CPUSA Front Page

Welcome to the NEW People's World online!

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

We are proud and excited to announce the launching of the new website for the People's World. This accomplishment truly represents the 21st Century Marxist press. Below is a message from the Editor of the People's World. Check out the site, and keep your eye out for the new Communist Party site in coming weeks.

Support the People's World

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the new People's World. After a few minor delays, our new website is up and running. A big thank you to our readers, supporters, volunteers and staff who gave their time and financial resources to make this exciting project possible.

Our new homepage is located www.peoplesworld.org, so please be sure to change the bookmark in your browser.

Also, we'd like to learn a little more about you. If you are not already subscribed to our twice-weekly email list, sign up today.

We took this step in order to amplify the voice of the working-class media, but as you might expect this project cost money. While readers have been very generous in helping us meet these costs, we still have some ways to go before we cover the full financial needs of this transition. We thank you for your generosity, and ask once again for your financial support.

On this new site, you will find the latest daily working-class coverage of labor and civil rights struggles, national politics and international news. You will be able to navigate the site and interact with the People's World community of writers and readers more easily. Enjoy!

In struggle,

Teresa Albano

Editor

Support the People's World today!

Labor candidate in Cleveland city council race featured on CNN

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Labor candidate in Cleveland city council race featured on CNN this morning

Michael Moore's 'Capitalism' is labor of love for working America

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Reprinted form the People's World.

On the year anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers, filmmaker and slacker hero Michael Moore gave a gift to working America: an explanation of what happened.

In short, capitalism happened.

Moore was invited by the California Nurses Association and AFL-CIO to show his newest movie, "Capitalism: A Love Story," and lead a march for single-payer health care at the convention here. He accepted and re-arranged his schedule to do it, delaying the planned Los Angeles premiere to Wednesday. But that may give him more press for the LA premiere, because Jay Leno invited him to be on his second show of the new series tonight, after viewing the movie.

Instead of stars parading down the red carpet waving to the paparazzi like with other movie premieres, mineworkers, steelworkers, nurses and lots of other workers and professionals marched with the Academy Award winner demanding health care for all. It was a celebration of, by and for ordinary hard-working people who have odds stacked against them.

It was a movie premiere like no other, for a movie like no other. Moore masterfully splices together the absurdities of free market propaganda with the real life stories of what happens when a whole system is just about "maximizing profit."

The audience exploded into clapping, or booing and hissing, depending on who was on the screen through out the feature.

The next day Moore sent out this e-mail: "But it wasn't till last night, at the annual convention of the AFL-CIO in downtown Pittsburgh, PA, that a packed house of rank-and-file union members -- plumbers and nurses and steelworkers and 73 other trades -- watched the U.S. premiere of our film and, I kid you not, the roof practically came off the place as the credits rolled. I've never witnessed, in my 20 years as a filmmaker, such a response to one of my movies. I'm sure the theater management must have been thinking a riot was going to break out. After years of having the crap kicked out of working people of this country, the crowd in Pittsburgh was ready to rumble after watching two hours of cinema that laid it all out about how Corporate America has gotten away with murder. I was profoundly moved by this overwhelming and enthusiastic response. I simply can't wait to bring this movie to your town and for you to see it! I know you will be shocked and surprised by a lot of what you will see in it. Once again, I've set out to show you things the nightly news doesn't dare show you. There will be some very wealthy men who will not be happy about this film's release. So be it. It's a free country, but more importantly, it's OUR country. It doesn't belong to the richest 1% who now -- are you ready for this -- have more financial wealth than the entire bottom 95% of the country combined!! "

Moore chooses to delve into the last 30 years after the rise of Ronald Reagan and the far-right, corporate crowd which went to town privatizing, deregulating and cutting taxes for the super-wealthy. Moore shows production and profits skyrocketing, while jobs are cut and wages are frozen.

Cutting away to his 1989 Roger and Me, he has GM executive saying they will cut all the jobs for the company's health. Guess that strategy didn't work too good.

But it's the irresponsible Bush administration and the inevitable global financial and housing collapse in September last year that is at the heart of the movie. The rush for a $700 billion bailout for the largest banks and financial institutions in the country is rightly portrayed as a well-planned heist by these liars, thieves and vultures.

Moore doesn't hold back in implicating the Congressional Democratic leadership in enabling the grand theft. Ninety-five percent of the movie places the blame for the current crisis on Republican policies and their marriage with major corporate and Wall Street interests in government.

But Moore reserves the rest of the criticism for Robert Rubin of Citigroup and the Clinton administration push for privatization and deregulation under the name of free trade. Rubin along with his acolytes, economic adviser Larry Summers and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, both Obama appointees, are all implicated in the economic meltdown.

This is a major point of unease for those on the left and progressive movement. But as socialist and Washington Post columnist Harold Meyerson points out, FDR had some pro-Wall Street advisers around him as well. And like Moore, Meyerson emphasizes the importance of a mobilized progressive grassroots movement. "Where are we?" Moore asked the crowd.

Yet Moore has a dramatic scene about how the election of President Barack Obama has ushered in a whole new era for working people.

Moore does some excellent expose journalism. Bringing to life some of the stories that don't make national news night after night. Like Blue Chip corporations taking out life insurance policies on employees to enrich themselves when they die, but not the family. In teary-eyed segments, Moore interview families who lost loved ones while Wal-Mart or other corporations collect on their deaths. (And judges being paid to send teenagers to a private, for-profit juvenile detention center.) That's capitalism!

On the other end are the struggles of ordinary people to fight back. From fighting foreclosures in Miami and in Congress to the sit-in at Republic Windows and Doors and the election of Barack Obama, the movie points to a way for working America to win dignity and economic democracy. Seeing on the big screen real life examples of workers in Wisconsin and California running businesses as cooperatives impresses the point: the dog eat dog model of corporate and casino capitalism isn't the only way to run an economy.

Moore has a way of Americanizing radical and socialist ideas, something that corporate America and anti-worker forces propagandize as "foreign" and "alien" to the U.S. experience. Yet, as Moore shows, the ideas of cooperation and solidarity, or the distrust of banks are as American as apple pie. Moore weaves together key pillars in American life, religion and patriotism, and reclaims them from the far-right and other hypocrites who proclaim the holiness of the free enterprise system. By looking at American history and its institutions, the film and exposes that radical pro-people and socialist ideals are throughout the fabric of America.

There is a major omission in the film. As Moore sets up the glory days of U.S. capitalism in the 1950s and 1960s, showing home movies of family vacations and narrating about workers who entered the middle class, there was no mention of what was going on at the same time. That millions of Americans were locked into poverty and racial apartheid throughout the South and northern cities. This was a perfect opportunity to show the underbelly of an economic, social and political system that still had deep flaws even when parts of the working class did enter the "middle class."

Plus, U.S. slavery and taking of lands from Native Americans and Mexico -- and the racial theories and policies that ensued to justify it -- are central to, as Karl Marx and W.E.B. Du Bois put it, "the rosy dawn of capitalism."

It was surprising since Moore had gone into some of this in Bowling For Columbine. Moore does include stories of African American and Latino families along with white families, which leave the viewers with the notion that we are all in the same boat. And towards the end of the film, Moore shows clips of the Civil Rights movement, the huge crowds for Obama during the elections and the multi-racial workforce at Republic Doors and Window who heroically stood up to their employer and Bank of America in December 2008.

For history buffs and serious students of American politics, Moore offers a newly discovered gem. His crew found never before seen footage of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt outlining a second Bill of Rights which would include a right to a job, right to health care, housing and education, the right of businesses to operate without the constraints of big monopoly and bank pressures.

Moore said FDR, after giving his last speech to the American people on the radio, called in the film crew to shoot him outlining such a far-reaching plan. FDR was ill at the time and died soon after. Moore's crew tracked down the film sitting in some unmarked box in South Carolina, Moore said.

At the rally before the march to the Byham Theater, California Nurses Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro, Mineworkers President Cecil Roberts, Steelworkers President Leo Gerard and Professional and Technical Engineers President Greg Junemann fired up the crowd.

To the cheers of the packed ballroom at the David Lawrence Convention Center, Roberts, a sixth-generation coal miner and orator in the West Virginia-style of rousing speeches, asked the crowd: When George Bush or Joe Wilson gets sick, who pays? When ugly Dick Cheney gets sick, who pays? The crowd shouted: We do! The American people want the same deal, Roberts said.

An extended standing ovation greeted Moore after the movie showing. He took questions from the audience. One was on the distribution of the film. Something, he said, he is always worried about his movies getting picked up. But judging the reception it got by this working class audience, there may be money to be made by exposing capitalism, a good motivation for distributors to pick up this movie.

But for Moore, this movie is certainly a love story -- a love affair with the power and strength of ordinary American people to make positive change in our country and world.

Resetting the health care debate

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Reprinted from the People's Weekly World

COMMENTARY

President Obama�s speech to Congress last night reset the debate and struggle for real health care reform. No one thought that the reform of our nation�s health care system would be easy to begin with, but what transpired recently � the fierce counter attack by the right-wing extremists, the letting loose of the demagogues of hatred, fear, racism, and division, and the digging in of private insurance companies and other sections of corporate America � proved to be a sobering reminder that the political terrain and initiative can shift in the direction of one�s foes, as it did this summer.

But it also can shift back as happened last night, thanks to the president�s intervention in this bitter and bruising struggle.

By the speech�s end, supporters of health care reform were re-energized, its opponent dispirited, the public much better informed, the case for a governmental role well articulated, and the moral high ground regained by the president and the coalition that elected him.

What the president�s speech didn�t and couldn�t do was seal the deal on the language and details of that bill. In other words, there will be a health care bill on the president�s desk later this fall, but what is still to be decided is its precise content and scope.

So the struggle goes on.

The opponents of health care reform may have lost ground last night, but don�t expect either them or the advocates in both parties of �health care lite� to fold up their tent. In its editorial today, the Wall Street Journal appealed for �popular mobilization� to oppose the bill and John McCain showed little interest in giving ground on the Today show this morning.

As for the supporters of health care reform, we have to be every bit as tenacious as right-wing reaction. Justice, morality, and truth are on our side, but they are not enough. Only when combined with persistence, united action, and struggle over the bill�s content, including a public option, will real health care reform see the light of day.

Summer Health Care fight heats up!

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Last week the mayor of Hiroshima, Japan chose to commemorate the 64th year since the atom bomb destroyed his city by praising President Obama's call for abolition of nuclear weapons. He referred to the "Obamajority" in the world which supports this cause.

Within our country, the Obamajority is needed to take to the streets in support of health care with a public option paid for by reversing the obscene tax giveaways to the super rich during the Bush years. If health care reform fails, it will be a giant step backwards for the Obama administration and for working people, the labor movement, African American, Latino, Asian-Pacific Island communities, women and youth on every issue including the economy, peace and democracy.

August is key. Members of Congress are home for summer recess. They will be seeking out the opinions of their constituents. The right wing is actively trying to shut down expression of opinion. They are using strong-arm tactics to disrupt town hall meetings, oppose any public option and push for taxing the health benefits of working people. Along with some centrists, they want to slow the process down. This would only benefit the medical-pharmaceutical corporate quest to further increase their profits.

continued...

Running behind the �Redwood Curtain�

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

McKinleyville, Calif. � Behind the Redwood Curtain up in Humboldt County, Calif., the Communist Party is on the run. By on the run, I mean we�re not being chased�we�re doing the chasing for the common people.

Daily, I and other comrades and associates work at providing for, advocating and representing the common folks. Sometimes the work is light, but most times the labor is long. Example of people and projects are many.

For instance, on Tuesday, I meet a pregnant woman in a conversation at the local soup kitchen. Rain is falling outside. Her pickup camper residence is leaking. I ask the soup kitchen�s minister for some cold-patch to use on her roof. In the parking lot, I and a few of my �irregulars� successfully mend her roof. She thanks us all, and the opportunity arises to tell her about my involvement in the CPUSA. I tell her that many of us in the Mother Jones Club find great satisfaction in helping out others within the community. I tell her we are working for equality, labor, human rights � that�s what the party is founded on. She smiles and tells me, let�s have soup more often, Michael. She is now very interested.

(Continued)

Speech to Chautauqua: The Communist Party�A work in progress

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

( CPUSA_work_in_progress.pdf 101.59 KB )
Report in PDF format

A presentation to the Chautauqua Institution�s Heritage Lecture Series, July 21, 2009

No organization or institution can long exist in a condition of stasis; organizations in general and political parties and social movements in particular have to adjust to new conditions.

And the reason is simple: change is constant and organizations and institutions must, if they want to remain relevant, change in the face of changing conditions.

Since the beginning of this decade, the Communist Party has been reconfiguring its theory, politics, structures of organization, and, not least, finances to the turbulent times in which we live. We did so because we had no other choice. Necessity was the mother of invention.

To be sure, not everything turned out as we hoped and many things still have to be attended to.

On the whole, however, we challenged outdated notions and practices, adjusted our policies and style of work to new conditions, and gained experience.

(continued)

Communist Party statement on the situation in Honduras

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Manuel Zelaya, the legitimate president of Honduras, has made a specific request to the Obama administration to increase pressure on the illegal regime of Roberto Micheletti, which was installed after a coup d�etat on the morning of June 28 of this year. Zelaya has asked the Obama administration to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on the illegitimate regime by taking actions targeting the main culprits. This happens at a critical moment when the talks mediated by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias have not progressed due to the intransigence of the coup regime, and when mass protest in Honduras has reached a peak with a general strike and with a growing mass movement in the streets to restore Mr. Zelaya, who is encamped on the Honduras-Nicaragua border, to the presidency.

The coup regime is isolated worldwide, but hangs on because it expects to be able to draw on material resources from the US, in spite of President Obama�s strong statement against the coup. The US ultra-right, led by figures such as Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Congressman Connie Mack (R-FL), and supported by strong business, political media and military networks in the United States, are doing all they can to throw a lifeline to the illegal Micheletti regime. Their hope seems to be to keep the regime in power long enough that the scheduled November elections in Honduras (which Micheletti may move up) can take place under repressive conditions in which supporters of Zelaya�s program of progressive social and labor reforms can not openly campaign without risking jail or violence, and thus can not possibly win. Meanwhile, Micheletti�s de-facto government is increasing repression against labor, peasant, student and other opponents, with reports of several new deaths in the last two days.

The CPUSA agrees that it is necessary to ratchet up the pressure on the de-facto regime, and calls for the following actions:

We should contact the White House and the State Department to demand that the US government respond to President Zelaya�s request by taking the following immediate steps:

*Cancel US visas for the top military and political leaders of the coup.

*Freeze bank accounts in the US belonging to coup leaders as requested by Zelaya.

*Remove US personnel from the military base at Soto Cano, cease all coordination with the coup government�s armed forces, and expel Honduran officers currently being trained at the School of the Americas in Fort Benning Georgia.

*We should demand an end to the activities in support of the coup government by the International Republican Institute and other governmental and non-governmental organizations in the United States who have a heavy responsibility for the current situation.

Further, we should be contacting our members of Congress to ask that they sign on as co sponsors and work for the passage of House Resolution 630, which denounces the coup d�etat and asks the government to take measures to restore the constitutional order in Honduras. This resolution, introduced by Congressman Bill DeLaHunt (D-MA) has 40 cosponsors; this number has to be greatly increased.

Finally, the AFL-CIO, US Steelworkers and Local 10 of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union have led the way in calling for the restoral of Zelaya and the constitutional order in Honduras. We should build on these initiatives by getting statements and actions in support from other unions, faith based organizations, and civic and community organizations of every description so as to build a massive solidarity movement with the Honduran people here in the United States.

