140 years ago, the young American working class—along with their proletarian comrades across the world—engaged in a struggle for the 8-hour day. Led by communists, Marxists, and other revolutionary class-fighters, millions of workers fought to wrangle a portion of their waking days away from the capitalists. Many gave their lives. This is why millions of workers across the globe still celebrate May 1st as International Workers' Day; to commemorate the struggles our class has waged and mourn the blood we have shed in the fight for a better world.

Today, the American working class is rediscovering its revolutionary traditions. Millions are seething with rage at the hubris of the Epstein class. With sky-high inflation, the most unpopular war in US history, and the Epstein revelations, more workers than ever are drawing radical conclusions. This renewed class rage is desperately looking for an expression.

In lieu of one, it is bound to come out in a spontaneous, confused, and even violent way. Millions resonated with Chamel Abdulkarim when he set his employer’s warehouse on fire and said “All you had to do was pay us enough to live.” Millions have felt that same burning hatred towards the extreme cost-of-living crisis and dirt-low wages. 

For decades, many union leaders in this country have dismissed May Day precisely because of its communist and revolutionary heritage. But this year, given the growing pressure from below, they are being forced to back May Day actions across the country. The Minneapolis Strike on January 23rd showed that class anger is brewing beneath the surface across the US. 

As we explain in this issue of The Communist, union leaders and the DSA should use the May Day actions to prepare the ground for a wider General Strike, clearly explaining that inflation, War, anti-democratic attacks, and the depravities and power of the Epstein class are all causes of a sick system which must be overturned.

All of this and more is covered in The Communist Issue #23. 

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If you’re committed to seeing the end of capitalism in your lifetime, if you’re part of a rapidly growing communist generation, this is your paper. If you're ready to take that step, join today to become a member of the RCA.