Miami Herald columnist Robert Steinback wrote this in a November 7 piece titled "Forced patriotism is oppression." He was referring to Michael Italie, the Socialist Workers candidate for mayor of Miami, who was fired from his job as a sewing machine operator at Goodwill Industries on October 22. The company action came a few days after the socialist appeared on television in a debate with other mayoral candidates in which he stated his opposition to the U.S. war in Afghanistan, his defense of the Cuban revolution, and his support for union organizing efforts.

Goodwill chief executive officer Dennis Pastrana acknowledged that Italie had been fired because of his political statements, telling the Herald October 30 that "we cannot have anyone who is attempting to subvert America."

Columnist Steinback didn't buy it. Nor did he agree with outgoing mayor Joseph Carollo, who called Italie's ideas "treasonous." Wrote Steinback: "The Constitution states, 'Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.' That's it. There's nothing in Article III, Section 3 about political ideology, nothing about loving or honoring the flag, nothing, even, about loving or honoring America."

He pointed to similarities between Italie's fight and that of three Black fire fighters in Miami who were suspended for taking an American flag off their truck following September 11. The three recently won reinstatement.

The right of a worker to hold and advocate views contrary to the policies of the U.S. government is winning a hearing in Miami. Supporters of Italie are determined to make Goodwill Industries pay the highest political price possible for their discriminatory firing, and to make it more difficult for the employers to victimize the next worker. Supporters are now appealing to defenders of constitutional rights around the country to join in this battle. They are asking for statements backing Italie's right to free speech from civil libertarians, trade unionists, opponents of police brutality, farm activists, student groups and others. The newly formed Committee to Defend Freedom of Speech and the Bill of Rights is circulating a petition demanding the Miami mayor and city commissioners uphold the U.S. Constitution and press Goodwill to rehire Italie.

We encourage all our readers to join this nationwide effort. The Miami committee has produced a "truth kit" with a fact sheet and press coverage on the firing and a statement that can be signed by those wanting to defend Italie's rights. It is requesting financial contributions to cover the costs of this defense effort. To receive this packet, to obtain other information, and to send contributions, contact the Committee to Defend Freedom of Speech and the Bill of Rights, P.O. Box 510127, Miami, FL 33151-0127. Tel: (305) 724-5965.
 
 
Related article:
Miamians organize nationwide fight against political firing of candidate for mayor  
 
 
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