The International Socialist Organization

Eric Ruder: Revolution in the Air

2011-04-24T23:35:00.000-04:00

Tuesday * May 3 * 7PM

UMass Amherst * Campus Center 905

Come join the International Socialist Organization as we host a public discussion about the revolutionary movements globally and how activists locally are setting the groundwork for movements here at home. Revolution is in the air - the epic revolutions spreading throughout North Africa and the Middle East have shown that masses of ordinary people can take control over their own lives. And the heroic struggle of Wisconsin workers to defend their unions have inspired people across the country to fight for their own rights. We need an alternative to the current system of austerity, war, and profiteering - an alternative based on the interests of working people instead of Wall Street. Activist, Eric Ruder will be coming out from Chicago, IL to give a presentation followed by a public discussion where we can draw the important points from struggles internationally and apply them to our regular discussions, actions, and organizing. Check out socialistworker.org for more information on the International Socialist Organization.

ISO: Marxist Economics Presentation

2011-03-30T22:38:00.002-04:00

Thursday * March 31 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center 165-169

In the media and in our education system, economics has been almost completely monopolized by neoliberal ideologues who keep telling us that capitalism is good for everyone and the free market can solve all ills. The response from mainstream progressives usually consists of advocating various regulations and social programs that mitigate some of capitalism's greatest failures, but cannot solve its fundamental problems or get rid of the exploitation on which it is based.

Marxist economics explains why capitalism cannot be reformed, and must be replaced. It shows why capitalism relies on exploitation and will always produce recessions, unemployment, and war. Along the way, it also answers some very simple questions about everyday life that right-wing economics is surprisingly unable to handle - such as why bosses need to watch their workers.

The featured speaker will be ISO member, Collegian columnist and doctoral candidate in economics, Mihnea Tudoreanu.

Join us for a presentation and discussion of the economics that explains the real world!

"Capitalism: A Love Story" Movie Screening and Discussion

2011-03-16T14:47:00.000-04:00

Thursday * March 17 * 7PM

Media Education Foundation

60 Masonic Street, Northampton

(around the left side of Woodstar)

The recent events in Wisconsin have put on display bot the desire of the capitalists to make working people pay for their crisis, and the potential power of the working class to resist.

Michael Moore's excellent film, which came out at the inception of the crisis, remains relevant. Join the Western Mass International Socialist Organization for a screening and discussion.

India: "Development" and the WAR WITHIN

2011-02-25T17:23:00.002-05:00

Thursday * March 3 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center Room 162-75

Featuring Professor Deepankar Basu and Somnath Mukherjee.

The Indian state has recently accelerated and intensified its crackdown on activists, including Dr. Binayak Sen, who is serving life in prison for "sedition" (speaking out in defense of the poor and tribal peoples) and Arundhati Roy, among many others.

This effort is modeled after the US "War on Terror," and comes on the heels of years of the Indian state expelling millions of indigenous people from their land in order to make way for mining corporations, while murdering thousands of those who resist or simply get in the way through infamous "encounter killings" and the use of paramilitary forces.

Meanwhile, the Indian state, a close ally of the United States, is heralded as the "world's largest democracy."

Join us for presentations and an open discussion that will place these events in their political, historical, and economic context, as well as address ways for activists to work in solidarity with those facing repression in India.

Professor Deepankar Basu is a member of the Economics Department at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst

Somnath Mukherjee is a volunteer with the Association for India's Development (MIT-Boston Chapter)

This meeting is sponsored by the International Socialist Organization (Amherst) and the Association for India's Development (Amherst).

Leon Trotsky's Theory of Permanent Revolution

2011-02-15T18:12:00.000-05:00

Thursday * Feb. 17 * 7:30PM

UMass Campus Center #911

After the Russian Revolution Trotsky developed a theory known as "permanent revolution" to explain how underdeveloped countries could advance beyond capitalism, to a socialist society. Trotsky rejected the Stalinist analysis which said that all societies must go through set stages (Feudalism-Capitalism-Socialism) before a socialist society could be founded. This theory has given Marxism important insights on the revolutionary working class struggles in the Global South and especially in the ongoing revolutionary process in Egypt. Join the International Socialist Organization for a discussion on Trotsky's Theory of Permanent Revolution.

You will get the most out of this meeting if you do the recommended reading beforehand:

Permanent Revolution
Paul D'Amato
http://socialistworker.org/2009/07/15/permanent-revolution

Results and Prospects
David Whitehouse
http://www.isreview.org/issues/39/results_prospects.shtml

In addition this is a short and sweet article from an Egyptian comrade on the relevance of permanent revolution:
http://www.arabawy.org/2011/02/12/permanent-revolution/

Additional Reading:

Leon Trotsky
http://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/1931/tpr/pr10.htm

Debate in the ISR
http://www.isreview.org/issues/48/permrev-damato.shtml
http://www.isreview.org/issues/48/permrev-whitehouse.shtm

The Revolt in the Arab World

2011-02-08T16:21:00.000-05:00

Thursday * February 10 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center Room 162

From the overthrow of the Tunisian dictator Ben Ali to the protests that have won concessions from the Mubarak dictatorship in Egypt and continue to call for its ouster, as well as protests in Algeria, Yemen, Sudan, Jordan, and Palestine, the revolt in the Arab world is growing and spreading.

For people who have suffered under decades of dictatorship, suffering from poverty and a lack of civil, political and human rights, these m...ovements represent a turning point and the return of hope to a region that has seen too little of it in recent years. The struggles of ordinary Arabs in Tunisia and Egypt has changed the political dynamics of the region qualitatively, and the outcome of these fights will shape the politics of the most geostrategically important region in the world for a generation at least.

Meanwhile, the United States government, which backed Ben Ali until he fled Tunisia, and which has provided Mubarak with tens of billions in military aid during his 30-year rule, continues to back Mubarak or support Omar Suleiman (a notorious torturer who recently said Egypt is not ready for democracy), the newly appointed Egyptian Vice President, against the wishes of the vast majority of Egyptians.

Come to a discussion about what has happened, where things are going, and why building a movement in solidarity with the people of North Africa and the Middle East is so important for those of us living in the US.

Check out Ahmed Shawki's eyewitness reporting for Socialist Worker from Cairo:

http://socialistworker.org/2011/02/02/millions-against-mubarak

http://socialistworker.org/2011/02/03/the-regime-lashes-back

http://socialistworker.org/2011/02/04/the-struggle-surges-ahead

http://socialistworker.org/2011/02/07/bid-to-derail-the-revolution

March in Solidarity with the Egyptian People!

2011-02-02T21:05:00.000-05:00

Saturday * February 5 * 1PM

Meet at Haigis Mall * UMass Amherst
(Presidents' Drive)

The march will end with an assembly on the steps of Amherst College's Frost Library.

RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends!:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179600395408907

Download and post the flier!:
http://www.mediafire.com/?kgs5edej751ipsz

The Western Massachusetts Coalition for Palestine, joined by several organizations from across the Pioneer Valley, will hold a rally and march in solidarity with the Egyptian people on Saturday, February 5^th from 1-3pm. The Rally will assemble at the Haigis Mall at the University of Massachusetts and march through downtown Amherst, ending with an assembly at Amherst College on the steps of Frost Library.

For decades, the people of Egypt have suffered under the dictatorship of Husni Mubarak. At the same time that successive US government administrations have supported this dictatorship with military and financial aid totaling over $2 billion a year, they have issued empty statements demanding democratic reform in the Middle East. Tired of waiting, enraged by the corruption and repression of their government, and inspired by the Tunisian revolution, the Egyptian people have taken matters into their own hands, teaching the world, and the US in particular, what democracy truly means. However, rather than taking sides with this people’s revolution, the Obama administration has continued to support the Egyptian regime. By not decisively acting against Mubarak, the United States must claim responsibility for continued repression by the Egyptian state security apparatus.

This Western MA march and rally in solidarity with the Egyptian people will call for the US government to respond to the will of the Egyptian people by ending immediately US military aid to Egypt as long as the Mubarak regime remains in power. We will call on the US not to interfere in the formation of a transitional government no matter who is instated by the people of Egypt. It is up to only the Egyptians to decide who will represent them, and what their domestic and foreign policy will be.

We ask all media to cover this event and to join us at the rally!

The Western Massachusetts Coalition for Palestine is a group of organizations and community members who have come together to advocate for justice for the people of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza and in the Arab and global diaspora.

"Ya Mubarak say goodbye! Egypt, Egypt will be free. From the Nile to the sea!"

Endorsing/Co-sponsoring Organizations:
Middle East Peace Coalition of Western Mass
Hampshire College Students for Justice in Palestine
SmithSTAND
Western Mass Darfur Coalition
The American Friends Service Committee
Amherst International Socialist Organization
UMass Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
Amherst Amnesty International
Amherst Human Rights Commission
Western Mass Code Pink
Amherst College Students for Justice in Palestine

Revolution in Tunisia: Part 2

2011-01-25T21:52:00.000-05:00

Thursday * January 27 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center Room 803

RSVP on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192743680751263

Come join in a discussion and organizing meeting with the Amherst branch of the International Socialist Organization.

The proposed agenda thus-far:

-Discussion of the revolutionary progress taking place in Tunisia
-Organizing at UMass
-Political Announcements

Revolution in Tunisia

2011-01-18T16:01:00.001-05:00

THURSDAY * Jan. 20 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center Room 803

RSVP on Facebook

Agenda

1. Revolution in Tunisia: Tunisia is in the midst of the first social revolution in the Middle East since the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The revolt that has overthrown the U.S backed dictator Ben Ali will have definite consequences for the surrounding countries. As one prominent Egyptian blogger has written, "Every Arab leader is watching Tunisia in fear. Every Arab citizen is watching Tunisia in hope and solidarity."

However, the struggle in Tunisia is far from over. While Ben Ali, the figurehead of the dictatorship, has been forced to flee the country, it remains to be seen whether ordinary Tunisians will be able to consolidate their gains and build a genuinely democratic society. Nevertheless, the working class and its allies in Tunisia have shown the immense social power of the oppressed in the Middle East.

Join us for a discussion of these historic events and their implications in the coming weeks and months.

Check out these articles for more background on the subject:

http://socialistworker.org/2011/01/17/revolution-in-tunisia

http://leninology.blogspot.com/2011/01/rise-and-fall-of-tunisias-ceausescu.html

http://socialistworker.org/2011/01/17/struggle-spreads-in-algeria

2. Brainstorming session on building the socialist movement at UMass: Palestine solidarity work, budget cuts organizing, and projecting the ideas of revolutionary socialism will be key themes of this discussion, but folks should also share other ideas they have for organizing in the spring semester. Come one, come all!

3. Political announcements

After the meeting, we will be heading over to Amherst Brewing Company to continue the political conversation.

Socialist Bar Night & Socialist (Holiday) Party Fundraiser: Thu and Sat

2010-12-15T22:29:00.000-05:00

Socialist Bar Night

Thursday * Dec. 16 * 7pm

Amherst Brewing Company

24 North Pleasant St., Amherst (downstairs)

Join the International Socialist Organization for food, drink, and casual political conversation at the Amherst Brewing Company (they serve dinner as well, and you don't have to be 21 to get in). We'll be talking about politics in the US and around the world, the struggles we've been involved in this Fall, and how we can build the socialist movement and struggles against austerity and for justice.

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SOCIALIST (HOLIDAY) PARTY
FUNDRAISER

Saturday * Dec 18 * 7pm until LATE

Gary's Apartment (617-851-5354 for directions)

20 Lasell Avenue * Northampton

RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176171815741363

Come eat, drink and be merry with a gathering of socialists and other progressives and activists!

Instead of buying something, bring a "gift" in the form of a song, poem, joke, original or not, to share with the group. Political or not, let's inspire one another and share something important to each of us.

There will be snacks and beverages available, but please bring something to share if you'd like!

This is a fundraiser for the Center for Economic Research and Social Change (CERSC), publisher of Haymarket Books (www.haymarketbooks.org) and the International Socialist Review (isreview.org), and cosponsor of the yearly Socialism conference.

Please bring a $5-10 donation to help CERSC continue to publish books, magazines, and sponsor conferences and events to give socialists and other activists the political tools we need to make the world a better place for us all!

