In this edition of Coffee with Comrades, Pearson and Mel are joined by John of the Chicago South-Side DSA, Chicago IWW, UC Labor Council, National Nurses United, and Tenants United, Hyde Park to chat about the upcoming 2019 DSA National Convention. But, first, some current events:
- William Van Spronsen martyred, but not forgotten.
- Ted Cruz introduces “antifa bill” into the Senate legislature.
- Indigenous Hawaiian activists face government opposition as they attempt to block a telescope’s construction on sacred land.
- One small win: Trump’s asylum ban was halted this past week in federal courts.
- Puerto Rico’s governor, Ricardo Rosselló, resigns after massive uprising.
John chats with us about organizing in Chicago, the major caucuses in the DSA, the “big tent” approach to building a mass movement, the evolution of the DSA, ideological tension, diversity of tactics, and the struggles ahead.
- Follow John on Twitter.
- Scope Symptomatic Redness’s analysis of the DSA caucuses John mentions in this episode.
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Music:
- Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World” by Woody Guthrie
- Interlude: “Burn it Down ft. Caleb Shomo” by Silverstein
- Outro: “Fortune Teller” by Stray From the Path
