The War in Iraq: What does Marx have to do with it?

By Caleb T. Maupin
Berea, Ohio
Published Sep 12, 2007 11:26 PM
Fred Goldstein, a leader of Workers World Party, spoke at a meeting at Baldwin-Wallace College on Sept. 7 on “The War in Iraq: What does Marx have to do with it?”

“Marxism is a science and a method. Some in academia see it as something interesting to study and write about. We in Workers World Party see it as a tool in the hands of the oppressed.” Goldstein, standing in front of a huge banner reading, “Stop the War,” told an audience of Cleveland Area Activists and Baldwin-Wallace Students.

The FIST (Fight Imperialism, Stand Together) club of Baldwin-Wallace College sponsored the event, with the space provided by the political science department.

Attendees of the event included people from the World Can’t Wait organization, supporters of the International Bolshevik Tendency, students from Case Western Reserve University, as well as Workers World Party and FIST members, and B-W students and faculty.

Goldstein’s talk laid out the basic reasons that Marxists are in opposition to the war in Iraq. He covered the history of bloody U.S. interventions on behalf of the bankers and capitalist class, as well as the hypocrisy of notions such as a “war on terror” and a “war for democracy.”

After the speech, several of the attendees had lengthy discussions with Goldstein over dinner at a local all-night restaurant. Some said they would step up anti-war activities during September, when there are actions planned for Washington, D.C.

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