Iww

[Misanthrope]

Tomorrow in US history (JR in high school) my teacher is going to go "in depth" on the IWW and socialism. I'm rather excited but I'm probably setting myself up for disappointment. I was just wondering if anyone could point me to some reading material (already checked their website) or perhaps some talking points I could bring up. Thanks revleft glad to have you back.

[eyeheartlenin]

James P. Cannon, who had been in the IWW, wrote an essay with an historical evaluation of the IWW (which is the union I am in, BTW). I haven't read the essay yet, but Cannon is always interesting. You can read it at http://www.marxists.org/archive/cannon/works/1955/iww.htm

Best of luck!

[eyeheartlenin]

One talking point occurs to me: If you read the Preamble to the IWW Constitution, you see that the IWW wants the abolition of the wage system, because workers are entitled to everything they produce, whereas other unions seek better compensation for the workers, under capitalism.

That is a fundamental difference, and one reason I am proud of the IWW, which opposes wage slavery and thinks workers should have it all, unlike most other unions I have seen. What makes the IWW different from other unions is the IWW's radical opposition to capitalist exploitation of workers, under which workers get back only part of the enormous wealth they create, with the capitalist boss, pocketing the rest of that wealth created by workers. Other unions merely seek the improvement of the terms of exploitation of the workers; the IWW wants to end that exploitation.

[Renegade Saint]

Have you seen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6os8BRJxvI4 (this)?