3 Events this week!: Unite and Fight: Marxism and Anti-Oppression * Crisis In Pakistan * Screening of "Bhopali"

2010-11-29T16:58:00.000-05:00

UNITE AND FIGHT: MARXISM AND ANTI-OPPRESSION

with Ahmed Shawki--author of Black Liberation and Socialism

and editor of the International Socialist Review

Wednesday, Dec. 1st, 7 PM

Hampshire College: Franklin Patterson Hall (FPH) East Lecture Hall

RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=125439804183233

The election of Barack Obama led some commentators to suggest that the United States had entered a “post-racial society”.

Really??

Arizona’s racist, anti-immigrant S.B. 1070, the NYC mosque controversy and culture of Islamophobia, and a criminal “justice” system that lets racist cops off the hook for murdering an unarmed Black man in Oakland, CA all say something profoundly different. Meanwhile women face an increasing assault on... abortion access, and LGBTQ people remain second-class citizens under the law. This is all amidst an economic crisis that has pushed 1 out of every 7 American workers to take a wage cut and left over 15% of Americans unemployed.

Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and all other forms of oppression are products of capitalism--a system based on exploitation of the majority of the world's population.

Marxism seeks not to separate economic exploitation and oppression, but to show how they are connected, and how the solution to one cannot be separated from the solution to the other. Socialists take an unapologetic stance against all forms of oppression, and fight in reform movements to better the lives of all people. Socialists also recognize that we can't win a totally different society--free of oppressive divisions--without fighting in the here in now in solidarity with one another.

An injury to one is an injury to all. Workers are women, men, gay, transgender, straight, Black, white, Latino, immigrants, Arab, Asian, from different nationalities and speak different languages. The fight against racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, etc. is part and parcel with the fight for a different kind of society. Socialism is not just the theory of liberation for the working class. It is a theory for the liberation of all of humanity.

Join the Hampshire International Socialist Organization (ISO) for a talk and discussion on Marxism, anti-oppression, and how we can fight and win full liberation.

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Ahmed Shawki is a long-time activist and editor of the International Socialist Review. He is the author of Black Liberation and Socialism and serves on the steering committee for the National Council of Arab-Americans.

For more information, or if your group is interested in co-sponsoring or tabling at the event, e-mail madelineburrows@gmail.com

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CRISIS IN PAKISTAN

Thursday * Dec. 2 * 7pm

UMass Campus Center Room 165

RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168876476476873

Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and the International Socialist Organization (ISO) are hosting a discussion about the recent natural disaster in Pakistan. Come join us for a talk about the global impacts of not only the floods, but also other turmoil that has gripped the nation.

Suggested reading:

From natural disaster to social catastrophe: http://socialistworker.org/2010/08/16/disaster-to-social-catastrophe

Pushed to the brink by disaster and war: http://socialistworker.org/2010/11/09/pakistan-pushed-to-the-brink

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Screening of "Bhopali" by Max Carlson

Friday * December 3 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center Room 917

RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=104457526293439

Join us for a screening of the documentary 'Bhopali' by Max Carlson to mark the 26th anniversary of the 1984 Union Carbide Gas Disaster in Bhopal, India. We are in solidarity with protests, film screenings, discussions, and candle light vigils around the world demanding justice for the continuing criminal tragedy in Bhopal. The screening will be followed by an open discussion session. Light Indian snacks will be served.

'Bhopali'... focuses on the experience of second generation children affected by the Union Carbide gas disaster of 1984, the worst industrial disaster in history, and subsequent contamination of groundwater by Union Carbide Corporation (an American company now owned by Dow Chemical, the second largest chemical company in the world). It follows several children as they and their families cope with the ongoing medical and social disaster, as well as their memories of that traumatizing night that shocked the world and changed Bhopal forever. However, set against the backdrop of vehement protests for the 25th anniversary of the disaster, these Bhopalis are anything but pitiful victims.

BACKGROUND

The Bhopal gas disaster occurred in 1984 when a factory owned and operate by Union Carbide (UCC) had an explosion due to lack of safety precautions which caused 500,000 people in Bhopal, India to be gassed with the highly toxic chemical methyl isocyanate (MIC). An estimated 8,000- 20,000 people died that night making it the worst industrial disaster in history. Subsequently, UCC, with the complicity and aid of the Indian Government (bribed and pressured, in many respects) undertook a major effort to cover up how the disaster happened and silence the survivors. Despite 100,000 people living with debilitating illnesses from the gas AND the continued issue of groundwater contamination from Union Carbide's dumping of toxic waste, the Bhopali survivors have managed to wage an incredible fight over the last 25 years against the government and the American corporation, with the aim of justice for Bhopalis as well as prevention of industrial disasters/pollution elsewhere in the world.

Co-sponsored by the International Socialist Organization, Association for India's Development, Volunteers in Service of Education in India, and the Muslim Public Affairs Council.

'Bhopali' Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBaiwlOwShU

International Struggles: Britain, Palestine, and beyond

2010-11-17T12:12:00.000-05:00

THURSDAY * November 18 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center #905

Come join the International Socialist Organization for our weekly meeting.

The proposed agenda:

1. Report on the recent mass student demonstration against budget cuts in Great Britain: http://socialistworker.org/2010/11/11/students-on-the-march

2. Discussion of the state of local Palestine organizing:

This will include a report back from last Friday's exciting kick-off of the Western MA Coalition for Palestine as well as an open brainstorming session on how we can help build the movement for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) at UMass and HCC.

3. Fund-drive for the Center for Economic Research and Social Change, which sponsors the yearly Socialism conferences and backs Haymarket Books and the International Socialist Review.

4. A report on organizing efforts within the UMass Graduate Employee Organization

Palestine Solidarity/Post Election Perspectives

2010-11-09T10:23:00.000-05:00

Thursday * November 11 * 7pm

UMass Campus Center #803

RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167664806596550

The proposed agenda:

1. Next steps in the local Palestine solidarity movement

Suggested Reading:

http://socialistworker.org/2010/08/31/divestment-movement-for-the-21st-century

2. The elections and Organizational Perspectives for the ISO, continued

Suggested Reading:

http://socialistworker.org/2010/11/05/from-hope-to-hopeless

Bring your friends, family, and coworkers to the International Socialist Organization's weekly meeting at UMass Amherst.

Weekly ISO Meeting- All are welcome!

2010-11-03T17:09:00.000-04:00

Come join the Amherst branch of the International Socialist Organization for their weekly meeting held at UMass Amherst.

Thursday * November 4 * 7pm

UMass Campus Center * Room 168

The proposed agenda:

1.) Assessment of the 'Western Massachusetts Socialism Conference: The Revolutionary Ideas of Karl Marx" that was held last Saturday

2.) Discussion of the mid-term elections and the role of grassroots organizing

3.) Open brain-storming session

Some readings on the election:

Standing Up Against the Right:

http://socialistworker.org/2010/11/03/standing-against-the-right

Not Much of a Choice:

http://socialistworker.org/2010/11/02/not-much-of-a-choice

The Myths They'll Spin About Election 2010:

http://socialistworker.org/2010/11/01/myths-spun-about-election-2010

Hope to see you there! All are welcome.

Heather Rogers: Green Gone Wrong & The Revolutionary Ideas of Karl Marx

2010-10-24T21:55:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY * OCTOBER 28 * 7PM

HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE

893 West St., Amherst, Mass.

Franklin Patterson Hall (FPH)

East Lecture Hall

Sponsored nationally by Haymarket Books and Demos

Co-sponsored locally by the International Socialist Organization (ISO), Students for a Just and Stable Future (SJSF), Population and Development Program, school of Critical Social Inquiry (CSI), Mixed Nuts, New Leaf

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...
Heather Rogers is a journalist and author. She has written for The New York Times Magazine, Mother Jones, and The Nation. Her first book, Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage, traces the history and politics of household rubbish in the United States. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. She will be speaking at Hampshire College's East Lecture Hall (in Franklin Patterson Hall) followed by a discussion of the material.

While world leaders respond to dire environmental ills with one derisory greenhouse gas cap-and-trade proposal after another, growing numbers of consumers are taking the cause into their own hands. Part fashion, part reaction, a popular movement to reduce the average person’s “carbon footprint” has officially arrived.

As individuals turn to environmentally responsible forms of consumption, a new dynamic green marketplace has exploded in the West: the trade in organic food has continued its surge despite the economic downturn; hybrid automobiles and biofuels are now in full production; and an increasing number of companies offer the service of neutralizing consumers’ CO2 emissions. Implicit in these efforts at “going green” is the promise that global warming can be stopped by swapping out dirty products for “clean” ones, with little disruption to daily life. But can earth-friendly goods really save the planet?

Reporting from the front lines where the new enviro-economy is taking shape, Green Gone Wrong takes a critical look at the products and practices that pledge to remedy today’s environmental woes. Reporting from a large-scale export-driven organic farm in Paraguay, a super low-energy “eco-village” in Germany’s Black Forest, biodiesel plantations in the slashed and burned rainforests of Borneo, and drought-plagued Southern India where trees are being planted to offset carbon emissions in the United States and Europe, Green Gone Wrong pieces together a global picture of what’s happening in the name of today’s environmentalism.

PRAISE FOR GREEN GONE WRONG

"Well written and exhaustively reported."
—The New York Times

"The climate crisis is far too urgent to squander another decade on false solutions. This carefully researched, deeply human, and eminently sensible investigation arrives just in the nick of time. Let's hope it inspires a radical course correction."
—Naomi Klein, author of The Shock Doctrine

"Heather Rogers reminds us with vivid examples that there's no way we can just subcontract our environmental conscience to the new breed of green marketers. We have a very narrow window to preserve some version of our planet, and we can't afford the kind of egregious mistakes this volume identifies with such precision. If it's too good to be true, it's not true--even if it comes with a shiny green wrapper."
—Bill McKibben, author Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet

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WESTERN MA SOCIALISM CONFERENCE:
THE REVOLUTIONARY IDEAS OF KARL MARX

Join the International Socialist Organization and other activists from around the area for a day of revolutionary politics! This public day school will offer an in-depth examination of marxism and its relevance for activists today. Guest speakers will provide introductions to each topic and will be followed with discussion.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30th
10am - 5pm
UMASS CAMPUS CENTER ROOM 163

RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108081655922148

Session 1:
Marx's Theory of Working Class Revolution
10am-12pm

We are usually taught that change is the prod- uct of enlightened, courageous minorities working on behalf of the grateful masses. Marx’s was a 180-degree change in approach. “All previous historical movements,” he wrote, “were movements of minorities, or in the interest of minorities. The proletarian movement is the self-conscious, independent movement of the immense majority, in the interest of the immense majority.”

Unlike the anti-democratic regimes of the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc, Karl Marx put working class at the center of his vision for a socialist society. He also explained how capitalism is prone to major crises and those very workers who make the system run are positioned to not just overthrow the capitalist system, but run society themselves, in the interests of all classes of oppressed and subjugated people.

Session 2:
Can the Working Class Unite?
12:30-2:30pm

Its hard to deny that workers today, are not very united. From the attacks on immigrant workers, the scapegoating of Arabs and Muslims, discrimination against LGBT people, and with racial profiling and police brutality a common feature of city life, there are many obstacles standing in the way of bringing workers together to fight for their common rights. Some have concluded that its not possible at all.

However, we believe that neither human nature nor the intelligence (or lack thereof) of workers is to blame. Capitalism divides the working class, based on sexual, gender, racial, national and other distinctions. The specially oppressed groups within the working class suffer the most under capitalism.

Glimpses of unity can be seen, from the election of the first black president in US history to the appearance of immigrant rights and LGBT rights movements in the past few years. Join us for a discussion on whether the working class can unite and how can we work now to make it a reality.

Session 3:
Marxism and Political Organization
2:45-4:45pm

When people in the United States think of political parties, they think chiefly, if not exclusively, of the Democratic and Republican Parties, and in relation to these, they see politics purely as tedious electoral campaigns and vacuous mudslinging between two organizations that represent a narrow band of interests.

This negative idea of political parties was at one time also reinforced by the experience of the Stalinized Communist Parties of the world--which were top-down, command-structured organizations that blindly supported Stalin’s bureaucratic state capitalism, which bore little or no resemblance to the socialism from below of Karl Marx.

