in Iraq. Eric Gardner, a came to speak out against McCain’s member of UCLA’s chapter of plans for “100 years” of illegal occu- Students for a Democratic Society 300 protested Sarah Palin during a rally in Asheville, North Carolina. pation and war in Iraq. responded to that with, “It appears he plans to defeat this evil with the blood- Tommy, a tenth-grader who attends El shed of American soldiers and Iraqi NORTH CAROLINA Toro high school nearby, said he came civilians. And it is for this reason that I to the anti-war demonstration because am going join the protesters in Saint he wasn’t going to stand for one more Paul, Minnesota to let the Republicans Students and year of this war and he wanted to speak know that we will not stand for this out. “I don’t really remember a time platform of war.” without the war, I mean I was in fifth Workers Confront grade when it started.” His friend Charla Schlueter is a member of Palin Rally Samantha echoed his sentiments say- UNCA-SDS Progressive Students of By Doug Michel ng, “Palin go home!” and “No more of the same! Vote against McCain!” Milwaukee Protest the Asheville, NC - When members of the throughout afternoon and into the University of North Carolina - evening. Protesters also called for an Asheville Students for a Democratic end to hate speech and anti-women McCain/Palin Agenda Society (UNC-Asheville SDS) heard attacks - some women calling Palin a By Daniel Ginsberg-Jaeckle and a double row of fencing that Republican vice-presidential can- traitor. Still others in transit and teach- surrounded the event. Snipers held didate Sarah Palin was coming to hold ers unions raised support the Cedarburg, WI - One day after the rooftop positions and a Secret one of her lynch mob style rallies in Employee Free Choice Act and health protests against the Republican Service agent approached the Asheville, there was no question of care for all. National Convention in Saint Paul, students within minutes of them organizing a protest. Workers, students Minnesota, Sept. 5, members of the arriving to town. The Republican and members of the Asheville commu- Halfway through the demonstration, Progressive Students of Milwaukee police state had arrived in small nity assembled outside of the Civic protesters rushed across the street to caught wind that Republican presiden- town America. Center downtown. On Oct. 26, there confront Palin supporters face to face. tial and vice-presidential candidates The students marched down the street was an outpouring of over 300 protest- The confrontation lasted a couple ers who confronted Palin and her rally hours Cops told protesters to stay off of supporters. the Civic Center grounds. Most of protesters left after nearly all Palin In the last couple weeks before the supporters had gone inside. Inside the elections, Palin and her ultra-conserva- Civic Center, a few protesters tive base have stepped up and ampli- attempted to disrupt the rally. They fied attacks against Democratic presi- were forced to leave. dential candidate Barack Obama. He has been accused by the McCain/Palin Sarah Buchner, secretary of UNC- campaign of being a “terrorist” and a Asheville SDS says, “I felt incredibly “socialist.” Others call Obama a empowered today surrounded by a Muslim black radical and have cried growing movement of people who out for his assassination at rallies. are actively against a McCain presidency. This kind of presidency The Palin rally in Asheville was most- would hurt movements on the left such ly attended by white male out-of-town- as women’s liberation, LGBTQ, ers. Some of her supporters called pro- immigrant rights, environmental and testers “baby killers,” told them to “get anti-war.” a job,” and shouted “socialist!” Signs out of two windows in an apartment Protesters also say the Palin Progressive Students of Milwaukee march against McCain. building next to the Civic Center taunt- protest brought a more radical con- ed, “KKK for Palin.” sciousness to Obama supporters and John McCain and Sarah Palin were despite the official hostility to protest- progressives. headed to Cedarburg, Wisconsin, a ers. They eventually stood with their Palin’s attempt to stir up racism, race- Republican stronghold town of 11,000. banner propped up behind the walled- baiting and red-baiting were not toler- With only a few days notice, SDSers off rally area near the press tent. The ated by the local progressives and rad- got the word out and turned up the heat Following through with a commitment students later appeared on two local icals. Anti-McCain/Palin protesters against a failing campaign based on to bring truth about the McCain/Palin TV channels and three radio stations, and Obama supporters united against racism, fear-mongering and anti- agenda to the people, ten university expressing their dissatisfaction with the Republican agenda by demanding socialist rhetoric. The Stop the War, students from Milwaukee drove up to McCain and Palin’s support for the an end to the war and to defeat John Stop McCain national campaign in protest the event, taking with them a wars and occupations of Iraq and McCain in the November elections. SDS urged all progressives, radicals number of signs and a banner that read, Afghanistan and the downturn in the and revolutionaries to vote against the “Fund education, not occupation.” economy. Protesters confronted the rally chanti- McCain/Palin ticket. There were police at every corner FIGHT BACK! DECEMBER / JANUARY PAGE 6 Anti-war protests at the RNC No war! N By Freedom Road Socialist Organization

The tens of thousands of RNC pro- testers who hit the streets of Saint Paul Sept. 1 - 4 did something that was truly great. The demonstrations sent a powerful message that was heard around the world: The people of the United States reject the war on Iraq and the Republican agenda. We insist on peace, justice and equality. This message was heard by the rich and powerful, who responded with repression. And it was heard by hun- dreds of millions of people. Reports of the protests were carried by thou- sands of media outlets ranging from network TV in the U.S. to Al Jazeera to the New China News Agency. The Sept. 1 rally against the war was car- ried live on C-SPAN.

