April 2025 issue of Revolutionary Democracy published + NLG Federal Defense Hotline [+ news]

The current calendar post is at:  durhamspark.blogspot.com/2025/03/unac-stop-attacks-on-palestinian-rights.html , but I hope to post a new one shortly. 

From the NLG:

Webinar: The Feds are Knocking: Federal Grand Juries [and] State Repression, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 6:30-8 PM ET, Via Zoom

The NLG National Office is excited to announce a new webinar!

Federal agents use tactics like “door knocks” and grand jury subpoenas to target activists and surveil social movements. This training will cover how to support activists in federal investigations and grand jury proceedings. Attendees will learn about federal grand jury subpoenas and litigation, with a focus on representing witnesses who wish to litigate the validity of a subpoena. This training will provide guidance for attorneys, and help prepare activists and support teams for what to expect throughout the grand jury process.

Date and Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 6:30-8:00 PM ET Via Zoom.

Speaker: Mo Meltzer-Cohen is an educator, attorney, and abolitionist, serving overlapping communities of activists, queers, and prisoners. Their work includes criminal defense, particularly for those arrested in the course of justice struggles; representation of witnesses before federal grand juries; and advocacy for those seeking gender affirming and other necessary (but often withheld) health care while in prison.

NOTE: The NLG Federal Defense Hotline is also available to activists and lawyers in order to report verified incidents of federal repression, such as FBI “door-knocks” at activists’ homes, grand jury investigations and subpoenas, and any other federal law enforcement efforts to undermine civil rights, including federal grab squads and the use of unidentified federal agents to police protests. Hotline allows callers to have privileged conversations with attorneys and to receive attorney referrals, know-your-rights information, and resources for responding to grand jury investigations and subpoenas. The line is live at: (212)-679-2811.

[On the student protest April 16th at NCCU in Durham:  theworker.news/2025/04/17/student-housing-activists-arrested-in-durham-nc/

[April 17th is Palestinian Prisoners' Day 2025, with events in New York City, Cleveland, New Orleans, Denver, Los Angeles, San Jose, Seattle, Grand Rapids, Santa Ana, Toronto, Vancouver, Mississauga, Lima, Havana, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Toulouse, Nantes, Alpes de Haute-Provence (France), Brussels, Amsterdam, Manchester, Dublin, Berlin, Frankfurt, Halle, Magdeburg, Mannheim, Tuebingen, Gothenburg, (Sweden), Rome, Firenze, Beirut, Lalitpur (Nepal), and other places April 17th-21st:  samidoun.net/2025/04/palestinian-prisoners-day-2025-fighting-for-liberation-against-imperialist-zionist-genocide/ ]

[There will be a Department of People Who Work for a Living hearing, part of an ongoing series, April 17th in Asheville (see the NC AFL-CIO):  DPWL Public Hearing in Asheville

From the Haw River Assembly: 

 

"Burlington Tarheel Army Missile Plant (TAMP): Community Meeting Update

The Resident Advisory Board (RAB) for the Burlington Tarheel Army Missile Plant met yesterday (Thursday, April 17, 2025) at the Kernodle Senior Center with representatives from NC Department of Water Quality (NCDEQ), Burlington City Planning, researchers, scientists and the Army's remediation team.

The Army has removed 460 tons of contaminated soil to contain groundwater contamination, primarily from degreasing agents and taken it to approved landfill sites. PFAS was detected at low levels and will require separate investigation and funding. Property responsibilities are split between the current owner (maintaining fencing, land use restrictions) and the Army (monitoring, remediation of contaminated soil). Northwind/Terracon contractors are managing cleanup with DOD funding.

Community members voiced concerns about transparency regarding well locations, testing and soil disposal sites (landfill locations). Residents requested comprehensive documentation of site risks, remediation plans and specific, clear information they could share with their community members about what is going on with the site. The meeting revealed a need for improved outreach to directly affected neighbors, as attendance from impacted residents was limited."]

[Durham Beer and Banjos is on third Thursdays, including April 17th.]

[From the NC Poor People's Campaign:

"On Saturday, April 19, 2025, thousands of North Carolinians will gather at Halifax Mall in downtown Raleigh for “Forward Together: A March for Justice and Unity,” a powerful demonstration calling for equity, democracy, and collective action. The event will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 300 North Salisbury Street.

What: "Forward Together: A March for Justice and Unity"

When: Saturday, April 19, 2025, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Where: Halifax Mall, 300 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 "

...

"Also on April 19, the Western Circle NCPPC is supporting the "People's Town Hall for Liberty" in Asheville's Pack Square Amphitheatre, from 12PM to 2PM. Click here for more information, and to sign up."]

[There will be a weekly anti-Trump rally near the Chatham County Courthouse in central Pittsboro April 19th?]