Here is the contact information:

Congressional Switchboard: 202-224-3121

White House: 202-456-1111

State Department: 202-647-4000

To follow the progress of HR 630, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/ and type �HR630� in the webpage search engine. Choose "Bill Number" as the search option.

APPENDED:

La Jornada coverage of letter from Zelaya to Obama (translation into English)

ZELAYA ASKS THE UNTIED STATES [TO TAKE] CONCRETE MEASURES TO RE-ESTABLISH ORDER IN HONDURAS (La Jornada online, July 26 2009, translation by Emile Schepers)

Rights violations and killings, reasons to increase pressure, says the head of state.

FROM THE EDITORIAL [BOARD]

The President of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, today asked the US head of state, Barack Obama, to adopt concrete measures to restore the constitutional order in the Central American country. The leader, who was expelled by a coup d�etat, asked that the United States prohibit bank transactions and cancel US visas of those �directly responsible for my kidnapping and the interruption of the legal order in my country�.

On Friday, the US State Department criticized the brief return of Zelaya to Honduras by calling it �reckless and premature�.

Zelaya sent Obama a list of names of individuals to whom he asked the United States to apply such restrictions. They are: General Romeo Vasquez Velasquez, head of the armed forces; Miguel Angel Garcia Padget, commander in chief of the army, and Juan Pablo Rodriguez, commander of the navy. Also included are the de facto president and former president of the Congress, Roberto Micheletti, the attorney general Luis Alberto Rubi and the chief prosecutor Rosa America Miranda.

Zelaya claims that those persons had key roles in planning and execution of the coup d�etat of June 28 and later ignored the calls of the international community for the constitutional head of state to be restored to office.

The letter to Obama indicates that the deterioration of human rights in Honduras, which has resulted in the extrajudicial murder of several leaders of people�s movements who were opposed to the coup, is a reason for the United States and other countries to increase pressure on the de-facto regime.

�We believe that the measures we are asking for from the US administration will exercise direct pressure on the executors of the coup without having a negative impact on the people of Honduras� said Enrique Reina, Minister of Communications in Zelaya�s government and the new ambassador to the United States designated by the constitutional president.

Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on the Coup in Honduras

June 30, 2009

The AFL-CIO stands in solidarity with our sister organizations of Honduras, the national trade union centrals -- the Unitary Central of Honduran Workers (CUTH), the Confederation of Honduran Workers (CTH) and the General Workers Central (CGT) -- as well as with the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA), representing over 45 million workers of this hemisphere, in condemning the military coup that resulted in the illegal ouster of democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya.

The AFL-CIO denounces this unconscionable attack on the fundamental rights and liberties of the Honduran people. The recent internal conflict relating to the proposed constitutional referendum cannot in any way justify the extra-constitutional measures undertaken by the armed forces, which were later ratified by the Honduran congress when it voted to depose President Zelaya and install Congressman Roberto Micheletti immediately following the coup. These measures are a flagrant violation of the most basic democratic principles and of the rule of law.

The AFL-CIO calls on the United States government and the international community, particularly the Organization of American States and the United Nations, not only to condemn the coup and withhold recognition of the current government, but to make every effort to help achieve the restitution of constitutional order and the reinstatement of the democratically elected president.

We have already received eyewitness reports that the thousands of people from civil society organizations, including trade unions, who assembled to demand that democratic order be restored and the president returned, have been tear-gassed by the armed forces. Several have been injured and dozens have been arrested. We call on the United States Government to also take all measures within its diplomatic powers to ensure that all Honduran civilians, and particularly trade unionists and social activists denouncing the coup, are safe and secure and will not be victimized by violence and repression.

Statement of WORKERS UNITING on Honduras

Workers Uniting Statement Condemning Coup in Honduras

Workers Uniting, representing 3.5 million workers in North America, the UK and Ireland, unequivocally condemns the military coup and kidnapping of the democratically elected President of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya. President Zelaya was working to free his country from decades of hunger and poverty until he was abruptly thwarted in these efforts by the Honduran military.
This military coup is an illegal attempt to use armed force to overturn the course of democracy and social progress chosen by the Honduran people at the polls, and we call upon the nations of the world, and especially the U.S., UK and Canada, to officially declare the seizure of power by the military in Honduras a �military coup� and to act accordingly. In the case of the U.S., this means withholding all military assistance unless and until President Zelaya is returned to power.

Meanwhile, the military and coup conspirators are trying to suppress popular demonstrations by unions and other social groups by violence and arrests; are illegally shutting down critical news outlets; establishing a blanket military presence and setting illegal curfews. We condemn these acts as well, and call upon the Honduran military to respect the human rights of all, including those demonstrating for a peaceful return to civilian and constitutional rule.
We join the OAS and UN in condemning the military seizure of power in Honduras as a giant step backward for the Western Hemisphere, and an act which simply cannot be tolerated. We therefore call upon our respective governments to take all peaceful, diplomatic measures to ensure the return of President Zelaya to his rightful place as President of Honduras. We further support the efforts of the OAS, UN and other Latin American leaders to accompany President Zelaya back to Honduras on Thursday, July 2, 2009, and call upon others to join them in this effort.

Leo W. Gerard, USW International President
Ken Neumann, USW Canadian National Director
Derek Simpson, Unite the Union Joint General Secretary
Tony Woodley, United the Union Joint General Secretary

Statements of Latin American Working Group, Washington Office on Latin America and School of the Americas Watch on Honduras can be found at their websites at:

Lawg.org
Wola.org
Soaw.org

Statement in Spanish

Call on Congress to Support Elected President of Honduras

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Dear Friends,

The ultra-right on Capitol Hill, hand-in-hand with members of the Honduran oligarchy and military, have been besieging Congress with demands that the U.S. back off its stated support for the restoration of Manuel Zelaya to the presidency of Honduras. This needs to be aggressively countered.

Congressmen Bill DeLaHunt (D-MA) and James McGovern (D-MA) have taken the initiative with a resolution described below in a message from the Alliance for Global Justice.

Please follow up the DeLaHunt-McGovern initiative with your letters, faxes, phone calls, e-mails and visits to your own congressperson.

Also contact your senators to ask them to pass a similar resolution. Finally, ask your union, church or community organization to mobilize support for this effort.

Below is an action alert from the Alliance for Global Justice with the text of the resolution and other details:

___________________________

Support House Resolution on Honduras!
Urge your Representative to become an original co-sponsor of House Resolution demanding reinstatement of President Manuel Zelaya in Honduras!

[This action alert comes to you from the Alliance for Global Justice and its member projects, the Nicaragua Network, the Campaign for Labor Rights, the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, and the Respect for Democracy Campaign.]

Representatives James McGovern (D-MA) and Bill Delahunt (D-MA) have sent out a Dear Colleague letter to the other members of the House of Representatives asking them to sign on as original co- sponsors to a House resolution calling for the reinstatement of Manuel Zelaya as president of Honduras. See text of the letter and of the House resolution below.

Call your Representative and ask him or her to sign on! The Capitol Switchboard number is: 202-224- 3121. All original co-sponsors need to be added before 5pm today. Here is some suggested language for your call:

"Please tell Representative _________________ that I urge him to be an original co-sponsor of the McGovern/Delahunt resolution to oppose the military led coup in Honduras. The resolution calls for the reinstatement of democracy in that country. Please contact Cliff Stammerman or Ben Dailey in Delahunt's office before close of business today as that will be the closing of original cosponsors."

******************

Become an original co-sponsor of a resolution opposing the coup d'état in Honduras
Deadline is close of business Thursday, July 9, 2009

Dear Colleague:

We ask you to join us in co-sponsoring the resolution below condemning the coup d'état in Honduras, demanding that Honduran President Manuel Zelaya be returned to office, and welcoming the mediation efforts of Costa Rican President Oscar Arias.

As you are no doubt aware, an internal political dispute in Honduras degenerated into a coup d'état on June 28, 2009, in which the democratically-elected President of Honduras was seized by the Honduran military and sent into exile. This move was swiftly condemned by the United States, the Organization of American States, the European Union, and the United Nations, all of whom have demanded that President Zelaya be reinstated to office.

It is critical that Congress be crystal clear that coups are unacceptable. This is particularly important in Latin America, a region which has suffered greatly in the past from military interference in politics but over the last 30 years has generally moved towards democracy. To accept the overthrow of a democratically-elected government is to wipe away the progress that has been made - progress that has been supported by both Democratic and Republican Presidents and Congresses.

To sign on, please contact Cliff Stammerman or Ben Dailey in Congressman Delahunt's office at (202) 226- 6434 or at cliff.stammerman@mail.house.gov or ben.dailey@mail.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Bill Delahunt
James P. McGovern

The Resolution:

Condemning the June 28, 2009 coup d'état in Honduras, calling for the reinstatement of President Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, and for other purposes.

Whereas Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales was elected President of Honduras in November 2005 in elections that were deemed free and fair by international observers;

Whereas President Zelaya and other political actors in Honduras became embroiled in a political dispute over whether to hold a non-binding referendum asking Honduran voters whether they wanted a constituent assembly to be established to amend the Constitution;

Whereas on June 28, 2009, the day that the non- binding referendum was to take place, Honduran military forces stormed President Zelaya's residence, apprehended him, sent him out of the country, and seized the materials for the referendum;

Whereas the Honduran Congress named Roberto Micheletti, the head of the Congress, as President and subsequently suspended a number of constitutional rights, including the freedom of association and of movement;

Whereas the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has expressed its concerns regarding human rights abuses by the de facto Micheletti government, including the arbitrary detention of Zelaya supporters;

Whereas the Organization of American States, the United Nations, and the European Union - representing governments from across the political spectrum - have condemned the coup d'état, refused to recognize the de facto Micheletti government, and demanded the unconditional return of President Zelaya to office;

Whereas on July 1, 2009, the Organization of American States voted unanimously to suspend Honduras from participation in the OAS unless President Zelaya was returned to office within three days;

Whereas, on July 4, 2009, the OAS unanimously voted to suspend Honduras;

Whereas the Administration of President Barack Obama has condemned President Zelaya's removal, supported the OAS resolutions regarding Honduras, and demanded that he be returned to office;

Whereas the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank have suspended aid and loans to Honduras;

Whereas national elections are scheduled in Honduras for November 29, 2009;

Whereas President Zelaya has said that he will only serve until his term ends in January 2010;

Whereas it is critical for the stability of Honduras that the November 2009 elections be free, fair, and transparent; and

Whereas U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced on July 7, 2009, that Costa Rican President Oscar Arias would seek to negotiate a solution to the crisis, and President Zelaya and the de facto Micheletti government have agreed to the mediation of President Arias.

Therefore, the House of Representatives:

1) Condemns the June 28, 2009 coup d'état in Honduras and refuses to recognize the de facto Micheletti government installed by that coup d'état;

2) Calls on the Obama Administration to continue to refuse to recognize the de facto Micheletti government;

3) Calls for the reinstatement of President Zelaya as President of Honduras;

4) Urges the Obama Administration to suspend non-humanitarian assistance to the de facto Micheletti government as required by U.S. law and as it deems necessary to compel the return of President Zelaya to office;

5) Calls for extensive international observation of the November 2009 elections once President Zelaya is returned to office to ensure that his successor is elected freely, fairly, and transparently; and

6) Welcomes the mediation of Costa Rican President Oscar Arias and encourages the Obama Administration to provide any assistance President Arias requests in his efforts.

The Faces of the Communist Party

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Here is a great video developed and produced by some participants in the recent National Marxist School of the Communist Party.

Happy Independence Day!

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Today is our nation's birthday. It commemorates the great struggle that severed our colonial dependence on Britain and gave a fresh impulse to the unending struggle for freedom.

Revolutions are never complete. While expanding the boundaries and possibilities of freedom, our revolution also had its limitations: the abominable institution of slavery remained; political rights were limited to white male property holders; the new nation was formed on lands unlawfully and violently expropriated from Native American peoples; and the revolution unfolded in a nascent bourgeois society, which over time widened many of the inequalities that were embedded in colonial life.

Nonetheless, the American Revolution constituted a landmark in human history. For the first time sovereignty and consent rested, not with a king, not with an aristocratic order, not with a church, but with the people. Freedom was proclaimed a universal right of humankind. And many old modes of deference and hierarchy melted away.

The revolution of 1776 set the stage for the second American Revolution in 1865�culminating in the abolition of slavery�and subsequent struggles to expand boundaries and impart new content to freedom.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the greatest leader in our land in the 20th Century, was well aware of the limitations of our revolution. Yet he heralded its achievements and ideals and challenged the nation to live up to full meaning of its creed.

That challenge has yet to be fulfilled, although in electing President Barak Obama our nation took another step down freedom road.

Let's celebrate this Independence Day with family and friends, while recommitting ourselves to complete that journey in the years ahead.

Change is Here, Change is Coming

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Remarks to National Committee Meeting June 20, 2009)

I make no attempt to be comprehensive in these remarks. My aim is much more modest, as you will see.

Let me begin with a simple observation: If the last 30 years were an era of reaction, then the coming decade could turn into an era of reform, even radical reform. Six months into the Obama presidency, I would say without hesitation that the landscape, atmosphere, conversation, and agenda have strikingly changed compared to the previous eight years.

In this legislative session, we can envision winning a Medicare-like public option and then going further in the years ahead.

We can visualize passing tough regulatory reforms on the financial industry, which brought the economy to ruin.

We can imagine the troops coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan while U.S. representatives participate in a regional process that brings peace and stability to the entire region.

In the current political climate, the expansion of union rights becomes a real possibility.

Much the same can be said about winning a second stimulus bill, and we sure need one, given the still-rising rate, and likely long term persistence, of unemployment.

Isn�t it possible in the Obama era to create millions of green jobs in manufacturing and other sectors of the economy in tandem with an attack on global warming?

Can�t we envision taking new strides in the long journey for racial and gender equality in this new era, marked at its beginning by the election of the first African American to the presidency?

And isn�t the overhaul of the criminal justice and prison system � a system steeped in racism � no longer pie-in-the sky, but something that can be done in the foreseeable future?

All these things are within reach now!

(Continued)

Communist Party Statement on Honduras Crisis

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Communist Party USA (CPUSA) joins with the world in denouncing the coup d�etat this morning against the legally elected president of the Republic of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, by the Honduran military, in which, according to a statement by the president�s wife, Mr. Zelaya was threatened and beaten before being sent into exile in Costa Rica.

� The CPUSA denounces alarming reports of physical attacks by troops against the ambassadors of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua in Tegucigalpa, and calls for protection of all diplomatic personal; and, if the reports of the attacks are confirmed, punishment of all the responsible parties for this gross violation of Honduran and international law.

The CPUSA further:

� Demands that president Zelaya and other members of his government be returned to power immediately, and that the troops return to their barracks.

� Demands the immediate release of all labor, community and student leaders who have reportedly been rounded up by the army, and the restoration of freedom of the press.

� Recognizes that the Obama administration has repudiated the coup, and insists that President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton hold firm to this position, refusing diplomatic recognition and any military aid to Honduras until President Zelaya is restored to power.

� Calls upon unions and other people�s organizations in the United States to actively support our brothers and sisters in Honduras in resisting this brutal military coup d�etat.

Statement in Spanish

Declaraci�n del Partido Comunista sobre la crisis de Honduras

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

El Partido Comunista de los Estados Unidos (CPUSA) se une con el mundo entero en denunciar al golpe de estado militar que se llev� a cabo esta ma�ana en contra del presidente legitimo de la Republica de Honduras, Manuel Zelaya por militares hondure�os, en que, seg�n dice la Sra. de Zelaya, el presidente fue golpeado y amenazado f�sicamente, antes de ser exiliado a Costa Rica.