The demonstrations that took place on the first and last days of the RNC were of particular importance. The size, scope, militancy and the politi- Photo by Staciaann Photography, Copyright Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved cal clarity - crystallized in the slogan Lead banner for the September 1, 2008 March on the RNC and Stop the War demonstration of 30,000 people. “U.S. out of Iraq now” - helped to create the political context for the time or space between different the convention and over the four Standing by the other groups organizing entire week of actions against the forces that had different kinds of days would show, the cops did their protests at the RNC, they immediately RNC. actions planned. It was agreed that best to make sure that there would be denounced these attempts to suppress there would be no public denuncia- something to be afraid of. protest at the RNC. September 1 tions or criticisms of plans or pro- jects of those on the streets against Coalition organizers waged a two- Following the Sept. 1 march, a series of On Sept. 1, 30,000 people from the RNC. On the organizational year fight to get permits for the militant actions took place in downtown across the United States participated level, a flexible and consultative march. Saint Paul officials from the Saint Paul, with the aim of shutting down in the massive anti-war march orga- the RNC. Freedom Road sees these nized by the Coalition to March on actions as a good thing that helped make the RNC and Stop the War. It was an the four days of protest at the RNC a suc- incredible outpouring against the war cess. and injustice. Low-income people marched under the slogan, “Money September 4 for human needs, not for war.” An immigrant rights contingent called On the final day of the RNC, hours for an end to raids and deportations before John McCain was to accept the and full equality for the undocument- nomination of the Republican Party, sev- ed. Hundreds from the Somali com- eral thousand gathered at the Minnesota munity formed a contingent demand- State Capitol Building for a protest initi- ing an end to the U.S-backed ated by the Twin Cites-based Anti-War Ethiopian occupation of Somalia. Committee. The plan was to march on Other contingents included support- the Xcel Center under the slogan, “No ers of Palestine, veterans, trade peace for the war makers.” unionists and students. Together the contingents made a strong statement From the beginning, police did every- that the people of this country reject thing possible to disrupt and stop the the war, John McCain and the protest. Justice Department representa- Republican agenda as whole. tives stood near the stage uttering threats. Photo by Chad Davis, Copyright Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved Cops on bicycles carried out arrests and In addition, the Sept. 1 protest stands Saint Paul, Minnesota was transformed into an armed camp by the provocations while a band was playing as positive example of how to unite Republican National Convention. Riot police were on every corner before the rally. Shortly before the rally all who can be united in a down-to- throughout the four days. ended, more than 100 cops in riot gear earth and practical manner. The massed behind the stage. Coalition to March on the RNC and approach was utilized by the march mayor and police chief on down did Stop the War was able to bring organizers. This served to consoli- everything in their power to stand in Far from being intimidated, leaders of together more than 130 organizations date the Coalition partners and draw the way. In the months leading up to the Anti-War Committee marched for the Sept. 1 march, including the in more forces. And finally, on a tac- the RNC, city officials waged a cam- towards the Xcel Center, where hundreds three main anti-war coalitions in the tical level, march organizers waged a paign of violence-baiting in order to of riot cops, some on horse back, others U.S. - United for Peace and Justice, determined fight to get permits and scare people away from the march. on bicycles and others using snowplows Troops Out Now Coalition and promoted a march with a mass char- The area around the Xcel Center, the as barricades blocked the way. After a International ANSWER. acter. The word tactical is used here site of the RNC, took on the appear- mass arrest that took much of the leader- because the decision to get permits is ance of a penitentiary. ship of the protest out of commission, Several things made it possible to a question of tactics, as opposed to of others from the anti-war, welfare rights build this broad front for the Sept. 1 strategy or principle. In this particu- Then, days before the opening of the and immigrants rights movements protest. First, the political basis of lar case, obtaining permits was help- convention, cops carried out a series stepped forward and kept the march unity was focused enough to bring ful in uniting as many as possible for of outrageous raids on the homes and going. The march ended in a barrage of forces together, yet general enough the largest protest possible. the convergence center of RNC pro- tear gas, concussion grenades and more to encompass the demands and con- testers. Eight members of the RNC mass arrests. By the end of the evening cerns of other people’s movements. The huge turnout on Sept. 1 reflects Welcoming Committee were jailed almost 400 participants in the Sept. 4 Second, organizers of the Coalition the courage and determination of on phony ‘conspiracy to riot’ march were jailed. were able to reach an agreement with each and every person who attended. charges. In response, leaders of the the organizers of other protests City officials not only created a cli- Coalition to March on the RNC and This demonstration was significant on which allowed for a separation of mate of fear, but as events leading up Stop the War did the right thing. several counts. First, it was both mass FIGHT BACK! DECEMBER/JANUARY PAGE 7 C send message to the world o McCain! and militant. Organizers made it clear they would march with or without a per- mit. Second, the protest pulled the spot- light off the pro-war message of McCain. Before and after his speech, TV coverage cut back and forth between the clashes on the streets of Saint Paul and events inside the Xcel Center.

While paling beside the really signifi- cant things that happened Sept. 4, it needs to be said that a handful of people failed the test that the RNC provided our movement. The first to fail was the so- called ‘Peace Team.’ Made up of some honest people from the peace move- ment, its goal of staying ‘neutral’ during the protest led them to go over to the side of the cops. On day four, they repeatedly were the ones who conveyed dispersal orders from the police. The second group that failed was Socialist Alternative, which did everything they could to undermine the day four protest, and are now running around denouncing militancy at the RNC.

Where do we go from here Photo by StArHaCkT, Copyright Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved In the months ahead it is important to At the Sept. 4 protest several standoffs took place with police in full riot gear as demonstrators attempted to build on the successes of the RNC march to the Xcel Center to confront John McCain. By day’s end 400 were arrested. protests. The Republicans and their change in this country depends on agenda of war, racism and reaction uniting the many to defeat the few. received a solid blow. More things like 13% of UIC students are this are needed. We also need to take as many people as possible as far as they are willing Latinos, almost 30% of There is also the job of defending the to go, which means raising the level nearly 800 protesters who were arrested of struggle and militancy whenever Chicago is Latino. in the course of the Convention. Of spe- possible. cial importance is the RNC 8. The eight face conspiracy changes with enhanced The rulers of the United States, the penalties based on the Minnesota ver- monopoly capitalists of Wall Street, sion of the Patriot Act. All progressive now find themselves in the midst of people should support the demand that a great crisis. They are waging war charges be dropped against all RNC pro- on the world’s people abroad and testers. Without exception. here at home. Now is the time to build our respective movements for The Sept. 1 anti-war protest demonstrat- peace, justice and equality, and while ed that the possibility exists to build doing so, expose the nature of the real and principled unity in the anti-war enemy we are up against. movement with the aim of carrying out joint actions to end U.S. occupations. The protests at the RNC were a great

LARES Student rises to speak during open hearing.

