Another world is possible, another U.S. is necessary!

The theme of the first U.S. Social Forum (USSF), "Another world is possible, another U.S. is necessary!" is both true in itself and a call to take the lead in challenging U.S. policies. It is appropriate, then, that the theme of this issue of Peace and Freedom is Latin America, for the political events affecting our sisters and brothers of the South offer lessons in specific challenges that need addressing, and where we in WILPF can help.

The USSF, held in Atlanta June 27-July 1, 2007, was modeled on the World Social Forums initiated by the South American Left. The fora have brought together activists from every comer of the planet to strategize about organizing across borders to promote fundamental change. The USSF, as John Nichols noted in The Nation online recently, "says radical reform is both a realistic goal and a reasonable one."

The Rise of Polyarchy

In the 1980s and '90s, the U.S. government aggressively intervened in the affairs of numerous Latin American countries, supporting dictatorships to further its own political objectives. Now, in the 21st century, these invasions continue under the guise of "promoting democracy." This shift coincided with the rise of the neoliberal economic project, which essentially ensures that the world is made safe for the unimpeded flow of capital. Only in the neoliberal model, "democracy" has a new definition--polyarchy.

Polyarchy is a system in which a small group of elites actually rules a country, and the majority can choose only to accept or refuse their leadership. This is already the de facto form of government here in the United States, where only the elite can afford the great cost of running for office. Once in power, our elected officials very often stay in power for decades, leaving little room for "new thinking" and voting for what they, and not their constituents, believe.

The United States government has supported polyarchy throughout Latin America by packaging it as democracy, with rhetoric about promoting "the people's voice." In reality, polyarchies co-opt, neutralize, and redirect mass popular democratic movements, and the United States has continually intervened to support them through military action, intelligence operations, and manipulating the media and financial and political channels.

This system was threatened when Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was elected in 1998. The U.S. government responded by backing anti-Chavista forces and supporting the unsuccessful coup against him in 2002, an economic sabotage campaign in 2003, and the unsuccessful referendum to oust him in 2004. The United States opposes Chavez because he has created a democratic, sovereign state that does not need its financial support and openly challenges its policies.

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Despite the myths that are generated through the media, under the Chavez Administration, Venezuela's government is actually more democratic than the United States'. Among the many changes established under the country's new constitution, civil rights have expanded, and Venezuela has become the first country in the world to offer pensions to housewives. It also boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, and is a stable oil partner. Despite the constant efforts to defame Chavez, he has emerged as a leader who exemplifies what can be done when a nation is not under the thumb of the United States.

A Peaceful Revolution

The United States needs a peaceful revolution that mirrors the strides of Venezuela--a revolution in which we are not afraid and believe that we can take back our power. The USSF was the start of such a peaceful revolution. The most diverse gathering of activists ever assembled here, the forum was attended mostly by members of the poor and working class, with women, people of color, and youth well represented. A contingent of more than 30 WILPF members participated in the forum's Women's Tribunal, staged and attended numerous workshops, and convened to share what they learned so it can be incorporated in future WILPF work. Indeed, the overall success of the forum lies in the action plans laid out for the "post forum." Only if we sustain the momentum of that week in Atlanta will we begin to topple the U.S. policies of oppression, racism, and inequality.

Over the past decades, thousands of U.S. groups and organizations have formed to address the many inequities in this country, injustices that affect not just us but the rest of the world. The forum's organizers focused on supporting and solidifying this scattered social-justice movement, presenting plenaries devoted to building alliances among the many grassroots groups in attendance that culminated in a People's Movement Assembly at which regional and issue caucuses presented their resolutions. Activists left with a commitment to organize social forums in their regions, cities, and neighborhoods. It is vital to sustain this momentum, and WILPF must be a strong voice in the continued work of the USSF, both here and in Latin America.

By Chris Morin, president, U.S. WILPF