International Socialist Organization - Houston

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Fighting Evictions!

2012-02-07T05:39:00.001-08:00

NOTE: We're back on campus at UH!

Wednesday, February 8, 7pm
Location: Rodeo Room, 2nd Floor University Center, UH - Main Campus

Fighting Evictions
This week we'll be discussing the fight against evictions - in the 1930s and today.

Please read the following articles in preparation:

Fighting evictions during the Great Depression
Challenging an eviction threat
Ready to Occupy Our Homes
Not one more eviction

We are back at UofH again and will be meeting at 7PM at the UC Rodeo Room. Please contact us if you have any questions!

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Occupy Going Forward

2012-01-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

NOTE: We're back on campus at UH!

Wednesday, January 25, 7pm
Location: Rodeo Room, 2nd Floor University Center, UH - Main Campus

Occupy: past, present and future
How did it start and where does it need to be headed? Read the following articles in preparation:

Occupy Everywhere
http://www.isreview.org/issues/80/Editorial-occupy.shtml

The Politics to take occupy forward
http://socialistworker.org/2012/01/19/politics-to-take-occupy-forward

The revolutionary newspaper
The revolutionary newspaper has a long and popular history. Let's talk about its use in the current day. Please read this essay by Chris Harmann to prepare:

The revolutionary press
http://www.marxists.org/archive/harman/1984/xx/revpress.html

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Back at UH!

2012-01-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

NOTE: We're back on campus at UH!

Wednesday, January 18, 7pm
Location: Rodeo Room, 2nd Floor University Center, UH - Main Campus

Organizational Meeting
This week we'll be having an organizational meeting. We'll be discussing upcoming occupy events and laying out our activities for the coming semester. We will also talk about books we might want to read as well as other activities in town we may want to get involved in. Bring your ideas!

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Live Working Or Die Fighting

2012-01-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 11, 7pm
Location: Black Hole Coffee Shop (map)

Live Working or Die Fighting: How the Working Class Went Global
The stories in this book come to life through the voices of remarkable individuals: child laborers in Dickensian England, visionary women on Parisian barricades, gun-toting railway strikers in America’s Wild West, and beer-swilling German metalworkers who tried to stop World War I.

It is a story of urban slums, self-help cooperatives, choirs and brass bands, free love, and self-education by candlelight. And, as the author shows, in the developing industrial economies of the world, it is still with us. Live Working or Die Fighting celebrates a common history of defiance, idealism, and self-sacrifice, one as alive and active today as it was two hundred years ago. It is a unique and inspirational book.

Join us as we discuss this fantastic and clearly relevant book. If you need a copy we have extras for 10% off the cover price or order one from Haymarket Books.

NO MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Study Group Next Week

2012-01-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

NO MEETING THIS WEEK!

We are still on our winter break so we will not be meeting this week. However we will be back next Wednesday 1/11 with a study group on Live Working Or Die Fighting.

Wednesday, January 11, 7pm
Location: TBD

Live Working or Die Fighting: How the Working Class Went Global
The stories in this book come to life through the voices of remarkable individuals: child laborers in Dickensian England, visionary women on Parisian barricades, gun-toting railway strikers in America’s Wild West, and beer-swilling German metalworkers who tried to stop World War I.

It is a story of urban slums, self-help cooperatives, choirs and brass bands, free love, and self-education by candlelight. And, as the author shows, in the developing industrial economies of the world, it is still with us. Live Working or Die Fighting celebrates a common history of defiance, idealism, and self-sacrifice, one as alive and active today as it was two hundred years ago. It is a unique and inspirational book.

Join us as we discuss this fantastic and clearly relevant book. If you need a copy we have extras for 10% off the cover price or order one from Haymarket Books.

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Organizational Meeting

2011-12-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

NOTE: TONIGHT'S MEETING WILL BE HELD AT BLACK HOLE COFFEE. SEE BELOW FOR MAP LINK.

MEETING THIS WEEK
Wednesday, December 14, 7pm
Location: Black Hole Coffee (map)

This week we'll be having an organizational meeting, discussing winter perspectives and some strategic documents.

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: United Front (@ Black Hole Coffee!)

2011-12-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

NOTE: TONIGHT'S MEETING WILL BE HELD AT BLACK HOLE COFFEE. SEE BELOW FOR MAP LINK.

MEETING THIS WEEK
Wednesday, December 7, 7pm
Location: Black Hole Coffee (map)

We will be discussing the tactic of the united front and how it relates to the movements of today.

According to the theses of the 1921 Comintern congress: “The united front tactic is simply an initiative whereby the Communists propose to join with all workers belonging to other parties and groups and all unaligned workers in a common struggle to defend the immediate, basic interests of the working class against the bourgeoisie.” The united front allows workers committed to the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism to struggle alongside non-revolutionary workers. Read the article below and join us for a lively discussion!

German workers and the birth of the united front
http://www.isreview.org/issues/79/feature-unitedfront.shtml

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Occupy!

2011-11-30T09:50:00.000-08:00

NOTE: We will be moving some of our meetings out to the ongoing Occupy Houston location at Tranquility Park in order to be involved with this exciting and important movement. Our meetings will be moved to 8pm but we will be out there earlier (and encourage others to do the same) to take part in the work groups at 6pm and the general assemblies at 7pm.

MEETING THIS WEEK
Wednesday, November 30, 8pm
Location: Occupy Houston @ Tranquility Park

We will be discussing current events within the occupy movement both locally and nationally.

Check out this article from today's Socialist Worker.

Co-opt-upy Wall Street?
http://socialistworker.org/2011/11/30/co-opt-upy-wall-street

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Women and Socialism - Ch. 4 - 5

2011-11-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

NOTE: We will be moving some of our meetings out to the ongoing Occupy Houston location at Tranquility Park in order to be involved with this exciting and important movement. Our meetings will be moved to 8pm but we will be out there earlier (and encourage others to do the same) to take part in the work groups at 6pm and the general assemblies at 7pm.

MEETING THIS WEEK
Wednesday, November 9, 8pm
Location: Occupy Houston @ Tranquility Park

Women and Socialism Ch 4 - 5:
Thirty years have passed since the heyday of the women's liberation struggle, yet women remain second-class citizens. Feminism has shifted steadily rightward since the 1960s. This collection of essays examines these issues from a Marxist perspective, badly needed today.

Women and Socialism locates the source of women's oppression in class society, arguing that only a movement integrating the fight for women's liberation with a struggle against a system that puts profit above human needs can end women's oppression - along with all other forms of inequality.

Join the ISO this week as we will be discussing chapters two and three of Women and Socialism by Sharon Smith.

Even if you have not read you should still come and take part in the discussion. You can buy a copy of the book from us at the meeting or get one from Haymarket books.

About the author:
Sharon Smith is the author of Subterranean Fire: A History of Working-Class Radicalism in the United States, also published by Haymarket books, as well as many articles on women's liberation and the U.S. working class. Her writings appear regularly in Socialist Worker newspaper and the International Socialist Review.

FRIDAY ::: Olympic & Civil Rights Icon Dr. John Carlos

2011-11-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 11 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Shape Community Center
3903 Almeda Rd
Houston, Texas 77004
Click for a map

The event is free but we will be requesting donations for the speaker. Books will be available for $20 and Dr Carlos will be signing them.

John Carlos will be speaking at the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center to launch the long-awaited memoir, The John Carlos Story.

6pm - 7pm will be a meet and greet then Dr. Carlos will speak at 7pm.

Seen around the world, John Carlos and Tommie Smith's Black Power salute on the 1968 Olympic podium sparked controversy and career fallout. Yet their show of defiance remains one of the most iconic images of Olympic history and the Black Power movement. Here is the remarkable story of one of the men behind the salute, lifelong activist, John Carlos.

"John Carlos is one of the grand figures of the 20th century. His incredible political courage, indisputable athletic excellence and indestructible spiritual fortitude set him apart from most contemporary celebrities. In fact, his fame derives from his courage, excellence and fortitude. Yet it is only in this powerful and poignant memoir that we learn of what and who made him who he is."
--Cornel West, from the Foreword to The John Carlos Story

See the book trailer for the The John Carlos Story

Sponsored by The International Socialist Organization - UH and The S.H.A.P.E. Community Center

About the authors

John Carlos (http://www.johncarlos.org/) is an African American former track and field athlete and professional football player, and a founding member of the Olympic Project for Human Rights. He won the bronze-medal in the 200 meters race at the 1968 Summer Olympics, where his Black Power salute on the podium with Tommie Smith caused much political controversy. He went on to equal the world record in the 100 yard dash and beat the 200 meters world record. After his track career, he enjoyed brief stints in the National Football League and Canadian Football League but retired due to injury. He became involved with the United States Olympic Committee and helped to organize the 1984 Summer Olympics. He later became a track coach at a high school in Palm Springs, where he now resides. He was inducted into the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2003.

Dave Zirin (http://www.edgeofsports.com/) was named one of the "50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Our World" by Utne Magazine. He writes about the politics of sports for the Nation magazine, and is their first sports writer in 150 years of existence. Zirin is also the host of Sirius XM satellite's popular weekly show, "Edge of Sports Radio," as well as a columnist for SLAM Magazine, the Progressive, and a regular op-ed writer for the Los Angeles Times. Zirin's other titles are What's My Name, Fool? Sports and Resistance in the United States; Welcome to the Terrordome: The Pain, Politics, and Promise of Sports; The Muhammad Ali Handbook; A People's History of Sports in the United States; and Bad Sports: How Owners Are Ruining the Games We Love.

About the book:
http://www.haymarketbooks.org/hc/The-John-Carlos-Story

Publisher: Haymarket Books

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: NEW TIME & LOCATION

2011-11-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

NOTE: We will be moving some of our meetings out to the ongoing Occupy Houston location at Tranquility Park in order to be involved with this exciting and important movement. Our meetings will be moved to 8pm but we will be out there earlier (and encourage others to do the same) to take part in the work groups at 6pm and the general assemblies at 7pm.

Also don't forgot the Soldarity With Oakland/End Police Brutality March and Rally earlier in the day tomorrow!

MEETING THIS WEEK
Wednesday, November 2, 8pm
Location: Occupy Houston @ Tranquility Park

Women and Socialism Ch 2 - 3:
Thirty years have passed since the heyday of the women's liberation struggle, yet women remain second-class citizens. Feminism has shifted steadily rightward since the 1960s. This collection of essays examines these issues from a Marxist perspective, badly needed today.

Women and Socialism locates the source of women's oppression in class society, arguing that only a movement integrating the fight for women's liberation with a struggle against a system that puts profit above human needs can end women's oppression - along with all other forms of inequality.

Join the ISO this week as we will be discussing chapters two and three of Women and Socialism by Sharon Smith.

Even if you have not read you should still come and take part in the discussion. You can buy a copy of the book from us at the meeting or get one from Haymarket books.

About the author:
Sharon Smith is the author of Subterranean Fire: A History of Working-Class Radicalism in the United States, also published by Haymarket books, as well as many articles on women's liberation and the U.S. working class. Her writings appear regularly in Socialist Worker newspaper and the International Socialist Review.

WEDNESDAY ::: Soldarity With Oakland! End Police Brutality!

2011-10-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

MARCH IN SOLIDARITY WITH SCOTT OLSEN AND THE OAKLAND GENERAL STRIKE!

