What Is Socialism?

This recession is causing many people to question the capitalist economic system and to seek alternatives.

A recent poll by Rasmussen found that only 53% of American adults believe that capitalism is better than socialism. 33% of adults under 30 prefer socialism.

Merriam-Webster reported that socialism was the third most searched-for term (”bailout” was #1) during 2008 in their online dictionary, which receives 125 million views per month, meaning millions of people were looking to find out what socialism means.

While the word “socialism” has been receiving much attention, much of its meaning has been distorted by the corporate media and right-wing politicians. If you are interested in finding what socialism really is and what socialists do, please join us for this presentation and discussion.

facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=83402664380

Contact:
774-454-9060
boston@socialistalternative.org

Auto Bailouts and Crisis…

Auto workers in the 1930s carried out massive sit-down strikes to win union recognition, better pay, benefits and conditions. Then, auto workers became a symbol of the American dream. Today, big business is carrying out attacks on working people, and the auto workers are first on the chopping block. With a union leadership that often refuses to fight, workers face colossal layoffs, cuts in pay and elimination of benefits.

Brett Hoven will be discussing his experience as an auto worker, the need to transform the labor movement and the democratic socialist alternative to the dictatorship of big business. Join us for this important meeting!

Contact:
774-454-9060

boston@socialistalternative.org

3rd ANNUAL MASSACHUSETTS SOCIALIST CONFERENCE

No Layoffs at Harvard Rally - April 16, 4-6pm, Harvard Sq.

Thursday, April 16, 4pm-6pm in Harvard Square near the Au Bon Pain, there will be a rally and demonstration against any and all layoffs at Harvard. Organized as a cooperative effort by the No Layoffs Campaign which includes SEIU 615 (representing custodial staff and security guards), Rank’n'file activists in HUCTW, and students in the Student Labor Action Movement (SLAM), it will be the second of such rallies.  Please make every effort to come and show your support!

Sign the No Layoffs Petition!

SLAM has created an online petition.  Anyone (you don’t have to be affiliated to Harvard) can sign! http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/slam/petition5

Also check out the No-Layoffs Blog and SLAM’s website.

Organized Labor In The Great Depression and the Lessons For Today

In 1930, shortly after the beginning of the Great Depression, the New York Times declared the labor movement “dead” – they were dead wrong.

The 1930’s saw the rise of the largest and most militant labor movement in US history. This movement secured major gains for the working class such as the Social Security Act, the 40 hour work week, child labor restrictions and laws granting union recognition.

As we enter the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression, it is important for working people to understand our history of struggle so that we can have a future. Please join us for this discussion.