Coalition politics: The only way to defeat the ultra-right
The recent assembling of 100,000 people in our nation's capital protesting the Bush administration's policies of militarism, economic austerity, and sweeping denial of democratic liberties was a major political breakthrough. Its size was greater than many anticipated; the diversity of the marchers, including large numbers of Arab people, was striking; the level of anti-imperialist understanding was papable; the urgency of Palestinian statehood emerged in a new way; the action was the first major mobilization in Washington since Sept. 11, and, perhaps most importantly, the stage was set for a broad range of actions at the national and local level against Bush's reactionary policies.
CPUSA takes fresh look at building grassroots
The Communist Party USA (CPUSA) is sponsoring a conference June 28-30 on building Party clubs and the labor and people's movements at the grassroots. The conference will be in New York City.
Immigrant workers denied entry to public hearing
WATERBURY, Conn. - Over 100 immigrant workers were forcibly denied entrance to the Rowland Government Center May 10, as they attempted to attend a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) public hearing. The violation of democratic rights was especially shocking because the hearing was discussing a proposal to prohibit some immigrants who have the legal right to live and work in the United States from getting drivers licenses.
Wealthy right-winger bankrolls anti-gay measure
YPSILANTI, Mich. - In a press conference May 8, the co-chair of the Ypsilanti Campaign for Equality (YCFE), Lisa Zuber, exposed the source of funding for a ballot initiative forced into this November's election that would allow for discrimination against gay people.
Illinois: Panel proposes changes in death penalty
The report of a special panel appointed by Illinois Governor George Ryan to study application of the death penalty was released last month. Although the report's 80 recommendations for change stop short of recommending abolition, many people are now drawing the conclusion that the only way innocent people can be saved from execution is by ending the death penalty. For the entire article, click on the headline. For backgrouhnd information, visit the Illinois Coalition Against the Death Penalty.
Demand at rally: 'No cuts in education'
SACRAMENTO - Students, teachers and parents came to the state capitol here May 9 to demand that there be no cuts in state funding for education in the state's budget for 2003.
In Tel Aviv: 100,000 rally for peace
TEL AVIV - Over 100,000 demonstrators filled Rabin Square here May 11 under the slogans, 'End the occupation that kills us all,' and 'Sharon leads us to a catastrophe.'
Death penalty foes win in Maryland
BALTIMORE - Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening's May 9 decision to halt executions pending completion of a study of racial bias in capital punishment drew strong praise from death penalty opponents this week. In announcing his decision, Glendening cited reports showing that 101 death row inmates across the nation have been exonerated since 1978, raising concerns that innocent people have been wrongfully convicted and executed.
Steelworker wins key election
GARY, Ind. - A grassroots campaign by steelworker and union leader Mary Elgin resulted in what is being called the biggest political upset in decades in this solidly working-class community. Elgin defeated Dozier Allen for Calumet Township Trustee with 48 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary. A victory in the primary here is tantamount to being elected, since there is rarely a Republican challenge. For the entire article, click on the headline. Elgin is also a local leader of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.
Election battle heats up as Bush met by protest
CHICAGO - Over 300 demonstrators representing 35 organizations denounced Bush administration policies outside the Sheraton Hotel here May 13, while the President was inside wining and dining with Republican fat cats. Bush was here to tout his welfare reform proposals and raise campaign funds for Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan, who is battling Democrat Rod Blagojevich.
