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Argentina: Pro-U.S. Milei attack our class, caught between imperialists
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- 21 January 2024 124 hits
The elections in Argentina in October and November 2023 resulted in the return of the far right to power, with Javier Milei at its helm. For the working class, this election only made things, already bad, worse as Argentina was already going through a period of economic crisis and experiencing social difficulties linked to inflation which had risen to more than 160% in 2022. With a so-called socialist government at the helm, the standard of living of workers was diminished by corruption scandals and structural problems during the past few decades. The rightwing trend mirrors what is happening elsewhere in the world, with xenophobic, nationalist and anti-working class speeches by the newly elected president, especially the anti-migrant ones, which blame migrant workers for the crises brought on by capitalism.
Argentina stands between the current inter-imperialist struggles. At the last BRICS summit in August 2023, Argentina was among the countries proposed to become a member of this grouping. BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising the capitalist bosses of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It was at the same time that the IMF granted a loan of several hundred millions of dollars in the country. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a U.S.-controlled body that furthers capitalist expansion, always to the detriment of the working class of its member countries. These two events show how Argentina is being tossed between the influences of the two protagonist camps of the moment, the Western imperialists on one side and their rival imperialists on the other. Both sides are vying for economic and political control of the world’s resources and wealth.
Argentine misleaders attack workers, line the ruler’s pockets
Since the election of Milei, Argentina’s bosses have faced a series of popular protest demonstrations (which are becoming increasingly illegal) against their “anti-democratic” measures. During the first mobilizations the police began to use excessive force against demonstrators and union members. Ten days after taking office, Milei published a “DNU” (decree of necessity and emergency), which aims to modify or repeal more than 300 standards, in particular removing rent controls, State intervention to protect the prices of essential products, weakening worker protections, enabling privatizations. For older workers, their pensions are being cut via an “economically viable” automatic calculation method—once again stealing from the poor to fill the coffers of the already-rich. While Milei talks about austerity measures for the working class, he has not renounced class privileges for himself and his bourgeoisie.
Liberals and Libertarians, fascists-in-arms
Milei’s preparedness shows that the return of the extreme right was a well-planned project that was already underway. Milei’s election was hailed by other hard rightliners such as Bolsonaro (former president of Brazil) and Trump (former president of the U.S.). Milei, like his fascist counterparts, calls himself an “ultra-liberal,” trying to fool the masses into thinking he is really on their side, like the Nazis were called National Socialists and Mussolini started out as a so-called socialist—liberal or far-right fascist, they’re all on the bosses’ side.
The struggle in Argentina is a struggle that promises to be long and difficult for the Argentine workers and students who have a long tradition of fighting back in various forms of class struggle. What the current situation shows us is that our class in Argentina—and everywhere—cannot rely on reformers (liberal or fascist) destroy the capitalist system and replace it with communism—an egalitarian system that the working class controls to serve its own needs. We urge our comrades in Argentina to join with us in the Progressive Labor Party and fight for communist revolution. That is the only way that we will be able to liberate our class.
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All 2023: PL’ers and friends bloomed antiracist red fightback
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- 21 January 2024 118 hits
Dearest comrades and friends in the Los Angeles area,
The CHALLENGE board would like to take the time to salute the amazing work that you all have done in 2023 to build the struggle for communist revolution. We failed to include an appreciation of the work in the backpage article, “2024 Resolution: Fight The Bosses, Rise Up With The Working Class” (1/17).
In L.A., PL’ers marched side by side with and shared our confidence in striking hotel workers, TV/Film industry workers, fought the racist courts and kkkops against the murder of 23-year-old Latin man Cesar Rodriguez, connected antiracist fighting families together in celebration of our courage in the face of state repression, and encouraged the communist leadership of the Alex Flores family, a family that lost their loved one to racist police violence and students specifically. You all are teaching us how to fight and build the Party, thoroughly and consistently!
Fists up to you and the necessary fightback against capitalist terror, for better working conditions, and a world where workers run the world!J
School for communism gets A from fighters
I was very grateful to have been able to come to the Cadre School this weekend. This was my first time attending and it was a very wonderful experience. Working together as a collective; working in shifts on cleaning and cooking for everyone is very heartwarming and teaches you about the world we want to build as communists. Having the opportunity to learn more is always good and even better to share that knowledge. I hope to share what I’ve learned here this weekend and struggle with my friends and family about communism, but I don’t totally know how to go about it. Maybe next time we can learn and come up with ideas on how to approach people about communism without having them freak out about the idea.
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I had the privilege of participating in a cadre school organized by the Progressive Labor Party, and the experience was truly enriching. With a gathering of over 20 participants, the event served as a dynamic platform for passionate discussions and deep dives into the principles of communism, spanning the past, present, and future. The sessions were dedicated to crucial topics, including being internationalist, antisexist, antiracist, anti-imperialist, and anti-capitalist.We delved into case studies from different regions of the world, examining the struggles of workers fighting for their rights, particularly in conflict zones like Palestine and Ukraine. The overarching theme emphasized the revolutionary need to combat nationalism and imperialism, urging workers to think at the international level for a more cohesive movement.Throughout the event, diverse readings and breakout sessions created an atmosphere that transcended mere enjoyment; it was genuinely awe-inspiring. It felt like a convergence of minds, where each participant was well-versed in global issues, collectively seeking ways to address and rectify them.The camaraderie and shared commitment to understanding and solving the world's problems were palpable. The resounding conclusion drawn from our discussions was the imperative for a communist revolution as the ultimate solution. If there is a cadre school near you join in.
