CPUSA In the News

Communist Party's statement on North Korean nuclear test

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Communist Party USA is shocked and appalled at North Korea's recent nuclear test, as well as its subsequent test firing of at least two missiles.

We see these acts as incredibly provocative. Even North Korea's most important ally, China, was horrified by, and condemned, the tests.

Of course, North Korea is right to say that it has been, and still is, the victim of imperialist aggression, specifically from the U.S. It is true that the United States has never made reparations for the destruction of the Korean War, has repeatedly threatened North Korea, and encroached upon its right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to peacefully use nuclear power. In addition, the United States has helped to isolate North Korea from the rest of the world, encroaching upon its sovereign rights and hindering its economic development, and therefore providing the basis for the problems afflicting the region. It was the United States that fought the Korean War, and partitioned the nation into two separate states. The line of demarcation between north and south is one of the most militarized in the world. Currently, tens of thousands of U.S. troops remain in South Korea, and the U.S. routinely practices joint military drills with south Korea, simulating a ground invasion of the North.

Nonetheless, we are resolutely opposed to the use or development of any nuclear weapons by any nation.

Nuclear weapons threaten the very existence of humanity itself. The unintended effects of the tests have been to heighten tensions in the region: The sections of Japan's leadership that want to see Japan change its �peace constitution� so that Japan can maintain a standing army have seized upon these provocative tests to push forward the changes they want.

Further, the results of the tests are in direct contradiction to our common aim of battling imperialism. The general direction of the Obama administration's nuclear policy is at odds with that of any administration in the past 30 years, if not longer. While Obama has to navigate the political realities of the U.S., his administration has sought to reduce the nuclear threat, as well as the threat that the U.S. poses to other, oppressed nations. Consequently, powerful sections of the U.S. ruling class have made their aim to derail the Obama administration altogether.

The fight for progressive forces is to make sure that Obama, and the social strata that are part of the Obama movement�the working class, women and the racially and nationally oppressed especially�meets success.

The ultra-right has already seized upon North Korea's nuclear tests to attack Obama, Obama has been forced to respond sharply, and the movement for peace and against imperialism is that much more difficult. We believe peace is possible in today�s world, but this nuclear test, on the contrary, strengthens the ultra-right and imperialism, not the cause of peace.

The Communist Party USA, along with North Korea's neighbors, including socialist China and Vietnam, and many other progressive forces around the world, condemn these tests and urge the North Korean leadership to abandon its policy of brinkmanship.

Further, we urge all parties, including the United States and Japan, to exercise restraint in response. As we have always said, the main way to solve the nuclear issue, as well as the problems of Northeast Asia more generally, is through good-faith dialogue, through the six-party talks or some other mechanism, and not through military saber-rattling and brinkmanship from any quarters.

"At Home in Utopia" documents Communist Party heyday

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

The new documentary by filmmaker Michal Goldman, "At Home in Utopia" is a great tribute to the Communist Party, though is not directly about the Communist Party nor is the assessment of the Party always favorable.

The film, part of PBS's "Independent Lens series, documents the history and legacy of the Bronx's United Workers Cooperative Colony, "the coops." The coops was a collectively owned housing cooperative developed by Jewish immigrants 80 years ago.

The New York Times wrote that the documentary captured the coops' "daring social experiment," which was rooted in social justice, racial integration and international solidarity.

But most of the founders of the coops and many of its residents for much of the development's history were members of the Communist Party. "At Home in Utopia" shows a unique glimpse into the lives of communist activists and members during the Depression, World War II and through the McCarthy "Red Scare." It documents their ideals, dreams, squabbles, mistakes and successes. In many ways the trajectory of the coops mirrored that of the Communist Party itself in that period.

While the documentary ultimately and hastily concludes that adherence to communism was the the downfall of the coops�which was sold into private hands after World War II�it reflects a deeper truth: that membership in the Communist Party never meant unanimity or oppression. This film helps expose the all-too-common lie that communists were automatons, unthinking tools who mindlessly carried out Moscow's orders. In fact, the motivations and actions of the radicals captured in the film are local and personal.

"At Home in Utopia" shows that communists differ and debate and are deeply independent and opinionated. Perhaps no better tribute could be made.

You can find local listing of broadcast times of the documentary on your local public television station.

There are also great photos and some clips from the film at the documentary's website.

