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January 2, 2004 | Issue 480

NO TO WAR AND OCCUPATION

Nightmare continues in Iraq
This isn't liberation
The Washington warriors thought that they had finally scored a victory by "getting their man." But within weeks, it was clear that the nightmare of the occupation of Iraq continues.

Mad cow crisis exposes bosses' greed
Putting lives at risk for profit
After the revelation that a cow in the U.S. was infected with mad cow disease, U.S. officials sprang into action--mounting a campaign to protect the beef industry bosses, rather than consumers.

SPECIAL FEATURES

When the U.S. government supported Saddam Hussein
The crimes of a U.S. ally
The Bush administration claims that it wants to see Saddam Hussein put on trial for his many crimes. But will the U.S. officials who helped Saddam rise to power and supported his dictatorial rule be punished?

The Zapatista uprising: Ten years later
Ten years ago, more than 2,000 guerrillas seized four towns in the state of Chiapas in Mexico, the beginning of an uprising that would become celebrated around the world.

The impact of the Massachusetts gay marriage decision
"A step toward equality"
How will the Massachusetts decision giving gays and lesbians the right to marry impact the wider struggle for gay rights? Socialist Worker asks activists and people affected by the Goodridge decision.

WHAT WE THINK

U.S. capture of Saddam Hussein is about anything but justice
Put Washington on trial
Isn't the world better off with Saddam Hussein behind bars? That's the claim of the Bush administration--as well as some people who opposed Bush's war. Are they right?

Is there a real alternative in 2004?
The backbiting and maneuvering among the Democrats show once again the need for a real political alternative to the Washington status quo. But will a serious left-wing challenge emerge?

NATIONAL NEWS

California sets execution
Don't let the state murder Kevin Cooper
The state of California is set to execute Kevin Cooper on February 10 at San Quentin State Prison. But opponents of the death penalty are organizing to fight for Kevin's life.

Courts rule against U.S. policy of indefinite detentions
A setback for Bush's attack on our rights
The civil liberties shredders of the Bush administration didn't get what they wanted for Christmas. Two separate federal court decisions struck a blow to the Bush gang's policy of indefinite detentions.

Ashcroft wanted blood...
Virginia jury rejects death for Malvo
In a setback for prosecutors and politicians who whipped up hysteria around the recent trial, a Virginia jury refused to sentence sniper suspect Lee Boyd Malvo to death.

Morning-after pill closer to approval
Despite an all-out attack by the religious right, two advisory committees have recommended that the "morning-after" contraception pill be made available without a prescription.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Palestinian lives count for less
Media ignores Israeli atrocities
The U.S. media establishment proved once again last week that it places far more value on an Israeli life than a Palestinian one.

ON THE PICKET LINE

Grocery workers challenge leaders' strategy in El Monte
UFCW strike at crossroads
Defying leaders of the United Food and Commercial Workers union, rank and filers at a grocery distribution center decided to maintain their picket line in the big Southern California supermarket strike and lockout.

Reformers shock UAW by winning National Writers Union election
"We're about restoring democracy"
An opposition reform slate swept the National Writers Union election by a 2-1 margin in a victory that stunned its parent union, the United Auto Workers.

On the picket line
Wisconsin state workers; Metropolitan Transit Authority

NEWS FROM THE STRUGGLE

News and reports
Stop police torture and the death penalty; Stop California's cuts

OUR READERS SPEAK OUT

Sick truth about the "war on drugs" in Maryland
A racist injustice system
Some 28 percent of the state's population is African American, but they comprise 68 percent of drug arrests, 76 percent of the prison population and 90 percent of those incarcerated for drug offenses.

Letters to the editor
Ashcroft's "terrorism" net snares innocent; Voting Kucinich would help the Greens; "Our country is not for sale"; Root for rebellion, not for France's navy; Harlem residents lose in plan

REVIEWS

An interview with musician Ted Leo
Where have the rude boys gone?
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are a rarity in the world of independent music today. They're bringing punk rock back to its roots of music with a message.

Behind the failed coup in Venezuela
The documentary The Revolution Will Not Be Televised is a remarkable up-close look at the attempted right-wing coup in Venezula and the popular movement that stopped it.

America's history of surveillance and repression
Christian Parenti's new book The Soft Cage puts government surveillance in a historical context that is both terrifying and illuminating.

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