Struggle changes consciousness, gives workers confidence in themselves and their ability to change things. In the process of fighting together with others who have not yet decided to become socialists, we are able not only to advance the struggle and win concessions, but we are able to win wider layers of people to the socialist project the fight for a world without exploitation or oppression.

To achieve socialism, the most militant workers must be organized into a revolutionary socialist party. Join us for a discussion on what kind of organization is needed to fight for a better world.

Sponsored by the International Socialist Organization

The Roots of Israeli-Apartheid

2010-10-14T13:39:00.001-04:00

THURSDAY * OCT. 21 * 7PM

UMASS CAMPUS CENTER ROOM #803

Co-sponsored by the Muslim Political Affairs Council

Despite a new round of "peace talks," the Israeli government continues to build settlements in West Bank, continues its illegal blockade of Gaza, and remains in flagrant violation of international law. To make matters worse, the Israeli cabinet recently approved a law that would require newly arriving non-Jewish residents to take a "loyalty oath" in return for citizenship.

However, this most recent violation of human rights is not an aberration- Israel was founded in 1948 through ethnic cleansing, and has relied on the support of the United States to pursue its policy of racist expansionism ever since.

But the international movement for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) is gaining momentum, as a new generation of activists rise to the challenge of confronting Israel's occupation and displacement of Palestinians. How does the BDS movement fit into the struggle for the liberation of Palestine? What role can activists living in the United States play?

Join the International Socialist Organization for a Marxist analysis of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

Check out recent Socialistworker.org coverage of the "peace talks":

http://socialistworker.org/2010/10/11/from-charade-to-sham

One Nation/Anti Budget Cuts Rally Reportbacks

2010-10-06T10:09:00.000-04:00

Thursday * Oct 7 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center 904

Join us! We will discuss the following:

1. Report back from the 10-2 One Nation Rally

2. Report back from the PHENOM rally at the statehouse

3. Update on the Revolutionary Ideas of Karl Marx day school:

The Right Turn in US Politics: How it happened and what we can do to stop it

2010-09-28T14:37:00.000-04:00

Thursday * September 30 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center Room 905

Less than 2 years after millions voted for "Hope and Change," the right wing is back and seemingly setting the terms of the debate in Washington.

Is the US becoming controlled by right-wing forces? If so, what can we do to stop them?

Are the views of the Tea Partiers representative of the country as a whole? If not, how do we mobilize the millions of people with left wing views?

Come engage in a discussion about the role of the political forces of today and what will their role continue to be. What is our responsibility in shaping the political future of the country and winning our demands for a more equal and just society?

Following a presentation of this issue, there will be discussion where anyone can raise questions, concerns, opinions, etc. Come get your voice heard!

How Do We Build the Fight We Need?

2010-09-20T09:16:00.001-04:00

Thursday * September 23 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center * Room 905

(1) Building the Fight We Need

To prepare, read the following article: http://socialistworker.org/2010/09/15/building-the-fight-we-need. We will talk about our mobilization for the October 2 "One Nation" march for Jobs, Justice, and Education for all, and how socialists and other activists can take advantage of the opportunities presented by this rally to put forward our solutions to the crisis for working people and students.

(2) Movement Organizing Breakouts

We will break out into groups for the various movements we are involved with, talk about politics, strategy, and tactics, and then report back to the group.

INTRO TO SOCIALISM

2010-09-15T13:50:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY * 9/16 * 7PM

UMASS CAMPUS CENTER 803

Come join the Amherst branch of the International Socialist Organization at UMass for this week's meeting.

The proposed agenda for the meeting will be presentations followed by discussions for the following:

1.) Introduction to the International Socialist Organization
http://www.internationalsocialist.org/pdfs/WhereWeStandPamphlet.pdf

http://www.internationalsocialist.org/pdfs/NewMembersPacket.pdf

2.) Radical book publisher, Haymarket Books
http://www.internationalsocialist.org/pdfs/NewMembersPacket.pdf

3.) Workshops Proposals for the CLPP Reproductive Rights Conference
http://clpp.hampshire.edu/

4.) Meaning of Marxism
http://socialistworker.org/Featured/MeaningOfMarxism.shtml
We hope to see you there! All are welcome. Socialist Worker newspaper, Haymarket Books, and the International Socialist Review will also be available before and after the discussions.

Movie Screening: Workers' Republic

2010-09-05T13:11:00.000-04:00

Thursday * September 9 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center #915

RSVP on Facebook.

Days before the winter holidays of 2008, the Republic Windows and Doors factory in Chicago announced to its workers that they would be closing its doors and leaving 260 people jobless. The factory's lender, Bank of America, decided to cut off finances, forcing the company's close.

Meanwhile, the factory's CEO, Richard Gillman, was plotting to relocate the factory from under the workers' feet to a cheaper location in Iowa.

When t...he workers caught wind of the corrupt actions taking place from the forces of power above them, they organized and took a stand. Their protests eventually led to a full-on factory occupation and sit-in. They demanded payment for hours worked, demanded the financial responsibilities of Bank of America, and demanded that the CEO be held accountable for his actions. With time, strong organization, and firm demands the workers had won.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Led by the UE union and supporting community members, the workers has made their demands known by taking matters into their own hands. Worker's Republic shows how struggle and fighting for the rights of the working class can overcome the oppression caused by the financial power forces. Aside from being an incredibly inspiring story of winning rights, this documentary shows the power within union organizing, striking, and raising your voices.

Check out http://www.workersrepublic.tv/ for more information about the movie and watch a trailer.

Come see this hour-long documentary sponsored by the Amherst branch of the International Socialist Organization. All are welcome-- invite your friends! Following the showing, there will be an open discussion to raise questions, make comments, or tell about your own experiences in workplace movements.

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO: A SOCIALIST PERSPECTIVE

2010-08-13T23:17:00.001-04:00

August 26th * 7PM

First Churches, downtown Northampton

RSVP on Facebook

"Eighteen percent of the women in Sweden have at one time been threatened by a man."

These are the opening words of Stieg Larsson's first book in the Millennium series that have now sold over 21 million copies world-wide

Violence against women is the theme that runs through the engrossing plot, raising questions about sexism in our society

Incidentally, a question is raised by the the title itself. While better known in the U.S. as "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" the original title was: "Men who Hate Women."

Thinking about this obvious blunting of the message of the original name tells us a lot about how rampant and ingrained sexism remains in our world.

Stieg Larsson's unexpected death has cut the series of bestselling books short. He should be remembered not only as a brilliant storyteller, but also a committed socialist, activist and journalist against the extreme right-wing of Sweden.

Yes, Larsson is a New York Times bestselling Trotskyist who dedicated his life to fighting against fascism and for a world free of oppression and exploitation.

Please join the International Socialist Organization in a special meeting to discuss the socialist perspective of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," its' message and its author.

*****WARNING*****

THIS MEETING WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS

Check out an article from Socialistworker.org on the trilogy, Thriller with a radical message.

Summer Study Series on the Fundamentals of Marxism

2010-07-30T11:32:00.001-04:00

Join the Amherst branch of the International Socialist Organization for a three part study series on the fundamentals of Marxism!
For Marxists, there is an indissoluble interrelation between ideas and what we do: theory and practice. The theory of Marxism draws upon the historical experience of the working-class movement; and that theory in turn informs our practice. Practice without theory is rudderless; theory without practice... is academics.
The purpose of this study group is to provide a grounding in some of the basic tenets of Marx and Engels's thought on historical materialism (Marx’s view of history and social change); on the economic structures of capitalism; and on the political and social dynamics of class struggle. Anyone can participate, but these are not introductory texts, so it is recommended that people familiarize themselves with some basics (listed in each section) before moving on to the main texts.

All of the main readings are available online, free of charge!

PART ONE - Historical Materialism: Thursday, July 15th from 7pm-9pm
First Churches, Main Street, Northampton, MA
Recommended prerequisites:
Paul D’Amato, Meaning of Marxism, Chapter 2 and 3
Phil Gasper, The German Ideology

Main reading:

Marx and Engels, Preface and First chapter of TheGerman Ideology (83 pages)
Marx and Engels, Theses on Feuerbach (3 pages)
Engel’s: Letter to J. Bloch: (2 pages)

PART TWO - Marx's Political Economy: Thursday, August 5th from 7pm-9pm
First Churches, Main Street, Northampton, MA

Recommended prerequisites:
Paul D’Amato, Meaning of Marxism: chapter 4, “How Capitalism Works and How it Doesn’t”
Phil Gasper, Marx’s Capital

Main Reading

Marx, Value, Price and Profit (43 pages)
Marx, Capital, Part VI: Primitive Accumulation (chapters 26, 27, 28, 30, 31,and 32) (55 pages)

PART THREE- The Politics of Social Classes and the Experience of the Paris Commune: Saturday, August 28th, from 12pm-4-pm
Engel’s introduction to Class Struggles in France (18 pages)
Marx’s Class Struggles in France (87 pages)

Engels’ preface to Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte (2 pages):
Marx, Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte (82 page):
Prerequisite: Elizabeth Lalasz, The Civil War in France

Marx, Civil War in France (45 pages)

Israeli Ship Blocked in Oakland (Discussion) & Organizing Meeting

2010-06-29T22:27:00.002-04:00

Thursday * July 1 * 7PM

Thornes Marketplace Basement
150 Main Street
Northampton, MA

This week we will discuss the inspiring victory in the international Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) movement in solidarity with Palestine, where activists picketed an Oakland dock, getting ILWU dockworkers to honor the picketline and refuse to unload an Israeli cargo ship in response to the recent attack on the Freedom Flotilla and against the continued oppression of the Palestinian people:

http://socialistworker.org/2010/06/28/israeli-ship-blocked-in-oakland

Also on the agenda is a report on Monday's rally in Boston against budget cuts, and a proposal for summer reading/discussion.

Bring your friends and allies!

Socialism 2010 Reportback

2010-06-24T12:58:00.000-04:00

Thursday * June 24 * 8PM

Media Education Foundation

60 Masonic Street

Northampton, MA

Come talk about your experiences at Socialism 2010 (or hear others'), and join the discussion of the next steps for socialists and activists in Western Mass!

Marxism & Oppression

2010-06-08T10:38:00.005-04:00

Thursday * June 10 * 7PM

Thornes Marketplace Basement

150 Main Street

Northampton, MA

Marxism is not just about ending exploitation, it's also about ending oppression: racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, sexism homophobia/transphobia, national oppression...all of that "muck of the ages," as Marx put it.

As the Marxist John Molyneaux wrote:

"The political aim of Marxism is the self- emancipation of the working class for which its unity, nationally and internationally, is essential. Marxists therefore have an absolute duty to combat all forms of structural and ideological oppression , such as racism, sexism and homophobia, which weaken or threaten that unity."

Check out "Marxism and Oppression," a workshop on the Marxist analysis of the roots of oppression and how to end it. This talk will also be offered as a workshop at the Socialism 2010 conference taking place in Chicago from June 17-20.

With so many amazing workshops to choose from(http://www.socialismconference.org/chicago/talks), check this out now so there is one last difficult decision to make at the conference.

The speaker, Gary Lapon is a frequent contributer to Socialistworker.org, and has written for Dissident Voice, Counterpunch, and the Rainbow Times. He is a member of the International Socialist Organization and an activist for LGBT civil rights with Equality Across America here in Western Mass.

What's It Going to Take to Free Palestine?

2010-06-01T22:29:00.003-04:00

Thursday * June 3 * 7PM

Media Education Foundation
60 Masonic St., Northampton, MA

(1) With the recent war crime committed by Israeli commandos against humanitarian aid activists attempting to bring much-needed assistance to a besieged, starving Gaza, the first section of our weekly meeting will highlight this atrocity, discuss organizing for a local emergency response, and place it in the context of the struggle for Palestinian Liberation.

Relevant talks on Palestine at the upcoming Socialism 2010 conference (http://socialismconference.org/) will also be highlighted.

To prepare, read:

http://socialistworker.org/2010/06/01/murder-on-the-high-seas
http://socialistworker.org/2010/06/01/protesting-an-act-of-barbarism
http://socialistworker.org/2010/06/01/get-on-the-boat

(2) An assessment of the recent protest against Arizona's anti-immigrant SB 1070 bill, and a discussion of next steps in organizing against this racist legislation.