� El Partido Comunista de los Estados expresa su coraje e indignaci�n por las versiones seg�n las cuales tropas hondure�as agredieron a los embajadores de Cuba, Venezuela y Nicaragua en Tegucigalpa, e insiste que, al confirmarse tales reportes, los agresores sean castigados por esta grave infracci�n de las leyes internacionales y de la Republica de Honduras.

Adem�s, el Partido Comunista de los Estados Unidos:

� Exige de que el presidente Zelaya y otros integrantes de su gobierno sean devuelto a poder en forma inmediatamente, y que todas las tropas regresen a sus cuarteles.

� Exige que todos los dirigentes laborales, comunales y estudiantiles que, seg�n reportes, han sido detenidos por las fuerzas armadas sean puestos en libertad, y que la libertad de la prensa sea restaurada en forma inmediata.

� Reconoce que la administraci�n del presidente estadounidense Barack Obama ha repudiado el golpe de estado, y exige que tanto Obama como la secretaria de asuntos exteriores Hillary Clinton se mantengan firmes en esta actitud, negando el reconocimiento diplom�tico y cualquier ayuda material hasta que se restaure al Presidente Zelaya a su puesto.

� Hace un llamado a los sindicatos y otras organizaciones populares en nuestro pa�s, a que apoyen en forma activa a nuestras hermanas y hermanos en Honduras que ya est�n organizando una valiente resistencia en contra del golpe.

Declaraci�n en �ngles

Elena Mora on CNN discussing Cuba

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

National organizing director of the Communist Party Elena Mora talks with CNN's Rick Sanchez about normalizing relations with Cuba. Skip to about 1:06 on this video clip.

New religion commission begins work

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Reprinted from the People's Weekly World

CHICAGO � The Communist Party USA has established a new Religion Commission to strengthen its work among religious people and organizations. In its leadership are activists representing various religious traditions from around the country. Tim Yeager, a Chicago trade unionist and a member of the Episcopal Church, serves as its chair.

�We want to reach out to religious people and communities, to find ways of improving our coalition work with them, and to welcome people of faith into the party,� Yeager said. �We invite questions and responses from people who would like to dialogue with us on matters pertaining to religion, Marxism and the struggle for more peaceful, just and secure world.�

There is a common misconception concerning the position of the Communist Party USA about religion, Yeager noted. Many who are unfamiliar with the party wrongly assume that all Communists are atheists, or that the party requires its members to be atheists. Nothing could be farther from the truth, he said. Religious people are welcome to join. The party�s Constitution specifically states that membership is open to �[a]ny person living in the United States, 18 years of age or over, regardless of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or religious belief��

Yeager acknowledged that relations between some Marxist parties and religious institutions in other parts of the world have been marked by conflict. In tsarist Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church had been an arm of the state, and its leadership was opposed to the Revolution. The Bolsheviks adopted an official atheist position, and for many years waged a struggle against organized religion. Elsewhere, such as in Latin America, Marxist parties and religious progressives have worked together against repressive regimes and imperialist intervention.

�There has been no state church in the United States since shortly after we gained our independence, and we have a tradition of religious diversity,� Yeager said. �The so-called Christian Right in recent years has certainly made progress, but some of the greatest leaders in our history have been men and women of faith, and our party has been proud to work with them. The best known example, of course, would be the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.�

The Religion Commission will be producing articles on matters pertaining to religion and social progress, he said. Its goal is to share with the broader people�s movement the party�s thinking on the religious aspects of current struggles, taking up theoretical questions, and discussing the relationships, contradictions and commonalities among science, Marxism and religion. The commission also announced plans to hold a series of gatherings around the country, open to the public, to discuss how people from religious traditions and the party can better work together, building toward a national conference in 2010.

�As Marx said, the goal is not merely to explain the world, but to change it. We hope that the new Religion Commission will help build greater unity toward that end,� Yeager said. �We welcome people from faith communities to join us.�

For more information, contact Tim Yeager at rtyeager @ gmail.com

GM bankruptcy spurs demand to �reinvest in America�

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Reprinted form the People's Weekly World

LANSING, Mich. � The General Motors bankruptcy, announced Monday, was expected, having been predicted for weeks if not months. But the enormity of how far this once mighty giant of U.S. monopoly capitalism has fallen is shocking nevertheless. For many it seems like not so long ago when GM was not only the leader of all auto producers with a commanding 54 percent of the U.S. market, it was also the undisputed dominant corporation in the country�s economy.

In filing for bankruptcy yesterday, GM said it will close 14 plants in the U.S., half of them here in Michigan. It will leave less than 40,000 GM autoworkers nationwide, a tiny fraction of the 395,000 employed by the company in its heyday in the 1970s.

Nowhere is the shock greater than Michigan, GM�s birthplace. Today, the state has an official unemployment rate of almost 13 percent, and because it has seven times the auto jobs of the next highest state, Ohio, people here fear things will only get worse as the job loss in auto ripples through the economy.

At a �Keep the Dream Alive � Reinvest in America� rally that drew several thousand here yesterday, Jim Chapman a steelworker at Great Lakes Works in Ecorse, Mich., which makes steel for auto bodies, said he is a victim of that rippling effect. This father of five has been laid off for six months. �If you�re not selling cars, you�re not making steel,� he said. �It trickles down.�
Lansing, Mich., rally demands, "Keep the Dream Alive � Reinvest in America."

Under a plan announced by President Obama on Monday, the federal government will provide up to another $30 billion to keep GM afloat while it emerges, restructured, out of bankruptcy. That is on top of $19 billion in federal money the company received earlier. The Canadian government will chip in another $9 billion as part of the deal. The downsized company will have 60 percent U.S. government ownership, with smaller portions of its stock held by the United Auto Workers union, bondholders and the Canadian government.

Ron Bloom, who heads Obama�s auto task force, told reporters the government will be a �reluctant shareholder� and will not get involved in day-to-day management. But, he said, with taxpayer money now keeping GM afloat, the government �has to demand something in return for this capital."

In exchange for the new government aid, GM agreed to go through bankruptcy to eliminate more than $27 billion in debt held by bondholders. It also agreed to build a new small car in idled UAW factories and to increase the share of U.S.-based production from 66 percent to 70 percent, the White House said. The union has agreed to a no-strike pledge until 2015.

The White House noted that "the UAW has made important concessions on compensation and retiree health care that, while difficult, will help save jobs for active employees, pensions and health care for retirees."

UAW leaders pointed out in a press statement that "the biggest sacrifices will be made by the tens of thousands of workers who will lose their jobs as a result of the numerous plant closings that GM is announcing in its restructuring plan."

Addressing yesterday�s rally here, Lansing Mayor Verg Bernero said, �D-Day for GM is a sad day.� He said he was �grateful for an administration that is grappling with a problem it did not create, but certainly inherited.�

Many at the rally were angry that GM, while receiving bailout money which may total $50 billion or more, is shutting down 14 plants at home while it increases production outside the country.

�When you offshore jobs, you export the American Dream,� said Bernero.

Bill Parker, president of UAW Local 1700 at Chrysler�s Sterling Heights, Mich., Assembly plant, which is also scheduled to close, said workers are outraged that Chrysler wants to close an additional five plants. His plant employs about 1,400 workers and produces the Sebring sedan and convertible, along with the Dodge Avenger. He asked the crowd of several thousand to join him in calling on the Obama administration to demand that Chrysler reverse its decision.

�Chrysler got the money but they did not get the message,� said Parker, referring to the more than $7 billion in federal bailout money the company has received. The intent of that government assistance was to help people, Parker said. Now, he declared, �our sons and daughters face the prospect of doing worse than we are.�

Referring to GM�s export of jobs to low-wage countries, Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow told the crowd that she is �tired of talking about the race to the bottom. I have been doing it for 10 years. We have to raise others up, and not keep pushing us down.�

The Rev. Jesse Jackson emphasized the effect the bankruptcy and closing of GM plants will have on communities. When you close 14 plants and hundreds of dealers, you also close auto suppliers; you cut off a town�s tax base, you close their schools, and cause their teachers, police and fire departments to also shut down, he said.

As details of the GM bankruptcy plan emerged, some 3,000 labor and progressive activists were meeting at the America�s Future Now conference in Washington.

�Loss of jobs and the economic devastation that has spread across this country results from corporate greed,� Change to Win labor federation chair Anna Burger said there. Economic recovery means �more than just companies making a profit,� she said. Echoing Lansing Mayor Bernero, Burger said, �It means good secure jobs, decent incomes and the prospect of a secure retirement � in short, the American Dream.�

Another labor leader, speaking informally, noted that the auto union was caught �between a rock and a hard place� and was able to come out of the bankruptcy negotiations with a few things including a little less pain for some active workers and retirees. But, he said, �Once again, we have workers making the sacrifices while companies close plants and ship operations overseas. Once again we are doing what the finance industry says we should be doing to make a company 'viable' even if that means more massive job loss and continued de-industrialization.� This is a continuation of an approach that �just doesn't cut it,� he said.

�The problem with doing business this way is that it leads to disaster for workers and in the end it doesn't do much for GM either � by doing it their way they ended up deep in debt,� the labor leader said.

�What we really need,� he said, �is a bold new approach that retools our old plants to build mass transit, light rail, green cars and all the things we need for the future. Globalization is here to stay. We need to make it work for the majority, not just for the few, by creating a real plan to keep good paying manufacturing jobs and green jobs here in America. Let�s use our leverage to fight for this approach.�

John Rummel is the Chair of the Michigan District of the CPUSA. jrummel @ pww.org. Joel Wendland and John Wojcik contributed to this story.

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.

90 Years of Party History in Images

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

This is the Communist Party's Ninetieth Anniversary year. Founded in 1919, the Communist Party has had an unparalleled history of struggle for jobs, justice, peace and socialism in this country.

In 2006 the Communist Party donated its archives and the Library of the Reference Center for Marxist Studies to the Tamiment Library in order to preserve our unique history and make the collection available to researchers, students and the public.

Below is slide show of just a small set of images from the collection that was featured in an exhibit in 2007 at the library. Visit our website regularly this year for more photos, images, articles and information about the 90th Anniversary of the Communist Party USA.

Created with flickr slideshow.

El Primero de Mayo: D�a excelente para la unidad laboral

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

Reproducido de:People's Weekly World/Nuestro Mundo

Comentario

No es una cosa est�tica. El movimiento sindical no �llega� a un lugar especifico que se llama �unidad�. La unidad sindical, como la lucha m�s amplia para la unidad de la clase trabajadora, es un trayecto constante, que no �termina� en un punto final. Es una marcha continua superando barreras y obst�culos. A veces el camino los lleva por terreno dif�cil, por lluvia, nieve y otros obst�culos, y en contra de poderosos vientos contrarios. Hablando de tiempos malos, pensemos de los ocho a�os de George y 30 a�os de ataques implacables al movimiento sindical.

Tampoco es la unidad sindical una tremenda abstracci�n. Unidad laboral es moci�n. Es acci�n con rumbo y meta. Surge del trabajo duro enfocado en temas y programas. La verdadera unidad sindical surge de las experiencias y estimaciones compartidas.

Lo que estoy tratando de decir es que la actual desuni�n en el sector laboral estadounidense es m�s una cuesti�n de forma que contenido. S�, todav�a existe una divisi�n formal entre las dos federaciones, AFL-CIO y Change to Win. Pero al nivel de acci�n, hay una unidad muy fuerte en las funciones pr�cticas. A pesar de que no se ha formulado ninguna declaraci�n formal de un programa sindical unido, tal unidad program�tica surge claramente al nivel de la acci�n pr�ctica. Todo el movimiento sindical se encuentra unido detr�s de un programa que incluye:

� Aprobaci�n del proyecto de ley de libertad de optar por sindicalizaci�n (EFCA).

� Una recuperaci�n sustentable que produce empleos e ingresos.

� Una resoluci�n de la crisis de viviendas que mantenga a los trabajadores en sus hogares y provee viviendas a bajo costo para las familias de la clase trabajadora.

� Una reforma autentica, integral y universal de los servicios de salud.

� Desarrollo econ�mico sostenible que produce empleos en la manufactura y otros que sean �verdes� y que protegen y restauran al medio ambiente.

Y apenas la semana pasada vino el anuncio, tremendamente importante de una propuesta conjunta de la AFL-CIO, Change to Win y la Asociaci�n Nacional de Educadores (NEA) al problema de la reforma migratoria. Esto fue m�s all� de un anuncio de un pacto. Tambi�n se�al� la unidad sindicall y el apoyo al llamado por parte de la administraci�n de Obama para que el Congreso act�e. Aun m�s, se�ala la decisi�n del movimiento labor de trabajar activamente para influenciar al debate y legislaci�n en una manera que no solo protege a los derechos de los obreros inmigrantes, sino que tambi�n fomenta una unidad sindical mas amplia.

La experiencia en las elecciones de 2008 ha sido un factor cr�tico en el camino a la unidad. Nadie cuestiona seriamente que los sindicatos desempe�aron un papel clave en eligir al presidente Obama, en cambiar al balance de fuerza en el Congreso y en dar fin al control f�rreo de los republicanos sobre el poder. Pero mientras que celebramos al papel incre�ble desempe�ado por los sindicatos en las elecciones, tambi�n debemos hacer constar la poderosa influencia que el movimiento pro Obama tuvo con los sindicatos. Trabajando en el contexto de la coalici�n m�s amplia que apoyaba a Obama no solo ilustr� el poder de la unidad, sino que tambi�n ayud� a perfeccionar la sofisticaci�n de la acci�n laboral independiente, mientras que proporcion� entrenamiento pol�tico a miles de activistas nuevos surgidos de la base. La histeria reaccionaria de las corporaciones en contra del EFCA ha sido causada en gran medida por este despertar pol�tico en el movimiento laboral.

La unidad laboral surge de todos aspectos de la misma lucha de clases. No es simplemente una cuesti�n de voluntad fuerte o de pensamiento correcto. La unidad aumenta por raz�n de la crisis econ�mica. Los ataques a los trabajadores del sector automotriz la fortalecen. La unidad laboral aumenta a causa de las p�rdidas de empleos, las luchas de los desocupados, la p�rdida de hogares y leyes antisindicales a nivel estatal. Se aumenta a causa de los ataques en contra de los trabajadores inmigrante y sus derechos, por ataques racistas y por ataques y discriminaci�n en contra de las mujeres. Se fortalece por medio de la lucha en contra de deficiencias en el cuidado de salud y en los fondos disponibles para las escuelas. De hecho todos los ataques antidemocr�ticas promueve como resultado m�s unidad laboral. Como se va intensificando la lucha de clases, aumenta la presi�n a favor de la unidad. Es la urgencia de las reivindicaciones inmediatas que actualmente fortalece a la unidad laboral.

Por supuesto existen verdaderos problemas. No podemos hacer caso omiso a los actuales brotes de divisionismos y conflictos dentro del sector sindical. Pero dentro de cada uno de estos conflictos, existe una lucha al nivel de base a favor de la unidad, la democracia sindical y los derechos de las bases. Estos son asuntos que se van a arreglar adentro del movimiento sindical. La tendencia grande hacia la unidad laboral tendr� una influenza poderosa a favor de calmar estos divisionismos.

Tampoco podemos ignorar las cuestiones dif�ciles de estructura y liderato que todav�a impiden la creaci�n de una sola �casa sindical�. Pero podemos estar seguros que las presiones grandes a favor de la unidad tambi�n est�n detr�s de las actuales charlas entre la AFL-CIO, Change to Win y la mayor�a de los sindicatos independientes.

