YearInReview — Fight Back! News

Fighting back and advancing the struggle in 2022

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 17:56:01 +0000

Minneapolis, MN – There was a high tide of struggle on many fronts in 2022. With so much going on, it can be easy to forget some of the things our movements have accomplished. That makes it all the more important to look back and review the lessons from this year’s resistance so we can move forward stronger.

First, we’d like to recognize the people that Fight Back! wrote about who passed away in 2022 and say in their honor: ¡presente!

And here are the exclusive interviews that Fight Back! published in 2022:

In 2022, Fight Back! launched our own podcast! Here’s the article announcing the launch of the new podcast on International Workers Day, which incidentally was the most viewed article on fightbacknews.org all year! You can find links to the podcast on the main podcast platforms here - be sure to subscribe and check out all the episodes from 2022.

Also in 2022, Fight Back! printed a series of ‘red theory’ articles on the basics of Marxism-Leninism. Here is the article introducing the series. You can browse all the articles in the series here. There are plans to compile the articles into a book – watch for that in the new year!

Fight Back! reported on the 9th Congress of Freedom Road Socialist Organization this year, as well as the Workers and Communist Parties around the world that sent greetings to FRSO's 9th Congress.

Since there were so many Fight Back! articles covering important struggles this year, there’s no way we can include everything that was important in this review. So we’ll do the best we can by highlighting five of the most popular articles from each month of 2022.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

#UnitedStates #Remembrances #FightBack #YearInReview

2020: sounds of an upsurge

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 17:25:19 +0000

2020 was quite a year with huge upsurges of struggle. And when there's an upsurge, you can bet it will be accompanied by protest music. This year has been no exception.

Here are some of the great songs of 2020. Some give voice to a specific struggle, while others tackle more general themes.While it may not have seemed like it at the time, looking back it becomes clear how much powerful content was created in the heat of the struggles of 2020.

You can also play these songs as a playlist on YouTube or Spotify.

(Content warning: some of these songs contain profane language and disturbing themes)

Janelle Monáe – Turntables

Jeezy (featuring Tamika Mallory) – Oh Lord

David Rovics – As I Watch Minneapolis Burn

Bob Mould – American Crisis

María Isa – Como Duele

Noname – Song 33

Anderson .Paak – Lockdown

Bambu featuring Ricky G, Kiwi & Ruby Ibarra – Dittybop

Lil Baby – The Bigger Picture

Kabaka Pyramid – Babylon Fallin

Soulside – This Ship

Rebel Diaz & Tef Poe – Fiyah to the Fascists

Alice Bag – No Gifts for Nazis

The Muslims – Punch a Nazi

MDC – No Trump No KKK No Fascist USA

Ana Tijoux – Antifa Dance

Resistance Revival Chorus with Rhiannon Giddens – All You Fascists Are Bound to Lose

Black Thought – Thought vs Everybody

Lonnie Oceans & Xtina Beni – Warfare

Coriky – Last Thing

Billy Bragg – Can't Be There Today

Tré Burt with Leyla McCalla, Allison Russell & Sunny War – Under the Devil's Knee

Des Demonas – The South Will Never Rise Again

Vic Mensa – Bethlehem / SC Freestyle

Black Thought – State Prisoner

Beyonce – Black Parade

Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion – WAP

Run The Jewels with Zach De La Rocha and Pharrell Williams – JU$T

Public Enemy – State of the Union

Jasiri X – Rob Jeff Bezo$

A Tribe Called Red ft. Boogey the Beat and Northern Voice – Land Back

Downtown Boys – L’Internacionale

Brick – Fake Names

Anti-Flag – A Dying Plea, Vol. 2

GMAC Cash – Tired

Lil B – I Am George Floyd

Vivir Quintana – Canción Sin Miedo

Las Cafeteras – Long Time Coming

Chicano Batman – Manuel’s Story

Ana Tijoux – Rebelión de Octubre

Dax – Black Lives Matter

Demi Lovato – Commander in Chief

H.E.R. – I Can’t Breathe

Alicia Keys – Perfect Way to Die

Bambu – Signing Off

#UnitedStates #PeoplesStruggles #Music #YearInReview #protestMusic

Fighting back in 2020: Pandemic, uprising, economic crash, and the fall of Trump

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:42:39 +0000

At the end of every year, we highlight the high points of struggle from that year as reported in Fight Back! News. In 2020 there was a tidal wave of struggle, and Fight Back! News has been on the front lines with on-the-spot reporting and timely analysis.

From the Trump administration’s disastrous handling of the pandemic and the economic crash it triggered, to the huge uprising sparked by the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis that spread around the country, to the struggle to defeat Trump in the November election and then prevent him from stealing the election, 2020 was quite a year for the people’s movements.

With so much going on, it can be easy to forget some of the things our movements have accomplished. That makes it all the more important to look back and review the lessons from this year’s resistance so we can move forward stronger.

Since there were so many Fight Back! articles covering important struggles this year, there’s no way we can include everything that was important. So we’ll do the best we can by highlighting some of the most important articles from each month of 2020.

There were many excellent Fight Back! articles that aren’t listed here — you can see them all at the archive, and you can also see the 2017, 2018 and 2019 retrospectives.

First, we’d like to recognize the people that Fight Back! wrote about who passed away in 2020 and say in their honor: ¡presente!

Here are some exclusive interviews that Fight Back! published in 2020

And here are some of the deeper historical and theoretical articles published in Fight Back! this year:

And now let’s look at the top 10 articles from each month. Usually we wouldn’t highlight this many articles. But in a year with such a high tide of struggle, there is a lot to look back on and learn from.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

#UnitedStates #Remembrances #PeoplesStruggles #YearInReview

Top Fight Back! articles of 2018: Deepening the struggle in the era of Trump

Sat, 29 Dec 2018 20:17:37 +0000

St. Paul, MN – There was a high tide of struggle on many fronts in 2018. With so much going on, it can be easy to forget some of the things our movements have accomplished. That makes it all the more important to look back and review the lessons from this year’s resistance so we can move forward stronger.

There were many excellent Fight Back! articles that aren’t listed here — you can see them all at the archive. (Also see the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017 retrospectives).

If there were other Fight Back! articles you liked this year that aren’t listed here, let us know which ones in the comments!

First, we’d like to recognize the people that Fight Back! wrote about who passed away in 2018 and say in their honor: ¡presente!

And here are the exclusive interviews that Fight Back! published in 2018:

Now, here are some of the top Fight Back! articles for each month of 2018.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

#UnitedStates #Remembrances #FightBackNews #YearInReview

Top Fight Back! articles of 2017

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 00:53:23 +0000

Fighting back against Trump every step of the way

There was a high tide of struggle on many fronts in 2017. The pace and intensity of the struggles this year makes it easy to forget some of the things we have accomplished, which makes it all the more important to look back and review the lessons from this year’s resistance so we can move forward stronger.

If there were other Fight Back! articles you liked this year that aren’t listed here, let us know which one in the comments!

First, we’d like to recognize the people that Fight Back! honored who passed away in 2017 and say in their honor: ¡presente!

