Maison Gauche

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Richard A. Gephardt Democratic Leader 430 South Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 Dear Mr. Gephardt and DCCC, Being neither a Republican nor Democrat, but a revolutionary socialist, I will take this opportunity to reply to your letter and the survey. The letter itself is highly questionable coming from a party that whose values and ideas, especially of late, have little to do with democracy, equality or freedom. The survey is ludicrous. Whereas it is incredibly restrictive and offers little opportunity for expressing alternative opinions, there is no way it could help prepare the Democratic Party for winning (I assume that's what you want) the upcoming mid-term elections. But then, the last thing the Democratic Party (much less the Republicans) would want to reflect is the opinions of the majority of American citizens. Suffice to say, if you haven't already thrown this letter away -- or perhaps they are thrown away forthwith...

The Politics of Lesser Evilism ---------------------SIDE BAR------------------------------ Finals: Lesser Evilism 101 Part I. Which President put forth a national minimum incomes plan? Which President proposed a comprehensive national health insurance plan? Which President signed the law creating OSHA? Which President signed the law creating the EPA? Who was President when the Roe vs. Wade case was decided? Answer: Believe it or not, that President was Nixon. Part II. Which President bombed Iraq weekly and starved Iraqis slowly for a period of 8 years? Which President rolled back civil liberties by making it illegal to aid groups in other countires that were considered 'terrorist' according to the CIA? Which President ended 'welfare as we know it'? Which President sat on ergonomics improvements for 8 years, as well as on improved standards for drinking water? Which President greatly expanded 'free trade' agreements tha...

Maybe this is a little paranoid, but I really think that the right-wing propaganda machine went into full gear at the end of August with respect to the potential baseball strike. What a great opportunity to besmirch unions when people are enraged over a possible disruption in America's favorite pastime. Worse, there were likely many union members among those who were throwing garbage onto baseball fields prior to the potential strike day. Here in the Seattle Area this came at a time of potential strike activity on three other fronts: a strike vote by Boeing machinists and school teachers, and the potential for an ILWU strike. For the left and for unionists, this was a great opportunity to show solidarity. Imagine machinists, teachers and even baseball players marching together to the docks to support the longshore workers! Unfortunately, the great opportunity was seized upon by the right and the media, while the left let it slip past. Let's get something clear. Part of th...

Today’s advocates of globalization, whether politicians, WTO officials, or neo-liberal economists, claim that globalization will lead to greater equality and freedom for all participating nations and peoples. However, official documents of these same institutions reveal just how much they believe their propaganda. As an example, the United States Space Command in its document titled Vision for 2020 states verbatim, “The globalization of the world economy will also continue, with a widening between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots.’” That’s putting it rather plain and simple - and dead on! Taking into consideration the fact that this document is more an advertisement for the US war department, advocating the development and deployment of space-based weaponry, let’s look to a more composed document. The US National Intelligence Council (an organization under the CIA’s authority) produced a document under the title, “Global Trends ...

In periods of uncertainty, when looking for direction in our lives, often we find ourselves referring to the classics of literature for answers. Whether in Homer, Shakespeare or mythologies there is always parallel to be found to illuminate the issues that have confronted humanity during any period of time. Although such an approach has always left a bad taste in my mouth, the overall response to the terrorist attack of 911 conjures up an indubitable parallel from a classic of English culture. “A witch, a witch! We have found a witch!” And so King George, entourage in tow, has presented not just to the American people but to the entire world the pariah of these Middle Ages. The cacophony of accusations is broken by a momentary voice of reason (or so it seems), as the enlightened intellectuals of our day put forward the pertinent question, “How do you know she is a witch?” But it is of no surprise, for we know the text well, that the first reply made b...

Unless you are a very conscientious buyer or just extremely curious, it may have escaped your notice that a lot of retail clothing is being made in Russia. Although we mostly hear about sweatshops in Asia, these latest additions to slave labor have arrived to Russia like Lipetsk, Voronezh and Belgorod. One such factory is the Lipchanka Closed Joint Stock Company, located in the city of Lipetsk. Last year Lipchanka workers produced 230,000 men's pants for the German market, and 215,000 women's suits for the US and 50,000 for England. Clothing from this factory is being produced for the Netherlands and, depending on the outcome of undergoing negotiations, perhaps for a Swedish client, as well. Besides these immediate clients, however, Lipchanka's goods are distributed under various brand names worldwide. The situation at Lipchanka is typical for Russia today. The management has run into debt arrears of 2 - 3 months on the wages of its workforce, which comprises about 10...

Since 911 we have heard time and again that this terrorist attack will demand the dawn of a new period in domestic and international relations. In just the span of one week the shape of this new period has taken very definite form. The heralded 'New World Order,' which only yesterday seemed questionable in light of the rise of anti-globalization protests throughout the world, has been jolted into fruition. For this the struggle for freedom and equality of the individual and nation states continues. A new perspective may be in order in this new environment. In order to free ourselves of the horror and the fear of terrorist acts we must understand its causes and effects. With this tool it will then be easier to orient oneself and others in the struggle ahead. Terrorism divides peoples and nations. Whenever a group engages in a terrorist action, that group becomes cast in opposition to the subjects of the attack. An immediate impediment is raised against the pos...

ome on you've probably seen or heard it: "I helped murder families in Columbia." "I helped kidnap peoples’ dads." “I helped blow up a building.” An analysis of American foreign policy? No. Insights into the effects of US support for authoritarian regimes? Nope. A critique on US-funding for gorilla forces? Wrong again. But, could it be children excusing themselves for proving the funds for such actions? Of course! What else could it be? So, why not take the American government to task. I mean, it’s always excusing itself. But if the moral vanguards of our society really don't want us to sponsor drug kingpins, terrorists, warlords, rogue states, well, let's just stop paying our taxes till "our" government puts its money where its mouth is. Oh, but then that is, in fact, exactly what they do. The truth is, however, I don't have anything against paying taxes. Hell, I would even support more taxation. Provided, of course, the funds are us...

From the moment Bush, Ashcroft and Co. began their attacks upon civil liberties in the aftermath of September 11, many on the left issued warnings as to the extent to the definition of terrorists could be construed. After all, as King George said himself, anyone not with him was against him, and, therefore, equated with being a terrorist. Forget the fact that definition encompased the majority of the peoples and nations of the world. Especially hand picked among nations was that obvious triumvirate of allies North Korea, Iraq and Iran, to which Cuba, Libya and Syria were posthastly added. Any question as to the foresight and wisdom of George W. was instantly quashed in this single moment of greatness. Most Americans, however, seemed to acquiece on these issues as it was apparently necessary to forego certain rights and privileges for the sake of 'national security.' Besides, they would not arrest innocent Americans, let alone foreigners. Unless, of course, you look Arabi...