STOP Police Brutality!
IN OUR COMMUNITIES
IN OUR MOVEMENT
EVERYWHERE

OCCUPY HOUSTON

JOIN THE RALLY AT TRANQUILITY PARK
11:30, WEDNESDAY, NOV 2
WE MARCH AT NOON
TO THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERRIFF’S OFFICE AT 1201 FRANKLIN

WE CONDEMN THE OAKLAND PD’S VIOLENT ATTACKS ON PEACEFUL OCCUPIERS!
POWER TO THE 99%!

for more info on what is going on in Oakland check out:

http://socialistworker.org/2011/10/28/general-strike-call-in-oakland

http://socialistworker.org/2011/10/27/resisting-the-oakland-crackdown

for more info on Occupy Houston check out:

http://occupyhouston.org/

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Women and Socialism

2011-10-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

MEETING THIS WEEK
Wednesday, October 26, 7pm
Rodeo Room - University Center (UC) @ University of Houston Main campus

Thirty years have passed since the heyday of the women's liberation struggle, yet women remain second-class citizens. Feminism has shifted steadily rightward since the 1960s. This collection of essays examines these issues from a Marxist perspective, badly needed today.

Women and Socialism locates the source of women's oppression in class society, arguing that only a movement integrating the fight for women's liberation with a struggle against a system that puts profit above human needs can end women's oppression - along with all other forms of inequality.

Join the ISO this week as we will be discussing the first chapter of Women and Socialism by Sharon Smith.

Even if you have not read the first chapter you should still come and take part in the discussion. You can buy a copy of the book from us at the meeting or get one from Haymarket books.

About the author:
Sharon Smith is the author of Subterranean Fire: A History of Working-Class Radicalism in the United States, also published by Haymarket books, as well as many articles on women's liberation and the U.S. working class. Her writings appear regularly in Socialist Worker newspaper and the International Socialist Review.

NEXT MONTH ::: Texas Socialist Conference 2011

2011-10-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

Texas Socialist Conference 2011

November 19th - 20th

University of Texas at Austin

Mezes 1.306

The end of the one sided class war has arrived--from Egypt to Madison; from the occupation of Wall Street to the urban uprisings in England-- working people are fighting back against a greedy and destructive ruling class which has ruined lives and the environment with it's blind and unquenchable lust for profit.

Socialist politics are back; factories, workplaces, campuses and the mainstream media have become forums for debating the relevance of Marxism once again.

The Texas Socialist Conference will be one such forum for the debate and discussion of issues that matter to socialists and activists from across Texas and the surrounding areas.

Come learn what Marxists have to say about class, race, sexuality, war, capitalism and how to create a better world.

Reserve your spot by RSVPing on our Facebook event page.

$5-$20 registration

Childcare available upon request

Evening party (Details TBA)

Schedule:

Nov 19

11:30AM-Noon

Registration

Noon-12:30PM

Opening Plenary: Why Marx was Right

12:45PM-2:15PM

No power greater: Marxism and the centrality of class

Reading: Hal Draper: Karl Marx’s Theory of Revolution: volume 2, The Politics of Social Classes, ch 2-3

Hal Draper, “The Principle of self-emancipation in Marx and Engels,”

The roots of racial oppression

Readings: Lance Selfa, “The Roots of Racism”

Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, “Race, Class, and Marxism”

2:15PM-3:15PM

Lunch

3:15PM-4:45PM

The Minneapolis Teamsters Strike: A case study in working-class power

Reading: Irving Bernstein, The Turbulent Years, chapter 6, “Eruption” (read at least 217-252);

Farrell Dobbs, Teamster Rebellion

"The Rebellion in Minneapolois" - Adam Turl

Theories of Women’s Oppression

Readings: Sharon Smith, Women and Socialism, Chapter1: “The Origin of Women’s Oppression,”, Chapter 5: “Women and Socialism”

Lindsey German, “Theories of Patriarchy,” (http://www.isj.org.uk/?id=240)

Alexandra Kollontai, “The Social Basis of the Woman Question,” (http://marxists.org/archive/kollonta/1909/social-basis.htm)

5PM-6:30PM

The changing working class and the future of the labor movement

Readings: Adam Turl, Is the U.S. becoming Post-Industrial? (http://www.isreview.org/issues/52/postindustrial.shtml )

Sharon Smith, The Future in the Present: Marxism, Unions, and Class Struggle (http://www.isreview.org/issues/78/feat-marxism&unions.shtml)

Kim Moody, U.S. Labor in Trouble and Transition

Can the working class liberate the oppressed?

Readings: Paul D’Amato, “Where Oppression Comes From,” (http://socialistworker.org/2009/10/09/where-oppression-comes-from)

Jen Roesch, “Can the Working Class Unite?” (http://socialistworker.org/2010/11/04/can-the-working-class-unite)

Sharon Smith, “Marxism and Identity Politics,” (http://socialistworker.org/2008/07/11/marxism-and-identity-politics)

Ahmed Shawki, Black Liberation and Socialism, Chapter 7, “Socialists, Communists, and Trotskyists”; Conclusion, “Black Liberation and Socialism”

Nov 20

12pm-1:30pm

Introduction to the International Socialist Organization

Suggested reading: "Where We Stand" (http://internationalsocialist.org/pdfs/WhereWeStandPamphlet.pdf)

Sponsored by the International Socialist Organization

http://internationalsocialist.org/

http://socialistworker.org/

Contact a branch near you:

Austin - City & UT (AustinSocialist@hotmail.com)

Dallas (iso.dallas@gmail.com)

Denton (dentonlabor@gmail.com)

Corpus Christi (CCMarxists@gmail.com)

Fort Worth (FortWorthISO@gmail.com)

Houston (houston.iso@gmail.com)

Oklahoma City (OKCityISO@gmail.com)

Please direct conference questions to:

AustinSocialist@hotmail.com

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: The Occupations Continue!

2011-10-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

MEEETING THIS WEEK
Wednesday, October 19, 7pm
Rodeo Room - University Center (UC) @ University of Houston Main campus

The Occupy movement has spread from a small protest encampment in the financial district of Manhattan to a mass movement across the U.S.--and now the world--with supporters in over 1,000 cities, towns, campuses and more. Come join us as we discuss the latest developments within the Occupy movement both globally and right here in Houston.

Here some suggested articles for reading:

Why is the Occupy movement moving?

Occupy goes global

Bringing the struggle home

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: In Defense of Public Sector Workers

2011-10-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

MEEETING THIS WEEK
Wednesday, October 12, 7pm
Rodeo Room - University Center (UC) @ University of Houston Main campus

Picket Lines are popping up with greater frequency across the U.S. From Tacoma to Detroit we have seen a new, fighting mood that exists among growing numbers of working people fed up with being forced to pay for an economic crisis caused by Wall Street and Corporate America.

At the same time, the attacks on labor unions and the working class in general seem to be relentless. Currently Congress is preparing to vote on legislation that could result in the layoffs of some 120,000 postal workers, supposedly in the name of dealing with a budget shortfall, which the unions rightly claim to be manufactured.

Come join us to find out first-hand what’s happening locally and how you can help.

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Occupy Houston, Don't Occupy Afghanistan!

2011-10-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

MEEETING THIS WEEK
Wednesday, October 5, 7pm
Rodeo Room - University Center (UC) @ University of Houston Main campus

OCCUPY!
This week we will be discussing the Occupy Wall St. movement and its sister organizations around the nation. How and why it came about and how we can relate to it here locally, where an Occupy Houston group has been formed. For further background, please read the following articles:

Raising the voice of protest

Turning up the heat on Wall Street

10 years into Afghanistan
Also, with the tenth anniversary of the war coming up, it is a good time to assess whether the Obama administration actually differs from the previous administration when it comes to what was previously known as the "War on Terror". These articles shed some light on the situation:

Rehabilitating U.S. intervention

Assassinated on Obama's orders

Even the liberals are tired of this war, btw:
On 10th Anniversary of Afghan War, Time to Exit Militarized US Foreign Policy

THIS WEEK ::: SAVE THE POSTAL WORKERS!!

2011-09-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Stand With The Postal Workers
Tuesday, September 27, 4pm - 5:30pm
Mickey Leland Federal Building - 1919 Smith Street

Please join the Houston International Socialist Organization at this important event!

The four employee unions of the United States Postal Service will join forces with members of our communities to send a message to the nation and its Congress.

We are proud to announce the participation of the National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS) in the effort to Save America's Postal Service. Click here to read their entire statement.

During these informational rallies, we will visit the home office of each member of the House of Representatives.

We will thank those members who have signed on as co-sponsors of H.R. 1351, a bill that addresses the financial crisis facing the Postal Service.

And we will encourage those who have not signed as co-sponsors of H.R. 1351 to do so.

more info: http://saveamericaspostalservice.org/

MEEETING THIS WEEK
Wednesday, September 28, 7pm
Rodeo Room - University Center (UC) @ University of Houston Main campus

In light of the event above, this week we will be discussing the current attack on postal workers as well as potential solutions for labor and the working class at large.

The following articles will provide you with a good background regarding those two topics:

Why postal workers need your support

A manufactured postal crisis

Uniting to defend postal jobs

Ways forward for unions in the crisis

SAVE TROY DAVIS ::: Houston event and message from Troy

2011-09-21T12:55:00.001-07:00

TROY DAVIS Houston Community Vigil

Today, September 21, 2011 beginning at 5:30pm at S.H.A.P.E. Community Center 3903 Almeda Houston, Texas the National Black United Front (NBUF) is calling together concerned community members to gather in vigil for the life of Troy Anthony Davis. He is scheduled to be executed by the state of Georgia at 6:00pm central time this evening.

Below is a message from Troy Davis:

To All:

I want to thank all of you for your efforts and dedication to Human Rights and Human Kindness, in the past year I have experienced such emotion, joy, sadness and never ending faith. It is because of all of you that I am alive today, as I look at my sister Martina I am marveled by the love she has for me and of course I worry about her and her health, but as she tells me she is the eldest and she will not back down from this fight to save my life and prove to the world that I am innocent of this terrible crime.

As I look at my mail from across the globe, from places I have never ever dreamed I would know about and people speaking languages and expressing cultures and religions I could only hope to one day see first hand. I am humbled by the emotion that fills my heart with overwhelming, overflowing Joy. I can't even explain the insurgence of emotion I feel when I try to express the strength I draw from you all, it compounds my faith and it shows me yet again that this is not a case about the death penalty, this is not a case about Troy Davis, this is a case about Justice and the Human Spirit to see Justice prevail.

I cannot answer all of your letters but I do read them all, I cannot see you all but I can imagine your faces, I cannot hear you speak but your letters take me to the far reaches of the world, I cannot touch you physically but I feel your warmth everyday I exist.

So Thank you and remember I am in a place where execution can only destroy your physical form but because of my faith in God, my family and all of you I have been spiritually free for some time and no matter what happens in the days, weeks to come, this Movement to end the death penalty, to seek true justice, to expose a system that fails to protect the innocent must be accelerated. There are so many more Troy Davis'. This fight to end the death penalty is not won or lost through me but through our strength to move forward and save every innocent person in captivity around the globe. We need to dismantle this Unjust system city by city, state by state and country by country.

I can't wait to Stand with you, no matter if that is in physical or spiritual form, I will one day be announcing,

"I AM TROY DAVIS, and I AM FREE!"

Never Stop Fighting for Justice and We will Win!

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Perspectives For Struggle

2011-09-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 21, 7pm
Rodeo Room - University Center (UC) @ University of Houston Main campus

Perspectives For Upcoming Struggles
We'll be discussing shifts that need to occur for the upcoming period and what rising struggles in the US mean for us as an organization as well as what it means for us locally.

Save Troy Davis!
Troy Davis has been denied clemency by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole. This means that Troy could be executed tomorrow at 7 p.m. if the board does not reverse its decision, and if no court intervenes.

