BOSTON, Feb 12—From the inauguration to the Muslim Ban, the Progressive Labor Party (PLP) and friends here have been exposing fascism as an outgrowth of a capitalist system in crisis. The working class is searching for an explanation and ways to fight back.
Inauguration: Day One of Lifelong Fightback
Just hours after the Inauguration 175,000 people came to Boston from the whole New England area—New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and from south Connecticut and Rhode Island—to stand strong against Trump’s racism and sexism. For many it was the first time they had ever demonstrated. There was a fighting spirit in the air. Many shared the sentiment that we can’t continue to conduct business as usual. People understand that there is a crisis in the system and hundreds of people listened to Progressive Labor Party’s bullhorn rally and came up to take pictures of the banner “It’s not just Trump, it’s capitalism.”
PLP talked to people about the need to abolish capitalism because the democrats are not “our friends” either. Multiple times, PL’ers heard, “I agree with you.”
PLP made contacts and distributed 2,000 leaflets, with the help of a lot of friends. It was electrifying to see so many people take a stand against rising fascism. It’s an important opportunity for the members of PLP’s inner and outer circles to deepen and develop politically. A strong base will grow the Party, as that is the only way to defeat fascism and build an egalitarian world.
Liberal Bosses, Still More Dangerous
The following Saturday, PLP held a forum: “Fascism—Then and Now,” which was well attended. People from a study group gave two out of four of the presentations and a lively discussion ensued. One key point was the role of liberals in paving the way for fascism. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, whom many people mistakenly pinned their hopes on, will only disarm the working class until it’s too late to fight.
These politicians’, as all politicians, commitment to U.S. capitalism will keep the working class locked within the confines of the electoral system rather than organizing in working-class interests.
Ban Borders
The following weekend PLP members went to another protest against Trump’s racist travel ban. Many thousands poured onto the streets—Muslims, South East Asians, Middle Easterners, people from every region of the world, and Americans took a stalwart stand against the politics of fear and division.
PLP distributed 750 leaflets and CHALLENGEs and talked with many people about anti-capitalist ideas. Communists made speeches and led chants on the bullhorn. One moving moment was when a multi-generational Latin family enthusiastically joined the internationalist chant, “Working people have no nation, smash racist deportations.”
Many thanked PLP for putting forth this political message, and took CHALLENGE, as did so many others.
The capitalist crisis has woken millions up to the need for fundamental change. In times like these, plenty of workers and students are open to a communist alternative, and PLP can provide that leadership.