Local goals now total $126,007, but funds received are only 16 percent of that, rather than 38 percent required to be on target.

Fund directors in each area need to be working with supporters to organize the events that will ensure the goals are met in full and on time.

In Pittsburgh supporters are planning a combined fund-raiser with a grand opening of their new bookstore. "We think the tie-in is a natural and the event is exactly what we want to launch us at our new store," said Chris Remple.

The meeting is titled "Iran Today: 20th Anniversary of the Iranian Revolution" and will feature Ma'mud Shirvani, an editor for Pathfinder Press who has traveled throughout the region and written for the Militant newspaper on political events there.

Pathfinder participated in the 1999 Tehran Book Fair with a booth. Some young people were so hungry for the politics in Pathfinder's books that they came back day after day. "This, combined with the publishing in Iran of a number of Pathfinder titles, shows the importance of Pathfinder for fighters, and we want to reach out broadly to get people to the meeting."

Remple explained that "the new bookstore is smaller and we are learning to work in tighter quarters. It's definitely in line with we are trying to do politically — a lean, ready-to-go operation that can move out to the resistance quickly. And it's also going to save us about $300 a month."

Supporters in the area have already pledged $4,100 to the Pathfinder Fund and they want to "use the event to get on track or ahead in our collection," said Remple.

Supporters in the New York/Newark area reported that nine copies of Capitalism's World Disorder: Working-Class Politics at the Millennium by Jack Barnes were sold during one day at the New York Is Book Country fair in that city. "The two people who decided to buy the book from me," said Lee Oleson, "did so following discussions about what Patrick Buchanan and Ross Perot represent in politics today and why working people need to reject their 'America First' demagogy."

Socialist workers are taking that book, and the entire range of Pathfinder titles, to wherever working people are fighting.

For instance, socialist workers recently went on a regional sales team to the eastern coal fields of Pennsylvania where they sold to coal miners, workers and farmers in addition to some regional bookstores.

"This campaign is already bearing fruit," wrote Kathie Fitzgerald, the local fund director in Newark, New Jersey, in a letter sent to potential contributors. "Several bookstores suggested by Newport News strikers are now carrying Capitalism's World Disorder. A large regional wholesaler in the South just sent in an order for more than 90 titles, and just this week a local bookstore in Virden, Illinois, sent in its first order for Capitalism's World Disorder and two copies of Coal Miners on Strike!"

To find out more about the fund, to get involved, or to make a contribution, contact your nearest Pathfinder bookstore listed on page 12. Please make all checks and money orders out to Pathfinder, earmarked Pathfinder Fund, and send to: Pathfinder, 410 West Street, New York, NY 10014.  
 
 
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