BROOKLYN, April 30 – Early this month delivery workers made a brave decision to stage a protest and work stoppage against their racist bosses at Sage, a Thai restaurant in the Williamsburg neighborhood. These mostly Latin and immigrant workers had been meeting with a Bushwick-based community organization, in which Progressive Labor Party (PLP) is active. The racist bosses at Sage have stolen $500,000 in back pay from their workers (Eater New York, 4/3). The workers are also seeking paid overtime and sick leave. Capitalism exists to extract profits from all workers, and superprofits from our class’ most vulnerable members. These working class fighters are starting to realize they have the power to change their condition. PLP is working to move them even further, to fight for a world free from all exploitation—communism.
Racist owner panics
The protesters were chanting both inside and outside the restaurant as delivery workers spoke and publicized their demands. The owner, who had been absent up to this point, was forced to come in and cancel all deliveries. We rallied for about three hours. While the scared owner was talking to the lawyers, we forced him to agree to sit down with the workers and their lawyers at a later date to discuss the demands.
We also warned the owner he could not take reprisals against any of the workers, including those inside the restaurant, such as the cooks and busboys,  who also joined the stoppage.  
Reclaiming the fightback
The event’s success speaks to a resurgence of militancy in the organization. In recent years, liberals have infiltrated and transformed the neighborhood organization into a political lobbying group, pushing a legal strategy in the state legislature and backing certain politicians.
In the past, PLP members and their friends were able to fight for, and organize, direct on-the-job protests. Then, organization members had a place to come to discuss their workplace problems, ask for help and make a plan of action. They  would organize rallies and make demands of the owners/bosses of the workplace, threatening to take them to court if they didn’t pay back stolen wages to the workers.
Nowadays, the only actions that get done are when the organization’s lawyers file cases with the Department of Labor. These can take years to get solved. Sometimes they go nowhere. Liberals talk a big game about workers’ rights, but they’re toothless when it comes to real action.
In the last year, we have demanded that the leaders of this community organization take direct action again,  and actually confront the owners/bosses like before. This push resulted in the April 1 action.
Reflections
 Workers were excited and pleased with the action. We discussed the need to continue to raise workers’ consciousness in the fightback against the bosses. Actions like these when multiplied are what prepare the working class  for the most important  fight ahead of us: communist revolution.

OAKLAND—Progressive Labor Party comrades and friends held our annual May Day dinner tonight for the Bay Area and the Davis/Sacramento area. In the tradition of this workers’ holiday, we gathered in solidarity with the international working class to celebrate many struggles over the past year that have developed multi-racial, multi-generational, working-class unity.
This unity was in full display among the 60-plus participants at our event. It was set up and moderated to encourage active participation from everyone.  There were “Question and Answer” and “table talk sessions”, as well as poetry. We made plans to participate in various May Day activities such, as the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) shut down of the Oakland Port and a coalition march. We ended with singing the working-class anthem, The Internationale, and a collective clean-up of the room.
Reflecting on anti-racist struggles
Two major anti-racist, anti-capitalist struggles were reported on during the dinner. The first of these was the Oakland teachers’ strike, with its militant demands and actions that united the needs of teachers, students,and families against capitalism’s systematic, racist dismantling of public education for the working class. The bosses’ attacks affect all levels of education, from preschool to the university level. The speakers highlighted the outpouring of working-class unity and rank-and-file teacher initiative during the strike (See CHALLENGE, 3/24).
The next topic of discussion was the fightback of immigrant workers with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Close to a million workers and their families from 13 countries face deportation and the separation of their families. Many have been living and working in the U.S. for more than 20 years contributing taxes to Medicare and Social Security but barred from collecting any benefits.
The theme was the racist, anti-immigrant worker attacks on TPS holders, and how they come from the failing economic system’s attempt to blame one set of workers for the problems faced by others as the system falls apart.
The speaker emphasized that this is not an attack just on immigrants, but that it is designed to undermine working-class consciousness and solidarity. It’s an attack on the whole working class. A spontaneous chant of “power to the working class” followed this speech.