Now, here are 5 important Fight Back! articles for each month of 2017.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

Interview with Frank Chapman: “We have a spark with Charlottesville”
U.S. delegation’s address to World Working Youth Congress in Rome
Saudi Arabia's gangster 'Game of Thrones' reflects crisis for imperialism in Middle East
Students at UNF oppose racists, KKK and Nazis
#MeToo Campaign and Beyond: Combating Sexual Violence

December

There were many excellent Fight Back! articles that aren’t listed here – you can see them all at the archive. (Also see the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 retrospectives).

#UnitedStates #FightBack #YearInReview

Fight Back! Top 40 of 2015

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 04:33:05 +0000

As 2015 comes to an end, we pause to look back at the 40 most viewed Fight Back! articles of the past year. Fight Back! published more than 1,000 articles this year. There were many excellent Fight Back! articles that aren’t listed here — you can see them all at the archive. (Also see the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 retrospectives).

If there were other Fight Back! articles you liked this year that aren’t listed here, let us know which one in the comments!

But before we get into the Top 40, we’d like to start by recognizing the people that Fight Back! honored who passed away in 2015. ¡Presente!

And without further delay, here are the Fight Back! Top 40 most viewed articles of 2015

3 arrested at protest slamming Israeli war crimes apologist at University of MN by Meredith Aby-Keirstead, November 3, 2015
Illinois governor out to destroy unions by Richard Berg, July 30, 2015
Police seize private Facebook account info in Black Lives Matter case by staff, February 4, 2015
Kohler Company forced back to bargaining table by Kas Schwerdtfeder, December 13, 2015
May Day 2015 march and rally set for LA’s Boyle Heights by staff, April 22, 2015
Community mourns loss of James Barker to police shooting, demands change by C. R. Manor, January 12, 2015
Kohler workers on strike by Kas Schwerdtfeger, November 15, 2015
White supremacists shoot 5 at Minneapolis justice for Jamar Clark protest by staff, November 24, 2015
Twin Cities rally and march honors the life of Jesús Estrada-Pérez by staff, August 14, 2015
Michigan truck drivers, warehouse workers rally for union at Sysco by Tom Burke, April 30, 2015
Celebrate International Women’s Day 2015: Build the fight for justice, equality and liberation editorial by Freedom Road Socialist Organization, March 3, 2015
White supremacist terror attack in Charleston and the need to shatter the chains of oppression, editorial by Freedom Road Socialist Organization, June 20, 2015
Jacksonville sheriff's office shoots another unarmed Black man, community plans rally by Fernando Figueroa and Dave Schneider, March 29, 2015
Corrupt College of DuPage president forced out by staff, March 10, 2015
Houston protest against prison labor at Whole Foods by Fabian Van Onzin and Adam Gann, September 26, 2015
University of MN students start sit-in with demands targeting institutionalized oppression by Brad Sigal, February 9, 2015
Commentary on the presidential candidacy of Bernie Sanders by Fight Back! Editors, July 20, 2015
UPS, ALEC behind anti-worker laws like Right to Work: Teamster workers demand UPS withdraw from ALEC by Dave Schneider and Richard Blake, July 11, 2015
Anti-immigrant judge blocks expansion of Deferred Action by Masao Suzuki, February 21, 2015
100,000 march in Moscow against fascist coup in Ukraine by Joe Iosbaker, February 21, 2015
Pilots at UPS authorize strike by staff, October 26, 2015
20 Boyle Heights families fight back against displacement and gentrification by staff, September 13, 2015
Scott Walker greeted by protesters in Minnesota by staff, August 19, 2015
Family and friends rally, demand justice for Dillon Taylor: Video exposes brutal police killing by C. R. Manor, June 15, 2015
Baltimore police use tear gas, fire rubber bullets at protesting high school students by Michael Sampson, April 27, 2015
Greek communists blast new austerity memorandum: Statement by Communist Party of Greece (KKE), July 11, 2015
Photo Essay: Minneapolis protest blocking I-94 to demand justice for Jamar Clark by Chris Getowicz, November 18, 2015
100 Florida students march against the KKK by Zachary Schultz, April 11, 2015
13 arrested in sit-in at University of MN president's office by Matt Boynton, February 10, 2015
Jacksonville community gathers for D'angelo Stallworth, killed by police by Dave Schneider and Richard Blake, May 14, 2015
Mad Max: Beyond imperial capitalism Review by Gus Fromke, May 18, 2015
Immigrants demand Minnesota drivers licenses on opening day of legislature by Brad Sigal, January 7, 2015
Florida student conference takes up revolutionary theory by Fernando Figueroa, August 15, 2015
Tim Sylvester to Run for Teamster General President by staff, September 11, 2015
Historic visit of the Cuban 5 to El Salvador by staff, July 26, 2015
Miami students protest former president of Dominican Republic for ethnic cleansing law by Michael Sampson, October 23, 2015
Wisconsin right-wing politicians move to take over Milwaukee Public Schools by Sean Orr, May 20, 2015
Beyond armistice: Analysis of the Labor Movmeent by Gus Fromke, October 28, 2015
Corrupt Jacksonville police union president pleads guilty in corruption case: Jacksonville police union president was a close ally of State Attorney Angela Corey by staff, January 17, 2015
No assistance for long-term unemployed by staff, January 22, 2015

#UnitedStates #FightBack #YearInReview

Looking back at the key struggles of 2014

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:20:16 +0000

Minneapolis, MN – As 2014 comes to an end, we pause to look back at some of the most important Fight Back! stories of the past year. 2014 has seen an upsurge in many struggles – and Fight Back! has been there on the front lines with on-the-spot reporting and timely analysis.

There were many excellent Fight Back! stories this year that aren’t listed here — you can see them all at thearchive. (Also see the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 retrospectives).

If there were other Fight Back! articles you liked this year that aren’t listed here, let us know in the comments!

Rasmea Odeh

This year Fight Back! gave extensive coverage to the important struggle to stop political repression against Palestinian-American leader Rasmea Odeh. Here is a list of the coverage. The struggle to keep Rasmea Odeh free continues – find out what you can do at stopfbi.net.

Stop racist police brutality! #EricGarner #MichaelBrown

As the movement against racist police killings took off this year, Fight Back! reported from the front lines with extensive coverage on the movements for justice for Eric Garner and Michael Brown.

Fight Back! had several eyewitness accounts from protests that rocked Ferguson, MO (more here, here, here, here, here, and here).

This movement reverberated around the whole country and even internationally, with connections being made to struggles around the world including in Palestine. We covered dozens of protests sparked by the police killings of Eric Garner and Michael Brown from Utah to Florida to Milwaukee.

This year activists in Jacksonville, Florida won a victory in the struggle for justice for Jordan Davis. Fight Back! also covered Milwaukee protests demanding Justice for Corey Stingley, as well as protests from Nashville to New Jersey.

In addition to front line coverage, Fight Back! also provided political analysis, arguing that police and vigilante murders of African Americans are rooted in national oppression, and demanding justice for Michael Brown and for Jordan Davis.

