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Long Live
The Anti-WTOers
The first anniversary of
the anti-WTO Battle of Seattle is taking place as we go to press. It is another
illustrious anniversary of the many anniversaries celebrated in our City. In
1919 we had the first general strike in U.S. history In 1934 we joined the
waterfront workers of the entire Pacific Coast and made history by striking
forcing the first wage gain in the Great Depression.
Also in the Thirties we
elected a State Legislature that passed the first “Old Age Pension” in the
U.S. The thirties also saw the birth of the Washington Commonwealth Federation,
a left-wing independent political coalition that prompted an official of the
Roosevelt administration to call the United States composed of 47 states and the
“Soviet of Washington.” It was precedent to the Green party of today.
Before that, during the
first World War, Seattle Wobblies forced the Wilson administration to raise
loggers wages and clean up the logging camps.
Seattle has a proud record
of leading in bettering the lives of workers and people. Therefore, we welcome
those organizing a celebration of the first anniversary of the Battle of
Seattle. May there cause continue to spread around the world. Upon their efforts
may rest the hopes of the people of the world.
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