Communistparty

A full description of the Communist Party and their beliefs.

1. The United States Communist Party

2. History Formed in January of 1919 by Vladimir Lenin combining the left wing of the socialist part of American and the Comintern . Was under attack since conception from state and federal governments after a series of bombings and attempted assassinations of government officials. Was forced to meet underground

3. History Progress of the Communist Party was slowed by factional differences in 1928 Executive Secretary: C.E. Ruthenberg Foster-Cannon (Trad e Union Educational League and the International Labor Defense Organization. Stalin’s decision to break off any form of collaboration with western socialist parties resulted in membership dropping from 24000 members in 1928 to 6000 members in 1932 1932- adopted title of Communist Party of the USA Slogan- the united front from below

4. History Communist Party mainly supported the election of Roosevelt in 1932 to push trad e union work During World War II, the Communist Party continued a policy of trade unionism while opposing strike actions at all costs.

5. History Truman administration's loyalty oath program legitimized the notion of Communists as traitors to be exposed and expelled from public and private employment. Red Scare led by William McCarthy caused Communists to lose employment Inspired local governments to seek the same prosecution of Communist party members. FBI prosecuted 11 members of CPUSA on basis that it endorsed a violent overthrow of the government. All found guilty and then over 100 additional were prosecuted CPUSA was outlawed by Congress in 1954 by the Communist Control Act. Not largely enforced due to ambiguity

6. Beliefs Operates on the principle of democratic centralism Members of the party are free to discuss and debate matters of policy, but once the decision is made all members are expected to uphold that decision. Socialism is an extension of American democracy Building socialism would allow elimination of private wealth from stocks and ownership of large corporations

7. Beliefs The class struggle starts with the fight for wages, hours, benefits, working conditions, and job security See imperialism as a form of capitalist development, and thus is wrong. Opposes U.S. involvement in Korean War, Vietnam War, and post September 11 actions in Iraq and Afghanistan The threat of terrorism can not be resolved through war.

8. Beliefs For the working class of all people Supports Enviromental efforts Health care Education Affordable housing Socialism- the only way the exploitation of human beings can stop

9. Beliefs Against Racism- produces division in working class, giving more profits for the capitalist class Male supremacy Homophobia Anti- semitism Members Anyone 18 and older Must belong to eligible labor unions

10. End to Sexism Equal pay for equal work Protection of reproductive rights End to Racism Protested lynching in South Successfully organized Mexican American working class in the Southwestern U.S. Racial discrimination not only harms minorities, but also hurts the working class people of all backgrounds. Opposes racial profiling Supports affirmative action Women/ Minorities

11. Today Headquarters in New York Chairman: Sam Webb About 2,000 members FAR-Left ideals Holds 0 seats in any organization of authority in the U.S. government

12. Immediate Goals $12 / hour minimum wage National Universal Health Care Oppose privatization of Social Security Increased taxes on the rich Strict regulation of business Increased federal aid to cities and states Oppose free trade treaties like NAFTA Public financing of campaigns