Economy

Fight Back! covered the ongoing struggle to restore Extended Unemployment Compensation (EUC) for the millions of unemployed. The bill was bottled up in the U.S. Congress. While unemployment compensation was not forthcoming, the welfare rights movement continued to mobilize in Minnesota and other states.

This year Fight Back! analyzed how even though the economy was growing, working people didn’t benefit and income inequality continued to rise while l abor force participation rate continued to decline.

And like usual, government austerity was good for profits, but bad for workers and oppressed people.

Labor movement

In 2014 Fight Back! continued in-depth coverage of workers’ struggles at UPS. In April Fight Back! analyzed how Teamster leadership hammers through UPS contract despite mass opposition by members. We covered how young UPS workers are fighting back, as well as sharp struggles in New York where UPS workers went out on strike to protest an unjust firing, then in retaliation UPS discharged 249 of the NYC strikers until Teamsters Local 804 and other workers around the country forced UPS to rehire the drivers. In Florida, a rank-and-file Teamster's grievance stops illegal UPS low-wage golf cart delivery.

Fight Back! gave in-depth analysis of howUPS and FedEx are owned by most of the same monopoly banks.

In February protests targeted Staples union busting against postal workers .

Nationally, the Supreme Court case Harris v. Quinn was a wake up call for labor. Fight Back! also analyzed an auto parts strike that achieved a major victory – no more two-tier wages at Lear Corporation, and published lessons from the UAW’s defeat at Volkswagen.

Fight Back! covered this year’s Labor Notes Conference as well as this summer’s AFSCME International Convention. This summer there was also a major commemoration in the Twin Cities as labor activists marked the 80th anniversary of the historic 1934 Minneapolis truckers strike.

In Florida, Immokalee workers demanded higher wages from Publix. In Minnesota, St Paul teachers and supporters protested the school board as part of a militant contract campaign that almost ended in a strike and won victories for teachers.

Oppressed nationalities

In Jacksonville Florida, the Jacksonville Progressive Coalition led struggles to successfully change the name of Nathan Bedford Forrest High School, led protests outside the trial of Michael Dunn, the racist vigilante who murdered 17-year-old African-American youth Jordan Davis, and campaigned to demand the resignation of State Attorney Angela Corey after the verdict.

In San Jose, 34th annual Day of Remembrance was commemorated. In Milwaukee, bridges were built as Black and Brown solidarity rally condemned both deportations and police brutality in Milwaukee. In Tennessee, protesters rallied against Nazis.

In North Carolina there was a huge turnout for the Historic Thousands on Jones Street march, while the Moral Monday movement spread to Florida. Also in Florida, the Dream Defenders confronted lawmakers, Governor Scott, at the opening of the legislative session.

The Chicano struggle continued this year, from the 44th anniversary of the Chicano Moratorium, to commemorating the 1968 high school walkouts to the ongoing struggle for ethnic studies in California. In December, veteran Chicano movement leader Carlos Montes announced his intention to run for Los Angeles City Council.

Texas’s execution of Mexican national Edgar Tamayo on Jan. 22 sparked worldwide outrage.

Fight Back! took on racist misconceptions and stereotypes while explaining the real significance of Cinco de Mayo.

Indigenous struggles made gains this year as cities such as Minneapolis changed Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day, and the movement against racist sports mascots grew as thousands said “We’re not mascots”.

Immigrant rights

The immigrant rights movement won a major victory (though partial and temporary) when President Obama was forced to defer deportation for up to 5 million undocumented immigrants via executive action. Fight Back! covered the movement demanding executive action all year. The Legalization for All Network analyzed Obama’s executive action and the ongoing struggle to win legalization and full equality for all.

This victory was won through mass movements taking bold action such as when Milwaukee community members disrupted Obama, and when Milwaukee activists shut down ICE.

In addition to this national victory, there were several local victories against deportations this year, including in Tampa and Minneapolis, as well as a statewide victory for tuition equity for undocumented students in Florida.

When thousands of Central American children fleeing poverty and violence and arrived at the U.S.-Mexican border this summer, Fight Back! provided anti-imperialist analysis of the Central American refugee children: Victims of U.S. intervention in Central America, and also covered protests like one in Minneapolis and one in Tampa demanding that these children not be deported.

Student movement

There were many exciting actions in the student movement in 2014. Fight Back! covered the Freedom Road Socialist Organization’s Student Commission meeting and plans for 2014.

Florida students won a statewide victory Tuition Equity for undocumented students, while students in Tallahassee organized to prevent FAMU-FSU College of Engineering split. Also in Florida, the Dream Defenders confronted lawmakers, Governor Scott, at the opening of the legislative session.

In California, the ethnic studies fight deepened as the fight for Black, Chicano Studies built at CSULA.

In Minnesota, SDS organized a large protest to confront Bush Administration war criminal Condoleezza Rice, while FSU students disrupted FBI recruitment and Milwaukee students disrupted CIA recruitment.

Anti-war/international solidarity movement

The anti-war movement was active in 2014. In January a South Florida rally demanded the closing of Guantanamo now. In Chicago the Anti-War Committee campaigned against Boeing’s killer drones, including running an anti-war activist for a spot on Boeing’s board of directors, and Minnesota activists also confronted a major drones advocate. Arizona protests targeted joint U.S./Colombia military exercises. Protests around the country protested ongoing U.S. war in Iraq and Syria.

When the mass media went into overdrive to promote U.S. intervention in Nigeria in response to the kidnapping of more than 200 girls, Fight Back! published a mother’s anti-war editorial on #BringBackOurGirls.

Palestine

In 2014 Fight Back! covered the ongoing Palestine solidarity movement, including a huge march for Palestine in Washington DC, the campaign targeting Boeing Company for their role in killing Palestinians, and massive protests around the country protesting Israel’s assault on Gaza. In October, Hatem Abudayyeh analyzed the lessons of Gaza, and the tasks of the U.S. solidarity movement.

Political repression

There were several victories against political repression this year, such as when the Cubans 5 won freedom, when Sami Al-Arian was freed at last, and when Lynne Stewart was freed.

Fight Back! also continued to cover the case of the Anti-war 23, noting the fourth anniversary of the September 2010 FBI raids on anti-war & international solidarity activists, and covering the unsealing of documents used for the 2010 raids on anti-war activists.

Fight Back! also covered the Osmakac trial and a panel featuring Lynne Stewart and CeCe McDonald.

Ukraine

This year Fight Back! covered the U.S./NATO intervention in Ukraine and the anti-war movement as well as resistance movement in Ukraine.

The anti-war movement said no to U.S. intervention in the Ukraine, as Western-backed Ukrainian fascists burned trade union building in Odessa and Ukraine’s phony elections made a billionaire the new president.

Fight Back! analyzed the Crimea reunion with Russia, and how the resistance in Donbas challenges U.S. backed Ukrainian fascists. In December Fight Back! published an exclusive interview with a Donbass resistance fighter.

In covering the anti-war movement from Newark to Tucson, Fight Back! also covered the controversy that erupted at a protest at the Chicago Ukrainian Consulate in March with the International Socialist Organization (ISO).

