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Basta Ya, Brussels! British Voters Reject EU Corporte Slavestate (tags)

“The EU is an instrument of the ruling classes of Europe for the imposition of brutal austerity measures—most directly on the workers of Greece, of Spain, Portugal and Ireland, but also on workers in the UK, France and Germany….Prime minister, Cameron, has even proclaimed an “Age of Austerity” as his government imposes cuts of £210 billion, (€263 billion), equivalent to over 10 percent of Britain’s GDP, at the cost of the destruction of 20 percent of all public sector jobs, millions more in the private sector and the decimation of vital services.

War on Jeremy Corbyn Rages (tags)

Corbyn

Labor Needs to Recalibrate and Fight (tags)

While the U.S. media has been obsessed with the in-fighting between Democrats and Republicans, as well as the recent government shutdown and the global/domestic ramifications of a possible government default, little attention has been paid to a looming disaster confronting working people: Obama is again threatening to cut “entitlement” programs, meaning Social Security and Medicare.

Labor Leaders, Obamacare, and the Fate of the Unions (tags)

A funny thing happened a couple of months ago: labor leaders finally awoke from their coma and realized that Obamacare was not only bad for unions, but for working families in general.

Who Will Save Social Security and Medicare? (tags)

Before Social Security and Medicare existed, the elderly were either completely dependent on their children or were left to beg in the streets. These programs thus remain sacred to the vast majority of Americans. They allow the elderly dignity and independence instead of poverty and insecurity.

How To Defend the Public Sector (tags)

The attacks on the public domain, particularly public education, social services, and the public sector unions that are linked to these services, are coming in rapid-fire succession, sometimes in an overwhelming barrage where the victims have little time to comprehend what is happening and respond effectively.

Corporate Tax Breaks and Jobs (tags)

It has become an entrenched trend: corporations approach government officials and demand tax breaks, threatening to abandon the city, state or country if the politicians are not forthcoming.

Paul Krugman Discovers Marx (and Misses the Point) (tags)

In his recent New York Times op-ed piece, Princeton professor and regular columnist for The New York Times, Paul Krugman observed: The American economy is still, by most measures, deeply depressed. But corporate profits are at record high. It’s simple: profits have surged as a share of national income, while wages and other labor compensation are down. The pie isn’t growing the way it should — but capital is doing fine by grabbing an ever-larger slice, at labor’s expense.

Austerity — the 1%’s Global Battle Cry (tags)

Whether we are left with the Fiscal Cliff or a Grand Bargain, workers in the U.S. face massive cuts to programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, unemployment insurance, Food Stamp assistance and other needed social safety nets. This is an example of “austerity” which has largely been pursued in the U.S. until now, on a statewide and local level.

Will Unions Fight Fiscal Cliff Cuts to Medicare and Social Security? (tags)

With pro-Obama election posters still visible in most union halls across the country, the President has already taken steps towards selling out not only labor unions (again) but all working people. But this isn’t the “ordinary” sellout that working people have come to expect from Democrats — this is an attack of historic proportions.

Pre-Election Message by Stewart Alexander for the Socialist (tags)

In some states, voters will be able to cast their vote to speak for the 99 percent and vote for Stewart Alexander for President and Alex Mendoza for Vice President. These voters will be on the frontline to revolt against a political system that is unfair and unjust; their votes will be a revolt against unfair ballot access laws that has rigged the entire political process to limit voter choice to the candidates of the two corporate parties.

Five Easy Post-Election Predictions (No Matter Who Wins) (tags)

It’s true that Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have many political differences. But they also agree on many essential policies; enough to make the next four years easily predictable, no matter who wins.

Pre-Election Message by Stewart Alexander for the Socialist (tags)

In some states, voters will be able to cast their vote to speak for the 99 percent and vote for Stewart Alexander for President and Alex Mendoza for Vice President. These voters will be on the frontline to revolt against a political system that is unfair and unjust; their votes will be a revolt against unfair ballot access laws that has rigged the entire political process to limit voter choice to the candidates of the two corporate parties.

In Service to Power: A First Read of Michelle Obama's Speech (tags)

As the U.S. sinks further and further into economic decline, with 23 million people unemployed or underemployed and one report after another detailing the everyday sense of dread the average working class family faces with a declining standard of living, cuts to education and vital services for those most in need, the tightly controlled spectacle called the Democratic National Convention featured First Lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday, September 4th. The convention appeared little different than parties built on the personality cult of the Great Leader upon whom all aspirations are placed. There was little to distinguish the Democratic National Convention from the gross rubber stamp party congresses of the old Stalinist parties, with functionaries clapping in approval, on cue, for popular consumption.

How President Obama Created (tags)

Paul Ryan is suddenly a household name after becoming Mitt Romney’s vice presidential running mate. Before that, Ryan had only become right-wing leadership material in the last year, based on his proposed national budget that hacks away at the core of many national social programs, including Medicare.

Will 2012 be the Final Election of Lesser Evilism? (tags)

Just when the Obama campaign couldn’t appear any less inspiring, Paul Ryan was put forth as the Republican vice presidential candidate. Suddenly team Obama was supplied with enough political munitions to scare every last American over the possible Ryan destruction of Medicare, Medicaid, cuts to Social Security and the various other evils inherent in his proposed national budget. Consequently, many Liberals and Leftists across the spectrum are now focused on preaching the horrors of a Republican presidential victory and thus the necessity of re-electing Obama.