(3) A report on Jason Vassell's recent and upcoming hearings, and the latest news on the struggle for Justice for Jason (http://justiceforjason.org/)

Socialism 2010/Immigrant Rights: ISO Weekly Meeting

2010-05-24T22:20:00.000-04:00

Thursday * May 27 * 7:30PM

UMass Campus Center Room 162

Check out the weekly meeting of the International Socialist Organization. We'll be discussing:

(1) "My favorite talk" from the Socialism 2010 conference: one talk will be highlighted: www.socialismconference.org

(2) Immigrant Rights Organizing: a report on the local struggle against the anti-immigrant SB 1070 law that legalizes racial profiling in Arizona

(3) Plans for education: get involved in upcoming study groups

BP Oil Spill * Weekly Meeting

2010-05-19T15:26:00.002-04:00

Thursday * May 20 * 7:30pm

UMass Campus Center 803

Check out the weekly meeting of the International Socialist Organization.

We'll be discussing:

1) The recent BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Reading:http://socialistworker.org/2010/05/17/nightmare-only-grows-worse http://socialistworker.org/2010/05/03/oil-catastrophe-in-the-gulf

2) Socialism 2010 Conference Update

http://socialismconference.org/

3) The LGBTQ civil rights movement, national situation and local struggles

Greece's Workers Revolt, & Org. Discussion

2010-05-13T10:28:00.001-04:00

Thursday * May 13 * 7:30PM

UMass Campus Center 903

Check out the ISO's weekly meeting!

We'll be discussing the ongoing struggle in Greece against cuts to social services, wages, and pensions, as well as general organizing issues!

To prepare, read:
http://socialistworker.org/2010/05/07/greeces-workers-revolt

ISO Weekly Meeting: Apartheid in Arizona, Budget Struggle at Hampshire

2010-05-06T16:25:00.002-04:00

Thursday * May 6 * 7:30PM

UMass Campus Center 903

Join the International Socialist Organization for our weekly meeting to discuss:

(1) The anti-immigrant SB 1070 legislation in Arizona and the fightback it has sparked

(2) The emerging struggle (currently an occupation of the administration building!) at Hampshire College against the construction of a new admissions office for $300,000 in the midst of tuition hikes

(3) The Socialism 2010 Conference

Howard Zinn's "The People Speak" Film Screening

2010-04-21T15:14:00.005-04:00

Join us for a screening of Howard Zinn's final project, the movie version of his "Voices of a People's History" tour:

Thursday * April 29 * 7:30PM

UMass Campus Center Room 163

You are invited to a special screening of

THE PEOPLE SPEAK

the documentary feature film produced by Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Chris Moore, Anthony Arnove, and Howard Zinn, about the radical traditions that have forged U.S. history.

Narrated by the late, acclaimed historian Howard Zinn, and based on his best selling books, A People's History of the United States and, with Anthony Arnove, Voices of A People's History, the film uses dramatic the letters, diaries, speeches, and music of everyday Americans who fought for equality and justice from the bottom up.

This film, which includes 20 minutes of never-before aired footage, is co-directed by Moore, Arnove and Zinn and features dramatic and musical performances by Allison Moorer, Benjamin Bratt, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Robinson, Christina Kirk, Danny Glover, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, David Strathairn, Don Cheadle, Eddie Vedder, Harris Yulin, Jasmine Guy, John Legend, Josh Brolin, Kathleen Chalfant, Kerry Washington, Lupe Fiasco, Marisa Tomei, Martín Espada, Matt Damon, Michael Ealy, Mike O'Malley, Morgan Freeman, P!nk, Q'orianka Kilcher, Reg E. Cathey, Rich Robinson, Rosario Dawson, Sandra Oh, Sean Penn, Staceyann Chin, and Viggo Mortensen.

The Los Angeles Times called THE PEOPLE SPEAK "striking, exhilarating...the performances are thrilling" and The Boston Globe said: "The documentary...works beautifully. Each passionate reading flows out of the previous one."

Admission is $5, $10 as a solidarity price. All proceeds will go towards registration and travel costs for local activists attending Socialism 2010. This national film tour going on throughout April is sponsored by the International Socialist Organization.

Proceeds benefit the Socialism 2010 Conferences, on June 17-20 in Chicago and July 1-4 in Oakland, Calif.

We Want Rebel Music * April 15 * 7:30PM

2010-03-31T14:14:00.004-04:00

THURSDAY * APRIL 15 * 7:30PM

UMass Campus Center * Room 904

We are told that music and politics have nothing to do with one another, that artists can only entertain and politicking is best left to the politicians. History is full of examples of musicians who dared to stand up and allied themselves with struggles against oppression and exploitation.

From Billie Holiday to the Clash, from Public Enemy to M.I.A., the evolution of music cannot be separated from the fight for liberation. What does this mean for us today in an era of economic crisis and inequality?

with Alexander Billet, music journalist and activist, contributor to Z Magazine, SocialistWorker.org, New Politics and the International Socialist Review.

Check out Alex's blog, Rebel Frequencies.

Student Struggle and the Fight for Socialism

2010-03-01T23:59:00.002-05:00

Thursday * March 4 * 7:30pm

UMass Campus Center Room TBA

All across the country, budget cuts are being implemented, putting the cost of public higher education out of reach for many students. The economic crisis is being used as an excuse: we are told that "there isn't enough money to go around." At the same time, Washington has shoveled 14 trillion dollars to Wall Street, and is continuing the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The fight back has begun. March 4th, Day of Action to Defend Public Education, represents a significant step forward. Students and workers in institutions of public education will stand up and make their voices heard.

But in order to challenge the priorities of this system, a political alternative is needed- one that puts human need before profit.

When the Walls of Segregation Toppled, with Brian Jones

2010-02-05T09:43:00.004-05:00

Fifty Years Since the Civil Rights Sit-ins

Tuesday, February 16, 7:30PM

UMass Campus Center #904

FEBRUARY 1, 1960 - When four students from A & T College sat down at a lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, they had no idea that their action would initiate the largest mass movement for civil rights in the twentieth century.

The sit-in movement kicked off a wave of civil rights actions that led to the destruction of Jim Crow segregation. In doing so, young people challenged not only white racists, but also established civil rights leaders and organizations.

BRIAN JONES is a teacher, actor, and activist. He is a columnist for SocialistWorker.org and is the author of a number of articles on the Civil Rights Movement, including:
#

#The sit-ins that ignited the movement

#When the walls of segregation toppled

Martin Luther King's last fight

Marxism and Human Liberation: Day School

2009-12-29T19:47:00.008-05:00

The Self-Emancipation of the Working Class and the Case for a Revolutionary Party

Saturday * February 6 * Noon to 6PM

UMass Campus Center #803

A mini-conference: local socialists and radicals will be reading the books below and then meeting to discuss an introduction to Marxism, featuring a talk by Ashley Smith, who is on the editorial board of the International Socialist Review (www.isreview.org)

The ultimate goal of Marxism is the liberation of humanity from all forms of exploitation and oppression through the creation of a classless society in which, as The Communist Manifesto famously puts it, “the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all.” The Manifesto outlined a strategy of class struggle to achieve this goal. The basic premise of this strategy, as Frederick Engels later wrote, was that “the emancipation of society must be the act of the working class itself.”

Please join us in this day school to collectively examine the lessons of working class struggle. Is socialism possible in the twenty-first century without a revolutionary party?

Readings (order these titles today to get started on the reading!):

V.I. Lenin, State and Revolution (New York: International Publishers), $5.
http://www.haymarketbooks.org/pb/State-and-Revolution
Lenin’s book is also available online at the Marxists Internet Archive:
http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/index.htm

John Molyneux, What is the Real Marxist Tradition? (Chicago: Haymarket Books, 2003). $7
http://www.haymarketbooks.org/pb/What-is-the-Real-Marxist-Tradition

Chris Harman, “Party and class,” and Duncan Hallas, “Towards a revolutionary socialist party.” In Tony Cliff and others, Party and Class (Chicago: Haymarket Books, 2003). $7
http://www.haymarketbooks.org/pb/Party-and-Class

Todd Chretien, “Lenin’s Theory of the Party,” International Socialist Review #56. Available online at http://www.isreview.org/issues/56/feat-lenin.shtml

Useful supplemental readings:

Shaun Harkin, “State and Revolution,” Socialist Worker, Issue 676, July 22, 2008:
http://socialistworker.org/2008/07/22/state-and-revolution

John Molyneux, “On party democracy,” International Socialism, Issue 124, October 2009:
http://www.isj.org.uk/index.php4?id=586&issue=124

"The People Speak" Premiere

2009-12-11T16:52:00.004-05:00

Sunday * December 13

7:30PM (movie starts at 8PM)

20 Lasell Avenue, Northampton (2nd floor)

Call 617-851-5354 for directions/rides

What better way to relax before finals than with a radical movie and delicious food?

Come join the Western Mass Branch of the International Socialist Organization in watching the premiere of the movie based off Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove's brilliant Voices of A People's History.

http://www.thepeoplespeak.com/

This is both a potluck and a fund-raiser, so food will be provided at 5 dollars for a plate (10 dollars solidarity) so bring a dish or some money.

Also, BYOB. We look forward to seeing you!

It's Obama's War Now

2009-12-06T20:28:00.005-05:00

Thursday * December 10 * 7:30PM

UMass Campus Center, Room 163

"In his prime-time speech on December 1, Obama followed through on a pledge to escalate the war in Afghanistan for a second time, announcing that he would send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops. When Obama took office, fewer than 50,000 U.S. soldiers were deployed to Afghanistan. He ordered an additional 21,000 troops there earlier this year. With the additional 30,000, he has doubled the U.S. presence." -- From Socialistworker.org

With unemployment topping 10% (nearly 20% if you include the underemployed and those who've given up looking for work), and state budget deficits leading to cuts in spending on essential services like health care and education, President Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan will pour an additional $30 billion per year into an unjust occupation.

As Afghan anti-war activist and outspoken supporter of women's rights Malalai Joya said:

"We want occupation forces out of Afghanistan as soon as possible. They must end this tragedy of the so-called war on terror, which is war on innocent civilians. In the last eight years, fewer than 2,000 Taliban have been killed, and more than 8,000 civilians by U.S. forces. The occupation forces are not protecting my people or women--they are doing more harm."

Bombs cannot bring democracy or liberation. It is now clear that both the Democrats and the Republicans are committed to the occupation of Afghanistan, no matter the cost, and that President Obama, despite campaign rhetoric about "hope" and "change," is committed to continuing the imperialist policies of the Bush administration.

Join us for a presentation on the roots of the US occupation of Afghanistan, why Obama is escalating the war, and what it will take to end it.

Sir! No Sir! Film Screening

2009-11-14T19:40:00.004-05:00

Join us for a screening of a film by David Zeiger:

Sir! No Sir!

The suppressed story of the GI movement to end the war in Vietnam

Thursday * November 19 * 7PM

UMass Campus Center * Room 903

with a discussion led by Professor Christian Appy, a reknowned scholar/author on the Vietnam War, in particular its impact on working class people.

Keep Your Rosaries Off My Ovaries

2009-11-10T09:58:00.005-05:00

The Socialist Case for Abortion Rights

Thursday * November 12 * 7:30PM

UMass Campus Center * Room 162-75

Nearly 80,000 women die from unsafe abortions each year in countries around the world where abortion is illegal/inaccessible, there are no abortion providers in over 80% of counties in the US, and the cost places a huge burden on low-income women seeking to terminate a pregnancy.

Even with the Democrats in office, abortion access is under attack: the version of health care reform that just passed the House bans subsidies for health insurance plans that cover abortion, which means that low-income women covered under the plan will be unable to afford an abortion.

And, there are currently more anti-abortion "Crisis Pregnancy Centers" that deceive and intimidate than there are abortion clinics...the former receive federal funding while the latter do not!

Abortion that is legal and accessible (and that means affordable!) is necessary for women to have control over there bodies. Without this control, women cannot be equals in our society, which is why socialists stand for "free abortion on demand." We think the only person who should have a say in whether or not a woman gets an abortion is that woman herself!

Join the International Socialist Organization for a meeting on reproductive justice. It's time we stand up and say enough is enough! NOT THE CHURCH NOT THE STATE, WILL DECIDE A WOMAN'S FATE!

