September 10, 2020 20:55

By James J. Jackson, Jr

Comrades, the time is now!

Like many of you, I was thrilled when our chapter received the phenomenal news that the Sacramento Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Charter Amendment, will appear on the November ballot as Measure C.

This means that after years of hard work, draining legal battles, and intense coalition building, Sacramento will finally have the chance to vote for Real Rent Control.

This is a great victory, one that almost makes up for the fact that the Strong Mayor initiative (Measure A) will also be on the November ballot.

But the fact that both Real Rent Control and Strong Mayor are on the same ballot might be one of the greatest opportunities presented to us as a chapter. We have the chance to defeat the neoliberal opportunism of Mayor Darrell Steinberg and his capitalist cronies not once, but twice!

If we can defeat Strong Mayor and win Real Rent Control in the same election then not only will the working class of Sacramento win twice, but we will have shown that democratic socialism is a force to be reckoned with in Sacramento.

In order to make that happen we need all hands on deck. This might frustrate some of you to hear because it has been such a long battle, but getting the rent control measure on the ballot was the easy part. Now the hard work begins.

Katie Valenzuela, our democratic socialist city council member-elect, has grouped together a coalition that is taking initiative to both fight against Measure A and in favor of Measure C, in addition to fighting for a budget that reflects the needs of Sacramento’s working class. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out The People’s Budget Sacramento!

We need to offer these campaigns all the help and resources we are capable of giving as a chapter, and the connections between defeating Strong Mayor and winning Real Rent Control should be made explicit in our platform as a chapter.

And we cannot fool ourselves into thinking that Strong Mayor will easily be defeated nor that Rent Control will be easily won. While clearly very unpopular with activist groups like ours, the amount of money behind the Strong Mayor and Anti Rent Control campaigns are in the millions. The only thing that defeats big money in an election is dedicated and intentional organization, this is where we come in.

Our chapter has a duty to our history, our ideals, and to the material needs of Sacramento to show our class power. This can be done not once but twice in this election, but it won’t happen at all if we do not organize as intentionally and as intensely as possible.

This means we must do at least two things:

1. We must never stop mounting public pressure on our community leaders to get them to oppose Strong Mayor and to support Real Rent Control. Whether it is our union, our organization, or our elected officials, we have to keep the pressure on.

2. We must engage our members in these campaigns in a way that does not put the burden of labor on anyone individually but shares it collectively. Meaning we don’t just passively ask our members to vote or rally them into anti Steinberg frenzies but instead we must be intentional by giving members the resources they need to get involved. If we are too passive in this moment we risk losing not once, but twice.

Our victory is in our hands comrades. Socialists love to say “We have a world to win.” Well, this is one of those chances to win a piece of that world. It’s not every election that you get the opportunity to reject neoliberalism twice on the same ballot. Let’s not waste this opportunity.

So comrades, get to phone-banking, fill up public comment at every city council meeting, and give everything you can to these campaigns. This is our chance to show Darrell Steinberg that Sacramento is not a neoliberal city, we are a democratic socialist one!

Let us take action and campaign like we have never campaigned before!

Comrades, the time is now.

You’re listening to Revolution Per Minute on listener sponsored WBAI in NYC broadcasting at 99.5 FM and streaming on your favorite podcast app. To connect with us after the show you can email us at revolutionsnyc@gmail.com. You can find us on our website revolutionsperminute.simplecast.com or on twitter @nycRPM.

You’re listening to Revolution Per Minute on listener sponsored WBAI in NYC broadcasting at 99.5 FM and streaming on your favorite podcast app. To connect with us after the show you can email us at revolutionsnyc@gmail.com. You can find us on our website revolutionsperminute.simplecast.com or on twitter @nycRPM

We stand unshaken in our support for Congressional candidate Alex Morse following fabricated accusations of sexual misconduct made by leaders of the College Democrats of UMass Amherst. 

Since the initial allegations, The Intercept has revealed nearly a year-long, coordinated effort to sabotage Mayor Morse’s campaign in our district. It is most alarming, that the Massachusetts Democratic Party itself colluded with the College Democrats to favor the 15-term incumbent, Congressman Richard Neal. The leaders of the College Democrats utilized homophobic tropes, culminating in allegations being made just three weeks before the primary. 

We say no to homophobic tropes. We say no to cynically exploiting social issues for political gain. We say no to the rampant corruption that continues to degrade our democracy. All of those involved with this reprehensible smear campaign must be held accountable for their actions.

All too often, when progressive candidates rise electorally to unseat entrenched power in government, the political machine resorts to tactics such as these- not only in this race, but in those across the country. Such underhanded tactics are a disservice to voters and to fair elections- indeed, they are a disservice to democracy itself.

Alex Morse is a proponent of desperately needed policies such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. These policies are now being blocked by another form of corruption– corporate donors buying political influence in order to maintain the status quo — no matter how noxious or unsustainable it is. 

