In This Issue    Young Democratic Socialists Update: October 19, 2007
Iraq Moratorium Kicked Off
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Iraq Moratorium Continues
Make Your Anti-War Voice Heard!  Participate in the Iraq Moratorium!
 
The Young Democratic Socialists calls upon our chapters, member, and allies to continue participating in the Iraq Moratorium this Friday, October 19th.  The Iraq Moratorium, which occurs on the third Friday of every month, is a national effort to amplify the anti-war movement.  Local activists are doing events, both large and small, to steadily increase the momentum of the anti-war movement.
  
YDS, in conjunction with the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition (NYSPC), participated in the first Iraq Moratorium by wearing black armbands that said "Books not Bombs."  Over ten YDS groups did actions for the event.  Bill Fletcher, Jr., a major promoter of the Iraq Moratorium, has said: "We need to move the heart and soul of the anti-war movement closer to the ground; closer to the average person. Each individual needs to feel that they are contributing to building this mighty movement. The work of Young Democratic Socialists has been key to this. We need you to keep the pressure on because it is not just about opposing war in Iraq; it is equally about opposing steps towards aggression against Iran. It has been great to see and feel the spirit of YDSers!!"
  
You can read short briefs with photos on our blog, The Activist, here.  You can see more pictures of YDS members' actions during the first Iraq Moratorium on the NYSPC website here.  Emahunn Campbell, YDS Anti-Racist Coordinator, wrote an excellent account of how his YDS chapter's Iraq Moratorium action, which began with simple chalking, sparked a campus wide debate about the Iraq War. 
 
March with the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition to Demand an End to the War in Iraq
The Young Democratic Socialists Stands with our Anti-War Coalitions 
 
Youth and students took to the ballot box in 2006 to demand a change. Two of the top issues on the minds of young people were the war and funding for education. Yet Bush and his war supporters continue to ignore the voices of young people and the 70% of the US population that is against this war. They continue to spend billions of dollars on the war in Iraq that could be spent on funding education and rebuilding our cities from New Orleans to Minneapolis.

On October 27th, 2007 people will be gathering in 10 cities to raise our voices together and demand an end to the war. United for Peace and Justice (UfPJ) is calling for people to gather in New York City, Boston, Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, New Orleans and Orlando. 

The National Youth and Student Peace Coalition (NYSPC) will be organizing youth and students to join with others to demand "Books Not Bombs!"

We invite you to join us at the marches. We need to have the largest and broadest youth and student presence to make our voices heard and to demand an end the war and funding for education, healthcare and jobs for youth!

To get more information on where NYSPC will be on October 27th and how to organize youth and students in your area, email us at nyspcinfo@gmail.com and check out the October 27th website at http://www.oct27.org
 
A Republican Nader?
A Democratic Socialist Viewpoint on a Potential Split in the GOP
 
What if an independent Evangelical candidate ran for president against Rudy Giuliani and the Democratic candidate, and split the right-wing vote?  Peter Frase, former YDS Co-Chair, examines this real possibility in "Right-Wing Naderism: A Totally Excellent Disorder."  Frase covers the differences and similarities between a GOP split in 2008 and the 2004 Nader campaign, the dangers of Giuliani, and what the Left stands to gain if such a division occurs.  You can read the article and post your responses on the YDS blog The Activist.
 
BK, Get Out the Way!
Student Farmworker Alliance Days of Action 
 
In less than two weeks, the SFA "Kingdoom Days of Action" will be kicking off across the country, as we send a clear message to the King that it's time to stop the lies and work with the CIW!

Check out Student Farmworker Alliance today for all the resources and info you need to organize a Burger King protest or educational event in your community during the Days of Action, taking place this October 29 through November 4th.

Check out the listing of local actions already being planned and please email your action plans to marc@sfalliance.org.

On the heels of the successful Florida MiniTour and in the buildup to the major mobilization on Miami this November, it's crucial that the Kingdoom Days of Action are loud and powerful! Contact us at organize@sfalliance.org if you have any questions.
 
The Young Democratic Socialists is encouraging members and friends to support the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and the Student Farmworker Alliance.  Because the National Immigrant Rights Project is a large part of our Activist Agenda, YDS is dedicated to building student solidarity with the immigrant rights movement.  If you are interested in YDS Immigrant Rights Organizing Packets, please contact yds@dsausa.org.
 
Democratic Socialists Say: We Can Do Better Than This!
Socialists to Set National Priorities: Creating an Economic Justice Agenda
 
The vast majority of Americans' economic conditions worsened or stagnated under President George W. Bush.  Democratic socialist Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) addresses this hard truth and presents solutions to the problem in his article "We Can Do Better Than This."
 
Sen. Sanders will address the Democratic Socialists of America's (YDS's parent organization) national convention in Atlanta, GA this November 9-11. DSA will be finalizing the "Toward an Economic Justice Agenda" document.  This is a perspective piece we hope will lead to a consensual legislative and political program which a broad coalition of progressive groups can coalesce behind.
 
For more information of the DSA convention click here.
 
 
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