Bush regime in crisis

THE BUSH administration is experiencing an acute political crisis only one year after the US president was comfortably re-elected.

As the socialist has previously commented, the deadly combination of an unwinnable war, a web of intrigue and corruption and Hurricane Katrina - which lifted the lid on the poverty and racism scarring the US - means this is a generalised crisis not just for Bush and his presidency but for the system itself.

63% of the US people now say that some or all US troops in Iraq should now be withdrawn, while a record high 59% said the invasion was a mistake. Bush's personal standing in opinion polls is lower even than Ronald Reagan's during the Iran-Contra scandal, who had 45% support compared to 39% for Bush.

The dissatisfaction of the American people and particularly the working class is now of volcanic proportions. The students' walkout on 2 November (see reports below) is one indicator of this growing anger. But, as with Britain, there is not as yet a mass force capable of galvanising this mood. The Democrats, as a party of big business, are no alternative.

Only by preparing for a US mass workers' party will a new road be opened up which can end the nightmare of unwinnable and bloody wars, a failing economic system and increasing class divide.

USA: anti-war protests: Successful student walkouts across country

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.