This December marks the one year anniversary of the occupation of Republic Windows and Doors, a struggle that captured the attention of working people across the country and the world, as it symbolized the hardships faced by millions due to the economic crisis and a willingness to fight back.

Three months ago, the main labor federation in the U.S. held its national conference, electing a new leadership slate that pledged to fight for jobs, universal single payer health care, new laws to open the road to organizing the unorganized, and for an economic recovery in the interests of working people. But since September’s convention in Pittsburgh there has been no sign yet that these words will be turned into action.

Ralph Nader, a long time figure on the American left, has written a new book which typifies his basic political outlook, but also marks a new turn in the elucidation of his views.

One in 31 adult citizens in the U.S. are in prison. The so called “land of the free” locks away more of its citizens than Russia or China - and the problem is getting worse.

One year ago millions of Americans, many of whom had never voted before, came out for Barack Obama, energized by his message of hope and change. Surely things would now get better! But what is the reality?

While George W. Bush’s attempt at privatizing Social Security famously failed, private industry has largely been successful at shifting their group pension plans into individual private accounts. These individual accounts are almost always invested in the volatile stock market.

The Workers International League will be holding a day-long Marxist School at Mayday Books in the West Bank in Minneapolis on December 13, 2009. It is free and open to the public. Come for the whole day or pick the sessions you are most interested in or able to attend.

Starting with issue 50 Socialist Appeal has gone full color. On this occasion we have received dozens of congratulatory greetings from around the world. Issue 51 is now available. Subscribe today!

Off-year elections were held in a number of places around the country on November 3, 2009. We are publishing here a balance sheet by a comrade of Socialist Appeal in the USA.

Cynicism is a very useful tool for those in power. Although it inherently expresses a sense of dissatisfaction, it offers nothing as a way out. The charade of the two-party system has done a lot of damage to American workers’ perception of politics in general, and created a situation where cynicism and apparent apathy is widespread. What is needed in the US is a party that represents working people. Such a party would go far in combatting the cynical and apathetic attitudes of many toward politics, as there would finally be a force led by workers in the interests of workers.

Michael Moore’s new film exposes capitalism for what it is: a system based on the ruthless exploitation of the many by the few, who shamelessly loot people’s lifelong savings, the public treasury, and kick millions out of their homes. By the end of the film, capitalism stands roundly condemned, however, Mike is less clear as to what he is actually for. The Workers International League thinks it is important to state what is: capitalism is the problem, and socialism is the solution.

According to a much publicized study by University of California-Berkeley economist Emanuel Saez, the income gap in the USA between the rich and poor is at its greatest level since 1917.

In the USA for decades millions have suffered illness and death in the richest country on earth for lack of basic medical care. This is a key issue for US workers and now that Obama has attempted the most modest of reforms, all the pent up contradictions are bursting to surface. We see the hysteria of the reactionary right against Obama’s so-called “socialism,” while millions of bewildered but increasingly frustrated Americans want a real solution now. here we provide the text of a flyer produced by the WIL in the USA.

Many US workers who voted for the Democrats because they hoped they would bring about reforms are already disappointed as the Democrats basically continue Bush’s policies, with a few cosmetic changes. Many workers would like there to be an alternative to the political parties of big business. That is why the unions need to break with the Democrats and build a mass labor party.

During his election campaign, President Barack Obama promised to be all things to all people. After eight years of Bush and Cheney, Americans desperately wanted to believe that real change was coming.