Vol. 72/No. 26      June 30, 2008

Over the last two weeks the number of contributors who have joined the campaign has gone from 33 to 62, increasing the amount collected from $19,000 to $34,000.

A new, young member of the SWP in New York put in his contribution with the comment: “This is great—my first contribution to the Capital Fund.”

Contributions to the Capital Fund are dedicated solely to long-term publishing projects over the next decade and beyond. Members of the communist movement are carrying forward a proud tradition of contributing to the Capital Fund from “blood money” contract-signing bonuses—employer bribes given in lieu of paying higher wages—and so-called safety and production bonuses used to shut us up when life and limb are at stake. The “Economic Stimulus” checks are more of the same.

This appeal complements that of the Militant to readers to contribute their checks to the socialist press (see box below.)

The appeal got a special boost this week from SWP supporter Jeff Powers, who is a rail worker and member of the United Transportation Union (UTU). The UTU just concluded a national contract agreement with the rail bosses, with a reported $4,000 signing bonus. Jeff wrote a letter to other party supporters who work in the rail industry, saying, “Let’s contribute our contract bonus checks to the Capital Fund.” He goes on to say, “It seems like every month, the UTU News features an article about the work-related death of at least one and often two switchman, brakeman, or conductors… . Needless to say the contract does nothing to address the issue of being forced to work long hours without adequate time off for rest.”

He concludes: “It is a rotten deal and we should all send our blood money bonuses to the Capital Fund.”

Two supporters of the SWP from the Twin Cities in Minnesota sent their “Economic Stimulus” contribution of $600 with a note: “Here’s our check for bribery and blood money to the Capital Fund. May it play a role in stimulating the ending of this ‘blood’ system.”

A longtime friend of the party in Miami who is an airline ramp worker smiled as he handed over six $100 dollar bills for the appeal at a Militant Labor Forum there. A presentation on the appeal at a New York Militant Labor Forum won a pledge to the appeal from a teacher attending her first forum. The New York forum hall features a list of contributors to the fund.

Join the appeal! Just over half of the checks have been sent by the government. We look forward to more contributors.

Dave Prince is the director of the Economic Stimulus Capital Appeal.  
 
 
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