SP Newsletter No.190
This week marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Ernesto “Che” Guevara. The anniversary has led to numerous articles being written about his life from commentators on both the left and the right side of politics.

Many articles in the capitalist press have sort to discredit Che and portray his image as nothing more than a meaningless pop logo or a romantic figure associated with the rebellious times of the 1960s. Some articles have even disgustingly gone so far as to compare him to Hitler, Pol Pot or Mussolini!

The reality is that Che was a revolutionary who dedicated his life to fighting for socialism and changing the world. The famous photo of Che with his beard and beret is said to be one of the most reproduced pictures in the history of photography.

Che’s image has been used to sell everything from t-shirts, coffee mugs, ice-cream and cigarettes and for many it is merely a fashion statement, but for others it is a political declaration. Many young people in particular identify the image of Che as a symbol of struggle.

It is not unique for capitalism to appropriate certain images or parts of working class culture for its own means. But despite this, Che still remains a symbol of fighting for a better world, especially in Latin America. Ceremonies, rallies and public meetings have been held across Latin America and many other parts of the world this week, including many organised by the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI).

Whilst the Socialist Party and the CWI has some important differences with the politics of Che, we recognise that he was an uncompromising, self-sacrificing and incorruptible individual and it is these qualities that have led to Che becoming a source of inspiration to millions of class fighters across the globe.

This is why we are proud to be hosting a special day school in Melbourne to commemorate Che’s death and to learn the lessons of his struggles. We invite everyone who has an interest in revolutionary ideas to attend.

The details are Saturday October 20th 2007 at Trades Hall, Carlton South, Melbourne. There will be two sessions starting at 3.30pm.

3.30pm - The life and times of Che. The 59 revolution and Che in South America. Speakers: Stephen Jolly and Denise Dudley (recently returned from Latin America)

5.00pm – An introduction to the ideas of the Socialist Party and fighting for socialism today. Speaker: Anthony Main.

Stick around for drinks afterwards.
For reading prior to the event see the link below.

A revolutionary fighter - What is Che’s relevance today?
Special article produced by the CWI to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Che’s death, written by Tony Sanious. (Soon to be published as a SP pamphlet)
Click here

Also in Melbourne this weekend is the Latin American & Asia Pacific International Solidarity Forum. For more information about the forum or to see the agenda click the link below. The Socialist Party is one of the many sponsors of this event.
Click here

Join the Socialist Party

If you agree with what you have read in our newsletter or on our website you should consider joining SP. The Socialist Party has branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and Perth as well as members and supporters in all other states.

We are involved in trade union work and student work. We also run community, anti-war and environmental campaigns. But most of all we want to build a party that will fight to overthrow the capitalist system. We fight for socialism - a system that will bring an end to wars, poverty and environmental destruction. For more information about joining in your area contact the SP National Office. 0396399111

SP subscriber List

Become a supporter of SP today! Join our subscribers list - only $20 per year or $10 concession. You will receive our newspaper ‘The Socialist’, delivered to your door every month, and our email newsletter every week. You will also know that you are supporting a party that is at the fore of the fight back against Howard and against capitalism. Contact the SP National Office now on 0396399111 to join the list.

The Socialist

Issue 38 of SP’s monthly newspaper ‘The Socialist’ is out now! Readers can pick up a copy at our regular street stalls, from our National Office or by joining the SP subscriber’s list. This month’s paper features articles on the federal election, IR laws, the Greens, Latin America, a report from our councillor in Yarra and a centre page spread on the 90th anniversary of the Russian Revolution.

Regional Activity

Victoria

The SP Melbourne Branch meets every Wednesday 7pm at Trades Hall on the corner of Lygon and Victoria Streets Carlton South. This week the branch will be discussing the world economy. For more info call 96399111. All welcome.

New South Wales

To find out more info or to join SP in Sydney contact Gary - 02 9728 7727

To find out more info or to join SP in Newcastle contact Samantha - 02 4968 1545

Western Australia

To find out more info or to join SP in Perth contact John on – 08 9402 0728

Please note childcare is available at all SP meetings but only by prior arrangement please call ahead first.

News links just a click away –

Iraq: US surge – another failure
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China: Slave wages & dangerous toys
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Scotland: Glasgow social care workers victory
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Get Active - Join the fight back, Get Militant - Join the Socialist Party
The Socialist Party is the Australian section of the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI).
To contact or join the SP or CWI anywhere in Australia or the world call our National Office
++61 3 9639 9111

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