There is no doubt in my mind that the IAM, PFAA and ALPA (the Machinists, flight attendants and pilots’ unions) in not supporting the mechanics, missed an opportunity to cut across divisions and inspire a united effort against the ravages of these representatives of the capitalist class. And just as the mechanics found out there really is no room to negotiate, NWA is out to whittle our strength tier by tier until they can overcome our union strength.

The fight is there to be had whether we like it or not.

I hope the editorial of victories at three workplaces (Militant #46) is as well received as the Militant’s coverage of the AMFA strike. It should be an inspiration to all. Meanwhile a flickering of anger erupted at Boston November 11 when 18 out of 22 on the first shift reported sick with the flu. A recent flight from Newark was one and a half hours late because NWA could not find a mechanic!!!

With gratitude for your continued support of our class,

Dave Lee (member IAM District 143)
Chicago, Illinois  
 
Reaction to Katrina coverage
A co-worker from Serbia nodded with a light of instant recognition in her eye when I told her of the Militant’s message that the suffering in the aftermath of Katrina would have been a lot worse if it hadn’t been for the actions of working people. She told me that conditions in her town worsened dramatically overnight when “Clinton bombed my country.” But she said proudly that no one died of hunger because the villagers came into town and sold food; people learned to plant food of their own in suburban gardens; and the refugees from Bosnia taught others how to cultivate crops hitherto unknown locally—green peppers and tobacco for home-made cigarettes, for example. These are still grown there to this day.

The extent to which such experiences of self-reliance and survival are widespread gives a glimpse of the resources hidden among us.

Katy LeRougetel
Toronto, Ontario  
 
New Diethnes Vima website
Diethnes Vima, which publishes Pathfinder books in Greek (its most recent publication being the Greek-language translation of “Capitalism’s Long Hot Winter Has Begun”), recently launched a new website. The site includes cover photos of its titles and a brief description of each book. It also has a link to the Pathfinder Press website for titles in languages other than Greek. The home page has a painting by Italian artist and Athens resident Renata Menis. The site was prepared through the volunteer help of Beirut resident Bashar Abu-Sayfan. Its address is www.diethnesvima.com

Georges Mehrabian
Athens, Greece  
 
 
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