“Table talk” contrasts capitalist reforms with communist revolution
A table talk was structured to discuss how reforms are related to capitalism, such as the democratic socialism of Bernie Sanders, but also the revolutionary socialism after the armed revolutions that as took place in 20th century in China and Russia, and we also discussed PLP’s goal of egalitarian, worker-run communism. These topics gave people the opportunity to reflect on the role of armed struggle, force and violence during workers’ fightback against capitalism and for revolution. Many spoke from personal experience of struggles around the world and in the U.S.
We reviewed the accomplishments, mistakes, and areas to improve in past struggles of the communist movement. Many said this must be an ongoing part of our political education as we develop our movement.  Coming out of this collective energy and successful May Day dinner, the future is bright.

*****

Comments from attendees
“I’m a student just starting out dealing with this world. The dinner was a tremendously empowering experience, to know about and interact with comrades, and to hear them speak about their unique experiences and opinions. The air of welcoming was something hard to find elsewhere and there should be many more events like it.”
“As a TPS holder, it was a great pleasure at the May Day dinner to see young people engage in critical thinking and talking about the issue of violence and the TPS. I’m happy our new generation is so engaged.”
“I loved it…I appreciated the speeches and the food.  The moderators really set the tone… people were free to listen and free to speak.”
“The comradely respect and consideration people showed for each other’s opinions was truly moving.”
“It was great to see young people and older people together…talking from different perspectives… Lots of new faces.”
“The feelings and emotions of workers’ solidarity were front and center. I loved the passion… especially how we could live very differently when humans could achieve our full potential in a communist world.”
“Fantastic event, I’m glad I decided to stay the whole time. It was truly communist from sharing food to discussing revolution.”
“It was a potpourri–people of all ages, all backgrounds, traditions, geography. After the discussion about revolutions, I talked with my brother later that night. I explained that non-violent revolution is an oxymoron, you can’t hold power if you can’t catch it… you got to take it from the rulers.”
“As someone who is 77, started work at 15 and who, for a short period of time, experienced when working people got a few gains, I see that now the system is taking it all back and then some. That time is never coming back for the working class.  Capitalism as a system has got to go and you need a Party to do that... I invite people to join PLP to build for a better world.”

Having state power means controlling the government, military, police, schools, and other institutions. It also means controlling mass technology—as China’s capitalist bosses are now demonstrating as they implement full-blown fascism. From artificial intelligence to various phone apps pushing ruling-class ideas, the Chinese bosses are both attacking and mobilizing workers to serve the bosses’ interests while crushing dissent within their own ranks.
Internet is valuable tool to control workers
One goal of fascism is to win workers to fight and die for the bosses’ profits. To do this, the capitalists know they must control workers’ ideas. The newest and most popular app in China is called “Study the Great Nation.” It builds President Xi Jinping’s cult of personality by forcing students and workers to keep track of current events and to study the Jinping’s thoughts. Some employers force workers to take screen shots of their scores each day (NYT, 4/7). Millions are compelled to take part in this daily ritual.
China is also building a social credit system that will not only track your financial status but also calculate your “honesty” and “patriotism.” Workers’ scores will determine if they can get on an airplane, use a high-speed train, or be allowed to purchase “luxury items” (South China Morning Post, 3/26).
Over the last decade, China’s bosses have been working toward greater control over the internet and tech firms, including censorship of social media platforms. In 2009, when workers were rebelling in Xinjiang province, the Chinese government completely shut down the internet for months. In a recent incident, a live streamer was arrested for “disrespecting” the famous red scarf worn by the Communist Party’s youth league by catching fish while wearing one (CNN, 4/9).
 Since the 1970s, after crushing the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese bosses have promoted individualism on the path toward capitalism. Now, however, they must fight against individualism to mobilize the population for fascism. Beyond using government officials to monitor the internet, these capitalists have set up “censorship factories” where low-wage workers enforce the bosses’ “Great Firewall” policies (NYT, 1/2). Many Chinese tech firms that assist in day-to-day surveillance of daily life also depend on government support in major research in quantum computing and human-computer interaction. This New York Times article shows the difference between the U.S. bosses’ and China’s bosses’ power:“Making themselves useful to the government is often the price that Chinese firms must pay for regulatory and financial blessings — even for the very right to exist as a business” (NYT 5/2/18).