Como celebramos este Primero de Mayo, debemos y podemos aumentar nuestros esfuerzos de promover la m�s amplia unidad laboral que sea posible. Esto se va a lograr no por medio de una agitaci�n abstracta, sino por participaci�n seria en la acci�n en cuanto a los asuntos que mas movilizan al sector sindical y al pueblo. �Hay tantas cosas que suceden a nivel de base! Cada manifestaci�n de parte de un concilio central sindical a favor de la EFCA, cada acci�n conjunta para cualquiera de las luchas laborales, conduce poderosamente hacia la unidad. Cada acci�n de solidaridad, cada piquete, cada convenci�n o conferencia laboral, cada lazo que construimos entre el movimiento sindical y sus aliados naturales, cada coalici�n sindical-comunitaria, fortalece y construye la unidad laboral.

Este Primero de Mayo el pron�stico de tiempo es muy positivo. No importa cuan dif�cil es la lucha por la unidad, por primera vez en muchos a�os los vientos soplan en nuestro favor.

Encuesta: Muchos favorecen al socialismo

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

Reproducido de: People's Weekly World/Nuestro Mundo

Este sondeo nos content�.

De acuerdo a una encuesta de Rasmussen Report, solo 53 por ciento de adultos norteamericanos piensan que el capitalismo es mejor que el socialismo.

Y 20 por ciento dicen que el socialismo es mejor que el capitalismo.

Mientras nos alejamos de los a�os de la Guerra Fr�a, m�s gente est� dispuesta a considerar el socialismo. Los que est�n por debajo de 30 a�os de edad est�n divididos: 37 por ciento prefieren el capitalismo, 33 por ciento el socialismo y 30 por ciento est�n indecisos.

Los que est�n en los 30s apoyan m�s al sistema actual con 49 por ciento a favor del capitalismo y 26 por el socialismo.

Los que tienen m�s de 40 a�os favorecen al capitalismo y solo 13 por ciento de estos favorecen al socialismo.

Como uno se puede imaginar, los que tienen dinero para invertir escogieron al capitalismo 5 a 1. Pero, para el resto de nosotros que no tenemos nada que invertir, un cuarto decimos que el socialismo ser�a bueno. Solo 40 por ciento de los que no tienen para invertir creen que el capitalismo es mejor.

Estas estad�sticas son sorprendentes visto que Rasmussen no defini� ni el capitalismo ni el socialismo en el sondeo.

En otra encuesta hecha anterior por la misma empresa, ellos encontraron que 70 por ciento de los norteamericanos prefieren una econom�a de libre mercado. Cuando usan la frase �econom�a de libre mercado�, sostuvo Rasmussen, atrae m�s apoyo que el uso de la palabra �capitalismo�.

�Los datos de nuestros sondeos respalda esa idea. En vez de ver a las grandes corporaciones como estando comprometidas con los mercados libres, dos de cada tres norteamericanos piensan que el gobierno grande y los negocios grandes trabajan juntos de manera que causa da�o a los consumidores y los inversionistas�, dicen el resumen de la encuesta.

Imag�nese como reaccionar�an los estadounidenses si hubiese una verdadera conversaci�n nacional sobre los beneficios del socialismo. Actualmente, la mayor�a ve a la econom�a como una �administrada por el gobierno� y no est�n convencidos de que el gobierno puede hacerlo mejor que las corporaciones, de acuerdo del sondeo.

Algo que no forma parte de como el pueblo ve al socialismo es la democratizaci�n de la econom�a � donde representantes de todas las comunidades, sindicatos, escuelas, etc�tera, tomar�an parte en guiar la pol�tica econ�mica.

Est� claro que la crisis econ�mica profunda en Estados Unidos y el mundo ha afectado la confianza que gente han tenido en el sistema capitalista.

Happy May Day 2009!

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST
Happy May Day to working people everywhere from the Communist Party USA!

May First is celebrated as International Workers' Day around the globe, but was born here in the United States in the struggle for the eight-hour workday. For many years, May Day was not celebrated in the country of its birth as it was internationally, but in recent years May Day has been reborn.

Larger and larger sections of the labor movement and the immigrant rights movement in the United States have embraced May Day as a day of struggle for workers rights and of celebration of the contribution of all workers: men and women, gay and straight, every race, language, religion or nationality.

We join with all struggling people around the world in celebrating May Day and continuing the fight for a better world.

Below are links to articles on the history and origins of May Day, thoughts on the workers movement today and more.

Born in the USA
Reclaiming the May Day tradition: "Through unity we find our strength"
Labor on the road to unity
Haymarket landmark finally established
Historical Interpretation: Haymarket Square, May 4,1886

"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.

International Workers Memorial Day 2009

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST
April 28 is International Workers Memorial Day. This is a day for honoring the loss of workers worldwide who are injured and killed on the job as well as those who suffer injury or sickness due to unsafe working conditions, industrial accidents and abusive management practices.

It is also a time to rededicate ourselves to the struggles for workplace safety and health, for environmental protection, for just compensation, medical coverage for all and protection for immigrant workers who often receive the most dangerous and deadly jobs or are forced to work without even basic safety tools, equipment, and training.

The International Labour Organization, the international body of the United Nations that addresses issues of work and workers rights released a report yesterday that reveals key facts about workers safety and health worldwide:

The ILO estimates that each year about 2.3 million men and women die from work-related accidents and diseases including close to 360,000 fatal accidents and an estimated 1.95 million fatal work-related diseases.

This means that by the end of this day nearly 1 million workers will suffer a workplace accident, and around 5,500 workers will die due to an accident or disease from their work.

In economic terms it is estimated that roughly four per cent of the annual global Gross Domestic Product, or US$1.25 trillion, is siphoned off by direct and indirect costs of occupational accidents and diseases such as lost working time, workers� compensation, the interruption of production and medical expenses.

Hazardous substances cause an estimated 651,000 deaths, mostly in the developing world. These numbers may be greatly under-estimated due to inadequate reporting and notification systems in many countries.

Data from a number of industrialized countries show that construction workers are three to four times more likely than other workers to die from accidents at work.

Occupational lung disease in mining and related industries arising from asbestos, coal and silica exposure is still a concern in developed and developing countries. Asbestos alone claims about 100,000 deaths every year and the figure is rising annually.

Source: "World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2009 - Facts on safety and health at work issues", ILO, April 27, 2009

The picture is often grim for workers around the world as well as hear in the United States. This Workers Memorial Day, we take a moment to remember those who have passed and encourage everyone to fight to make work safe�for you, for your families, your neighbors and the environment.

For more on Workers Memorial Day, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or read the annual "Death on the Job" report prepared by the AFL-CIO.

Photo: billjacobus1 under Creative Commons Attribution license

A Very Special Earth Day

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

A Very Special Earth Day

This year the country and the world celebrates a very special Earth Day.

Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22 in 1970 and is now commemorated around the world as a day of celebration of and struggle for the planet. This year, Bolivian President Evo Morales will address the United Nations, calling on the global body to make "Mother Earth Day" an official UN holiday and to acknowledge humanity's common interest in the protection of the planet and its environment.

But what makes this Earth Day especially important is that the policies of President Barack Obama represent a dramatic turn towards green policies that have the potential to reshape the economy for the better. The White House understands what the vast majority of the American public already knows, that greens jobs and green policies are not just necessary to turn back the clock on climate change, but are good for the economy as well.

Right now, we can put millions of unemployed people to work doing the essential work of building a green infrastructure: building public transit systems and components, researching and developing sustainable energy sources, insulating and repairing America's homes and offices, educating the public about environmental practices, and cleaning up our streams, bays, forests and fields.

Let us all pledge to work for and support a green job economy, and help to build a world that puts people and nature before profits.

For more information on our policies and approach to the planet and sustainability, read the Environmental Program of the Communist Party, People and Nature Before Profits.

Love your mother�Mother Earth

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST
Reprinted from the People's Weekly World

Earth Day, April 22, is sandwiched between Tax Day, April 15, and Workers Memorial Day, April 28. Just around the corner is May Day, May 1, the international workers day and a day for flower baskets and maypoles. What do they all have in common?

An economy powered by two toxic pollutants: oil and corporate greed. Misplaced priorities that send more than half of our tax dollars to military spending that kills people, ruins lives, pollutes the planet and wrecks our economy. Damaging foreign policy driven by a quest to secure oil. Workers� lives lost and health destroyed because of corporate greed. A system that puts profit before people and ravages the earth along the way. And the need for workers and people of the world to unite, to love and preserve our planet and to build a better world.

It�s clearer than ever that the present system can�t continue. It�s not sustainable, either economically or environmentally. Vast parts of our country are industrial wastelands �empty factories, mills, warehouses and storefronts testify to jobs gone forever. In too many places, military bases and industries, or prisons, are the best or only jobs around. Toxic �brownfields� and Superfund sites dot urban and rural landscapes. Open green space, family farms, woods and wetlands have been plowed under for wasteful exurban sprawl and industrial �parks� � many now sporting �for lease� and �foreclosure� signs. Industrial agriculture has brought degraded and tainted food, pollution and toxic working conditions.

Turning this around means getting our economic system in sync with Mother Nature � greening our economy. It means a massive national undertaking to invest in sustainable, non-polluting energy, industry and transportation systems; in well-planned, vibrant and sustainable �green� cities, towns and rural communities; in education, health care and culture to produce an informed and involved citizenry. Of course, that means putting people, and nature, before profits. This won�t happen without a fight.

Earth Day and May Day remind us to breathe the beauty of the flowers of spring and the roses of summer and struggle. �Love your mother� � planet Earth, and, in the words of labor organizer Mother Jones, �fight like hell for the living.�

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

Out of the Crisis: Building a new era of justice and peace

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST
Out of the Crisis: Building a new era of justice & peace

by Sam Webb, National Chair
Communist Party, USA

(Based on a speech delivered March 21, 2009, New York City.)

Video version of the speech
Audio version of the speech
PDF version

An excerpt for the speech published in the People's Weekly World

Introduction

Welcome to everyone in Winston Unity Center and to everybody on line.

We are living in very turbulent times. The world is in transition. An old era � an era of neoliberalism, financialization and rightwing extremism � is fading away and a new era is being born.

But no one is quite sure what the new era will look like. It resists easy prediction. It is safe to say that the future of both our country and the world is still to be written.

As bad as things have been over the last three decades, few thought they could get much worse. But they have. Depression economics has entered our vocabulary not simply as a historical event, but as a lived experience for millions.

Only a short time ago most economists said the economic cycle had been tamed. In 2004, in a speech titled �The Great Moderation,� Federal Reserve Board Chair Ben Bernanke said we live in an era in which macroeconomic instability has been eliminated.

Fast forward five years and the Great Moderation has turned into the Great Crisis. That which few thought would ever happen again has happened again, and without much warning.

The social fabric is rupturing. The terrain on which billions of people earn a living and raise their families feels foreign, even unrecognizable. Haven�t you heard more than one person say, �Is this the country I grew up in?�

Out of the Crisis: Building a new era of justice and peace (audio)

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST
Gabcast! Communist Party USA #17 - Out of the Crisis: A speech by Sam Webb

"Out of the Crisis: Building a new era of justice and peace" was a speech delivered by Sam Webb, National Chair of the Communist Party USA. The speech was the opening address to the organization�s National Committee, which includes leading communists from around the country. Video and text versions of the speech are available at http://www.cpusa.org/

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

Out of the crisis: Building a new era of justice and peace (video)

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST
Out of the crisis
Building a new era of justice and peace

a speech by Sam Webb, National Chair of the Communist Party

Saturday, March 21
9:30 am Eastern

This Saturday, March 21, Sam Webb, the national chairperson of the Communist Party USA, delivered a speech titled, �Out of the crisis: Building a new era of justice and peace.� The speech was streamed live via the web right here on our website www.cpusa.org. You can watch it above.

The speech was the opening address to the organization�s National Committee, which includes leading communists from around the country.

For press inquiries email communications@cpusa.org or call 646-437-5338

Donate today to support the Communist Party's work in new media

(Please forward widely)

Vicepresidente asegura a sindicalistas que gobierno trabajar� en pos de trabajadores

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST
Reimpreso de Nuestro Mundo

in English

MIAMI � El vicepresidente Joe Biden le dijo a dirigentes sindicales del pa�s que promulgar la Ley de Libre Opci�n para Empleados es �la �nica manera de restaurar lo que fue b�sicamente una ganga en el pa�s � a cambio por su productividad, y por ser la espina dorsal de nuestra econom�a, los obreros quieren parte� de lo que gana el negocio. Los presidentes de 56 sindicatos y unos cientos m�s se pusieron de pie para aplaudir. Los sindicalistas estaban en Miami el 5 de marzo durante la clausura de la reuni�n de la directiva de la AFL-CIO.

�Entre los a�os 2007 y 2007 hubo un aumento en la productividad del trabajador de 20 por ciento en este pa�s�, declar� Biden. �Basado en eso, durante ese periodo de tiempo, el aumento de ingreso de la familia t�pica debiera haber aumentado por $10 mil. No obstante, en ese periodo, la familia t�pica perdi� un promedio de $2.000. Esto est� mal. Si tienes trabajadores con buenos salarios y buenos beneficios, todo el mundo gana. Es la �nica manera de arreglar a la econom�a. La Ley de Libre Opci�n para Empleados har� esto. Si quieren tener un sindicato, entonces un sindicato es lo tienen derecho de tener�.

contin�a

Biden tells labor leaders Employee Free Choice Act is a must

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST
Reprinted from the People's Weekly World

En espa�ol

MIAMI � Vice President Biden told the nation�s labor leaders here that passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is �the only way to restore what was the basic bargain in this country � in exchange for their productivity, and for being the spine of our economy, the workers get a piece of the action.� The presidents of 56 unions and several hundred others present rose to their feet in applause. They were gathered here March 5 on the closing day of the AFL-CIO�s executive council meeting.

�In the years from 2001 to 2007 there was an increase in worker productivity of 20 percent in this country,� Biden declared. �Based on that, during that period, the average family should have increased its earnings by $10,000. Yet, during that period, we know that the average family lost $2,000 in income. This is wrong. If you have workers with decent pay and decent benefits, everyone gains. It�s the only way to fix the economy. The Employee Free Choice Act will do this. If a union is what you want, a union is what you are entitled to have.�

(continued)

Beyond War: A New Economy is Possible, Yes We Can!

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Beyond War: A New Economy is Possible, Yes We Can!
March April 4 on Wall Street!

�A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.� � Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., April 4, 1967

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his courageous (and still urgent) �Beyond Vietnam� speech on April 4, 1967 at Riverside Church in New York. Exactly one year later he was assassinated.

This year, in commemoration of Dr. King�s legacy, peace, civil rights and labor organizations are calling for a massive national march on Wall Street to highlight the connections between the wars abroad and the deepening economic crisis in our communities. United for Peace & Justice is organizing the march and demonstration for Saturday April 4, 2009 on Wall Street in Manhattan.

The theme of the march is "Beyond War: A New Economy is Possible, Yes We Can!"

With the historic election of President Obama, the new administration and Congress needs a strong grassroots movement, built on the tenets of racial and economic justice and an end to U.S. militarism, to struggle for a new set of national priorities rooted in the Dr. King�s vision of a world without poverty, racism, or war.

Now is the time to mobilize the peace majority to support a call to dramatically cut military spending! The march will give voice to the urgency to refocus our government�s spending priorities.

