January 17, 2000
Leading up to the new millennium, Washington issued a number of “worldwide terrorism warnings” as it beefed up the cops at its border. In the name of combating “Islamic terrorism,” the U.S. rulers show utter contempt for established legal and civil rights. Slander, innuendo, paid informers — all have been used in the absence of evidence.
The rulers want us to assume that those rounded up are guilty who must prove their innocence. But you’re innocent, innocent, innocent — unless they can prove you’re guilty.
The labor movement needs to take a stand alongside these immigrant worker allies to help organize them in political action. This is the road forward toward overcoming the divisions fostered by the rulers that weaken our ranks. “We” is working people the world over who are exploited and oppressed by “them” — the billionaire ruling families.
January 17, 1975
One of the fastest growing, most profitable sections of the medical industry is the nursing-home racket. Since Medicare and Medicaid funds became available in 1966, the number of private, profit-motivated nursing homes has nearly doubled.
Susan Jacoby wrote an article for the New York Times Magazine in which she painted a chilling picture of the conditions found in 50 nursing homes she visited. She found patients lying in dark rooms, many of them in their own body wastes (one home charged $11 a month extra for linen), and old people sitting in chilly corridors, staring off into space.
What then is the answer to this problem? There is only one answer, and that is to provide free, quality health care for all. Good health is the right of everyone. But that right will only be realized when all profit is taken out and care is put back in.
January 16, 1950
Probing for a vital spot in the mine owners’ solid front, the coal miners on Jan. 9 began striking at the “captive” pits of the major steel companies which have been the main hold-outs in the seven-month battle of the United Mine Workers for a new and improved contract. The struggle appears headed for a showdown. Since the first of the year, the offensive against the miners has been mounting in intensity.
Time and again the miners’ militant methods have won gains that have spurred the rest of labor to action. Above all, the miners have relied on their own strength.
The miners are in great danger. If they suffer a defeat, the whole front of the labor movement will be exposed to attack. To turn the tide in the miners’ favor requires massive intervention by the rest of organized labor. The impulse for this will come from the union ranks.