CP Chair Sam Webb Speaks at Colorado Conference

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Reprinted form the People's Weekly World

BOULDER, Colorado -� Some may call it Conference-a-palooza. Film critic Roger Ebert calls it �The Conference on Everything Conceivable.� But its more conventional name is "The Conference on World Affairs" and it's hosted by The University of Colorado.

It's a cherished tradition in this Rocky Mountain town. Some 80,000 people are expected to attend 200 panels, plenary sessions, performances, a spectacular jazz concert and �Cinema Interruptus,� an annual event with Ebert.

But one thing this year that won't be traditional. Communist Party Chair Sam Webb is one among the 100-plus panelists. This will be the first time a Communist Party leader is participating in the grand Boulder 61-year tradition.

Webb will be part of nine panels, "ATTENTION: Deficit Disorder!"; "Family Values: Casualties of the Culture War"; "Ethics in Government: LOL"; "Political Candidates: No Room for Non-believers"; "Are We Stimulated Yet?"; "Libertarians, Progressives, Communists: Political Outliers"; "What Makes a Leader" and "We Are All Socialists Now."

Plus he will join other panelists on a live broadcast Wed., April 8 8:30-9:20 on KGNU 88.5 FM/1390 AM discussing "A Public Affair Is Obama's Bipartisanship Sustainable?"

Conference director Jim Palmer said the annual event can only happen because of those enthusiastic volunteers, who every year donate thousands of hours of their time. �There really is nothing like the Conference on World Affairs,� Palmer said. �The Conference on World Affairs is a million-dollar conference that is basically run on a shoestring.�

All events are free and open to the public.

"Every year, about 100 Boulder residents volunteer to open up their homes to panelists, agreeing to put up guests who could range from an Irish storyteller, the chairman of the Communist Party USA or a New York Times reporter," reports local newspaper The Daily Camera. http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/mar/29/boulders-conference-world-affairs-labor-love/>

Journalist Molly Ivins, who was a frequent participant, wrote that the event offers �astonishing, cross-disciplinary insights, whole new ways of looking at old questions and information that can transform the way you look at things.�

Palmer says he believes the increasing audiences are a reaction to today�s easy access to information. �In an age when facts and figures are available almost instantaneously via the Internet, people are craving context, background, experience; they want texture and substance, face-to-face encounters and exchanges, to help them interpret all the detailed information we now have so readily at hand. This is one of the things the conference does best. Also, it is moving, wild, unpredictable, and fun.�

The University of Colorado�s Conference on World Affairs was founded in 1948 as a forum on international affairs. It rapidly expanded to encompass a huge range of fields including but not limited to: music, literature, environment, science, journalism, visual arts, diplomacy, technology, spirituality, film politics, business, medicine, and human rights.

The list of 2009 participants (and bios, including Webb's) is at http://www.colorado.edu/cwa/participants.html?year=2009

Communists debate Conservatives on "Business Matters"

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Libero Della Piana and Diane Mohney debate local conservative politicians on Allentown's "Business Matters."

Check it out at WFMZ-TV

Support the CPUSA taking on rightwing media

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Dear friend,

For thirty years the far right has dominated American political life. Conservative media institutions like Fox News have been key to their domination.

While the big corporations and the mega-rich back the rightwing media, the Communist Party depends on working people like you to support its work.

Now after the Bush Administration has screwed up the country and the world with its economic policies and disastrous wars, the right wing wants to blame everybody but themselves for the mess we�re in.

For weeks now, right-wing bloggers and talk shows have been trying to paint President Barack Obama as a socialist in order to scare people away from his policies. And they have been telling lies about the Communist Party USA as well.

Yesterday, Communist Party National Chairman Sam Webb accepted an invitation onto conservative television host Glenn Beck�s Fox News show in order to give our side of the story.

Watch the full video on our website.

Sam held his own against Beck despite being cut off repeatedly and other gimmicks. Beck�s claim that Hitler was a socialist doesn�t hold up to common sense and neither is the idea that �big government� is the source of our problems. Obviously Beck and Fox aren�t all that interested in a real discussion about the country�s problems.

As Sam said on the show, �This country has been brought to its economic knees because the policies of the Bush Administration and Wall Street.� You don�t have to be a communist to agree with that.

Help the Communist Party spread the word about the roots of the crisis in our country and the solutions for working people. Give today.

Communist Party
www.cpusa.org

Video of Sam Webb taking on conservative host Glenn Beck

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Communist Party National Chair Sam Webb holds his own with Fox News' conservative host Glenn Beck. Check out the video below.