UIC, continued from page 4 Latinos are employed in the lowest- paying jobs.” of dollars. However, working people are denied any help when we face fore- The mobilization at this hearing was closure of our homes. hugely successful. Witnesses said that the chancellor was visibly shaken by Now the financial crisis threatens the statements and the mood of the Photo by Chad Davis, Copyright Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved workers, including at UIC, with lay- crowd. offs. Latino and Black workers will be Minnesota’s Somali community marched for an end to U.S.-sponsored war in Somalia. hurt even worse. They have had to Ayala signaled that more struggle will fight against racist discrimination to be needed for workers to advance their Sectarianism can be overcome and there victory. The future is bright and there get equal pay with the white workers at cause. “Having this and future is no reason why more actions like this are more victories ahead. the Urbana campus. John Ayala, a hearings may be the only way to get cannot be done in the future. building engineer at UIC who spoke at UIC to respect the Latino community the hearings, referred to the increase in and will give hope to many Constructing a real movement for real hiring of Latinos, but noted that, “Most discouraged employees.” FIGHT BACK! DECEMBER/JANUARY PAGE 8 EDITORIALS certainly marks a big shift, but it does McCain: not fundamentally alter the system or challenge the rule of the rich. The Democrats are the party of the $700 bil- Down In Flames! lion bailout that will tax working peo- ple to save bankers. The Democrats are the party that could have cut war fund- By Freedom Road Socialist Organization but the political atmosphere will be dif- racism and discrimination - Chicanos ing and brought the troops home ferent. and Mexicanos, Puerto Ricans, Native- already. A million Iraqis are dead and Americans are celebrating the defeat of Americans and Asian- Americans are the Democrats continue to fund the warmonger and angry rich guy John The big shift for the Republicans came sharing the moment. Obama’s election occupation. McCain. The voters wanted change - not at home, but over in Iraq. The Iraqi represents a blow against racism and an end to war, lies and corruption. resistance fought with their lives to white chauvinism. So we need to continue the motion that Many correctly saw McCain as the defeat the Bush/Cheney plans for dom- defeated McCain and delivered the continuation of Bush’s failed policies, ination and oil profits. This stopped Obama’s victory is stunning and it also White House for Barack Obama. We so they punished him in the voting Bush and the Republican agenda dead brings tremendous benefit to the need to build an understanding that a booths. To be sure, McCain’s pathetic in its tracks on the home front too. Democratic party. It builds on elections vocal, independent and active anti-war response to the economic crisis and There were no more big attempts to roll two years ago when the Republicans movement will be needed to bring ALL defense of tax breaks for the rich sealed back the reforms like Social Security, suffered defeat and lost congressional the troops home now. We need to bring his defeat. Working and middle class which working people won decades majorities to the Democrats. The the immigrants’ rights movement into voters are angry about the economy, ago. For people at home and abroad, Democrats swept this election too, the streets again, defeating both fear opposed to the $700 billion bailout and the defeat of McCain represents the making their majorities stronger. and the dreaded deportations that are looking for a leader who will “spread American people’s rejection of the Democrats will truly rule - hardly need- breaking apart families. We need to the wealth.” ‘Bush doctrine’ and the U.S. occupa- ing to consult with the Republicans to prepare to rally and march and protest tion of Iraq. pass legislation. so workers can win legislation to make This is the end of an era, the end of forming unions a simple democratic Republican rule. For more than 25 Across America, African American There is a problem however, and it is process without intimidation from years the racist, reactionary, anti-work- people and others are noisily celebrat- not that one party is too strong. The bosses. And we need to fight every ing class agenda of the Republicans ing the victory of Barack Obama, the problem is that the Democrats are the attempt on the part of the rich to shift dominated the political life of this first Black president. Did you see the other party of big business. The the burden of the economic crisis on to country. Since Reagan, everything pro- victory celebration in Chicago? A great Democrats are favored at this time by the backs of poor and working people. gressive and good was under attack - pride is bursting forth from African the billionaires and millionaires who from women’s right to choose, to pub- American communities and throughout actually rule the U.S. The wealthy elite Who gets elected is important, but it is lic education, to social security. The the Black Belt South. African rules the U.S. through the two-party the masses that make history. We can- social movements were very much on Americans are not alone in their joy system. It is true there is competition, not just return to our living rooms to the defensive and fighting off attacks. either; all types of people are doing fist but elections are largely predicted by watch the History Channel. We must We will need to continue to invest our- bumps and feeling good. Other who has the most money from the rich build every movement that demands selves in movements for social change, oppressed nationalities that suffer people. The defeat of the Republicans peace, justice, equality and liberation. CALIFORNIA Reflections on elections and Proposition 8

By Naomi Nakamura elect an African American as president Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Spanish and English had to be down- in my lifetime. Despite the growing (LGBT) community. loaded and printed by oneself. Berkeley, CA - Tuesday, Nov. 4, was a number of high-profile Blacks in the Supporters of the same-sex marriage bittersweet evening for me. The sweet- govern- I was shocked to bans were going door-to-door in parts ness came first, as I was driving my ment, mili- hear supporters of of liberal Berkeley with no apparent daughter home from a play rehearsal tary and Proposition 8, similar efforts by the marriage equality when I heard that Barack Obama had corporate some of whom advocates. won the election for President of the world, I were oppressed United States. Later that evening the could see nationalities, use The struggle for marriage equality is feeling faded as I watched the news the govern- the same reason- not only an important civil rights showing that California Proposition 8, ment’s dis- ing as the segrega- struggle for the LGBT community, but which banned same-sex marriage, was dain for the tionists of the is also a key battle against right-wing heading towards a narrow victory. masses of 1950s and 1960s. forces who are licking their wounds African They railed at the after the Democrats’ victory. The one While I was too young to participate in American California bright spot for the right were anti-same the Civil Rights movement, I can people in Supreme Court’s sex ballot initiatives, which passed in remember the racial segregation that their recent decision to Arizona and Florida in addition to was commonplace in California in the response (or overturn the law California. early 1960s. I remember my parents lack of one) Fight Back! photo by Kim DeFranco banning same-sex complaining about the realtor who to Hurricane Rally against Prop 8 in Minneapolis. marriage as going Still, progressives did make gains in kept three lists of homes for sale - one Katrina and against the peo- that the margin of defeat (4%) was for whites, one for Blacks, and one for what has come to be ethnic cleansing ple’s will. What do they think the his- much smaller than another same-sex “other” (meaning Asian Americans); of whole African American neighbor- toric 1954 Brown v. Board of marriage ban that passed in California and how an Asian American high- hoods of New Orleans. Education U.S. Supreme Court ruling just eight years ago by a 22% margin. school friend of mine told me how her was but overturning the Jim Crow seg- Supporters of marriage equality have parents were visited by racist neigh- Many (including myself) worried regation laws? Supporters of filed a lawsuit against Proposition 8, bors who offered to buy them out of about the so-called ‘Bradley effect,’ Proposition 8 also (falsely) claimed arguing that it was actually a constitu- their home in a formerly all-white named after former Los Angeles that California domestic partnership tional revision (that is to say a funda- neighborhood. When a Jewish syna- mayor Tom Bradley. Bradley, who was laws provided all the benefits of mar- mental change, that needs passage by gogue was being built in our neighbor- African American, was ahead in many riage. This is nothing but the old segre- the legislature to put on the ballot) and hood, flyers appeared on our porch in polls in his campaign for governor of gationist “separate-but-equal” argu- not an amendment. While I support protest. I went with one of my best California in 1982, but lost to a white ment in support of racial segregation in this move (which from my reading of friends in elementary school who was candidate. While there was little of this public schools. the California constitution is valid), we African American to an all-Black evident in the presidential campaign, cannot solely rely on the courts. I have swimming pool since many pools had and not enough to swing the election, At the same time I think that the ‘No been heartened by the mass protests banned Blacks. And I still remember there did seem to a ‘Bradley effect’ at on 8’ campaign was too dependent on following the passage of Proposition 8. my father’s quiet anger after having to work in Proposition 8. While polls an expensive media campaign and did I have seen young people, who repre- walk out of a restaurant that sat us for showed a narrow defeat for the same- too little grassroots organizing, espe- sent the future, get involved and polit- dinner and then acted if we weren’t sex marriage ban, it passed by a nar- cially in oppressed nationality commu- ically active. I am happy that my mid- there and refused to take our order. row margin (52% to 48%). While nities. Some No on 8 organizers were dle-school daughter and my church are Californians were willing to elect a told that all the signs were in English talking about the issue. I am confident Until Barack Obama won the Iowa Black president by a large margin early in the campaign, and even into of victory. Democratic caucus in January, I never (61% to 37%), they were not able to the last week before the vote, all in the thought that the United States would back equality of marriage the Lesbian, information in languages other than No H8! Overturn 8! FIGHT BACK! DECEMBER/JANUARY PAGE 9 GEORGIA Huge protest against ‘School of Assassins’ that our voices may move beyond the By staff walls and not be stopped.”

