waNealis: commentary, analyses and ideas for social change and moving toward socialism: Urge solidarity with Egyptain people

2/15/2011

Urge solidarity with Egyptain people

Letter to the editor, Star Tribune, Minneapolis, MN
January 31, 2011

EGYPT

Debating the American impact on a revolution

Americans should urge their government and Congress to support the people of Egypt and abandon Hosni Mubarak.

Vice President Joe Biden's recent response to a journalist that he didn't think the word "dictator" applied to Mubarak is an insult to those risking their lives for dignity and democracy.
Egyptians know that Mubarak is behind the trappings of rigged, unfair elections. And, I believe, so does Biden.

His remark shows an administration that has not yet decided which side it is on.

We can be sure that American imperialist interests -- oil companies, arms manufacturers and their political and military friends -- want to hold on to Mubarak, whom successive American governments have hypocritically called an ally. For once our representatives should have the courage to be true to our ideals of democracy and freedom and support the democratic yearnings of the people of Egypt.

Dignity is the demand; democracy is the means. The world will be a better place if the Egyptian people win.

WAYNE NEALIS, MINNEAPOLIS

Published at: http://www.startribune.com/opinion/letters/114976969.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UHDaaDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

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Welcome to waNealis

Dear Reader;

The title of this blog summarizes its main purpose: to convey my thoughts on political developments and on strategies, tactics and communications for social change.

I argue in this blog and other work that the most urgent task of the left is to help build an independent political and electoral movement around an advanced program to challenge the two parties’ grip on the political discussion and the electoral arena. At the same time, the left needs to develop and implement a strategy to begin building a mass movement for socialism.

I have roots in the labor movement having been a toolmaker and union activist in a Minnesota industrial union in the 1970s and 80s. The political experience I gained from union work and struggles is evident in my writing; yet equally important to my analysis is an understanding of industrial production and organization I gained in a variety of workplaces.

After leaving the trade in the late 1980s, I earned a journalism degree at the University of Minnesota where I was a reporter and editor at the Minnesota Daily. After college, I practiced public and media relations in the Twin Cities, where I currently live. I return to my home state in 2008 after working and living New York. I am active in peace and racial justice activism.

I recently completed a manuscript entitled “Outgrowing Capitalism, Moving Toward Socialism: A developmental perspective.” The following from the last chapter is a good summary of my political outlook.

“Conjecture about capitalism’s future is always risky. History shows it is quite adaptable. Yet, debating the viability of capitalism’s future is a waste of time and energy. Capitalism has had over 150 years to eliminate poverty by provisioning people with good housing, nutrition, education and to ensure a world free from war. In any given period, it had the relative know how administratively and technologically to systematically raise all boats. At this it has proven a failure. Its modus operandi is to exploit, not share, to create luxury, among misery and defend its interests with violence. How much more time should it be given?”

As little as possible.

In solidarity with your struggles,

Wayne Nealis

Minneapolis, MN, USA 2015

waNealis: commentary, analyses and ideas for social change and moving toward socialism