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What stood out to me was how much our base is in agreement with us. Workers understand we do not benefit from bombing children overseas and that we do not share the same interests as the rulers.A new understanding that I will bring back to my workplace is that we need to analyze what nationalism means to our base. We can win people to internationalism the more we break down nationalism.Glimmers of communism that I saw were collective responsibility for chores and the meaningful struggle over internal contradictions.
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The communal aspect of the cadre school stuck out to me most about this weekend. I feel reinvigorated by meeting comrades and understanding their perspectives on class struggle and I'm excited to put what I've learned into practice organizing my school and community. This weekend showed glimmers of future communist societies through everyone helping to do tasks, teaching others, and sharing our experiences, and in general, just existing in a space where nobody is oppressing one another and everyone is cared for.
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As the New York Times describes millions around the world pouring into the streets to express anger and disgust at the Zionist slaughter of Palestinian families, and as World War III begins with U.S. attacks on Yemen, our Party met to train the rising generation of communist leaders. Black, Brown, white, and Asian — this youthful group represents the future of the international working class. My political batteries have been charged!
The pen is a weapon against genocide
The Zionist attacks on teachers in Maryland who are opposing the Gaza genocide continue as the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) has launched a petition campaign to keep the school system from returning them to the classroom. JCRC and the Israeli American Council (IAC) are offering “educational” (really Zionist propaganda) programs on antisemitism to teachers and students in Montgomery County. IAC is an aggressive Zionist organization that Sheldon Adelson led as Trump’s major funder.
He rejected the two-state option, preferring to keep Palestinians in a 2nd class-oppressed position in a Zionist single state. He got Trump to proclaim that Anti-Zionism is Anti-Semitism.
But Progressive Labor Party members are continuing to push out our ideas and recently participated in an “Open Mic” event at the local restaurant, Busboys and Poets.
The following poem was read and followed by a shout-out to the crowd to take our leaflet about the teachers and an upcoming Ceasefire rally. We have to be everywhere!
They may think they are keeping it quiet
But they can hardly hide it
It’s not blue or red you see
It’s always been green
The almighty dollar
It’s got you by the collar
Don’t you dare disobey
They have your job
You can’t lose that pay
Healthcare and sick days
So do what you’re told
Don’t try to be bold
Don’t you dare say one thing
When genocide is happening
Not your average brunch
I know that 2023 was a year of upheavals, strife, and horrific killings of workers through famine, wars, floods, and earthquakes. My husband and I wanted to revive our New Year’s Day Brunch after 4 long years. We make the waffles and coffee and everyone else brings potluck!
A friend who has been disheartened by the genocide in Gaza told me, “It’s hard to celebrate.” I wrote back and said, “It is a time to reconnect with folks in a more social setting. Some folks may not have been here for years. The bosses want us to be distrustful and divided. The brunch is for that purpose.”
There were many folks that I hadn’t seen in years. Much political discussion took place in the various rooms of our home. The children did artwork and played with dancing flamingos. Many varied, delicious dishes were consumed. We raised money for legal fees for one of our comrades who is a teacher put on administrative leave for opposing genocide in Gaza. Another student at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA was disciplined for protesting about Gaza with others. A friend who is Zionist was trying to make the case for Israel’s actions, but didn’t make any headway on that front. Lots of political debate!
One friend told my husband later how thankful she was for us doing this. Her husband is slowly dying. It was a chance for him to see old friends and neighbors. I have a group of 7-8 women who meet for lunch and tea. For some years we have not able to connect. In 2023, we connected 3 times in the Fall! Keeping these connections helps us all keep sane and more energized for the struggle ahead.
U.N. calls Palestinian conditions “horrific”
New York Times, 1/13–The twin specters of a widening regional war and intensified suffering of civilians loomed over the Middle East on Saturday as the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen threatened to respond to American airstrikes, and a senior U.N. official warned of a “horrific” humanitarian crisis in Gaza that he said was hurtling toward famine…In northern Gaza, corpses are left in the road and starving people stop aid trucks “in search of anything they can get to survive,” Martin Griffiths, the top U.N. aid official, told the United Nations Security Council on Friday. With the risk of famine in Gaza “growing by the day,” he repeated earlier criticisms of Israel, which he said was delaying or denying permission to humanitarian convoys bringing urgently needed aid to northern Gaza…Israeli attacks have killed at least 23,000 people in Gaza since, according to the Gaza health authorities. At least 1.9 million people, or 85 percent of the population, have been forced from their homes, Mr. Griffiths said.