Get The Internationalist, Summer 2012 (tags)

New!

Inequalities, Taxes, and More Inequalities (tags)

Thanks to Occupy, most working people are well aware of the growing inequalities in wealth. But for those who lack the specifics, former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich provides a useful overview: “…the rich have been getting a larger and larger portion of total income. From 9 percent in 1980, the top 1 percent’s take increased to 23.5 percent by 2007. CEOs who in the 1970s took home 40 times the compensation of average workers now rake in 350 times.” (“Confessions of a Class Warrior,” August 22, 2010).

A Conversation Worth Having (tags)

The Nation magazine recently held a roundtable blog discussion that debated the effects of the failed Wisconsin recall. The discussion is important because of the seriousness of its subject. Such open and frank conversations have been sadly quite rare, so it is something of a credit to the Nation that they hosted this discussion.

The Taft-Hartley Act: ‘Neutrality’ as a weapon (tags)

All the new rules put into place by the act were directed against employees, despite the neutral-sounding language.

The California 2012 June Primary Pre-Election Statement by Stewart Alexander (tags)

The California 2012 June Primary pre-election statement by Stewart Alexander is also available on the website of the California Secretary of State.

Can We All Agree Occupy Was A Tactic? (tags)

Occupy was a public relations tactic in the purest sense

[Strategy!:] The Occupy Movement Needs a Good Fight (tags)

The Occupy Movement Needs a Good Fight "Power concedes nothing without a demand." - Frederick Douglass In a movement based on general anger about inequality and the domination of big banks, it becomes difficult to focus the rage into something concrete. For many Occupiers, being concrete is a mere distraction, meant to shift the movement into something 'less radical,” since their targets — big banks and inequality — are at the root of the problem. Why mess with the tree when you could go for the roots? But, as any tree-removal worker will tell you, the tree comes first, then the roots. The roots cannot be the immediate goal of the Occupy movement because pulling them out would require tens of millions of hands, and the vast majority of working people are not yet directly involved in the movement, though many of them are giving approving nods from a distance. Bringing these more distant people into the movement requires they be given a good reason to join. And although a general anti-1% sentiment sounds appealing to the 99%, a struggle to win worker-friendly demands can help pull these people into the streets.

The Occupy Wall Street movement, Engels, and the Theory of Socialism (tags)

The theoretical foundations of socialism as put forth by Frederick Engels in his book Anti-Dühring are still valid today and schould for the basis of the OCW movements around the world.

The Way Forward for Occupy Portland (tags)

In Portland, Oregon, all the promise and pitfalls of the Occupy Movement are on public display. Portland is second only to New York when it comes to sustained Occupy power, but in a newly born social movement strength is not something to take for granted. The vast amounts of public support in Portland, earned through large demonstrations and strategic outreach, can be frittered away by the internal contradictions of the movement.

Stand for Socialism against Modern Revisionism (tags)

Revisionism is the systematic revision of and deviation from Marxism, the basic revolutionary principles of the proletariat laid down by Marx and Engels and further developed by the series of thinkers and leaders in socialist revolution and construction. The revisionists call themselves Marxists, even claim to make an updated and creative application of Marxism but they do so essentially to sugarcoat the bourgeois antiproletarian and anti-Marxist ideas that they propagate.

Presidential Candidate Alexander Wants Unemployment Benefits Extended Indefinitely (tags)

If elected president in 2012, Alexander says his administration will support the provisions of a livable guaranteed annual income. A Guaranteed Livable Income would be an unconditional and universal income administered by the federal government and granted to individuals to ensure that no person’s income falls below what is necessary for health, life and dignity.

U.S. Election 2012: Alexander Will Only Seek SPUSA, PFP Nominations for President (tags)

Stewart Alexander says his presidential campaign is a left campaign to President Obama?s broken promises to working people. Alexander?s campaign has emphasized ending the U.S. war campaigns in Asia and Africa, introducing a single-payer health care system for working people, ending the big corporate tax breaks for big corporations, protecting Medicare, and creating millions of good paying jobs for working people.

The Labor Movement in Portland, Oregon, Takes a Step Forward (tags)

On only the second sunny weekend of the year in Portland, Oregon, 60 plus labor activists decided to spend their Saturday at the Electricians union hall (IBEW Local 48), at the United Labor Strategy Meeting ? an event unlike any other happening in the country. What made the meeting unique was both its perspective and the diversity of unions that participated.

Why All Workers Should Support Unions (tags)

It's official: Republicans have declared war on organized labor. Unclear to millions of unorganized workers is whether or not they should care. Thanks to years of right wing propaganda -- and labor union inertia -- millions of Americans are "union skeptics," unsure as to the nature of the union animal. These fence-straddlers have no direct experience with organized labor, but they will be absolutely crucial participants in this war of corporate power versus working people.

The Real Terrorist of The World are The Masterminds of The 9-11 Attacks (The CIA) (tags)

The real Terrorist of The World are The Masterminds of The 9-11 Attacks, London 7-7 Attacks, Madrid Train Bombings, Mumbai Train Bombings, Bombings of Mosques and Shrines in The Middle East, aka The Global Satanic Government (The CIA).

