Annual U.S.-ROK (Republic of Korea) combined military exercises are costly and a major obstacle to achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula. And it’s a provocative threat against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Korea solidarity groups in the U.S. have begun a “Global Relay Rally,” in which activists from city…
The following letter from an incarcerated worker in the Pennsylvania prison system was sent by email on Feb. 17 to Joe Piette, a member of the Prisoners Solidarity Committee of Workers World Party. From SCI Pine Grove: Nina Simone famously said: “Alabama got me so upset; Tennessee made me lose…
Incarcerated workers say: ‘Solidarity with Amazon workers!’
The following letters from incarcerated workers in the Pennsylvania prison system were sent by email on Feb. 13 and 15 to Joe Piette, a member of the Prisoners Solidarity Committee of Workers World Party.
From SCI Frackville
As I’ve advised you before, anything that I can do for the people, I will do. At 54 years of age, I’d like to say I did something meaningful with my life and stood for something for the people.
I’m appalled to learn of the working conditions [at Amazon] as well as the low wages there. I find it ironic that, up here in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, they offer $16 to $20 per hour entry level. I say this to give you an idea of what they are willing to pay.
‘Progressive’ prosecutors put thousands of lives at risk
By Ted Kelly posted on February 12, 2021
Philadelphia
The novel coronavirus has claimed an unlikely victim in the United States: the Sixth Amendment. The right to a “speedy trial” is in critical condition.
Philadelphia’s county jail population has risen to 4,500 and is growing steadily. Half of those behind bars have “detainers,” meaning they aren’t eligible for bail, often due to prior convictions. Philly courts have a backlog that has surpassed 13,000 cases.
Car caravan demands “free our people” on April 10, 2020 in Philadelphia. Credit: Joe Piette
Thousands of cases on that backlog are scheduled for a hearing in “Room 200” of Philly’s “criminal justice” building in Center City, a courtroom that does not exist. Room 200 is used as a technical work-around to “schedule” hearings that will not take place.
Philadelphia teachers defy return to classroom order
By Betsey Piette posted on February 10, 2021
Philadelphia
Thousands of Philadelphia public school teachers defied an order from school Superintendent William Hite Jr. to return to their classrooms Feb. 8 for the first time since schools became fully virtual in March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Across the city, educators demonstrated outside closed public school buildings. (tinyurl.com/y2962287) Despite bitter cold, several teachers set up “classrooms” outside individual schools as well as the district headquarters.
Credit: Joe Piette
Around 200 teachers and supporters, organized by WE (Working Educators of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers), rallied outside the Philadelphia Board of Education later in the afternoon. They were supported by members of AFSCME DC 33 Local 427 (Sanitation), BMWED-IBT Local 3012 (Railroad Workers) and Teamsters Local 623 (UPS workers).On Feb. 6, Philadelphia Federation