Steven Sherman's Whats to Be Done? over at Counterpunch provides a magnificent analysis of the situation down in New Orleans and stresses the ways in which the issues that are now facing that communities most vulnerable communities ( Blacks, the poor) reflect broad issues present on the national scene-- and how the progressive community as a whole fails to combine its push to wars on foreign soil( a predominantly white anti-war movement) and the needs and concerns of those communities suffering within the United States of America. Sherman does make a very significant point in emphasizing the critical rift that exists between these two movements, yet I would like to highlight some places where these issues have blended and where there were efforts of TRUE coalition and efforts to unite the issues of Peace and Justice (alas, United for Peace and Justice!).

Firstly, in the late 60s, the cooperation and coalition-building between such presences as the Black Panther Party, the radical Free Speech movement, the anti-war movement, and other progressive movements were real and were points where there was real potential to unite these struggles. Firstly, Huey P. Newton and other Panthers, constantly stressed an anti-war message--indeed making it a part of the Panther campaign. They constantly talked about the injustice of Blacks being used in the military of a country that was hostile to them and showed them no respect and they constantly expressed sympathies and shows of unity with the peoples of Vietnam......THIS is anti-war activism. Also, the personal relationships and coalitions between Black Power radicals and those of other movements were places where seeds were planted and could have been fostered to bring about true and total revolution. The Chicago Seven could have been a perfect vehicle.

I believe the the blending of such figures as Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Abbie Hoffman, Jane Fonda, and others of their ilk and dedicaation could definitely have blossomed into a unified front on the parts of both Labor and workers movements, especially among Blacks and other minorities and the Antiwar effort. These seeds could have been fostered. Is there still such an opportunity? Are there any leaders left with the same integrity, dedication, and will as these people had? I have no clue, but I would definitely like to see it happen.