Crushing dissent
Over the past 10 years, the Chinese ruling class has consolidated power and ensured that any disagreements stay within the leadership. Lou Jiwei, who led the social security fund in China, was abruptly removed after criticizing the “Made in China 2025” campaign (Nikkei Asian Review, 4/5), a slow-moving initiative to make China more competitive with other major powers in pharmaceuticals, automobile manufacturing, and robotics. China’s capitalists’ ability to maintain order within their class gives them more maneuverability to control the working class. China is already demonstrating this drive toward fascism in western Xinjiang province, where the Uighurs, a minority population, continue to be held in “re-education” camps (see CHALLENGE, 10/10/18). The bosses have installed surveillance cameras, monitored online discussions, and sent thousands of undercover cops to spy and live with families to prevent any rebellion. More recently, China’s bosses have deployed facial recognition software to racially profile the Uighurs and track their movements. This “automated racism” (NYT, 4/14) has also been extended to other parts of China.
While their political control of technology may make China’s rulers appear strong, it in fact reflects their weakness. These fake “communists” have exposed themselves to many workers as the exploiters they are. Communist students who expose the Chinese bosses for their anti-working class attacks have been detained by the government (Reuters 12/27/18).  
U.S. struggles to catch up
China’s main rival, the U.S. bosses, are still struggling to develop this type of full-blown, fascist control. The effort to rein in U.S. companies and put “national allegiance” over short-term profits has a long way to go. Microsoft has been helping the Chinese bosses build their military by working with a military-backed university in China to improve artificial intelligence and high-tech surveillance. “Many of these advanced technologies are dual-use, so they could also contribute to the PLA’s (People’s Liberation Army’s) modernization and informatization drive, helping the Chinese military move closer to the 2049 goal of being a world-class military” (Japan Today, 4/12).
Google is under attack for pulling out of a contract to work with the U.S. military while continuing to partner with China in developing artificial intelligence research. General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned that Google’s activity “creates a challenge for us in maintaining a competitive advantage” (politico.com, 3/21).
China is a lesson for all workers
What China is doing is what all bosses want. In the U.S. and other “democratic” imperialist nations, capitalists are fighting with one another in attempts to win workers’ loyalty and consolidate their power. But make no mistake: All bosses are our enemies. War continues to slaughter and displace millions around the world. Real wages keep getting cut. Police violence continues to kill workers around the world. China’s move toward fascism is the rule, not the exception.
The Progressive Labor Party looks to unite the international working class to fight this fascist onslaught. Our goal is to create a communist society where we can use these technological advances to benefit humanity rather than keep us controlled by the bosses. Join us!

In flagrant violation of the Donald Trump administration’s threats, the Venezuelan oil bosses are planning on welcoming two more Russian imperialist military planes with supplies to support the government of Nicolas Maduro (Buzz Feed News, 4/15). The latest  support for the desperate Maduro government comes after the Russian bosses already sent supplies and 100 troops aboard two Russian military planes to Venezuela late last month(CBS News, 4/4).
The Venezuelan ruling class, backing Maduro, is struggling to hold onto power in the face of low oil prices which have undermined the oil-money the Maduro bosses have used to buy votes and maintain the support of the Venezuelan working class. Sensing weakness in the ruling faction, a group of bosses friendlier to U.S. imperialism, fronted by Juan Guaido, leader of the National Assembly, are challenging Maduro for power.
The Maduro bosses are not alone in facing this kind of challenge. As oil prices have tumbled since 2013 including a 70 percent drop in 2014 (Aljazeera, 5/31/18) small time capitalist bosses in oil rich countries have been struggling to hold on to power across the globe. Most recently, infighting and civil war between capitalist factions is breaking out across North Africa, including Libya, Sudan and Algeria.
The current Venezuelan rulers have continued the charade of their deceased predecessor, Hugo Chavez. Namely putting their own cynical spin on the phenomena by scamming U.S. and European leftists into supporting them by hanging a socialist nameplate on their capitalist state power.
The failed system of buying the loyalty of the working class is also playing out in the U.S. as the liberal social contract that fueled rising U.S imperialism for 50 years is coming apart in the face of the massive loss of high paying industrial jobs and skyrocketing inequality. The universal failure of relying on the capitalists to provide for the needs of the working class speaks to why only a communist society won through a worker led revolution can serve the needs of our class.