What you can do:
Find out more about Troy's case and keep posted on protests and actions called to halt his execution at the Campaign to End the Death Penalty website.

Send messages urging the Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole to reverse its decision--you can call 404-656-5651, e-mail webmaster@pap.state.ga.us and fax 404-651-8502.

Anti-death penalty organizations are encouraging supporters to call on Chatham County District Attorney Larry Chisolm to seek to have the death warrant for Troy withdrawn.

Read more here:
Troy Davis denied clemency

Global Day of Solidarity with Troy Davis

2011-09-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

The International Socialist Organization in Houston came out to lend our voices to the chorus of those calling out for justice on the Global Day of Solidarity with Troy Davis this past Friday - 9/16. Gloria Rubac and the Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement (TDPAM) organized a demonstration in front of the Harris County Criminal Justice Center in downtown Houston. We had a couple of great speakers and some enthusiastic chanting and sign-waving. The situation is desperate, as Troy's execution is scheduled for next Wednesday. You can support Troy by calling the Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole at 404-656-5651. Press '0' for operator, then '5' for pardons. For more, check out what you can do for Troy.

If you are interested in actions like this, come check out our meetings on the campus of the University of Houston. They are held in the Rodeo Room of the University Center every Wednesday at 7:00 PM. See you there!

9/14 ::: JOIN THE SOCIALISTS! Here's why...

2011-09-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

We didn’t start the wars, we didn’t wreck the economy --

WE WON’T PAY WITH OUR FUTURE!

The options that we face as students today are grim: educations we cannot afford while there seems to be no end to tuition hikes; debts we cannot manage while there are few prospects of meaningful employment when we graduate; classes we cannot get into while necessary services are being cut. This is not the reason that we worked as hard as we did to get here, so that we could mortgage our futures on empty promises and be left staring wildly ahead to decades of permanent indebtedness and soul-crushing jobs, if we’re lucky. University diplomas are barely worth the paper they are printed on--they are no longer passports to a better life. The insanity is that this is the new normal.

This would be heartbreaking enough if weren’t an alibi for naked graft and theft. Banks have made billions from student loans and credit cards. Corporations have gotten rich off the research that we do in laboratories on campus. Most universities sit on substantial endowments which are literally pumping billions of dollars into banks and corporations and the returns on that money have dwindled to a trickle. The Chancellors, Provosts, Presidents, Regents (how many different permutations of “king” do we need in university administration?) make salaries that are so out of touch with the work that they perform and never an indication of their failures of being effective “managers.”

To add insult to injury politicians pretend that they care but they make no secret of the fact that they have no solutions. Every election is the most important election of our lives, but things have only gotten worse as both major parties have pushed agendas to keep the rich rich and to put our interests on the chopping block. Neither stewards of the economy or the environment, they have made sure that the world we have inherited is wracked with war, racism, and fear. Our entire conscious lives have been lived under the shadow of war and the fear of a wrecked economy.

We can no longer sit and wait for the politicians and the corporations to fix the problem; increasingly it is clear that they are the problem. The endless quest for wealth is what has ruined the economy; their endless drive for power is what keeps us at war. Neither party will have a plan to solve this problem, because the problem is global and systemic: every country in the world is another Greece, Tunisia, and England waiting to happen.

We do not believe that socialism is a bad word. The idea that we ought to live in a world where education is free, where people have access to health care and social security, where it shouldn’t take decades before LGBT people have equal rights, where ordinary people make the decisions about the issues that effect them, and where we don’t go to war to help corporations get rich is neither scary nor utopian. It is our right and it ought to be our future, too.

JOIN US FOR A DISCUSSION ABOUT WHY SOCIALISM IS BACK ON THE AGENDA …

Wednesday, September 14, 7pm
Aegean Room - University Center (UC) @ University of Houston Main campus

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Is revolution possible here? and Semester Plan

2011-09-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---
Wednesday, September 7, 7pm
Rodeo Room - University Center (UC) @ University of Houston Main campus

Is a social revolution in the US possible?
Is there something different about the U.S. that prevents resistance from reaching the scale it has in other countries? Let's discuss this and other topics brought up in the article below.

Can it happen here?
http://socialistworker.org/2011/08/31/can-it-happen-here

Semester Plan
We will also be discussing what we want to read this semester as well as what sort of bigger forums we want to put on. Think of some books ideas or ideas for talks and let's figure it out!

--- NEXT WEEK ---

Capitalism Isn't Working!
Wednesday, September 14, 7pm
Aegean Room - University Center (UC) @ University of Houston Main campus

More info here

Wednesday 9/14 ::: Capitalism Isn't Working! Marxism and The Politics of The ISO

2011-08-30T07:52:00.001-07:00

Capitalism Isn't Working!
Wednesday, September 14, 7pm
Aegean Room - University Center (UC) @ University of Houston Main campus

We didn't start the wars!
We didn't wreck the economy!
We won't pay with our futures!

People are challenging the brutality of capitalism—from the uprisings in the Middle East, to the strikes in Greece and even Wisconsin, to the 30 June strikes in Britain.

As people begin to fight, questions come up of how to organise. Many of the protest camps that mushroomed across Spain last month banned political parties and trade unions.

But in Egypt people have flooded into independent trade unions, a new workers’ party has been launched and the Revolutionary Socialists are growing.

Join us for a discussion on marxism and the politics of the International Socialist Organization. And why YOU should join the socialists!

RSVP on Facebook!

Meeting Wednesday 8/31 ::: Retreat at Verizon and Ongoing Student Protest in Chile

2011-08-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, August 31, 7pm

NOTE: We are back on campus at UH now. See below for location information.

The Verizon strike: What happened?

Let's re-visit the now called off Verizon strike. It was the most siginificant labor action in years and worth discussing what happened and where things are going from here.

Here are a couple of recent carticles regarding the Verizon strike:

http://socialistworker.org/2011/08/22/union-retreat-at-verizon

http://socialistworker.org/2011/08/22/bloombergs-gift-to-verizon

Also it is important to read what can happen when a strike is successful:

http://socialistworker.org/2011/08/26/wake-up-call-for-business

For additional context on labor unions and marxism. check out:

http://www.isreview.org/issues/78/feat-marxism&unions.shtml

Student Uprising In Chile

Since July there have been siginificant student protests underway in Santiago, Chile. We will be discussing what is going on and what it means. Here a number of articles to prepare for the discussion:

http://socialistworker.org/2011/08/01/struggles-erupt-across-chile

http://uprisingradio.org/home/?p=23264

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Chilean_protests

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14487555

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Rodeo Room in the upstairs of the University Center (UC)

NO MEETING THIS WEEK ::: BACK AT UH NEXT WEEK

2011-08-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

--- NO MEETING THIS WEEK ---

BACK ON CAMPUS NEXT WEDNESDAY
August 31, 7pm

We will not be meeting this week but will be back next week. Start on 8/31 we will be back on the University of Houston Campus in the University Center (UC) on the second floor in the Rodeo Room.

Click Image for larger version

STUDY GROUP ::: Zombie Capitalism, Ch 12-14

2011-08-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY MEETING
August 17, 2011
7pm
Black Hole Coffee (Map)

This week we'll be discussing Part 4, chapters 12 - 14, of Zombie Capitalism. If you need a copy we will have extras at the meeting or you can order one online here.

Please Note: This will be our last meeting at Black Hole Coffee. Starting in two weeks (8/31) we will be back on campus at UH in the Rodeo Room in the University Center (UC).

Zombie Capitalism, Chapters 9-11 and Discussion of Verizon strike

2011-08-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY MEETING
August 10, 2011
7pm
Black Hole Coffee (Map)

This week we'll be discussing Part II, chapters 9 - 11, of Zombie Capitalism. If you need a copy we will have extras at the meeting or you can order one online here.

We will also be talking about the verizon worker's strike that kicked off this weekend. For more information and to prep for the discussion read the following articles:

Picket lines go up at Verizon - 8/8/11
A voice for a fighting CWA - 7/7/11
Will unions take on Verizon? - 7/25/08

Summer reading! Zombie Capitalism by Chris Harman

2011-07-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

Summer's here and it's time to read!!

Join the Houston ISO as we and discuss Zombie Capitalism by Chris Harman. You can purchase this book directly from the publisher, Haymarket Books or come to the meeting and purchase one from us. You can also find the book at amazon.com as well as many other online book retailers.

We will be reading three chapters per week starting on 7/20 with the first three chapters. We'd love to see you out!

As always our meetings on Wednesday at 7:00 pm During the summer we will be meeting at Black Hole Coffee.

Zombie Capitalism
Global Crisis and the Relevance of Marx

"Zombie Capitalism is both timely and hugely valuable. . . . This book is an essential read."

—Socialist Review

While for most mainstream commentators the financial crisis that opened in 2007 signaled the failure of regulation and accountability, Chris Harman describes the ongoing economic turmoil as a byproduct of capitalism's inability to consider anything but the bottom line.

FIGHTING ISLAMOPHOBIA WITH DR. SNEHAL SHINGAVI

2011-04-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

--- FIGHTING ISLAMOPHOBIA WITH DR. SNEHAL SHINGAVI ---

Thursday, May 5, 7pm

Fighting Against Islamophobia

Join the International Socialist Organization at UH in welcoming Dr. Snehal Shingavi who will be speaking on islamophobia and how we can fight against it.

When being “randomly” selected for security checks at airports becomes the default; when hearing reports of the Holy Quran being burned become old news; and when mobs chanting vile mantras become constant outside local mosques, it’s about time to say enough is enough. Muslims in the west are increasingly facing systematic contempt of our Islamic identity, religion, and our way of life.

Thirteen US states have thus far introduced bills to ban the Sharia in state courts. This initiative is fatuous and absurd, but points up at the crux of the problem: an increasing and overt hate of Muslims and Islam.

Even more blatant are ongoing congressional hearings on the alleged radicalization of American Muslims. These shed a plain light on the escalating Islamophobic sentiment in the West.

Dr. Snehal Shingavi will address this topic and lead a discussion. Dr. Shingavi is a UT professor of English, was a recipient of the Mellon Fellowship in Humanistic Studies, and has published articles in several journals including International Socialist Review. Please join us for this enlightening, engaging and informative event.

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=196016740433669

Location:
University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Caribbean Room in the underground of the University Center (UC)

Study Group this week ::: State and Revolution

2011-02-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

--- STUDY GROUP THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, March 2, 7pm

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the San Jacinto Room in the upstairs of the University Center (UC)

State and Revolution

With the recent events in Tunisia and Egypt as well as the ongoing revolution in Libya it is important that anyone looking to change the world must confront the power of the state. The nature of the state and what must be done to overcome that power is the theme of this classic work by Lenin.

You can read this short book in its entirety here: http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/index.htm

More info on State and Revolution:

In 1917, the Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin revisited Marx and Engel's views on the state, and realized that their ideas had been distorted by the socialist movement created in their name. It had become axiomatic in the socialist movement, for example, that whereas anarchists wanted to destroy the state, Marx wanted to take it over. Not so, argued Lenin. Marx and Engels argued that the state, as an instrument of coercion, is a product of class antagonisms, and that it represented the state of the dominant class.

The experience of the Paris Commune taught Marx and Engels that "the working class cannot simply lay hold of the existing state machinery and wield it for its own purposes." Rather, the working class must destroy the bourgeois state (with its police, armies, and courts designed to uphold the rule of capital) and replace it with a workers state, a democratically-organized "commune" state. Once class antagonisms had been suppressed and society reorganized on a socialized basis to serve human need, this workers' state would gradually wither away and be replaced by simple administrative functions.

