S.F. socialists kick off election campaign

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'That's what socialism is all about-wisely using our resources, both natural and industrial-for the benefit of the vast majority' SAN FRANCISCOOn May 17, a rally was held to announce Socialist Action candidate Joni Jacobs's campaign for mayor. Sixty people attended the spirited gathering at the Socialist Action headquarters.

Jacobs began her speech by explaining the need for a political alternative to the Democrats and Republicans: "Why do people feel the electoral choices are meaningless? I think it's because we know the candidates of either of the two parties don't represent our interests."

"We have candidates," she pointed out, "from all areas of the political spectrum— conservatives, moderates, liberals, progressives—who are vying for the right to represent us, the working people. But who do they really represent? They represent [those] who want to keep this class system in place."

Jacobs went on to detail the objectives of "friends of labor" candidates, such as current mayor Art Agnos. "This year again," she said, "Agnos has frozen the wages of city workers, claiming that they must bear their 'fair share' of the budget crisis. The wage freeze will save 70 percent of the budget deficit. ... Wouldn't it be more fair if those who made 70 percent of the money in San Francisco, who benefited from 70 percent of the tax loopholes, shouldered 70 percent of the burden?"

Jacobs explained Socialist Action's alternative, "Our campaign is a campaign of ideas. We think that society and government should be reorganized to benefit the vast majority of people. This is not only possible, it's affordable, it's preferable—-and most of all, it's necessary to save our planet and all its people from the destruction capitalism wreaks."

"That's what socialism is all aboutwisely using our resources, both natural and industrial, for the benefit of the vast majority. ... We must build a movement which will eventually lead to an uprising against the capitalist order of government and put in its place a system that puts human needs before profits."

The program also included comments by supporters of Jacobs's campaign. Lisa Kutler told the meeting she had "big shoes to fill" succeeding Joni as chair of the San Francisco NOW Reproductive Rights Task Force.

Two students who met Jacobs through clinic defense activities spoke. "Joni is for the working people of San Francisco, the blood and muscle of this city," declared City College student Christina Dahlin. Mary Doran, a San Francisco State University student, said she supported the campaign based on her belief that "Joni will fight not only for women's rights, but for all human rights."

Another supporter to address the rally was Hilary Diamond, staff director of the Mobilization to Bring the Troops Home Now, which organized demonstrations against the Gulf War. She is now working to free conscientious objectors Tahan Jones and Erik Larsen.

Diamond criticized the actions of both Democrats and Republicans in support of the war, including current Mayor Art Agnos's veto of a resolution declaring San Francisco a sanctuary for conscientious objectors.

She contrasted this to the "political leadership" and rank-and-file support Socialist Action provided both for the anti-war movement and for the current C.O. defense cases. She declared that if the two major political parties "can't even defend our basic rights, it's time to support one that will."

Jacobs urged all fighters against injustice to join the campaign. "We're [asking] students, anti-war activists, feminists, ethnic minorities, and working people to endorse our campaign,' she said. "You don't have to be a socialist to support our campaign. You just have to believe that human needs must be placed before profits. We need you to act on that belief now and join with us to begin building a better world."

Throughout June, supporters will be out SOCIALIST -Joni Jacobs on city street corners petitioning to get Joni Jacobs on the ballot and distributing campaign literature. Join the campaign committee and help us reach as many people as possible with Socialist Action's political alternative. Call (415) 821-0458 to get involved! ACTION JUNE 1991 3

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PROSTS RICH PEOPLE MAYO.