U.S. Election 2012: Weak Labor Demands, Bad News for Obama (tags)

Alexander says he has a plan that will create employment for working people; he refers to his plan as “A Better Deal.” Alexander’s plan would create employment in housing restoring existing homes and building low income housing; automobile manufacturing building electric cars and light rail automobiles; building mass transportation; and repairing the nation’s infrastructure. Establishing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) is one unique element of A Better Deal. Alexander is proposing a UBI that will help to relieve poverty and homelessness.

PFP Candidate Dina Padilla Endorse Stewart Alexander for U.S. President (tags)

Stewart Alexander is one of us and was raised in a working family. The son of a mother that was a nurse for more than 35 years and a father that was in construction all of his life, Alexander understands the challenges that working people are faced with on a daily basis. The many challenges in his life have made him a determine advocate for working people. Let’s elect Stewart Alexander as the next President of the United States.

Last Chance for Venezuela's Revolution? (tags)

The pulse of the revolution grows faint. Extreme measures are needed, since the extremely poor living conditions of most Venezuelans demand it. They are tired of the government taking half actions. Tired of the same super-rich oligarchy dominating the economy, which creates the horrendous inequality that overshadows Venezuelan society. If the revolution is not quickly pushed to the left, it will be strangled by the right. For all the positive things Chavez has accomplished as President, he is in danger of becoming another Salvador Allende -- a martyr whose death ushered in a right-wing dictatorship.

Why Inequality Matters (tags)

The U.S. social and economic landscape is rapidly changing. Inequalities in wealth, which began an upward ascent back in the 1980s, accelerated in the 1990s. Now they are flying off the charts, thanks first to the tax cuts ushered in by Bush II and second to Obama’s recent continuation of those tax cuts, plus more, which have the effect of taking from the working class and poor in order to give to the rich.

Successful socialism conference held in the Philippines (tags)

A successful ‘socialism conference’ was held in Manila from November 27 to 28. The conference was organized by the socialist Partido Lakas ng Masa or Party of the Laboring Masses (PLM) and the socialist-feminist regional network Transform Asia. The conference was attended by 100 delegates, leaders of the PLM from Metro Manila, and other leading socialists of the Philippine left, as well as 13 international guests.

Seven Reasons Why the Economy Can't Recover (tags)

As the recession grinds on, politicians in most industrial countries have an incentive to make exaggerated claims about the supposed coming economic recovery. Some say the recession is over. Obama is in the group that claims we're on "the road to recovery,” while other nations can only spot recovery "on the horizon.” Below are seven important social phenomena that point to a more realistic economic and political outlook. 1) Central Banks are Dumbfounded. The usual tricks that U.S. and European central banks use to avoid recessions are long-exhausted. Interest rates cannot get any lower. And because cheap money wasn't working, the printing press was turned up a notch, into what the U.S. federal reserve calls quantitative easing -- injecting hundreds of billions of dollars into the world economy, escalating an emerging trade war.

U.S. Election 2012: Stewart Alexander Says Ethanol Mistake “No Mistake” (tags)

Stewart Alexander says another “inconvenient truth” is that “Washington Democrats and Republicans know how to buy votes; take care of the corporations that produce ethanol, and in return it will generate campaign funding that will generate votes. The 2007 Energy Bill was only about buying political support.”

Who's Behind the Deficit Crisis (tags)

From the U.S. to Europe media and politicians are singing the same tune: "budget deficits must be drastically reduced -- by cutting social programs -- so that global bond investors do not threaten the economy." Not since the "war on terror" was announced has government policy been so shrouded in confusion and unanswered questions. In the same way we are not to ask how U.S. foreign policy has angered millions in the Middle East, we must remain equally silent about questioning the recent history behind the current "deficit crisis.”

The Democrats Prepare to Move Right (tags)

On the eve of the Republican-dominated mid-term election, working people were told to vote Democrat to prevent a "truly dangerous" Republican party from taking power. There is an element of truth in this: the Republican Party has been sprinting to the far right for decades, to the point where they are incapable of speaking sensibly about political issues. But in a close second place in this rightward scramble are the Democrats, who've spent decades racing into the arms of the corporations that dominate both political parties unchallenged.

French Lessons for U.S. Workers (tags)

The world watches as France once again erupts in protests, demonstrations, and strikes. So much is at stake. If France's corporate-dominated government is able to increase the retirement age, other governments will be empowered to follow through with their plans to do the same. If labor, student, and community groups succeed in stopping the pension reform -- or toppling the government -- workers in other countries will likewise be inspired to fight back and organize in the French fashion.

The Real Significance of the One Nation Rally (tags)

How are we to interpret the massive One Nation demonstration in Washington D.C. on October 2nd? Was this a rally to elect Democrats? A progressive movement hijacked by the Democratic Party? Or something else?

After October 2, What Next? (tags)

The October 2nd demonstration in Washington, D.C., is a great step forward. We are now beginning to take matters into our own hands, relying on ourselves, and acting collectively.