This book puts to rest the idea that Lenin favored dictatorship "over" the working class. For Marx and Engels, the "dictatorship of the working class" was simply the working class armed and organized to prevent the old order from regaining its lost power.

Mubarak Out! Rally/Celebrate Tomorrow In Houston!

2011-02-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

MUBARAK FALLS!! CELEBRATION RALLY TOMORROW!

a bigger celebration/rally tomorrow (saturday) at 2pm is being planned at the Egyptian consulate. if you can make it, let's go out and celebrate this amazing show of people power!!

Our side hasn't had a lot to celebrate over the last few years (decades maybe?) but with the era of neoliberalism coming to an end and the crisis of capitalism spurring action throughout the world let's cheer this victory and show our hope for many more to come!

Time: Saturday, February 12 · 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: Egyptian consulate in Houston. Capital One Tower 5718 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77057

facebook event page

for more information check out the article below.

FROM DAY OF CHALLENGE TO DAY OF VICTORY
Protesters in the streets of Cairo and every city in Egypt erupted in jubilation with the news that dictator Hosni Mubarak was finally leaving.
http://socialistworker.org/2011/02/11/from-challenge-to-victory

For ongoing, eyewitness reports and background, check out SocialistWorker.org this weekend.
http://socialistworker.org/

Video Presentation On Egypt

2011-02-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, February 9, 7pm

Video Presentation On Egyptian Revolution

Join the ISO Houston as we watch a discuss a video presentation from Mustafa Omar. Mustafa is an Egyptian activist and socialist living in New York. The video is of a presentation he made last week on Egypt during a panel discussion on THE TRUE AIMS OF US FOREIGN POLICY, A PROFOUND HATRED OF DEMOCRACY.

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the San Jacinto Room in the upstairs of the University Center (UC)

Current Articles on Egypt from SocialistWorker.org

Egypt's revolt against dictatorship has electrified and inspired people around the world. Ahmed Shawki provided an on-the-ground account of the "days of rage" in Egypt as they unfolded.

Millions against Mubarak
An eyewitness to Tuesday's mass demonstrations explains what the largest day of protest yet will mean for the uprising against Egypt's dictator.

The regime lashes back
Forces loyal to Hosni Mubarak counter-attacked in a highly coordinated attempt to intimidate the mass movement against the dictatorship.

The struggle surges ahead
A witness to Friday's massive demonstration in Cairo says that the huge protests represent a new stage in the uprising against Egypt's dictator Hosni Mubarak.

A bid to derail the revolution
Protests and political discussions continued in Tahrir Square as the regime tried to find support for a deal that would keep Hosni Mubarak in power.

Uprising in Egypt: an ISO discussion on the events in Egypt

2011-01-31T13:02:00.000-08:00

Come out and join the ISO Houston in a discussion on what is going on and what it could meanfor Egypt, the region and the rest of the world.

Time/Date: Wednesday, February 2, 7pm

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the San Jacinto Room in the upstairs of the University Center (UC)

ISO Meeting on:
Revolution In Egypt

Events are moving swiftly in Egypt. As of Monday, the hated regime of Hosni Mubarak has been shaken to its core, as the protest movement prepares for a new wave of mass mobilizations. This week, the ISO is hosting a discussion on the revolutionary situation developing in Egypt.

WHERE ARE EVENTS GOING IN EGYPT ?

Join a discussion on the background to the crisis of the Mubarak regime and where events could be heading. What is driving the revolt? Who makes up the opposition to Mubarak and what new forces have emerged in the struggle? What is the role of the Egyptian army in the crisis?

Recent coverage of Egypt at SocialistWorker.org

MUBARAK MUST GO
http://socialistworker.org/2011/01/31/mubarak-must-go

REVOLT HAS BEEN IN THE AIR
http://socialistworker.org/2011/01/31/revolt-has-been-in-the-air

FROM NASSER TO MUBARAK
http://socialistworker.org/2011/01/31/from-nasser-to-mubarak

RALLYING SOLIDARITY FOR EGYPT
http://socialistworker.org/2011/01/31/rallying-solidarity-for-egypt

Facebook Event Page

Study Group this week ::: Revolutionary Rehearsals

2011-01-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

Please Note: All meetings are going to be at 7pm this semester! Also we have moved rooms and through the rest of the semester we will be on the top floor of the UC in the San Jacinto room.

--- STUDY GROUP THIS WEEK ---
Wednesday, January 26, 7pm

Revolutionary Rehearsals
Five times in the last 40 years, the working class has posed a radical alternative to the status quo. With the ongoing revolution in Tunisia and beyond this reading is even more important.
France 1968: A general strike and factory occupations by millions of workers shake the country.
Chile 1972: Workers defending the Popular Unity government set up workers’ councils—the cordones—and demand control over production.
Portugal 1974: Army officers overthrow the dictator Caetano and release an upsurge of "popular power" whichs last 18 months.
Iran 1979: The viciously repressive Shah is toppled and workers set up independent councils, the shoras.
Poland 1980: Demanding radical change, workers build the independent trade union Solidarity to fight for their own interests, exposing the false socialism of the Eastern Bloc.

In each of these cases, the actions of workers themselves were the driving force of struggles with revolutionary potential. They demonstrate that workers can and will fight back on a mass scale.

Each episode offers an inspiring glimpse of the way in which workers rise to the challenge of fighting for a better world—and pose their own alternative to the system.

Although none of these struggles ultimately achieved their goals, they were "revolutionary rehearsals" that hold important lessons about the struggle for socialism under modern conditions.

Join us to discuss these inspiring stories! To get a copy of the book, go here: http://www.haymarketbooks.org/pb/Revolutionary-Rehearsals

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the San Jacinto Room in the upstairs of the University Center (UC)

austerity and working class fight back

2010-11-29T12:26:00.000-08:00

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, December 1, 7.30pm

austerity and working class fight back:

world leaders are ratcheting up austerity measures to solve the worsening global economic crisis. from ireland and england to right here in america. this is at the same time that corporate profits have reached record levels and congress debates how long to extend the tax cuts for the rich. read the articles below and we will discuss what is going on around the world and what people have done to resist it.

An eruption of student anger

http://socialistworker.org/2010/11/29/eruption-of-student-anger

Austerity on steroids

http://socialistworker.org/2010/11/24/austerity-on-steroids

The cutback commission

http://socialistworker.org/2010/11/17/cutback-commission

Citing deficit, Obama freezing federal worker pay

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101129/ap_on_bi_ge/us_obama_pay_freeze

Winning the Class War

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/27/opinion/27herbert.html?_r=1

what to read? what to watch?

we have a couple more meetings this semester. for one of them we voted to show a video and discuss it. we need to decide what video to show. check out the link below to review what videos are out there and think about what makes the most sense for us to watch. we also want to decide what to read over the break. since we have a few weeks off this is a great opportunity for us to read a book and really engage with it. We are proposing that we read revolutionary rehearsals (see link below). If anyone has other ideas, bring them to the meeting and we will vote on it.

Videos:

http://wearemany.org/

Revolutionary Rehersals:

http://www.haymarketbooks.org/pb/Revolutionary-Rehearsals

CERSC Fund Drive:

We need to make a priority of the CERSC fund drive starting now. The recession means we are going to have work harder to meet the fund drive goal and will need to take advantage of all possible avenues for funding.

CERSC

http://cersc.org/

Socialist Book Review (5)

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Baltic Room in the underground of the University Center (UC)

Study Group this week ::: MEETING TIME CHANGED TO 7:30

2010-11-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

Please note the new meeting time. We will be meeting at 7:30 for the rest of the semester.

--- STUDY THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, November 17, 7.30pm

fascism: what it is and how to fight it (60)

this week we will be doing a study group on this small book by Trostsky. While we do not agree that the tea parties represent some creeping fascism, the word is becoming more and more prevelant on the left. We want to read this and talk about what fascism really is. Here is a short review of the book:

Writing in the heat of struggle against the rise of fascism in Germany, France, and Spain in the 1930s, communist leader Leon Trotsky examines the class origins and character of fascist movements. Building on foundations laid by the Communist International in Lenin's time, Trotsky advances a working-class strategy to combat and defeat this malignant danger.

If you do not have the book you can read it online here.

http://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/works/1944/1944-fas.htm

Also, for those of you who are interested in additional reading, this is the mentioned in last week's meeting:

http://www.marxists.org/history/etol/writers/guerin/1938/10/fascism.htm

It is a super condensed version of Daniel Guerin's book Fascism and Big Business (which I highly recommend) and which is a classic on the subject. Daniel Guerin was a French Socialist who visited Germany in 1933 and witnessed Fascism's rise to power first-hand.

Socialist Book Review (5)

Announcements (5)

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Baltic Room in the underground of the University Center (UC)

The Revolutionary Ideas Karl Marx: Day School

2010-10-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Revolutionary Ideas Karl Marx: Day School

Sunday, November 7 · 1:30pm - 7:00pm

University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Saltgrass room on the 2nd floor of the University Center (UC)

The day school will consist of three sessions. There will be a presentation on three topics and discussion following each session. Suggested readings for each session are linked below the sessions.

The three sessions will be:
1. Marx's theory of Working Class Revolution: (1:30 - 3pm)
http://www.isreview.org/issues/33/germanideology.shtml
2. Can the Working Class Unite: (3:30 - 5pm)
http://www.isreview.org/issues/09/marxism&oppression.pdf
3. Marxism and Political Organization: (5:30 - 7pm)
http://www.isreview.org/issues/24/hallas.shtml

Speakers:

PAUL D’AMATO (author of The Meaning of Marxism and managing editor of the International Socialist Review) and KEEANGA-YAMAHTTA TAYLOR (columnist for SocialisWorker.org and editorial board of International Socialist Review).

A serious crisis demands serious ideas. At a time when many are rejecting corporate dominance and questioning the priorities of capitalism, the revolutionary ideas of Karl Marx are more relevant than ever. Marxism not only explains why capitalism doesn’t work, but also provides a revolutionary guide to action for those that want to fight for an alternative.

$5-10 donation requested.

Sponsored by the International Socialist Organization Houston.

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Saltgrass room on the 2nd floor of the University Center (UC)

The Right Turn in US Politics: How it happened & what we can do to stop it

2010-10-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

THE RIGHT TURN IN U.S. POLITICS:
HOW IT HAPPENED AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO STOP IT

When: Wednesday, October 20 · 8:00pm - 9:30pm

Where: Baltic Room - UC Undergound - UH Main Campus

A year and a half ago, when Barack Obama was moving into the Oval Office, it seemed like the demoralized Republican Party would face years as an ineffectual minority party in Washington. Not anymore.

Now the Republicans are setting the agenda in US politics, and their right-wing attack machine -- from Fox News to the crusaders of the Christian Right –- is on the warpath, supremely confident that they can get away with anything, from blocking the construction of a religious center in New York City to appropriating the iconic image of Martin Luther King speaking at the Lincoln Memorial for a right-wing circus presided over by Glenn Beck.

Come discuss how we can fight the right and build a real left-wing alternative.

Click to see the event on facebook.

Socialism: What it is and why we need it -With Paul D'Amato

2010-09-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

The misery that millions of people around the world face is rooted in the society we live in - capitalism, where the few who rule profit from the labor of the vast majority of the population.

The relentless drive for accumulation at any cost has plunged the world into an economic and ecological crisis while the richest and most powerful country in the world is led by a ruling class incapable and unwilling to do anything about it.......

The system of the rich, and its two political parties, have failed us.

Join the UH International Socialist Organization as we welcome Paul D'Amato to Houston for this talk. Paul D'Amato is managing editor of the International Socialist Review and author of The Meaning of Marxism, a lively and accessible introduction to the ideas of Karl Marx and the tradition he founded.