Syria

As U.S. intervention sharpened in Syria, Fight Back! provided coverage of anti-war protests, and provided eyewitness reporting from the Syrian elections in June and then follow up reporting afterward.

Fight Back! also gave analysis of U.S. imperialist goals in Syria: U.S. trying to oust Assad by any means possible, aims for compliant Syria.

Mexico

As the U.S.-backed Mexican government’s repression and impunity deepened the political crisis in México this year, self-defense movements sprouted up in parts of the country. In late 2014, 43 Mexican student activists were disappeared from the rural teachers college in Ayotzinapa, sparking a massive movement that has rocked México. Fight Back! demanded justice for the Ayotzinapa Teacher College students and covered protests in the U.S. calling for justice for the 43 missing Mexican students.

Presente!

Several important people in our movements passed away in 2014, including Leslie Feinberg, Yuri Kochiyama, Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, long-time rank-and-file Teamster leader Peter Camarata, Amiri Baraka, and people’s songster Pete Seeger.

Fight Back! also covered the passing this year of Israeli war criminal Ariel Sharon.

Culture

Fight Back! reviewed the new movie Cesar Chavez as well as the movie Stalingrad. A review of House of Cards analyzed how the Netflix series exposes the dictatorship of the 1%.

Socialism

In December Fight Back!published a report on Freedom Road Socialist Organization’s 7th Congress and Main Political Report. In February Fight Back!reported on the FRSO Student Commission meeting and plans to build the student movement in 2014.

As the Ebola crisis quickly spread out of control, Fight Back!covered socialist Cuba’s leading role in the international fight against Ebola. This is a result of socialist Cuba’s world-class medical system, which boasts an infant mortality rate lower than the U.S.

Celebrating International Women’s Day and May Day

Freedom Road Socialist Organization explained the reasons to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2014. Fight Back! covered International Women’s Day events from Gainesville to Chicago to Utah to Miami.

Fight Back! also extensively covered International Workers Day (May Day) again this year, including analysis from FRSO, coverage of immigrant rights and workers rights protests and events from Jacksonville to Gainesville to Utah to Milwaukee to Los Angeles to Minnesota to Tucson to San José.

#UnitedStates #YearInReview

Year in Review: Top Fight Back stories of 2013

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 03:45:19 +0000

As 2013 comes to an end, we pause to look back at some of the most important Fight Back! stories of the past year. 2013 has seen an upsurge in many struggles – and Fight Back! News has been there on the front lines with on-the-spot reporting and timely analysis.

Here we list five of the top stories from each month this year. There were many more excellent stories in Fight Back! this year that aren’t listed here — you can see all of the 2013 stories in the archive. (Also see the 2010, 2011 and 2012 retrospectives).

If there were other Fight Back! articles you liked this year that aren’t listed here, let us know which one in the comments!

JANUARY U.S. hands off Mali, U.S. out of Africa! by staff, January 2, 2013

Compromise to stop the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ no victory for working class by Fight Back! editors, January 3, 2013

Ex U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald hit by protest challenging his grand jury by staff, January 20, 2013

Florida rallies for reproductive rights on Roe v. Wade anniversary by Jared Hoey, January 24, 2013

Activists confront pro-Israel rally at University of New Orleans by Jacob Flom, January 29, 2013

FEBRUARYFreedom Road Socialist Organization Student Commission meets, lays plans for building student movement in 2013 by staff, February 1, 2013

Arrests imminent as Milwaukee students occupy campus office for Palermo's Pizza workers by staff, February 6, 2013

What ‘immigration enforcement’ looks like in North Carolina: Pulled over 13 times in one month at an immigration checkpoint an interview with Bobby Sullivan, February 15, 2013

The Unending Fight for Justice: From Fred Korematsu to the Holy Land 5 by Masao Suzuki, February 24, 2013

Chicago protest disrupts speech by Israeli drone war expert by staff, February 26, 2013

MARCHFreedom Road Socialist Organization message to Venezuela on passing of President Hugo Chavez by Freedom Road Socialist Organization, March 5, 2013

Florida Dream Defenders challenge Governor Scott, state politicians by staff, March 7, 2013

Tampa students occupy administration building to defend education rights by Jared Hamil, March 7, 2013

Protesters in Chicago shut down presentation by Holy Land 5 prosecutor Barry Jonas by Kait McIntyre, March 13, 2013

Trumka’s turn around proposal for the labor movement by Kas Schwerdtfeger, March 30, 2013

APRILChicago anti-drone marchers confront Boeing Company by staff, April 7, 2013

Protesters confront white supremacists in Tennessee by Preston Gilmore, April 9, 2013

Florida State students protest rape culture by Jess Schwartz, April 15, 2013

Newark, NJ protest demands “Hands off Social Security” by David Hungerford, April 19, 2013

Victory for African woman in Utah immigration case by staff, April 21, 2013

MAYPhoto Essay: International Workers Day 2013 in Havana, Cuba by staff, May 1, 2013

May Day in Los Angeles: Thousands of militant marchers demand ‘Legalization for all now!’ by staff, May 2, 2013

Thousands rally as Minnesota lawmakers pass same-sex marriage bill; Governor Dayton will sign tomorrow by Kim DeFranco, May 13, 2013

U.S./Israel Hands Off Syria! by United National Antiwar Coalition, May 15, 2013

Rank-and-file Teamsters say: “Vote no on UPS contract” by Kas Schwerdtfeger, May 24, 2013

JUNEChokwe Lumumba elected mayor of Jackson, Mississippi by staff, June 4, 2013

UPS Teamsters in Tampa Bay organize for ‘no’ vote on proposed contract by Jared Hamil, June 8, 2013

Interview with Ralph Poynter, husband of jailed people’s lawyer Lynn Stewart June 11, 2013

MN Welfare Rights Committee wins first welfare increase since 1986 by Deb Konechne, June 20, 2013

Legalization For All network on Senate immigration reform bill by Legalization for All Network, June 30, 2013

JULYRank-and-file Teamsters block deal with UPS by staff, July 1, 2013

Five arrested protesting murder by Milwaukee police by Jacob Flom, July 7, 2013

30,000 California prisoners begin hunger strike and work stoppage against long-term solitary confinement by staff, July 9, 2013

Build the fight to get justice for Trayvon Martin by Freedom Road Socialist Organization, July 16, 2013

126-mile Walk for Dignity to Sanford, rally at Trayvon Martin Memorial by staff, July 30, 2013

AUGUST Zimbabwe reelects Robert Mugabe as president by Dave Schneider, August 3, 2013

Chicago anti-war leader Joe Iosbaker speaks out on Syria by staff, August 4, 2013

10,000 join Ashville Mountain Moral Monday protest by Sarah Buchner, August 7, 2013

Chelsea Manning is a hero by Meredith Aby, August 23, 2013

More than 300,000 gather for March on Washington by staff, August 24, 2013

SEPTEMBERFreedom Road begins ‘Socialist Stamp of the Day’ on Facebook by staff, September 1, 2013

Five things anti-war activists should know about Syria by Steff Yorek and Jess Sundin, September 5, 2013