Columbus, GA - Over 20,000 people Over 150 people crowded the room to from across the country flooded Fort attend the event called “Eye Witness Benning on the Nov. 22-23 weekend, Reports from the People’s Struggle in calling for the School of the Americas Colombia,” hosted by Fight Back! (SOA), a U.S. military training insti- newspaper. The forum featured tute that trains Latin American soldiers Meredith Aby of the Colombia Action in ‘counter-insurgency’ techniques, to Network speaking on behalf of Lily be shut down. During the vigil to Obando’s release, Angela Denio of honor the memory of the thousands of National Committee to Free Ricardo men, women and children that have Palmera and Doug Michel of SDS on been tortured, kidnapped and mur- his experiences meeting with Patriotic dered by SOA graduates, six people, in Union member Imelda Daza Cotes, an act of civil disobedience, crossed who is living in exile, and his experi- onto the military base and were arrest- ences meeting with the student move- ed. They face up to six months in fed- ment in Colombia. eral prison for taking action to close down the SOA - the ‘School of Each speaker emphasized the impor- Assassins.’ tance of giving support and solidarity to all progressive forces fighting for Throughout the weekend, groups that change in Colombia. “It is important organize in solidarity with Colombia for people to understand the FARC as Charla Schlueter, a member of the University of North Carolina at emphasized the need for people in the Asheville chapter of Students for a Democratic Society, spoke at the School an integral part of the Colombian peo- U.S. to take action to stop the U.S. of American demonstration. ple’s resistance to U.S. intervention in government’s support for war and their country,” said Kosta Harlan from repression in Colombia. Democratic Society (SDS), spoke at gram, urging people to join the cam- Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Saturday’s rally, highlighting the ways paign to free Lily Obando, another who moderated the forum. “It’s our Colombia is particularly affected by her chapter has stood in solidarity with political prisoner from Colombia. obligation as Colombia solidarity both the SOA and U.S. foreign policy. Colombia, such as participating in the Obando is an organizer for FEN- activists to educate people here on why Colombia sends more soldiers to the campaign to free the Colombian polit- SUARGRO, the peasant workers’ Colombians have taken up arms. It is a SOA than any other country. Under aid ical prisoner Ricardo Palmera. “SDS union who was arrested last August by response to the murderous assaults on packages such as Plan Colombia, helped exposed Palmera’s trials to be the Colombian National Police under social movements and trade unions by Colombia receives billions of dollars the farce that they were,” said vague charges of ‘rebellion.’ Bush, U.S. corporations and the from the United States. It is no coinci- Schlueter. “We oppose the extradition Colombian elite. The U.S. corpora- dence that Colombia has one of the of Colombians like Palmera to the U.S. “Whatever chains and gags they intend tions seek nothing but continued worst human rights records in the to be put on trial. We recognize that to put on us, the justice of our struggle exploitation of millions of workers and hemisphere, with over 40 Colombian this is a neo-colonial practice that requires that we continue resisting campesinos - and their kidnappings, trade unionists killed this year alone. undermines the sovereignty of wherever we may be,” said Gray, quot- disappearances and murders of social Colombia and that is used as a weapon ing from a letter Obando sent to U.S. activists need to be denounced.” Charla Schlueter, a member of the to blackmail those fighting for justice.” activists from her jail cell in Bogata. University of North Carolina at Chapin Gray from Colombia Action “The bars of the jail do not matter if Podcasts from the SOA protest are Asheville chapter of Students for a Network spoke during Sunday’s pro- you, wherever you may be, help us so available at www.fightbacknews.org. Iraqis Condemn Status of Forces Agreement By Kosta Harlan oppressed people.” how unequal the partners to it are. In reality the agreement further erodes After the approval of Iraq’s Council of Vast numbers of Iraqis responded Although the text of the SOFA states Iraqi sovereignty and ensures the con- Ministers, the SOFA now faces a test angrily to the Status of Forces that the United States must withdraw tinued domination of Iraq by the U.S. in the country’s Green Zone parlia- Agreement (SOFA) signed between from Iraqi cities by June 2009 and and their local Iraqi allies, based in the ment. With provincial elections loom- the United States government and their from the country as a whole by the Green Zone of Baghdad. It ensures the ing in January 2009, each political local allies in the Green Zone. The end of 2011, it remains extremely United States will remain for at least faction is seeking to appear more SOFA will provide a legal basis to con- unlikely that this will happen. Without another three years and potentially patriotic and anti-occupation than the tinue the U.S. occupation of Iraq when the muscle provided by the U.S. mili- much longer. next. Moqtada al-Sadr, whose the United Nations Security Council tary, the Green Zone government followers have at times fought against mandate for the occupation expires on would certainly fall to the patriotic Popular movement demands the U.S. military and at times cooper- Dec. 31, 2008. Hundreds of thousands armed, social and political Iraqi forces. “U.S. out now” ated with it, has warned against the protested before the agreement was The U.S. military is very clear on this puppet parliament approving the secu- signed and protests are set to continue point. “Three years is a long time. An estimated 150,000 Iraqis took to rity pact. A spokesperson for Sadr’s as the SOFA legislation heads to the Conditions could change in that period the streets Oct. 18 to rally against parliamentary bloc, Ahmed puppet parliament for final approval. of time,” said Admiral Mullen, chair- the draft agreement. Resentment and al-Masoudi, said, “If the agreement The Iraqi resistance has also intensi- man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in anger at the occupation