May Day

Vanguard May 2012 p. 3

On May 1^st, the Australian working class has the opportunity to consider its present position and the reality of facing a developing capitalist economic crisis and all that goes along with it. Recognising this brings about understanding the need for the working class to prepare its own defence and to raise its own class interests.

The view of the Communist Party of Australia (Marxist-Leninist) is that this is ultimately a struggle for socialism, but one that must be waged in stages.

The interests of the working class lie in uniting around itself the broadest sections of the Australian masses, on the basis of the actual conditions of Australia. This means bringing together workers, farmers, Indigenous Australians and other sections of the population in struggle against the common enemy, the decisive section of capitalism in Australia, foreign imperialist dominated monopoly capitalism, led by US-based financial institutions and multinational corporations.

This means fighting for a genuinely democratic and independent Australian republic, which for the working class will provide a foundation on which to build a socialist society. A society where each contributes to their ability and each has the right to share in the benefits of collective effort; where political power rests in the hands of the working class and mass participation from below.

On May 1^st it is rightfully recognised that Australia exists in the world context. And this is a predominantly capitalist world, in the grip of the imperialist powers. Capitalist economic and political crisis are deepening.

(Above: Adelaide's 2011 May Day march led by the Eureka, red and Aboriginal flags)

The global system of capitalism and imperialism increasingly resorts to open suppression and violence. Deception is also widely used.

Class struggle is intensifying around the world. This struggle is waged in widely differing conditions and by different methods It is in the interests of the Australian working class and people in general to stand with all those who fight against the imposition of capitalist imperialism, exploitation and predatory war.

The main overall task is to advance the unity of anti-imperialist forces and strengthen the capacity for mass struggle. We in Australia can play our small part in this.

There should be great confidence in the future. There may be hardships. There will also be opportunities to make great advances. With the courage to face adversity, willingness to act, to unite together in common cause, to maintain clear sightedness on the road ahead, nothing will stop the irresistible tide of history.