The ISO and the war on Syria: Silly and shameful by Freedom Road Socialist Organization, September 11, 2013

Gains made by Teamster ‘Vote No’ movement at UPS. Keep voting no! by Kas Schwerdtfeger, September 12, 2013 Jacksonville protesters take over Senator Nelson’s office, demand ‘Hands off Syria’ by staff, September 17, 2013

OCTOBER Commentary: Crisis of Monopoly Capitalism Dims Economic Future for Youth by Masao Suzuki, October 10, 2013

With deportations approaching 2 million – Stop the deportations now! by Fight Back! editors, October 10, 2013

SDS: Study and struggle at 8th National Convention by Stephanie Taylor , October 17, 2013

Drop the Charges against Rasmea Odeh by Arab American Action Network, October 23, 2013

Top 5 progressive horror films for activists on Halloween Dave Schneider, October 28, 2013

NOVEMBER Anti-war activists fight government secrecy in push to unseal documents on FBI raids by staff, November 1, 2013

Filipino communists step up typhoon relief efforts, condemns Aquino regime’s slow response statement by the Communist Party of the Philippines, November 11, 2013

Florida Students Advance Tuition Equity Campaign by Michela Martinazzi, November 16, 2013

Two paths ahead for the immigrant rights movement by Masao Suzuki, November 22, 2013

Florida workers and activists unite against Walmart by Cassia Laham, November 29, 2013

DECEMBEROn the passing of Nelson Mandela, listen to his own words by staff, December 5, 2013

Tampa Workers Outsmart Ronald McDonald’s Police by Dustin Ponder, December 8, 2013

Victory: Jacksonville activists win name change for Nathan B. Forrest High School by staff, December 16, 2013

Arizona communists join Freedom Road Socialist Organization by Tom Burke, December 20, 2013

NSA, CIA role in murder of FARC leaders exposed by staff, December 22, 2013

#UnitedStates #FightBack #YearInReview

Fighting back in 2012: A look back

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 22:19:54 +0000

As 2012 comes to an end, we pause to look back at some of the most important Fight Back! stories of the past year. 2012 has been a year full of struggle – and Fight Back! News has been there on the front lines with on-the-spot reporting and timely analysis.

We look back to learn from the past and to get inspiration to continue and expand the struggle in 2013. If there are other articles you liked that aren’t listed here, leave a comment! (Also see 2010 and 2011 retrospectives). Editorials

2012 was an election year in the U.S. In August, we put out a perspective on the upcoming elections: The 2012 presidential election: In the midst of economic hard times, hope is in the people’s struggles, change is in the streets. Fight Back! celebrated the defeat of reactionary constitutional amendments in Florida, where 8 right-wing constitutional amendments were defeated, and in Minnesota where voter restriction and anti-gay marriage amendments went down to surprising defeats. Our post-election editorial weighed in on the election results and what to expect next. Earlier in the primary election season, Fight Back’s editorial Ron Paul: No friend of the 99% weighed in on the Ron Paul phenomenon in the context of Paul’s efforts to influence the Occupy movement, leading to a lively debate with over 140 comments. National Mobilizations

There were several national mobilizations in 2012. In July, a broad coalition of anti-war and other groups mobilized to confront NATO’s meeting in Chicago. After the protests, Chicago FRSO leader Joe Iosbaker wrote in Fight Back on lessons of the NATO protests. In September, as a hurricane menaced Tampa, Florida, over 1000 marched on the Republican National Convention. Then a week later in Charlotte, NC, protesters marched outside the Democratic National Convention protesting ‘Wall Street South’. Labor Movement

The labor movement won a major battle in the fall when the Chicago Teachers Union went on strike, challenging Mayor Emmanuel and the national wave of right wing education ‘reform’. Fight Back’s coverage included a post-strike talk with a leader of the Chicago teacher strike. In North Carolina, the least unionized state in the country, workers at a large SITEL call center started organizing to form a union. Fight Back covered the SITEL workers and supporters standing up to union busting. In Milwaukee, a group of mostly immigrant workers at Palermos Pizza went on strike, and Fight Back has given ongoing coverage, such as in this article, No justice, No Pizza! Also in Milwaukee, immigrant and non-immigrant workers once again had a huge march on International Workers Day, and Fight Back was there to cover it: Milwaukee immigrants and workers march celebrates May Day. Workers at Chicago’s Republic Windows & Doors who carried out a successful factory occupation in 2008 had to take action again in February 2012 when workers occupied their Chicago factory. Around the country, conservative governors and state legislatures tried to pass anti-union ‘right to work’ (for less) laws, and everywhere they tried they met resistance. Fight Back has covered these struggles around the country, such as in Indiana: Indiana workers say “What’s disgusting? Indiana union busting!”. The Economy

As the economy continued to flounder, Fight Back! gave coverage and analysis. Federal government on course for austerity in 2013 lays out the economic reality facing the country in the new year. The unequal effect of austerity was covered in Rise in unemployment rate means growing unemployment for African Americans and Latinos. People continued to build movements to fight back against the effects of the economic crisis. In Minnesota, the Welfare Rights Committee launched a campaign to “Raise the Welfare Grants”. In New Jersey, groups launched a drive for criminal prosecution of banks. Fighting Back Against Repression Fight Back! continues to be one of the most important sources on the growing political repression in the U.S. and the fight back against repression. Fight Back! gave an overall assessment in September of building the battle against repression.

In 2012 Fight Back! covered some important victories and many ongoing struggles against political repression. The biggest victory we covered in 2012 was Carlos Montes’s victory against repression. We also reported on a victory for an immigrant rights activist Joe Callahan who faced charges for ‘human smuggling’ for helping two Salvadoran immigrants trying to get asylum in Canada. Another important victory came at the very end of 2011, when long-time political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal was taken off death row, where he had been since 1981. The struggle continues to free Mumia Abu-Jamal. An important victory happened in Los Angeles, when charges were dropped against Alex Sanchez. Fight Back also covered the Puerto Rican people’s important victory against repression this year when they defeated two repressive constitutional amendments championed by conservative Gov. Fortuño.

The struggle to stop the repression against the Anti-War 23 continued through 2012. Early in the year the Chicago U.S. Attorney office confirmed ‘investigation is continuing’ against anti-war, international solidarity activists, so the Committee to Stop FBI Repression has continued to remain vigilant and organize to stop the repression against them.

Government repression against the Occupy Wall Street movement continued and deepened, so Fight Back! published an assessment of the repression against the movement. Occupy activists and many others continued to protest the NDAA and indefinite detention, such as a protest in Minneapolis at President Obama’s campaign headquarters. Fight Back gives some analysis when President Obama signed the NDAA, allowing for indefinite detention without trial.

At the protest in Chicago against NATO this summer, police singled out 5 people for ridiculous and harsh charges. Fight Back! covered the case and demanded that the government drop the charges against the NATO 5. A grand jury in the Pacific Northwest started calling anarchists to testify against their movement and each other. Fight Back! covered the resistance to the grand jury in solidarity with NW Grand Jury Resisters. An important movement continued in Minnesota in 2012 to free CeCe McDonald. Fight Back gave ongoing coverage to the movement, including when Leslie Feinberg was jailed for solidarity with CeCe.