Report back from the Northeast Socialist Conference! * Thu * 10/29 * 7:30PM

2009-10-28T18:45:00.001-04:00

Report back from the

Northeast Socialist Conference

THURSDAY, OCT. 29
UMASS CAMPUS CENTER
ROOM 903
7:30PM

The Northeast Conference, attended by 42 people from Western Mass. and a total of over 700 people from across the Northeast, was only the beginning...Join the International Socialist Organization's weekly meeting to have a discussion about everyone's exciting weekend of revolutionary politics.

There is also still an open question on the table: what we should do locally to build the left and a revolutionary organization?

Crisis and Resistance: Building a Socialist Alternative

2009-10-19T11:08:00.001-04:00

Join Anthony Arnove, Paul D’Amato, Sam Farber, Laura Flanders, Arun Gupta, Frances Fox-Piven, Robert Gangi, Lawrence Hayes, Marvin Holland, Brian Jones, Miguel Luna, Alan Maass, Fred Magdoff, Mahmood Mamdani, Manning Marable, Scott McLemee, Paul LeBlanc, Jeffrey Perry, John Riddell, Jen Roesch, Heather Rogers, Jeremy Scahill, Helen Scott, Ahmed Shawki, Liliana Segura, Ashley Smith, Dave Zirin and dozens more speakers and hundreds more participants at...

Crisis and Resistance: Building a Socialist Alternative

Northeast Socialist Conference

October 24-25, 2009

New York City

Columbia University

(see below for full location, schedule and registration information)www.northeastsocialistconference.net

Capitalism isn’t working. Socialism is the alternative: a world based on human need rather than profit and controlled by the vast majority rather than a tiny rich minority. But to win this world, we need struggle and action by our side. Every year hundreds of activists and socialists gather at the Northeast Socialist Conference to debate and discuss the struggles before us as well as an analysis of the urgent problems we face and a vision for a different future. With the free-market consensus in tatters and an open debate beginning about how best to organize our society, these discussions are more vital than ever.

Discussions will include reports and strategizing from today’s front-line battles. There will also be workshops on the history of radical labor and socialist movements; alternatives to capitalism; US imperialism and solidarity movements around the world.

With nearly 50 workshops to choose from, these are just some of the topics that will be featured:

*The New Movement for LGBT Equality*Sports and Sexuality: Fighting for a Level Playing Field*The Global Food Crisis*Where is the Economy Headed?*Guantanamo at Home*Resistance and Solidarity: Eyewitness from Gaza*Poor People’s Movements*A People’s Guide to the Healthcare Debate*What Would Socialism Look Like?*Social Unionism: Putting the Movement Back in the Labor Movement*Hubert Harrison: Voice of Harlem Radicalism*What Would a Sustainable Society Look Like?*Occupation Rebranded: US Imperialism in the Obama Era*Reform and Revolution*Malcolm X*What a Sustainable Society Could Look Like*Racism, Sentencing and the Prison System*The Assault on Abortion Rights*Another Brick in the Wall: Education under Capitalism vs Socialism*The Russian Revolution and Its Significance Today*Media as Weapon: Speaking Truth to Power*Report-Back from Honduras*Student Struggle and the Fight for Socialism*The Communist Women’s Movement in the Comintern Era*The History of the ISO and dozens more

For a full list of speakers and workshops, and to register, see our website at: www.northeastsocialistconference.net

Arrange registration, travel, and carpooling with local members of the International Socialist Organization in Western Mass.: contact@isonoho.org

Registration: $20 weekend; $15 low-income/student; $10 single dayRegistration online, through a local ISO branch or at the conference

National Equality March Report/ Northeast Socialist Conference Prep * Oct. 15 * 7:15pm

2009-10-14T21:54:00.003-04:00

National Equality March Report-back
&
Northeast Socialist Conference Preparation

ISO Office, UMass Student Union 420a

Thursday * Oct 15 * 7:15pm

On October 11, 2009, over 150 students and other activists from all 5 Colleges and Western Massachusetts joined hundreds of thousands of others as we marched on Washington, DC to demand FULL EQUALITY for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states NOW.

Several members of the International Socialist Organization were there. Join us to talk about the march, share your experiences if you went, and talk about the next steps for our movement.

On October 24-25, local members of the ISO and our allies will be travelling to New York City for the Northeast Socialist Conference.

Every year hundreds of activists and socialists gather at the Northeast Socialist Conference to debate and discuss the struggles before us. The world faces urgent problems and need a vision for a different future. With the free-market consensus in tatters and an open debate beginning about how best to organize our society, these discussions are more vital than ever.

Join us to talk about why you should go, and make sure to bring your registration money ($20, $15 student/low-income) and money for a bed in a hostel if you need a place to stay ($38). This is one event you DO NOT WANT TO MISS!!!

Organize with the Socialists * Thu * Oct. 8 * 7:30pm

2009-10-07T23:03:00.002-04:00

Organize With The Socialists

Thursday * October 8 * 7:30PM

UMass Campus Center Room #905 (9th Floor)

Join the International Socialist Organization as we talk about our involvement in the struggle for LGBT civil rights, how to build a revolutionary socialist movement today, and why you and every socialist, activist, and radical in the Northeast should be at the Northeast Socialist Conference in New York City on October 24-25 (details below).

We hope to see you there!

Socialism: What It Is & Why We Need It * Thu * Oct. 1 * 7:30pm

2009-09-22T12:31:00.003-04:00

Socialism: What It Is and Why We Need It

What: The International Socialist Organization's Fall Kick-off Meeting

When: Thursday, October 1, 7:30pm

Where: UMass-Amherst Campus Center, Room 917

The word “socialism” has returned to the mainstream ofAmerican political debate. But there are widespread mis-conceptions about what socialism is—and what it isn’t.Republicans fret that the U.S. is fast becoming a socialistcountry—with government spending on bank bailouts andBarack Obama’s proposed health care reform.

But the genuine tradition of “socialism from below”means something more than state intervention inthe economy. Socialism is really about the struggle to oppose discrimination in all its forms and to put the needsof working people before corporate profits.

Come to this meeting to discuss the idea of socialism—and socialist strategies for changing the world.
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The International Socialist Organization has branches across the country. Our members are involved in helping to build a number of struggles: the movement for rull LGBT civil rights, organizing to stop the wars on Iraq and Afghanistan, fights against racism and anti-immigrant scapegoating, the struggle for women's rights like the right to choose abortion, and standing up for workers' rights. We are committed to building a left alternative to a world of war, racism and poverty.

Sherry Wolf on "Sexuality and Socialism": Thu * 9/17 * 7:30pm

2009-09-11T15:14:00.004-04:00

national speaking tour with author/activist

SHERRY WOLF

SEXUALITY AND SOCIALISM:

the struggle for LGBT liberation

Thursday * September 17 * 7:30pm

Bowker Auditorium in Stockbridge Hall

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

********************************************************

SHERRY WOLF is author of Sexuality and Socialism: History, Politics & Theory of LGBT Liberation, associate editor of the International Socialist Review, and member of the National Equality March Steering Committee.

********************************************************

COME TO A PUBLIC FORUM to discuss the history, politics and theory of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender oppression and how we can fight to end it.

And find out how you can GET INVOLVED in mobilizing for the National Equality March on Washington, D.C., on October 11, 2009.

Get the facts! Read the book! Go to the March!

for details on the local march mobilization,visit equalitywmass.blogspot.com

SPONSORED NATIONALLY BY HAYMARKET BOOKS

www.haymarketbooks.org

Local event co-sponsored by:

The International Socialist Organization: Amherst/Northampton

The Rainbow Times: www.therainbowtimesmass.com

Fall Organizing Meeting, Thu. 9/10

2009-09-09T22:12:00.001-04:00

Check out this week's meeting of the International Socialist Organization as we discuss our fall plans!

Thursday, September 10, 7:30pm

UMass Campus Center 917

The Road to Socialism is Paved with Pizza * Sun. * 9/6 * 6pm

2009-09-04T19:47:00.003-04:00

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 6PM
ISO OFFICE
UMASS STUDENT UNION 423a

Come out and join the International Socialist Organization for pizza and politics. Bring your friends, comrades, room mates and questions!

If you enjoy social justice, this is the perfect pizza party for you!

Our Lives At Risk: The Struggle for Universal Health Care * Thurs * 8/27 * 7pm

2009-08-21T14:05:00.006-04:00

Thursday * August 27 * 7pm

UMass Campus Center Room 905-909

What's at Stake in the Health Care Debate?

For the almost 50 million uninsured Americans and many more under-insured, one thing is clear: we desperately need health care reform in this country. The United States is the richest, most powerful country in the world, yet citizens pay more and receive less care than in any other industrialized country.

The mainstream media is in a frenzy around the town hall meetings that have seen the mobilization of the racist, pro-business right wing and its opposition to socialized medicine. Paradoxically, polls show that almost 60 percent of Americans support a nationalized, single-payer health care plan.

While the behavior of the right has been consuming much of the discussion health care, it is obscuring the fact that Obama's proposed health care plan falls short of meeting people's health care needs. We need to refocus the debate around health care. Nothing short of a mass movement demanding that the insurance parasites stop getting in the middle of patients and doctors will win us real health care reform. Such a reform would be a huge blow to racism and sexism and would improve the lives of tens of millions.

Join the Amherst Branch of the International Socialist Organization in a discussion on what kind of health care we need and what it will take to win it.

Contact ntylim@gmail.com with questions of for more information

The Fight to Save James Hickman * Thu 8/13 * 7pm

2009-08-10T10:47:00.006-04:00

Join the ISO for a discussion of Joe Allen's article “A previously unknown individual”:

The fight to save James Hickman, who killed his landlord in 1947 after four of his children died in a tenement fire.

Thursday * August 13 *7PM

Media Education Foundation

60 Masonic Street, Northampton (Behind Woodstar, on left)

The article is in the most recent issue (#66) of the International Socialist Review. Please contact us to get a copy, or check with your local newsstand (Barnes & Noble carries the ISR as well).

James Hickman and the radicals, socialists, and other activists who came to his defense, have largely been forgotten by history. Joe Allen's article unearths an important example of what is possible in the face of racism and repression, and holds lessons and inspiration for those struggling against racism and oppression today.

Photo credits: Frank Fried

ISO Meeting, Thu * Aug 6 * 7pm

2009-08-04T13:20:00.003-04:00

Join the International Socialist Organization for our weekly meeting.

Agenda

1. The first 6 months of the Obama regime. Reading:

http://socialistworker.org/2009/08/03/excuses-for-health-care-non-reform

http://socialistworker.org/2009/07/30/making-the-patient-sicker

2. Plans for LGBT organizing

Thursday, August 6, 7pm

Media Education Foundation
60 Masonic Street
Northampton, MA

Movie Night! Thu * 7/30 * 7pm

2009-07-28T15:30:00.003-04:00

This week the ISO is having a laid-back movie night. Bring some snacks and/or beverages and a movie (if you have something you'd recommend), and we can pick something out to watch.

Thursday * July 30 * 7pm

Gary's place
20 Lasell Avenue (2nd floor)
Northampton, MA

call 617-851-5354 for directions

The Political Economy of the Service Industry, Mon * 7/27 * 10:30pm

2009-07-17T14:47:00.006-04:00

Monday, July 27th at 10:30 p.m

Media Education Foundation, (behind Woodstar Cafe on Masonic Street)

We are currently in the midst of the gravest international crisis of capitalism since the 1930s. Millions have lost their homes, and millions more have lost their jobs. What does this new turbulent era mean for workers employed in the service industry, who are all too often deprived of healthcare, sufficient hours, and the right to organize?

Join the Amherst-Northampton branch of the International Socialist Organization for a discussion of the immense importance of service workers in today’s economy. Spread the word!

For more info, call Natalia at 917-375-1330 or Michael at 413-552-8737

Latin America in the Age of Chavez, Thu * July 16 *7pm

2009-07-15T12:51:00.005-04:00

Thursday * July 15 * 7pm

UMass-Amherst Campus Center #803

Join the ISO for a discussion of the following articles on the developments in Latin America of the past few years, particularly the rise of leaders like Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Evo Morales of Bolivia, who have challenged the dominance of the "Washington Consensus" in Latin America. Chavez, in particular, states he is building "Socialism for the 21st Century."

