Features

The specter that Marx poetically described as haunting Europe is still creeping over the world. This specter is a growing international movement, struggling against global capitalist exploitation. This movement is historically distinct because its activists cross class, race, gender, and most importantly, borders.

In the aftermath of September 11, United States foreign policy shifted radically to the right. President Bush has declared an unending "War on Terror," with no clearly defined guidelines or objectives save for those that Bush declares. In an attempt to establish U.S. unilateralism, the U.S. has set about to target any nation that has dared to oppose U.S. policy, both economic and regarding the "War on Terror." The latest target of this campaign has been Cuba.

Because of the various media misrepresentations, the general public doesn't really understand the anti-globalization movement. The methods of activists, such as civil disobedience, can be confusing and frightening. And then there are the acronyms and terminology that activists use, like "diversity of tactics" or the "Global South."

What would you say if you were given the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled weekend hanging-out and talking with some of the coolest people you'll ever meet? Where, you might ask, would you ever get an opportunity like that? The answer is simple, at the Young Communist League 7th National Convention in Chicago next November on the weekend of 22-24 to be exact.

I packed my bags and set off to Oaxaca, Mexico. Initially my interests were in the region's artistic traditions and the promise of relaxation. I was going there to participate in a writer's retreat embraced in jasmine and bougainvillea flowers. One afternoon, the street leading to my bed and breakfast were blocked off.

The streets are my canvas, I don't have the dough to push out and buy paint;
I rack [steal] it. When you're broke and you wanna draw, graffiti is what you do--bottom line it's poor folk's art" - EnocRock

Displacement is an act of force. Displacement is when working class and poor people are forcibly pushed out of their community so more affluent people and businesses can move in for the purpose of profit and destabilizing communities.