The struggle to pass the Employee Free Choice Act is another struggle that the peace movement must and will mobilize for in the same way that we have mobilized to end the war in Iraq. Justice, as Dr. King defined it, included the basic right to form unions and bargain collectively for a better life. April 4 will be a day that connects the rights of working families with the need for a more peaceful world.

An economy based on corporate greed and lawlessness and a foreign policy based on war and aggression must end. Help fulfill King�s legacy, join us.

Yes we can build a new world of justice, equality and peace!

Visit the website of United for Peace & Justice for details, flyers in English and Spanish and for local organizations to endorse

Employee Free Choice Act Enters Congress�Time to Act!

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST
Tuesday, March 11, the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) was reintroduced into both houses of Congress. This is an important step forward for the country.

Senate bill S. 560 and House bill H.R. 1409, if passed, would help working Americans improve their wages and working conditions by making it easier to join a union if they choose, and passage would also be huge step out of the current economic crisis the country is in.

Also, EFCA�and a stronger trade union movement generally�is key to building a bigger, more united progressive movement that can address all the issues of civil rights, women�s rights, economic and environmental justice, immigrant rights, and more.

Check to see if your Senators and Representatives have signed on. If so, call to thank them. If not, call and tell them to endorse today. Visit thomas.loc.gov to see who�s currently a sponsor.

For more on the Employee Free Choice Act and to see what others are saying about the bill, visit freechoiceact.org

For the latest news and analysis on the bills, visit the People's Weekly World

Communist Party salutes women

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST
The Women�s Equality Commission of the CPUSA extends warmest greetings to the women and girls of the world on International Women�s Day 2009.

Since the early days of the 20th Century, the world has celebrated this day as a way of recognizing both the accomplishments of women and also the work that remains to be done to bring full equality to women and girls.

Women still suffer from violence, insecurity, and economic inequality throughout our country and the world. While we have successes and as we build our power, strength, art, knowledge and spirit, we know that there is much to do in building the world wide movement for women�s equality.

We live in hope that this new millennium will lead to further change and an attitudinal shift in how women and girls are viewed and view themselves. We know all battles have not been won; we are ever hopeful.

While we work, we also celebrate. We need bread, but we need roses, too. Happy International Women�s Day to all our sisters and to our brothers who honor them.

International Women's Day 2009: Women need a union

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST
Voices of the Communist Party

March 8 International Women's Day was born of the struggles of women in the textile mills in our country at the turn of the last century. They fought and died for better wages and working conditions, an end to child labor, and the right to vote.

First adopted as a celebration to be held around the world at an international socialist conference in 1910, International Women's Day was recognized by the United Nations in 1978.

The appointment of Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor with an overwhelming vote despite right-wing opposition, is a great victory to celebrate this International Women's Day.

Women voted in large numbers for change in 2008, and were an important part of the labor and people's alliance that elected Barack Obama and a stronger Congress.

It is no wonder that Hilda Solis, born into a working class, union, immigrant family, a leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, was given a standing ovation on her first day at work in the Labor Department. What a breath of fresh air after years of being run as an anti-labor, anti-union department under Reagan and Bush.

"I'll work to strengthen our unions and support every American in our nation's diverse workforce," says Solis.

Millions of women, including many single mothers, are in desperate need of a union in their workplaces today. For three decades corporations have been given a free ride on deteriorating health and safety standards, while wages and benefits have been falling through the floor.

Union membership helps raise workers' pay and narrow the income gap. Union women earn 32 percent more than non-union women. African American union members earn 28 percent more than their non-union counterparts. For Latino workers the union advantage equals 43 percent.

The best celebration of International Women's Day is to make a call to Congress for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act which would remove many of the barriers that have been placed in the way of workers forming a union. It is being re-introduced into Congress next week.

(continued)

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.

Sam Webb on Fox News Tonight!

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST
Communist Party National Chair, Sam Webb will be a featured guest on conservative host Glenn Beck�s show on Fox News tonight.

Beck has been running a series on the show called �Road to Socialism� which makes that claim that government programs for working people = big government = socialism. Did he make the same argument about the corporate welfare and war spending that actually bloated the national debt? Didn�t think so.

Tune in at 5pm EST, Wednesday, March 4, 2009.

Visit www.cpusa.org for updates.

Commentary: Republican Party racism is at fever pitch

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST
Voices of the Communist Party

Recently the Republican-owned New York Post ran a scurrilous racist cartoon comparing Obama to the Connecticut chimpanzee that was shot dead by the police. The headline read, �Who�s going to write the stimulus package now?�, a more than a sub-textual suggestion that assassinating President Obama is an option to those who disagree with him. I think that is against the law.

This week the newly elected first Black chairman of the Republican National Committee Michael Steele, proclaimed, what should have been obvious, that he, not radio provocateur Rush Limbaugh, was the head of the GOP. Steele called Limbaugh an �entertainer� whose show is �incendiary and ugly.�

Limbaugh who apparently does think he is now the party�s head went on a tirade against Steele telling him to �go behind the scenes and do your job instead of trying to be some kind of �media star.� Was this not a typical racist act: telling a Black person who thinks he�s a leader to �stay in your place?�

(continued)

African American Communist: W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963)

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST
Black History Month Special

Part of a series on African American communists in US history.

W.E.B. Du Bois was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He encountered socialist ideas while he was studying in Germany, where he occasionally attended rallies of the German Social Democratic Party. A pioneer of U.S. sociology and prolific author, Du Bois was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was the first editor of its journal the Crisis.

In 1961, after a lifetime of scholarship and activism, he joined the Communist Party USA, saying "Capitalism cannot reform itself. Communism�the effort to give all...what they need and to ask of each the best they can contribute�this is the only way of human life."

He died in Ghana, West Africa, where he had moved to work on the Encyclopedia Africana. His death was announced from the podium at the March on Washington where Dr. King made his historic "I have a dream" speech.

For more information: 100th anniversary of The Souls of Black Folk

For more information: Application for membership in the CPUSA by W.E.B.DuBois

(Compiled by Kevin Lindemann)

Application to join the CPUSA by W.E.B. Du Bois, 1961

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST
Black History Month Special

Part of a series on African American communists in US history.

Gus Hall
Communist Party of the USA
New York, New York

On this first day of October 1961, I am applying for admission to membership in the Communist Party of the United States. I have been long and slow in coming to this conclusion, but at last my mind is settled.

In college I heard the name of Karl Marx, but read none of his works, nor heard them explained. At the University of Berlin, I heard much of those thinkers who had definitely answered the theories of Marx, but again we did not study what Marx himself had said. Nevertheless, I attended meetings of the Socialist Party and considered myself a Socialist.

(continued)

African American Communist: James W. Ford (1893-1957)

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST
Black History Month Special

Part of a series on African American communists in US history.

Before working for the Communist Party, James Ford had been active in the labor movement, including working in the Chicago Federation of Labor. In 1929, he and William L. Patterson attended the Second Congress of the League Against Imperialism in Frankfurt, Germany. The following year, when the First International Congress of Negro Workers was convened in Hamburg, Germany, Ford became its secretary and opened an office in Hamburg, where he established relationships with African and Asian workers and helped them to organize.

When he returned to the US, he became the first African American to run for vice-president of the United States (he ran in 1932, 1936, and 1940).

African American Communist: Pat Ellis (1920-2005)

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST
Black History Month Special

Part of a series on African American communists in US history.

Jonnie Lumpkin Ellis, who was known by her adopted name "Pat", was born in Washington, GA. Her family moved to Orlando, Florida, where they worked picking oranges.

In 1939, Her brother-in-law, Taft Earl Rollins, returned to Fort Bragg, NC, unaware that a racist riot was raging. The Army sent his body back to Orlando with no explanation. The sergeant who accompanied the body had strict orders to keep the casket closed.

Jonnie defied the orders, opened the casket and saw that Rollins� head had been
smashed in. It was a lynching, not an accident. Jonnie did not let the Army cover up the crime. She insisted on an open casket funeral.

Jonnie moved to Buffalo, NY with her family in December 1941, where she worked as a housekeeper for a communist couple. She soaked up their message of class struggle and socialism and joined the Communist Party.

(continued)

Marvel Cooke: Journalist, labor and peace activist

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST
Black History Month Special

Reprinted from the People's Weekly World

At the intersection of African American History and Women's History months is a long list of Black women who have made history as civil rights, labor and peace activists, educators, scientists, elected officials, physicians, astronauts, artists and much more.

Prominent among them, and combining several of those roles, is the journalist and activist Marvel Cooke. In her long life (1903-2000), Cooke participated in such crucial and often interrelated developments as the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, the intense upsurge of labor organizing in the 1930s and decades of work for world peace, civil rights and civil liberties.

Along the way she, too, achieved "firsts" first woman journalist at the Amsterdam News, participant in organizing New York City's first Newspaper Guild chapter, first African American or woman reporter at the white-owned daily Compass.

(continued...)

African American Communist: Hosea Hudson (1898-1988)

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST
Black History Month Special

Part of a series on African American communists in US history.

Hosea Hudson was born in Wilkes County, Georgia. He worked as a sharecropper in what was then known as the "Black Belt" of Georgia before moving to Birmingham and working as a skilled iron molder. He became active in the movement to save the Scottsboro youth and joined the Communist Party in 1931.

Eddie Carthan and the struggle for Black empowerment in the Deep South

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST
Black History Month Special

Reprinted from the People's Weekly World

In Jackson, Miss., when the air is heated all day by a blazing sun, it doesn�t cool off at night. Instead, like a sponge, it soaks up the moist winds coming up from the Gulf of Mexico. I remember how, on a hot and humid July night in 1981, I counted the steps from my car door to the motel entrance, praying that there would be an air conditioner inside.

No such luck, and the piercing stare of the old white woman behind the check-in desk didn�t make me feel any cooler. A mosquito, circling under the lamp hanging 3 feet above my hand as I signed in, dived to take a chunk of my left arm. I cussed as I dropped the pen to slap the insect. The woman, wagging her forefinger, said, �If the Lord God didn�t want the bugs, he wouldn�t have made them.�

It wasn�t the greatest start but I was determined, as a reporter for this newspaper�s predecessor, the Daily World, to do what I was sent to do � tell the story of Eddie Carthan, a 33-year-old man who, when he was only 29, had been elected the first African American mayor of a Mississippi Delta town since Reconstruction, and who was now in jail, accused of murder.

A New Era

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST
I was standing on the Washington Mall on Inauguration Day, alongside nearly two million other people, and proudly watched the first African American take the oath of office in our nation�s history. That alone made the day deeply memorable, joyful, and historic. But I couldn�t help but think � and I�m sure that millions of others had the same thought � that the transfer of power from Bush to President Obama not only tore down a barrier that once was thought near impenetrable, but also signified the fading away of one era and the beginning of another.

It was hard not to think on that cold day in our nation�s capital that the worst of the past 30 years of right-wing extremist rule is behind us and that an era of progressive change is within reach, no longer an idle dream.

(read more)

An Invitation to African Americans from the Communist Party

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

"I was early convinced that socialism was an excellent way of life, but I thought it might be reached by various methods �Today I have reached a firm conclusion: Capitalism can not reform itself; it is doomed to self-destruction.� No universal selfishness can bring social good to all. In the end communism will triumph.� I want to help bring that day."

W. E. B. Du Bois requesting membership in the Communist Party USA, 1961.

Join the Party of change, struggle and commitment to freedom and equality, the CPUSA

Our country is facing its greatest crisis since the 1930s. At the same time, the moment is filled with great hope and possibility. The crisis was caused by capitalism and Wall Street greed. The solution to it is being born in today's unprecedented mass movement for change.

Capitalism breeds racism, unemployment and war, but it also creates the possibility for solving these problems, but not without struggle involving millions of working-class people. The Communist Party understands this and has a program that calls for fundamentally transforming our society and using its great wealth to meet human needs.

Today we believe that all people � Black, Latino, Native American, Asian and white � must unite and fight for an economic recovery that puts peoples needs before corporate greed.� This recovery must be one that places affirmative action and good paying union jobs at its center.

Today, the CPUSA is involved at the grass roots in the fight to bail out Main Street, not Wall Street. We are also involved in the fight to end the war in Iraq, and in the movement for national health care, ending immigrant bashing, police violence and anti-LGBT hatred.

� If you want to work for an end to racial and class injustice: JOIN THE PARTY!

� If you are tired of our government's imperialist policies of war and aggression and want peace: JOIN US!

� If you are for an end to poverty, unemployment, homelessness and hunger: JOIN!

The Making of African American History

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST
Reprinted from politicalaffairs.net

This February, as we celebrate African American history month, the first African American president will be sitting in the White House, something that few Americans saw as a possibility at the turn of the 21st century. Because of this momentous event, it is worth saying a few words about the origins of African American history month.

(Continued)

An extraordinary Black History Month

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST
Reprinted from the People's Weekly World

African American History Month is celebrated every February. It is always an important time to not only look back at how a courageous people made great strides towards freedom but also think about how to advance that struggle to new heights.

The election of Barack Obama, our first African American president, marks this year�s celebration as a new milestone in the upward progress of a people long oppressed.

As in the fight against slavery and Jim Crow, this was a victory for all people, of all races and nationalities. It showed how the fight against racism in general and the fight for African American equality in particular can move democracy forward for all... (continued)

A People's Inaugural

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST
Reprinted from the People's Weekly World

Huge crowds, unprecedented in U.S. history, gathered in Washington on Tuesday, to celebrate and welcome President Barack Obama to the White House. Pre-inaugural estimates of up to 3 million participants seemed on mark, with newspapers like the Washington Post calculating 2 million people on the Mall.

With many participants both with and without tickets unable to gain entry, the overall numbers are likely higher. �I had tickets and couldn�t get in,� said a New York City teacher whose story was echoed by many others.� We got here early but it was just too big.� Her family managed to watch President Obama�s speech at Union Station.

�You have to conceptualize this as a populist inauguration,� said political analyst, University of Maryland professor and long-time activist Ron Walters to the Washington Afro-American. �You have people coming here from all over the world; people coming from across the country � many bunking in with relatives � just because they want to be a part of history.�

As the millions gathered to observe the festivities, Wall Street stocks tumbled in the worst Inaugural Day plunge in a century, accenting the cloudy economic horizon and giving emphasis to President Obama's people-oriented themes. The stock market plunged over 332 points or 4 percent, wiping out January gains amid growing fears of bank instability.

The president�s speech seemed to anticipate these problems and was a continuation of themes struck during the presidential campaign. Obama said, �Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.�

Moments later, tracing the sacrifice of previous generations, he continued, �For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.�

Even the poet Elizabeth Alexander, says The New York Times, speaking after the president, highlighted working class themes: �Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of.�

Still the event and speeches, with these touches and emphasis, spoke broadly to the nation about the economic challenges ahead and marked a sharp break with policies of the Bush administration and even a direct rebuke, as President Obama made particular reference to not sacrificing ideals for expediency in foreign policy. "We reject as false the choice as between our safety and our ideals," he said.

After the swearing-in Obama attended a traditional luncheon hosted by Congress, followed by a legislative session where several Cabinet appointments were approved. The huge outpouring of citizens from all over the country for the inaugural ceremony is sure to help hasten the approval of the president�s legislative agenda. According to press reports the first act of the new administration was to order a halt, pending further review, of all of former President Bush�s pending presidential regulations.

The inaugural parade extended into the afternoon, featuring a trade union float, representing the AFL-CIO, Change to Win and the teachers union, the first in many years at an inaugural. Over 200 workers marched and called for passing the Employee Free Choice Act.

