MEXICO — In capitalism, we are condemned to live under the sentence, "Work or starve." We are enslaved at poverty wages and forced to work at machines in the factories or in service in large commercial chains. Who puts up with this? Only those with the greatest need to take bread home for their families.
I understood this when I lived it. I was paid to be a henchman (supervisor of workers) at a company without realizing that I was also part of this slavery. Here I became restless for left ideas. I asked my friends at work, "Why are we so screwed?"
Some responded, "That's how we have to live. Let's thank god that we have a job."
I said, "No! There are enough resources! Just look here at how much food they throw away!" All of the situations I lived through gave me problems with the boss, and I was forced to resign. My living conditions changed a lot.
I asked myself, "How is it possible that the working class doesn't have access to the fruit of its labor? How is it possible that the ruling class, without moving a finger, takes the wealth that workers produce?"
I thought, "The manifesto of the communist party is still alive; we need a revolution to put an end to the way we are living. Capitalism demonizes communism. We live in a world with individualistic principles, in which people don't express their convictions because of fear and doubt."
I hadn't freely expressed my ideas about capitalism until I met a group of ICWP comrades. That's when I realized that there are others who think that we live in forced misery, legalized slavery. ICWP comrades invited me to meetings and to share ideas and experiences. They talk about how we can change forever the situation in Mexico and the rest of the world. The conclusion is that there are enough resources for everyone. The problem lies in access since resources are concentrated in the hands of a few while millions die of hunger.
After going to meetings, a group of us comrades met to go out to spread communist ideas through our newspaper, Red Flag. At first, I was impatient and doubtful about what we would be doing.
When my friend arrived, I saw that she had a lot of newspapers in her purse. I thought, "We're going to give out the newspaper. Perfect! It's time to go out into the streets to spread communist ideas."
I felt a little nervous since I had never participated in such an activity, but it was time to do it. It's necessary that communist ideas reach more people and that they see that a new world can exist, free from exploitation and guaranteeing the basic needs of life.
We identified ourselves as communists to the people. Some were bewildered. Others paid attention to the speech of the comrade who led the group.
An older person was surprised that it was we youth who were spreading communist ideas and said, "I thought that this movement had been eradicated. It has been years since I have known about groups like you who oppose the system, but it gives me great pleasure to know that this is still alive."
We appreciated his comments and he asked if the ideals of Marx continue to be alive in communism. My friend answered, "Yes, we stand on the shoulders of giants." After this, we received some coins and continued giving out the newspaper. Let the doubts arise. Communist ideas are being disseminated and the movement is spreading beyond the borders.
Comrades, that is why we are here; you have brought us; you have formed us. We are part of the society that you have forged. With this spirit of struggle and convinced that we deserve a better world, I ask that we keep this flame alive. Twenty years of struggle motivate me to continue fighting for this line. Comrades, we must abolish capitalism and all forms of exploitation. I do not say goodbye, I send cordial greetings from Mexico.