and its local is signed, not only the Sadr fied its attacks on the U.S. occupation playing down the significance of with- allies runs high among Iraqis. movement will use arms but so will all in response to the agreement. drawal dates. “And, if we get to a point Sameer al-Rashid, a civil servant, told the Iraqi resistance groups, both Shiite where this SOFA is agreed to, and have the Iraqi newspaper Azzaman, “How and Sunni.” (Washington Post, Nov. “We were not surprised that the inhab- a relationship with the government of do you expect me to accept signing a 15) itants of the occupied Green Zone Iraq tied to it, that we will continue to security agreement with someone signed off on the so-called security have discussions with them over time, who has occupied my country? With a vote in the puppet parliament agreement with U.S. occupation as conditions continue to evolve.” What security the U.S. can bring to us set for Nov. 24, the eyes of the world forces,” said the Association of after all the calamities we have will be on Iraq. The people of Iraq Muslim Scholars in Iraq (AMSI), a The U.S. and the occupation govern- passed through?” Another Iraqi, have spoken decisively against the popular religious association that sup- ment’s Prime Minister, Nuri al-Maliki, Abdullah Karim, said, “It [the agree- agreement and demanded the immedi- ports the Iraqi resistance, in a state- are declaring the SOFA as a victory for ment] will not succeed. It is going ate withdrawal of U.S. forces. The true ment on Nov. 17. “They [the Green Iraqi sovereignty. It is true that the to fail because it is another form test of Iraqi sovereignty does not lie in Zone puppet government] are part of agreement would require Joint of occupation or mandate. There is passing the SOFA, but in its rejection. the occupation, and they want a com- Committees to be established between no occupier who looks after the The anti-war movement in the U.S. mitment by the occupation forces to the Green Zone government and interests of those occupied. Occupiers must also intensify its work in maintain their presence in order to the U.S. military to address issues of always look for their own interests and demanding the immediate end to the acquire political and factional interests security. But the text of the agreement put the above everything else.” unjust occupation of Iraq. at the expense of greater Iraq and its is meaningless when one considers (Azzaman, Oct. 31) ¡LUCHA Y RESISTE! DICIEMBRE 2008 / ENERO 2009 PÁGINA 10 LOS ANGELES Estudiantes y familias protestan contra las redadas y deportaciones

Por redacción

Los Angeles, CA – Se reunieron aquí estudiantes y sus familias el 10 de octubre para oponerse a las redadas de la agencia de inmigración (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) en contra de los indocumentados; gritaron consignas exigiendo derechos iguales, un alto a las redadas racistas, detenciones, las deportaciones y la derrota de John McCain.

El activista chicano Carlos Montes dijo, “Esta manifestación fue muy importante porque muestra que la comunidad entera está en contra de la represión de ICE y está lista para luchar y defender a sus familias y exigir igualdad.”

La protesta fue dirigida por el grupo de Estudiantes Chicanos de la escuela El Sereno y apoyada por Latinos Contra la Guerra. Se hizo en solidari- dad con el llamado nacional ‘Ya Basta’ y el Día Internacional de los Pueblos Indígenas. Protesta en Los Angeles, California en contra de las redadas y las deportaciónes, 10 de octubre, 2008.

derechos de los inmigrantes otra vez para quitar el miedo y parar las McCain: ¡Derrotado! deportaciones que están destruyendo Por la Organización Socialista Freedom Road norteamericano a ‘la doctrina Bush’ subirá los impuestos de la gente tra- a familias. Necesitamos salir a mar- y la ocupación de Irak. bajadora para salvar a los banqueros. char para ganar legislaciones que Los norteamericanos están celebran- Los demócratas son el partido que hagan posible que los trabajadores do la derrota del hombre rico y béli- Por todo los Estados Unidos, los afro podía haber cortado el financiamien- formen sindicatos con un proceso co John McCain. Votaron por un americanos y muchos más están cel- to de la guerra y haber sacado las democrático sencillo sin intimidación cambio – un fin a la guerra, las men- ebrando con gusto la victoria de tropas ya. Un millón de iraquíes ya ninguna. Y necesitamos luchar en tiras y la corrupción. Muchos vieron Barak Obama, el primer presidente están muertos y los demócratas contra de cada intento de los ricos de que McCain era la continuación de moreno. ¿Vio la celebración de vic- siguen financiando la ocupación. imponer el peso de la crisis económi- las políticas fracasadas de Bush, y toria en Chicago? Un gran orgullo se ca a la gente pobre y trabajadora. lo castigaron con el voto. Es seguro está levantando dentro de la comu- Necesitamos seguir el movimiento que la respuesta insuficiente de nidad afro americana y por la tierra que derrotó a McCain y puso a Barack Las elecciones son importantes, pero McCain a la crisis económica y su del cinturón negro de sur. Los afro Obama en la Casa Blanca. es el pueblo que hace la historia. No apoyo para los ricos aseguró su der- americanos no están solos en su cel- Necesitamos entender que sólo un podemos regresar a estar frente a rota. Los votantes de la clase traba- ebración; todo tipo de personas están movimiento anti-guerra que es inde- nuestras televisiones viendo el Canal jadora y la clase media están pre- felices con la victoria. Otras pendiente y activo hará que TODAS Histórico. Necesitamos construir cada ocupados por la economía, se opo- nacionalidades oprimidas que sufren las tropas vuelvan ya. Necesitamos movimiento que exige la paz, justicia, nen al “rescate” de $700 mil mil- del racismo y discriminación – lati- hacer crecer el movimiento por los igualdad y la liberación. lones y buscan un líder que “com- nos y chicanos, puertorriqueños, partiría la riqueza”. nativo americanos y asiáticos com- parten el momento. La elección de ¡LUCHA y RESISTE! Llegamos al fin de una época, al fin Obama a la presidencia representa un del reino republicano. Por más de 25 choque en contra del racismo. QUIÉNES SOMOS años la agenda racista, derechista y anti-trabajadora de los republicanos La victoria de Obama es tremenda y ¡Este