Many supporters of socialism, and more broadly social and economic justice and labor, have different views as to the nature of these new regimes, and whether to support them fully, offer critical support, or dismiss them. These are important questions that should make for a lively discussion and debate, which holds a special importance for those struggling against imperialism in the belly of the beast!

These articles are from the International Socialist Review archives:

ISR #46 (March-April 2006)
http://www.isreview.org/issues/46/Chomsky.shtml
http://www.isreview.org/issues/46/venezuela.shtml
http://www.isreview.org/issues/46/morales.shtml

ISR #54 (July-August 2007)
http://www.isreview.org/issues/54/venezuela.shtml

Coup In Honduras, Thu * July 9 * 7pm

2009-07-07T22:11:00.006-04:00

Coup and Resistance in Honduras

Thursday, July 9, 7pm

Media Education Foundation

60 Masonic Street, Northampton, MA

A little over a week ago, a military coup overthrew democratically-elected President Zelaya in Honduras. Since then the Honduran people have waged a heroic struggle for democracy in the face of severe repression, with teachers on strike, activists shutting down roads across the country, and protests continuing after military forces killed at least 2, wounded others and arrested 600 on Sunday.

Come to a meeting of the International Socialist Organization as we discuss the events surrounding the coup and what it means for those struggling for social justice in the United States.

Readings from Socialist Worker:
http://socialistworker.org/2009/07/08/battle-against-the-coup-makers
http://socialistworker.org/2009/07/07/how-the-media-sees-honduras

http://socialistworker.org/2009/07/02/us-friends-carry-out-coup

http://socialistworker.org/2009/06/29/coup-in-honduras

Iran: Between Revolt and Repression * 7/2 * 7pm

2009-06-26T20:41:00.001-04:00

Join Us for a Meeting and Discussion

7PM Thursday, July 2

UMass Campus Center Room 803

Hundreds of thousands of Iranian workers, students, and activists took to the streets in the days following a rigged election which saw Mahmoud Ahmadinejad returned to power. While the ruling regime has recently intensified its bloody crackdown against demonstrators, Iranian “people power” has not been defeated; trade unionists, women’s rights activists, and masses of ordinary Iranians have vowed to continue the struggle for justice in their country.

This great outpouring recalled the 1979 revolution that toppled the Shah of Iran, the hated U.S.-backed dictator. Many protesters revived the anti-Shah chant, "Down with the dictator." Video and photos of the great mobilization inspired people around the world who support democracy and social justice--and set off alarm bells for despots in the Middle East. The Iranian protests began over a stolen presidential election, but their increasing size and intensity raises the possibility of revolutionary change in Iran and beyond.

Join us as we discuss the popular upheaval in Iran--from a socialist perspective.

The "S" Word (Socialism) Is Back!, Thu * 6/4 * 7pm

2009-05-29T17:57:00.004-04:00

Thursday * June 4 * 7PM

Media Education Foundation
60 Masonic St. * Northampton
(Behind Woodstar Cafe)

The world economic crisis has shattered the free-market consensus that dominated politics for the last generation. Meanwhile, the end of the conservative era and the election of the first African American president have raised expectations among working people that long overdue change is at hand. With capitalism in crisis, the idea of socialism is back on the table and even some in the mainstream media are admitting that Karl Marx was right.

How do we succeed in getting the change that we need? How can we win a world based on human need and not corporate greed? What kind of organization do we need? WHAT IS SOCIALISM?

Prop 8 Day of Decision

2009-05-25T12:28:00.001-04:00

Come Celebrate or Protest the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8

Part of a National Day of Action Demanding Universal Marriage Equality Now!

City Hall, Downtown Northampton

Tuesday, May 26th

7pm

Marriage is a civil right. Nationally the fight for same sex marriage is gaining ground. We must struggle to ensure that full legal, marriage rights for same sex couples spreads to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and that the homophobic Defense of Marriage Act is repealed.

The California Supreme Court will announce its decision on Proposition 8, the proposition that in November de-legalized same sex marriage, Tuesday, May 26th. If it follows past practice, the court will make its announcement at about 10 AM Pacific Time (1 PM, Eastern / 12 noon Central).
Depending on what the court decides, we will either CELEBRATE OR PROTEST!

We will PROTEST if:
-- The court upholds Prop 8, and invalidates the 18,000 same-sex marriage licenses that California already issued;
or,
-- The court upholds Prop 8, but upholds the 18,000 same-sex marriages already performed, which would be a cruel, but pyrrhic victory for equality.

We will CELEBRATE if:
-- The court rejects Proposition 8 and says that same-sex couples are entitled to the marriage rights that heterosexual couples already have.

So call, email, Facebook, Twitter your friends – NATIONAL DAY OF DECISION actions are TUESDAY NIGHT!

These actions are taking place nationwide in over 77 U.S. cities and 19 states plus the District of Columbia.

UNIVERSAL MARRIAGE EQUALITY NOW!!!!

Contact ntylim@gmail.com with questions or for more information

Harlan County USA Film Screening, Thu. 5/21, 7pm

2009-05-18T16:54:00.006-04:00

Thursday, May 21, 7pm

UMass Campus Center 803

Check out a screening of "Harlan County U.S.A.," an engrossing and inspiring documentary of a coal miners' strike against the Brookside Mine of the Eastover Mining Company in Harlan County, Kentucky in June, 1973.

The filmmakers give unparalleled insight into the strike, showing footage from the picket lines, union meetings, and even gun battles as strikers are shot at by company thugs.

This movie deals with issues such as class struggle, solidarity, and overcoming sexism. It provides a rare glimpse into the lives of working class people in the US South as they stand up for their rights, and holds special relevance today as organizing the largely non-union South is vital to rebuilding the labor movement.

ISO Meeting, Thu. 5/14, 7pm

2009-05-14T00:28:00.002-04:00

Check out a meeting of the ISO:

What's Behind the NAFTA ("Swine") Flu?

Thursday, May 14, 7pm
UMass Campus Center 911

We'll be discussing the following two articles:

http://socialistworker.org/2009/05/08/dangerous-to-your-health

http://socialistworker.org/2009/05/01/the-nafta-flu

as well as the upcoming Socialism 2009 conference!

Black Liberation & Socialism, 5/7, 7pm

2009-05-03T21:34:00.002-04:00

Thursday, May 7, 7pm

UMass Campus Center Room #101

Join us for a presentation and discussion of Ahmed Shawki's book "Black Liberation & Socialism."

“Black Liberation and Socialism is a brilliant examination of the intersection of race and class in the United States. Shawki's rich historical analyses come with powerful theoretical insights into the relationship between anti-racist struggles and the fight for a liberated future for all. This book is essential reading for students of African-American history and for activists involved in the struggle against racism today.”

--Nagesh Rao, Assistant Professor of Postcolonial Studies, The College of New Jersey

The Unapologetic Case for Abortion Rights, Thurs. 4/30, 5pm

2009-04-28T19:54:00.002-04:00

UMass Campus Center Room # 803

Thursday, April 30, 5pm

As socialists, it is the ISO's position that a prerequisite for women's equality is the ability to control their bodies, and that requires the availability of "free abortion on demand, no apologies." Today, abortion rights have been greatly eroded and are under siege. Come listen to why socialists support abortion rights and participate in a discussion on how to build a rejuvenated movement for women's liberation!

Standing Up to Starbucks!, Thu. 4/23, 7pm

2009-04-23T00:04:00.001-04:00

Standing Up to Starbucks!

Check out this week's meeting of the International Socialist Organization.

Thursday, April 23, 7pm

UMass Campus Center Room # 917

We will be discussing the following article from Socialist Worker: http://socialistworker.org/2009/04/17/standing-up-to-starbucks which includes an interview with an organizer of Starbucks workers. The IWW has taken a lead in organizing Starbucks workers in a return to grassroots rank-and-file workers' power organizing that holds important lessons for the labor movement!

We will also be discussing a response to anti-abortion and homophobic bigot Mike Adams who will be coming to UMass next week.

Finally, we will discuss organizing for the Socialism 2009 conference.

ISO Meeting, Thu., 4/16, 7pm

2009-04-14T22:22:00.003-04:00

Check out our next meeting and celebrate the recent Iowa and Vermont gay marriage victories!

Thursday, April 16, 7pm

UMass Campus Center 911-15

Our agenda will be:

1. Vermont and Iowa better put a ring on it: victory for LGBT marriage!

http://socialistworker.org/2009/04/10/Vermont-equal-marriage

http://socialistworker.org/2009/04/07/gay-marriage-ban-overturned

2. Organizing for Socialism 2009:

http://socialismconference.org/

3. Anti-War Report

4. Upcoming events (clear your calendars!)

"What Is To Be Done?" Discussion, Thu. 4/9, 7pm

2009-04-07T13:35:00.009-04:00

Thursday, April 9, 7pm

UMass Campus Center #905

Join us for a discussion of Russian revolutionary V.I. Lenin's classic "What Is To Be Done?: Burning Questions for Our Movement," a polemical work on the question of what type of organization revolutionary socialists should build in early 20th century Russia. The party that Lenin advocated and was instrumental in organizing ended up leading the world's only revolution where the working class successfully took power.

For this reason, WITDB holds important lessons for those seeking to build a revolutionary organization today.

Read, bring questions, thoughts, and disagreements, and join the discussion!

"What Is To Be Done" can be found online here.

Supplementary reading from the International Socialist Review:

1. http://www.isreview.org/issues/60/feat-leninmyth.shtml

Great article by Paul D'amato on the argument that WITBD is "elitist"

2.http://www.isreview.org/issues/56/feat-lenin.shtml

Useful introduction by Todd Chretien on Lenin's idea of the party

3.http://www.isreview.org/issues/50/organization.shtml

By Ahmed Shawki- takes on the question of the kind of organization Socialists need

4.http://www.isreview.org/issues/33/bolshevism.shtml

Useful introduction to the birth of our tradition.

ISO Meeting, Thurs. 4/2, 7pm

2009-03-31T16:11:00.003-04:00

We'll be meeting in UMass Campus Center Room #903

We will be discussing the following articles from Socialist Worker:

http://socialistworker.org/2009/03/17/behind-popular-victory-pakista
http://socialistworker.org/2009/03/20/afghanistan-escalating-war

as well as the upcoming Socialism 2009 conference: www.socialismconference.org

ISO Meeting, Thu., 3/26, 7pm

2009-03-24T18:48:00.003-04:00

Bailout the people, not the banks!

Join a meeting of the International Socialist Organization:

UMass Campus Center, Room 803

We will be discussing the following two articles from Socialist Worker about the bank bailout:

http://socialistworker.org/2009/03/23/secretary-of-thievery

http://socialistworker.org/2009/03/18/aigreed

We will also be talking about the upcoming Socialism 2009 Conference, a key next step for the Left:
http://socialismconference.org/

See you then!

Radical Used Book Sale, 3/23 & 3/24

2009-03-23T18:09:00.000-04:00

Radical Used Book Sale!

This Monday and Tuesday in the UMass Campus Center

9am - 3pm
Stop by the table and browse through books on Women's Rights, Anti-War, Fighting Racism, History, Political Theory, Radical and Revolutionary Histories and Theory and other topics!
Also left/radical buttons and t-shirts

Featuring titles such as:

How Capitalism Underdeveloped Black America by Manning Marable
A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Y. Davis
Bush in Babylon by Tariq Ali
Road from ar Ramadi: The Private Rebellion of Staff Sergeant Camilo Mejia by Camilo Mejia
Sin Patrón: Stories from Argentina's Worker-Run Factories by the Lavaca Collective

This is a fund raiser for the UMass International Socialist Organization

ISO Meeting, Thurs, 3/19, 7pm

2009-03-13T16:58:00.004-04:00

Join the ISO for a meeting at the UMass Campus Center, Room 162-75

We will be discussing the following articles on Palestine:

http://www.isreview.org/issues/64/gasper-onestate.shtml

http://www.isreview.org/issues/64/feat-gaza.shtml

Be sure to get your ticket ASAP to protest the occupation of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine on March 21:

*********PLEASE FORWARD AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE!*********

Join the Western Mass. Contingent to D.C. to take part in the first national antiwar demonstration in over two years.

