An impressive coalition of organizations -- unions, anti-war, human rights, churches and neighborhood groups -- held a press conference today (Jan. 17, 2012) at Chicago's City Hall. They were protesting the proposed new ordinances against demonstrations targeting the upcoming spring NATO/G8 meetings here, but now possibly to become permanent laws. The press conference took place right before two key City Council committees were to meet to consider whether to endorse the proposed new ordinances, prior to their going to a vote before the full City Council tomorrow. In this excerpt from the press conference, speakers include Eric Ruder, Coalition Against NATO/G8's War & Poverty Agenda; Erek Slater, ATU 241 member speaking for ATU International Vice Presidents; Talisa Hardin, National Nurses United; Wayne Lindwal, SEIU 73 Chicago Division Director; Jesse Sharkey, Vice President, Chicago Teachers Union. Produced by Labor Beat. Labor Beat is a CAN TV Community Partner. Labor Beat is a non-profit 501(c)(3) member of IBEW 1220. Views are those of the producer Labor Beat. For info: mail@laborbeat.org, www.laborbeat.org. 312-226-3330. For other Labor Beat videos, visit Google Video, YouTube, or blip.tv and search "Labor Beat". On Chicago CAN TV Channel 19, Thursdays 9:30 pm; Fridays 4:30 pm. Labor Beat has regular cable slots in Chicago, Evanston, Rockford, Urbana, IL; Philadelphia, PA; Princeton, NJ; and Rochester, NY. For more detailed information, send us a request at mail@laborbeat.org.
Shaun Harkin explains why the working class is the only class capable of creating lasting change through the overthrow of the capitalist system.
Activist and journalist Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor kicks off a discussion at Occupy Chicago on the history and politics of racism and the fight against racism in Chicago today.
According to Taylor Capitalism depends on racism both as a source of profit and as a means to divide and rule the 99%, who otherwise have everything in common and reason to organize and fight together in virtue of performing the labor that is the source of the 1%’s wealth. For this reason, anti-racists must take up a critique of capitalism and put forward a credible strategy for ending it– and in turn any credible strategy for the 99% must take up the anti-racist struggle, which US history has proven to be a motor capable of driving forward the level of consciousness and struggle of the entire working class. Chicago has a long and storied history of anti-racism, but remains one of the most segregated cities in the US.
visit www.occupychi.org for updates on the occupation.
On October 15, the 99% occupied the park at the corner of Michigan & Congress Avenues. Chicago police later arrested hundreds of activists in an attempt to disband the occupation. We will not be turned back! Everyone should join the occupation and help build the movement.
Sherry Wolf speaks to The Nation at the Socialism 2011 conference in Chicago about the mood of revolt sweeping the globe and its significance for socialists, activists, and anyone hoping to see a better world in the future.
Chris Williams, author of Ecology and Socialism, speaks in New York City on July 14, 2011 about the dangers of nuclear energy, the great potential of renewable energy, and need to build a grass roots movement for environmental and social justice.
Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention w/ Brian Jones - from Socialism 2011
Civil Liberties Under Obama with Glenn Greenwald
from Socialism 2011
Revolution in the Air
Socialism 2011 Conference preview
Friday, July 1 to Monday, July 4
Everywhere we look in the world there are revolutions and struggles that are challenging dictatorship, economic inequality, and oppression.
From Cairo to Madison, these struggles show us that "another world is possible." But they also raise questions about what ideas, strategies, and tactics are necessary to carry the struggle forward.
Socialism 2011 will provide an opportunity for new and veteran activists to discuss what these events mean for our world, and for our own movements today.
Last year, more than 1,500 people turned out to Socialism 2010 in Oakland and Chicago.
Don’t miss the chance to meet with hundreds of others like you who want to build an alternative to a system of greed, racism, war and oppression.
Revolutionary Processes and the Future of the Arab World?
With Anand Gopal, Ayman Mohyeldin, Ahmed Shawki, Mostafa Omar and a statement from Sharif Abdel Kouddous
The revolutions first in Tunisia, then Egypt and now sweeping across the Arab world have re-shaped the world as we know it. Decades old dogmas collapsed in weeks as ordinary people toppled a US-backed dictator and, in the process, posed a challenge to the current balance of power in the Middle East. This panel at the Left Forum 2011 features report-backs from 4 journalists and activists who were in Cairo during and after the revolution. The panelists examine the dynamics that led to the revolution, the events of January 25-February 11 as well as subsequent developments. Panelists also discuss the impact that the revolution is having throughout the Middle East and implications for United States imperialism.
Malalai Joya has been called the “bravest woman in Afghanistan.” She was the youngest member elected to the Afghan Parliament but was suspended for denouncing the warlords and the US/NATO war and occupation. She continues to speak out despite death threats and assassination attempts.
In this presentation Malalai Joya talks about the situation in Afghanistan and why it’s essential that US/NATO troops leave immediately.
For more information visit
www.afghanwomensmission.org
www.malalaijoya.com
www.wilpf.org
Sherry Wolf speaks about divestment on college campuses. Divestment has become increasingly used by campus groups around the world and the United States in fighting for Justice in Israel/Palestine.
