Solidarity with Israeli Apartheid Week, free Palestine!

Statement by the International Commission, YCL

The Canadian government's position on Israel has gone from shamefully silent to actively supportive of violence, occupation and apartheid in the few short years of the Harper Conservative Party regime. The latest of the Harper government’s attack on the Palestinian people is voting against the UN’s recognition of Palestine as a state. The Canadian government, along with just a handful of other countries, including the US and Israel, voted against making Palestine a non-member observer state.Canada’s Minister of foreign affairs, John Baird, stated that official recognition of Palestine “will undermine the objective of reaching a comprehensive, lasting and just settlement for both sides”.

Harper’s blind support of this violent and racist government is in fact accomplishing the opposite. By actively supporting the Israeli government, Harper is supporting the recent war ("Operation Pillar of Defense") that saw hundreds of Palestinian murdered, including children. Israeli "strategic" targets included soccer stadiums, media stations, and bureaucratic offices. The Canadian government's support continues the degradation and oppression of Palestine, perpetuating the cycle of poverty, violence and racism against the Palestinian people, which increases violence. The Conservatives support contributes to Israel’s continued actions that do nothing but further escalate the conflict in the region, creating further bloodshed that is crippling the Palestinian people.

The Harper government’s position on the Zionist Israeli war machine is in line with the US, the Christian far-right, and the world’s largest multi-national corporations. This position undermines Palestinians, the Middle East, and the Canadian people; only 19% of Canadians believe that Canada should even support the state of Israel. Canadians have strongly supported the Freedom Flotilla and now the Gaza Ark project. Moreover, the vast majority of the world supports Palestinian statehood.

The Harper government continues to embarrass the Canadian people and further isolate Canada from the rest of the world. Harper’s continued support of Israel is yet another example of Canada becoming a 'rogue state' in the international community, where the government's persistent deviance on climate change action towards a self-serving policy of stalling world-wide climate change negotiations, cutting off all diplomatic ties with Iran and the backing of repressive regimes in the Middle East, are only a few.

We continue to stand in full solidarity with the sovereign Palestinian people in their demand for full statehood immediately with East Jerusalem as the capital. Swift and just peace can not be brought about until there is immediate cessation and withdrawal of all settlements and dismantlement of the Israeli Apartheid Wall, release of all Palestinian political prisoners and detainees, guarantee of the right of return, and at a minimum respect of the 1967 Green Line boundaries.

We salute the thousands of Palestinian detainees who succeeded, by their hunger strike, in helping expose the occupation -- they had to hunger strike just to wing very basic humanitarian conditions inside the jails. We salute the Union of Palestinian Democratic Youth and their comrade Samer Issawi who is on hunger strike for 222 days, since he was re-arrested and held without a conviction (after being released in the 2011 Shalit’s Deal prisoner exchange after almost ten years in jail). We also express our solidarity with George Abdallah, a Lebanese left-wing militant in arbitrarily in jail in France for 29 years, since 1984, because of his opposition to the occupation. Abdallah has been denied parole requests since 1999 and, while granted release by French courts this decision has been twice over-ruled by the French foreign minister.

It’s important for the youth, student and other progressive forces in Canada to stay informed, engaged and pressure the Harper government on this issue. In this direction the YCL endorses with full support Israeli Aparthied Week being held on campuses across Canada and now around the world. The Young Communist League of Canada demands that the Harper Conservative government reverse its attack on the people of Palestine and their demand to become truly independent and sovereign, with full support both financially and diplomatically. Until this is won, the YCL will continue to mobilize in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement.

Harper mocks Chavez

Ted Snider, from Rabble.ca

Upon hearing the news of the death of Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez, Canada's prime minister, Stephen Harper had this to say:

Canada looks forward to working with his successor and other leaders in the region to build a hemisphere that is more prosperous, secure and democratic ... At this key juncture, I hope the people of Venezuela can now build for themselves a better, brighter future based on the principles of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Prosperous? Democratic? Harper should take a better look not only at Chavez, but at himself, before he insensitively responds to the death of a man whom a majority of Venezuelans had just re-elected and lectures them on economics and democracy.

Prime Minister Harper prides himself on his economic prowess. But under his government, unemployment has increased from 6.8 per cent when he took office to the 7 per cent level it is at today. Harper has had seven years to improve unemployment, but his policies have done nothing. Chavez has cut unemployment amongst Venezuelans by more than half. In 1999, the year Chavez took office, unemployment was 18 per cent. By 2011 it had dropped to 8.2 per cent and by last year to about 6 per cent.