The multicultural event, among many others, featured Irish musicians, a mariachi band, and a contingent of local Washingtonian youth playing local �go-go� music, a musical form particular to D.C.

President Obama's is to begin his day Wednesday with a prayer service followed by meetings with economic advisers and military leaders on Iraq and Afghanistan.

The president and first lady, in a promise to make government more accessible, are also to host a White House open house Wednesday.

Obama is also expected to act quickly to order the closing of the Guantanamo Bay military camp holding terror suspects, rescind Bush's ban on funding programs that support abortion and stem cell research.

The Cuba 5 on the 50th Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST
On the 50th anniversary of Cuba's socialist revolution, the CPUSA recognizes the heroism and revolutionary example of five Cuban men unjustly imprisoned in U.S. federal prisons for over ten years.

Arriving in Florida in the 1990's, Gerardo Hern�ndez, Antonio Guerrero, Ram�n Laba�ino, Fernando Gonz�lez, and Ren� Gonz�lez joined private paramilitary groups in order to monitor and report on preparations for attacks against Cuba. For decades, right wing terrorists based in Florida had carried out murderous assaults which have cost the lives of many innocent people...

CPUSA Denounces Gaza Invasion

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST
The Communist Party of the USA expresses its outrage at Israel�s invasion of Gaza, carried out in defiance of world public opinion.

The entry of ground troops into Gaza at a time when the United Nations and many others were working toward a cease-fire and a return to negotiations is arrogant and irresponsible. It will cause many more deaths and injuries and untold destruction of the essential infrastructure of a community already devastated by economic blockade. It is an illegal action and a major threat to regional and world peace, and carries a grave danger of setting off a wider war.

The Israeli government justifies the invasion as necessary to stop Hamas rocket attacks. Although we condemn those attacks, we believe that by its actions Israel is pursuing more far-reaching aims in the region than stated by its representatives. The attacks by Hamas could be quickly ended in the context of a cease-fire.

Launching a ground offensive into Gaza is also designed to box in the Obama administration and new Congress and prevent them from changing US policy vis-�-vis this conflict.

We repudiate the outrageous speech made by President Bush yesterday, which gave a green light to a new Israeli escalation of the conflict. With this act, Bush leaves an even uglier legacy to our country and the world.

We also strongly condemn the attempt by the US delegation to the UN to block the Security Council from taking action to stop the invasion.

We repeat our call for an immediate cease-fire to be strictly monitored by the UN and other international organizations. It should include the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops as well as an end to the bombing of Gaza and a cessation of the rocket attacks into Israel.

It is urgent that Gaza be open immediately to receive food, medicine and other humanitarian aid, and that Israel end its economic blockade.

There is no military solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict. We call for an immediate return to negotiations for a peaceful solution based on the two-state concept, which will address the national aspirations of the Palestinian people as well as the security interests of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.

We hope that as soon as President Obama takes office, he will pursue a new policy in the Middle East that contributes to peace, justice and stability in that region.

Finally, we urge the American people to add their voices to the millions worldwide protesting the invasion and calling for a cease-fire on both sides and for a just peace.

Gaza crisis: challenge and opportunity for Obama to turn the page toward peace

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST
The tiny Gaza Strip, with its 1.5 million people crowded into 139 square miles, has been a tinderbox since Israel�s unilateral pullout in 2005.

Israel has maintained a punitive military and economic grip on Gaza, keeping the population in what is internationally condemned as a deepening humanitarian crisis. Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) seized power there in 2007, and began its �resistance� policy of firing rockets into southern Israel. A tenuous six-month ceasefire ended in early December despite reported behind-the-scenes initiatives to extend it, and now we have the horrible spectacle of a massive aerial bombardment of this densely populated strip by Israel, with the civilian toll mounting daily (currently nearly 500 Gazans dead and approaching 2,000 wounded, including children). Hamas has continued rocket attacks on Israel, killing 4 Israelis as of this week, and is threatening suicide bombings and other attacks in Israel.

Israel says its assault is a defensive operation, yet also says it intends to physically wipe out the Hamas leadership. Other objectives appear to be to intimidate the Palestinian people, further weaken Palestinian civil society and promote disunity, and reassert Israeli power.

There is growing international condemnation of Israel�s disproportionate use of force and collective punishment of Gaza�s civilian population, both violations of the Geneva Conventions.

It�s possible a temporary truce may emerge in the next few days, but, more than ever, the underlying issues will at long last have to be resolved. And the incoming Obama administration will have the challenge, and the opportunity, to lead the way to peace...

(Read the full article at the People's Weekly World)

CPUSA Supports Call for Cease-Fire

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST
En espa�ol aqu�

The Communist Party of the USA (CPUSA) adds its voice to the growing international call by the United Nations Security Council, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and many others for an immediate cease-fire by both the Israeli government and Hamas, and a return to honest negotiations based on the two-state model.

The Bush administration bears a heavy responsibility for this crisis because of its failure to exert any pressure on Israel to resolve the situation by negotiations, and because of its continued enabling of the Israeli military assault by diplomatic, financial and military means. The massive use of force by the Israeli military has absolutely no justification morally, legally or politically. It has already caused enormous civilian casualties and will cause many more if continued. Nor is there any justification for Hamas' rocket attacks on civilian targets within Israel. They too are irresponsible, provocative, and deadly.

Any incursion of Israeli ground forces into Gaza will also cause massive civilian casualties, as well as qualitatively escalating and perhaps widening the conflict.

There is no military solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict.

We urge the incoming Congress and the Obama administration to break with the failed Bush policies, and take decisive action for a just diplomatic solution that supports the national aspirations of the Palestinian people as well as the true security interest of the Israeli people. Our government should play a leading role in convening an international conference, to include all the countries in the region and without preconditions, to work towards a lasting cease-fire and peace agreement for the region.

We also support calls for allowing the immediate entry of humanitarian aid, as well as an end to the blockade, which causes untold suffering among the people of Gaza.

El Partido Comunista de los EU Respalda Cese-Fuego en Gaza

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST
El Partido Comunista de los Estados Unidos a�ade su voz al creciente llamado internacional, por parte del Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU, del Secretario General Ban Ki Moon y muchos otros a favor de un cese fuego inmediato de parte del gobierno israel� y Ham�s, y un regreso a negociaciones honestas basadas en el modelo de dos estados....

CPUSA Condemns Gaza Attacks

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST
En espa�ol aqu�

The Communist Party USA (CPUSA) emphatically condemns the continuing Israeli air strikes in Gaza, which have left hundreds dead and over a thousand wounded. The hundreds of Israeli air strikes have been carried out with a total disregard for the safety of civilians and institutions and are the latest phase in a campaign to blockade the economy of Gaza and deny the people access to basic necessities. Israel's disproportionate response to the resumption of the Hamas rocket firings into Israel after the six-month ceasefire agreement expired, dramatically underscored the Bush Administration's sidetracking of diplomatic efforts and negotiations. In fact, the US government has provided the basis for Israel's military action with continued military aid and supplies.

The Communist Party of Israel has suggested that the current Israeli attacks are a demagogic move related to the current electoral campaign in that country, as well as perhaps being intended to present the incoming Obama administration with a fait accompli, making it more difficult for Obama to adopt a new approach to the Israel-Palestine issue.

The CPUSA denounces the Bush administration for the verbal and material support it is now rendering to the Israeli aggression. We condemn all attacks on civilians whatever the cause or intention. We call on all peace-minded people in the U.S. to demand an end to the Israeli airstrikes, end threats of a ground assault into Palestine, along with an end to Hamas rocket attacks, and to call on the incoming Obama administration to make a radical change in US policy on the Israel-Palestine issue, and to pressure the Israeli government to return to honest negotiations toward a two-state solution.

TAKE ACTION:

1. Contact the White House to protest the attack and demand emergency negotiations for an immediate cease-fire. Call 202-456-1111 or send an email to comments@whitehouse.gov.

2. Contact your Representative and Senators in Congress at 202-224-3121.

3. Call upon President-Elect Obama to pursue a new U.S. policy toward Israel/Palestine and send a message at www.change.gov

4. Join one of the many local actions protesting the assault on Gaza.

Traducciones de documentos de Comit� Nacional

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST
Ahora est�n disponibles las versiones en espa�ol de los documentos de la Comit� Nacional:

Primavera de Posibilidades por Sam Webb

Avance Electoral por Joelle Fishman

A Springtime of Possibility (Speech to the November 15, 2008 National Committee)

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Edwin Stanton, the tireless Secretary of War in President Abraham Lincoln�s cabinet said at the time of Lincoln�s death, �He belongs to the ages.� Much the same can be said about this election.

The election challenged long-held assumptions, broke voter turnout records, and shattered seemingly unbreakable barriers � none more historic than the election of an African-American president for the first time. And all this happened in the face of negative appeals to the worst angels of the American people. But to our credit, we repudiated the old politics of fear, division, racial code words, red-baiting, immigrant bashing, and nostalgic appeals to a country and time that never were.

Download the PDF

A Call to Action

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST
The National Committee of the Communist Party USA calls on all of those concerned about the economic crisis that has gripped our country and the world to unite and fight for the election mandate.

We hail the tens of millions who came to the polls and registered an historic defeat of the ultra right. These voters saw through the direct and indirect appeals to racism and voted for Obama. We salute those who rejected the Republican anti-communist, anti-immigrant attacks and numerous other slanders and voted their hopes and not their fears. Their votes represent the highest expression of patriotism.

Motion passed at the November 15, 2008 NC Meeting

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST
The following motion passed at the NC meeting:

The specific issues and forms of struggle will vary in different places as the economic crisis deepens and spreads. Every club and district should work to build grassroots movements as the struggles unfold, and to build the Communist Party as an essential part of the working-class movement...

A Landslide Mandate For Change - Report to the National Committee Meeting 11/15/08

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST
Congratulations on an extraordinary history making election!

We can think back with pride to decades of hard work toward our strategic goal of a big enough, broad enough and united enough labor and all-people�s movement that could overcome the ultra-right blockage to all progress. That all people�s movement has come to life, it is dynamic and it has the potential to keep growing.
Download the PDF!

Marx was right

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST
It was only yesterday that �free market� ideologues were dancing on Karl Marx�s grave with scornful shouts that �greed is good� and �TINA� � �there is no alternative� to capitalism. These fat men guffawed contemptuously at Marx�s warning that capitalism is built on wage exploitation, that workers never earn enough to buy back what they produce, creating �overproduction� and periodic crises � some deep and long � that can only be solved by socialism.

Reprinted from the People's Weekly World Newspaper.

OPINION: Finances and the current crisis: How did we get here and what is the way out? Part 2

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST
(To read Part 1, click here.)

The turmoil in financial markets and the bailout to the tune of $700 billion has turned the public eye and wrath on Wall Street and Washington. While millions are aware of the triggering causes, ranging from predatory lending to deregulation to insatiable greed, what isn�t so obvious is the longer-term process that brought our financial system and economy to the edge of the abyss.

Finances and the Current Crisis: How did we get here and what is the way out?

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST
If there were such a thing as a perfect economic storm, I would say we are close to it.

The housing crisis continues and shows no sign of ending; credit and money markets are either churning or freezing up; the stock market is gyrating; unemployment is leaping upward (sharply so in the communities of the nationally and racially oppressed); poverty is up and wages are down; oil and food prices are climbing; the value of the dollar is falling sharply compared to other currencies; the level of indebtedness is astronomical and will be difficult to unwind in the near term. And we sit on the edge of a financial collapse with all the accompanying dislocation and hardship that it would bring.

Ramming through the bailout

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST
As the Bush administration attempts to ram a bailout package of nearly one trillion dollars through Congress, it begins to feel like Colonel Sanders asking the public to trust him to take care of the chickens.

If it weren�t so damn serious, there would be something almost comical about it. Here we have the White House, which has squandered trillions of dollars over eight years, and its point man, Hank Paulson, fresh from 38 years of gaming the financial system while working at Goldman Sachs, insisting that Congressional leaders hand over a trillion dollars to them with no debate and no strings attached.

Barney Smith, not Smith Barney

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST
The shockwaves from the financial crisis have left working class families in every part of the country in a state of great worry and fear.

Over $100 billion of public money has been spent to bail out huge financial corporations while millions of people are losing their homes, losing their health care, losing their pensions, losing their jobs and losing college loans. Those who have been paid the least, African American, Latino and women workers, are losing the most.

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.

Better World Awards 2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

This year the Better World Awards was held on Saturday June 14, 2008.

The event took place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium at 1199 SEIU.

This year the event focused on the �Costs of War and the 2008 Elections�.

Our featured speaker was Judith Le Blanc, National Organizing Director for United for Peace and Justice. The 2008 Better World Award Honorees included: Estelle Katz, Transport Workers Union, Local 100, Brooklyn For Peace and the New York Taxi Workers Alliance.

Articles and Resources on the Economic Crisis

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST
The week of September 15, 2008 has been a dramatic and unprecedented period in the world of high finance. The economic crisis is not over despite what some pundits and politicians have claimed. A series of government interventions have changed the map of banking and finance.

Labor Upfront: Labor Fight Against Racism has Impact

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST
The goal of Labor UpFront is to provide members and friends with news, information, and general ways to stay connected with the on-going struggles of workers. You can also visit our blog, http://laborupfront.blogspot.com/, for further information on the stories in this newsletter and much more!

Reds Go Green: CPUSA New HQ 2

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

A popular video from the Communist Party USA
The next episode in a series on the Communist Party USA(CPUSA) new national office. Green features and new parts of the office are showcased. With a comical intro and outro.

Organizing in Oregon (PartyBuilder)

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST
The party-builder will not add to your �to do� list � rather, it aims to keep you up to date on our political focus -- the elections � and provide food for thought with articles on the experience, what works and what doesn�t, of the Party organization, especially the clubs.

In this Issue:

* Organizing in Oregon
* Watch the speech
* YCL summer youth voter training camp
* PWW Fund Drive

CPUSA Statement on the China Olympics

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Beijing Olympics represent a vision of the kind of future for which the Communist Party USA strives: a world where people from hundreds of countries come together peacefully to enjoy a common cause.

205 states will participate in the Olympic games, many of whom are in conflict with each other. Iraq and the United States, Israel and Palestine, Russia and Georgia, the D.R. Congo and Rwanda, Sudan and Chad: All of these nations and dozens more will be part of a single, peaceful event.

Economy and the need for a new public works program

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST
Everyone in this room knows we�re in bad shape, and it�s not getting better. Every month this year has brought worse news on unemployment numbers, May brought a 0.5% increase to bring the total to 5.5%, an increase that was the largest since the mid-1980s, and the highest rate since late 2004. Over the past six months private-sector employment has fallen by 411,000; the long-term unemployed share is up to 18.3%; the underemployment rate is at 9.7%; all of which add up to the fact that almost 10% of the workforce is unemployed or underemployed.

Laborupfront July 16th 2008

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

In This Newsletter:
USW: History in the Making
Action Alerts: UFW; Bad Boss is Back
Round-up of International Strikes
Working Women Survey results
DC stands with Smithfield Workers
Million Member Mobilization
Willamette Reds event
Election 2008: Trumka addresses USW convention
Union Jobs (still more needed!)

Editorial: Eye on the Prize

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST
Barack Obama is not a left candidate. This fact has seemingly surprised a number of progressive people who are bemoaning Obama�s �shift to the center.� (Right-wingers are happy to join them, suggesting Obama is a �flip-flopper.�) It�s sad that some who seek progressive change are missing the forest for the trees. But they will not dampen the wide and deep enthusiasm for blocking a third Bush term represented by John McCain, or for bringing Obama by a landslide into the White House with a large Democratic congressional majority..... Reprinted from the People's Weekly World Newspaper

Election 2008

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

• Click here to download PDF

Help make History
Turn Our Country Around
Download the PDF now!

