Socialists visible on campus

If the multitude of fliers advertising events and meetings organized by socialist-related campus groups are any sign, it seems the leftists are experiencing quite a heyday this year.

Currently three groups represent the socialist perspective on campus: the International Socialist Organizations (ISO), Oberlin Labor Militants and the Student Labor Action Coalition (SLAC). The Oberlin Socialist Student Union (OSSU), which has been active in past years is currently inactive because they didn't turn in a budget to SFC for the year. Nevertheless, socialists on campus sure have a chance to shop around.

The socialist movement in Oberlin has gained momentum in the past two years. In 1996 the ISO was formed to provide a more activist approach to socialism in Oberlin. Along with the Oberlin Labor Militants, it has developed a presence in Oberlin selling newspapers, providing debates, and speaking to the working class in the surrounding community.

Up until a few years ago, the Democratic Socialist Association (DSA) and a Marxist readers' club were the mainstream socialist groups on campus. "They fell apart due to a lack in activism," said ISO president and college junior Gillian Russom. "They would have meetings and discuss politics, but they wouldn't do anything about them."

"Interest in the ISO has always been present," said Russom. "We would have more than 50 people attend our first meeting each year." Mainly people would come to see "what it's about, an explanation of how the world works, and how it could be different," she said.

Recently, though, people have expressed an increased interest in socialism due to the Asian financial crisis. "Look at the headlines," said Russom, pointing to a New York Times article entitled "Clinton Appeals for Joint Attack in Economic Crisis." "People are looking for answers," she said.

"We only have eight members currently," said Russom. "But our paper might make students think ISO is larger than we are." Actually, their array of activities might make the socialists appear more formidable than they are. In addition to their paper sale, the ISO alone has sponsored a Clinton debate, spoke with dining hall workers and concerned students, and supported the 170 railroad workers in Lorain who were recently laid off.

Their continuing activism includes cooperation with Oberlin Students United for Reproductive Freedom (OSURF) in abortion rights activism, EHRI in addressing welfare cuts and SLAC. Next semester they plan to pursue activism against the death penalty in Ohio.

"There has been a tremendous rise in interest outside Oberlin, though," said Russom. "The upper-middle class students don't have their lives affected as immediately as the surrounding community."

ISO and the Labor Militants try to work together as closely as possible for the furthering of their common interests. "We think it's of decisive importance for socialists to be integrated in the real struggles of the working class," said Labor Militants president Philip Locker.

Labor Militants takes a more leftist view than ISO. This group takes particular interest in the living standards of workers and students. "For the past 25 years the vast majority of Americans have seen their standard of living attacked," said Locker.

"We believe we need to build a fight back that defends the interests of the vast majority of the people," said Locker. As the word militant suggests, this group plans on taking some decisive action.

The Labor Militants claim their party is the alternative to the Democrats and Republicans. "Workers and young people need our own party which can act as a vehicle for millions of workers and young people to begin to get involved in building a political movement. To defend our interests and ultimately to take power and reorganize society on new lines," said Locker.