Some setbacks also happened this year, but these struggles continue too. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the Holy Land Five case. Two Somali women in Rochester, Minnesota were jailed for sending humanitarian aid to their homeland in an outrageous verdict. And in a shocking case, Facebook ‘likes’ were used as evidence of material support for terrorism. African-American Struggle

The African-American struggle and the movement against police brutality surged in 2012. In March the murder of Trayvon Martin led to protests around the country as people demanded Justice for Trayvon Martin. Fight Back! covered protests in Florida, in Minneapolis, in Milwaukee, and elsewhere. In Anaheim, CA police killings sparked community protests. In Milwaukee, protesters demanded justice for Derek Williams. A People’s Tribunal was held on police brutality. The movement surged again in Florida in response to the murder of Jordan Davis. Black students in Tallahassee and the Tampa Dream Defenders protested to demand justice for Jordan Davis. Student Movement

Nationally, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) kept building. At their national convention, SDS strategized for the year. Students in Florida protested throughout the year. The Dream Defenders took bold action several times, including when they challenged a presidential debate and 15 people were arrested. In Utah, the Revolutionary Students Union worked together with others to defend the cosmetology program at Salt Lake Community College from attacks and cuts. See more Fight Back coverage of the student movement here. Immigrant Rights Under Attack

The immigrant rights movement continued fighting attacks in 2012. In June, the Supreme Court struck down most of Arizona’s anti-immigrant law SB1070. Meanwhile DREAMERS continued to fight to win, as their 10 year struggle moved forward. In March in Alabama, civil rights and labor groups joined to protest voter suppression and anti-immigrant laws. The immigrant rights struggle continued to be sharp in California: in East L.A. the community denounced car impounds, and demanded driver's licenses for all. In July in Anaheim police killings sparked community protests. Los Angeles County Sheriff Baca was told to break ties with ‘Secure Communities’ deportation program. This program was protested around the country, like in Minnesota when the Secure Communities deportation program was implemented there. LGBTQ struggles In the 2012 election there were several marriage equality victories. For example in Minnesota an anti-gay marriage amendment and a voter restriction amendment went down to surprising defeat. Also in Minnesota, the fight to free CeCe McDonald came to a conclusion in May when Chrishaun “CeCe” McDonald accepted a plea agreement. In North Carolina, a strong struggle was waged to Say no to Amendment One. In Utah students fought against anti-gay discrimination. International

In 2012 Fight Back continued with important international coverage. In November we demanded a stop to Israel’s war on Gaza, and covered the protests around the U.S., including this one in Minnesota. We also gave analysis when Palestine’s status was elevated at the UN, in a rebuff to Israel and the U.S. And in December Fight Back! covered Leila Khaled’s return to Gaza.

As the U.S. government continued war threats against Iran, Fight Back! gave voice to the anti-war movement, covering protests like one in Salt Lake City. When Iran’s President Ahmadinejad was in New York for a U.N. visit, Fight Back covered his meeting with U.S. U.S. anti-war and religious leaders.

In Latin America, we reported on the gains of socialism in Cuba, where child malnutrition has been eliminated, while in the U.S. nearly a quarter of children are hungry. We also reported on MORENA’s protests of election fraud in Mexico, and reported on Colombian Political Prisoner Lily Obando’s freedom from prison. Remembrances

In 2012, Fight Back! recognized people who passed away that have made contributions to the struggle. In April, we shared the statement of Freedom Road Socialist Organization on the passing of Comrade Ernesto Bustillos, as well as a remembrance of Joel Olson: A life dedicated to uncompromising struggle. In December, we ran Felicia Montes’s remembrance of Jenni Rivera – La Chicana de la Banda. Fight Back! at the Movies

In 2012 Fight Back reviewed the new James Bond movie, On Her Majesty’s Imperialist Service: Skyfall and the politics of 007 in 2012 and the new Batman movie, Blackshirts & Bats: Chris Nolan’s far right worldview in The Dark Knight Rises. The remake of the 1980s anti-communist movie Red Dawn was also reviewed, ‘First tragedy, then farce’: The scandalous imperialism of the Red Dawn remake.

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2011: A year of fighting back against oppression and repression

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:21:06 +0000

It’s an old saying – oppression breeds resistance. In 2011, we saw that it’s still true. In 2011 there were massive new outbreaks of resistance around the world, from Egypt’s Tahrir Square to mass upsurges in Greece, Chile and Spain and to the Madison, Wisconsin capitol building and Occupy Wall Street in the U.S. In 2011 long-standing resistance struggles continued to push forward too, from Palestine to the Philippines to Nepal to Colombia.

Fight Back! is dedicated to reporting “news and views from the people’s struggle,” so we’ve had a lot to write about this year as the people’s fight back against oppression surged around the world.

And just as oppression breeds resistance, it’s also true that when people resist, the powers that be resort to repression against the people. In 2011 Fight Back! has had a lot to write about in the fight against repression too.

Here we’ll highlight Fight Back! coverage of several struggles that made a mark this year, along with links to other similar stories for those that want to dig deeper. As the New Year begins, we recommit ourselves to reporting from the front lines of the people’s struggle against oppression and repression.

11. Fight Back! in the spotlight Fight Back! came into the national spotlight in March, as hated reactionary host Glenn Beck lashed out at Fight Back! and the Committee to Stop FBI Repression for about 15 minutes on his TV show. Our article GlennBeckattacksFightBack!NewsandCommitteetoStopFBIRepression explains where Beck’s twisted coverage comes from and gives the link to his coverage.

10. Labor movement

The labor movement got a jolt in 2011 when Wisconsin’s legislators and Governor Walker went for the jugular by ramming through a bill destroying public sector unions in the state. In the broadest labor mobilization in years, union members and other workers poured into the streets and into an ongoing occupation of the Wisconsin state capitol to try to prevent them from voting on this law. Fight Back! was there reporting from the front lines, including on Feb. 26 when 150,000workerssurroundedthecapitolinthebiggestprotest during the Wisconsin upsurge. On March 11, when the showdown came and protesters battled to hold off police and maintain control of the capitol to prevent legislators from coming in to vote away union rights, Jacob Flom’s photo essay captured thebattleforlabor’sfutureinthecorridorsoftheWisconsincapitol. Fight Back! was on the scene as labor activists from around the world came together in April in Greece for the 16thCongressoftheWorldFederationofTradeUnions(WFTU). Read more about the labor movement here.

9. Student movement

As the movement in Wisconsin blossomed into a protracted occupation of the state capitol in early 2011, students were also at the forefront. In Milwaukee, 3000studentswalkedoutinsupportofpublicworkers, led by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) chapter at UW-Milwaukee. The studentmovementblossomedacrossFlorida in the fall semester, with new student activist groups forming around the state and taking up and winning struggles. In the summer Fight Back! reported from the annualstudentmarchinElSalvadorcommemoratingamassacreofstudentsbythemilitaryin1975. This year 2000 students marched through the streets of San Salvador with high spirits and militancy. And back in the U.S., students continued to oppose U.S. warmakers when they showed up on campuses. In that spirit, in March MilwaukeeSDSmembersdisruptedaCIArecruitmentevent. Read more about the student movement here.

