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