Date: Wednesday September 22, 2010
Time: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Baltic Room - UC Undergound - UH Main Campus

Meeting Wednesday 9/1 ::: Back On Campus! Join Us

2010-08-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

We're back on campus for the semester. Come out and join us this wednesday!

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, September 1, 8pm

islamophobia and the ground-zero 'mosque'
There has been a lot of hysteria about the supposed ground zero mosque being proposed in NYC. But if this is a simple georgraphy issue then why have there been protests at mosques in Tennessee as well as California and other places? We will be discussing what is going on in these issues as well as what is driving the larger assault against islam and muslims in the US. Articles to check out:

Ground Zero for racist hate
http://socialistworker.org/2010/08/25/ground-zero-for-racism

The challenge to Islamophobia
http://socialistworker.org/2010/08/30/challenge-to-islamophobia

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Baltic Room in the underground of the University Center (UC)

Gulf of Mexico Disaster: Capitalism is Wrecking the Planet

2010-07-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

The BP / Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has horrified the world. Adding to the sheer scale of the environmental disaster -- the worst in US history -- is the sense that it was completely avoidable, had BP heeded multiple warning signs about the safety and stability of the operation.
Instead, the drive for profit ensured that the economic, governmental and political actors in this catastrophe felt compelled to take a series of appalling decisions.
In this sense, the crisis has put a spotlight on the way that capitalism sacrifices all other concerns for the sake of the bottom line, potentially producing even greater problems such as catastrophic climate change.
Come to a presentation and discussion on the socialist alternative to wanton ecological devastation.

Date:	Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Time:	8:00pm - 9:30pm
Location:	UH - Main Campus, University Center (Underground), Baltic Room (Rm 77)

Meeting Tomorrow ::: Palestine and the political history of Zionism

2010-06-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---
Wednesday, June 30, 8pm

We're going to spend the bulk on Wednesday's meeting discussing the conflict over Palestine and the political history of Zionism. Below are a variety of readings. Most of these focus on the political aspects, and not so much the humanitarian. Even if you do not have time to read the articles, come out and join the discussion.

Main Reading
I want to really encourage everyone to read both of these in order to get a full sense of the conflict.

"Zionism: False Messiah" (Lance Selfa): http://www.isreview.org/issues/04/zionism_false_messiah.shtml
- This has the political history of zionism. I think its a must read for an understanding of the conflict.

"Israel: The US Watchdog" (Lance Selfa): http://www.isreview.org/issues/04/Israel_watchdog.shtml
- Explains the relationships between the US and Israel within the context of imperialism

Extra Reading
"Israel and the Nakba" (Paul D'Amato): http://www.isreview.org/issues/60/rep-nakba.shtml
- History on the founding of Israel, as well as a discussion of the two-state solution.

"The Watchdog and the Master" (Sherry Wolf): http://www.isreview.org/issues/52/israellobby.shtml
- Refutes the argument that AIPAC is the reason for US support of Israel. Good complement to the Selfa article on US/Israel.

"Zionism and Anti-Semitism" (Hadas Thier): http://www.isreview.org/issues/38/zionism_antisemitism.shtml
- An argument that tormented pro-Palestinian activism a few years ago. Seemed to go away for a bit, but I've noticed a resurgence of it since the Flotilla.

"From Nasserism to collaboration" (Eric Ruder): http://isreview.org/issues/70/feat-egypt.shtml
- Most recent in-depth ISR article. Explores the relationship between Israel, Egypt, and the US. Make sure to read this if you're familiar with the conflict - it goes more in depth.

"The Tale of Two Apartheids" (Paul D'Amato): http://socialistworker.org/2009/01/29/tale-of-two-apartheids
- Compares Israel to South Africa. I think this one is important because there is push from moderates that the word "apartheid" is too radical.

If you're really interested in the topic, two supplementary books from Haymarket are The Struggle for Palestine (although a few of these essays are in the book) and Between the Lines. Also, the best site for current commentary and news is Electronic Intifida (http://electronicintifada.net/).

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Baltic Room in the University Center (UC) Underground

Meeting this week ::: No One Is Illegal discussion Pt2

2010-06-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, June 9, 8pm

No One Is Illegal

We will be having a discussion over the second half of this book (Parts 3 on). With everything going on in Arizona and no immigration reform in site, this is an important time to discuss this issue. No One Is Illegal debunks the leading ideas behind the often-violent right-wing backlash against immigrants, revealing their deep roots in U.S. history.

This vital book highlights the history of white vigilante violence in the U.S., drawing parallels with today’s Minutemen Project; examines the role of U.S. corporations in the Mexican economy, and the role of immigrant labor in the U.S. economy; reveals how patterns in U.S. immigration policy and campaigns to scapegoat immigrant workers are shaped by the needs of business and politicians; and offers an insightful analysis of the most recent battles over immigrant rights.

The authors also remember the long tradition of resistance to vigilante and state-sponsored racism among immigrants organizing in the factories and the fields, and chart a course toward justice and equality for immigrants in the U.S.

To get a copy of the book go to:http://www.haymarketbooks.org/pb/No-One-is-Illegal-Fighting-Racism-and-State-Violence-on-the-US-Mexico-Border

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Baltic Room in the underground of the University Center (UC)

Meeting this week ::: No One Is Illegal discussion

2010-05-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Please Note The Room Change For ALL The Meetings In May

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, May 26, 8pm

No One Is Illegal

We will be having a discussion over the first half of this book (Parts 1 and 2). With everything going on in Arizona and no immigration reform in site, this is an important time to discuss this issue. No One Is Illegal debunks the leading ideas behind the often-violent right-wing backlash against immigrants, revealing their deep roots in U.S. history.

To get a copy of the book go to: http://www.haymarketbooks.org/pb/No-One-is-Illegal-Fighting-Racism-and-State-Violence-on-the-US-Mexico-Border

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the San Jacinto Room on the second floor of the University Center (UC)

--- SOCIALISM CONFERENCE NEXT MONTH IN CHICAGO ---

2010-05-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

Full schedule is now available here: http://www.socialismconference.org/chicago/schedule

* UPDATE: Speakers just added to the Chicago conference:

CHRIS HEDGES (author, war critic, and former NY Times correspondent), ARUN GUPTA (founding editor of the NYC basedIndypendent, speaking on “The Politics of Food”), ANAND GOPAL (Afghanistan correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and other publications), and PAUL STREET (author and radical journalist), DAN LABOTZ (labor activist and writer), NATIVO LOPEZ(president, Mexican American Political Association), FRED MAGDOFF (environmental expert and author of Building Soils for Better Crops).

* Early bird discount registration ends this Saturday (May 15).

Socialism 2010
Ideas for Changing the World

Revolutionary politics, debate and entertainment
June 17-20 in Chicago • July 1-4 in Oakland
http://www.socialismconference.org

List of talks at Chicago conference: http://www.socialismconference.org/chicago/talks

With the economy in shambles and with wars and occupations continuing, the challenge to change these conditions confronts us all. More than a year ago, millions placed their hopes in Barack Obama and the Democrats to solve these problems. But after months of broken promises and concessions to conservatives, jobs are scarce, the banks are unregulated, and full equality for LGBT people remains elusive.

Socialism 2010 -- to be held in both Chicago and Oakland -- will provide an unparalleled opportunity for new and veteran activists and scholars to explore questions about how we got into this mess and how we can get out of it. Last year, more than 1,800 people turned out to explore the history of struggles of ordinary people, to learn about radical figures who led social movements and to debate theoretical questions that can help us change the world. Don't miss the chance to meet, talk and socialize with hundreds of others like you who want to build an alternative to a system of greed, racism, war and oppression.

Featured speakers

GILBERT ACHCAR, author, The Arabs and the Holocaust; TARIQ ALI, writer, filmmaker and an editor of New Left Review;ANTHONY ARNOVE, co-producer with the late Howard Zinn of “The People Speak”; PAUL D'AMATO, author, The Meaning of Marxism; MIKE DAVIS, historian and socialist activist whose books include In Praise of Barbarians; ANAND GOPAL, Kabul correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor; JAMES GREEN, author, Death in the Haymarket; BRIAN JONES, actor and activist in New York City, and a frequent guest on GRITtv; SONALI KOLHATKAR, host, "Uprising," KPFK-FM; PAUL LEBLANC, activist and author whose books include Lenin and the Revolutionary Party; ALAN MAASS, editor, Socialist Worker; SALIM MUWAKKIL (editor for In These Times and radio host); HEATHER ROGERS, journalist and filmmaker, author of Green Gone Wrong; JEREMY SCAHILL, contributor to The Nation and author, Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army; LILIANA SEGURA, AlterNet staff writer on civil rights and liberties; JEFFREY ST. CLAIR and JOSHUA FRANK, authors,Greenscare: The New War on Environmentalism; LANCE SELFA, author, The Democrats: A Critical History; AHMED SHAWKI,editor, International Socialist Review; SHARON SMITH, author of Subterranean Fire and Women and Socialism; LEE SUSTAR, labor editor, Socialist Worker; SHERRY WOLF, interim governing board, Equality Across America, author of Sexuality and Socialism; KEEANGA-YAMAHTTA TAYLOR, editorial board of International Socialist Review and frequent contributor on race and class; DAVE ZIRIN, sportswriter and author, A People's History of Sports in the United States; SOCIALISTS from France, Greece, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Britain; and many more!

Check out http://www.socialismconference.org to register and for more information about
schedule, housing, and childcare.

Sponsored by the Center for Economic Research and Social Change, publisher of the International Socialist Review and Haymarket Books. Co-sponsored by the International Socialist Organization, publisher of Socialist Worker and Obrero Socialista.

People from Houston will be traveling as a group to the Chicago conference in June. For more information, emailhouston.iso@gmail.com

Wednesday 5/12/10 ::: The Revolutionary Ideas of Karl Marx

2010-05-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Revolutionary Ideas of Karl Marx - presented by Mark Steel

8 PM @ the University of Houston - Main campus, University Center, San Jacinto Room (Rm 270)

Escape the stress of finals and join the International Socialist Organization (ISO) as we show a video by British comedian Mark Steel. British socialist Mark Steel speaks about the common origins of the writings of Karl Marx at the Socialism 2008 conference in Chicago, USA. Mark Steel has been a columnist with the UK's The Guardian and The independent newspapers, a host of the 1990s BBC radio program "The Mark Steel Solution," and for years he has entertained audiences with his biting brand of leftist stand-up comedy.

We are showing this video not only because of how funny and interesting it is but also to help promote this summers conference Socialism 2010. The Socialism Conferences are a great place to to meet, talk and socialize with hundreds of others like you who want to build an alternative to a system of greed, racism, war and oppression. Come out this wednesday and get a preview of this awesoem conference.

For more info please visit:

Facebook event page - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124237884255574

Mark Steel - http://www.marksteelinfo.com/

Socialism 2010 Conference - http://www.socialismconference.org/

WEDNESDAY ::: PROTEST 5 de Mayo Arizona Diamondbacks Come to Houston!

2010-05-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

--- PROTEST 5 de Mayo Arizona Diamondbacks Come to Houston!
---

Wednesday, May 5, 5.30pm

On May the 5th the Arizona Diamondbacks will be coming to Houston to play the Houston Astros. As part of the National movement to boycott AZ for the signing of the racist and divisive law SB 1070, join the International Socialist Organization in Houston to LET ARIZONA KNOW we will not support any of their events even their sports ones!