Donate now to support the work of the Communist Party to take on the lies and slanders of the right.

CPUSA Attends Meeting of Communists and Workers Parties

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

The CPUSA attended the November 2008 meeting of Communist and Worker's Parties in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Check out this video made by the Party of the Italian Communists about the event:

Save Main Street Not Wall Street!

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

Statement of the Communist Party USA

The Bush Administration has proposed a massive bailout plan of at least $700 billion (maybe as much as $1.7 trillion) to stabilize the financial system amid the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, a Bush appointee, and the President are pushing for the U.S. Congress to rapidly pass the plan this week with little debate and no amendments. The rightwing and the banks want a plan that gives a blank check to Wall Street with no oversight.

Friendshipment to Cuba Computers Seized by Federal Agents

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Federal agents seized 32 computers from Pastors for Peace as they attempted to cross the Pharr International Bridge early July 3, 2008 at the US-Mexico border.

The caravan was on its way to donating humanitarian aid to Cuba as part of the yearly Friendshipment challenging the US blockade against the Cuban people.

Red Chicago

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

"Red Chicago" author Randi Storch was interviewed June 12 on Chicago Public Radio's (WBEZ), Eight-Forty-Eight program. According to the website:

"Labor activism has deep roots in Chicago. A new book chronicles a particularly lively period � the years of the Great Depression � when the American Communist Party was gathering strength. It�s called Red Chicago: American Communism at its Grassroots, 1928-1935. Author Randi Storch is an associate professor of history at the State University of New York, Cortland. She says Chicago was a natural choice when she was deciding where to focus her research."

Randi dispels myths, discusses CPUSA members such as Claude Lightfoot and the fight against racism.

CPUSA on Friction.tv

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Libero Della Piana, chair of the Communist Party of New York, featured on Friction.tv. Friction is a debate site where participants can upload their own videos and comments, debating the hottest topics of the day. To view Libero click on the video. To join the debate click here then add your comment - the more people that comment and debate on their site, the more likely the video is to get seen by people visiting the site.

John Bachtell on "The Sandy Rios Show" WYLL radio

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

John Bachtell National Board member of the Communist Party USA and Illinois district organizer of the CPUSA is interviewed by Sandy Rios on her conservative talk radio show "The Sandy Rios Show" on WYLL radio. John talks about the economic inequality in America and the health care crisis. While Sandy Rios goes on to say that there is no health care crisis and that there are no poor people in America. Is there now any wonder why the Republicans are in trouble?

NYC's Communists Have a Nicer Work Space Than You

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Comrades, it takes a fairly strong blow to shake us out of the mid-afternoon doldrums, and this line from greenbuildingsNYC was just what we needed: "Last month, the Communist Party USA unveiled a $1 million green renovation of its headquarters at 235 West 23rd Street in Chelsea.

to view full article click: curbed.com

US communists, ever hopeful, say they're coming back

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

After years in the wilderness, the Communist Party USA is giving itself a public relations and ideological makeover, and, with its new $1 million office, hopes to be running the US within 50 years.

To view full article click:
Greatreporter.com

Podcast: Labor, 2008 elections, & the new PWW website

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

"Scott Marshall, who chairs the Communist Party's labor commission, discusses the role of the labor movement in the 2008 elections. But first, we talk with Communist Party USA web developer Matt Parker about the new web site of the People's Weekly World."

Communist party membership no longer a fireable offence in California

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

McClatchy newspapers
guardian.co.uk, Friday May 16 2008

The California Senate yesterday passed legislation that would delete membership in the Communist party as a reason for firing a public employee, a Cold War-era prohibition intended to root out communists.

Democratic Senator Alan Lowenthal called communism a "failed system," and said his bill - Senate Bill 1322 - was intended to protect "the constitutional freedoms that we have fought so valiantly for," including freedom of political affiliation.

to view full article click: guardian.co.uk

Comrade: Commies coming?

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

A red resurgence

You bet your babushka, baby. But now, the red menace is kind of green.

Matt Kennard
Columbia News Service

May 11 2008

NEW YORK -- The decor inside the national headquarters of the Communist Party USA, or CPUSA, is more Macy's than Marx. Glass walls rise from the floor to form state-of-the-art work spaces, nontoxic linseed oil burnishes the work surfaces, and biodegradable blue carpet is underfoot. Colorful paintings by the renowned artists Boris Taslitzky and Alejandro Romero, depicting the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps and working-class struggle, dot the walls of the expansive open-plan office. Inside their transparent cubicles, the 21-strong staff tap away on Apple Macs and sip Starbucks coffee.

