Battling the ideology and policies of the ultra-right Bush administration and the Republican Party is the central task of Political Affairs in the current moment. The politicalization of religion, war and occupation, privatization, Bush’s new nuclear arms race, the struggles of workers for better lives and for our country’s friendship with Cuba, preserving civil rights and fighting racist policies are the issues taken up by this month’s writers.
Tim Yeager talks about the struggle between democratic and right-wing forces in the Christian church. Jarvis Tyner confronts the blatant racism of the Bush administration, its attacks on Black people, and the leading role African Americans have played to unite progressive forces against Bush. Max Gordon exposes the fraud of right-wing religiosity as a cover to abuse and hurt people it calls sinful and deviant. Emile Schepers examines the struggle to break down the barriers to friendship with Cuba and developing relations that are mutually beneficial to both countries. Interviews with peace activists Phyllis Bennis and Al Marder look at the root of conflict in the Middle East and the Bush administration’s drive for new nuclear weapons. Gary Dotterman unveils the forces and ideology that drive homophobia and the necessity for our unity to demand equality.
Enjoy the other features: the quiz, book reviews, poetry, and the story. And as always, please continue to send us your letters to the editor and other comments.
Peace,
The Editors
Join Political Affairs in commemorating the 36th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion (June 27th), a key moment in the struggle for gay rights, by demanding for full equality and human rights for all.
20 The Church at the Crossroads
By Tim Yeager
Bush and the ultra right have twisted the faith of millions to push their own political agenda.
26 Jesusland
By Max Gordon
Faith is used as a weapon to damage and destroy the lives of gay and lesbian young people.
28 What’s Behind Homophobia?
By Gary Dotterman
Anti-gay sentiment is fostered and mobilized by the right to weaken the working-class and democratic movements.
34 Ban the Bomb: Interview with Al Marder
The struggle for nuclear disarmament is a major part of the broad movement to win peace and justice.
INTERNATIONAL
40 Building Bridges: Friendship and Trade with Cuba
By Emile Schepers
Friendly relations and trade with Cuba are the best way to promote peace in the region.
50 From Outrage to Action: Defending Civil Rights Today
By Jarvis Tyner
The movement for civil rights, equality, and racial justice is central to our struggle for democracy and a strong working-class movement.
55 Farm Workers Win Contract
By Joel Wendland
The recent victory of farm workers in Florida’s Immokalee community has vital lessons for the labor movement about unity and coalition building.
58 Medicaid on the Block
By Tony Pecinovsky
The Republican agenda calls for cutting and eliminating Medicare, but a labor-led coalition in St. Louis isn’t going to let it happen.
62 Problems in Marxism: What Makes Good Art? An essay on the Good, the Bad and the Beautiful
By Thomas Riggins
Marxist writer Sidney Finkelstein developed cutting edge ideas about what makes good art.
65 The Pen is Mightier than the Sword: The Life of John Pittman
By Norman Markowitz
John Pittman’s work as a journalist and activist spans decades as well as much of the globe.
