The raised goal reflects the value placed in the Militant and Perspectiva Mundial by their readers and supporters. The socialist periodicals are political weapons for working people and youth opposing imperialism’s course toward a deepening economic depression and war at home and abroad.

This week’s issue, for example, brings facts and explanations about the U.S.-led assault on Iraq as it campaigns to "bring the troops home now!" It carries a picket-line report from the strike by meatpacking workers at Tyson Foods in Wisconsin, and a firsthand account of the Washington protest in defense of affirmative action.

Other articles on Korea, Iran, education protests, and union struggles arm readers with the facts about important events in the class struggle.

The fund appeal payments are needed for the Militant to provide this kind of news and analysis each week. They cover daily and weekly production expenses, from the rent due at the new offices, to payments to the printing, shipping, and utilities companies used by the paper. Many of these bills need to be paid now.

In addition, the contributions make it possible to field reporting teams around the country and internationally. This week, for example, Militant staff member Sam Manuel was on the spot to report and photograph the April 1 affirmative action demonstration.

Fundraising events are planned for the next couple of weeks in many cities, giving local campaigners a focus for their efforts. Fund supporters are calling and sending out mailings to those who have made pledges, encouraging them to bring their checkbooks to the event or to mail in their contributions.

In Newark the local fund committee invited Ma’mud Shirvani, Pathfinder’s Farsi-language editor, to speak March 29 on the theme, "From Iran to Iraq: the Legacy of the Iranian Revolution Today." Among those present was a student from nearby Essex Community College who had run into the Militant at the October 26 peace rally in Washington, D.C. He stayed after the meeting to talk to Shirvani and others. In the course of the discussion, he decided to return soon to buy some books.

Sarah Katz, the Newark fund director, told the Militant that the fund had received a big boost from the meeting. Around $500 was contributed that night, while new pledges brought the total to date to $2,200. Supporters have been encouraged in their efforts to make their goal of $3,800, and to step up the pace of collection.

Shirvani will be in New York April 4 and in Seattle April 19 to speak at fund events.

Street campaigning and soapboxing with the socialist periodicals and Pathfinder books have also brought in contributions to the fund. Members of two sales teams in New York raised $18 in contributions from passersby on Saturday March 29 by including appeals for contributions in their soapbox speeches. As the Militant subscription campaign begins, supporters of the socialist press in the city plan to build on this successful initiative.

Local areas are encouraged to send in reports on their efforts to the Militant.  
 
 
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