The complete article can be viewed at:OrlandoSentinel.com

People's Weekly World Launches New Websites

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Our fraternal newspaper, the People's Weekly World, has redesigned their website, http://pww.org. It now features daily online articles, multimedia, and even a blog!

We hope you'll consider making the PWW/NM your daily home for progressive news and views.

Communist Party USA on CNBC

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Elena Mora, Organizing Director of the Communist Party USA, went on CNBC to defend the "nationalization" of the Venezuelan oil industry by Hugo Chavez. This originally aired January 31st, 2007.

New Yorkers Say No To Bush Public Housing Cuts

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

From the New York State Communist Party Blog

"NEW YORK - Trade unionists, housing activists, and residents of New York City public housing gathered at City Hall today to protest the Bush administration's proposed budget cuts to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)."

Dynamic Magazine Spring 2008 Double Issue!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

Dynamic is the magazine of the Young Communist League USA. It includes art, politics, and culture written by youth, for youth.

The 2008 Spring Double issues includes articles about the youth impact on the 2008 elections, youth participation in unions, the writer's strike and its impact on a family that struggled through it, and much more!

Springfield, MO Sheriff talks about killing communists

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

Published in the Springfield, MO "News-Leader":

Thirty-year-old Tony Pecinovsky, a 10-year member of the party living in St. Louis, called Merritt's comment "mind-boggling."

"It is unfortunate that one person's sense of patriotism leads them to talk of murder while ours leads us to fight for peace and democracy and equality and health care and education."

Communist Party of India vows fight on food prices

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

PWW Editor Teresa Albano is blogging from India, where she is attending the conventions of the Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) representing the Communist Party USA. The Communist parties hold seats in the national Parliament and lead the governments in three of India�s states.

Communist Party of India-Marxist meets

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

COIMBATORE, India � In a city at the center of India�s textile industry � one that is full of working class history and struggle � the Communist Party of India (Marxist) concluded its six-day congress April 3 with a mass rally of close to 200,000 people.

Landslide: Sweep Republicans from Power in November

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

"At its quarterly national committee meeting this past weekend, the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) called for a landslide in the November 4th elections to defeat John McCain and strengthening the Democratic Party majorities in Congress."

Reprinted from Political Affairs magazine.

US Communist Party backs Indian Left on Indo-US ties

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Coimbatore (PTI): The Left parties in India on Sunday got a shot in the arm in their opposition to the strategic tie-up with the United States, with an American communist leader saying Washington's plan for Asia was to "pit one country against another" and isolate China.

Read the entire article here

California senator introduces bill to drop Cold War anti-communist laws

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

The San Jose Mercury News reports that a state senator in California has introduced a bill there to remove the grossly undemocratic laws on the books that allow schools to fire teachers for being members of the Communist Party USA. Read the entire article here

CPUSA Labor Secretary on Arkansas Talk Radio

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Scott Marshall, Labor Director of the Communist Party USA, appeared on Arkansas Talk Radio, KARN 102.9. In this 15 minute segment, he spoke about the Communist Party USA, the current economic crisis, a green economy, and much more.

Erica Smiley takes your questions

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Erica Smiley, National Coordinator of the Young Communist League, takes caller's questions on The Power Hour, a central Florida call in show.

CPUSA 2008 Electoral Policy

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

While we do not endorse any particular candidates, we do endorse and join in the anti-Bush/anti-right wing sentiments that are driving so many people to activism.

The CPUSA and the Civil Rights Movement

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Long-time Party member Danny Rubin makes the case, citing not-widely-known evidence and his own personal experiences at that time, that the CPUSA had a significant impact on the struggle for civil rights and African American equality.

Changing America

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Labor�s campaign for the right to organize, and coalition organizing by peace and community groups for such needs as �not-for-profit� universal health care, affordable housing, equal quality public education, safe, clean energy and green job creation are at the heart of achieving a change of course in our country.

Winter Soldier Hearings: Live!

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Watch the Iraq Veterans Against the War "Winter Soldier" hearings live video streaming!

Women's History Month: Emma Tenayuca

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Emma Tenayuca was a resident and radical militant of San Antonio�s working class west side. Her political formation was shaped, if not heavily influenced, by her early exposure to frequent political rallies and fiery speeches which took place at the Plaza del Zacate with the backdrop of the Great Depression and the early years of nearby Mexico�s revolutionary government.

