Where We Stand 1.3

Revolution

As Socialists we support the right of workers and all the oppressed to struggle against their oppression. Reforms may improve the living, working, and social conditions of workers and the oppressed. But capitalism endangers these reforms, and without replacing capitalism with socialism, oppression and exploitation will remain.

The government now was created and is maintained as an instrument of the ruling class; it is there to protect their interests. Therefore, workers need a completely different government, one that democratically represents their interests -- that of the majority. We do not endorse capitalist parties such as the Democrats or Republicans. We support true left wing candidates and direct political action. We must work to break down the capitalist, two party system that strangles true democracy.

Where We Stand 1.2

Workers' Power


It is from the labor of the workers that wealth is created, but it is not the workers who own that wealth. The means of production are owned by the ruling class. Only when workers take control of the means of production and organize it democratically will a socialist society be possible. The workers make up the majority of society and it should be the majority that governs rather than a small minority.

Through the use of the strike and independent organizing from the union bosses can workers emancipate themselves. As such, we support trade unions, and the right of workers to unionize in an economy that constantly puts the capitalists' interests over those of the worker.

Because of workers' position as producers of social wealth they are the most capable of bringing down the capitalist system that continues to exploit and oppress.

Where We Stand - The Politics of the ISO

Part 1.1

In order that people who come across our page can learn more about us, we are putting up a series of posts titled "Where We Stand - The Politics of the ISO." Many of our posts come from Socialist Worker, our daily publication, or International Socialist Review, a bimonthly scholarly journal. But more could be said about the politics, perspective, and organization that is the ISO. Usually when we sit down with our contacts to talk over politics we bring along a copy of this packet. It is the simplest tool we have to introduce you to our project.

We will do abbreviated points every Sunday based on the information in the packet.

Socialism, Not Capitalism

The injustices of war, poverty, exploitation and oppression are a result of a capitalist system. This system puts the interests of a small minority above the interests of the rest, from whom the capitalists profit from their labor. A socialist society is the alternative where workers work, own, and govern collectively. Our tradition is founded in the works of Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, carried on in the works of Lenin, Luxemburg, and Trotsky.

New ISR Subscription for 2009

The International Socialist Review Journal is offering a new deal for subscribers. If you have not had a subscription in the last two years, or this is your first subscription, you are eligible for:

1. One free back issue
2. One free book

ISR is offering a new selection of books and back issues to choose from as well. This is a great opportunity to get a new subscription to one of the leading left journals.

Check them out online at www.isreview.org!

Socialism Takes a Big Step!

The San Francisco Socialism 2009 Conference was a tremendous success. Over 400 people pre-registered for the conference. But, by the end of the weekend, when the numbers were crunched over 900 people attended the conference. Rooms were packed with standing room only and many walked away inspired with a new sense of clarity on how to apply new ideas and understandings to struggle.

Alan Maass wrote a great article reporting back from the Conference. The organizers of the conference decided that this year would be different; it would be split into two different conferences, one in the midwest and one on the west coast. Well it looks like that decision really hit upon the next excitement and interest people have around socialism and the progressive left!

Read the full article on Socialist Worker.

Such success really exposes the growing opportunity that we have as activists, veterans, students, and socialists to build the left.

Socialism 2009 Schedules Finalized!

Check it out! The schedule for both conferences (Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA) are up! You can even click on specific topics you want to learn about and see which talks will be given and by whom.

http://socialismconference.org/schedule.php

Chicago
June 18-21
Wyndham Hotel
Near O'Hare airport map

San Francisco
July 2-5
The Women's Building

Socialism 2009

The world economic crisis has shattered the free-market consensus that has dominated politics for the last generation. Meanwhile, the end of the conservative era and the election of the first African American president have raised expectations among working people that long overdue change is at hand. With capitalism in crisis, even some in the mainstream media are admitting that Karl Marx was right.

There has never been a better time for those who want to see fundamental change to get together to debate, discuss and organize for a new society—a society based on the needs of the many instead of the whims of a few. We need to organize a new left to meet the challenge of this new era.

That’s the purpose that Socialism 2009—expanded to two sites, Chicago and San Francisco, this year—has set for itself. Gather with activists from around the world to take part in dozens of discussions about changing the world: How can we end racism? What kind of organization do we need? What would a future socialist society look like?

Yes we can organize for socialism in the 21st century! ¡Sí se puede!

For more information, write to info@socialismconference.org or call us at 773-583-7884.