Episode 53: "Caucus Circus"

Jul 30, 2019

In this edition of Coffee with Comrades, Pearson and Mel are joined by John of the Chicago South-Side DSA, Chicago IWW, UC Labor Council, National Nurses United, and Tenants United, Hyde Park to chat about the upcoming 2019 DSA National Convention. But, first, some current events:  

• William Van Spronsen martyred, but not forgotten.
• Ted Cruz introduces “antifa bill” into the Senate legislature. 
• Indigenous Hawaiian activists face government opposition as they attempt to block a telescope’s construction on sacred land.
• One small win: Trump’s asylum ban was halted this past week in federal courts.
• Puerto Rico’s governor, Ricardo Rosselló, resigns after massive uprising. 

John chats with us about organizing in Chicago, the major caucuses in the DSA, the “big tent” approach to building a mass movement, the evolution of the DSA, ideological tension, diversity of tactics, and the struggles ahead. 

• Follow John on Twitter.
• Scope Symptomatic Redness's analysis of the DSA caucuses John mentions in this episode.
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Music: 

• Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World” by Woody Guthrie 
• Interlude: “Burn it Down ft. Caleb Shomo” by Silverstein 
• Outro: “Fortune Teller” by Stray From the Path