The following front-page article appeared in the September 19 issue of the Herald Times, a daily published in Rio Blanc County, western Colorado. The article is titled, "Socialists Workers Party announces write-in candidate."

BY STEVE CORNIER  
The Socialists Workers Party (SWP) recently announced that Jason Alessio, a resident of Meeker and a coal miner is their selection as a write-in candidate for the third congressional district seat now held by Scott Mains.

Twenty-five-year-old Alessio is a member of the United Mine Workers Local 1984, a leader in the Young Socialist and a member of the SWP National Committee.

The SWP stated that the reason they nominated Alessio is "To present a working class alternative to Democrats and Republicans--the candidates of the twin parties of big business and imperialist war."

In addition to the SWP, there are a number of other socialist parties within the United States. These include the Democratic Socialist of America, the New Socialists, the Freedom Party Socialist, the Socialist Party U.S.A., the Worker’s Revolutionary Party, and the International Socialist. A number of these parties have ties to international groups.

In addressing the issue of "imperialist war" Alessio stated, "We (SWP) explain that the United States along with France, the United Kingdom, and others of the First World are imperialist countries. The economic system we live under is capitalism. In higher states of capitalism, imperialism develops which means that it no longer functions as capitalism within one country but reaches its roots into the rest of the world. It then can no longer have a neutral position about the politics and economics in these Third World countries."

The term "first world" is usually associated with the United States and other industrialized and technologically advanced capitalist countries. The term "third world" references the developing nations of Africa, South America, and others. Additionally, the term "second world" referenced the old Soviet Bloc of countries created after World War II.

"Today the most powerful imperialist country in the world is the United States with its military and political representatives throughout the world influencing different governments and different people for their self-interests," said Alessio.

"The norms of how capitalism works is that there will always be a working class and the rulers exploit those workers to maintain their rule, wealth, and power. Whole countries are oppressed," according to candidate Alessio. Socialists universally believe that those in power exploit the "working class" for economic and political benefit.

When asked if he personally feels exploited by his employer, Alessio replied, "I wouldn’t say that there is a feeling of exploitation but just the factuality of how big business is run--that working people and farmers are exploited. No matter what they pay us we are producing all the wealth in society and that’s the facts, and they live off of us."

When questioned about his use of capitalist tools such as Hotmail to further his political agenda Alessio responded, "The fact is I live under the rule of capitalism, I have to work. I am pressed for rent and everything. There is no way that someone can function outside of the world of capitalism. If I want to be a competent person organizing myself to explain politics there is no way I can avoid using the internet, phone, or driving a car. That is the world we live under, that is the reality."

In addressing other areas of his campaign, Alessio said, "I want to tell the truth about how this drought is affecting the working farmer. Farmers are divided into classes as well. There are monopoly farmers, which are huge corporations that run the markets. The small farmers are usually the ones that get the bad end of the stick; the laws and legislation are not set up in their interests. They do not determine any prices...they are the ones that are working in their own fields. The aid that you read about in the newspapers, the small farmer does not receive it for the most part."

In comparing his party to other socialist parties, Alessio said that the biggest difference is historical. "The party that I’m a member of, the Socialist Workers Party comes out of the Russian Revolution."

In summing up his political platform Alessio stated, "The main thing that I want to speak out about now, and I think it’s the most important political question that all candidates should be discussing because it is the most serious question is this war (with Iraq) that the U.S. government is talking about. I think that is what should be discussed. Our platform is that we oppose this war and that we want to use this campaign and this seat, if I win it to expand solidarity amongst workers and farmers for their rights in this country. Also to explain why this war like wars in past are waged in the sole interest of the ruling rich in the country."

Writer’s Footnote: I always try to remain detached and neutral when reporting a story. I believe that I adhered to that principle in reporting this one as well. I neither condemn nor condone the political philosophy of this particular candidate. What I did find refreshing is the passion that Alessio had for his convictions. Currently, the mainstream parties lack that passion, particularly on social issues.  
 
 
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