Growing up I thought that being a social worker would be my contribution to solving the world’s problems. Reality showed me that the whole economic system needed to be changed. Another realization was recognizing the power of working people.
I saw this perspective in action at the 2011 Washington State Labor Council Convention. Delegates grappled with how to support workers and what to “sacrifice” by figuring out how many furloughs would be “acceptable.” As a unionist working with low-income tenants I knew, this was deplorable. However, I got inspired when Freedom Socialist Party (FSP) comrades declared that budgets should NOT be balanced on the backs of workers. They went further by stating that Labor needed to organize a general strike! This bold and radical proposal moved me. I wanted to be a part of an organization with the courage to propose what is needed and the willingness to fight for it.
Due to increasing violence by ICE goons and attacks on civil rights so that the rich can make record profits, the call for a general strike is gaining traction. Working with FSP and Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity (OWLS), a multi-union rank-and-file group, I’ve been able to educate and popularize the need for a national work stoppage. Last year I was a delegate to the state labor convention, and I raised the demand for a general strike.
With encouragement from the Comrades of Color Caucus, I have grown as a woman of color, socialist feminist leader. This joint caucus of FSP and Radical Women is unique on the Left — we provide analysis, training, and proposals for working in the people of color movements. Defending our class requires multiracial solidarity, and ultimately, revolutionary leadership.
I was attracted to FSP as a Pinay. It was refreshing that FSP knew about the proud history of Filipino struggles. They also recognized the Filipino Alaskan cannery union and its radical connections. FSP fights for international solidarity and building the U.S. revolution. Both are integral for liberation, and bridge the struggles of U.S. and Philippine workers.
Combining Marxist theory with militant resistance provides the skills needed to bring a diverse working class together. I’ve learned to stand up for my ideas, even if it involves being critical of leaders of the same race, nationality or gender.
I realized that capitalism would never teach people how to dismantle it. The FSP has a plan to change the world. I invite you to join!
Send feedback on this article to FSnews@socialism.com.