[Local anti-Trump protests organized by the Democratic Party or front groups:  There was a "National Protests in 50 States: Durham protecting Democracy!" rally April 19th 11:30am-12pm at CCB Plaza, by Major the Bull; organized by Durham Democrats, Engaged Durhamites for Democracy, and Durham Progressive Democrats:  www.mobilize.us/durhamcountydemocrats/event/774615/  Another protest, "May Day Strong: National Day of Action" is planned for May 1st at 2pm:  www.mobilize.us/mayday/event/777716/  4-7pm at Halifax Mall in Raleigh:  www.mobilize.us/mayday/event/775016/ 3:30-7pm in the same place; organized by SURJ:  www.mobilize.us/mayday/event/777020/  A protest every Tuesday 8-9am at 147 and Anderson Drive in Durham? -- www.mobilize.us/durhamcountydemocrats/event/761258/    A protest every Wednesday, 4-6pm, at the ATT bridge over I-40? -- www.mobilize.us/durhamcountydemocrats/event/767509/   At a Tesla dealership in Raleigh (7101 Glenwood Avenue) every Friday 4-6pm? -- www.mobilize.us/durhamcountydemocrats/event/766727/ ]

[The Hemparoo 2025 hemp festival will be April 19th 12-6pm at The Plant in Pittsboro:  www.theplantnc.com/event-details/hemparoo-2025 ]

[The 15th Annual North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival will be April 19th 12-6pm in downtown Raleigh.] 

[Every Day is Earth Day will be April 19th 1-5pm at The Scrap Exchange in Durham (2000 Chapel Hill Road):  www.scrapexchange.org  For some other Earth Day celebrations see the March calendar post, linked above, and TriangleontheCheap.com ]

[The GCAP Holi Festival will be April 19th in Gibsonville.] 

[The RiverRun International Film Festival in the Triad area will end April 19th.]

[There will be a public hearing, during the triennial review of water quality standards in North Carolina, April 22nd at 5pm at the Archdale Building in Raleigh.  The Haw River Assembly will hold a webinar to prepare Monday, April 21 at 7:00pm:  docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2E6u1XO7j1Q3f0dY3jW43vboElbv1djTTD2TcrTUCKizNEQ/viewform  The State will accept written comments through May 2nd.]

[There will be an information session with the TriRiver Water utility company and the Haw River Assembly Wednesday, April 23rd 6:30-8pm at Woods Charter School.]

[The first Biscuits and Banjos Festival will be April 25-27th in Durham; organized by Rhiannon Giddens.]

[From the County government:

13th Annual Star Party

"NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. – Join Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, Carolina Beach State Park, Cape Fear Astronomical Society, and many other community partners for a fun-filled evening of stargazing and astronomy-themed activities on Friday, April 25 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road. This year’s theme is Your Place in Space. Be part of an event that is happening statewide and bring a flashlight!" 

-- www.nhcgov.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=898 ]

[The Northside Festival will be April 26th 12-3:30pm at 512 Rosemary Street (between Roberson and North Graham streets) in Chapel Hill; organized by the Marian Cheek Jackson Center for Saving and Making History.]

[There will be a Climate Action Fair Saturday, April 26th 1-5pm at The Plant in Pittsboro; organized by the Haw River Assembly:  www.hawriver.org/climate-action-fair ]

[April 26-27th 2-6pm:  www.carolinafarmstewards.org/piedmont-farm-tour/ ]

[The 2025 Haw River Festival and the beginning of this year's of Saturdays in Saxapahaw will be Saturday, May 3rd 4-8pm in Saxapahaw.] 

From the HRA:

"On May 7, The Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will hear a bad rule on PFAS minimization at the Water Quality Committee meeting. This rule as written will be worse than doing nothing, as it will create a shield for polluters to justify their lack of meaningful action and limit our ability to challenge permits or hold polluters accountable and enforce the Clean Water Act."

In preparation for this, we are asking the general public to make themselves seen and heard by these commissioners. Please join us May 7th in Raleigh to protest this rule at the EMC meeting. **We will hold a community action event outside of the building before the meeting begins and hope to have standing room only at the actual meeting for the commissioners. ..."

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9NWQut0rHC2-t-aMTMjFOOMe-wXyp05vjkGc81EAP-TTJCw/viewform ]

[Against the Williams-Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) natural gas pipeline:  www.hawriver.org/news/organizing-against-pipeline-threats-and-building-environmental-justice , nossep.org , a report from an NBC affiliate about a recent Guilford County Commissioners work session on the pipeline:  www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=YhUpiriZoak , actionnetwork.org/petitions/greensboro-town-council-and-mayor-pass-a-no-ssep-resolution/ ]

[In addition to the regular weekend event next to the Carrboro Town Hall, there is now a Durham Really Really Free Market; see Facebook.] 

The April issue of the English-language Indian Marxist-Leninist theoretical, political, and historical journal Revolutionary Democracy ( revolutionarydemocracy.org) came out by the 13th and can be ordered from Red Star Publishers ( redstarpublishers.org ) for $7 dollars, which covers the shipping cost within the US.  For more information about ordering see the website.  Their postal mailbox has been discontinued and payments to must be made through PayPal or by special arrangement.

Brick and mortar bookstores, organizations, and individuals selling copies in Canada, India, the UK, and the USA are listed at revolutionarydemocracy.org on the current issue page, linked at the top of the menu on the left.  Many of the articles are also posted there for free.

