WORLD NOTES
Iraq: Workers strike top hotel / S. Africa: Farm tenants ask for help / Brazil: New rainforest slaying / India: Bank workers will strike March 22 / India: Bank workers will strike March 22
Communists meet at World Social Forum
A fascinating panel at the recent World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil, was hosted by the Mauricio Grabois Institute, a theoretical and research center associated with the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB). The Jan. 30 panel was titled “The actual challenges in the struggle for socialism.” Speakers from about 15 countries, including the United States, took part.
Lawyers assail chilling effect of Stewart conviction
NEW YORK — In a case that civil libertarians say will have a chilling effect on lawyers representing unpopular clients, a jury has convicted civil rights attorney Lynne Stewart of conspiring to aid terrorists and lying to the government.
New Calif. single payer bill introduced
Two contrasting health insurance bills were introduced into California’s Legislature last week, just before the deadline for new legislation. One would cover all Californians under a single-payer plan while cutting overall health care costs. The other would shift the burden to individuals, requiring all residents to buy basic coverage for themselves if not covered by an employer.
Chicago center opens with fanfare
CHICAGO — The Workers Education Society celebrated the gala opening of its Unity Center here by putting out the welcome mat to the community Feb. 12. More than 100 people were on hand.
Building 3 activist hubs takes $$$
Hundreds of political activists around the country are pooling their resources to ensure the establishment of three regional centers that will be hubs for working-class study and activism.
Vermont towns say Bring our troops home
BURLINGTON, Vt. — The will of the people to speak their mind at Vermont’s Town Meeting Day overpowered the snowfall that pounded the Green Mountain State, March 1. In more than 50 towns voters took a day usually reserved for decisions on school budgets and new snow plows to debate an issue of international significance — the war in Iraq. At press time, 49 towns had passed a resolution calling for the troops to come home and only three had voted against it. click here for Spanish text
Qu le pas a Juan Torres?
El soldado del Ejército Juan Torres tenía toda su vida por adelante. Con 25 años de edad, Torres (conocido como John a su familia y amistades) se graduó en contabilidad de la Universidad de Houston y un buen trabajo cuando regresara a Houston. Tenía ahorros en el banco y estaba planeando su boda con Elizabeth Wise.
Singin the blues: Black artists deserve their due
In 1964 the Beatles took America by storm on the basis of some catchy original songs and a scattering of ’50s rock and roll retreads like “Matchbox.”
The NED: advance guard for corporate globalism
OPINIONS The National Endowment for Democracy has little to do with promoting fair elections, representative government, or any of the ideals and institutions one would normally associate with democracy.
