Vol. 72/No. 9      March 3, 2008

The tax rebate many workers will receive later this year as part of the government’s stimulus package is nothing more than “blood money.” It’s a paltry bribe to make it look as if something is being done to avert the economic crisis, and a way to try to buy the silence of working people.

We urge readers of this paper to contribute your 2008 tax rebate to the tribune of workers’ struggles—the Militant.

It has been a long and proud tradition of many readers of the Militant to contribute company “production” and “safety” bonuses to the socialist movement. When a boss gives out a production bonus in exchange for intensifying the speed of labor, or a safety bonus for not reporting accidents, these are truly paid for in blood. The best use of the money, whether it be a company bonus or a tax rebate, is to turn it over to the fight against the capitalist system that makes workers sacrifice life and limb for the profits of the employers.

On February 7, as the government’s answer to the deepening economic downturn, Congress passed the Economic Stimulus Act. While granting billions in corporate tax breaks, workers—who face declining real wages, inflation, and unemployment—will receive only a $300 to $600 one-time tax rebate!

A significant section of our class—undocumented workers—are totally excluded from receiving even this pittance. In the face of rising unemployment, the politicians made sure that no extension of unemployment insurance found its way into the bill.

Real wages declined last year for the fifth straight year, while speed-up of production intensifies at the expense of workers’ lives and limbs.

Week after week, the Militant explains the reality for working people of capitalism’s growing financial crisis, unfolding recession, and brutal wars. It tells the truth about and champions struggles by working people the world over who are resisting the consequences of this crisis.

The Militant has unique coverage on the U.S. presidential elections. You can be assured the paper will report accurately on the course of action the Socialist Workers Party candidates will pursue when they are elected to office, and what they will do to defend workers against attacks by the bosses and their parties.

There’s no better use for the money than giving it to a newspaper that every week lives up to what its masthead describes: “A socialist newsweekly published in the interests of working people.”

So if you happen to be among those getting a check in the mail this spring, we urge you to give it to the Militant. It will be put to good use!

In solidarity,

Róger Calero
SWP candidate for president

Alyson Kennedy
SWP candidate for vice president  
 
 
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