The Socialist Case for Revolution

In the 1930s, the struggle of ordinary people brought about rights to organize unions, and strike for better wages, more benefits, and respect on the job. Decades later, people organized to defeat Jim Crow segregation in the South and racism in the North. This helped to inspire the fight for women's liberation and LGBT rights.

But during our lifetimes, many of these victories from the past have come under attack. Working class living standards have been declining for a generation, the right to organize is constantly under attack, and the bosses use the recession to make further cuts to wages and the workforce. Racism has re-emerged in the for of racial-profiling, attacks on affirmative action and immigration. Politicians and media figures further legitimize racists and racism by glorifying Southern confederate symbols and imagery.

The movements and struggles of the past demonstrate that when people organize together they can fight for a better life; they can take on corporations, racism and sexism, and even force the government to make the reforms that people want. But as long as our society is run for the benefit of the rich and making profits, it will always be an uphill battle to win or even uphold justice, liberty, respect, and a decent life for most people. As socialists we think that ultimately we need a society based on democracy and human needs, not profit and the needs of the rich.