Labor Party Advocates convention
Labor Party Advocates (LPA) has announced June 1996 as the time of its founding convention. The building of a labor party, which is the goal of LPA, would be a historic event for US workers and the international labor movement. During the next nine months it is essential that as broad a layer of workers as possible get involved in LPA to ensure that the needs of workers are presented at the convention.
Never have the two parties been held in such disrepute. In opinion polls, a majority of the public has continually supported the building of a new party. Also, an overwhelming majority cannot name a single politician they admire. Never has the opportunity been better for creating a massive political party for workers, i.e. a labor party.
We can not allow any time to go by. There are many forces, like Perot, who will seek to tap the discontent of workers, to channel it behind false promises and destructive policies. It essential that a Labor Party is formed to present a real class alternative for workers in 1996 elections.
Over the last couple of years the leadership of LPA has been arguing that LPA must not support candidates and had no program. Now, the leadership argues that the program and other issues will be decided at the convention. Many LPA activists were expecting the convention to be held in the fall of 1995, not the June 1996 date that has been announced.
It was in this spirit that the Seattle chapter of LPA has twice contacted the national LPA leadership to urge the convention date be brought forward to the end of January at the latest. It argued that the June date “would almost eliminate the possibility of us being able to contest the 1996 elections at the local and national level, including for President of the United States,” and that: “By calling a convention at this later date, they [the LPA Leadership] are in effect pre-empting the conference on this vital question.” It is important that LPA members and chapters also contact the leadership on this important issue.
In the meantime, it is essential that LPA develops a campaigning approach to building support for a labor party. Local chapters are a good start. In Seattle, we are organizing for a rally on October 7. We are planning a dual campaign both inside the local labor movement, but also to have tables at public events and give out fliers to reach the general public. The chapter has stressed the need to involve workers from all backgrounds, especially non-union workers who face the worst conditions and have the most to gain from a labor party.
During the next period the Democrats can be expected to reach out to labor to strangle it, so that it does not have a voice to organize the discontent and anger of workers and youth. We have to raise our voices and say that “We have seen enough of the Democrats!” Build a labor party! Get involved in LPA! For Labor candidates to fight the candidates of the bosses in 1996!