March 21st, 2009

Come protest the unjust and illegal occupations of Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine! Demand that the trillions spent on war should be going towards jobs, education and health care in these times of economic crisis! Be part of a growing national movement that is refusing to accept the continuing suffering of the Iraqi people, the troop surges in Afghanistan and Israel's suffocating of Palestine! Buses will be leaving from Haggis Mall at UMass the night of March 20th and returning late on the 21st.

Tickets are $50, sliding scale. Please consider paying more in solidarity so that people who may need scholarship funds will be able to get on the buses too.Please contact Natalia to reserve your seat at ntylim@gmail.com or 917.375.1330

For more information on this demonstration visit: http://www.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=m21_homepage

Marx is Back! Thurs., March 12, 7pm

2009-03-06T21:25:00.003-05:00

Thursday, March 12, 7pm

UMass Campus Center #162-75

Featuring Mark Clinton, distinguished Holyoke Community College professor of Political Science and long-time fighter for Social Justice.

They said that Marx was dead. Then came endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Then came the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Now, Marx's ideas seem to explain the world a lot better than what you see on Fox News.

But Marx also predicted that the inequalities of capitalism would give rise to resistance. And we've only just begun to see the emergence of a new generation of struggles, from the protests for immigrant rights, to the factory occupations of workers in Chicago, to the massive outpouring of solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine.

Socialists believe that these struggles can be joined to fight for a different type of society. Come to a discussion of Marx's ideas and how they apply to today. As Marx himself said, "philosophors have only interpreted the world, the point is to change it!"

Check out these recent articles on Marx at Socialistworker.org:
http://socialistworker.org/series/marx-is-back
http://socialistworker.org/2009/03/09/marx-was-right-after-all

Building a Vibrant Local Antiwar Movement, Thurs. 3/5, 7pm

2009-03-03T22:13:00.002-05:00

The International Socialist Organization is meeting this week to
discuss the next steps for building a vibrant anti-war movement in
Western Massachusetts, as well as the ongoing fight to win justice for
Jason Vassel. We will also be looking at the hidden history of
International Women's Day, which is March 8th. Invite friends and
allies!

Room 163 C at the UMASS Campus Center @ 7pm on Thursday 3/5

Save the Date: March 21st- All out to Washington D.C to protest the
occupations of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine! The ISO is working in
conjunction with the Campus Anti-War Network to bring a kickass
Western Mass. contingent down to D.C. We are organizing buses, so if
you are interested in going contact Natalia at ntylim@gmail.com.

The State and Revolution, Thurs., Feb. 26, 6pm

2009-02-17T14:43:00.007-05:00

Check out a meeting of the International Socialist Organization:

Discussion of "The State and Revolution" by VI Lenin

Thursday, Feb. 26, 6pm

UMass: MEET IN THE ISO OFFICE, 423a in the STUDENT UNION, 6pm

Join us for a discussion of "The State and Revolution," by Russian revolutionary V.I. Lenin, a classic text written between the February and October revolutions in Russia in 1917. "The State and Revolution" provides a clear, concise, and engaging overview of the Marxist view of the state and what it will take to create a new society based on human need. It was meant as a tool for working class revolution in Russia in 1917, a time of class struggle at the highest level, and holds important lessons for those seeking to transform society today.

For more info, email us at contact@isonoho.org. You can also buy a copy at Amazon or read it online here: http://www.marx.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/index.htm

"Salt of the Earth", Thurs, Feb. 12, 7pm

2009-02-06T18:13:00.004-05:00

Movie Night: "Salt of the Earth"

Thursday, Feb. 12, 7pm
UMass Campus Center Room 163C
Check out the inspiring film, based on an actual strike at the Empire Zinc Mine in New Mexico, about the struggle of miners to overcome sexism and anti-Latino racism to stand up for their rights and win. Proudly on the side of those struggling against exploitation, sexism, and racism, "Salt of the Earth" was made by a Blacklisted crew in the 1950s at the height of McCarthyism. This film was written, directed and produced by members of the original "Hollywood Ten," who were blacklisted for refusing to answer Congressional inquiries on First Amendment grounds.

The Case for Socialism, Thurs. Feb. 5, 7pm

2009-01-30T19:15:00.005-05:00

The Case For Socialism.

Thursday, February 5, 7pm

UMass-Amherst Campus Center, Room #904-08

SOCIALISM is based on the idea that we should use the vast resources of society to meet people’s needs. If people are hungry, they should be fed; if people are homeless, we should build homes for them; if people are sick, the best medical care should be available to them. Socialism would take the wealth of the rich and use it to meet the basic needs of all society.

Instead of that kind of society, we have been through years of war for oil and empire, decades of rollbacks on workers’ wages and living-standards, attacks on civil rights and women’s rights, cuts in health-care, and more.

On top of this, the growing economic crisis—foreclosures, food and fuel inflation, and increasing unemployment—are calling into question the ability of the system as it is currently set-up to function at all.

Come to this forum to discuss how we can organize a society without war and racism, a society based on human need instead of corporate greed!

Organizing Meeting, Thurs., Jan. 29, 7pm

2009-01-21T22:05:00.003-05:00

Organizing Meeting

Thursday, January 29, 7pm
UMass Campus Center #165-69

Join us as we plan our upcoming events in Western Massachusetts, including Case for Socialism meetings and a visit by Haymarket author Ahmed Shawki to discuss his book "Black Liberation and Socialism"!

Check back here for more info on the meeting.

Free Gaza Now!, Thurs., Jan 15, 7pm

2009-01-10T21:12:00.004-05:00

FREE GAZA NOW!

Stop Israel's Slaughter

Thursday, January 15, 7pm
UMass Campus Center #803

IN GAZA, the enforced starvation and denial of humanitarian aid, the piracy of life-giving resources such as fuel and water, the denial of medicines and treatment, the systematic destruction of infrastructure and the killing and maiming of the civilian population, 50 percent of whom are children, meet the international standard of the Genocide Convention.

"Is it an irresponsible overstatement," asked Richard Falk, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and international law authority at Princeton University, "to associate the treatment of Palestinians with this criminalized Nazi record of collective atrocity? I think not."

Hundreds of thousands of people, from the Middle East to Washington, DC to 400 this past Saturday in Amherst, have protested Israel's bombing of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the support and complicity of the US government, which funds and support the ongoing slaughter and strangulation of Gaza. Come to a meeting to discuss the situation and how we can build an anti-war movement to stop it.

Marriage is a Civil Right!, Thurs. Jan 8, 7pm

2008-12-22T20:52:00.006-05:00

Marriage is a Civil Right!

Join the Struggle for LGBT Liberation!

Thursday, January 8, 2009, 7pm

Media Education Foundation
60 Masonic Street, Northampton

In the wake of the passage of Proposition 8 in California in the past election, which took away the recently-won right to gay marriage, hundreds of thousands of LGBT people and their allies took to the streets across the country, including 500 in Northampton. Their demand: marriage is a civil right!

This has turned into a grassroots movement that is building momentum, rejecting top-down lobbying in favor of bottom-up, protesting in the streets tactics. Many protesters said they were "sick of asking for my rights," so now we're demanding them!

This meeting has 3 main purposes:
(1) Making the case for supporting equal marriage rights for ALL, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, and how it fits within the broader struggle for LGBT liberation.

(2) There will be a discussion period for us all to discuss what's happened so far, and how we can move forward and work together in the struggle against oppression.

(3) We can organize carpooling to Boston for the PROTEST against the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act, which is on Jan. 10 from 1:30 to 4pm in City Hall Plaza, part of a national day of protest (info at www.jointheimpactma.com).

We hope you will join us for a discussion in these exciting times for activism!

Red Holiday Party(!), 12/18, 6-9pm

2008-12-13T15:17:00.004-05:00

HOLIDAY PARTY WITH THE SOCIALISTS!

Thursday, Dec. 18, 6-9pm

Natalia and Katia's apartment, 2 Belanger Place, Apartment F (top floor), Northampton, MA
call 917-375-1330 if you're lost.

Join us for food, drink, and good times to celebrate the end of the year and whatever other holidays you observe. This is a casual event, so bring something you'd like to share, such as a passage from a book, speech, poem, song, etc.

This is going to be a POT-LUCK party, so bring some food and a donation to the Center For Economic Research and Social Change, publisher of Haymarket Books and the International Socialist Review for the on-going fund drive!

The Roots of LGBT Oppression and the Struggle for Gay Marriage, 12/11

2008-12-06T15:28:00.009-05:00

Thursday, December 11, 7pm

UMass Campus Center, Room 905

Join us for a political discussion of the roots of the oppression faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people, how activists have and are fighting against it, and why as socialists we are committed to the struggle for equality, including the ongoing struggle for gay marriage in the wake of the passage of the anti-gay Proposition 8 in California in the recent election.

Specifically, we will be discussing two articles:

The Roots of Gay Oppression by Sherry Wolf from the International Socialist Review Issue #37

Myth of the Black-gay divide by Sherry Wolf from Socialist Worker, Issue 685, Nov. 11, 2008

Sherry Wolf is the author of Sexuality and Socialism: History, Politics and Theory of Gay Liberation, forthcoming from Haymarket Books.

As always, join us Thursday at 6pm in the UMass Campus Center's Blue Wall Cafe to discuss recent articles from Socialistworker.org.

Below are the articles for this week's Socialist Worker Discussion:

We will be discussing the ongoing, historic sit-in of factory workers in Chicago.

http://socialistworker.org/2008/12/09/raising-the-stakes-at-republic
http://socialistworker.org/2008/12/08/rallying-point-for-labor

As well as the auto industry bailout, its impact on workers, and how auto workers can look to the Chicago factory workers occupying their factory for ideas and inspiration in how to fight back:

http://socialistworker.org/2008/12/09/victims-of-the-rescue
http://socialistworker.org/2008/12/04/in-defense-of-autoworkers

Capitalism's Worst Crisis Since the 1930s, 12/4

2008-12-03T12:10:00.004-05:00

Thursday, October 4, 7pm

UMass Campus Center Room 905

Join us as we discuss Joel Geier's article, "Capitalism's Worst Crisis Since the 1930s" from the current issue (#62) of the International Socialist Review.

We will also discuss our plans for raising funds for the Center for Economic Research and Social Change, which publishes the International Socialist Review and Haymarket Books, vital tools for those engaged in the project of building a better world.

Socialist Worker Discussion

Before the meeting, join as at 6pm in the Blue Wall, UMass Campus Center, to discuss the Editoral from Socialist Worker, "Is this where change will come from?" as well as Lance Selfa's column "The Clinton era, Part 2?" also from SW.

What's Next for Building a Socialist Alternative at UMass?, 11/20

2008-11-16T21:26:00.004-05:00

Thursday, November 20, 7pm

UMass Campus Center Room 803

Featuring Ashley Smith

On November 15 & 16, over 40 students and workers from UMass and around Western Massachusetts attended the Northeast Socialist Conference in New York City to discuss and debate with hundreds of others how we can build a genuine alternative that can put the needs of workers and ordinary people around the world first.

Ashley Smith, member of the International Socialist Organization and Editorial Board of the International Socialist Review (www.isreview.org) will lead a discussion of the next steps for building a revolutionary Marxist alternative here at UMass.

Organizing Meeting, 11/13, 7pm

2008-10-04T11:33:00.009-04:00

Join us for an organizing meeting as we discuss current events and plan our activities.

Thursday, November 13, 7pm

UMass Campus Center Room 803

It's an exciting time...the Northeast Socialist Conference is just around the corner:

As the economy goes into the worst crisis since the Great Depression, banks and billionaires are being bailed out while workers continue to lose their homes and jobs. A majority of Americans oppose the war in Iraq, but instead of bringing the troops home, both candidates want to send more troops to Afghanistan and expand the war. It is clear that fundamental change is needed. Come to the Northeast Socialist Conference to discuss and debate with hundreds of others how we can build a genuine alternative that can put the needs of workers and ordinary people around the world first.

Study Group, Thursday, 10/2, 7pm

2008-09-27T17:24:00.007-04:00

Marx's Theory of Economic Crisis

The United States economy, the largest and most influential in today's world capitalist market, is in the midst of the worst crisis since the Great Depression.

