Saturday, November 03, 2018

11/03 Movie: Cuba, a Success Story by Alvin Foster

July 26th Coalition<info@july26.org>
Via  Act-MA <act-ma-bounces@act-ma.org>
To  act-ma@act-ma.org  
We would like to let you know about this movie by Al Foster is a long
time supporter of the July 26th Coalition.


*Saturday, November 3 | 3:00 - 4:30 PM*
*Cuba, a Success Story*
Alvin Foster
“Cuba, a Success Story” is the title of the 1.5-hour video. The video is
a culmination of my six-week stay in Cuba, and driving cross-country
from Havana to Santiago. Cuba is a success story because it thrives even
after the longest, sustained boycott of a country in world history. In a
video walk-through, the rich cultural histories of Havana, Santiago,
Trinidad other cities are exhibited and the importance of the revolution
is explained. A classical concert inside the Basilica, the Havana
International Jazz Festival, and a visit to the arts displayed in the
F.A.C. in a small way portray he importance of the arts in Cuba.


550 Massachusetts Ave., 2nd Fl, Cambridge, MA 02139 |
www.centerformarxisteducation.org
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After Charlottesvile -The Greensboro Massacre 1979- Never Forget

After Charlottesvile -The Greensboro Massacre 1979- Never Forget


A YouTube film clip about the events of that day in 1979 when right wing thugs in Greensboro, North Carolina murdered five communist workers.

 COMMENTARY

This is a repost of last year's commemorative commentary. The struggle remains the same.


REMEMBER SLAIN LABOR MILITANTS-CESAR CAUCE, MICHAEL NATHAN, BILL SAMPSON SANDI SMITH AND JIM WALLER



For those too young to remember or who unfortunately have forgotten the incident commemorated here this is a capsule summary of what occurred on that bloody day:

 On November 3, 1979 in Greensboro, North Carolina, five anti-racist activists and union organizers, supporters of the Communist Workers Party (CWP), were fatally gunned down by Ku Klux Klan and Nazi fascists. Nine carloads of Klansmen and Nazis drove up to a black housing project-the gathering place for an anti-Klan march organized by the CWP. In broad daylight, the fascists pulled out their weapons and unleashed an 88-second fusillade that was captured on television cameras. They then drove off, leaving the dead and dying in pools of blood. From the outset, the Klan/Nazi killers were aided and abetted by the government, from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent who helped train the killers and plot the assassination to the "former" FBI informer who rode shotgun in the motorcade of death and the Greensboro cop who brought up the rear. The five militants listed above died as a result. The Greensboro Klan/Nazis literally got away with murder, acquitted twice by all-white juries.

 This writer has recently been raked over the coals by some leftists who were appalled that he called for a no free speech platform for Nazis and fascists (see below) and argued that labor should mobilize its forces and run these vermin off the streets whenever they raise their heads. Despite recent efforts to blur the lines of the heinous nature of and political motivation for these murders in Greensboro by some kind of truth and reconciliation process militant leftists should etch in their brains the reality of the Klan/Nazis. There is nothing to debate with this kind. The niceties of parliamentary democracy have no place in a strategy to defeat these bastards. The Greensboro massacre is prime evidence that any other way is suicidal for militants. No more Germany, 1933's. No more Greensboro, 1979's. Never Forget Greensboro.

 REPOST FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2006

 In a recent blog (dated, September 4, 2006) this writer mentioned that one of the Klan groups in this country held a demonstration at the Gettysburg National Cemetery over the Labor Day 2006 weekend around a list of demands that included bringing the troops home from Iraq in order to patrol the borders. Symbols mean a lot in politics and the notion that Klansmen were permitted to demonstrate at a key symbol in the fight to end slavery and preserve the union raised my temperature more than a little. As I said then Gettysburg is hallowed ground fought and paid for in great struggle and much blood. At that time the writer posed the question of what, if any, opposition to the demonstration leftists had put together to run these hooded fools out of town. In response, this writer was raked over the coals for calling for an organized fight by labor to nip these elements in the bud. Why? Apparently some people believe that running the fools out of town would have violated the Klan's free speech rights. Something is desperately wrong here about both the nature of free speech and the nature of the Klan/fascist menace.

 First, let us be clear, militant leftists defend every democratic right as best we can. I have often argued in this space that to a great extend militant leftists are the only active defenders of such rights- on the streets where it counts. That said, the parameters of such rights, as all democratic rights, cannot trump the needs of the class struggle. In short, militant leftist have no interest in defending or extending the rights of fascists to fill the air with gibberish. Now that may offend some American Civil Liberties Union-types but any self-respecting militant knows that such a position is right is his or her 'gut'.

