Brazilian workers revolt

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Why then, is Carter so widely regarded as doomed to be no more than a one-term President, while Kennedy is seen as the answer to the problems of US capitalism?

Clearly the complete inability of Carter or his energy plan to win any support from the working class is a major factor.

•Figurehead US capitalism needs a figurehead President who can balance more adeptly between the demands of the working class and the real power of the monopolies.

Kennedy in this sense offers the only hope in either party of a populist, nationalist approach The dictatorship of General - Joao Figueiredo was further shaken last week by a 'revolt' of some 20,000 construction workers in Belo Horizante capital of the state of Minas Gerais.

The riots started after the workers were locked out of a stadium where they were to ratify the mass decision taken the previous day to call an immediate strike in support of a 110% wage demand.

This decision had been taken against the advice of the union leadership which, after nine hours street fighting, one death and 50 injuries, was obliged to support the rank and file position.

National union leaders including Luis Macio de Silva ('Lula'), were flown in to control the strike and negotiate terms.

The wages of construction workers in Belo Horizante are well beneath the bread line' and have risen only 44% in the last year whilst the cost of living index has risen by 55%.

Local journalists call Minas Gerais "Starvation City" and the desperation of the urban masses has reached such a point that the government has deliberately desisted from reacting with violence for fear of unleashing a city wide revolt.

Ten unions in Minas Gerais have issued a communique of solidarity with the struggle of the 100,000 construction workers which follow that of the teachers two months ago when the police rapidly moved to repress any mobilisation.

This time the police have been manifestly reluctant to intervene and some were seen moving out of areas taken over by rioters.

The upturn in working class combativity initiated by the strike of the Sao Paulo steel workers has shown no sign of slackening and has compelled Figueirredo to accelerate his plans for 'democracy" in order to hold 'the bourgeoisie together in a period of increasing advances by the masses. 'solution' involving the army will be trenchantly resisted by the masses.

on Indeed the commander of the Army has been sufficiently cowed to suggest that Banzer be put on trial for the crimes of his dictatorship.

There is no doubt that the crisis will deepen for even if a 'victor" is finally selected in an orderly manner, the very heterogeneity of the party alliances, the critical state of the economy and the continued mobilisation of the masses threaten the wholesale collapse of the electoral manoeuvre.

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IST RES S, Wed 8 Au