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From the National Office

By Barry Romo

As we approach 4,000 US deaths in Iraq, many wonder, "Where is the outrage?" It seems that a whole part of the movement has moved on to wanting to talk about impeachment or Iran. Yet, the war continues, and Americans and Iraqis continue to die, even as Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) tries to raise the level of awareness and intensity of action.

Some people seem to be tired of trying. They'll say, "Well I've brought up the war so many times." So what! There are still many more people to be brought out to the streets; more teachers can bring VVAW and IVAW into their classrooms. I think next year, an election year, is going to be pivotal, much like 1968 was during the Vietnam War. This will be a year where political action, in the broadest possible terms, can make a greater difference.

What we need right now is an all-encompassing movement that draws more and more people into it, not one that is exclusive or made up of true believers. In my day, the labor movement wouldn't allow commies into the unions. Why? They were afraid to debate ideas and strategies. They were afraid of the radicals, of their dedication and organization. And yet, as we approach 2008, we have an entire generation of "radicals" running for cover. Today the ultra-leftists want to ban the Democrats! Yes! The Democrats!

It is unbelievable that they are so afraid of dialogue, afraid to actually participate in a mass movement to push the politicians to end this war. Coming out of a veterans' movement, a group made up of people who bought the ultra-left party line in the past, this is especially difficult to take. In my state, a minority Iraq vet who wanted to work with young democrats and place 3,500 American flags as part of an anti-war memorial was actually driven out of the campus movement by an ultra-leftist who claimed that the flag was a symbol of imperialism and should not be used in any way as part of the anti-war movement.

Is the movement better off if it is smaller and more exclusive? Well, let's see. There are probably 80 million Democrats, including families, more minorities, more working people, more trade union activists who are politically active. The ultra-leftists, Trotskyists, Maoists, Stalinists, anarchists, and Avakianoids are mostly estranged from their own families, mostly active on campuses... and number in the thousands. Who's more important?

Let's be clear. I don't want them driven out of the movement or kept from speaking (except for the Revolutionary Communist Party), although they do get on my nerves hawking their papers. In a bunch of the local coalitions they withdrew their endorsement but still sold their papers at anti-war events. There is a term for that kind of activity, and we all know what that is.

In case you don't already know I am a Chicano Nam vet who has been politically active for almost 38 years straight. I've been arrested eight times, beaten by the cops four times, and I have, with other brothers and sisters in VVAW, fought Nazis and Minutemen. I've been active in my union for 28 years (as President, Chief Steward, Steward). Anti-imperialist? Yes. In my case, and that of hundreds of thousands of other vets, we had to actually kill someone to find out that killing was wrong.

Also, I proudly worked to elect Harold Washington mayor in Chicago. He appointed me to serve on the Human Rights Commission, a nonpaying advisory position. Our late comrade, Bill Davis, took it a step further and was active as a Democratic Party Committeeman.

Sorrowfully, we have had two deaths in the family. Long time members and National Coordinators Bill Davis and David Cline died soon after VVAW's 40th anniversary reunion. If you haven't checked out our website lately, please go there to see and hear it straight from our two brothers.

Finally, get out your boots and put in for vacation time in March, because we are going to Washington, DC, to support and march with our brothers and sisters of IVAW. We'll have some buses. Watch for more info on our web site.

The struggle continues!