U.S. Socialist Alexander: NBER Offers Christmas Report Regarding U.S. Recession (tags)

Alexander says “Working people have not seen any signs of an economic recovery; as many as 22 million Americans are out of work. U.S. home sales plunged to the lowest level in 15 years, millions of working people are in jeopardy of losing their homes, and jobless claims have risen to the highest levels in 9 months. The U.S. is in the deepest recession in the past 80 years and there are no signs of a recovery.”

Jerry Brown Widens the Chasm Between Labor and the Democratic Party (tags)

With the November elections rapidly approaching, most Americans are unimpressed and uninvolved, having concluded that elections have changed little in their struggling lives, despite all the promises of politicians.

U.S. Election 2012: Stewart Alexander Says Ben Bernanke Should Resign (tags)

U.S. Socialist Stewart Alexander says, “Bernanke’s speech and response to the U.S. economic crisis has revealed that Chairman Bernanke has failed in his responsibility to the nation and should resign. While providing future guarantees to Wall Street, Bernanke’s message only provided optimistic illusions for the tens of millions of working people that are struggling nationwide.”

Election 2012: Stewart Alexander Will Seek Green Party Presidential Nomination (tags)

Stewart Alexander says his intentions to seek the presidential nomination for both political parties is based upon the common interests that are shared between the Green Party and the Socialist Party; addressing the needs of the working class, creating good paying jobs, protecting human rights, protecting the environment and ending the U.S. occupation in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Election 2012: Stewart Alexander Proposing a ‘Better Deal’ for Economic Recovery (tags)

Stewart Alexander says “The struggles for working people are global; we need global solutions. In the 21st Century, it has become necessary to reorganize the entire world banking system.” To meet the growing needs of working people, Alexander is proposing the creation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) to help eliminate poverty and to meet the basic needs of working people and the long term needs for seniors.

Coming Soon: Corporate Town halls Against Social Security (tags)

In the old days the U.S. government used different tactics to trick the population into accepting policies that only the elite wanted. For example, it took legions of hired speakers (propagandists) to travel the country and to explain to people the “necessity” of fighting WWI and WWII. Movie stars were put on the government payroll, too, dazzling and awe-striking working people into buying war bonds and constantly cheerleading the war effort. Not much has changed. Although the corporate-controlled media is a highly effective tool to influence the public to accept wars-for-profit (Iraq and Afghanistan), some policies are so unpopular they require the old tactics be revived.

Dueling Strategies in the Defense of Public Education, Part 2 (tags)

In Part I of this essay we looked at strategies in defense of public education that are referred to as “ultra-left,” meaning that they veer so far left that they sever ties with the working class and consequently lose all traction when it comes to influencing the movement. Here we will examine strategies that veer to the right, often ending up in the camp of opportunism, which means sacrificing principles and working class independence for the sake of quick but illusory gains. The interests of working people are subordinated to those of the capitalist class and the politicians who represent them, be they Democrats or Republicans. Finally, we will return to the question of how to proceed forward.

Dueling Strategies in the Defense of Public Education, Part I (tags)

The massive turnout across the state of California on March 4 in defense of public education provides indisputable evidence that this movement is just at the beginning stage. And much credit is due to the countless number of students, staff, and teachers who committed many, many hours of their time, tirelessly organizing for March 4; without this dedication, the event would have sputtered to a stop.

CALIFORNIA STUDENTS FIGHT BACK (tags)

“ TO REBEL IS JUSTIFIED” The Alliance-Philippines or AJLPP based in the United States militantly condemns the unwanted police violence against UC students in different UC campuses. We –in the AJLPP ,again reiterate wholeheartedly supports the California-wide walk-out of students and is militantly in solidarity with the stud entry and campus academic and working people in rising up against unjust budget-cuts and tuition fee hikes recently imposed by the UC Board of regents. The Alliance also congratulates the militant action of the UCLA students who defied police brutality and violence. They acted and occupied the Chancellors Office after they decided to increase the student’s fees by 32% or more than $ 2,000 next fall.

Facts for Working People (tags)

Facts for Working People on Education * Capitalism Loves Education...to death! * Charter Schools- a move to privitize education * Teachers- Why you shouldn't work "off the clock" * Teaching " to the test" Poor Children Left Behind * Bailout vs Public Education * Detroit Education Strike

NEW NATIONAL CHALLENGE TO DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS (tags)

Announcing its intention to challenge the Democrats and Republicans in 2010, a national organizing effort to build a new electoral party of the left has announced its interim leadership and basic unity statement. Debra Reiger of Sacramento, who also serves as North State Organizer of the Peace and Freedom Party, is the Interim Chair of the National Organizing Continuations Committee (NOCC). The committee was empowered to coordinate the multi-state effort at the National Organizing Conference held on August 1 in San Francisco. The Interim Secretary is Georgia Williams of Fresno, who also serves as Secretary of the Peace and Freedom Party State Central Committee.

The Political Situation and the Independent Left (tags)

Presentation by Stewart Alexander to PFP National Organizing Conference San Francisco, California August 1, 2009

Dems and Reps Unite for Cuts (tags)

While billionaires get bailed out and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue THE BUDGET CRISIS IS A LIE! THERE IS MONEY THE RICH ARE STEALING IT.

Who Will Pay for Healthcare? (tags)

There’s a jumbled, increasingly hysterical tone to the health care debate going on in Washington. On each side of the uproar lie powerful and opposing interests: on one side the giant corporations who make billions of dollars via the status quo; and on the other, the majority of working people who suffer immensely from it. Creating a health care “compromise” between these two interests is of course impossible, but seeing the politicians in Congress attempt one is at least good entertainment.

