The Militant - Vol.64/No.30 - July 31, 2000 -- Socialist candidate joins Michigan rally
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A socialist newsweekly published in the interests of working people
Vol. 64/No. 30July 31, 2000

Come to the Active Workers ConferenceCome to the Active Workers Conference
 
Socialist candidate joins Michigan rally
 
BY ELLEN BERMAN  
DETROIT--Margaret Trowe, the Socialist Workers Party candidate for U.S. vice president, was in Detroit to join the protest against the killing of Frederick Finley.

Trowe explained that she had just come from Mississippi, where she went to express solidarity with protesters against the recent lynching of a 17-year-old Black youth, and spoke with fighting catfish workers and locked-out steelworkers at Titan Tire.

One woman told her, "Yeah, it's rough down there [in Mississippi]."

"Yes, and in Detroit, Philadelphia, and New York," replied Trowe. "That's why we have to organize working-class protests like these."

Several people explained that the reason they came to the demonstration was because they knew that similar things could happen to them or to members of their families. "I have a 17-year-old granddaughter and a 21-year-old grandson," one older woman told Trowe, "and I fear for them every time they walk out the door."

"How can you possibly understand what it is that I face every day?" asked one worker who came on his lunch hour. "I'm a 21-year-old Black male and I'm an endangered species." He engaged in a lively discussion about the campaign and its perspectives on the root causes of racism and how to organize resistance to it. He bought the latest issue of the Militant and gave his phone number to a campaign supporter so she could call him in a couple of days to continue the discussion.

These demonstrators, as well as others interested in the campaign, were invited to an open house at the Pathfinder Bookstore following the rally. They were also encouraged to attend a panel discussion the following Friday night, hosted by The Militant Labor Forum, on "Dearborn... Detroit...Philadelphia...New York: The Fight Against Racist Attacks."

One young Black woman was particularly interested in Trowe's experience working with farmers who are being forced off their land. She explained that her relatives also had been forced off the farm that had been in their family for many years.

A young woman bought the Militant after saying she was looking for some way to change what's going on. After a brief discussion about the problems of economic nationalism, she said the attitude of the government is such that, "They ought to change the sign on the Statue of Liberty to say 'Go back, you're not wanted!'"

Supporters of the campaign sold 19 Militants and 1 subscription at the action. Four people asked to be put on the mailing list. Campaigners introduced Trowe to reporters at the event, several of whom expressed interest in future interviews and features.

 
 
 
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