What's the star?

or, an explanation of socialism.

Some would say that the red on the star is the blood of the workers – I say that the red star represents the twinkle in the eye of the optimistic and idealist. It’s red because it’s been burned by the realities and constraints of this world – the George Dubya’s, the Paul Martin’s, the sell-outs to capitalism. But it’s the shimmer and twinkle of the star that keeps on shining no matter how tainted the world gets.

Thus, the red star on this website is both a symbol for international solidarity with socialists around the globe, but also the logo for something more at heart – the tattered, beaten, wounded and still charged spirit that I believe I’ve inherited through generations of class struggles.

The squiggle in the middle of the star is further representation of that generation tie – it’s my signature turned on its side – representing my family history and the generations who have weathered this world before me. Some would say it reads GL-DOT – others, an unpronounceable ode to those who have come before me and who have not lost hope that right will finally be victorious over injustice.

Here are some of the socialists in the world:

• James Pratt – James just wanted mention here. he got it. and yes, he’s a raging socialist.
• Joan Baez – Joan was one of the pioneers of the peace movement of the 1960s – at least pioneering the popular culture phenomenon that was the 60s peace song.

‘

• Jack Layton – Jack’s not ashamed to identify as a socialist. And he’s leader of the only real socialist challenge in Canada to the neo-liberal government in power.
• Betty Friedan – Betty’s take of the struggle for women in modern times is a necessity for any socialist understanding of this world.
• Che Guevara – Ernesto “Che” Guevara was a revolutionary, but his work is not solely with his militancy. Check out his writings for a deep understanding of what capitalism has done through colonialism et al.
• Tori Amos – Tori may not identify as a socialist, but how could she not when she started RAINN and sings of the horrors of George W.? She’s also an activist for justice for First Nations peoples, being part Cherokee herself.
• George Orwell – many people misinterpret “Animal Farm” and “1984″ as being anti-socialist. Rather, George Orwell (the pen name of Eric Blair) was a dedicated socialist who saw corruption in all forms of government and wrote of the horrors of it.

There are more socialists out there. These are just the honourary members of club 300. Become one yourself! Enroll in a political science class, find something to get active about (check out activist.ca for ideas) and turn this world around!

And Always: Hasta la victoria siempre!