When it comes to cutting poverty, Harper has done somewhat better. But not as good as Chavez. When Harper took office in 2006, poverty levels stood at 15.9 per cent of Canadians. In 2012, it had improved to 9.4 per cent: an improvement of 40 per cent. However, in the last five years, since 2008, when the number had already improved to 10.8 per cent, Harper's policies have done little to improve poverty in Canada.

In Venezuela, poverty has dropped from 42.8 per cent when Chavez took office to 26.7 per cent -- a vast improvement of 37 per cent. However, according to economist Mark Weisbrot, Chavez did not really have control of the oil industry or the economy until 2003.

When measured from that date, when Chavez's policies began to have an effect on the economy, the improvement in poverty increases to 49.7 per cent. When extreme poverty is considered, the results are even more impressive. In 1999, 16.6 per cent of Venezuelans lived in extreme poverty; by 2011 that number had dropped to 7 per cent: an improvement of 57.8 per cent. And again, if you only look at the period that Chavez could realistically affect, the improvement was an incredible 70 per cent.

In terms of inequity in the economy, the score card for Harper is no better. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening in Canada. Under Harper, Canada's rich-poor gap is one of the fastest growing in the world, according to the Conference Board of Canada. The Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development says the gap between the top 10 per cent and the bottom 10 per cent is currently 10:1. In the early 1990s, it was only 8:1. The Gini index measures how much distribution of income deviates from being equal. Zero means everyone has the same income; one means one person has it all. So the lower the number, the better. Under Harper's administration, Canada's Gini index has been virtually unchanged. In Venezuela, under the Chavez administration, the Gini index has improved by about 17 per cent.

While Canada's economic growth stalled in 2012, Venezuela's continued to grow by 5.5 per cent. Though in the 20 years prior to Chavez's presidency, Venezuela had the worst performing economy in South America, since 2003, when Chavez's policies began to have an effect, Venezuela's economy has grown by more than 94 per cent.

As Harper has no right to criticize Chavez on economics, so he has no right to lecture Venezuelans on democracy. Aside from the insensitivity of expressing joy that Venezuelans can "build for themselves a better, brighter future" now that the man they four times overwhelmingly elected to majority governments has died, Harper's categorization of Chavez's government as not based on the principles of democracy requires as much unwillingness to look at reality as his economic criticism of Chavez.

While Harper was busy twice proroguing government, Chavez was holding fourteen national elections and referendums, taking his policies to the people for approval an average of once a year. Harper, however, literally suspended parliament in order to avoid a nonconfidence vote and hold on to power. And he lectures Chavez on democracy. What's worse is that Harper locked the doors on parliament to avoid discussion of diplomat Richard Colvin's strong evidence that Harper's government was handing Afghan detainees over to Afghan prisons known to torture. Good thing Harper also threw the bit about "rule of law" and "respect for human rights" into his eulogy for Chavez.

Harper's remarks mirror much of the western media, who have tarred Chavez's democratic credentials by consistently attaching the adjective dictator to his name with no evidence. But Chavez was no undemocratic dictator. Chavez won four consecutive elections and submitted many important decisions to national referendums. In every case, Chavez honoured the will of the people: even the one time that he lost, by the slimmest of margins, in the December 2007 referendum.

Though Harper says that Chavez's death ushers in the hope that Venezuela can now build a future based on the principles of democracy, Jimmy Carter said in 2012 that "of the ninety-two elections that we've monitored, I would say that the election process in Venezuela is the best in the world."

Venezuela has very high ratings of satisfaction with its democracy and of support for its government. Chavez's government has been marked by its distribution of power to local organizations. It is participatory and grassroots: entirely different from the U.S. backed dictatorships initiated in Venezuela by Woodrow Wilson and finally ended by Hugo Chavez.

Chavez has consistently won a majority of the vote. In 2006, he was re-elected by 63 per cent of the people. Thirteen years into his presidency, he still attracted over 54 per cent of the vote: a popular majority never attained by Harper.

The people elected him and reelected him because of his participatory style of democracy and because of the economic improvements and his care for the poor. He increased Venezuelans' access to education -- college enrollment doubled since 2004, with many students qualifying for free tuition -- and he increased access to health care for millions. These too are part of the better, brighter future that Chavez was delivering and Harper is dismissing.

So before Harper insensitively and arrogantly dyslogizes Chavez, he should take a closer look at Chavez, and at himself.

Ted Snider has his masters in philosophy and teaches high school English and politics in Toronto

WFDY: "We will live and overcome!"

President Hugo Chavez speaks at the anti-imperialist court, 16th WFYS 

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF DEMOCRATIC YOUTH TO THE FAMILY, YOUTH AND PEOPLE OF VENEZUELA FOR THE DEATH OF THE COMMANDANT AND PRESIDENT HUGO CHÁVEZ FRÍAS.

