Special note: Our thoughts go out to the millions of people affected by Hurricane Sandy throughout the East Coast especially those who have lost loved ones, homes, or businesses. A special thanks is due to the many thousands of workers who put their own safety on the line to keep us all safe and get our lives back together. The storm and the response to it is a grim reminder of the need to defeat the idea that privatization, destroying public sector unions, and dismantling federal agencies like FEMA is good policy.

In the history of the United States the working class has won great victories, and suffered serious setbacks. The beginning of the 21st Century has proved no different. Public workers were dealt a setback in Wisconsin when attacked by tea-party Governor Scott Walker. In Ohio however, labor and allies repealed SB 5 and preserved collective bargaining rights. Strike struggles and protests like the Chicago teachers, at Bainport, and Walmart show the power of unity. The next test is November 6. Will the 1% consolidate even more power or will the historic gains of the working class be safeguarded? Will voter suppression and lies prevail or be overcome? For voters the question is “Which side are you on?” Door-to-door, at phone banks, in every bodega and barbershop, every shop floor and feed mill, every campus and community center the rallying cry must be ‘Unite to Defeat the Right! VOTE!

Joelle Fishman
Political Action Commission
politicalaction@cpusa.org

Double Speak & Double Cross

Mitt Romney held a rally in Ohio featuring an impressive backdrop of coal miners standing behind him on stage as he spoke. Were these working people really supporters of the candidate of the 1%? Were they buying into a strategy of division? Turns out they were forced into the charade by their employer who said – “attendance at the Romney event was mandatory, but nobody was forced to attend.” Usually when your employer tells you to be some place you expect to be paid. Not this time. These miners got the shaft when their employer stiffed them for the time they spent at the rally. Wonder who they will cast their secret ballot for on November 6th?

Rock of Ages v. Age of Rocks

Regarding evolution President Woodrow Wilson once said “of course like every other man of intelligence and education I do believe in organic evolution. It surprises me that at this late date such questions should be raised.” Wilson died in 1924. Have our elected officials continued to follow such progressive thinking? Not if you listen to Georgia Republican Congressman Paul Broun. Mr. Broun asserts that evolution is a lie that “comes straight from the pit of hell”. The Republican leadership of the House of course thought that Broun was just the fellow to serve on the House ‘Science Committee’. Mr. Broun is running unopposed, but if 25 Republicans are defeated and Democrats hold their own, Broun will lose his ‘leadership’ spot on scientific issues.

Bird is the Word

Mitt Romney used the occasion of the first Presidential debate to proclaim that the primary way he intended to reduce government spending was to cut off federal funding for the Public Broadcasting System. PBS is the only non pay-for-service television network that anyone with access to a television can tune in and enjoy commercial free programming. PBS is known for it’s groundbreaking and innovative children’s programs. However as Mitt Romney has said in a crassness that could only come from the mouth of someone born and bred and serving at the behest of the 1%, “Big Bird is going to have to get used to Corn Flakes.” The public’s reaction to Romney’s plans to pollute the airwaves with even more advertising, this time aimed directly at children, was swift and negative.

Take Action – Register to Vote/Voter Protection

State by state voter protection information or Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (687-8683)

Working America, the AFL-CIO community affiliate, and Workers Voice have voting information by states.

Readers Survey

Please return to: politicalaction@cpusa.org

UNITY, the newsletter of the Political Action Commission of the CPUSA has been published monthly since June 2012. We value your feedback and would appreciate you taking a moment to complete this survey.

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Handouts to share in your community

Democracy at the Crossroads: Class Warfare and the 2012 Elections (PDF)
Democracia en una Encrucijada: la Guerra de Clases y las Elecciones de 2012 (PDF)

The pamphlet seeks to provide union and other progressive activists with basic information about the U.S. economy, the 2008 meltdown, the grave danger of right-wing extremism and the crucial, turning point nature of the November elections. It is a great tool for union leaders and stewards, political coordinators, grassroots activists or personal use.

Why Vote? [English / Spanish] (PDF)

Save Our Nation – Tax Corporations – Tax the Rich (PDF)
Salvemos nuestra nación – Impuesto para las empresas – Impuesto para los ricos (PDF)

Reports from National Committee Meetings

It’s up to us (PDF)  by Joelle Fishman, chair Political Action Commission

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