Communism Will Win here ♦ Masses Help Masses here ♦
With Patience and Persistence, Communism Will Win
LOS ANGELES (USA), July 10— “You saw what happened to the deported Venezuelans—what bad luck,” said a Red Flag reader in front of a garment factory.
“It’s not bad luck. It’s the capitalist system that kills workers in many ways,” replied the comrade.
The reader was referring to146 Venezuelans—women, children, and men—who were deported by the fascist Trump administration. Upon arriving in Venezuela, they were sent to a hotel to be processed. While they were there, a massive earthquake struck, killing thousands of people. All the deportees and hotel workers perished.
“Yes,” she said. “I wish the world were the way you say it should be.” Whenever we pass her the newspaper, we briefly talk about a world without borders, without exploitation—a communist world.
You can feel the anger over deportations under capitalism from many workers. But there are a variety of barriers to getting them to join or participate with the International Communist Workers’ Party.
There is a constant struggle with this reader to get her to attend meetings or to visit so we can talk more calmly about communist ideas. We distribute an average of 150 copies of each edition among the hundreds of people who work at this factory.
Our collective has been organizing social gatherings to invite these friends and begin building communist relationships with them. The struggle continues, and discussions about capitalism and communism are becoming increasingly open.
In this same factory, we had a friendly discussion with an African worker. He was collecting materials to take to another factory. We gave him the newspaper and said, “Red Flag, a communist newspaper.”
“Like Russia and China,” he said.
“No, in China and Russia, capitalism exists. We’re fighting for a world without racism or exploitation,” said the comrade.
“Look, I’ve lived through wars between my own countrymen,” the worker replied. “Racism, envy, and greed are in our genes. This damn world can’t be changed.”
“That’s what the bosses want us to believe—that it can’t be changed,” answered the comrade. “But history has provided many examples of struggles for a different world. This issue features an article on South Africa—comrades fighting for that new communist world.
“Have confidence in the international working class,” he continued. “We’re going to win. Read the newspaper, and we can discuss this further later.”
“Okay, friend, thanks,” the worker said. And with a big smile and a handshake, he said goodbye.
Wherever we are, there are always opportunities to show the need to fight for a communist society. The results aren’t immediate most of the time, but perseverance is an essential part of our struggles.
“The Masses Help the Masses”
LOS ANGELES (USA), July 3— The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela left thousands dead, many missing, families homeless, and entire cities facing one of the worst tragedies in their recent history.
The tragedy also affected 146 Venezuelans who had been deported from the United States by the Donald Trump administration just hours earlier. They were temporarily housed in a hotel that collapsed during the disaster. Many were left dead, injured, missing, or trapped in the rubble.
This tragedy shows how a system that prioritizes borders and economic interests over the working class leaves the masses exposed to devastating consequences.
“This has been the main topic of conversation with my coworkers,” said a comrade in Los Angeles. “Someone mentioned what Nayib Bukele posted on social media about the aid sent from El Salvador. It was an opportunity to discuss how this tragedy once again demonstrates a simple truth: it is the masses who help the masses.”
She continued: “I told them that while some governments and leaders turn every action into an opportunity to bolster their public image or promote their administration on social media, thousands of people from all over decide to help without expecting recognition or political gain.”
This international solidarity shows that cooperation among the masses can transcend capitalist borders. When our class brothers and sisters are going through this tragedy, it matters little if a politician shows up with cameras to showcase their efforts. The urgent need is to find water, food, shelter, and medical care. And often, that aid comes first from grassroots organizations.
All this solidarity is no coincidence. History has shown that, in the most difficult moments, organized masses can respond quickly and humanely. Neighbors cooking for other neighbors. Workers donating what they have. Volunteer brigades cleaning streets and rescuing people. Students organizing relief centers. All of this reflects that we workers have a powerful tool to confront crises.
We know that these natural disasters will also occur under communism. But the damage will be minimal compared to what we see today. In communism, homes will be built to be safer and will not be constructed in high-risk areas. Clearly, by not depending on economic profits, the safety of everyone can be prioritized.
As the International Communist Workers’ Party, we stand in solidarity with our class brothers and sisters in Venezuela. That solidarity means organizing for communism!
Read Mobilize the Masses for Communism here