Relatives of the President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías. Venezuelan youth. People of Venezuela.With a deep sorrow we have received the new of the death of our comrade Mr. President Hugo Chávez Frías, one of the most loved leaders of America who consecrated his life in benefit of his nation and his people.

We remember the leader in the deepest sad moment with the youth of the world in the XVI World Festival of Youth and Students celebrated in the Bolivarian land in 2005, in the anti-imperialist court, heading the fight and the claim of the people against the imperialist and capitalist system attacks.

We remember him in his eternal fight for the independence and sovereignty of his people, for the unity of all Latin America and Caribbean. In this last years, even in the middle of the unexpected illness he continued in the building of his Revolution for destitute and forgotten as a sacred duty continuing the ideas of Bolivar, Hidalgo, José Martí, Che Guevara and all those heroes who had magnified the history of this large and great Latin-American homeland.

With his invaluable example, being a simple soldier who made his duty without asking privileges. Faced all the onslaught of betrayal, the enemies’ danger that also respected him, and received the love of all, especially youth. He was firm in every fight, always in defence of the neediest. His vibrant word, his infinite love to Venezuela, his sings and happiness, his passion for the people and his impassioned verses; will be the eloquent and exciting legacy of the poet when said: “The ones who die for life, shouldn't be called dead.”

In the name of all the member and friend organizations of the World Federation of Democratic Youth, we express the most honest condolences to all his relatives, to the Venezuelan youth and to all the brave people, who since knew the death offer him the most deserved tribute.Ever onward to victory!

We will live and overcome!

CC/HQ
Budapest, Hungary
March 5th, 2013

Cuba remembers Chavez: he has died, and not..

Iliana García Giraldino  (Siempre con Cuba/ICAP)

The news was truly devastating. The news of the Venezuelan Commander in Chief’s decease swept all across the world leaving an immense trail of sadness and pain that will always etch on the historical mind of humanity, where the eternal Bolivarian commander will remain alive for good.

The passionate hope worldwide that the president would overcome this battle against cancer disease, just faded at the very moment of his decease, which however can not defeat all the love emerged from the bottom of the beloved Hugo Chavez’ heart. That seed of love he planted and the love he has received and will receive from the peoples.

He has deceased and not. There is no way possible his ideas fade significance with his physical disappearance. The Venezuelan leader set an example of braveness and faith, the courage that always defined him, his integrationist thinking, his solidarity with the deprived, with the ones dropped out from society. The leader deserves a place of honour in the heavens of the heroes, from which he will enlighten the path of sovereignty, dignity and patriotism.

Venezuela mourns, as well as Latin America and the Caribbean. Men of good will also weep. The whole Cuban people just shuddered at the harrowing news. Chávez was- and also belongs to Cuba, the island he felt deep love of, the island he felt he was part of, as well as he belonged to the cuban people. Chávez used to be one more cuban. He used to talk to Cubans with the sympathy and ease of an older brother.

His image next to Fidel, both smiling, is a symbol for the Cuban people. In that picture, and like in many others we know, is summed up the feelings of Cuba. Every time Chavez embraced Fidel and Raul, he embraced all cubans at the same time.

Cuba and Venezuela as one nation are grieving this ruthless moment.  The woes and sorrows felt by the Cuban people are felt in the most remote areas in Venezuela. Like brothers, we have to bear the pain. Like brothers will go on, faithful to Chavez’ ideas, the one who carried out and bolstered the Bolivarian Revolution, The Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), PETROCARIBE, The CELAC, and popular health, sporting and cultural programs. He will live within the souls of the children and women he saved with sanitary programs, in the redeemed people of his beloved homeland.

As the lyrics of the song of Ali Primera ¨We will avoid the beautiful open door to life to be shut¨

Unity, unity, unity, was Commander in Chief’s legacy in his call to continue fighting regardless of the circumstances, the Bolivarian Revolution, and to continue building Socialism.

I can not imagine Chávez motionless. He will continue to deliver his speeches, quoting impassioned Bolivar’s phrases and José Marti’s verses, speaking with the people, carrying children in his arms, grinning to life, replying fiercely to whomever attempts to threaten the homeland, with his defiant stand facing the empire, caring with his family, holding hands with Fidel and Raúl, chanting the songs of Alí Primera, who in a song dedicated to Bolívar he expressed:

… who knows if you are ever seen over a star,  
with bright parrots enlightening the jungle,  
over the wet plantations shining its essence,  
with your horse of war galloping next to me, with your libertarian sword near me, with your shout of battle…

You are very close to everyone, beloved Commander, leading the peoples of the world from a star

International Women's Day 2013

Statement by the Central Women’s Commission, Communist Party of Canada and endorsed by the Young Communist League of Canada

March 8 is a day to honour women’s struggles, take stock of hard‑won gains, and to demand full equality.

