Why is everything so fucked up? Why are people killing and dying needlessly, and why is so much of our treasure being wasted on this endeavor? Why are so many unemployed and underemployed, and why are so many of the employed just barely able to make ends meet? Why is it that we are all one serious illness away from destitution? Why can't a kid read or do simple arithmetic when he graduates from high school? Why are two million incarcerated even as crime rages unabated?
Why have the forces of evil seemingly gathered such strengh?
I'll tell you why. It's because they are organized and we are not.
We need to come together. Whether it's the general strike or a rent strike or a debt strike, we need to stand as one and send a message. But we cannot do any of this because we are intent on letting
them divide and conquer us. I say BASTA! Enough! Organize!
DO something on a massive, organized scale!
The Great American Sickout is on December 7, January 7, February 7, March 7... right on through Election Day, November 7.
(Sung to the tune of "Battle Hymn of the Republic")
Solidarity forever!
Solidarity forever!
Solidarity forever!
For the union makes us strong
When the union's inspiration
through the workers' blood shall run,
There can be no power greater
anywhere beneath the sun.
Yet what force on earth is weaker
than the feeble strength of one?
But the union makes us strong.
<chorus>
They have taken untold millions
that they never toiled to earn,
But without our brain and muscle
not a single wheel can turn.
We can break their haughty power;
gain our freedom when we learn
That the Union makes us strong.
<chorus>
In our hands is placed a power
greater than their hoarded gold;
Greater than the might of armies,
magnified a thousand-fold.
We can bring to birth a new world
from the ashes of the old
For the Union makes us strong.
<chorus>
It was we who plowed the prairies
built the cities where they trade
dug the mines and built the workshops
endless miles of railroad laid
yet we stand unemployed and hungry
'midst the wonders we have made
But the union makes us strong.
<chorus>
For what ought we hold in common
with the greedy parasite
who would lash us into bondage
and would crush us with his might
is there anything left to us
but to organize and fight?
For the union makes us strong
<chorus>
Stand strong. Stand together.