periódico existe para bajos ingresos, movimientos dominó la vida política de este país. beneficia mucho al Partido Demócrata. de nacionalidades oprimidas, Desde los años de Reagan, todo lo Hace dos años los demócratas ganaron construir la lucha del pueblo! progresivo y bueno estuvo bajo la mayoría en el Congreso con la der- Reportamos y damos análisis en Universidades, y en otros ataque – el derecho de la mujer al rota de los republicanos. En esta elec- sobre unas de las batallas cen- movimientos populares. aborto, la educación pública y la ción se hizo más fuerte la mayoría que trales en las que se encuentra Esperamos recibir sus artícu- seguridad social. Los movimientos tiene el Partido Demócrata. Ahora se la gente trabajadora y de los, cartas comentarios, y sociales siempre estaban a la defensi- entra al reino demócrata – y no se bajos ingresos. críticas. Algunos de los que va y luchando en contra de muchos necesita consultar con los republicanos trabajamos para mantener ataques. Necesitamos seguir avanza- para pasar legislación. No somos neutrales en nue- este periódico somos miem- do los movimientos para el cambio bros de Freedom Road social, pero el ambiente político Todavía hay un problema, y no es que stro informe. Estamos esperamos sea diferente. un partido sea demasiado fuerte. El opuestos a la explotación, dis- Socialist Organization. Los problema es que los demócratas son criminación, y opresión. artículos representan las per- El cambio para los republicanos se el otro partido de los grandes nego- Sostenemos que la clase de la spectivas de la gente y orga- hizo no tanto aquí, sino en Irak. La cios. En este momento los millonar- gente rica, que manejan la nizaciones que los escriben. resistencia iraquí luchó con sus ios y billonarios que realmente con- economía y el gobierno de Por el momento, ¡Lucha y vidas para derrotar los planes de trolan el país favorecen a los este país, no están califica- Resiste! es publicado cinco Bush y Cheney hacia la dominación demócratas. Los ricos controlan a los dos para gobernarnos. veces al año. de Irak y el control del petróleo. La Estados con el sistema bi-partidario. resistencia del pueblo iraquí también Es cierto que hay competencia, pero Apoyamos a todos los ayudó a detener la agenda republi- las elecciones se deciden primaria- movimientos que denuncian Para contactarnos, escriban: su poder y privilegio. cana aquí en este país. Ya no inten- mente por quien recibe más dinero de Fight Back/¡Lucha y Resiste! taron cortar programas como la los ricos. La derrota de los republi- P.O. Box 582564 seguridad social, programas que la canos marca un cambio, pero no Los escritores y empleados de gente trabajadora hace décadas altera fundamentalmente al sistema ¡Lucha y Resiste! son activis- Minneapolis, MN 55458 ganó. Para las personas dentro y ni ofrece un reto al reino de los ricos. tas y organizadores en sindi- www.luchayresiste.org fuera del país, la derrota de McCain Los demócratas son el partido del catos, en comunidades de representa el rechazo del pueblo rescate de $700 mil millones, lo cual ¡LUCHA Y RESISTE! DICIEMBRE 2008 / ENERO 2009 PÁGINA 11 CRÍSIS ECONOMICA ¡Que paguen los ricos! Economía, continuá de página 12 sionar la nueva administración para lograr las necesidades de la gente. talistas abandonando su retórica del libre mercado y exigiendo más regula- Nuestros lemas deberían ser “¡Que ciones y dinero del gobierno para ayu- paguen los ricos! ¡Trabajos o ingresos dar a salvar su sistema financiero. No ahora!” El gobierno debería aumentar tenemos ningún problema de princip- los impuestos para los ricos, empezan- ios con la intervención del gobierno en do con la aplicación del impuesto de Los estudiantes vistieron camisetas que decían “LARES – manténgan las la economía. Pero tenemos que notar la seguro social a todo tipo ingresos, puertas abiertas” hipocresía de la administración de restaurando el índice más alto del Bush que se opuso a gastar unos pocos impuesto sobre los ingresos, e billones más para la salud de traba- imponiendo un impuesto sobre la CHICAGO jadores de bajos ingresos, que se opuso venta de acciones de la bolsa y otros De la comunidad latina a la UIC: a extender el seguro de desempleo para contratos financieros. los trabajadores despedidos y que rehusó gastar un centavo para ayudar a Necesitamos una extensión de los ben- ¡Que mantengan las las millones de familias que perdían eficios para los desempleados y nece- sus casas por las ejecuciones hipote- sitamos programas del gobierno para carias de viviendas. Pero cuando los crear trabajos. Necesitamos un sistema puertas abiertas! bancos grandes y compañías de seguro de salud universal que eliminaría a las tienen problemas, de repente cientos de compañías costosas de seguro y que Por Joe Iosbaker Los trabajadores en la UIC también se billones de dólares están disponibles. forzaría a las compañías farmacéuticas están preparando para las bajas cuan- grandes a bajar sus precios. Cientos de estudiantes latinos de la do la recesión tome lugar. Sirlena Esta crisis ha dejado clara la dependen- Universidad de Illinois – Chicago Perry, una trabajadora administrativa cia de los Estados Unidos en el capital La crisis ha dejado más claro que (UIC) y de las escuelas secundarias de y activista sindical del Local 73 de la extranjero para mantener la economía. nunca que los partidos republicano y Chicago abarrotaron el Foro del 27 de Service Employees International El tomo de control de Fannie Mae y demócrata son partidos de los octubre en la UIC para defender sus Union (SEIU), impugnó, “el estado Freddie Mac por parte del gobierno fue grandes negocios. Los dos partidos y derechos a la educación. El evento fue debe subir los impuestos a los ricos, en parte para calmar los temores de sus candidatos presidenciales apo- una audiencia sobre el estatus de los no recortar servicios a la clase traba- otros países, que les han prestado a yaron regalar $700 billones de dólares latinos en la UIC auspiciado por la jadora y a los pobres.” Ella manifestó Fannie y Freddie más de $1.5 trillones. a los bancos y billonarios. Pero Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus los sentimientos de muchos traba- La administración de Bush tiene que después de haber dicho eso, tenemos (Camara legislativa latina). jadores sindicales presentes. “Ellos prestar más de $500 billones