Check out and RSVP to the event on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114246861944295

Location: Minute Maid Park (Corner of Crawford and Preston)

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: SB 1070 and the Immigrants Rights Movement

2010-05-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

Please Note The Room Change For ALL The Meetings In May

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, May 5, 8pm

SB 1070 and the Immigrants Rights Movement

The immigrants movement has blown up again, seemingly overnight, reaching numbers and excitement not seen since 2006. In Houston, it was the largest march in years, and its being followed up with a Diamondbacks protest on Wednesday. Why is the movement resurging? What are the key arguments within the movement, and how can we defeat racist laws in AZ? What can we do here in Houston? These are questions we need to be discussing as a branch. Here are some recommended readings:

SW - New Challenges for our movement: http://socialistworker.org/2010/04/30/new-challenges-for-our-movement

SW - Anger Builds over AZ Law: http://socialistworker.org/2010/04/26/anger-builds-over-arizona-law

NY Times Editorial - Stopping Arizona : http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/opinion/30fri1.html

Also, check out reports from all over the country, including a contribution from us here in Houston: http://socialistworker.org/2010/05/03/todos-somos-arizona

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the San Jacinto Room on the second floor of the University Center (UC)

March for Dignity and Respect for ALL! Saturday!!

2010-04-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Come out this Saturday - May 1 - and march with the International Socialist Organization in Houston's May Day march! All the information is below or check out the facebook event.

We need everyone out to stand up for equality for all. With the draconian immigration law just passed in Arizona and one being proposed here in Texas, we need to stand together with our immigrant brothers and sisters and demand more!

For more on the history of May Day click here.

--- MAYDAY MARCH THIS SATURDAY ---

Saturday, May 1, 4pm

We are marching for:
-For respect to immigrant workers’ rights.
-For the right to be acknowledged, “to come out of the shadows”, through a just immigration reform for all the contributions immigrants make.
-For the right to family unification and a stop to the raids and deportations.
-For respect to the human rights of all immigrants and refugees.
-For Passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform and the DREAM Act!
-For justice for all!
-For unity amongst ALL communities.

Liberty and justice for ALL!

Cal or text: (832)497-5035 for more info

Visit us at: www.houstonmarches.info

Location: 5900 Bellaire Blvd - Starting Point: Bellaire and Renwick - map

FIRST EVER CEDP TOUR STOP IN HOUSTON!

2010-04-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Recently the we (the International Socialist Organization - Houston) hosted a Campaign to End the Death Penalty tour stop at the University of Houston. The tour was entitled Lynching Then, Lynching now and brought together activists and exonerees from various parts of the country. The event was great and we thank everyone who came out and took part. Below is a report from the cedp blog.

FIRST EVER CEDP TOUR STOP IN HOUSTON!

We are proud to have put Houston, located in Harris County - the death penalty capital of the US - on the map by being part of this year’s CEDP tour. Harris County accounts for about 1 percent of the U.S. population but has carried out nearly 10 percent of the country's executions since 1976, when the death penalty was reinstated. This event was co-sponsored by the International Socialist Organization (ISO) as well as a local anti-death penalty group called the Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement or TDPAM.

A diverse crowd of approximately 30 people came to hear and see a multi-racial panel on April 14th at the University of Houston – Main Campus, located right in the belly of the beast. After a brief welcome and introduction, Lily Hughes, a longstanding anti-death penalty activist from Austin and CEDP board member, kicked off the discussion by giving a brief overview of the history of racism and the death penalty in this country. She was followed by Njeri Shakur, a lead organizer for TDPAM, who was delighted to see so many young people in the crowd and warned that we have to be alert and continue to fight this insane punishment. She also highlighted not only the racist, but also the classist nature of the death penalty, which predominantly targets people of color as well as poor working-class people in general.

Next up was Mark Clements, a recent exoneree from Illinois, who was sentenced to life without parole as a juvenile for a crime he did not commit. His testimony of police torture was shocking and more reminiscent of say the Argentinean and Chilean dictatorships of the 1970s as opposed to a supposedly modern democracy. Even more powerful, however, was his unbroken spirit and his will to fight. He made it clear that he was not going to bow down in front of politicians or any other form of authority if he felt he was misrepresented. He rightly reminded us that the job of these elected officials was to serve us not vice versa. Finally, Marisol Ramirez, wife of Juan Ramirez, a current death row inmate in Texas, took the stage. Juan has been sentenced under the infamous “law of parties”. Part of the law reads as follows: "If, in the attempt to carry out a conspiracy to commit one felony, another felony is committed by one of the conspirators, all conspirators are guilty of the felony actually committed." This basically boils down to: if you hang out with the wrong crowd at the wrong time, you can be sentenced to death. After briefly laying out Juan’s case, Marisol urged us to sign petitions, not only on behalf of Juan, but other death row inmates as well.

The talks were followed by a lively discussion. Lily Hughes came back and wrapped up the event by outlining how folks can get and stay involved in the struggle in the future.

Study Group This Week

2010-04-26T09:25:00.001-07:00

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, April 28, 8pm

Discussion of Sharon Smith's ISR article on Engel's classic, The Origins of the Family, Private Property, and the State. You can find that article online here: http://www.isreview.org/issues/02/engles_family.shtml

If you are interested in delving deeper into the topic, here are some recommendations:

The entire original text is available here: http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1884/origin-family/index.htm

Here are some shorter articles -

- Eleanor Burke Leacock, excerpt from Myths of Male Dominance (a book which updates the anthropological findings in Origins): http://socialistworker.org/2008/09/05/roots-of-womens-oppression

- Sherry Wolf, The Roots of Gay Oppression: http://www.isreview.org/issues/37/gay_oppression.shtml
- Alexandra Kollontai, Communism and the Family (Russian revolutionary on the state of the family after the revolution): http://marxists.org/archive/kollonta/1920/communism-family.htm

- Kollontai, Sexual Relations and the Class Struggle: http://marxists.org/archive/kollonta/1921/sex-class-struggle.htm

- Kollontai, The Social Basis of the Woman Question (partially an argument around bourgeois, or reformist, feminism): http://marxists.org/archive/kollonta/1909/social-basis.htm

Even if you have not read the articles we still hope you will come out. See you there!

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Baltic Room in the underground of the University Center (UC)

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Wednesday 4/21

2010-04-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---

Wednesday, April 21, 8pm

LGBT Work Reportback/Discussion

JUST! Education Work Reportback/Discussion

We currently have members working in two movements, the LGBT movement through qEuality Across America and the education/budget cuts movement through the newly formed JUST! Education group at UH. Though much of the work for these movements is done by the members directly involved in them, its important to remember that our actions in these groups are a branch decision. We should be discussing what we think the next steps are for these movements. This is our chance to talk as a group about these things, and where we want these movements to go. To familiarize yourself some with the national picture of these movements, read the following articles.

LGBT: Making Them Do The Right Thing: http://socialistworker.org/2010/03/30/making-them-do-the-right-thing

Education: Fund education with corporate taxes: http://socialistworker.org/2010/04/20/fund-education-with-corporate-taxes

Socialism 2010

Our big summer conference in Chicago is less than two months away! We have a ton of things to discuss, including motivations for going, fundraising, logistics, publicity, and getting everyone there. To get some information now, check out: http://www.socialismconference.org/

Marxist Book Review - 5 mins

Our first in the series of our new Marxist Book Reviews! We will be presenting a take on Barbara Kingsolver's Holding the Line.

We hope to see you there!

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Baltic Room in the underground of the University Center (UC)

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: LYNCHING THEN, LYNCHING NOW

2010-04-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTE: THIS WEEK'S MEETING IS AT 7pm NOT THE USUAL 8pm.

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ::: LYNCHING THEN, LYNCHING NOW ---
Wednesday, April 14, 7pm

A National Speaking Tour of the CEDP
http://cedptour.blogspot.com/

Panelists include:

Mark Clements - Police torture victim and former IL juvenile life without parole prisoner

Lily Hughes - Longstanding anti-death penalty activist and CEDP board member

Njeri Shakur - Longstanding anti-death penalty activist and organizer for TDPAM

Presenting the CEDP's National Speaking Tour for 2009 - 2010. Join this teach-in tour in cities around the country this fall and spring. This year's tour looks at the historic link between the death penalty and lynching in the United States. Hear from those who have been freed from death row, activists and scholars on the role of racism in our criminal justice system and why the death penalty and unjust sentencing need to be abolished.

Sponsored by:
The Campaign to End the Death Penalty (CEDP)
The International Socialist Organization (ISO)
The Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement (TDPAM)

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Spindletop Room in the University Center (UC)

Houston ISO at the National Equality March!

2009-10-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

On October 12, the Houston branch of the International Socialist Organization took part in the historic National Equality March.

We worked with local activist to get 31 people to sit in a van for 48 hours to be a part of this amazing march. There were over 200,000 other people in attendance. See the pics below to get a feel for our trip! And email us if you want to get involved with other activities we have going one!!

These are the Saturday van riders.

And here are the Friday riders.

And here are some Texas socialists pumped to be in DC!!!

This is a shot of the giant rainbow flag that the San Antonio people brought.

Overall this was an amazing time for everyone involved. Even after 48 hours in a van people were still pumped! And now is the time to take that energy and build the movement here in Houston!!

If you want to get involved email nemhouston@gmail.com. We are also having an Equality Across America kick off meeting on Novemember 1. You can get all the info at the facebook event here.

Lastly, check out this video footage from the march.

Healthcare is a Human Right!

2009-10-05T09:52:00.001-07:00

Health Care for All!
Wednesday, October 14, 8pm
Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Baltic Room in the underground of the University Center (UC).

We have a genuine health care crisis in the US, with tens of millions lacking insurance coverage -- a growing group as joblessness increases. Those who have coverage face skyrocketing costs. The cost of insurance premiums has nearly doubled for Texans over the last decade.

Barack Obama assumed office amid heightened expectations for real health care reform. And yet his “reform” plan represents a confusing array of proposals that are acceptable to the insurance industry at the heart of our crisis -- most notably the requirement for all citizens to buy insurance. The confusing nature of these plans have created the space for the rabid right-wing to seize the initiative on this issue, portraying a windfall for private insurers as a “government takeover” of health care.

Are you frustrated with the health care debate? Do you wish politicians were talking about how to guarantee quality care for all? Come join the International Socialist Organization for a discussion on how we can fight and win a real solution to the health care crisis.

The meeting is at the University of Houston main campus in the University Center underground in the Baltic room. If you need additional directions email houston.iso@gmail.com

Click for the facebook event page

Rise of the Right?

2009-09-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Teabaggers march on Washington. Rush Limbaugh calls for resegregating the schools. What is going on with the right wing? Come out for a discussion on this topic and what it means for left-wing politics.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 8 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
University of Houston Main Campus
University Center, Baltic Room 77 (underground)

For more information, please contact us at 713-560-7227 or houston.iso@gmail.com.

Nothing less than full equality

2009-09-20T19:00:00.001-07:00

On October 11th, Washington DC will play host to the National Equality March, a march which demands full equality for all LGBT people in all fifty states. Below is an excerpt of an article from activist and author Sherry Wolf, activist and author of the new book Sexuality and Socialism, making the case for why LGBT activists and allies should attend the National Equality March on Washington.

A new network of activist groups will emerge from this march: Equality Across America. As Massachusetts activist Gary Lapon puts it, "We are not simply organizing to protest, but protesting to organize."

The new mood for LGBT equality is a reflection of a generation that grew up with unprecedented cultural exposure to sexual and gender variance, yet lives with draconian laws and organizational strategies that asphyxiate dynamism and shut down debate. No more crafting our demands to suit the tepid conservatism of a bygone era. We want it all! President Obama, this is our Rosa Parks moment. When will you allow LGBT people sit at the front of the bus?

