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Another world is
possible
June 3, 2010
by Jamala Rogers
(continued from front page)
As USSF national organizer B. Loewe says, “We gotta get bigger,
badder and better” if we intend to make a serious intervention
in the downward spiral of people’s dreams and futures. One only
has to look at the environmental destruction going on in the
Gulf Coast by BP Oil and the negligent response by the Obama
administration to understand that we have to call everyone into
account, but we can’t trust that they will do the right thing.
It is up to us to protect our lives and livelihoods.
The first U.S. Social
Forum brought together 12,000 social justice forces to Atlanta.
Although the Forum is geared to the U.S., there was
representation from over 60 countries affirming both the
interest and the need for an internationalist perspective on
addressing national issues which have global implications.
There is a critical need to continue the consolidation of a
vision and coordinated strategy by progressive forces at a time
when the Right is not just jumping up and down in spastic
motions. The U.S. corporate sector is moving aggressively on an
agenda that tramples the constitutional and human rights of
citizens.
In short, they have brought this country to the brink of
economic and ecological disaster and have no remorse. They will
continue this path until they are stopped by an organized,
formidable movement. That would be the rest of us.
In 2007, I was an enthusiastic participant in the USSF. This
time around I am on the National Planning Committee working with
an amazing group of human rights activists and organizers who
have made the Forum their main work for months. We expect
15-20,000 people to come to Detroit and participate in over
1,000 workshops and a sundry of activities, including film
festivals, People Movement Assemblies, cultural performances,
daily plenaries, vendor village and a host of spontaneous
happenings.
Why Detroit?
The Motor City is an example of the impact of political
corruption and economic devastation endemic to U.S. capitalism.
Detroit has one of the highest unemployment rates in the
country; thousands of jobs have been lost due to the collapse of
the auto industry and related sectors. Schools are being closed,
and our children’s futures are being compromised. Every aspect
of life is being affected by policies of greed.
Yet in spite of the conditions, Detroiters are fighting back
with dignity and determination. The USSF hopes to give a boost
to their spirits and efforts, while at the same time inspiring
participants to learn, connect, share with others to strengthen
U.S. social movements, wherever they reside.
Indigenous nations, immigrants, workers organizations, unions,
unemployed, youth, children, elders, gays, differently-abled,
international allies, academia and advocacy groups will all be
in Detroit. This will be the biggest happening of the year, and
you can be a part of it.
For more information on the US Social Forum, visit
www.ussf2010.org. If you’d like to join the St. Louis
contingent, call 314-367-5959.
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