Every year we pay our taxes to a government which, no matter the political party in office, bails out banks, extends tax breaks to millionaires, continues wars overseas, restricts our rights, and cuts social services. It’s nice to get a little bit back on our tax return, and usually we think about buying something extra that we haven’t been able to get. But this year, please consider donating to a movement that’s fighting for real change.
2011 will go down in history as a watershed year that saw revolutions overthrow brutal dictators in the Middle East and North Africa, the labor uprising in Wisconsin against draconian anti-union laws and savage austerity, and the birth of the Occupy Wall Street movement against entrenched inequality. These struggles show the popular desire and real potential to rebuild mass social movements for progressive social change.
In 2012 we have already seen the right-wing agenda ramp up with an assault on women’s rights, the racist murder of Trayvon Martin, laws suppressing voters’ rights, the continuation of attacks against unions and immigrants, and the beginning stages of the huge Keystone XL oil pipeline. More than ever we need to fight for a world that puts the needs of working people, women, the environment, and future generations above those of the richest 1% and corporate greed. However, neither major political party offers any solutions. It’s time to build a real alternative.
In 2011 Socialist Alternative played a key role in the Battle in Wisconsin promoting a one-day public sector general strike which could have helped defeat Wisconsin Governor Walker. We were active in the Occupy Wall Street movement calling for clear demands to concretely address the needs of the 99% and draw more people into the movement. This year, we are playing a key role in a highly successful campaign in Occupy Homes Minnesota campaign that has already succeeded in stopping home foreclosures. We have been mobilizing people to Trayvon Martin “million hoodie rallies” and the April 28th rallies to Unite Against the War on Women. We are fighting the proposal to build North America’s largest coal terminal in Washington State. And we are running an independent socialist candidate for the Washington State legislature to resist the attacks on workers’ benefits and social services shamefully led by a Democratic Governor and a Democratic-majority state legislature.
The world won’t change itself. We have to actively fight for it.
Please consider donating a portion or all of your tax return to Socialist Alternative today. Every donation helps!
Donate at the link below or mail a check payable to Socialist Alternative to PO Box 150457, Brooklyn, NY 11215.
Thanks for your support!