Recent discussion on OlyBlog got me to thinking about the problem of big business influence over politics and government. I have been to thinking about the lack of practical difference between Republicans and Democrats. For example, the failure of the Obama Administration to live up to the President's high-minded rhetoric, and promises (think about the promise to close the Guantanamo Bay torture center,) makes it possible to argue that the differences between the two parties are more often in the realm of rhetoric, rather than of material substance.

In America we don't have a political party that represents the interest of common people, nor the interests that all people have in common. What we have is a system that represents interests of the owning class. Both major parties, as well as some minor parties, represent the singular self-interest of some, at the expense of others. And it is important to remember that the wealth of some, including the wealth many of us in America enjoy, is dependent on the mistreatment of the planet, and of many people.

Maybe part of the answer toward successfully organizing against the unjust and destructive status quo is the development of new political parties—parties that go to the heart of the problems in order to radically challenge the unjust status quo. One example of a political party that is organizing to achieve a society that serves the common interests of life and of all people, and for liberation from the multitudinous oppressions of today's world, is the Freedom Socialist Party.

The FSP is holding its National Conference STARTING TOMORROW (FRIDAY JULY 9) AT THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE. I encourage you to check in, you're sure to meet organizers whom are very brilliant and talented, as well as kind and courteous! Following is more information about the conference, from the FSP website and from a press release. And there is also more information on the FSP website: www.socialism.com. ~Berd

Freedom Socialist Party National Convention, Friday-Monday, July 9-12, 2010, Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA

 Are you fed up with the "hope dealers" of both major parties who use working people’s aspirations as a trampoline to political power?

Do you dream of living under a system that cherishes life, knowledge, solidarity, shared abundance and the natural world?

The FSP Convention is an opportunity to strategize on how to reach this goal. It is a time to reflect on global struggles and to assess the effectiveness of today’s resistance movements to the intense suffering caused by capitalism’s latest crisis.

Let’s join forces and see what wonderful changes we can accomplish!

 

Convention Agenda

Travel Information

Meeting and Housing Sites

Costs

Registration

PUBLIC CONFERENCE

Freedom Socialist Party Convention, July 9-12, Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington. Meet real socialists who fight for working folk. Shed those Fox News stereotypes!  Are you fed up with the “hope dealers” of both major parties who use working people’s aspirations as a trampoline to political power? Do you dream of living under a system that cherishes life, knowledge, solidarity, shared abundance and the natural world? The Freedom Socialist Party National Convention is an opportunity to strategize on how to reach this goal. It is a time to reflect on global struggles and to assess the effectiveness of today’s resistance movements to the intense suffering caused by capitalism’s latest crisis.

Key topics include: the myth of the post-racial society; rekindling union militancy in the face of high unemployment, the Democrats’ betrayal and budget deficits; defeating anti-immigrant racism, from ICE checkpoints to racial profiling; the socialist feminist alternative to Wall Street and the Tea Party; frontline dispatches from the movement to save public education; queers and the ongoing battle for civil rights;  the Cuban Revolution and the threat of capitalist restoration; global warming as seen from Australia and much, much more. There will be panels presented at plenary sessions and skills workshops for community and labor organizers as well as small group discussions on various topics.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a freewheeling discussion of strategies to create a society without war, poverty, racism, sexism or homophobia. A better socialist world is possible!

This gathering of creative minds will be held July 9-12 at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Daily registration is $20; students and strikers $10. Childcare will be available, if you call three days in advance. For more information visit www.socialism.com, email FSPnatl@igc.org or call 206-985-4621.

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