The forced departure of Suharto is a victory. But the wrenching open of political space to organize, discuss ideas, and forge alliances with fellow fighters are the key things to keep our eyes on.
Above all, Indonesia's fresh generation of young workers, peasants, and students are at the beginning of the process of "bringing down the regime," which is still intact, despite its Bonapartist figurehead having left the presidential palace to count his billions in his private mansion.
Doug Cooper
Sydney, Australia
Editor's reply: Doug Cooper is completely correct in noting the inaccuracy of the Militant's headline and what the actual situation is in Indonesia.
Health care and capitalism
The May 11 edition of the Montreal daily La Presse
featured on the front page the results of a study conducted
by economists at the University of Quebec in Montreal.
Using the statistics from Quebec and across Canada, the study showed that every 10 percent decrease in government health care spending per person results in a .5 percent increase in the infant mortality rate.
On May 12, The Toronto Star published the findings of a report by the National Council of Welfare. From 1989 to 1996 the number of children living in poverty in Canada increased by 500,000. According to the government's own figures and its definition of the poverty line, there were 1,481,000 children living in poverty in 1996 - one in 5 children.
Working people sacrifice their lives for children.
Capitalism sacrifices children to stay alive.
Al Cappe
Toronto, Ontario
One of the best
The Militant is one of the best papers I ever read.
Thanks a lot.
C.M.
Glendale, California
Appreciate prisoners' subs
Revolutionary greetings from the bowels of Amerikkka. I
received the sample copy of the Militant you sent me, and I
thank you immensely. Myself and other comrades would
appreciate it if you sent us a free subscription, as soon as
funding permits. We greet you comrades with the hearts and
souls of New Afrikan Freedom Fighters! We salute each of you
with a mailed clenched fist.
A prisoner
Florence, Colorado
For a prisoner's sub
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admit I'm more than satisfied with your publication.
Enclosed is $6.00 for a six-month subscription.
A prisoner
Albion, New York
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