Cindy Sheehan Wants a New Political Party — How Can it Become Reality?

[WhiskeyGirl]

Cindy Sheehan Wants a New Political Party — How Can it Become Reality?

Oct 27, 2008
By Bryan Koulouris   
 
Cindy Sheehan, the nation’s most prominent anti-war activist, is running for Congress in California. Since Sheehan’s son, Casey, was killed as a soldier in Iraq, Cindy has been a tireless activist for social justice. Her congressional campaign against prominent corporate-funded Democrat Nancy Pelosi stands as a pillar of resistance to the big companies and the war machine.

With the massive working class anger at the Democrat/Republican big bank bailouts the past week, Cindy saw the shift in the mood and declared that a new political party must be built after the elections. She had previously made similar statements in an interview with a Socialist Alternative member that appeared in Justice newspaper; This new statement is a confirmation of her intent.

Cindy Sheehan said: "No matter what happens, we need to consolidate the energy against Imperialism and work on building another party movement." She noted: "people have a new rage and a new fire in their belly because of the corporate bailout. People are just so angry" She wants to form a new party that: "cares about the people, will work for the people, and will actually be a viable party."

Both Democrats and Republicans have authorized war funding to the tune of hundreds of billions; now, there is a Wall Street bailout being shoved down our throats. Ordinary working people need a bailout. We need guaranteed quality housing, we need our debts cancelled; we need free healthcare and education. We need a guaranteed job for all. Those who cannot find work, or cannot work, should receive income sufficient to live on.

While CEOs of failing banks get golden parachutes loaded with billions, young people and workers get a picture of a future that doesn’t care about our needs. Both major parties are responsible for this.

Meanwhile, millions of dollars in our union dues simply go to electing pro-corporate politicians. Much of the anti-war leadership shuts down demonstrations during the election years. Many may have hopes in Obama, but they will be disappointed in the end as he clearly is a pro-establishment man. Experience will show that struggle can bring change - not relying on sell-out politicians - and it will take a real determined struggle to stand up to the two parties of exploitation and war.

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A False Start or a New Hope?

Many attempts at launching a major third party in this country have failed. For nearly a century now, the elites in this country have preferred to rule our daily lives through two parties. They have created major obstacles to the formation of a new anti-corporate party. It is very difficult for new parties to develop and exist, especially new parties that are opposed to corporate greed.

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There is a war at home, and it is about time our side started fighting back and winning some battles. If union locals and community organizations can be brought together, alongside the activists from the Sheehan, Nader and Cynthia McKinney electoral campaigns, then campaigns and demonstrations can be organized throughout the country to demand good jobs and social services. In the upheavals and poverty that this economic crisis will unfortunately bring it will be entirely possible to also involve those who voted for Obama, those who saw no difference and even some who were attracted by McCain and Palin’s populist rhetoric.

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read the rest here -
http://www.socialistalternative.org/news/article10.php?id=942