Read the full article here.

Interesting in going to the march? Activists from Houston will be traveling by van to the march and there are some more spaces available! If you want to find out more information, check out the group on Facebook.

Want to help Houstonians that are traveling to the march? Donate here!

Help us get to DC for the National Equality March!

2009-09-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

Click below to help the Houston International Socialist Organization and other local activists get to DC for the march!

Socialism: What It Is and Why We Need It

2009-09-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 8 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
University of Houston Main Campus
University Center, Baltic Room 77 (underground)

For more information, please contact us at 713-560-7227 or houston.iso@gmail.com.

Socialist Forum: Dispatches From Honduras

2009-08-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Shaun Joseph, an antiwar activist from Providence, Rhode Island, was in Honduras from August 8th to 16th as part of the weeklong International Mission for Solidarity, Accompaniment, and Observation. The U.S.-based part of the delegation was organized by Quest for Peace, a project of the Quixote Center. Join us to hear an eyewitness report of what is really going on right now in Honduras.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 8 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
University of Houston Main Campus
University Center, Baltic Room (underground)

For more information, please contact us at 713-560-7227 or houston.iso@gmail.com.

Workshop: Afghanistan Expert David Whitehouse

2009-08-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Join us for a workshop with David Whitehouse. David is the reviews editor of the International Socialist Review and a frequent contributor to Socialist Worker newspaper. He is an expert on imperialism and the history of the Middle East and Asia. He will be speaking about the American imperial project in Afghanistan.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 8 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
University of Houston Main Campus
University Center, San Jacinto Room

For more information, please contact us at 713-560-7227 or houston.iso@gmail.com.

Socialist Forum: Socialism and the Environment: How to Stop Capitalism From Killing Our Planet

2009-07-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 8 p.m.–10 p.m.

University of Houston

University Center, Rodeo Room

For more information, please contact us at 713-560-7227 or houston.iso@gmail.com

SUNDAY 7/5: Come drink with the ISO! ...and it will raise money for us too!!

2009-07-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

Come out to Poison Girl on Sunday (7/5) at 8pm and have a drink with your local socialist. Also this will help us with the work we do.

It's easy. The profits from Sunday night will be donated to the International Socialist Organization in Houston. So all you need to do is show up and drink!

If you like to drink some beers and talk politics with people that care then this event is for you. We hope to see many many people there!

See ya Sunday!

Map to Poison Girl here.

Find the event on Facebook here.

Socialist Forum: Marx Is Back!

2009-06-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

MARX IS BACK!

They said that Marx was dead...that capitalism had triumphed. Then came the realities of globalization. Then came endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Then came the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Now, Marx's ideas seem to explain the world a lot better than what you see on Fox News. But Marx also predicted that the inequalities of capitalism would give rise to resistance. And we've only just begun to see the emergence of a new generation of struggles, from the protests for immigrant rights, to the factory occupations of workers in Chicago, to the massive outpouring of solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine.

Come to a discussion of Marx's ideas and how they apply to today and then get involved in helping us build a movement that puts Marx’s ideas into practice! As Marx himself said, "Philosophers have only interpreted the world; the point is to change it!"

All are welcome!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 8 p.m.–10 p.m.

University of Houston

University Center, Rodeo Room

For more information, please contact us at 713-560-7227 or houston.iso@gmail.com

Study Group: Bolsheviks Come to Power, by Alexander Rabinowitch

2009-05-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

Please join us for an in-depth discussion of Alexander Rabinowitch's Bolsheviks Come to Power, which details the Russian Revolution of 1917.

All are welcome!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 7 p.m. (chapters 1–8)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 7 p.m. (chapters 9–16)

University of Houston (Main Campus)

Houston Center, in front of the Houston Room

For a copy of the book, please contact us at 713-560-7227 or houston.iso@gmail.com.

Study Group: What Is Marxism? by Paul D'Amato

2009-05-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Please join us for an in-depth discussion of Paul D'Amato's What Is Marxism?

Paul is associate editor of the International Socialist Review. His writing has appeared in CounterPunch, Socialist Worker, and SelvesandOthers.org. He is an activist based in Chicago.

"In [D'Amato's] able hands, Marxist politics come alive and leap before us, pointing a way toward a better world. It's a knockout." Dave Zirin, author of What's My Name, Fool?: Sports and Resistance in the United States.

All are welcome!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 7 p.m.

Monday, May 4, 2009, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 7 p.m.

University of Houston (Main Campus)

Houston Center, in front of the Houston Room

For a copy of the book, please contact us at 713-560-7227 or houston.iso@gmail.com.

Socialist Forum: Legal Lynching---Racism and the Death Penalty in Texas, April 15, 2009

2009-04-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

All are welcome!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

University of Houston (Main Campus)

Houston Center, Rodeo Room

Study Group - What Is the Real Marxist Tradition? ::: March 25, 2009

2009-03-20T13:16:00.001-07:00

Please join us in a discussion about "What Is the Real Marxist Tradition?," by John Molyneux.

"The years since Karl Marx's death have seen the emergency of movements, organizations and governments declaring themselves to be 'Marxist.' How can we make sense of this development? This short book is an attempt to untangle these 'Marxisms," to establish criteria for evaluating claims to stand within the Marxist tradition, to examine the conflicting claims of Social Democracy, Stalinism, and the liberation movements of the Third World and to answer the question, 'What is the real Marxist tradition?'"

All are welcome!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 8 p.m.

University of Houston (Main Campus)

Houston Center, San Jacinto Room

For a copy of the book, please contact us at 713-560-7227 or houston.iso@gmail.com.

ISR: International Socialist Review, March/April 2009 Issue 64

2009-03-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of ISR: International Socialist Review has been released. Visit www.isreview.org to read excerpts and find out how to get a subscription.

Gaza to Gitmo: U.S. Intervention in the Middle East and the War on Terror ::: March 11, 2009

2009-03-06T04:07:00.000-08:00

Right now the U.S. government is occupying two countries, providing weapons and support for a third occupation, and jailing supposed terrorists in prisons, known and unknown, around the world. Join us for a panel discussion about the U.S. presence in the Middle East and how that hurts both the people of the Middle East and those living her in the United States.

Study Group - Marxism and the Party ::: March 4

2009-03-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

Please join us in a discussion about "Marxism and the Party," by John Molyneux.

"The question of party organization has been a central concern of Marxists for more than a century. In this book, John Molyneux examines the contributions made by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, Vladimir Lenin, Rosa Luxemburg, Leon Trotsky, and Antonio Gramsci. Molyneux takes as his central theme the concern of these revolutionaries with the relationship between the party and the working class. Following from this, he explores such questions as the independence of the party, spontaneity and class consciousness, democracy, and centralism, drawing out the implications of these debates for the revolutionary socialist party today."

All are welcome!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at 8 p.m.

University of Houston (Main Campus)

San Jacinto Room

The State of War and the Anti-war Movement ::: February 25

2009-02-25T03:50:00.000-08:00

Join us for a political discussion about the war and anti-war movement. We will also talk about the upcoming anti-war forum "Gaza to Gitmo: U.S. Intervention in the Middle East and the War on Terror" to be held at the University of Houston on Wednesday, March 11, 2009.

Readings:

"Gaza and the Antiwar Struggle"

http://socialistworker.org/2009/01/15/gaza-and-antiwar-struggle

"Iraq's 'Teflon Don'"

http://socialistworker.org/2009/02/20/Iraqs-teflon-don

Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at 7:30 p.m.

University of Houston (Main Campus)

UC Underground, Caribbean Room 75

Change in the Obama Era ::: Monday 2/9

2009-02-03T16:56:00.000-08:00

Socialist Strategies for Winning Radical Change

Amid great hope and expectations for change, Barack Obama is set to take office this month. He will take the reins of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a growing crisis of genocidal proportions in Palestine, and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. More than ever, a majority of Americans are fed up with the status quo, and elected Obama on the promise of kicking out the business-as-usual politicians and political ideas.

Inspired by the possibility of real change, thousands of activists are already demanding the repeal of Proposition 8 in California, justice for victims of police brutality, help for workers who are losing their jobs while CEO's and bankers receive bailouts, a voice for students on college campuses, and justice for Palestinians living in a state of siege in Gaza.

Come to a discussion about what WE can do to make real radical change in this new political era.

Monday February 9 at 7:30pm

University of Houston (Main Campus)

UC Underground, Carribean Rm 75

Study Group on Revolutionary Rehearsals

2009-01-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

----------------------------------------
Study Group on Revolutionary Rehearsals
Monday, January 19th - 8 pm
Antidote Coffee (729 Studewood, 77007)
----------------------------------------

Often, revolution can feel like a thing of the past, something better suited for the 19th century than the 21st. In fact, five times in the last 40 years, the working class has posed a revolutionary threat to the ruling elite. The events of France 1968, Chile 1972, Portugal 1974, Iran 1979, and Poland 1980 show us that workers fighting back is not a thing of the past. The book Revolutionary Rehearsals, edited by Colin Barker, explores these five revolutionary situations. Though none of these revolutionary struggles were ultimately successful, each teaches us important lessons about struggle and how we can fight for a better world.

Please join the International Socialist Organization as we discuss this important book on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 8 pm at Antidote Coffee (729 Studewood, 77007). One of our members will give a brief introduction to the book, followed by plenty of time for discussion and questions. It is not necessary to read the book beforehand, but if you would like to, contact us at houston.iso@gmail.com, or purchase directly from Haymarket Books (http://www.haymarketbooks.org/product_info.php?products_id=1634&osCsid=8b7b672855d5fceafbec8361df019db5).

Organizing Meeting: Fight for Gay Rights!

2008-11-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Organizing Meeting: Fight for Gay Rights
Monday, December 1st - 8 pm
Antidote Coffee (729 Studewood, 77007)

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November 15th was a historic day in the struggle for gay rights. Hundreds of thousands of people in hundreds of towns and cities across America came out to protest the passage of anti-gay ballot initiatives in California, Arizona, and Florida and raise their voices for same-sex marriage rights. On Wednesday, December 10th, we have another opportunity to make our voices heard: Day Without a Gay (http://www.daywithoutagay.org/).

There are a lot of people in Houston that are planning to participate in this. We want to see what the possibilities are for having a collective action the evening of December 10th. This would allow people that participated to come together to amplify our voices, as well as allow those who can't take the day off to participate and have their voices heard.

We're meeting up on Monday, December 1st to brainstorm ideas about mobilizing. We'll be meeting at Antidote Coffee (729 Studewood, 77007*) at 8 pm. Everyone is welcome. We want to hear broad ideas about how we can push things forward and make our voices heard.

On facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=4965314483

*A note on Antidote Coffee: Antidote can be tricky to find. Coming from Montrose/South, it is on your left, after the White Oak intersection. The easiest way to find it is to look for the big yellow "SAVE FOOD STORE" sign for the convenience store next to it.

What next for struggle in the Obama era?

2008-11-08T08:58:00.000-08:00

So obama was elected, now what..? SocialistWorker.org asks leading voices on the left--Howard Zinn, Mike Davis, Sharon Smith and others--about the prospects for our struggles in a new era.

Howard Zinn
Historian and veteran activist Howard Zinn is the author of the classic book A People's History of the United States.

I CONFESS I am excited by the thought of Obama becoming president, even though I am painfully aware of his limitations--his smooth, articulate intelligence covering up a quite traditional approach to domestic and foreign policy, aided and abetted by a group of advisers recycled from the Clinton administration and other parts of the Establishment.

Does he really think Robert Rubin will come up with a bold approach to the economy? Or that Madeleine Albright will carve a new path in foreign policy? (It was she who ran around the country in 1998 to defend Clinton's bombing of Iraq, warning of "weapons of mass destruction.")

