By ADAM RITSCHER
With the U.S. presidential elections coming up again, a lot of workers and activists are eagerly discussing the campaigns, watching the debates, and even hitting the pavement to campaign for their candidates. We in Socialist Action commend people who take politics seriously and who are committed to fighting for what they believe in. However, we urge people to abstain from casting a ballot for the Democrats or Republicans, and to instead cast a protest vote for socialism.
Elections pose the question of which class shall rule. Should it be the class that has crashed the economy and stolen the jobs and homes of millions, or should it be the working class? That’s why we’re calling on people to Vote Socialist.
With both the Democrats and Republicans having been bought and paid for by Wall Street, we feel now more than ever it’s crucial for working people to declare their political independence by voting socialist.
Contrary to what the defenders of the status quo say, we don’t believe that casting a vote for a socialist candidate is a wasted vote.Change does not come through elections, but from social movements and mass action. But a protest vote for a socialist candidate can be used to send a message that you reject the misplaced priorities of our current political system and the political trap of lesser evilism!
We are calling for people to vote for whatever socialist candidate is on the ballot, or running as a write-in candidate, in their state. In particular, we endorse the following candidates for president:
• Peta Lindsay of the Party for Socialism and Liberation
• James Harris of the Socialist Workers Party
• Stephan Durham of the Freedom Socialist Party
• Stewart Alexander of the Socialist Party
While we have differences with each of these organizations on a number of political questions, we are giving them our critical support because we feel their campaigns represent a step towards working-class political independence. Campaigns such as these can serve as a placeholder for what our class ultimately needs—a mass labor party based on the unions.
Even more important than casting your ballot this fall, we urge you to get involved in your union, in the antiwar movement, in the women’s movement, the immigrant rights movement—in the social movements that really can and will bring about the change we so desperately need!
Photo: Tony Savino / Socialist Action
