Trade unionists are joining the anti-war mobilizations in great numbers causing their unions to take positions against the war. Many people are drawing far reaching conclusions about the nature of this capitalist government as it pushes forward with its aggression against Iraq with only paper thin lies about its reasons.

This is an important atmosphere in which socialists can make gains and explain the true nature of the state. The movement has already played a part in staying the hand of the U.S. government, allowing increased exposure of its motives. I believe that this has also caused some rifts in the ruling class, as can be seen by the increased press coverage of the January anti-war actions as compared to past demonstrations. So, why does the Militant act as if the anti-war movement is of little importance?

Joe Lombardo
Delmar, New York
 
 
Orangutan culture?
A recent article in the New York Times caught my eye and revealed the continuing crisis in the scientific fields of Anthropology, Biology, and Primatology. The article’s title was "Scientists say Orangutans can exhibit ‘Culture’" and went on to report that "According to the research reported in the journal Science, they (Orangutans) exhibit what was until very recently considered a uniquely human attribute, culture." Further on the report quotes an "expert" in primatology, "In the coming 20 years...we will not think of culture as a monolithic thing, but a concept that includes songbirds, the great apes and human culture."

Attempts such as this to erase the gulf between animal existence and human society are deeply reactionary and all too common today in a number of scientific fields. Pathfinder books by Evelyn Reed, like Sexism and Science, are some of the best sources for those who are looking for a scientific explanation for the development and evolution of human society and culture, and the vast differences that demarcate the evolution of humanity from all other animal species.

Perhaps during Women’s History Month you can run an article or two taking up studies like this one and Reed’s arguments against them.

Mike Galati
New York, New York
 
 
Hospital protests
The plan of the Liberal government of British Columbia, Canada, to fire thousands of hospital workers and replace them with contractors paying poverty level wages is meeting growing resistance. For three consecutive Wednesdays beginning January 8, members of the Hospital Employees’ Union at the province’s largest hospital, Vancouver General, have staged marches and demonstrations.

January 28 marks the one year anniversary of the Liberal government’s passage of Bill 29 which tore out from health care labour agreements any protection against contracting out. Hospital workers at Vancouver General will mark this day with two more lunch break marches and by wearing blue arm bands.

Mike Barker,
Vancouver, British Columbia
 
 
Supermarket picket
Over 50 people picketed the Assi Supermarket in Los Angeles’ Koreatown on January 25 to publicize a boycott which will continue until 60 workers are reinstated. Although Assi claims the August 1 dismissal of those Latino and Korean workers was because of their lack of valid Social Security cards, the selective firings took place in the context of an organizing drive by the Immigrant Workers Union.

Those participating in the picket were urged to join a February 1 picket in Santa Monica at Forever 21, a maker of women’s fashions targeted for a boycott because of its refusal to pay back wages.

Barry Schier
Los Angeles, California  
 
 
Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home