sólo en que entender que la derrota de los no pueden balancear su presupuesto a noviembre y diciem- republicanos en A los estudiantes se les unieron miem- costa de los trabajadores – si hay bre para pagar el la elección fue bros de la comunidad, la facultad y los recortes, la gerencia debe tomar el rescate, con la may- un repudio de su empleados quienes salieron en primero y el mayor.” oría de estos présta- política de quitar respuesta al ataque al programa de mos procediendo de las regulaciones Latin American Recruitment and Illinois tiene una de las tarifas tribu- otros países. sobre la Education Services (LARES) y otros tarias más bajas que cualquier otro economía hacia servicios de apoyo. LARES fue crea- estado en los EU. A partir de la En cara a los cre- la crisis y un do hace 33 años cuando solo había desregulación de la bolsa de valores, el cientes recortes pre- repudio también 100 estudiantes latinos inscritos en la 1% de los ricos en el país han hecho supuestarios a nivel por las guerras UIC. Por medio de las luchas de las enormes fortunas. Ahora su avaricia ha estatal y local, nue- que iniciaron. comunidades latinas para que la UIC causado la mayor crisis desde la Gran stro enfoque tiene Una indignación abriera sus puertas, mas los esfuerzos depresión. Entonces, cuando Wall que estar en constru- masiva y popular de LARES, actualmente hay 3300 Street estuvo metido en problemas, el ir un movimiento tenía suficiente estudiantes latinos. Congreso de EU los sacó de proble- que puede luchar fuerza para der- mas con trillones de dólares. Sin para las necesidades rotar el plan de Sin embargo, ese es el mismo número embargo, a la gente trabajadora se le de la gente: fondos regalar billones que fue presentado 10 años atrás. En niega la ayuda cuando ellos enfrentan para las escuelas, salud para todos, tra- de dólares a los bancos, por lo menos la década pasada, ha habido un rápido el embargo de sus hogares. bajos o ingreso para trabajadores des- al principio. Necesitamos un crecimiento en la población inmigrante pedidos, y un fin a la ola de ejecu- movimiento popular bien organizado en el área de Chicago. Hoy, mientras Ahora la crisis financiera causará a los ciones hipotecarias de viviendas. La y masivo que pueda presionar a los que 13% de los estudiantes de la UIC trabajadores, incluyendo a los de la lucha para proteger nuestras escuelas, demócratas que ahora tienen el poder son latinos, casi 30% de Chicago es UIC, el perder sus trabajos. Los traba- clínicas, trabajos y hogares tiene que para que aprueben más reformas que latino. La población negra ha ido dec- jadores latinos y negros serán los más unirse con los movimientos para la paz beneficien a los trabajadores. Al linando comparada al porcentaje en el lastimados. Ellos han tenido que luchar y la justicia para lograr poner fin a las mismo tiempo necesitamos mostrar a estado y la ciudad, bajó a solo 9% en contra la discriminación racial para guerras en Irak y Afganistán, y para más gente que el partido demócrata la UIC, mientras que un 35% de la conseguir igualdad de salarios con los parar la ola de redadas y deportaciones no está a favor de cambio económico población en Chicago es negra. trabajadores blancos en el campus de en contra de las comunidades latinas. real, sólo con el socialismo podemos Urbana. John Ayala, técnico de man- Solo un movimiento así puede pre- lograr cambio económico real. LARES ha visto su presupuesto recor- tenimiento de la UIC quien habló en tado desde hace una década por encima las audiencias, refiriéndose al aumento de $100,000.00, a menos de de contratación de latinos, indicó que, Subscr base a ¡Lucha y Resiste! $10,000.00 este año. Ahora el estado “la mayoría de latinos son empleados Manténgase informado sobre la lucha popular está amenazando con una anulación en los trabajos peor pagados.” general del presupuesto de la UIC. $5.00 por 5 ediciones - Individuales Esto significaría que la legislatura reti- La movilización en esta audiencia fue raría el presupuesto. El rector Eric bastante exitosa. Los presentes dijeron $25.00 por 5 ediciones - Instituciones Gislason dijo a los legisladores que el rector estaba visiblemente per- estatales en la audiencia que habría una turbado por las declaraciones y la dis- Nombre ______recisión y que podría ser del 5%. Otras posición de la multitud. fuentes sugieren que podría ser de Dirección ______hasta el 10%. El hermano Ayala indicó que harán falta más luchas para que los traba- Ciudad ______El mensaje de Gislason a la audiencia jadores avancen en su causa. es que la UIC está haciendo (más que) Estado ______Código Postal______suficiente para ayudar a los latinos. “Teniendo ésta y futuras audiencias Adicionalmente, dijo que no prometía podría ser la única forma de hacer que LARES y otros programas de que la UIC respete a la comunidad Envía este formulario con el pago a: apoyo no sufrirían cuando los cortes latina y dará esperanza a muchos tra- ¡Lucha y Resiste!, P.O. Box 582564, Minneapolis MN 55458 tomaran lugar. bajadores desanimados.” ¡LUCHA Y RESISTE! Noticias y Perspectivas de la Lucha del Pueblo 50 cent avos

Diciembre 2008 / Enero 2009 Vol. 11, No. 5 Economía en crisis Comentario de los editores de tras crece su déficit presupuestario. La alrededor de 300 billones de dólares en haciendo más fácil cortar sueldos y ¡Lucha y Resiste! crisis ha pasado también alrededor del ‘reserva excesa’ que podrían estar beneficios de los trabajadores. Sus mundo, caen bancos, varias monedas se prestándolo en lugar de ahorrándolo. esfuerzos de influir el congreso han Dos años después del inicio de la crisis desploman y aumentan los despidos en resultado en recortes a la asistencia financiera actual, la situación ha pasa- Europa y Asia. Casi todo el mundo reconoce que las pública, el salario mínimo, y benefi- do de mal a peor. Lo que empezó con el políticas de libre mercado de la adminis- cios de desempleo, forzando más y fracaso de pequeñas compañías hipote- En cada etapa de la crisis el gobierno tración de Bush y del ex-jefe de la reser- más a que los trabajadores acepten tra- carias ahora se ha convertido ya en una estadounidense y el banco central han va federal Alan Greenspan con- bajos de bajo salario. Explotan sin crisis en la que han caído bancos de tenido que tomar acciones más y más tribuyeron a la crisis financiera actual. pena a millones de