My introduction to PLP was through a professor at my college. She is the faculty advisor of a student club called “Pizza and Politics”. One time, during a heated discussion, I adamantly proclaimed, “Capitalism doesn’t exist anymore, capitalism was over when slavery was abolished.” I was enlightened when they cleared up my misconception. Later, the same professor introduced me to PLP’s ideas. I considered capitalism to be slavery. When I learned about the inner workings of capitalism I realized that it is very similar to slavery — wage slavery. More importantly, like slavery, I knew that capitalism is a system that has to go. Becoming a member of PLP enables me to join the fight against capitalism. We must end this cruel system and replace it with a better alternative: communism.
Secondly, when I began reading PLP’s literature, my outlook on politics changed. I saw that the two-party electoral system and everything it entailed was a sham. When I became well versed in PLP’s ideas, I began to discern vague rhetoric from substantial dialogue. “Globalization” translated into imperialism. “Education reform” meant “budget cuts,” and “law enforcement” meant “the fascist state”. It was like learning a second language, which guides my thought process now.
Finally, communism is a system I can wholly defend. The only other system I tried to defend in the past was Christianity, because I was indoctrinated to the bone! I grew up in a Caribbean home where religion was fed to me for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As I grew older and started to read about “Christianity and Colonization,” I realized that my ancestors were enslaved in the name of Christianity. It was not important for me to defend Christianity anymore. Communism is something I see as imperfect but logical and progressive. PLP’s political line is indeed what the workers of the world need to smash a system that cannot provide real solutions for unemployment, urban violence, poverty, and lack of healthcare, etc.
The more I have become involved with PLP by planning events, leafleting, organizing class struggle, and simply raising awareness about communist ideas, the more I feel empowered to know that I am involved in a very important struggle. Having PLP responsibilities helped my practical work to fight for a workers’ society instead of simply looking at communism in an abstract, philosophical way.
I urge you to join us in the fight for communism, for all of the above reasons. Be assured that you would be making one of the best decisions of your life!
New Comrade