This year, International Women’s Day comes amidst inspiring new struggles. Working people around the world, particularly in Europe, continue their huge struggles against austerity measures. In Canada we saw students in Quebec rose up, leading a fight against tuition fee increases, against neo‑liberal policies, and in opposition to a draconian bill that attempted to repress dissent. The result: the Quebec Liberal government’s defeat at the polls, a tuition freeze and the scrapping of Loi 10. Young women played a key and leading role in that struggle.

The “Idle No More” movement has initiated an historic struggle against Bill C‑45 and the entire racist agenda of the Harper Tory government.

Communist Party of Venezuela on death of Hugo Chavez

President Hugo Chavez Frias and Oscar Figuera, PCV general secretary

The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Venezuela, with deep sorrow over the passing of our President Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias, undisputed leader of the Bolivarian process in Venezuela, Latin America and the world, wishes to express its firm conviction to continue raising the flags of struggle for socialist revolution and revolutionary popular unity.

President Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias dedicated his life to efforts that helped in the construction and defense of the country, seeking the conquest of a society of justice and freedom for the working people of Venezuela, Latin America and the world, who are facing global imperialism and its lackeys.

It is indisputable that our comrade president always took, with exemplary revolutionary discipline and selflessness, the difficult and demanding task of leading our country through the paths of the construction of a more just society, and assumed this task as a lifetime commitment.

From the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Venezuela we condemn the war politics and media manipulation undertaken by reactionary sectors of Venezuela, under the guidance of U.S. imperialism, the main enemy of the working class and all working people.

We call on the Venezuelan people, the revolutionary political and social forces to close ranks, to remain alert and vigilant against the claims of imperialism to create chaos and instability in our country. This is why we must demonstrate high levels of organization and disciplined mobilization of our people, building from all instances created in recent years.

We extend to his closest loved and those who loved him dearly in life, our expressions of solidarity and condolences, especially to his sons and daughter and other relatives.

The Political Bureau pays tribute to Comrade President Hugo Chavez , revolutionary who will forever be framed in the collective imagination of our country as an example of strength, dedication, courage and revolutionary greatness.

We call on the Venezuelan people to continue to strive for the courage, fortitude, unselfishness and infinite love for humanity and behavior specific to revolutionary action of Comrade President Hugo Chavez, to now and forever be an example to our people and new generations of fighters for life.

In memory of Hugo Chavez: Canadian Network on Cuba

The Canadian Network on Cuba on behalf of all its member organizations expresses its heartfelt condolences to the people of Venezuela on the loss their beloved president and leader Hugo Chávez Frías. Hugo Chávez was a steadfast fighter for self-determination, social justice and independence. His vision and politics went beyond the boundaries of Venezuela to encompass the struggle for dignity not only in Latin America and the Caribbean but for the entire world.  Hugo Chavez may have passed on but the ideals that his life embodied live on.

We express our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, comrades and loved ones. As the peoples of Venezuela and the world absorb this hard blow, this immense loss, we are confident that they will able to meet any challenge on the path to create a country and world as envisioned by Hugo Chávez a nation and planet fit for humanity.

Long Live the Memory of Hugo Chávez

On behalf of the Canadian Network On Cuba

Save Canada Post!

People's Voice Editorial

The latest sign of the drive to privatize anything that moves is the impending service cuts at Canada Post. According to the big business media, the crown corporation operates at a loss, so the only solution is to close more outlets, reduce deliveries (possibly to just three days a week), consolidate sorting centres, and fire thousands of employees. The public will be the big loser through this process, but it's also hard to imagine how the postal system could survive such a body blow.

Anyone who pays attention to postal workers and their union will realize that Canada Post management and the Tories are blowing plenty of smoke about the state of this vital service. These rumours and proposals come not long before the current collective bargaining agreement expires, conveniently just in time to try to bulldoze the workers who actually deliver our mail into submission. "They're cutting the link with the public and the citizens of the country," as CUPW national president Denis Lemelin warns.

The union points out that prior to its recent expensive "postal transformation," Canada Post made big profits for some 18 consecutive years. Was the "transformation" plan a scam to help the Harper government sell off Canada Post? And if that happens, does anyone really believe that UPS and FedEx will get packages delivered more efficiently and cheaper? In fact, these private operators already use Canada Post to ship items to smaller centres, because they lack the infrastructure to do it themselves. Just imagine the skyrocketing price increases if these transnationals take over the postal system.

To save our reasonably affordable and timely way to send mail across the country, we need to mobilize quickly against this threat.