Morse is running a clean campaign to challenge a prominent, corporate democrat who is known for accepting such money to prevent needed change. People are sick and tired of the corruption of American politics that corrodes our democracy. We urge the first congressional district to support Morse in this critical election, and for our supporters to contribute to his campaign to ensure his victory on September 1st.

You’re listening to Revolution Per Minute on listener sponsored WBAI in New York City broadcasting at 99.5 FM and streaming on your favorite podcast app. To connect with us after the show you can email us at revolutionsnyc@gmail.com. You can find us on our website revolutionsperminute.simplecast.com or on twitter @nycRPM.

Our latest episode of "Heart of a Heartless World" is a recording of the latest webinar put on by the Religion & Socialist working group. On July 16th, Linda Sarsour, the co-founder of Until Freedom and former co-chair of the Women’s March, spoke with Rev. Andrew Wilkes, a pastor, policy director, and member of Religious Socialism’s editorial group, about how faith traditions can help undergird abolition, undo structural racism, and push toward a fundamental restructuring of our political economy. This Thursday, August 20th, at 7:30pm EDT, Rev. Wilkes will be in conversation with Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, National Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, on how to build an inclusive movement for economic justice. We hope you enjoy the podcast, and can join us at the webinar! Go here to RSVP: https://act.dsausa.org/survey/Building_Inclusive_Movement_Economic_Justice_Liz_Theoharris/

STATEMENT REGARDING ALEX MORSE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 15 2020

The failed entrapment scheme of MA-1 candidate Alex Morse by members of the College Democrats of Massachusetts, apparently with support of others in the Democratic Party, has been exposed extensively in the media. In the process, members of the press and laypeople have been responsible for spreading inaccurate information about where the DSA stands on this—not without some reason, but in our view, without due care. The leadership of the DSA locals involved would like to set the record straight. 

The DSA chapters covering MA-1, and DSA generally, have not “unendorsed” Morse. 

Berkshires DSA endorsed Morse in the spring, and continues to. 

Pioneer Valley DSA narrowly voted not to endorse Morse in June, for political and material reasons that have nothing to do with this current situation. In point of fact, a majority of the chapter voted to endorse, but Pioneer Valley requires a two-thirds vote in an endorsement case. 

DSA’s national electoral committee was never involved at all.

Some social media posts on the College Democrats issue made early last week by Merrimack Valley DSA—a neighborhood branch of Boston DSA, which is not in Morse’s district and never endorsed him in the first place—were quickly taken down, and apologized for, when members of Pioneer Valley and Berkshires raised concerns. But it seems that those posts were the source of a rumor that DSA “unendorsed” Morse, which resulted in DSA being fodder for a theory of leftist discord or self-sabotage. Attempts were made early on to correct these mistakes via direct communication; some gestures were made to publicize this by a few in error. Despite that, we’ve found there is still a motivated misreading by those who wish to keep this “the Left is eating itself” theory alive, and implicate the DSA in it. 

Many who’ve presented themselves as analysts, who have made inaccurate claims about DSA and have traded in conjecture and errors about Western Massachusetts generally, haven’t reached out to either of the chapters actually in MA-1. We ask that they consider that lack of thoroughness and dismissal of local perspectives and details in light of the subject at hand. 

And, since people seem to think we need to weigh in on the subject at hand, let it be clear. What the College Democrats, an arm of the DNC, tried to do to Alex Morse is reprehensible, but rather unsurprising given the way the Democratic Party runs, and the low regard some of its operators seem to have for voters and for much of its own most promising political talent. From what’s come out, it appears that the Democratic Party establishment and its instruments—some college students with questionable ethics, trying to get into the Democratic Party job pipeline—attempted to capitalize on a cynical theory that voters in MA-1 are sex-panicked homophobes to “sink the career” of a progressive candidate of growing popularity, and keep one of their own in power. We’re pleased this crude, disgusting ploy is blowing up in their faces, and are pleased Alex Morse is vindicated by his actions and the factual record, which he has spoken about himself in recent days. We think it’s absurd he was ever forced to defend himself at all. 

Signed,

Pioneer Valley DSA Executive Committee

Berkshires DSA Executive Committee

Boston DSA Coordinating Committee 

For Immediate Release

August 19,  2020

PRESS RELEASE: BERKSHIRES DSA ENDORSES SENATOR ED MARKEY, CONDEMNS CORPORATE HIJACKING OF DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

Pittsfield, MA — The Berkshires chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America proudly announces their endorsement for Senator Ed Markey in his reelection bid.

Senator Markey has been a long time champion of progressive legislation, as he was an original cosponsor of Medicare for All, and co-author of the original Green New Deal resolution. Berkshires DSA also strongly values Markey’s belief that public colleges should be tuition-free.