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.

Video: NC Meeting March 2008

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Video from this past March National Committee meeting of the Communist Party USA. Issues discussed were the 2008 elections, labor, the youth movement, and the Environment.

Labor Upfront June 16th 2008

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
In This Newsletter:
Unions Begin Big Election Effort
Action Alert: Neglected Priorities
CAW Needs Solidarity
Indian Workers Suspend Hunger Strike
Congress Hotel Strike Marks 5th Anniversary
TRADE Act introduced; Action Alert
Election 2008: Labor says "NO" to Big Oil
Union Jobs (still more needed!)

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 demands justice for Cuban Five

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST
The Communist Party USA rejects unequivocally the decision announced June 4 by a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals that puts off freedom for five Cuban men who as of September 12 will have served ten years of unjust imprisonment. They are Gerardo Hernandez, Fernando Gonzalez, Rene Gonzalez, Antonio Guerrero, and Ramon Labanino.

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

Texas Trail

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

"Texas Trail" was a production of Changing America. In this documentary, shot during the 2000 presidential election campaign. Judith LeBlanc (vice chair CPUSA) and Noel Robinowitz (CPUSA IT department) travel to Texas to discover the background and record of a then unknown Texas governor named George W. Bush.

This documentary was originally released in 2000 as an educational project aimed at those who at the time mistakenly believed there was no difference between Al Gore and George Bush. What a difference 7 years makes! It was also distributed to labor organizations and local screenings were held by the Communist Party USA.

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

American Axle workers face big pay cuts with new contract

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
In This Newsletter:
American Axle workers face big pay cuts
Action Alerts: Chinese workers; Working Woman Survey
Zimbabwe Labor Leaders Arrested
Indian Workers hunger strike enters second week
Clean Car Wash Campaign
Jobs with Justice Conference
Crandall Canyon Cover-up
Election 2008: McCain Revealed kicks into high gear, new endorsements
Union Jobs (still more needed!)

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

CPUSA New National Headquarters!

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Most popular video so far from the CPUSA:

The new national headquarters of the Communist Party USA! This is a first in a series premiering the new CPUSA HQ!

Thank you to all our donors

Sustainer Program

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Last year more than $60,000 came in via the national Sustainers, from
roughly 150 people � which shows the tremendous potential of the
program. Clubs and districts are encouraged to continue to reach
out to friends and supporters for contributions, and to hold local fund
raising events.Donate here

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.

History's Challenge

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Communist Party USA documentary circa early 1990's. Narrated By John Randolph. Documents the CPUSA's work and organization. Discusses history of the Communist Party USA, debunks myths and explores social issues. Featuring Gus Hall CPUSA chair 1959-2000, Judith Leblanc Vice chair, Scott Marshall Chair Labor commission, Jarvis Tyner Executive Vice Chair, and Terrie Albano Peoples Weekly World

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.

May Day: Finding it's Way Back Home

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
I�ve always wanted a button that reads, �Workers of the world unite, back by popular demand� � almost as long as I�ve wanted one that says, �May Day, made in the USA.�

May Day 2008 would have been a great time for both.

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!

Revolt with a Vote

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST
As of this writing, the Republicans have settled on their nominee, and the U.S. is still in the midst of a Democratic primary race that has energized and mobilized millions of people, especially youth, across the country. In state primary after state primary, record numbers of people have come out to vote, or caucus, to add their voice to the millions debating the question: Who will be the Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) or Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.)?

for more from Dynamic Magazine click here

UNITY & THE STRUGGLE OF POLITICS

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST
Erica Smiley's Bi-Annual Report to the National Council
April 12-13, 2008; Chicago, IL

POLITICAL CLIMATE

There are so many things I could talk about right now with regards to the state of education, jobs, housing, and the on-going occupation in Iraq. But these days it would be difficult to mention these things without first discussing the 2008 elections.

How would a communist USA pay for "free" health care and education?

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

Where will the money come from for a free post-secondary education and socialized health care system? Will the people drown in taxes? Will you rob the rich and give to the poor?

Can I join the Communist Party if I'm religious? Isn't Marxism against religion?

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

Most Americans are taught either in school or by their parents and families that we communists want to destroy religion and turn everyone into atheists. Well that's a myth, and not surprisingly started by the US ruling class. Listen to the truth about our relationship to religion and churches. You will be quite surprised.

Why do Communists hate capitalism so much?

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

Why do communists hate capitalism so much? Why do you think it's a failure? How would a communist society be any better? Haven't those been horrible failures too?

Global Warming - The Communist Solution (Party Builder 04.18.2008)

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST
In this Issue:

Global Warming: The Communist Solution

Solidarity Pack - PWW Special Offer!

PWW on the Picket Line in Detroit

Labor Upfront - April 21, 2008

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST
In this issue:

ILWU Calls for May Day Work Stoppages Against the War
Action Alerts: FLOC, No Colombia FTA
Another important step towards global unionism
Iranian TU finally released
Loss of factory jobs=more on food stamps
Week of action unites students, workers
Unions challenge Bush �no match� plan
Join McCain Revealed team
Union Jobs (still more needed!)

Global Warming Report to March 2008 NC

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST
Global warming is not just an inconvenient truth. The result of ignoring the root causes will be much more than inconvenient. Or else understanding the root causes and other major environmental problems can lead to revolutionary truth.

Does the CPUSA support and call for violent revolution?

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST
Marc Brodine Chair, Washington State CPUSA district.
Dispels the myth that the CPUSA is or ever was a supporter of violent revolution.

New Times, New Opportunities

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST
"The clearest expression of this developing movement pivots around the candidacy of Barack Obama, whose inspirational message and politics have captured the imagination of millions. So much so that many commentators and politicians use the words 'transformational' or 'transforming' to describe his candidacy � that is, a candidacy capable of assembling a broad people�s majority to reconfigure the terms and terrain of politics in this country in a fundamental way."

A Labor and People's Landslide is Necessary and Possible

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST
"A landslide vote that changes control of the White House and improves the balance of forces in the House and Senate and in the states will create a new political dynamic in our country and the possibility to win gains far beyond the current platform of either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton."

March 2008, NC report on Party and press building

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST
At the March 2008 NC meeting, Elena Mora, Director of Organizing, presented the following report about building the Party.

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.

The Real Mccain

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST
IT department sat down with Carolyn Trowbridge National Committee member of the CPUSA from Arizona to talk about her favorite Senator John McCain.

Party eBuilder: 40 years ago today

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

Labor Upfront, Special Edition Strike Update: AMERICAN AXLE

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

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.

What does Cesar Chavez mean to you?

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

March 31st would have been Cesar Chavez's 81st birthday. This date also coincided with the March National Committee meeting of the Communist Party USA. Over the weekend, we had the chance to ask a few NC members what Cesar Chavez means to them:

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

Under socialism, will everyone make the exact same amount of money?

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
Marc Brodine, Washington State Communist Party USA chair, dispels a widespread myth propagated by the US ruling class that under socialism everyone will make the exact same amount of money.

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

Party Builder March 28 2008

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
In this Issue:

* The Challenges of Growth - And Youth
* Listen To Voices of Our Party
* 2008 Fundraising Plans
* JwJ Conference

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: End the Iraq War

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
The CPUSA took part in actions across the country marking the 5th anniversary of the the Iraq war. End the War now! 4,000 troops dead is too many.

Party Builder - March 21 2008

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
In this Issue:

* Oregon club
* Fresh "Agitprop"
* 2008 Electoral Policy and more...
* NC meeting, stay tuned
* Top Ten Reasons To Vote

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.

CPUSA members mark 5th anniversary of the war

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
On March 19th, 2008, Communist Party USA districts, clubs, and members joined tens of thousands of Americans in marking the 5th anniversary of the war with protest and vigil.

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.

Call for Ceasefire

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
We call on our government to engage seriously and urgently in efforts to bring about a just peace based on two states, Israel and Palestine. It is the only solution for the people of Israel, Palestine and the U.S.

Organized Labor and the Green Economy

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
In This Edition:

Labor Calls for a Green Economy
A Union at a Toyota Plant?
DC Sick Days
American Axle update
HR 676 and Labor update
AFL-CIO Launches "McCain Revealed"
News from the Labor Commission
Union Jobs (still more needed!)

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.

Call Congress Now! Party Builder March 14 2008

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
In this Issue:

Call Congress! Stop anti-immigrant legislation
Club conference guidelines
PWW Subscription Campaign
Teleconference class
Clubs help build anti-war events

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.

Weathering the Storm: the economic recession

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Last weeks data on unemployment is the latest confirmation that the economy is going south. Nothing that the federal government or Federal Reserve Bank has done so far has contained a widening and spreading economic recession. The economic downturn that was triggered by the collapse of the housing bubble and the seizing up of credit and money markets is winding its way to nearly every sector of the economy and to every region of the country.

The 5th Anniversary of the War in Iraq

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
The Communist Party USA joins several other organizations in marking the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq with mass direct action, hearing screenings, congressional lobbying, and more.

International Women's Day

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
The Women�s Equality Commission of the CPUSA extends warmest greetings to the women and girls of the world on International Women�s Day 2008.

Summer Youth Elections Camp! (Coming Soon)

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Stay tuned to apply for the Summer Youth Elections Camp!

The website for Youth Voter Collective will be up soon at http://youthvotercollective.org. In the mean time view the camp commercial!

On July 29 through August 5th, the Youth Voter Collective will host a training camp for young people who are interested in learning how to be more effective organizers during an election. The camp will be in St Louis, Missouri, and it will include non-partisan workshop sessions as well as real campaign experience!

The registration is only $50, and covers housing and a portion of your meals.

For more info go to:
yclusa.org!

Labor Upfront - March 3, 2008

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
In This Newsletter:

Ward Connerly is back and up to no good
Action Alerts
March 6 Global Day of Action
AFL-CIO, U.K. Unions Join Forces Against Union-Busters
Indianapolis Janitors finally at the bargaining table
Teamsters add 5,600 new members
Update: Manufacturing Think Tank
Election 08 update
Union Jobs (still more needed!)

Communist Party USA Celebrates Paul Robeson

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Communist Party of the United States of America as part of African American History Month honors the life of Paul Robeson. He was an actor, singer, football player, lawyer, and a civil rights activist.

The Rebel Girl: A remembrance

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
In 1942 Flynn ran for Congress at large in New York and received 50,000 votes. Her program was geared especially toward women, millions of whom had been drawn into factories and offices during the war. She believed that African American women were the most discriminated against, super- exploited workers in spite of the Fair Employment Protection Act. The Ford Motor Co. would not even accept applications from African American women until militant demonstrations forced an end to this discrimination.

The CPUSA celebrates Women's History Month

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
The CPUSA proudly celebrates Women's History Month. We will be highlighting the progressive role woman have played in the world as well as the oppression women have faced through a series of articles and videos throughout the month of March.

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/

Labor Upfront - Strike Alert!

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST
The United Auto Workers struck American
Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday when no deal was reached on a new labor pact. The largest proportion of American Axle parts are for GM�s pickups and SUVs. Affected are more than 3,600 workers in plants in Michigan and New York.

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.

Labor Upfront - Special Edition

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST
Getting carried away with your own rhetoric is rarely a good thing. Tom Buffenbarger, president of the Machinists' union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), did just that in a “warm-up” speech for Hillary Clinton the night of the Wisconsin primary win by Barack Obama.

Opinions on Fidel Castro's resignation

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

The following are opinions from members of The Young Communist League, and the Communist Party USA on Fidel Castro�s resignation and impact.

Youtube just honored this video - it's #50 in the "news and politics" section of youtube.com, and climbing! Click here, then "favorite" this video to make sure more people see it.

Labor Upfront - Feb 18 2008

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST
In this edition:

- Colombia Free Trade: Just say no to murderers
- Action Alert: �Shame on Elaine� campaign
- Striking Mexican Miners update
- MI fights misclassification
- The economic stimulus fight isn�t over yet
- Smithfield Foods Update
- Election 08 update
- Union Jobs (More Needed!)

Party eBuilder Feb 2008

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST
In this Issue:

Internet update
Create a buzz - build the movement
Party building in the Bronx
A recent recruitment
Brooklyn Hosts African American history month event
A "damn good paper" makes subscriptions easy
Holy shift!

Labor Upfront! Feb 1 2008

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST
In This Newsletter:

Economic Stimulus Plan
Action Alerts: UE, CLUW, CWA
Dangers of Columbia Free Trade
Support the Mexican Miners
LA Security Workers Victory
Portland School Workers Fight Back
Don't forget about the Congressional Races!
Union Jobs (More Needed!)

Libero Della Piana: on MLK and his legacy

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

As part of a series of Black History Month conversations, Libero Della Piana, Chair of the New York State Communist Party, speaks about the radical legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Della Piana references King's famous "Beyond Vietnam" Speech made at The Riverside Church in Manhattan on April 4, 1967 where he called for "revolution of values" and an end to the U.S. war in Vietnam. He also refers to King's final book "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?" which called for a guaranteed national income.

Super Tuesday: Focus On What Matters Most

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST
Others have said and will say this: history is being made in the 2008 election battle. But that doesn�t make it any less true.

The first thing to talk about is the tremendous excitement and engagement of people in this election. Voter turnout is breaking records. People went to vote in the primaries almost as if it were the general election. And not just out of party loyalty or a sense of duty, but because they wanted to, they were excited, and they wanted to make their opinion part of what�s happening.

Super Tuesday Coverage

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST
For Super Tuesday election coverage, check out the Super Tuesday blog posts from writers and readers of People's Weekly World and Political Affairs.

Jarvis Tyner: Black History and Democracy

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

February is Black History Month. Communists have always emphasized the importance of the African American people to the struggles for basic social change in this country from Slavery to Civil Rights to today. This series of video interviews and commentaries by leaders of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) reflect on the legacy and power of the Black Freedom Struggle.

First in the series is a brief commentary by CPUSA Executive Vice-Chair Jarvis Tyner on the importance of Black History Month today.

Response to Bush's 2008 State of the Union Address

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST
We heard the same old lies, the cheap applause lines, the idle boasting, and the empty rhetoric coming from Bush once again in his State of the Union Address. But this time it seemed more like a final curtain call of a washed up actor who nearly everyone now realizes never should have stepped foot on the stage.

Sam Webb Interview: Democracy and the 2008 elections

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST
The CPUSA Internet Department interviews Sam Webb about the question of democracy and the 2008 elections.

We ask the questions:
1) Does the CPUSA support democracy?
2) What is the CPUSA's opinion of the 2008 elections?
3) What difference will the 2008 elections make?

"A Gigantic Battle in 2008" on You Tube Part 1 and Part 2

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST
Joelle Fishman's report to the Communist Party USA National Committee on the 2008 elections. The report centers around the issues involved in the elections and the possibilities it presents for moving forward the people's struggles.

The Economic Cost of Discrimination Against African Americans

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST
INTRODUCTION AND CONCLUSION

The economic costs of discrimination against African Americans are many-sided, and are interconnected with the effects of social discrimination and racism. Overt racist discrimination is still significant, but institutional forms of discrimination, which can operate without any conscious racist intent, are equally important.

The Urban League�s State of Black America 2007 measures a number of �indexes� of Black equality. It shows an overall black equality index of 0.73, but the economic index is the lowest at 0.57. [REF15] In other words, of all the areas the Urban League measures (health, education, home ownership, etc.), African Americans face the worst inequality in economic matters. This can be seen most dramatically in the figures on poverty.

