In This Issue    Young Democratic Socialists Update: June 6, 2007
Socialist Summer School
 
 
  

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
YDS Summer Conference in New York City this August 11-12
Participate, Sharpen your Activism, and Shape YDS
 
After a great year of activism, it?s time for YDS members and friends to get prepared for the annual Summer Conference.  The gathering will be held at Local 1199 in mid-town Manhattan.  This year, we?ll focus on socialist education and building YDS to strengthen our activism.  As YDS grows, it is critical that we collectively work with our allies to build our vision.  Having a solid socialist foundation enables us to better educate and recruit around our politics.  A better world is still possible through democratic socialism.  But we must first build YDS to make our hopes a reality.
 
At the summer conference, we will also decide on our Activist Agenda, vote for new leadership, and most importantly get to know one another in a more intimate setting.  This year?s Activist Agenda was our National Immigrant Rights Project.  To make a submission for next year?s Activist Agenda or general inquires about the conference please email yds@dsausa.org.
 
Take a Stand Against the Occupation of Palestine
YDS Encourages Attendance at the Anti-Occupation March this June 10-11th in Washington DC
  
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories after the Six-Day War.  Young Democratic Socialists is endorsing the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation?s march and lobby day this June 10th and 11th.  We fully support the work of the coalitions, United for Peace and Justice and the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition, and hope to make the weekend one of both commemoration and proactive change.  YDS consistently has been against US military support of Israel?s illegal occupation.  While we support Israel?s right to exist, we believe that without a Palestinian state no peace can ever be achieved. 
 
Click here for YDS? statement ?Searching for Justice in Palestine and Israel.?
 
Click here for NYSPC's "Open Letter to Youth and Students" on the Occupation 
 
Dividing, Not Uniting
New Immigration Bill Poses Problems for Immigrant and Citizens
 
The legislative deal reached in the US Senate on Comprehensive Immigration Reform poses many new challenges for social justice.  These ?reforms? try to resolve problems that ultimately stem from the capitalist system.  As socialists, we believe as long as American capitalism exists, so will the injustice perpetuated against immigrants.  YDS will oppose any legislation that divides workers, harms immigrants, and benefits primarily those with power.  YDS will continue to be part of the movement that builds economic and social solidarity, not bandages a broken system.
  
 
Democratic socialist Bill Fletcher, Jr. addresses what he describes as ?moral? and ?politically bankrupt? attacks on immigrants by black leaders in his latest piece ?Anti-Immigrant in a Black Face.?
  
The Best of Socialist Country and Hip-Hop
Check out the Latest from YDS' Favorite DJ Rench
 
After a long day of workshops and plenaries, saturday night during the Justice Beyond Borders conference young socialists and friends all got down.  At ?Shake it to the Left,? we enjoyed lively music and made great memories. We were hosted by the wonderful and talented DJ Rench.  If you had a great time at the party, liked what you heard, or just want to hear what country/hip-hop sounds like, check out DJ Rench?s personal website.  There, you can get free downloads and purchase his latest album Life in Mean Season and much more.  Click here for a review of Life in Mean Season from Indie-Music.
 
More on upcoming performances at www.myspace.com/renchaudio
 
 
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