Senators Either You Stand with Working People, or YOU stand with Greedy CEOs on EFCA (tags)

Big banks and greedy corporations got our country into this mess," "Now they want to fire or harass employees who want to join a union." Senators Lincoln, Webb, Specter, Vitter, Pryor Either You Stand with Working People, or YOU stand with Greedy CEOs on The Employee Free Choice Act EFCA. Which Is It?

Facts For Working People (tags)

Here is the Facts For Working People commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Carpenter's wildcat strike that took place in the Bay Area in 1999

People Reject Sacramento "Solutions" -- Real Solutions Needed (tags)

On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, the people of the State of California sent a strong rebuke to the Governor and State Legislature. Propositions 1A through 1E were defeated.

Yet another blatant betrayal by heads of organized Labor in San Francisco (tags)

SEIU 1021 members voted down a concessionary contract because they were "confused". The higher up the Union ladder you go the more contemptuous of workers you become.

Hechos Para Trabajadores (tags)

May 1st issue of (Hechos Para Los Trabajadores) Facts for Working People. How the police are the "swine flu" and if working class people organize we will win " Vencerenmos"

Banksters of Capitalism (tags)

The April issue of Facts for Working People. Issue includes Banksters of Capitalism, Tent Cities, and a Program for the Unemployed

The Obama Government: Take from the Poor and Give to the Rich (tags)

These past several weeks have witnessed a stunning attack on working people, with the Obama administration leading the charge. It started with Larry Summers, Obama’s chief economic adviser, responding to the A.I.G. bonuses by pontificating about the sanctity of contracts: “We are a country of law. There are contracts. The government cannot just abrogate contracts.” Like a mad dog pursuing its prey, he pounced on the conclusion that absolutely nothing could be done about the bonuses. Unfortunately, Summers voiced no similar outcry when the Obama administration, only weeks earlier, insisted that the U.A.W. contracts be renegotiated as a condition for the auto industry receiving a bailout, suggesting that a different set of rules applies to the rich than to the rest of us who constitute the majority and work for a living.

The California Budget and Class War (tags)

On February 19, the California legislature, after weeks of wrangling, passed a special budget to address the historically high $42 billion deficit. It represents an unadulterated washout for working people who are attacked on almost every front by the Democratic Party, which controls a broad majority in the legislature.

JOIN W.E.R.C Today ! (tags)

In recent months, we have witnessed billions of dollars pumped into the financial institutions WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Reckless behavior and greed have been graced with the most extravagant rewards, allowing the rich to get even richer. After receiving their bailout, A.I.G. executives resumed their plans for a retreat at a lavish resort. Meanwhile, foreclosures have risen, unemployment has soared, and misery has spread with virtually nothing being done for the millions of workers suffering from these afflictions. We cannot sit back and simply hope that things will get better. The financial executives have organized themselves and lobbied for bailouts. We must now do the same. We must organize ourselves and mount a campaign, insisting that government programs benefit the majority of the population first and foremost, not the super wealthy small minority.

Workers Emergency Recovery Campaign (tags)

Below is the introduction, ten point program, and partial list of endorsers for the Workers Emergency Recovery Campaign

Obama’s Campaign Promises and the Laws of Capitalism (tags)

Throughout his campaign, Obama made repeated overtures to working people. He talked about job creation, a tax cut for the middle class, health care, education, the rescinding of the lavish tax cuts for the rich, clean energy, facilitating unionization, and the elimination of the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy for gays in the military. One got the distinct impression when he was campaigning that Obama was oriented to helping ordinary working people, who are now struggling to pay their bills, not the rich.

Portland's Town Hall Meeting on the Economic Crisis (tags)

On January 31st, Portland Oregon held an important — perhaps historic — mass meeting in response to the economic crisis. Dozens of unions and other progressive organizations were able to attract over 800 people to hear an analysis of the crisis itself, proposed solutions, and a variety of workshops which included everything from labor rights, trade and immigration, and a "green economy." It is believed that this was the first such event in the country.

Alexander: Obama’s $825 Billion Stimulus Plan offers too little, too late (tags)

With less than 10 days in office, President Barack Obama has indicated that his $825 billion economic stimulus package will energize the U.S. economy and create future jobs for more than three million Americans. Socialists nationwide are rejecting this new call for deficit spending and are calling for programs that will meet the short and long term needs of the nation and create immediate employment for the millions of working people that are unemployed or under-employed.

Alexander: Schwarzenegger’s Tax Proposal Unfairly Targets Working People (tags)

Stewart Alexander says the “governor’s tax proposal continues to demonstrate that the governor lacks the ability to lead the State of California.” While running as a candidate for California lieutenant governor in 2006, Alexander repeatedly criticized Schwarzenegger on California budget issues. Alexander says, “California’s economy has experienced major set-backs under Schwarzenegger’s leadership.”

Alexander Wants Jobs for Local Communities, Construction Industry (tags)

Once again Stewart A. Alexander is rejecting the continuous flow of U.S. dollars to bailout banks and corporate America; instead, Alexander says any public funds should go to local communities to help working people, creating jobs in the building and construction industry. Alexander says the U.S. government should establish a $1 trillion fund to make available low interest loans for home improvements; this would create jobs across America and benefit local communities.