“We originally organized to work on more local issues,” said Christian Kennedy, Co-Chair Berkshires DSA. “Over the last year with the Bernie campaign, and now Alex Morse and Ed Markey’s campaigns–these are fights that we want to put our weight behind for both ethical reasons and because both candidates strongly back policy in line with Berkshires DSA’s core concerns, from climate change, to corruption within the corporate hijacked Democratic party machine.”

If Morse and Markey win, Berkshires DSA and national DSA should have a better platform for advancing their demands in ecosocialism, fighting racism, defunding police, making healthcare and public school free and accessible for our community.

“At this time our chapter is fairly small, and so our coverage of issues facing working class people, the homeless, and, really everyone, is difficult to stay on top of,” says Kennedy, Co-Chair Berkshires DSA. “Of course, we aim to increase our membership, and in the meantime, we want to encourage our members and the community to canvass and phonebank for Morse and Markey.”

In the fight to save our democracy for the people, Berkshires DSA believes that reelecting Senator Markey and electing Mayor Morse to Congress allows the two to fight the progressive agenda across the nation and at home. Berkshires DSA strongly condemns interference from the state and national Democratic parties whose real benefactors continue to be the capital holders in our system, and not the people who are crying out for protection from police brutality, healthcare rip-offs, and an all around failing system that leaves millions of people behind, while not responding to climate change quick enough. 

The DSA is the largest socialist organization in the United States. DSA’s members are building progressive movements for social change while establishing an openly democratic socialist presence in American communities and politics. We believe that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislation to direct action, in the fight to empower working people.

For media Inquiries, please contact Amillie Coster (413) 854-5611, amilliedelphina@gmail.com

You’re listening to Revolution Per Minute on listener sponsored WBAI in NYC broadcasting at 99.5 FM and streaming on your favorite podcast app. To connect with us after the show you can email us at revolutionsnyc@gmail.com. You can find us on our website revolutionsperminute.simplecast.com or on twitter @nycRPM

Eugene DSA decries the July 30 statement made by Peter Defazio which calls for the separation and arrest of Anarchists fighting against racial and socioeconomically prejudiced police brutality seen in Eugene and Portland, nationally and around the world.

Anarchism is a political philosophy that aims to remove all unnecessary and forced hierarchy in society. Anarchists believe that the State (a political entity that claims a monopoly on violence e.g. use of police, military, ect) is the highest form of forced hierarchy and so they seek to abolish it. It is a political philosophy that spans hundreds of years and is far more advanced than mere bomb throwers wanting no rules and absolute chaos.

“For more than 150 years, black anarchists have played a critical role in shaping various struggles around the globe, including mass strikes, national liberation movements, tenant organizing, prisoner solidarity, queer liberation, the formation of autonomous black liberation organizations, and more,” states the Black Rose/Rosa Negra Anarchist Federation,  “Our current political moment is one characterized by a global resurgence of Black rebellion in response to racialized state violence, criminalization, and dispossession.”

Anarchists in our region are not “outside agitators” looking to sow mindless chaos but other anti-racists protestors joining in our common struggle against state violence against people of color and other disenfranchised groups, including LGBTQ+ communities and the unhoused. And labeling them as outsiders completely invalidates the unjust struggles his constituents experience everyday as a result of their identity-markers. It also feeds into the idea of “good protesters/bad protesters” which in turn is wedded to the racist idea that “good” black protesters obey every order, play nice and do everything in a sanitized legal fashion and that “bad” black protesters are bad for doing what anyone would do after hundreds of years of systemic murder, rape and pillaging by the State.

DeFazio rightfully recognizes the chilling presence of federal agents, an arguable extension of the national military force, incommitting unconstitutional and unjust actions against Oregonians and U.S. citizens nationwide. We call on Defazio to recognize that these same actions–well before the Trump presidency–continue to be committed by Oregon police, and that the brutality of the state won’t disappear once Trump leaves office unless bold action is taken.

If DeFazio was truly worried about violent people sowing destruction and division, then perhaps he shouldn’t have voted Yes on the National Defense Authorization Act, which gives a billion dollars to corporations serving the US imperialist army who has stifled democracy, bombed civilians, tortured dissenters and continues to export brutality across the world.


Defazio cannot decry the state violence seen in Portland as something “of an authoritarian regime” in one sentence and then with his National Defense Authorization Act vote, approve of the state to committing the same violence against lawful anti-racist demonstrations. Let us be clear here. It is the onus of the State to stop their violence. To denounce the actions of civilians under attack by heavily armed local police and yet still support the local police as they brutalize Oregonians every day is the act of a coward who doesn’t have the guts to demand a safer and more equitable society.  We demand Defazio reach out and listen to police and prison abolitionists here in Oregon such as Freedom to Thrive and nationwide organizations such as Critical Resistance.