International

Cynicism is a very useful tool for
those in power. Although it inherently expresses a sense of
dissatisfaction, it offers nothing as a way out. The charade of the
two-party system has done a lot of damage to American workers’
perception of politics in general, and created a situation where
cynicism and apparent apathy is widespread. What is needed in the US is
a party that represents working people. Such a party would go far in
combatting the cynical and apathetic attitudes of many toward politics,
as there would finally be a force led by workers in the interests of
workers.

Sunday’s elections in Germany reveal an enormous
shift within the electorate. Of particular importance is the
massive decline of the SPD vote, mirrored by a huge increase in support
for DIE LINKE which stands to its left. The victory of the right-wing
parties means the German capitalists are preparing for an offensive
against the biggest and most powerful working class in Europe.

During his election campaign,
President Barack Obama promised to be all things to all people. After
eight years of Bush and Cheney, Americans desperately wanted to believe
that real change was coming. In this statement from the Editorial Board of the US Marxist paper, Socialist Appeal, they ask – what change and who is benefiting?

It would seem that the force of the wind, which was blowing at more
than 60 km/hr in the Neuquén capital, was an omen of what was to come.
26 deputies supported the expropriation and this sealed the
declaration that the factory was of public interest and confirmed the transfer of
Cerámica Zanon to the Fasinpat cooperative.

We are publishing here an appeal (first posted on www.marxist.com ) which we
have received from the workers at IMPA, an occupied factory in
Argentina, campaigning against their possible eviction. We ask all our readers to
circulate it widely and to make sure that resolutions are sent and
signed by as many trade unionists, workers and students as possible.