Obama and the Crisis of Expectation (tags)

With Obama elected President but not yet inaugurated, the question on everyone’s mind is, “what’s going to happen next?” Millions of people around the world are hoping that a Obama presidency will radically change the course of US politics, and with it, world politics. This is especially true for the huge numbers of mostly young volunteers working for Obama’s campaign, most of whom had never been involved in politics before. And while it is impossible to predict the future precisely, one can make an educated guess as to Obama’s future actions, based on answering two fundamental questions: which social class is Obama and the Democratic Party going to represent while in office, and what are the current interests of that class. For example, if Obama were to act in the interests of the working class, a number of measures would be immediately taken, such as increasing wages, improving healthcare, funding schools, ending war, etc. If, on the other hand, Obama is going to represent the ruling class, we can expect policies similar to the Bush Presidency, who long ago proved himself to be a puppet for the banks and corporations.

Labortech 2008 in SF On Dec 5,6&7 (tags)

Labortech 2008 an international educational and training conference on Labor media and technology will be held in San Francisco on Dec 5,6&7 in San Francisco

STOP THE WALL STREET FALSE “NATIONALIZATION” BAILOUT OF FAILED BANKS! (tags)

The working people must fight the new capitalist Wall Street scheme to rip off even more of their tax money and bail out Wall Street further with U.S. government purchase of preferred stocks without voting rights of failed Wall Street banks.

The U.S. Economy on FIRE (tags)

The current U.S. economic crisis didn't start a few years ago when banks and financial institutions started selling "subprime" real estate loans to high-risk borrowers and then repackaging them as "mortgage-backed securities." It began in the early 1970's as a result of a long-term plan by America's major corporations and business leaders to drive down workers' wages and extract more surplus value — and the workers' response, which was to take on more debt. Any real solution that benefits working people cannot be instituted until the power of the corporate rich over the political system is broken.

VP Candidate Alexander: Right Time for National Conference on Labor (tags)

Today, there is a groundswell of opposition to the two corporate parties; recent polls show that 84 percent of all Americans are not satisfied with the leadership in Washington DC. Vice Presidential Candidate Stewart A. Alexander and labor organizer Steve Zeltzer believe working people are ready for change; they are hoping a national conference on labor could convene by May 2009 and use the struggle for May Day as a kickoff.

V.P. Candidate Alexander Wants Common U.S.-Mexican Currency (tags)

During a decade when border issues between the U.S. and Mexico have intensified and the Democrats and Republicans have gone on the attack against immigrants, Vice Presidential Candidate Stewart A. Alexander is proposing a common U.S.-Mexican currency and establishing a Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) for working people on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Moore-Alexander Seeks PFP Presidential, V.P. Nomination (tags)

The State Convention for Peace and Freedom Party will convene on Saturday, August 2 and 3 at the Hawthorn Suites, 321 Bercut Drive, Sacramento California. At the convention Brian Moore, Gloria La Riva, Ralph Nader, and Cynthia McKinney will be seeking the Peace and Freedom Party’s presidential nomination. A debate among the four presidential candidates will be at the same location on Friday, August 1 at 7 p.m.

Alexander Dismisses Economic Plans of Obama and McCain (tags)

There is no easy fix for the ailing U.S. economy, and Barack Obama and John McCain are not prepared to make the necessary changes that will protect the interests of working people. Comparing the economic plans of the two candidates, it does not matter whether McCain or Obama is elected in the 2008 Election; the economic programs that have been outlined by both candidates will only produce minor differences to the present Bush White House.

Working people relying on stimulus checks, coins and lotto (tags)

The platforms of the Socialist Party USA and Peace and Freedom Party outline fundamental approaches that will promote economic policy that will benefit working people. Both socialist parties are rejecting the economic strategies of the Democrats, Republicans, and their candidates; advancing U.S. imperialism and waging war is not the answer for our economy that is now in economic free fall.

Socialist Party VP nominee calls McCain “reckless” on Iran (tags)

The ongoing reckless statements by Senator McCain are another indication that the Republican presidential frontrunner is mapping a road to the White House by staying the course that has been paved by President Bush; a course that will continue to advance U.S. imperialism, a course that will continue to benefit the rich at the expense of working people, and a course that has spiraled the U.S. economy into the worst recession since the Great Depression.

PARA (tags)

These reckless statements by Senator McCain are another indication that the Republican presidential frontrunner is mapping a road to the White House by staying the course that has been paved by President Bush; a course that will continue to advance U.S. imperialism, a course that will continue to benefit the rich at the expense of working people, and a course that has spiraled the U.S. economy into the worst recession since the Great Depression.

Socialists: Working people don’t need stimulus checks (tags)

The recent action taken by President Bush and the Feds, to reduce the time that 130 million Americans will need to wait before receiving their welfare checks, is another indication of the critical state the U.S. economy is now experiencing. Socialists believe it is necessary to create good paying jobs for working people rather than mailing millions of people a one time welfare check. Socialists have called for higher minimum wages and developing socially useful jobs for all working people.

