HAPPY MAY DAY, COMRADES!

Here's a word from the Communist Party USA:

The main factor explaining the grim circumstances in which the working class finds itself, Webb declared, "is the one-sided intensification of the class struggle by the capitalist class In fact," Webb said, "the owners of the commanding heights of the economy are exploiting the current economic crisis to double down on their efforts to further shift wealth into their hands - not to mention further weaken, if not destroy, the labor movement as well as other organizational citadels of people's power."

He identified the battle over so-called "entitlements," Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, as the "epicenter" of this offensive, essentially aimed at eliminating the entire New Deal.

Webb did not leave his audience with just a tough analysis to chew on. He went on to explain how, "in the loosely organized movement of the present are early signs of an emerging political force that could well pack the wallop to give the country a new burst of freedom, economic security and peace.

"Hasn't the thinking of substantial sections of the people changed in a democratic, progressive and radical direction?" he asked. "In public opinion polls capitalism's star is sinking downward, while socialism's star is on the rise." Webb then pointed to transformation taking place in the labor movement, environmentalists and unions working together, people entering the electoral arena en masse to elect an African American president twice, and victories against racism, sexism and homophobia to make his case about the potential for fightback.

Read the rest here.

Yes, it's once again International Workers' Day, or more simply, May Day, which commemorates the Haymarket riot in Chicago back in 1886, when thugs and goons working for business and government killed four protesters who were demonstrating in favor of the eight hour work day.  Strangely, the US does not observe the holiday, even though the event that gave birth to it happened here.  Indeed, Congress specifically created our Labor Day so as to keep American workers from having a sense of connection with other workers around the world.  Because, you know, the wealth dominated establishment is downright terrified of American workers organizing and agitating to get their fair share.  And they should be.

Organized labor has the potential to be the most powerful political force in the United States.

That's why I've linked to this statement from the leader of CPUSA: while it outlines the grim circumstances facing American workers today, it is also optimistic and hopeful.  The times they ARE a-changing.  Five years ago, there was no talk at all of wealth inequality in Washington and the corporate press.  Now, it's part of the discussion.  Regular ordinary Americans are starting to see through the infinitude of pro-capitalist propaganda to which we are subjected 24/7.  People are starting to doubt the conventional wisdom about taxes and "job creators."  There is, indeed, something in the air.  Massive social change may very well be just over the horizon.  In five more years we may see the dawn of a brand new labor movement, one that is racially inclusive, one that is flexible with the ability to adapt to the ever changing tactics of big business and the politicians they control, one that fights for all workers, instead of simply for those who are lucky enough to work in one of the rapidly vanishing unionized industries.  Very soon, the United States might well be living up to its promise of democracy.

Happy May Day, comrades!  The best is yet to come.

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