8. Culture

On the serious side, Fight Back! covered an important historical cultural event in 2011 as People’sartistIwaoLewisSuzukiwasrecognizedforhislifetimeofartandactivisminAugust. On a lighter note, Fight Back!’s article by Cooks for a Cause member Steff Yorek, HowtoCookaGreatHolidayTurkey was both popular and practical!

7. Poor people ’ s movement

The Fight Back! article that got the most views this year was an article about a bizarre and draconian Minnesota Republican proposal to attack people on welfare. The article MinnesotaRepublicanssay:Poorpeoplewithmoneyshouldbeoutlaws generated over 46,000 reads and dozens of comments. See more coverage of poor people’s movements here.

6. International

As in past years, Fight Back!’s international coverage was insightful and unique. Fight Back! was one of the few media outlets to cover the case of twoSomaliwomenhumanitarianworkerswhowereunjustlyconvictedon ‘terrorism’ charges in October. In June when Colombia’s ultra-right-wing former President Uribe showed up in Utah, Fight Back! reported on UtahstudentsprotestofUribe,Colombia'sdeathsquadex-president. When militant trade unionists from all over the world met in April, Fight Back! was one of the few U.S.-based media outlets to report on the 16thCongressoftheWorldFederationofTradeUnions(WFTU). One international story that did get a lot of coverage in the media was the nucleardisasterinJapan in the spring. But Fight Back!’s coverage stood out in that it brought an anti-capitalist perspective to this terrible disaster. See more international coverage here.

5. Immigrant rights movement

In 2011, the immigrant rights movement continued to mobilize around the country. Many of the fights were defensive. For example in Alabama, immigrantsandsupportersfoughtbackagainstHB56,theharshestanti-immigrantstatelawyet. In Georgia, 8undocumentedyouthwerearrestedprotestingashundredsmarchedtoprotestGeorgia’soutrageouseducationban for undocumented students. This was part of the national movement of undocumented youth coming out as “undocumented and unafraid.” The most successful push nationally was against the ‘Secure Communities’ deportation program, which is responsible for record numbers of deportations and separation of families. After winning the battle in several states, activists pushed to expose the FBI’s role behind this nefarious program when they exposed internal FBI documents that laid bare the FBI'srolebehind ‘SecureCommunities’ immigrantdeportationprogram. And as in every year since 2006, immigrants led the push for massive International Workers Day marches on May 1. One of the biggest this year was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Fight Back! reported on the scene from the massiveMilwaukeeMayDaymarchforimmigrantandworkersrights. See more immigrant rights coverage here. 4. US/NATO invasion of Libya

In 2011, the U.S. and NATO invaded to overthrow the sovereign government of Libya. The anti-war movement in the U.S. sprung into motion to stop U.S. intervention. Fight Back! provided crucial analysis about the war against Libya and why it was necessary to oppose intervention. For example Fight Back! covered an important panel in Milwaukee featuring speakers from SDS,FRSO, and the NationofIslam analyzing thewaragainstLibya. And while the capitalist media reported lie after lie about Libya, Fight Back! provided facts about the reality of the U.S./NATO bombings, for example analyzing the waronLibya asU.S.airstrikes andcruisemissileattacksbegan. See more Libya coverage here.

3. Crisis of capitalism Fight Back! continued to provide sharp and clear analysis of the crisis of capitalism. As the Occupy movement popularized the struggle of the 99% against the 1%, Fight Back! published two articles breaking down in Marxist terms whoaretheonepercent? and whoarethe99%. See more analysis of capitalism and the economy here.

2. Occupy Wall Street

In 2011, the Occupy Wall Street movement spread like wildfire around the U.S. One of the key flashpoints was on Oct. 1 in New York City, when the Police Department trapped and arrested 700 Occupy protesters on the Brooklyn Bridge. In response to this outrageous repression, new Occupy encampments sprouted up in hundreds of cities around the country. This Fight Back! photo essay captures the spirit of the Oct. 1 march in New York. Another huge day for the Occupy movement was on Nov. 2 in Oakland, California, when the Occupy movement called for a general strike. They mobilized tens of thousands of people and shut down the port for the day. Fight Back's photo essay from Oakland's dayofactionNov. 2 tells the story. See more Fight Back! coverage of the Occupy Wall Street movement around the country here. 1. Resistance to FBI repression Fight Back!’s most extensive coverage in 2011 was of the ongoing struggle to stop FBI repression of anti-war and international solidarity activists. On Sept. 24, 2010 several activists’ homes were raided by the FBI in Chicago and Minneapolis and 23 activists were called before a grand jury investigating “material support for terrorism” charges. They all refused to testify, and so far nobody has been indicted or jailed. The movement to defend the anti-war and solidarity activists is a high priority for Fight Back!. On May 18, Fight Back! reported on the UnveilingofsecretdocumentstheFBIaccidentallyleftbehindatoneoftheactivists’ homestheyraided last September. The documents gave their operational plans and a series of McCarthyistic questions they planned to ask people about their relationship to Freedom Road Socialist Organization and other groups. A day later, the number of targeted activists grew to 24 and Fight Back! reported on a new raid related to the September 2010 raids, when the FBIandLASheriffdeputiesFBIandLosAngelesCountySheriffraidedthehomeofveteranChicanoactivistCarlosMontes. We then reported on the immediate protests by supportersofCarlosMontesdenouncingtheFBI/Sheriff'sraid,anddemandingthatallchargesbedropped.

Fight Back! gave political analysis of the FBI raids, their context, and the struggle ahead as the one year anniversary of the 2010 raids came. First was a statement on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks: September11tenyearslater:Pretextforwarandrepression. Then was a statement calling for people to standagainstrepression,dropthechargesagainstCarlosMontesandprepareformorechallengesahead. Finally there was a statement from the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, OneyearsincetheSeptember24FBIraidsandGrandJurysubpoenas.

The movement to stop FBI repression against anti-war and international solidarity activists is a grassroots movement. One highlight of the grassroots protests was a protest in Chicago where activistsdirectlyconfrontedU.S.AttorneyFitzgeraldonhisgrandjurywitchhunt. But in 2011 the movement’s influence reached from the streets into the halls of the U.S. Congress as around a dozen members of Congress issued statements against the FBI repression. One of the sharpest of those statements was Rep.Kucinich’slettertoAttorneyGeneralHolderinJulychallengingFBIrepressionofanti-warandsolidarityactivists. As the laws of repression have worsened, Fight Back! reported on it to our readers, such as when the FBIrelaxedrulesfortheirdomesticspyingoperationsintheir2011handbook.