VERMONT AFL-CIO CALLS ON WORKERS TO SUPPORT WEST COAST SRIKE AGAINST WAR (tags)

The Executive Board of the Vermont AFL-CIO, representing thousands of workers in countless sectors across Vermont, have unanimously passed an historic resolution expressing their “unequivocal” support for the first US labor strike against the war in Iraq.

For Workers Strikes Against the War! ILWU to Shut Down West Coast Ports May 1 Against War (tags)

In a major step for the U.S. labor movement, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has announced that it will shut down West Coast ports on May 1, to demand an immediate end to the war and occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Middle East.

Socialists: Re-Thinking Electric Cars and Automobile Industry (tags)

Today, it has become necessary to re-think the future of three industries to reduce U.S. dependency on oil; the automobile industry, the petroleum industry and the ethanol industry. The future direction of these three industries will definitely determine the quality of life for working class people for the next 300 years. The world will face certain economic and environmental disasters, including severe food shortages worldwide, if world governments fail to exercise proper controls over the automobile, petroleum and ethanol industries.

Federal Tax Relief Vanishing at Pumps (tags)

Senators Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton and John McCain are rehashing the old political rhetoric that the Democrats and Republicans have coined to win elections every four years. However, in 2008, working people are searching for real solutions to complex issues; ending the Iraq War and dealing with a global industry that is beyond the control of the Democrats, Republicans or their candidates.

ILWU to Shut Down West Coast Ports May 1 Demanding End to War in Iraq, Afghanistan (tags)

In a major step for the U.S. labor movement, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has announced that it will shut down West Coast ports on May 1, to demand an immediate end to the war and occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Middle East. This is the first time in decades that an American union has decided to undertake industrial action against a U.S. war. The action announced by the powerful West Coast dock workers union, to stop work to stop the war, should be taken up by unions and labor organizations throughout the United States and internationally. And the purpose of such actions should be not to beg the bourgeois politicians whose hands are covered with blood, having voted for every war budget for six and a half years, but a show of strength of the working people who make this country run, and who can shut it down!

Rediscovering the Arusha Declaration and Abandoning the NGO Model: (tags)

Selma James and Andaiye chart a path from the 60s to Tomorrow

Two prominent international women's movement leaders visited Los Angeles in December as a part of a special North American tour. Selma James of London and Andaiye of Guyana spoke to a packed room at the Southern California Library on what we can learn from the past and present of autonomous socialist organizing in the Global South. Both women organize with the Global Women's Strike, which calls for recognition of and payment for all unwaged work, and an end to the twin terrors of poverty and war. The Strike's signature event is an annual work stoppage on International Women's Day, March 8.

Photo by Sidney Ross-Risden: right to left — Selma James, host Margaret Prescod, and Andaiye

Socialists: Feds Offering Little for U.S. Economic Recovery (tags)

It is extremely unlikely that working people will benefit from the economic package presented by President Bush; millions of working people are presently behind on house payments, auto payments and are finding it difficult to pay monthly bills, including the cost for food, gas and fuel for home heating. Today, a majority of working class people are living from check to check and are struggling to keep up with the cost of living.

Socialists Emerging as Democrats, Republicans Lose Voter Confidence (tags)

The socialist parties are emerging as a political force in American politics, addressing those issues that are important to millions of Americans and working people; ending the Iraq War, solving the nation’s health care needs, free education for college students, providing benefits for all veterans, protecting homeowners, creating affordable housing and providing for the needs of all working class people.

New Energy Bill- Working People will Pay (tags)

The Democrats and Republicans have made it clear that they are the corporate parties and they only represent the interests of the capitalists and the billionaires. The new energy bill is another long term payment plan that will be required of working class people while the billionaires continue to collect.

Socialists want Stronger Ties with Mexico (tags)

Peace and Freedom Party and Socialist Party USA fully support protecting the rights of working class people on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and both socialist parties oppose building border walls. All the 2008 candidates, from the two socialist parties, favor strengthening ties with Mexico and developing policy that will benefit working people in both countries and worldwide.

Is Dennis Kucinich an Alternative for U.S. Workers? (tags)

Millions of U.S. workers and youth have come to reject the inhuman conditions the crisis of capitalism is producing: the War on Iraq, the Katrina disaster, attacks on immigrants, stagnant wages, cuts in social services, the health care crisis, and on and on. On the basis of events, consciousness is changing, starting with the most advanced and active layer of the workers and youth, and is increasingly directed toward a break with the capitalist system and its representatives. It is in this context that Dennis Kucinich, a six time congressional incumbent from Ohio, who is now in his second run for U.S. president, has generated interest among those disaffected with the “business as usual” politicians. Kucinich presents himself as a “progressive alternative”, and to his credit he stands out favorably on many issues when compared to the rest of the mainstream candidates. He has been a vocal and consistent opponent of the War on Iraq from the very outset, calling for a full withdrawal of U.S. troops. He has said that if he wins the presidency, his “first acts in office will be to cancel NAFTA and the WTO”. He is also the only presidential candidate who openly opposes for-profit health care in favor of a national single-payer system.

