Martin Blank
15th April 2006, 21:25
Note: The following was adopted unanimously by the Central Committee of the Communist League at its VII plenum. -- Miles
All Out on May 1 for Immigrant Rights!
Working People of the World, Unite!
WHEREAS it is one of the primary goals of the communist movement to fight for the unification of the working people of the world, regardless or race, nationality, language or “homeland;” and
WHEREAS the millions of immigrant workers residing within the borders of the United States, whether documented or undocumented, are and will continue to be an integral part of that movement; and
WHEREAS the current struggle of immigrant workers in the U.S. has brought to the fore the question of international working people’s unity and the innate human rights of all those who labor; and
WHEREAS the moves by the members of the U.S. Congress to criminalize undocumented immigrant workers and those who support them is an attempt to not only divide working people based on race, nationality, language and “homeland,” it is also meant to distract attention away from the fact that immigrant workers are often compelled to work and live in conditions that are not too far removed from those they fled from to work here; and
WHEREAS the rights of working people in one country cannot be separated from the rights of working people of all countries, and the ability of U.S. workers to make gains in wages, benefits and job security is directly tied to the wages, benefits and job security of workers across borders; and
WHEREAS the protectionist schemes that were popular in previous decades were an attempt to benefit U.S. workers without consideration of workers in Mexico, Japan and other countries, and thus the failure to fight for an increase in wages, benefits and job security for working people across borders has aided the capitalists in imposing the layoffs, and wage and benefit cuts in major industry in the U.S. that we see today; and
WHEREAS the reason why working people risk crossing the semi-militarized southern border of the U.S. is because of the effects of capitalist “globalization” and “free-trade” agreements that only give “freedom” to the exploiters from the U.S., Canada and western Europe; and
WHEREAS the U.S. has historically been a “workhouse of nations,” with the capitalists utilizing the labor of working people from Africa, brought to this country as slaves, Latin America, China, Ireland and southern Europe to amass their billions in profits and fortunes; and
WHEREAS all working people, including immigrant workers, have the inherent right to organize and fight for their rights, including the right to a decent economic livelihood, living wage, full benefits and comparable standard of living, as well as for full citizenship rights, including the right to equal access to public services, vote and run for political office, and live free from threat of harassment and coercion; and
WHEREAS the League has already went on record opposing HR4437, the Congressional bill criminalizing undocumented workers, and in favor of the ongoing protests called by communities where immigrant workers live; and
WHEREAS the League has been informed that the same groups and coalitions that have organized the mass demonstrations in March and early April against HR4437 have called for a national mobilization and strike on Monday, May 1, 2006, to demonstrate the importance of immigrant workers and their contribution to the economy and society; and
WHEREAS we recognize that it is no coincidence that this national mobilization and strike have been called for International Workers’ Day, the worldwide working people’s holiday.
THEREFORE, the Central Committee of the Communist League, in its VII Plenum, resolves:
1. We hereby endorse the May 1 national mobilization and strike called by the No HR4437 Coalition and National Immigrant Solidarity Network, and strongly encourage all Circles, Organizing Committees, at-large members, supporters and friends of the League to attend and, if and where possible, aid in the organizing of local demonstrations;
2. We reiterate our opposition to HR4437, and that, in the event that HR4437 or similar legislation criminalizing immigrant workers and their supporters is passed, League members are encouraged to seek out and work with clandestine immigrant support organizations in order to undermine and render worthless such legislation.
All Out on May 1 for Immigrant Rights!
Working People of the World, Unite!
WHEREAS it is one of the primary goals of the communist movement to fight for the unification of the working people of the world, regardless or race, nationality, language or “homeland;” and
WHEREAS the millions of immigrant workers residing within the borders of the United States, whether documented or undocumented, are and will continue to be an integral part of that movement; and
WHEREAS the current struggle of immigrant workers in the U.S. has brought to the fore the question of international working people’s unity and the innate human rights of all those who labor; and
WHEREAS the moves by the members of the U.S. Congress to criminalize undocumented immigrant workers and those who support them is an attempt to not only divide working people based on race, nationality, language and “homeland,” it is also meant to distract attention away from the fact that immigrant workers are often compelled to work and live in conditions that are not too far removed from those they fled from to work here; and
WHEREAS the rights of working people in one country cannot be separated from the rights of working people of all countries, and the ability of U.S. workers to make gains in wages, benefits and job security is directly tied to the wages, benefits and job security of workers across borders; and
WHEREAS the protectionist schemes that were popular in previous decades were an attempt to benefit U.S. workers without consideration of workers in Mexico, Japan and other countries, and thus the failure to fight for an increase in wages, benefits and job security for working people across borders has aided the capitalists in imposing the layoffs, and wage and benefit cuts in major industry in the U.S. that we see today; and
WHEREAS the reason why working people risk crossing the semi-militarized southern border of the U.S. is because of the effects of capitalist “globalization” and “free-trade” agreements that only give “freedom” to the exploiters from the U.S., Canada and western Europe; and
WHEREAS the U.S. has historically been a “workhouse of nations,” with the capitalists utilizing the labor of working people from Africa, brought to this country as slaves, Latin America, China, Ireland and southern Europe to amass their billions in profits and fortunes; and
WHEREAS all working people, including immigrant workers, have the inherent right to organize and fight for their rights, including the right to a decent economic livelihood, living wage, full benefits and comparable standard of living, as well as for full citizenship rights, including the right to equal access to public services, vote and run for political office, and live free from threat of harassment and coercion; and
WHEREAS the League has already went on record opposing HR4437, the Congressional bill criminalizing undocumented workers, and in favor of the ongoing protests called by communities where immigrant workers live; and
WHEREAS the League has been informed that the same groups and coalitions that have organized the mass demonstrations in March and early April against HR4437 have called for a national mobilization and strike on Monday, May 1, 2006, to demonstrate the importance of immigrant workers and their contribution to the economy and society; and
WHEREAS we recognize that it is no coincidence that this national mobilization and strike have been called for International Workers’ Day, the worldwide working people’s holiday.
THEREFORE, the Central Committee of the Communist League, in its VII Plenum, resolves:
1. We hereby endorse the May 1 national mobilization and strike called by the No HR4437 Coalition and National Immigrant Solidarity Network, and strongly encourage all Circles, Organizing Committees, at-large members, supporters and friends of the League to attend and, if and where possible, aid in the organizing of local demonstrations;
2. We reiterate our opposition to HR4437, and that, in the event that HR4437 or similar legislation criminalizing immigrant workers and their supporters is passed, League members are encouraged to seek out and work with clandestine immigrant support organizations in order to undermine and render worthless such legislation.