inmigrantes inversiones de Wall Street, las com- grandes para intentar estabilizar la cri- Pero las raíces de la crisis van mas allá nuevos, hasta los niños, y llaman al pañías hipotecarias más grandes del sis. La reserva federal ha prestado de las políticas de Bush y Greenspan. El departamento de inmigración (ICE) si mundo y una compañía de seguro con $300 billones de dólares a los bancos y sistema económico del capitalismo los trabajadores inmigrantes luchan o activos que valen billones de dólares. otras instituciones, mientras el gobier- monopolista es la causa de la crisis actu- resisten. Las corporaciones mandan su En octubre las bolsas de valores alrede- no estadounidense se ha comprometi- al. Hoy en día, corporaciones multina- trabajo a otros países, eliminando tra- dor del mundo cayeron dramática- do a pagar $450 billones más para ayu- cionales gigantes que tienen la capaci- bajos mejor pagados aquí en los mente, algo similar a lo que ocurrió en dar al sector financiero. La industria de dad de producir más productos de lo que Estados Unidos. Al mismo tiempo los el año 1929. La economía sigue empe- automóviles va a recibir un préstamo pueden vender dominan la economía trabajadores en Asia y Latinoamérica orando mes tras mes, más de un millón de $25 billones y la reserva federal está mundial. Hasta con la publicidad que ganan solo una fracción del salario de de trabajos han desparecido y las ejecu- empezando a dar préstamos directa- invade a cada rincón de nuestras vidas y lo que estos mismos trabajos pagan en ciones hipotecarias de viviendas siguen mente a los negocios. Las naciones con el acceso fácil al crédito, estas cor- los Estados Unidos. aumentando. Más y más compañías europeas y asiáticas están gastando poraciones pueden producir más carros, declaran la bancarrota mientras los cientos de billones de dólares para acero, aviones, etc. de lo que es posible Mientras eso trae ganancias más consumidores cortan sus gastos, espe- ayudar a sus bancos y bolsas de val- vender. grandes para un pequeño grupo de los cialmente en carros. Gobiernos a nivel ores. Pero la economía sigue sufriendo más ricos, para las masas de traba- estatal y local y también distritos esco- mientras los bancos siguen guardando Los negocios estadounidenses han ata- jadores significa que ellos no pueden lares cortan trabajos y servicios mien- su dinero, con los bancos manteniendo cado a los sindicatos por 25 años, comprar lo que han producido. Eso no solo es el resultado de ejecutivos con avaricia (aunque hay muchos de ellos). Es el resultado de un esfuerzo de MINNESOTA obtener ganancias, lo cual es una parte integral del capitalismo. Bajo un sis- tema económico capitalista, la produc- Luchando contra el impacto de ción es social, con cientos de miles de trabajadores contribuyendo a la pro- ducción, la distribución y la venta de la crisis económica productos y servicios, mientras la Por Mick Kelly maquinaria de producción (fábricas, transporte y tiendas) tienen dueños pri- St Paul, MN – Frente a una pancar- vados en el que las ganancias van a una ta que dice, “Rescate del pueblo clase pequeña capitalista. Esta con- pobre y trabajador – No a los bil- tradicción es la raíz de la crisis lonarios!” las líderezas del Comité económica bajo el capitalismo. por el Derecho de Asistencia Pública anunciaron una campaña para com- Can la falta de oportunidades de inver- batir el impacto de la creciente crisis tir en la producción de productos y ser- económica en una conferencia de vicios, las ganancias han ido al sector prensa el 29 de octubre. financiero, el cual ha crecido como un Acompañándolos en la actividad se cáncer en los últimos 30 años. Hoy en hicieron presentes miembros del día hay más de $600 billones en deriv- sindicato de oficinistas AFSCME ativas financieras como las 3800, el Comité Anti-guerra, “Obligaciones Collateralizadas de Mujeres en Contra de la Deudas” (CDO por sus siglas en Militarización y otros grupos que inglés), que tienen un valor 40 veces luchan por la paz y la justicia. más grande que la economía entera estadounidense. Los bancos y las cor- Tasha Jackson, miembro del Comité poraciones también están tomando por los Derechos de la Asistencia ventaja del dinero del gobierno para Pública explicó, “Hoy, el 29 de tomar control de sus competidores, y LyR foto por Mick Kelly octubre, es el aniversario del der- Protesta del Comité para el Derecho de Asistencia Pública frente al capito- eso aumenta aún más la concentración rumbe de Wall Street en el año 1929 – lio de Minnesota exige un rescate económico a favor de los pobres y traba- del poder económico en menos com- o sea, el comienzo de la Gran jadores, no a favor de los ricos. pañías. Ahora los cuatro bancos esta- Depresión. Estamos aquí en el dounidenses más grandes controlan Capitolio de Minnesota, como gente Minnesota ha intentado hacer que la de tiempo de los programas de asis- más de la mitad de todos los depósitos. pobre y trabajadora, exigiendo que el gente de bajos ingresos y la clase tra- tencia publica, un paro a los despidos Grandes compañías estadounidenses Gobernador Pawlenty y los políticos bajadora paguen la crisis. temporales y otras iniciativas. siguen invirtiendo capital en otros estatales enfrenten la crisis que está Llevaremos nuestro mensaje al países. La misma semana que GM dijo pasando ahora y afecta a nuestras Angel Buechner anunció, “El Comité pueblo de Minnesota y nuestras que ya no iba a tener nada del dinero familias en Minnesota.” por los Derechos del Asistencia está demandas a Pawlenty y a los políticos en efectivo exigió $50 billones más en iniciando y liderando un esfuerzo para de este estado. Uniremos a gente préstamos del gobierno, ¡abrieron una Minnesota tiene un déficit presupues- avanzar la agenda del pueblo de pobre y trabajadora para exigir que fábrica nueva en Rusia! tario de casi mil millones de dólares. Minnesota. Llamaremos a una mora- los políticos hagan que los ricos Observadores creen que la crisis toria a las reposiciones de casas, una paguen la crisis y que no corten los Hoy el péndulo regresa, con los bil- financiaria crecerá en los meses que extensión de los beneficios del programas que el pueblo pobre y tra- lonarios, políticos y economistas capi- vienen. En el pasado el estado de desempleo, una moratoria del límite bajador necesitamos para vivir.” Economía, continuá en página 11