Maduro seeks protection from the big imperialists while workers starve
Russia’s military and political forays in Venezuela highlight how Maduro is seeking imperialists to keep his ruling clique in power. A December visit from a pair of Russian nuclear bombers (Time, 12/15/18), ongoing training of Venezuelan police, installation of helicopter training facilities (Telegraph 4/2), and now delivery of “supplies and technical advisers” via Russian military aircraft in March are all raising the stakes.  
On his recent trip to Latin America to drum up support for a U.S. assault on  Venezuela, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pointed to the recent start of daily flights by Iran’s Mahan Air from Tehran to Caracas as an excuse to possibly invade  Venezuela and slaughter more workers. For the working class caught between the imperialists and the local Venezuelan bosses dog fight, it’s a lose-lose proposition.Maduro,Guaido, and the big imperialist powers all see the working class as expendable.  For workers in Venezuela and around the world the only way forward is fighting for communism.
The current oil price crisis means that the Maduro regime can only generate foreign trade by promising future access to oil production.  Together China and Russia have extended more than $60 billion credit in exchange for future production (Reuters 5/18).  Yet the cynicism of imperialist relations knows no bounds.As China’s rulers are unsure the Maduro regime can withstand pressure from U.S. imperialism and position Venezuela to fulfill its obligations, they have sent feelers to the anti-Maduro opposition (South China Morning Post, 2/25) and Juan Guaido.
The working class in Venezuela has suffered severely since the 2013 collapse in oil prices.  Unable to sustain the payments to the working-class, Maduro has focused the system’s dwindling resources into paying the military to keep his faction in power. For the masses of workers in Venezuela, what little money they have is worthless as the Venezuelan Bolivar has an inflation rate above 1 million percent annually. Meanwhile, “the top [military] brass has been shielded from Venezuela’s economic meltdown because these officers receive numerous perks and have been put in charge of lucrative government operations—everything from arms purchases and steel production to food distribution and the vital oil industry”(NPR 1/25).
 Chavez’s cynical bid for regional power funds Haitian fascism
About six percent of Venezuela’s oil exports go to meet obligations of the Petrocaribe pact, signed by Chavez in 2005 as part of a bid to increase Venezuelan influence in the region, granting 16 Caribbean and Central American states oil on favorable terms (Reuters, 5/18).
In Haiti, countless millions of dollars from the sale of discounted Venezuelan oil have come up missing. Anger at this ruling class thievery has sparked the sharpest and most sustained anti-government demonstrations in years. First Chavez and now Maduro have turned a blind eye to the development of Haitian fascism since 2005.   In Haiti the bosses bloodthirsty cops killed nearly three dozen youth protesting the Petrocaribe scandal in February alone. (Human Rights Watch, 3/19). The fascist repression of worker’s protesting in Haiti is blood on the hands of the Venezuelan oil bosses.
Chavez spread dollars for votes
Hugo Chavez came to power by mobilizing the most impoverished section of the working class around a promise to spread some of the oil profits through government programs and state-run businesses. As a campaign strategy it worked in the moment. The 1999 election of Chavez aroused sharp opposition from the old Venezuelan ruling class and its middle-class lackeys which culminated in a 2002 Bush-supported but failed coup attempt to oust Chavez.Having survived these challenges to his power and feeling the windfall of petrodollars in the wake of price hikes resulting from the Iraq war, Chavez and his former foes in the Venezuelan ruling class called temporary of a truce.
Flush with oil wealth from roughly 2003 to 2014, Chavez was able to spread money among the most impoverished sections of the working class. At this time he was able to buy some short-term loyalty: “The wild oil rally of the 2000s, which took prices from $11 a barrel the day Chávez was elected to as high as $145, would delay the reckoning by about a decade. But it was inevitable” (Bloomberg, 12/6/18).
Chavez built much of his political machine using the guile of ruling class controlled, corrupt, nepotistic, and exploitative co-ops that mimicked the private sector businesses they were supposedly replacing (Aljazeera, 5/31/18). Now the Venezuelan oil bosses’ house of cards is crashing down and the working class is bearing the pain. It is time we stop relying on one set of bosses or another. It is time to trust our class.
Communism is the political movement that realizes the power of the working class to run society and abolish the class system.  Communist revolution is the ongoing process of workers moving into action in their own self-conscious class interest with the aim of carrying forward the struggle against capitalism to the end.  That is the political movement the Progressive Labor Party (PLP) seeks to build.  Join us.