Letters . . . January 31, 2024

School for communism gets A from fighters

I was very grateful to have been able to come to the Cadre School this weekend. This was my first time attending and it was a very wonderful experience. Working together as a collective; working in shifts on cleaning and cooking for everyone is very heartwarming and teaches you about the world we want to build as communists. Having the opportunity to learn more is always good and even better to share that knowledge. I hope to share what I’ve learned here this weekend and struggle with my friends and family about communism, but I don’t totally know how to go about it. Maybe next time we can learn and come up with ideas on how to approach people about communism without having them freak out about the idea.
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I had the privilege of participating in a cadre school organized by the Progressive Labor Party, and the experience was truly enriching. With a gathering of over 20 participants, the event served as a dynamic platform for passionate discussions and deep dives into the principles of communism, spanning the past, present, and future. The sessions were dedicated to crucial topics, including being internationalist, antisexist, antiracist, anti-imperialist, and anti-capitalist.We delved into case studies from different regions of the world, examining the struggles of workers fighting for their rights, particularly in conflict zones like Palestine and Ukraine. The overarching theme emphasized the revolutionary need to combat nationalism and imperialism, urging workers to think at the international level for a more cohesive movement.Throughout the event, diverse readings and breakout sessions created an atmosphere that transcended mere enjoyment; it was genuinely awe-inspiring. It felt like a convergence of minds, where each participant was well-versed in global issues, collectively seeking ways to address and rectify them.The camaraderie and shared commitment to understanding and solving the world's problems were palpable. The resounding conclusion drawn from our discussions was the imperative for a communist revolution as the ultimate solution. If there is a cadre school near you join in.  
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What stood out to me was how much our base is in agreement with us. Workers understand we do not benefit from bombing children overseas and that we do not share the same interests as the rulers.A new understanding that I will bring back to my workplace is that we need to analyze what nationalism means to our base. We can win people to internationalism the more we break down nationalism.Glimmers of communism that I saw were collective responsibility for chores and the meaningful struggle over internal contradictions.
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The communal aspect of the cadre school stuck out to me most about this weekend. I feel reinvigorated by meeting comrades and understanding their perspectives on class struggle and I'm excited to put what I've learned into practice organizing my school and community. This weekend showed glimmers of future communist societies through everyone helping to do tasks, teaching others, and sharing our experiences, and in general, just existing in a space where nobody is oppressing one another and everyone is cared for.
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As the New York Times describes millions around the world pouring into the streets to express anger and disgust at the Zionist slaughter of Palestinian families, and as World War III begins with U.S. attacks on Yemen, our Party met to train the rising generation of communist leaders. Black, Brown, white, and Asian — this youthful group represents the future of the international working class. My political batteries have been charged!

The pen is a weapon against genocide
The Zionist attacks on teachers in Maryland who are opposing the Gaza genocide continue as the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) has launched a petition campaign to keep the school system from returning them to the classroom. JCRC and the Israeli American Council (IAC) are offering “educational” (really Zionist propaganda) programs on antisemitism to teachers and students in Montgomery County. IAC is an aggressive Zionist organization that Sheldon Adelson led as Trump’s major funder.
He rejected the two-state option, preferring to keep Palestinians in a 2nd class-oppressed position in a Zionist single state. He got Trump to proclaim that Anti-Zionism is Anti-Semitism.
But Progressive Labor Party members are continuing to push out our ideas and recently participated in an “Open Mic” event at the local restaurant, Busboys and Poets.

The following poem was read and followed by a shout-out to the crowd to take our leaflet about the teachers and an upcoming Ceasefire rally.  We have to be everywhere!
They may think they are keeping it quiet
But they can hardly hide it
It’s not blue or red you see
It’s always been green
The almighty dollar
It’s got you by the collar
Don’t you dare disobey
They have your job
You can’t lose that pay
Healthcare and sick days
So do what you’re told
Don’t try to be bold
Don’t you dare say one thing
When genocide is happening

Not your average brunch
I know that 2023 was a year of upheavals, strife, and horrific killings of workers through famine, wars, floods, and earthquakes. My husband and I wanted to revive our New Year’s Day Brunch after 4 long years. We make the waffles and coffee and everyone else brings potluck!

A friend who has been disheartened by the genocide in Gaza told me, “It’s hard to celebrate.” I wrote back and said, “It is a time to reconnect with folks in a more social setting. Some folks may not have been here for years. The bosses want us to be distrustful and divided. The brunch is for that purpose.”

There were many folks that I hadn’t seen in years. Much political discussion took place in the various rooms of our home. The children did artwork and played with dancing flamingos. Many varied, delicious dishes were consumed. We raised money for legal fees for one of our comrades who is a teacher put on administrative leave for opposing genocide in Gaza. Another student at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA was disciplined for protesting about Gaza with others. A friend who is Zionist was trying to make the case for Israel’s actions, but didn’t make any headway on that front. Lots of political debate!

One friend told my husband later how thankful she was for us doing this. Her husband is slowly dying. It was a chance for him to see old friends and neighbors. I have a group of 7-8 women who meet for lunch and tea. For some years we have not able to connect. In 2023, we connected 3 times in the Fall! Keeping these connections helps us all keep sane and more energized for the struggle ahead.