 In the final analysis we will be fighting the Klan-types on the streets and the issue will no be rights of free expression (except maybe in defense of ours) but the survival of our organizations. A short glance at history is to the point.
One of the great tragedies of the Western labor movement was the defeat and destruction of the German labor movement in the wake of the fascist Hitler's rise to power in 1933. In the final analysis that destruction was brought on by the fatally erroneous policies of both the German Social Democratic and Communists parties. Neither party, willfully, saw the danger in time and compounded that error when refused to call for or establish a united front of all labor organizations to confront and destroy Hitler and his storm troopers. We know the result. And it was not necessary. Moreover, Hitler's organization at one time (in the mid-1920's) was small and unimportant like today's Klan/Nazi threat. But that does not mean that under certain circumstances that could not change. And that, my friends, is exactly the point.
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Views From The Left-November 2018 CME Events Schedule

Center for Marxist Education<centermarxisteducation@gmail.com>
To  cme-emaillist@googlegroups.com,    act-ma@act-ma.org  
Hello friends of the CME,
We have some exciting events coming up this month, which can also be viewed
anytime on our website at www.centerformarxisteducation.org
<http://www.centerformarxisteducation.org/eventschedule.html>.

November 2018
*Saturday, November 3 | 3:00 - 4:30 PM*
*Cuba, a Success Story*
Alvin Foster
“Cuba, a Success Story” is the title of the 1.5-hour video. The video is a
culmination of my six-week stay in Cuba, and driving cross-country from
Havana to Santiago. Cuba is a success story because it thrives even after
the longest, sustained boycott of a country in world history. In a video
walk-through, the rich cultural histories of Havana, Santiago, Trinidad
other cities are exhibited and the importance of the revolution is
explained. A classical concert inside the Basilica, the Havana
International Jazz Festival, and a visit to the arts displayed in the
F.A.C. in a small way portray he importance of the arts in Cuba.
*Saturday, November 10 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM*
*Legacies of the Russian Revolution*
John Womack and Wadi'h Halabi
The Russian Revolution 101 years ago was the greatest single step forward
in the entire history of humanity. Although ultimately overturned, it has
left many legacies -- in experience and actual organizations -- with a
crucial role in advancing humanity's transition to socialism and for
revolutionary optimism today. Join historian John Womack and the CPUSA's
Wadi'h Halabi in this important discussion.
[image: Picture]
*Saturday, November 17 | 2:00 – 5:00 PM*
*Book Sale Fundraiser – Cash or Check Only*
The CME is another hosting a Book Sale Fundraiser. There are no prices –
it’s donation only. Please bring your cash and dive into a gold mine of
books on topics ranging from emerging socialist ideas in the French
Revolution to decolonization, and the age of mass incarceration.

*Sunday, November 18 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM*
*Question 1 and the Struggle for a Just Health Care System*
Sandy Eaton, Mass.Nurses Association, Wadi'h Halabi, CPUSA
The US spends more on health care than any other country. Yet by almost all
measures, the outcome is worse than many countries that spend a fraction as
much. Prevention and public health are neglected. Millions are going
without necessary health care. Bankruptcy often follows a single health
emergency. Join us for a discussion of Question 1 and the struggle for a
just health care system.
*Help us pay the rent! *You can easily donate online
<http://www.centerformarxisteducation.org/donate.html> or mail your check
to: Center for Marxist Education, P.O. Box 390459, Cambridge, MA 02139.
Make checks payable to BookMarx.
*Looking for a meeting space?* The Center welcomes organizations and
individuals from a wide range of progressive viewpoints. Reserving the
space is easy - just submit a simple Reservation Request
<http://www.centerformarxisteducation.org/reserve-the-center.html>.
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WE ARE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS AND INDIVIDUALS TO JOIN US ON THE VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE OF RACE IN BOSTON

The New Democracy Coalition of Massachusetts<thenewdemocracycoalition@gmail.com>
To  undisclosed-recipients:;   Blind copy  alfredjohnson34@comcast.net  

ndc logo-0123.jpg 
Dear Leaders/Organizers,

       THE NEW DEMOCRACY COALITION represents a growing effort in Boston and across the nation around addressing racial reconciliation in the city of Boston through collaborative engagement, public education and non-violent challenge.  As the Boston Globe demonstrated through a series of articles about race in Boston last December, our city is starkly divided along racial lines.  The plain facts of the matter are that if you are black in Boston you are more likely to be poorer, less educated, less healthy and less safe than your white counterparts.  We believe that we, as a city, can be better than this.

Last year a number of community-based organizations and clergy formed what is now called the Faneuil Hall Race + Reconciliation Project.  Its goal is to raise the public’s awareness -- especially among our young people -- about the possibility of substantively addressing the racial divide in our city through dialogue and reparation. We believe that justice is achieved by creating what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King called the beloved community.