Download the new abridged version of "On The Road Again"

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST
Download the new abridged version of "On The Road Again"
By Sam Webb, National Chair CPUSA
Report to the CPUSA National Committee November 10th 2007

It deals with issues surrounding the 2008 elections and beyond.

• To make copies for local distribution Download PDF

After Annapolis: Press for real negotiations now

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST
This statement was issued the Communist Party USA National Board on Dec. 6.

The vast majority of the people of Israel, Palestine, the United States and the world want something done to bring peace with justice to Israel and Palestine, and feel there is a chance the recently concluded Annapolis conference can accomplish something toward that aim.

That is why so many countries attended, including some of the world�s more progressive countries, putting their prestige on the line for the process and putting more pressure on the U.S. and Israel to do what is necessary for success.

En camino de nuevo

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST
Reporte al Comit� Nacional, 10 de Noviembre de 2008

Bienvenidos a esta sesi�n del Comit� Nacional. Estoy seguro no es necesario enfatizar la importancia de este encuentro, que se lleva a cabo en v�speras de una elecci�n que podr�a transformar la pol�tica de los Estados Unidos y del mundo por a�os en el futuro.

Una pregunta fundamental que el Comit� Nacional deber� considerar es la siguiente: �Estamos entrando en una nueva etapa en la lucha de nuestro pa�s, en la cual la convergencia e interacci�n de sucesos pol�ticos, movimientos y procesos, a corto y mediano plazo, contienen la posibilidad de colocar la lucha de clases en una trayectoria nueva?

A Gigantic Battle in 2008 PowerPoint

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST
In 2008 the elections for President and Congress could change the political map in our country. Shatter right-wing Republican political control of the South, end right-wing political dominance of rural America, create big new possibilities for workers to join and organize unions and give new voice to the disenfranchised. The 2008 elections could usher in a new grass roots people�s politics in our nation.

• View the accommpanying powerpoint presentation: Download Powerpoint

(c) CPUSA

On the Road Again

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST
Report to the National Committee November 10th 2007

Welcome to this meeting of the National Committee. I�m sure that I don�t have to underscore the importance of this gathering, taking place as it does on the eve of an election that could transform U.S. and world politics for years to come.

A fundamental question for the National Committee to consider is the following: Are we entering a new stage of struggle in our country in which the convergence and interaction of political events, movements, and processes of an immediate and medium term nature contain the possibility of throwing the class struggle on a new political trajectory?

Or to put it in more familiar language, are we in a transition from one stage of struggle to another? Are we moving from the struggle against the extreme right, which has dominated politics for more than a quarter century, to a new stage where the challenge is to radically curb corporate power as a whole?

Special District Meeting on African American Equality

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST
Special District Meeting on African American Equality and
Building the Communist Party and Young Communist League
Chicago, IL September 30, 2007

Opening Remarks By John Bachtell, IL District Organizer

First, I want to acknowledge the collective nature of this report and preparation for the meeting. Thanks to everyone who contributed.
Secondly, these remarks will not begin to touch on every question, only a few of the key problems and issues before the district. The rest is up to you.

Labor, Globalizaci�n y el Desarrollo del Partido

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST
Por Scott Marshall
Presidente, Comisi�n de Asuntos Laborales, Partido Comunista de Los Estados Unidos

En primer lugar quisiera agradecerme a los integrantes de la Comisi�n de Asuntos Laborales por sus valerosas intervenciones en este reporte. Gran parte de este reporte se formul� en interacciones cara a cara en la reuni�n regional del Medio-Oeste de la Comisi�n el Mayo pasado en Chicago. Las conversaciones en la Junta Nacional sobre este reporte tambi�n fueron de mucha ayuda. Este reporte tiene tres componentes principales: 1. El movimiento laboral hoy 2. Nuevas tendencias en la respuesta del movimiento laboral a la globalizaci�n capitalista y 3. Como desarrollar el partido en el contexto laboral.

Auto pact: the good, the bad and the ugly

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST
The wages and working conditions of union autoworkers have always set standards for all manufacturing. These in turn have put upward pressure on wages and benefits for all workers. But in today�s political and economic climate, major contract negotiations in the manufacturing sector are hell. Thirty years of corporate/right-wing attack on labor law and workers� rights have taken an enormous toll. Capitalist globalization, with its frenzied export of capital and jobs, has greatly weakened union leverage. In 1979 General Motors employed over 400,000 autoworkers in the U.S.; today that number is less than 80,000 and shrinking. US autoworkers productivity is higher here than any where else in the world. Labor cost is about 10% of the cost of a vehicle. About 25% of the auto workers in the US are in unions. Thirty years ago labor was about 25% of the cost and 90% of the assembly workers were in the union. Add in the environment of corporate greed, fraud, flimflam and corruption evidenced on Wall Street in the current mortgage and financial crisis, and you have essential context for evaluating the GM/United Auto Workers settlement.

A Beginning Look At The 2008 Elections

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST
This report is fragments of an outline, broad stroke ideas to discuss and enlarge upon. It lays the groundwork for deeper analysis and conclusions. It is an initial report in preparation for the November National Committee meeting.

Everything we do and every new development relates to the 2008 elections. There is an opportunity in this election to begin a fundamental change in the direction of the country, which starts with taking the 2006 election results further and ousting ultra-right Republican big business domination of the federal government. It is a tough but realizable challenge for labor and the people�s movements.

African American Equality Commission Meeting Keynote

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST
Comrades, Sisters and Brothers,

Welcome!

Let me start by thanking comrade Sam Webb for proposing this meeting and the National Board for endorsing the idea of this conference which started out as an expanded meeting of the commission but because of the overwhelming response grew into much more.

The last time we held a similar meeting was in the early 90�s before our 25th convention. We must do this more often.

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.

Un Llamado a la Acci�n en Defensa de los Trabajadores Inmigrantes

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST
La declaraci�n del 10 de agosto por parte de la administraci�n de George Bush de una pol�tica anti-inmigrante m�s represiva, si se lleva a cabo, producir� condiciones fascistoides para los 12 millones de trabajadores indocumentados y sus familias.

A Call to Action in Defense of Immigrant Workers� Rights

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST
The August 10 declaration by the Bush administration of a more repressive immigration policy, if put into effect, will create fascist like conditions for 12 million undocumented workers and their families.. The impact of the new policy which criminalizes the undocumented will lower living standards for working people and undermine the democracy giving a green light to greater racism,
national oppression and intolerance of all kinds.

2008: el �ltimo baile para Bush y la extrema derecha

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST
Informe al Comit� Nacional, 7 de julio, 2007

Para comenzar, quiero reconocer que en este informe hay algo m�s que mis huellas. En discusiones y por correo electr�nico, muchos camaradas me aportaron ideas y sugerencias las cuales creo que dan mayor profundidad y alcance al reporte. Quiero agradecer a los camaradas que se tomaron el tiempo para trasmitirme sus ideas.

El informe se centra sobre algunos aspectos de la situaci�n actual. No trata de abarcar todo el pa�s ni al mundo. Su prop�sito es menos ambicioso. Har� una valoraci�n de la administraci�n Bush y la lucha del pueblo en contra de sus pol�ticas. El informe luego dar� un vistazo a las elecciones de 2008 y algunas de las principales cuestiones que habr�n de enmarcarlas. Finalmente, se tomaran en cuenta algunos aspectos del trabajo de nuestro partido.

Remarks to National Committee Meeting CPUSA July 7th-8th 2007

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST
Sam Webb�s report on the overall political situation and Scott Marshall�s report on developments in the labor movement and industrial concentration, along with Jarvis Tyner�s report from the African American Equality Conference, give us the basis for this wonderful meeting and discussion.

The Right�s Last Dance: 2008 Elections

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST
To begin, I want to acknowledge that more than my fingerprints are on this report. Many comrades in discussions and by email gave me ideas and suggestions that I believe give the report more depth and range. I want to thank the comrades who took time out to convey their thinking.

The report focuses on some aspects of the current situation. It doesn�t try to span the entire country or the globe. Its aim is less ambitious. I will make an assessment of the Bush administration and the people�s struggle against its policies. Then the report will look at the 2008 elections and some of the main questions that will frame them. Finally, some aspects of our party�s work will be considered.

New York District CPUSA Launches New Blog

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST
The New York State Communist Party has launched a new blog addressing political issues and developments in the state. Written by leading members of the New York Party District, the blog will be a periodic source of analysis of New York State legislation, discussion of developments in New York City, and information on the democratic and working-class movements, struggles by New Yorkers and more...

Visit the blog at: newyorkcp.blogspot.com

Labor, Globalization and Building the Party

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST
First I want to thank the Labor Commission members for their invaluable input in this report. Much of this report took shape at this year�s face-to-face Midwest regional commission meeting last May in Chicago. The National Board discussion of this report was also very helpful.

CPUSA Sustainer Program

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST
Download the CPUSA sustainer form now and become a sustainer of the party!

We need your financial suppor to sustain the work of the party. Grassroots individual contributions are the main way we raise funds. No corporations, banks or foundations fill our coffers. It's working people like you that make the difference. We need your help to build a bigger, better Party fighting for working people's rights.

2007 Party and Press Building Plan

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EST
Developed by the National Organization Department CPUSA

Adopted by the National Committee, March 24-25, 2007

(This outline of our national plans for Party- and press-building is intentionally brief, given that specific, concrete plans will be developed by clubs and districts.)

Almost two years ago, following our 28th National Convention, the National Committee began a conversation about the urgent necessity to build a bigger and stronger Communist Party.

LOS NUEVOS TIEMPOS NOS EXIGEN POLITICAS CREATIVAS Y PRACTICAS FLEXIBLES

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EST
Informe principal al Comit� Nacional del PCEUA Marzo 24-25,2007

Una Victoria popular

La prioridad de este informe es el nuevo terreno de lucha. �Como pod�a ser de otra manera? �Es tanto lo que est� pasando, tanto lo que est� cambiando, hay tantas cosas diferentes, estamos viviendo tiempos nuevos!

Tactics needed to end this war

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EST
Polls continue to confirm a key part of the 2006 election results: a growing majority wants U.S. troops out of Iraq according to an agreed-upon timetable. People no longer believe our presence there serves any good purpose. Nor do they believe Bush�s military plans can change the situation for the better.

CPUSA Statement: Imus Gone! Say no to Racism and Sexism

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EST
Statement of National Board of the Communist Party USA
Prepared by Jarvis Tyner, Executive Vice Chair

The crude racist/sexist remarks of radio talk show host Don Imus have ignited a firestorm of anti-racist protest from people of all races and nationalities all over the country. This protest has resulted in the show losing several sponsors and MSNBC dropping Imus�s show. CBS radio, after much hesitation, finally decided to drop Imus�s show�which generated $50 million in advertising revenues annually.

The Indispensable Ones

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST
Tonight we are celebrating the passage of a massive and unique collection of documents, photos, films, and materials from the Communist Party and the Reference Center for Marxist Studies to Tamiment Library. It is truly a historic occasion.

These items are glimpses into the past, and I had the opportunity to see a small sampling of them during this process. The collection helps paint a picture of the Party�s history, but it does not reflect every story of our Party�s past...

Communist Media: Making the American Promise Real for Everyone

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST
If I were to list only a fraction of the names of the thousands of people who wrote for, or cartooned for or in other ways supported the Daily Worker, Western Worker, Daily World, People�s World, Voz del Pueblo and now People�s Weekly World and Nuestro Mundo � in short, the Communist press in all its forms during our 83 years of existence � we�d be here for a long time...

A Proud Moment for Our Party

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST
This is a proud moment for our party. This collection contains tens of thousands of documents, books, pamphlets, photos, audio and visual records that show the real history of the Communist Party, USA. We treasure this collection. It is a priceless collection. It is the documented record of Party�s history. It shows that we are not now nor have we ever been part of some fictitious international conspiracy...

New Times Require Fresh Politics and Flexible Tactics

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST
Main report to the National Committee, CPUSA
March 24, 2007

The main focus of this report is the new terrain of struggle. How could it be otherwise? So much is happening, so much is changing, so much is different � these are new times!

The Nov. 7, 2006, election was a people�s victory. It was a stunning blow to the Bush Administration and the Republican Party, thus creating a far more favorable political terrain in the Congress and the country...

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.

Communist Party, USA Donates Archives to Tamiment

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST
NEW YORK - Tens of thousands of books, countless photos, papers and notes, and unique audio, video and film documents are all part of the massive donation being made by the Communist Party, USA to the Tamiment Library at New York University (NYU). The collection covers the 88 years of the party�s history, as well as earlier radical movements. It also includes records from the labor, community, student and peace movements the communists participated in and in many cases helped lead.

Statement of the Communist Party USA - Stop Raids on Immigrant Workers

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST
The long term solution to the immigration issue includes an end to trade and economic policies that enrich corporations while impoverishing workers and small farmers of other countries. As well it includes the establishment of equal rights for immigrant workers to end the special exploitation of these vulnerable workers.

Declaraci�n Del Partido Comunista EEUU Sobre Los Allanamientos De Inmigraci�n

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST
El 6 de Marzo, el Control Migratorio (ICE) de la administraci�n de George Bush, dependencia del departamento de Seguridad Nacional (Homeland Security), llev� a cabo una redada brutal en la empresa Michael Bianco en New Bedford, Massachussets, arrestando a 360 obreros. Esta compa��a recibi� casi $1 mill�n de contratos militares para fabricar mochilas utilizadas por los soldados en Irak.

The Nature, Role, and Work of the Communist Party

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST
"...Now don�t get me wrong � I am not suggesting that we abandon Marxist principles and methodology, but Marxism can only claim a scientific character if it takes into account new realities, if it absorbs new experience, if it is open-ended to new analytical insights by Marxists and non-Marxists alike."

Stop the escalation! Call the House of Representatives!

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST
Congress will debate a non-binding resolution opposing the escalation next week. We urge all clubs to immediately organize calls to their members of the House of Representatives. Call the congressional switchboard (202) 224-3121 to reach your congressperson.

Communist Party USA Response to the State of the Union

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST
The concerns of most Americans who find it harder and harder to make ends meet, and who want to bring our troops home from Iraq, were ignored by George W. Bush in his State of the Union address. As if the 2006 elections to change the country�s direction had never happened, Bush�s proposals only represented the interests of his narrow base, �the haves and the have mores.�

No to Escalation! Bring the Troops Home!

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

March-Lobby Congress Jan. 27-29
The Bush administration�s call to escalate the war in Iraq has been met with a resounding �No!� Twenty-four hours after Bush�s announcement about sending 21,500 more troops, emergency protest actions were organized in nearly 1,000 neighborhoods and town squares.

Congress Action Alert

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST
The first week of the 110th Congress has been exciting. From the swearing in of the first woman Speaker of the House to the framing of the debate by the 100 hours program, to the opposition to increase of troops to Iraq, it is clear that the change in majority control creates many new opportunities to reverse the damage of the Bush agenda and prepare to move forward.

Memo on Congressional Legislative Outlook on Iraq War

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST
The Peace and Solidarity Commission prepared this memo for the National Board discussion on legislative priorities. Out of necessity, it is also an assessment of the Iraq Study Group (ISG) report released on Dec 6, 2006. The 2006 elections and now the country wide debate on the ISG report provides new opportunities and challenges for the Party. Our aim within the peace movement and in mobilizing the entire Party organization should be geared to organizing a stronger grass roots movement to end the war/occupation.

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/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.