And finally Fight Back! made the connections between the current FBI repression of anti-war activists and the thousands of other people, mostly Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians, who have been targeted by the FBI since 9/11. Fight Back! reported from a conference in Atlanta in May that brought together people fighting back against many cases of such repression, the “Lawasaweaponofwar” people’sassembly. And in November, Fight Back! reported on the successfulandinspiringnationalconferenceoftheCommitteetoStopFBIRepression. At that conference a renewed commitment was made to fight the repression against Carlos Montes as his trial nears, to stop any indictments or jailing of the 24 anti-war anti-war activists and to build a united front against all such cases of government repression. The coverage of the movement to stop FBI repression will continue to be a large focus for Fight Back! in the coming year. See more coverage of the struggle against FBI repression here.

#UnitedStates #history #YearInReview

Year in review: Some of the top Fight Back! stories of 2010

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:42:59 +0000

Here we will take the occasion of the end of the year to look back at some of the most important stories of the past year on the Fight Back! website. It has definitely been a year full of struggle and conflict – and Fight Back! News has been there on the front lines with on-the-spot reporting and timely analysis.

As 2010 ends and a new year begins, we look back to learn from the past and to get inspiration to continue and expand the struggle in 2011. If there are other articles you liked that aren’t listed here, leave a comment!

Government Repression of the Anti-War & International Solidarity Movements Homeland Security harasses Haiti activists by Tom Burke, January 2010

Facebook censors Ricardo Palmera group by Josh Sykes, July 2010

Activists denounce FBI raids on anti-war and solidarity activists homes; Subpoenas, searches, and FBI visits carried out in cities across the country by Staff, September 24, 2010

FRSO statement condemning FBI Raids, Grand Jury witch hunt by Freedom Road Socialist Organization, October 2010

New York meeting builds movement against Grand Jury, FBI repression of anti-war activists by Maureen Murphy, November 2010

Statement from Angela Davis against FBI and Grand Jury repression, November 2010

The Continuing Crisis of Capitalism MN foreclosure moratorium at Senate and House hearings by Staff, January 2010

St. Paul, MN protest demands moratorium on foreclosures, tax the rich, no cutbacks by Staff, February 2010

Parent responds to TV attack on school kids joining protest by Jess Sundin, March 2010

New Jersey protest demands banks be held responsible for housing crisis by David Hungerford, April 2010

Almost a million lose benefits while layoffs continue and businesses refuse to hire the unemployed by Masao Suzuki, June 2010

Labor Movement UIC Graduate employees vote to authorize strike by Joe Iosbaker, February 2010

Tuscaloosa Crimson Ride bus drivers get first contract by Jenae Stainer, March 2010

Interview with Sal Rosselli, leader of National Union of Healthcare Workers Fight Back! reporters interviewed Sal Rosselli on April 21, 2010

One Nation' rally brings 175,000 to Washington, DC with demands for jobs, education, and civil rights by Kati Ketz, October 2010

Ongoing U.S. Occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan Afghan civilians in bus gunned down by U.S. troops by Kosta Harlan, April 2010

Leaked video shows U.S. military murdering over one dozen Iraqis by Kosta Harlan, April 2010

10 NATO troops killed in Afghanistan, U.S. occupation crumbling by Kosta Harlan, June 2010

U.S. scrambles to conceal video of Afghanistan massacre; Whistleblower fears for his life by Jacob Flom, June 2010

Occupation of Iraq to continue, we must oppose it: Interview with Meredith Aby, August 2010

International Iran celebrates 31 years of sovereignty by Kosta Harlan, February 2010

Electric shock “trial,” sickening violation of Ricardo Palmera’s human rights by Staff, March 2010

Serfs Emancipation Day celebrated in Tibet by Staff, March 2010

Revolutionaries Deal Setback to India’s ‘Operation Green Hunt’ by David Hungerford, April 2010

Minnesotans Protest the Zionist Lobby, AIPAC, and U.S. Aid to Israel by Meredith Aby, July 2010

Colombia Action Network says “No to U.S. bases in Colombia” by Colombia Action Network, August 2010

Chicagoan arrested calling for boycott of Israel’s Guantanamo by Staff, September 2010

Is the FARC-EP (really) a terrorist organization? by James Brittain, November 2010

Immigrant Rights Movement Continuing the struggle for immigrant rights in 2010: Year one of the new administration saw change but not progress editorial by Fight Back! editors, February 2010

March 21 DC immigrant rights protest photo essay by Kosta Harlan, March 2010

Eyewitness Arizona: report from the frontlines by James Jordan, April 2010

Students take the streets of Arizona for immigrant rights and against racism by James Jordan, May 2010

Lines Drawn over SB1070 in Arizona by James Jordan, May 2010

Photo Essay: Over 250,000 march for immigrant rights in Los Angeles, denounce Arizona’s SB1070 by Kosta Harlan and Eric Gardner, May 1, 2010

Three North Carolina immigrant youth on hunger strike in Raleigh, demanding Senator Kay Hagan support DREAM Act by Kosta Harlan, June 2010

Say no to border militarization by Fight Back! Editors, July 2010

Jimmy John’s franchise owner condemns SB1070 under pressure from boycott by Brad Sigal, July 2010

Immigrant rights potesters confront baseball bigwigs, 5 arrested by Brad Sigal, August 2010

Right wing seeks to overturn historic Civil Rights case of United States v. Wong Kim Ark by Masao Suzuki, August 2010

Support the legalization of undocumented students and youth! statement by Freedom Road Socialist Organization, August 2010

Latino Chipotle workers speak out after mass immigration firings in Minnesota by Staff, December 2010

Oppressed Nationalities MLK Day in Birmingham, saying no to war and poverty by Jenae Stainer, January 2010

Gainesville students demand justice for Kofi Adu-Brempong by Jared Hamil, April 2010

Hundreds rally, bogus charges against black student accused of stealing chicken nuggets dropped by Jacob Flom, July 2010

Over 1000 Chicanos march in East Los Angeles against war and racism by Carlos Montes, August 2010

Hundreds march against threatened Koran burning in Gainesville by Staff, September 2010

Manuel Jamines, Guatemalan day laborer killed by LA police by Staff, September 2010

Waukesha SDS stands up to campus racism by Chance Zombor, October 2010

On the passing of Ray Sosa, an outstanding community leader and revolutionary by Freedom Road Socialist Organization, November 2010

Education Rights Movement March 4 education protests rock the nation by Freedom Road Socialist Organization, March 2010

UCLA: Students storm administration building by Eric Gardner, March 2010

Interview with FRSO student leader on the campus movement and October 7 protests, September 2010

SDS holds 5th National Convention, lays plans to build student movement by Mike Gold, October 2010

October 7: Thousands across the country protest against cuts to education by Chapin Gray, October 2010

LGBTQ Movement Hundreds march in Asheville to protest hate crimes by Jeremy Miller, May 2010

Target targeted for contribution to anti-gay and anti-immigrant candidate Tom Emmer by Brad Sigal, August 2010

Women’s Movement International Women’s Day celebrated in Minneapolis by Staff, March 2010

Environment Make BP pay! Florida protests Gulf Oil spill by Fernando Figueroa, May 2010

Culture Why communists love the World Cup by Foster Richards, June 2010

Review of Capitalism: A Love Story by Doug Michel, October 2010

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