If Richard Hofstadter were adding to his book The American Political Tradition, in which he found both "conservative" and "liberal" presidents, both Democrats and Republicans, maintaining for dear life the two critical characteristics of the American system, nationalism and capitalism, Obama would fit the pattern.

His obsequious joining with McCain in approving the $700 billion "bailout" for the financial giants is a sad sign. See my article (I say arrogantly) in a recent issue of the Nation about the bailout, as a futile "trickle-down" act, instead of using the money directly for the people Obama claims to represent.

So it will take a revivified social movement to do for Obama what the strikers and tenant organizers and unemployed councils and agitators of the early 1930s did for FDR, pushing him into new paths, so angering the superrich that FDR, in one of his best moments, said, "They hate me, and I welcome their hatred!"

Obama needs such fire. It is up to us, the citizenry--and non-citizens too!--to ignite it.

Read the entire article here.

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And don't forget to join the Houston branch of the International Socialist Organization on Wednesday, November 19th at 7:30pm at Antidote Coffee (729 Studewood, 77007) as we discuss the exciting new book from Lance Selfa, The Democrats: A Critical History. We hope to see you there!

More info about The Democrats book.

The Democrats: A Critical History

2008-10-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

From Haymarket Books:

After eight long years of George W. Bush, millions are counting the days to the inauguration of a Democratic president. But will a Democrat in the White House and a Democratic congress deliver on the changes so many want to see?

In this powerful challenge from the Left, Lance Selfa argues that skepticism is in order. Offering a broad historical perspective, Selfa shows how the Democratic Party has time and again betrayed the aspirations of ordinary people while pursuing an agenda favorable to Wall Street and U.S. imperial ambitions.

Please join the Houston branch of the International Socialist Organization on Wednesday, November 19th at 7:30pm at Antidote Coffee (729 Studewood, 77007) as we discuss the exciting new book from Lance Selfa, The Democrats: A Critical History. We hope to see you there!

Stay of execution for Troy Davis!!

2008-10-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

In exciting news today, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a stay of execution for Troy Davis!! This comes after the supreme court recently declined to hear his case and on the heels of a international day of action held yesterday.

Join the Houston branch of the International Socialist Organization in celebrating the stay and demanding the end to the death penalty this saturday - October 25th - at 2pm at the Harambee SHAPE Center at 3903 Almeda. Scroll down below the flyer to read more on the Davis case.

SHUT IT DOWN!!

“The whole world is watching Georgia,” said Larry Cox, executive director of Amnesty International USA. “Nowhere in the world is there a more serious violation of human rights than what Georgia is about to do to Troy Davis.”

Davis’ case has mobilized unprecedented support for groups opposed to capital punishment, said Sara Totonchi, chair of Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Thursday’s event in Georgia was organized by Amensty International, which coordinated similar rallies in 14 other American cities and across much of Europe.

The European Union issued a statement Wednesday opposing Davis’ execution, saying there is great risk of miscarriage of justice with irreparable consequences.”

Having already pursued a number of unsuccessful state and federal appeals, Davis’ lawyers on Wednesday asked the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to stay his execution.

Despite long odds, some attending the Capitol protest said they believed Davis would be spared.

“We’re going to get justice for Troy Davis,” said Darryl Hunt, wrongfully convicted in North Carolina for rape and murder. He spent 19 years behind bars before DNA evidence exonerated him in 2003.

“No matter what happens, Troy Anthony Davis will get justice,” said his sister, Martina Correia. As they did throughout Thursday’s rally, the crowd responded in unison, “I am Troy Davis".

Davis’ lawyers expressed relief and jubilation over the court’s decision.

“This is the first step toward a court hearing to consider the new evidence — something we have been asking for for almost a decade now,” attorney Jason Ewart said.

Earlier this week, Davis asked the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for permission to pursue another round of appeals in federal court on claims he is actually innocent. Permission for a new round of appeals is required under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996.

Today, the court said the stay of execution is conditional. Davis must make a showing he can meet the “stringent requirements” to pursue another round of appeals, the decision said.

The court directed Davis’ lawyers to file a legal brief on their arguments within 15 days. The state Attorney General’s Office has another 10 days to respond.

If you are not familiar with Troy Davis and his case, read on.

The facts of Troy's case cry out for something to be done. He was convicted in 1991 of killing a white police officer. No physical evidence connected Troy to the crime. But nine witnesses took the stand and testified that they either heard Troy say he committed the murder or saw him do it. Their testimony got Troy the death sentence.

But now, seven of these witnesses say they lied when they implicated Troy. Some say they felt pressured by police; others simply say they were young and scared. All seven can explain convincingly why they didn't tell the truth at the trial--and why they are doing so now, even though that means facing possible jail time.

Of the two remaining witnesses who haven't recanted, one is completely unclear about what he saw the night of the murder, and the other was the police's first suspect--that is, he could very well have been the person who did pull the trigger. Several people now say they heard this man, Sylvester Coles, confess to killing the officer.

Troy's lawyers have argued that Troy deserves to have this evidence heard by a jury. But every court has denied him that basic opportunity to show that he is, indeed, innocent.

Since the launch of its February 2007 report, "Where Is the Justice for Me? The Case of Troy Davis, Facing Execution in Georgia," Amnesty International has campaigned intensively for a new evidentiary hearing or trial and clemency for Davis, collecting well over 200,000 clemency petition signatures and letters from across the United States and around the world. To date, internationally known figures such as Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter have all joined the call for clemency, as well as lawmakers from within and outside of Georgia.

The fight though is not over! Troy Davis must be granted a new trial to prove his innocence. Justice matters!

For more information about the Troy Davis case, please visit: www.amnestyusa.org/troydavis.

This was compiled from various sources.

What would you spend the $700 billion on?

2008-10-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

click for a larger version

Recently, Congress voted to give a $700 billion bailout to Wall Street. We think there are a lot of better things that bailout could be used for - things that help regular people, not the corporate elite. Check out the above graphic by Eric Ruder from socialistworker.org

For another take on this, check out Jesse Hagopian's piece in the Seattle PI, entitled So there is money that could have helped schools.

The Death Penalty - Guilty on All Counts

2008-10-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 25th, the 9th Annual March to End Execution will be held in Houston.

Marchers will gather at S.H.A.P.E. Harambee Building at 3903 Almeda Road at 2pm and march to March to S.H.A.P.E. Community Center at 3815 Live Oak. Speakers will include family members of those on death row, as well as members of the Campaign to End the Death Penalty (CEDP) and the Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement (TDPAM). Come out to show your opposition to the racist death penalty and demand that the state of Texas shut it down!

Building A Revolutionary Alternative

2008-10-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

The ISO will be hosting the 2008 Texas Socialist Conference on November 15th and 16th at the University of Texas - Austin. It will be an opportunity to discuss and debate what is going on in the world today, lessons from the past, and how we can change our world. There will be sessions on the economic meltdown, capitalism and racism, imperialism today, and much more. Find out more at SocialismConferenceTX.org.

People from Houston will be carpooling to Austin to attend the conference. Let us know if you'd like to join us.

International Socialist Organization - Houston

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Fighting Evictions!

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Occupy Going Forward

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Back at UH!

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Live Working Or Die Fighting

NO MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Study Group Next Week

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Organizational Meeting

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: United Front (@ Black Hole Coffee!)

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Occupy!

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Women and Socialism - Ch. 4 - 5

FRIDAY ::: Olympic & Civil Rights Icon Dr. John Carlos

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: NEW TIME & LOCATION

WEDNESDAY ::: Soldarity With Oakland! End Police Brutality!

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Women and Socialism

NEXT MONTH ::: Texas Socialist Conference 2011

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: The Occupations Continue!

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: In Defense of Public Sector Workers

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Occupy Houston, Don't Occupy Afghanistan!

THIS WEEK ::: SAVE THE POSTAL WORKERS!!

SAVE TROY DAVIS ::: Houston event and message from Troy

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Perspectives For Struggle

Global Day of Solidarity with Troy Davis

9/14 ::: JOIN THE SOCIALISTS! Here's why...

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Is revolution possible here? and Semester Plan

Wednesday 9/14 ::: Capitalism Isn't Working! Marxism and The Politics of The ISO

Meeting Wednesday 8/31 ::: Retreat at Verizon and Ongoing Student Protest in Chile

NO MEETING THIS WEEK ::: BACK AT UH NEXT WEEK

STUDY GROUP ::: Zombie Capitalism​​, Ch 12-14

Zombie Capitalism​​, Chapters 9-11 and Discussion of Verizon strike

Summer reading! Zombie Capitalism by Chris Harman

FIGHTING ISLAMOPHOBIA WITH DR. SNEHAL SHINGAVI

Study Group this week ::: State and Revolution

Mubarak Out! Rally/Celebrate Tomorrow In Houston!

Video Presentation On Egypt

Millions against Mubarak

The regime lashes back

The struggle surges ahead

A bid to derail the revolution

Uprising in Egypt: an ISO discussion on the events in Egypt

Study Group this week ::: Revolutionary Rehearsals

austerity and working class fight back

Study Group this week ::: MEETING TIME CHANGED TO 7:30

The Revolutionary Ideas Karl Marx: Day School

The Right Turn in US Politics: How it happened & what we can do to stop it

Socialism: What it is and why we need it -With Paul D'Amato

Meeting Wednesday 9/1 ::: Back On Campus! Join Us

Gulf of Mexico Disaster: Capitalism is Wrecking the Planet

Meeting Tomorrow ::: Palestine and the political history of Zionism

Meeting this week ::: No One Is Illegal discussion Pt2

Meeting this week ::: No One Is Illegal discussion

--- SOCIALISM CONFERENCE NEXT MONTH IN CHICAGO ---

Wednesday 5/12/10 ::: The Revolutionary Ideas of Karl Marx

WEDNESDAY ::: PROTEST 5 de Mayo Arizona Diamondbacks Come to Houston!

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: SB 1070 and the Immigrants Rights Movement

March for Dignity and Respect for ALL! Saturday!!

FIRST EVER CEDP TOUR STOP IN HOUSTON!

Study Group This Week

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: Wednesday 4/21

MEETING THIS WEEK ::: LYNCHING THEN, LYNCHING NOW

Houston ISO at the National Equality March!

Healthcare is a Human Right!

Rise of the Right?

Nothing less than full equality

Help us get to DC for the National Equality March!

Socialism: What It Is and Why We Need It

Socialist Forum: Dispatches From Honduras

Workshop: Afghanistan Expert David Whitehouse

Socialist Forum: Socialism and the Environment: How to Stop Capitalism From Killing Our Planet

SUNDAY 7/5: Come drink with the ISO! ...and it will raise money for us too!!

Socialist Forum: Marx Is Back!

Study Group: Bolsheviks Come to Power, by Alexander Rabinowitch

Study Group: What Is Marxism? by Paul D'Amato

Socialist Forum: Legal Lynching---Racism and the Death Penalty in Texas, April 15, 2009

Study Group - What Is the Real Marxist Tradition? ::: March 25, 2009

ISR: International Socialist Review, March/April 2009 Issue 64

Gaza to Gitmo: U.S. Intervention in the Middle East and the War on Terror ::: March 11, 2009

Study Group - Marxism and the Party ::: March 4

The State of War and the Anti-war Movement ::: February 25

Change in the Obama Era ::: Monday 2/9

Study Group on Revolutionary Rehearsals

STUDY GROUP ::: Zombie Capitalism, Ch 12-14

Zombie Capitalism, Chapters 9-11 and Discussion of Verizon strike