The consequences of the “war on terrorism� declared by US President George W. Bush and his cronies after September 11, 2001 have taught the world an important lesson. We are reminded that the “New World Order,� which was announced with pomp and circumstance by Bush Sr., did not bring more peace, happiness, liberty, democracy, or a better life for the people of the world. Just the opposite.
In fact, the policies of the main imperialist camp—the United States and its allies— have only aggravated the conditions of life worldwide. The gap between rich and poor is growing every day; and, increasingly, large transnational corporations and monopoly capital run things.
Despite the rhetoric of the ruling powers, the future is not better off because of these policies. The youth of the world strongly rejects living in the 21st century with the rights of the 19th century.
None of this began with September 11th and its consequences, but without a doubt they made things worse. The pretense of a “war on terror� allowed the United States to bully some previously fence-sitting countries into joining forces with its economic and military policies. The US initiated a great war against the workers, against the rights of the peoples of the world, and against peace.
We are not only talking about the war against Iraq. We are talking about the invasion of Afghanistan before that. We are talking about the innumerable attempts to subjugate the people of Latin America with the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA), Plan Colombia, and the new “Plan Puebla Panama.�
We are talking about the attacks against the people of Cuba and Venezuela, two countries which took their destiny in their own hands. We are talking about the continued US aid and complicity in the crimes of the state of Israel against the Palestinian people.
But we are also talking about the innumerable attacks against the workers, the people and the youth of many countries. We are talking about the attacks on the rights of workers everywhere. We are talking about the large-scale privatization of basic social services like education, health care and transportation. We are talking about the attack on the civil and democratic rights that have been won after decades of struggle. In every aspect, Bush’s policies aggravate the conditions of life.
We are far from living in a world of peace and progress for the simple reason that there cannot be true peace with imperialism or capitalism. For the ruling class, war is a tool that can be used whenever it is necessary to defend their interests and increase their profits and exploitation. War and profit are two sides of the same coin.
Therefore, the people and youth of the world have the responsibility to fight back against war and imperialism. We must struggle for peace, democracy, social progress, and for a different society based on justice and solidarity. This is the only path.
The World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) has chosen this path for over 58 years. Millions of youth all over the world have organized themselves and joined the fight for these objectives. We are committed to continuing the fight against the current Bush offensive on peace and justice and pledge to continue the fight for the future.
Miguel Madeira is the President of the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) based in Budapest, Hungary.
Founded in London in 1945, WFDY is a made up of over 175 organizations representing youth from 100 countries. WFDY has consultative status in the United Nations and received the Peace Messenger Award from the UN Secretary General in 1987. The Young Communist League, USA is a proud member of WFDY’s General Council.
www.wfdy.org
|
Top level
Dynamic Magazine