The Reconstruction Party: A New Political Development (tags)

There is a new political party on the horizon that is attempting to offer working class Blacks, working people in general, and the poor an alternative to the two capitalist parties, the Democrats and the Republicans. Stunned by how little has been done by either capitalist party for anyone who was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans – other than the rich and powerful – the Reconstruction Party was officially launched on September 2 of this year. As a first step, the Party is running Malcolm Suber for City Council in New Orleans. Suber is a former textile worker and auto worker and member of the UAW, and has been active in labor struggles since moving to New Orleans, especially around union organizing. He was a founding member and national organizer of the People's Hurricane Relief Fund and Oversight Coalition, a broad coalition of grassroots groups organized around the demand for the reconstruction of New Orleans under community control. In part, this movement is a response to the ruthless policies implemented by the ruling class in New Orleans. Taking full advantage of the helpless situation of many working people, especially the Black majority of New Orleans, the capitalists have pressed to privatize everything, including schools, health care, and prisons, while at the same time preventing the vast majority of those who were forced to leave from returning to their homes.

Labor Day Hypocrisy (tags)

Government and business mock labor's day.

'Old Europe' Bails Out Idiot-run Free-Market US Government - Again (tags)

Right now, the entire world's banking system is being pressed to the limit of what it can do to prevent a worldwide crash of the capitalist system due to what one European banker called "a complete evaporation of liquidity" [Source: "ECB reportedly weighs dollar swap with Fed", MarketWatch.com, 13 August, 2007]. In layman's terms, that means that the world's banking system is running out of the funds needed to keep the capitalist credit system running.

National "Sick of War" Sick Day (tags)

Workers Against War is proposing the date of October 26th, 2007 for the “Sick of War” sick day.

Warning to the Teachers of Oaxaca, Beware the US Trojan Horse (tags)

Oaxaca teachers are taking the lead in the struggle against injustice, but a Trojan Horse is headed their way.

The implications of the immigrant demonstrations for the class struggle in America (tags)

The demonstrations, strikes and boycotts by immigrant workers in cities across the United States are an indication of a sharpening of the class struggle, both in the US and internationally. Literally millions took to the streets May 1 in cities from Los Angeles to New York, Miami to Seattle and scores of towns in between. This mass protest movement, which has been building since March, is without precedent in both its size and its national scope.

As support for Bush plummets, no alternative from Democrats (tags)

A series of opinion polls released in recent weeks have shown a massive increase in popular opposition to the Bush administration. The US president’s approval rating has dropped to barely one third, on a par with that of Richard Nixon on the eve of his resignation over the Watergate scandal. The latest results published Thursday were from a poll conducted by the Wall Street Journal and NBC News, showing only 36 percent of respondents approving of Bush and his policies (compared to 48 percent a year ago). The same poll indicated that 67 percent believe that the US is on “the wrong track.”

PFP VOICE UNION CONCERNS (tags)

The Democratic leadership in Sacramento and Washington has become silent on issues in government that will protect the working class and organized labor; and now to have a voice in government, working people must look beyond the emerging one party system for political leadership.

THIRD PARTY BACK ON BALLOT (tags)

The California Secretary of State reversed his decision on Friday to remove the Peace and Freedom Party from the June Primary ballot.

Mass Protest Called Of Injured and Disable Workers In Sacramento (tags)

The San Francisco Labor Council and other injured workers and health and safety groups have called for a mass protest on Workers Memorial Day April 28, 2005 in Sacramento to protest the attack on injured and disabled workers and to demand single payer healthcare.

Dashing Mayor to the Rescue (tags)

San Francisco hotel workers strike heading in the wrong direction as millionaire mayor gets involved

Rev Billy to Fight Starbucks in LA Court (tags)

Reverend Billy, aka Bill Talen, will go to court against Starbucks as the coffee giant accuses him of destruction of property. The Reverend says Starbucks' profiteering off of labor and human rights abuse is the real crime.

SF LaborFest 2004 (tags)

On July 5 through July 31, LaborFest celebrates the SF general strike with movies, theater, art, poetry and forum. This is the 70th Anniversary of the strike and the struggles of working people continue.

ILWU10 Calls For Million Worker Rally (tags)

San Francisco ILWU Local 10 has voted to initiate a call for a million worker rally during mid-October in Washington DC. It will demand an end to privatization, deregulation, the repeal of the Taft-Hartley, Patriot Act and other issues.

3 Strikes Latest Casualty - Pam Martinez (tags)

CA ATTORNEY GENERAL SPENDS 2 MILLION DOLLARS TO GET 65 MORE DAYS IN PRISON FOR WOMAN WHO ALREADY SERVED SEVEN YEARS FOR THEFT OF $30 TOOL BOX

In the year of the yanqui imperialist pigs (tags)

Let the year of the imperialist pigs pass and may the New Year be one in which imperialism, wherever it spreads its tentacles, is defeated.

Wait: I'm Confused (tags)

The Labor leadership's handling of the grocery workers strike and continued reliance on "friendly" employers and the Democratic Party leaves many workers wondering what's next.

ANSWER LA Wants You to Support Striking and Locked Out Grocery Workers (tags)

Join ANSWER LA's COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECT to SUPPORT LABOR (CAPSL)!

Laws and Schools (tags)

All laws are directed against the working people.

World Trade/Pentegon (tags)

Things go Boom

Local Union members demand money back from the energy companies at rally (tags)

Union Members rallied today to demand :"We want all the money back" from the energy companies.

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