Free Leonard Peltier
A leader in the American Indian Movement (AIM), Leonard Peltier was wrongly convicted in 1977 for the murder of two FBI agents during a shoot-out on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Today, due to his declining health, there is a renewed urgency in the effort to free Peltier. Led by Native Americans, state and federal politicians are demanding action. The U.S. Attorney who helped convict Peltier is on record stating he was not guilty and should be released.
Public pressure is key to winning Peltier’s freedom. Write the White House a short email at whitehouse.gov/contact/.
For more information check out the website of the International Leonard Peltier Defense Committee.
CARPENTER’S STRIKE
Freedom Socialist got the story right
I very much appreciated the excellent article “The ranks rebel in Western Washington carpenters strike” [Vol. 42, No. 6].
As a retired member of the Northwest Carpenters (Local 30, Renton, Washington), I can attest to the accuracy and details of Mr. Hoffman’s report.
This is but one strike among hundreds occurring throughout the nation since the pandemic began in 2020 as reported in Labor Notes and Payday Report.
The national “mainstream media” has largely ignored this labor unrest. The Freedom Socialist has not.
The talented writers and editors of this newspaper consistently report on critical issues important to all working people.
With Hedge Funds buying up news organizations and cannibalizing operations, whole towns become “news deserts.”
Former large dailies become mere shells of themselves with scant coverage. Democracy begins to wink out. Which is why the Freedom Socialist newspaper is so highly valued as an independent voice for working people.
Donald Larson, Seattle
OCTOBER
Excellent history of Bolshevik Revolution
Admirers of the 1917 Russian Revolution will enjoy October by China Miéville. The book was published by Verso Press on the 100th anniversary of the Revolution.
Miéville, who has received multiple Arthur C. Clarke awards for his science fiction works, is a Trotskyist and a compelling writer.
The book, which focuses on the period from February through November 1917, complements Trotsky’s History of the Russian Revolution with dramatic detail. I loved the quickening excitement generated by women and poor workers as they demanded and gained power to end the war and redistribute land.
Miéville’s attention to the many debates among the socialist parties is a great reminder of the care Lenin and Trotsky took to ensure the democratic process of decision-making.
Especially endearing to me was a section on Trotsky’s insistence on debating — and winning over — the defenders of the Winter Palace rather than shelling them.
I highly recommend this book to FS readers.
Henry Noble, Seattle
The FS welcomes your feedback and opinions. Letters may be edited for length. Please write to 5018 Rainier Avenue S., Seattle, WA 98118, or email FSnews@socialism.com.
