Vol. 71/No. 36      October 1, 2007

BY CASEY LOGAN  
CLINTON, New York, September 13—“What’s behind imperialism’s spreading wars and financial disorder?” was the title of a program at Hamilton College sponsored by the Young Socialists here today.

A dozen people, including eight students, attended. The event was chaired and organized by Chris Batchelder, 19, a student at Hamilton College. Speakers included YS leaders Ben O’Shaughnessy from New York City and Ben Joyce, a student at the State University of New York at Albany.

“Iraq is the most important front for U.S. imperialism in its multi-theater war that extends from Iraq and Afghanistan to the Philippines and beyond,” said O’Shaughnessy. “The wars abroad are an extension of the continued assaults on the working and living conditions of workers and farmers here at home.”

O’Shaughnessy said that neither capitalist party is offering any alternative to the course at home or abroad. He said the recent hearings in Congress show the rulers are committed to staying in Iraq for the long term.

“Young people are asking what is the cause of imperialist war? Who benefits?” said Joyce. “Most importantly, what can be done?”

Joyce explained that the YS, alongside the Socialist Workers Party, fights to build a movement of workers, farmers, and youth in the United States capable of taking power out of the hands of the exploiters and building a system based on human solidarity, not the dog-eat-dog morality of capitalism.

“The YS will be in Washington, D.C., on September 15 and 29 to demand ‘Not one penny, not one person for Washington’s wars,’” said Joyce. “We invite all those who oppose the imperialist war drive to join us.”

In addition to antiwar actions, Joyce said the YS is reaching out on campuses to build meetings in defense of the Cuban Five as part of an international campaign of stepped-up activity to win their release.

“The Cuban Five are an example for revolutionary-minded young people today,” said Joyce. “Their will to continue to fight has not been broken behind bars, despite attempts by the rulers to break their spirits. They continue to resist, as millions of Cubans have, against imperialism for almost 50 years.”

During the discussion, several students asked what the YS thought about running in elections and what party young people should vote for.

O’Shaughnessy responded that communists use capitalist elections to reach out broadly to working people and youth with a working-class alternative. He said that the YS campaigns for and runs on the Socialist Workers Party ticket in local, statewide, and national elections. He encouraged all youth repulsed by the bipartisan course being carried out to vote for the Socialist Workers ticket in local elections this fall and the 2008 presidential elections.

“The problem is bigger than one person,” said Batchelder. “There’s a system in place running on profit and exploitation and there is a need to change the system to make any sort of change.”

After the program several students signed up for more information about the YS and to get involved in protest actions. Batchelder invited those present to join others organizing on campus to attend an antiwar action in Syracuse, New York, on September 29.

“Hopefully this is the start of a sustained YS presence on campus.” said Batchelder.  
 
 
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