Gaza war spreads into a wider conflict
Al Jazeera, 1/12–For months, top United States officials have repeatedly said that President Joe Biden does not want to see Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip escalate into a wider conflict in the Middle East…later, the US confirmed it had collaborated with the United Kingdom to launch “strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels'', in coordination with a handful of other countries…“It does run contrary to what the administration has been saying, but it was also inevitable, “Everybody watching this situation knew that it was a matter of time before the war in Gaza spilled out across the region…The Iran-aligned Houthis control large swaths of Yemen including the western coast overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which leads to the Red Sea. The group began firing missiles at Israel and attacking commercial ships shortly after the war on Gaza began in October.
Is inter imperialist struggle accelerating?
The Guardian, 1/13–The first of what may be many US-led air strikes on Iranian-backed Houthi Shia militants in Yemen… reflects…another unwelcome fact. The dominant power in the Middle East is no longer the US, western-aligned Egypt, Saudi Arabia or even Israel. It is the Houthis’ main ally, Iran…China has created spheres of geopolitical and economic influence to rival and, if possible, supplant those of the US… In 2021, the two countries [China and Iran] signed a 25-year strategic investment and energy pact. Under Chinese sponsorship, Iran has joined the Brics group and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation…Iran sells millions of barrels of discounted crude to China each month, transported there by “dark fleet” oil tankers…With Russia…Iran supplies armed drones that Moscow uses to kill Ukrainians. US intelligence reportedly believes Russia’s Wagner mercenary group plans to provide Hezbollah with a medium-range air defense system…Iran…may soon take delivery of advanced Russian Sukhoi SU-35 fighter-bombers…nuclear weapons-related enrichment programme is reportedly advancing rapidly…an Iranian bomb, may be closer than ever.
War in Asia would be much worse
Bloomberg, 1/8–War over Taiwan would have a cost in blood and treasure so vast that even those unhappiest with the status quo have reason not to risk it. Bloomberg Economics estimate the price tag at around $10 trillion, equal to about 10% of global GDP — dwarfing the blow from the war in Ukraine, Covid pandemic and Global Financial Crisis.
China’s rising economic and military heft, Taiwan’s burgeoning sense of national identity, and fractious relations between Beijing and Washington mean the conditions for a crisis are in place…Everyone from Wall Street investors to military planners and the swathe of businesses that rely on Taiwan’s semiconductors are already moving to hedge against the risk. National security experts in the Pentagon, think tanks in the US and Japan, and global consulting firms are gaming out scenarios from a Chinese maritime “quarantine” of Taiwan, to the seizure of Taiwan’s outlying islands, and a full-scale Chinese invasion.
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Solidarity, not silence— Multiracial unity exposes Zionist education bosses
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- 06 January 2024 176 hits
MARYLAND, December 19, 2023—Tonight the fight against Zionist efforts to intimidate teachers who have supported Palestinian workers in Gaza took another step forward. The teachers have not been content to rely only on grievance procedures and lawyers but have continued to organize and speak up. Over 130 protestors gathered outside the Board of Education tonight in the cold to support the “Solidarity Not Silence” campaign.
Parents, teachers, students, and community members vigorously chanted, “When teachers are under attack, what do we do, stand up, fight back!” and “Jewish, Arab, Black and white, workers of the world unite.” After several sharp speeches from teachers, members of the Progressive Labor Party (PLP), Jewish Voice For Peace, and Palestinian students, a group of about 50 marched over to the building where the closed meeting was being held and chanted and pounded on the windows. PLP members distributed nearly 50 CHALLENGEs with articles about this struggle and the fight at the American Public Health Association (CHALLENGE, 1/3).
Anti-Zionist teachers attacked
At least five teachers have now been put on administrative leave since November 15 in this wealthy county on the border of Washington DC. A Takoma Park Middle School teacher was charged with antisemitism because of Facebook posts protesting the massive attacks on Palestinian civilians by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Another teacher had a tagline on her email that said, “From the river to the sea” and is being attacked for having something “political” -- a charge that has not been used against others with a variety of political slogans. One of the teachers at the rally said, “I am not surprised at the attack since the ‘progressive ’ community can’t handle this issue - they separate over Israel.” Indeed the county has a reputation for being liberal but last year the council passed a resolution that “anti-Zionism is antisemitism” and this year the U.S. Congress did the same thing. Students at Towson University were disciplined and the organization, CASA, which serves the immigrant population had its funding cut. Obviously “free speech” does not extend to critiques of U.S. imperialism.
Focus on destroying capitalism
PLP members have the responsibility to move the discussion beyond free speech debates. One member summed up our outlook by stating “This is about the economic system of capitalism that depends on the exploitation and misery of the entire human population to survive. This is about the U.S. government’s desperation to control resources such as oil, pipelines, and sea routes in the Middle East. …Hundreds of thousands of workers around the world say no to the continued genocide of the Palestinians. Hamas, the PLO, these misleaders cannot be trusted to end the exploitation and murder of the workers in Palestine. Only an international movement against capitalism can free the workers of the world.” After this everyone joined in the chant: Same Enemy, Same Fight, Workers of the World Unite!