Ever since January 2nd 1921 when the YCL was officially made an above-ground organization it has been involved in some of the most important struggles in American youth and labor history. From struggles against child labor and legal lynchings even up to the recent integration of the military with the repeal of DADT the YCL has been on the right side of history.
When people attacked us as radicals when we opposed segregation and Jim Crow we knew we were right in our convictions. When we were attacked as trouble makers when we circulated the petition to allow Jackie Robinson to play in the Major League we knew we would be proven correct. Time after time the YCL has held contraversial positions that are criticized as radical or heretical in their own time but when they are viewed through the scope of history they are the voices of reason in an insane world.
The American people may still have some prejudices when it comes to communism but when asked about any of the major campaigns we have been a part of over our now 90 years they would side with the communists every time. Try asking a retiree about social security or medicare. These were assaulted as communist plots to destroy our country and now they are some of the most popular government programs in history.
This whole year we will be making a special series of articles about the YCL's history and significant members and victories.
So now where do we stand? 90 years later we still stand for peace, good and available jobs, a free education system from pre-school on, a just and nationalized healthcare system, a final death blow to racism, equal rights for all citizens regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or disability and of course a socialist U.S.A.
These demands still seem radical after all these years but we know that they are worth a fight. We've lasted through oppression both at home and abroad, McCarthy, the red scare and much more and we haven't backed down yet. We can only hope that you also have a long view of history and will continue to be with us on this next 90 years of struggle.
Thank you for all your support in these last 90 years and we look forward to fighting along with you in this next era and have a happy New Year of victory and ease.
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Dynamic Magazine