Contents:

Emergent Fascism and People’s Resistance in India

‘Fascism, the danger of war and the tasks of the Communist Parties’ ECCI, Comintern 1934

Corporate Driven War in the Most Interior Regions of Bastar Forests 

Police Crackdown on Peaceful demonstration by workers of Maruti, Maruti Suzuki Asthayi Mazdoor Sangh

Agrarian stratification in India as it emerges from NSO 2021 Report,
CN Subramaniam

RG Kar Movement – The Journey So Far, A Report by Comrades of Bengal

Commodity Production and the law of value under Socialism, K. Ostrovityanov

Lenin’s Criticism of Bogdonov’s Reactionary Sociological Views, Part II,
A. V. Shchegolov

July Uprising in Bangladesh, Badruddin Umar

Final Declaration of the XXIX Plenary Session of the International
Conference of Marxist-Leninist Parties and Organisations – ICMLPO
and Resolution of Solidarity with the Palestinian and Syrian People

The fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, Tunisian Workers' Party

Syria, Prey to the Imperialist Powers and their Servants,
Communist Platform for the Communist Party of the Proletariat of Italy

Palestinian Ceasefire Accord, Joint Statement

Some Key Notes on the Victory of the Palestinian Resistance
Movement, Party of Labour of Iran (Toufan)

Abdullah Öcalan's call for laying down of arms by Kurds,
Labour Party of Turkiye      

Document: A Note of Self-criticism by Com. G Adhikari, 1946

Document: Ajoy Ghosh - CPSU b correspondence 1952

Document: Conversation of Comrade Zhdanov with Comrade Zachariadis 1947

Book Review by Karan Verma: ‘Japanese Management, Indian resistance’

Response to US-Turkish aggression against the Iraqi Kurds

Below is a statement from the Marxist-Leninist Communist Party of Turkey / Northern Kurdistan (www.mlkp.info/index.php) on the recent bombing of Iraqi Kurdistan by Turkey. Now it is coming out that our government allegedly aided and approved of this attack against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Kurdish villages. This is the kind of liberation the Kurds and Iraqis have as subjects of US-UK imperialism after being "liberated" from the capitalist and dictatorial, but independent and nationalist, rule of President Saddam Hussein. And the two dominant and pro-occupation parties in southern Kurdistan, the PUK and KDP, both collaborated with Saddam Hussein against the other.

For a free and socialist Kurdistan:

LET US PROTEST AGAINST THE POLICY OF DENIAL AND ANNIHILATION OF THE KURDISH NATION FROM THE FASCIST DICTATORSHIP AND ITS ATTACK AGAINST SOUTHERN KURDISTAN

The Turkish bourgeoisie divides the society through laicism-Sharia, Allevi-Sunni, Kurdish-Turkish into different fronts meanwhile also the conflicts of the cliques within the bourgeoisie also continue. But concerning its policy of denial and annihilation the Turkish bourgeoisie was able to reach a unity of will and passed the decision of war through parliament. This parliamentary decision was a declaration of war against the Kurdish nation and also against the progressive, revolutionary and communist movement.

The Turkish state continues to aggravate the terror and make it more extensive. The fascist dictatorship wants to intimidate the progressive, revolutionary and communist movement in Turkey; in short everybody who is in opposition to it and to liquidate them and it applies the concept of denial and annihilation against the Kurdish nation with all force. By organising the Turkish chauvinism they bring the masses to the streets and create a mass bases for attacks and massacres.

The Turkish state attacks all the progressive people, the revolutionaries and socialists who exist in Turkey and Kurdistan. An attack against Southern Kurdistan aims not only at the PKK. The main aim is impeding the formation process of a state there.

The demands of the Kurdish nation are justified and its struggle legitimate. The Kurdish nation fights for its right for self-determination and we support this struggle. Neither the revolutionaries and communists nor the Kurds are the terrorists. The terrorist is the Turkish state.

To which extend the fascist dictatorship, which got moving its army already, will apply its plans depends on the negotiations made with its master USA. These negotiations were concluded in the talks between Bush and Erdogan [the Islamist Turkish Prime Minister]. The USA gave the go-ahead for a limited attack of the Turkish army, a precision operation.

The imperialists and its local collaborators continue to make the peoples of our region [massacre] each [other] and by that maintain their hegemony. In order to get through the confrontations for their different interests between themselves they shed the blood of the workers and labouring masses.

In the name of the Anti-Imperialist Struggle Coordination of the Middle East we strongly oppose the policy of denial and annihilation of the Turkish state against the Kurdish nation as well as the attack against Southern Kurdistan and call upon everybody to protest against this attack.

DOWN WITH IMPERIALSM!
DOWN WITH THE FASCIST DICTATORSHIP!
LONG LIVE INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY!

Anti-Imperialist Struggle Coordination of the Middle East

18 December 2007

[I also changed the preamble to this blog somewhat. The old text is:

This is a personal political blog looking at news and issues, mainly on a local and state level, but including national and global events, from a progressive, democratic (revolutionary) working class perspective from the Triangle area of NC. M-L politics are already somewhat represented in the progressive movements here, but revolutionary socialism is necessary to create an America truly governed by the people. I want to reaffirm the communist perspective through this blog and other media.]