The politicians and the mainstream press paint the crisis as an anomaly, a departure from the ordinary functioning of the capitalist mode of production, which they claim provides the best possible system of production for the largest number of people.

They portray the crisis as the result of a lack of regulation, of knowledge, and an excess of greed. The assumption here is that the fundamentals of capitalism are sound, but that it has gotten "out of control" or "away from how things should be functioning."

Karl Marx, describing capitalism during the second half of the 19th century, saw capitalism not only as a barbaric, dehumanizing guarantor of inequality, but also as a system of production that tends toward periodic crises as a result of its fundamental characteristics. In other words, his analysis of capitalism saw crises as a part of the normal functioning of things, and posited that in order to get rid of crises we must get rid of capitalism and replace it as socialism.

Study Group

Thursday, 10/2, 7pm

UMass Campus Center Room 903

Join us as we discuss Stuart Easterling's article "Marx's Theory of Economic Crisis" from issue #32 of the International Socialist Review. The aim of the discussion is to equip ourselves with a better understanding of the current economic crisis, and of capitalism more generally, to bring us closer to the day when we can replace this irrational system with socialism, one based on meeting human need.

Organizing Meeting, 9/25, 7pm

2008-09-24T20:17:00.006-04:00

The making of the free-market meltdown

The worst financial crisis since the Great Depression has struck the U.S., and political leaders in Washington are scrambling to respond. Lee Sustar answers your questions about the economic earthquake that is shaking U.S. capitalism to its core. Read more...

ORGANIZING MEETING

Thursday, Sept. 25, 7pm

UMass Campus Center Room 811

Join us as we discuss the economic crisis, who is to blame for it, who will pay for it, and what can be done about it.

The Case for Socialism

2008-08-24T17:18:00.009-04:00

What: The International Socialist Organization's fall kick-off meeting, The Case For Socialism.

When: Thursday, September 18, 7pm

Where: UMass-Amherst Campus Center, Room #162-175

SOCIALISM is based on the idea that we should use the vast resources of society to meet people’s needs. If people are hungry, they should be fed; if people are homeless, we should build homes for them; if people are sick, the best medical care should be available to them. Socialism would take the wealth of the rich and use it to meet the basic needs of all society.

Instead of that kind of society, we have been through years of war for oil and empire, decades of rollbacks on workers’ wages and living-standards, attacks on civil rights and women’s rights, cuts in health-care, and more.

On top of this, the growing economic crisis—foreclosures, food and fuel inflation, and increasing unemployment—are calling into question the ability of the system as it is currently set-up to function at all.

Come to this forum to discuss how we can organize a society without war and racism, a society based on human need instead of corporate greed!

Food Is A Human Right!

2008-07-19T22:30:00.004-04:00

Join the International Socialist Organization for a talk and discussion on the growing international and local food crisis:

From Milwaukee to Haiti: Food Should Be a Human Right!

When: Thursday, July 31, 7pm

Where: Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA (behind Rao's Coffee in downtown), Glass Room (downstairs)

Description:

Food prices have skyrocketed over the past several months, a disaster for hundreds of millions of people around the world. The crisis is also impacting people in the United States, including right here in Western Massachusetts. This comes at a time when prices for necessities like gasoline and health care are rising along with unemployment.

Almost 900 million people across the world, including one in ten US residents, do not get enough food, the most basic necessity of life. People working two or three jobs are having to choose between buying food or diapers, between health insurance and their mortgage payments. These are choices that no human being should have to make.

Demand at food banks across the US is up 15-20% this year, and supplies are running low.

In June, 3000 people lined up outside a welfare office in Milwaukee because of a false rumor that food vouchers would be distributed. Many people were trampled and 34 police cars responded to a scene that nearly became riot. Food riots have broken out in the past few months in Haiti, South Asia, across Africa, and in Egypt.

What makes this tragedy a true outrage is that according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, enough food is produced each year to feed the world one and a half times over. Growth in food production is outstripping growth in population, and profits for agribusiness giants like Cargill and ADM have nearly doubled in the first quarter of this year.

A few corporations are getting richer while millions of people go hungry, not because of an actual food shortage, but because they are too poor to afford it.

Join the International Socialist Organization as we discuss the roots of the food crisis and what can be done about it. Food is a human right!

For more information, visit www.isonoho.org, email contact@isonoho.org, or call 413-351-2323

Summer Meetings

2008-07-02T18:39:00.002-04:00

The Amherst Branch of the International Socialist Organization will be meeting throughout the summer on Thursday nights from 7PM-9PM at the Bangs Community Center 70 Boltwood Walk in downtown Amherst, Mass (behind Rao's coffee). For more info: 413-351-2323 or contact@isonoho.org

We also hold a discussion group on Thursdays from 6PM to 7PM at Rao's coffee. During that hour, we discuss the latest articles in our newspaper Socialist Worker which you can read online at www.socialistworker.org

5/25 Turn the Tables — Build the Left Alternative

2008-05-20T13:00:00.009-04:00

Sunday May 25th

10pm - 1am

Mama Iguanas,

271 Main St, Northampton

All ages. $5 Cover ($10 solidarity)

Party and dance to the music of DJ HUSH and help raise money to send a local group of activists to the Socialism 2008 Conference — a weekend of revolutionary politics debate & entertainment.

DJ HISH will be spinning DISCO, SOUL, LATIN, FUNK, 80'S, HIP HOP CLASSICS AND OF COURSE STEVIE WONDER.

Check out and reply to the Facebook Event
Check out DJ HUSH on myspace

Check out the Socialism 2008 Conference

5/15 Organizing Meeting

2008-05-09T18:49:00.000-04:00

Join us for an Organizing Meeting—Campus Center room 803
We will continue to discuss progress on organizing for our Socialism 2008 Conference in Chicago IL this summer, as well as other plans for summer activism. (Yes we continue to meet in the summer—It's not to late to get involved!)

New Socialistworker.org Website is Live!!!

2008-05-09T09:44:00.000-04:00

For years, in print and online, SOCIALIST WORKER has been an important part of the independent media in the U.S., reporting on the movements against war, racism and inequality that the mainstream media ignore or distort.

Now we are re-launching our Web site—with content that is updated more frequently and with more stories by writers that can explain the complex events taking place around the world.

We have more columnists—such as John Pilger, Anthony Arnove and Mike Davis—in addition to regular contributors such as Sharon Smith, Dave Zirin and Paul D’Amato. And there are now more ways for you to get a regular stream of socialist news and analysis.

Subscribe online to receive SW articles in your inbox. Now is the time to make SW a part of your daily routine. We hope you like our new Web site. And if you do, please take a moment to make a donation. In the meantime, enjoy the new Web site...and tell your friends, your co-workers, and other activists about SOCIALISTWORKER.org!

If you'd like to know more about the switch to a daily website and bi-weekly print edition, read this "Letter from the editor" of Socialist Worker.

5/8 Organizing Meeting

2008-05-08T18:47:00.000-04:00

Join us for an Organizing Meeting—Campus Center room 805-809
We will discuss organizing and plans for our upcoming Socialism 2008 COnference in Chicago IL.

May Day 2008: Immigrant Rights are Workers' Rights! May Day and the History of our Struggle

2008-05-01T15:22:00.009-04:00

Thursday May 1, 2008 at 7pm
UMass Campus Center room 903

From the fight for the eight hour day to the mass marches demanding legalization for all, immigrant workers have played a vital role in the American working class movement.

Join the International Socialist Organization for a meeting on the connections between the fight for Amnesty for all immigrant workers and the emancipation of all workers from capitalist oppression and exploitation, as we celebrate the hidden history of May Day, the holiday of the international labor movement!

4/24: ISR Discussion

2008-04-24T23:32:00.001-04:00

Join us for a discussion of two ISR articles from past issues.

Campus Center room 163C.

Martin Luther King’s last fight part of an ongoing series on year 1968, BRIAN JONES looks at King’s last year, his assassination, and the explosion of revolt which followed.

and Black Reconstruction in America 1860–1880 KEEANGA-YAMAHTTA TAYLOR delves into the classic by W.E.B. Du Bois, a book referenced more than it is understood.

4/17 Organizing Meeting

2008-04-17T20:49:00.002-04:00

Join us for an Organizing Meeting—Campus Center room 903

We will be discussing perspectives on developments in the Democratic primary—Reverend Wright, Obama's race speech, and his recent comments about white workers channelling their
bitterness into god and guns and the fallout from that

Some articles to read and videos to watch

Fiddling while the economy burns The Making of a Scapegoat

The New Debate About Racism and Video of "A More Perfect Union" Speech

Jeremiah Wright Videos on youtube and the Huffington Post

We will also discuss plans for our Socialism 2008 conference, and a benefit concert/party at Mama Iguanas on May 11th, as well as plans for May Day 08--Protest in Amherst and Public ISO Meeting on Immigration

Video of 1968—Year of Revolt

2008-04-15T15:28:00.001-04:00

If you missed our meeting on 1968—Year of Revolt, here is some video of the presenter, Shaun Harkin, giving the same presentation in Providence RI.

4/10 Organizing meeting

2008-04-10T20:48:00.001-04:00

Campus Center room 803

Join us for an Organizing Meeting to discuss our Anti-war Work and our upcoming conference, Socialism 2008.

4/3 1968: Year of Revolt (ISR Tour)

2008-04-03T20:13:00.003-04:00

7pm, UMass Campus Center

Room 162-75

The International Socialist Review (ISR) is sponsoring a national meeting tour to mark the 40th anniversary of the remarkable year 1968—a year of conflict, class struggle, and revolutionary upheaval around the world. 1968 saw the Vietnam Tet Offensive; the May general strike in France; the Black Power salute at the Olympics; the student struggle in Mexico and the massacre in Tlateloclo Plaza; the Prague Spring and Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia; the police riot at the Democratic convention; the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and urban rebellions; the birth of the Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement in Detroit. 1968 offers lessons to a new generation of activists and radicals organizing for a better world.

Today, with the economy inching closer to the brink of collapse, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan causing unimaginable death and suffering, and billions of people around

the world suffering from poverty, oppression, and exploitation, the lessons of 1968 are of vital importance to a new generation of activists and radicals organizing for a better world.

Shaun Harkin, immigrant rights activist and revolutionary socialist, will give a talk on the events of 1968, discussing a vital yet hidden history of struggle and its relevance to today.

3/27 Study Meeting

2008-03-27T20:08:00.000-04:00

Join us as we discuss Chapters 6-8 of "The History of American Trotskyism: 1928-38" by James P. Cannon (Pathfinder, 1944), which offer important lessons from our political tradition that can inform and inspire our work today.

7pm, UMass Campus Center, room 803.

3/13 Organizing Meeting

2008-03-13T09:26:00.003-04:00

Campus Center Room 911-915
Join us for an organizing meeting to discuss our campus organizing.

3/6: Your Money and Your Life: Who Will Pay For The Coming Recession?

2008-03-06T21:50:00.003-05:00

Public Meeting and Discussion

March 6, 7pm Campus Center Room 911-15

Over the past three decades a few of the richest Americans have attained unimaginable wealth while most working class people saw their wages remain stagnant or decline. Individuals have accumulated record levels of debt, as wages have not kept pace with the skyrocketing cost of gas, higher education, food, and health care, and they've had to borrow to make up the difference. Banks have been all too eager to lend, taking advantage of peoples' desperation to make billions off of high interest predatory loans such as sub-prime mortgages, throwing the economy into turmoil in the process.

When the dust from the sub-prime mortgage crisis settles, it is likely that millions of US residents will have lost their homes. The crisis is spreading to other areas of the economy, creating a credit freeze that has forced already heavily indebted consumers to cut back on spending. Since two-thirds of the US economy is based on that spending, the resulting slowdown in production has meant that hundreds of thousands have lost their jobs, with many more losses on the way. It is not clear how the financial elite will pull itself out of this mess, but government intervention in the form of the recent economic stimulus package underlines the hypocrisy and ideological bankruptcy of the neoliberal "let the market decide" model.

While the economy crumbles, the US government is spending hundreds of billions of dollars on a devastating, unjust, unpopular, failing war in Iraq. Join us as we talk about the root of the problems with the economy, what the alternative is, and how we can get there.