We are writing because we need your help, your impassioned voice.  We have been asking the mayor of our city and members of the Boston City Council for a hearing about the feasibility of changing the name of Faneuil Hall because it is a city owned building that is connected to slavery. Research tells us that Faneuil Hall was constructed through the sale of a young black boy. We believe Faneuil Hall stands as a metaphor in our city around which people to come together in deep and engaging racial dialogue.  Through dialogue, we can heal.  But our elected officials have refused to host a hearing.

So, on Saturday, November 10 at 12 noon concerned Bostonians will convene at the doors of Faneuil Hall in what we a calling a “SpeakOut” for justice and reconciliation.  We recently were granted a permit for this event. Will you join us as one of the speakers that we are asking to make a 1 Minute statement on the importance of an extended racial dialogue in Boston around Faneuil Hall?  As an leader, you can craft your remarks around the following themes:

Boston residents deserve the right to have their voices heard about the city’s racial past in order to address its future. This should be accomplished through a citywide, City Council Meeting.
The coming and current generation of Bostonians must know the full history of Boston as a matter of civic inclusion and as a prelude to creative, non-violent interaction.
Failing to include the history of black and Native Americans, Asians, Latino and those who have been historically marginalized in Boston’s history is undemocratic.

Will you please join us a a special guest at this event to “SpeakOut” about the importance of public education around race in or for the city to address racial inequity?  And will you help spread the word and invite your network? I hope so.  [SEE MORE INFORMATION BELOW].

Sincerely,
Kevin C.Peterson
Kevin C. Peterson, Director
Founder, Faneuil Hall Race + Reconciliation Project

PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EFFORTS BELOW.


Blck speak out pdf JP.jpg 


Please find news links and collaterals connected to the black-led boycott of Faneuil Hall in Boston.  

Boycotters are pushing to change the name of Faneuil Hall in Boston.  Faneuil Hall is an iconic tourist destination spot for national and international visitors to the City of Boston.  It is also associated with the American slave trade.

Black Bostonians have been urging Mayor Matin Walsh to host hearings to consider renaming Faneuil Hall -- which was constructed with monies derived from the sale of a slave boy.

Mayor Walsh has refused to hold hearing on the feasibility, which has led organizers to call for a boycott at Faneuil Hall.

Last week boycotters staged Civil Rights Movement style "sit in" at Faneuil Hall.

Boston organizers have appealed to the Boston City Council and Boston Chamber of Commerce to intervene in urging Mayor Walsh to commit to a hearing.

Contact: Kevin C. Peterson, 617-304-5068 OR 617-506-9028

News Paper Links

WCVB Channel 5 CItyline


New York Times

The Guardian (London)


US METRO


News ONE


Fox News


Commonwealth Magazine


Black Enterprise


TV News Links

WPRI


Boston Fox 25


New England Cable News


CBS Boston


WCVB Channel Five


Radio & TV Interviews

NPR


Nightside with Dan Rea



YOUTUBE

NNN


NNN PART TWO


Our Children Video


A Change Is Going To Come

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A View From The Left-Socialist Analysis - Google Walkout, Bolsonaro's Election

Socialist Alternative<newsletter@socialistalternative.org>
To  Al  
Please check SocialistAlternative.org regularly for the socialist analysis, strategy, and tactics needed to build movements to defeat the billionaire class.

Our pages build on the proven strategies that won two historic victories for Kshama Sawant in Seattle. Our editorial team brings the experience of leading the fight for $15 to its first major victory in the nation in Seattle in 2014 and then in Minneapolis last year. Subscribe today to receive our print or electronic newspaper.
Walkout Against Sexual Harassment at Google
The #MeToo struggle has entered the tech world as thousands of Google employees walked out on Thursday against sexual harassment demanding structural changes to the company. Is this the beginning of tech workers getting organized? A Bay Area Google employee writes here about how the struggle quickly developed and the need to continue fighting to win their demands.
Laquan Mcdonald’s Killer is Convicted!
After the political establishment hid the video for a year, Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke was convicted in the murder of 16 year old Laquan McDonald. This conviction is a victory, and the momentum from this victory needs to be used to build a larger mass movement against police violence and racism as well as to fight the inequality that exists throughout the city.
Brazil: The Resistance Begins Now! Against Bolsonaro, Defend Democratic Rights, and Smash The Pension Reform!
Bolsonaro’s presidential election victory was a defeat for the working people of Brazil. His victory shows capitalism’s willingness to support the far right over the needs of working people as violence against his critics has increased. Workers and students are organizing to fight back though, their task now is to build a strong united front against Bolsonaro and his far-right tactics.  
2018 Socialist National Convention: 300 Gather To Build Socialism
Socialist Alternative members gathered in Chicago to build the socialist movement and  develop the fightback against Trump and the right wing. This convention, our highest decision making body, highlighted the growing interest in socialism and the possibility of 2019 continuing on the 2018 of resurgence for the labor movement. We reviewed our recent work in unions and the women’s movement, and collectively prepared for the greater struggles coming in 2019.
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