After S11: globalising resistance to capitalism

BY JUSTIN RANDELL

Members of the Democratic Socialist Party, Resistance and others
inspired by the growing anti-capitalist movement will meet for the 19th
DSP congress, to be held in western Sydney from January 3-7. The theme
of the congress is “After S11:
Globalising resistance to capitalism”.

“S11, the blockade of the Crown Casino in Melbourne, was a significant
victory for the anti-capitalist movement in Australia, drawing many people
into activity for the first time”, said DSP national secretary John Percy.
“It marks a turning point for the movement, and is a great basis for further
anti-capitalist action in the coming months.”

The congress will discuss key focus points for the campaign in coming
months, such as highlighting the international feminisation of poverty
at International Women's Day and the initiative for a Global Strike against
corporate tyranny on May 1, 2001. These events have the potential to take
up where S11 left off, reinvigorating the progressive movement in this
country and inspiring activists world wide.

The congress will also feature international guests from revolutionary
organisations around the globe. A list of international groups confirmed
for the congress so far includes the Cuban Communist Party, the People's
Democratic Party from Indonesia, the Timorese Socialist Party, the Movement
for Democratic Change from the Philippines, the Saraiki National Party
from Pakistan, the Revolutionary Communist Group from Britain, Solidarity
activist Malik Miah from the US, the Labour Revolutionary Organisation
from Afghanistan, the Workers Communist Party of Iraq and Harry Otten from
the Dutch Indonesia and East Timor solidarity organisation Solitin.

The attendance of a leading comrade from the Cuban Communist Party is
especially exciting, given the leading role that Cuba plays in the global
anti-capitalist campaign.

The congress will be followed by a big public meeting at the Parramatta
Town Hall on January 8. The meeting will be a launching pad for plans developed
at the congress, particularly around the proposed global strike on May
1, 2000.

Commenting on the importance of the DSP congress, Percy said that “members
of the DSP and Resistance played a key role in the blockade, helping to
ensure that it maintained discipline and morale in the face of brutal police
violence. We were inspired and strengthened by S11, and we will use our
congress to flesh out plans for an ongoing offensive against the capitalist
system.”

Percy pointed out that “all those inspired by the blockade should see
our congress as an important part of the growing anti-capitalist movement.
I urge all anti-corporate tyranny activists to come to our congress and
join the DSP.”

From GLW issue 429