BY MANUEL GONZÁLEZ 
FRESNO, California — The Young Socialists was invited to share the platform at the Gaia House here September 25 for an "open mike" event that featured musicians and political speakers. The Gaia House regularly hosts speakers for a free speech forum.

More than 40 youth were in attendance. Kahinde Solwazi, a professor at Fresno City College, spoke on political prisoners in the United States and talked about the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal. Freedom of the press in this society means "freedom for business people," Kahinde said.

He then pointed to the Pathfinder literature table and encouraged everyone to read the books by revolutionary leaders around the world. Solwazi concluded by saying, "We ask you to give Mumia support, and to build a society for justice."

This reporter, a member of the Young Socialists in Santa Cruz, spoke about the Cuban revolution. I recently returned from Cuba, where I attended the International Seminar of Youth and Students on Neoliberalism.

I explained that in Cuba workers and farmers use the revolutionary government to confront some of the social problems Kahinde talked about, such as racism and sexism. The presentation included an overview of Cuban history prior to the revolution and the gains made on behalf of workers, farmers, and revolutionary youth through mass revolutionary struggle. I also talked about the class struggle in the United States and stressed the importance for young people who want to change this world of becoming involved in working-class struggle.

During the discussion period, many questions were raised regarding Cuba, such as the effects of the fall of the Soviet bloc in regards to Cuba and the development of the tourist industry.

One young person asked about the economic blockade and role of Washington toward Cuba. I replied that the U.S. government is the biggest terrorist in the world and has a history of supporting, training, and financing counterrevolutionary organizations. U.S. imperialism's attempts to crush the Cuban revolution has not been successful, because the Cuban people are armed, willing, and organized to defend their revolution.

I concluded by stating, "There are fighters in countries all around the world who look to Cuba as an example of revolutionary struggle and a way forward for humanity."  
 
 
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