Winter Soldier Preview

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Check out this preview for the IVAW "Winter Soldier" Hearings.

Political Affairs Editor on NPR

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

Joe Sims, editor of the Communist Party's magazine "Political Affairs" will be interviewed live on NPR on Friday, Feb. 28th at 10AM central time. You can listen to it online at http://www.wdetfm.org/detroittoday/

Black History Month: Henry Winston and the African American Freedom Struggle

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

Strategy for a Black Agenda first came out in 1973. The book was and remains a fundamental contribution to the struggle. The issues that Henry Winston raised centered on the unity of the class and national questions.

Reprinted from Political Affairs Magazine, the magazine of the Communist Party USA.

James E. Jackson Jr. � an appreciation

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST

By Jarvis Tyner and Sam Webb

James E. Jackson, Jr., a giant in the struggle for African American equality, world peace and socialism, passed away Sept. 1, just short of his 93rd birthday. He was one of the truly heroic figures of the African American freedom movement, the progressive movement generally, and the Communist Party USA. He was an activist, mass leader, theoretician, tactician, teacher, writer and humanist, beginning at age 16. He was devoted to Esther Cooper Jackson, his wife of 66 years, a major leader in her own right, and to his daughters Harriet and Kathryn and their families, as well as to his many friends and comrades.

CPUSA Response to the 3-19-2007 New York Times article

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST

Dear Editor,

Your article on the Communist Party's archive donation to NYU quotes Joe Hill: "My will is easy to decide, for there is nothing to divide." Willing our archive to NYU also was easy to decide. Not because there was nothing to divide, but precisely because in it lies a rich legacy that the US public should be made aware of.

CPUSA Delegation returns from China, Vietnam

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

A Communist Party USA delegation to China and Vietnam returned to the United States on Dec. 12 with a wealth of political and cultural experiences they say they hope to share with the U.S. public in order to build better understanding and friendship between the peoples of the U.S., China and Vietnam.

US communist leader believes in Vietnam's success

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Chairman of the Communist Party USA expressed his belief in the success of the socialist national construction cause, especially how it is being executed by the Vietnamese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

US/Vietnamese Communist Parties Meet To Strengthen Ties

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

HA NOI � Nong Duc Manh, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, welcomed the leader of the US Communist Party in Ha Noi yesterday, discussing ways for the Vietnamese and American parties to promote bilateral relations.

Comrades, come rally

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

HISTORY is perhaps on their side after all. At their annual conference next month, delegates from 70-odd Communist parties will be in a buoyant mood. Memories of Soviet crimes are fading, America's stock is falling and the injustices of global capitalism make an increasingly easy target. Communists always had good songs. Their political tunes of justice and solidarity may still sound hollow to some, but they now resonate more widely.

A Tireless Fighter for Race, Class and Socialist Revolution

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

ANN DOUGLAS explains why US visitor Jarvis Tyner is the perfect person to hear speak during Black History Month. (Article originally appeared in Morning Star 10/11/2006) One of the most prominent and influential leaders of the American left will begin a speaking tour of Britain next week, during what is appropriately Black History Month.

The Communist: Sam Webb

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

To me, money is... what most of us have too little of, notwithstanding the efforts of the Bush Administration--we're all still waiting for that money to trickle down.

Workers of the world united in solidarity with Garland

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 00:00:00 EST

International outrage over the arrest of Workers� party president Sean Garland grows apace. At least in lefty circles. The Communist Party USA (yes, there is such a thing) issued a statement calling the arrest �a violation not only of the civil rights of Comrade Garland as an Irish citizen, but of the sovereignty of the country of Ireland�.

Bush Signs Controversial Free Trade Deal Into Law

Wed, 03 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

US President George W. Bush signed on Tuesday the Central American Free Trade Agreement, saying it will "advance peace and prosperity throughout the region." The agreement, with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, removes trade barriers and opens up the region to US goods and services and has been harshly criticised.

Democrat representatives that voted against the agreement called the accord a "job killer." Trade unions in the United States and across Central America also warned about its bad consequences for the working class.

The Communist Party of the United States of America dennounced the agreement in a statement on Tuesday...

Life from the Left

Sat, 16 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

For people with a particular taste in music, Pete Seeger is still a cultural icon. For too many others, mentioning his name gets a blank look and a question: "Is he related to Bob?"

