Statement by Socialist Action (U.S.), Jan. 17, 2011 The year 2011 has begun with the heroic ousting of the dictator Ben Ali by the Tunisian people. The recent Tunisian uprising against rising food prices, unemployment, and political repression is not a new occurrence. The liberalization of economic policies in North Africa has had a devastating … Continue reading Tunisia, North Africa, and the Arab Revolution
Month: January 2011
Harassment of WikiLeaks reflects mounting assault on civil liberties
by Jeff Mackler The WikiLeaks release of a quarter-million secret U.S. diplomatic cables in early December, as well as the earlier WikiLeaks revelations on U.S. mass murder of civilians and other heinous policies in Afghanistan and Iraq, confirm the fact that technological progress in the field of communications dramatically reduces the gap between the commission … Continue reading Harassment of WikiLeaks reflects mounting assault on civil liberties
Prospects for the New Year: Jobs picture bleak
by Michael Schreiber The New Year’s season is ideally a time of cheerful hope for the future. But for many in the United States this year, it is the time to turn down the heater, scrimp on food for the family, and contemplate many more months of standing in unemployment lines. Few communities have been … Continue reading Prospects for the New Year: Jobs picture bleak
History of White-Black relations in the U.S.
Afghan war expands despite opposition by U.S. majority
by Gerry Foley The Obama administration’s year-end review of the state of its war effort in Afghanistan, of course, endeavored to be positive, citing some progress. However, it had to be guarded, admitting that whatever gains have been made are “fragile” and “reversible.” Just how fragile has been indicated by a number of articles in … Continue reading Afghan war expands despite opposition by U.S. majority
U.S. public sector under attack
by Andrew PollackPoliticians of both major parties in the United States, from the federal level down to the smallest towns, are making clear the next big ruling-class assault will come in the public sector. While the labor movement is ill prepared to combat that assault, it is ironically in that sector where workers can perhaps … Continue reading U.S. public sector under attack
Europe’s fightback holds lessons for all workers
by Andrew Pollack Just as in the U.S., the deepening crisis in Europe is developing on two levels. On the one hand is an economic system going through one of its regular, decades-long downturns. On the other hand, that downturn is played out on a terrain of nation-states of differing economic size and strength, which … Continue reading Europe’s fightback holds lessons for all workers
General Strike in Greece
by Vangelis Itesis On Dec. 15, electronic media throughout the globe focused once more on the Greek crisis. The big news this time less involved rising bond spreads or other financial ratings than active human beings collectively fighting for a better life, for a life no longer subjugated to profits for a few. TV newscasters … Continue reading General Strike in Greece
Anniversary of Haiti earthquake
The Jan. 12th Haiti Committee, a coalition of progressive Haitian organizations and their supporters, will be holding a press conference at the Haitian Consulate at 271 Madison Ave., New York, on Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. This will mark the anniversary of the devastating earthquake.The committee demands: Occupation Troops Out of Haiti Now! Release All … Continue reading Anniversary of Haiti earthquake
Films: Made in Dagenham
by Gaetana Caldwell-Smith & Michael Schreiber “Made in Dagenham” is one of the best labor-oriented films to open in commercial movie houses in recent years. It is a touching, warm, and often humorous picture of British working-class life in the 1960s. And the struggle it portrays will leave you cheering. The film (directed by Nigel … Continue reading Films: Made in Dagenham
WikiLeaks Did What the Corporate Press Couldn’t or Wouldn’t Do: They Gave the People a True View
by Mumia Abu-Jamal “The U.S. has spent tons of billions of dollars and thousands of lives in defense of one of the most corrupt nations on earth.” If the WikiLeaks saga has shown us anything, it’s that things are seldom what they seem; and allies, in truth, are almost indistinguishable from adversaries. That’s because what … Continue reading WikiLeaks Did What the Corporate Press Couldn’t or Wouldn’t Do: They Gave the People a True View
Reproductive Rights Under Attack
New FBI Subpoenas Issued Against Antiwar Activists
by David Bernt CHICAGO—On Dec. 21, four new subpoenas were issued to antiwar activists here, bringing the total number of people subpoenaed to 23 in the Justice Department’s McCarthy-style witch hunt of the antiwar movement. The government’s current witch hunt dates back to Sept. 24, when 14 homes were raided by the FBI in Chicago … Continue reading New FBI Subpoenas Issued Against Antiwar Activists
Georgia Convicts Face Repression Following Historic Work Strike
by Clay Wadena Thousands of prisoners in Georgia made history on Dec. 9 when they carried out what has been hailed as the largest prisoner strike in American history—refusing to work or leave their cells in 11 of the state’s prisons. The prisoners issued nine demands that began with a call for a living wage … Continue reading Georgia Convicts Face Repression Following Historic Work Strike
Defend WikiLeaks!
On December 7, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was arrested in London just after he presented himself voluntarily before police and authorities. After a court hearing that lasted around an hour, a district judge denied bail and sent him to Wandsworth prison. While he has since been released on bail, the threat of his incarceration remains. … Continue reading Defend WikiLeaks!