Well, no. Pete (he insists on being called Pete) was one of the creators of modern folk music. He's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Songs that he wrote, helped write or helped make famous include "If I Had a Hammer," "We Shall Overcome," "Turn, Turn, Turn" and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"

Music is not Pete's only legacy, though. As he puts it, he was a lefty. Actually, he was a member of the Communist Party USA in the 1930s and early 1940s, and he sang at Communist rallies and events.

Baseball's Conscience Finally Gets His Due

Sun, 10 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

As virtually everyone knows, Jackie Robinson, the Negro Leagues star who joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, broke the color ban in baseball.

But few Americans know that it was Walnut Creek resident Lester Rodney -- working as reporter, columnist and sports editor for the Daily Worker, the New York Communist Party newspaper -- who prepared the ground, repeatedly referring to the ban as "un-American" and "the crime of the big leagues."

Reds Come Out Fighting: Time to Turn Up Heat vs. Ultra-Right, Communist Meet Says

Sat, 09 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

The Communist Party USA wound up its convention here in a fighting mood July 3, with the 450 participants vowing to pour their energies into blocking the ultra-right effort to take over the Supreme Court.

�This is a key struggle,� CPUSA National Chair Sam Webb said in closing remarks. The ultra-right �wants to lock in control of that court,� he said. �Perhaps they will begin with reproductive rights, but they won�t stop there.�

Communist Convention Pickets Hotel

Sat, 09 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

More than 300 Communist Party USA members joined the picket line of UNITE HERE Local 1 at the Congress Hotel on July 2. The workers have been forced on strike for the past two years.

The picket line action was held as part of the CPUSA�s 28th National Convention here. The picket line was loud and lively. Participants shouted, �2, 4, 6, 8 � help us negotiate!� �No Justice, No Peace!� and carried picket signs.

Communists are Singing in Chicago

Fri, 08 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

They still call each other "comrade". They still sing the socialist Internationale. But most of all, they are still around.

Members of the Communist Party of the USA, which was hounded during the McCarthyite political witch-hunts of the 1950s and marginalised by the cold war, gathered in Chicago earlier this week to mark the anniversary of their party's founding in the city in 1919.

Viet Nam Sends Delegation to US Communist Party's National Convention

Wed, 06 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

A delegation of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) led by Vu Quoc Hung, member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairman of its Inspection Commission, attended the 28th National Convention of the Communist Party, USA (CPUSA) in Chicago, the US, from July 1-3.

To: 'Activists and scholars in Marxist tradition': A report on the CPUSA Convention Live Feed

Sun, 03 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

"This morning I had a chance to listen to some of the final sessions of the CPUSA convention. The session included a trade union panel and credentials report..." -- Walter Lippmann is a writer, photographer and activist, who directs the CubaNews list, a free e-mail service.

Communists Return to Chicago for Quadrennial Meeting

Thu, 30 Jun 2005 00:00:00 EST

Senator Joe McCarthy may be turning over in his grave, but communists are alive and well in the United States - and meeting in Chicago this weekend.

Entrevista a Sam Webb, Presidente Nacional: A nossa prioridade � derrotar Bush (Portuguese)

Thu, 23 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST

N�s n�o subestimamos a amea�a de direita que Bush representa para o nosso pa�s e para o mundo. Caso Bush seja derrotado, teremos um terreno pol�tico distinto a n�vel interno e externo para continuar as lutas pela paz e a igualdade, por justi�a econ�mica e social�. As palavras s�o de Sam Webb, Presidente Nacional do Partido Comunista dos EUA (PCEUA), que em entrevista concedida ao Avante! a 18 de Agosto, em Nova Iorque, analisa a import�ncia das elei��es presidenciais norte-americanas de 2 de Novembro pr�ximo, e d� conta da crescente mobiliza��o das for�as de esquerda e progressistas pela democracia e pela paz.

U.S. leader highlights combative spirit of the Cuban Five

Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST

"WE really need to have the same combative spirit as those five heroes,� affirmed Sam Webb, chairman of the Communist Party USA, during a meeting with the relatives of Gerardo, Ram�n, Antonio, Fernando and Ren�.

�It is ironic that these men should be fighting against terrorism and find themselves imprisoned in the �age of combating terrorism.� This Bush administration is hypocritical, it lies all the time, but I am sure that we will win,� Webb added. He is on a visit to Cuba at the invitation of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba...