Difference between revisions of "International Socialist Organization"
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| − | The '''International Socialist Organization''' or '''ISO''' is a socialist organization in the United States. It has a chapter at Columbia that is recognized by the [[Activities Board at Columbia]]. | + | The '''International Socialist Organization''' or '''ISO''' is a socialist organization in the United States. It has a chapter at Columbia that is recognized by the [[Activities Board at Columbia]]. The organization is led by Monique Dols. |
== National organization == | == National organization == | ||
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== Activities == | == Activities == | ||
| − | The ISO is believed to receive over $1,500 every year from the [[ABC]]. At one point it had 100 members in New York, but its membership has been on the decline. Monthly dues are apparently $20 or "whatever you can pay". The ISO ironically turns capitalistic profits by selling newspapers on campus, including the Socialist Worker, the Obrero Socialista, and the International Socialist Review. | + | The ISO is believed to receive over $1,500 every year from the [[ABC]]. At one point it had 100 members in New York, but its membership has been on the decline. It was recently reported that the ISO now only has 3 members. Monthly dues are apparently $20 or "whatever you can pay". The ISO ironically turns capitalistic profits by selling newspapers on campus, including the Socialist Worker, the Obrero Socialista, and the International Socialist Review. |
| + | |||
| + | == Incident involving Matt Sanchez == | ||
| + | In 2005, [[Matt Sanchez]], the marine and former adult film actor, argued with Monique Dols, the ISO's leader, and her fellow ISO members. Sanchez claims Dols called him "stupid" and a "baby killer". Sanchez officially complained to the administration about the incident and subsequently went on Fox News to tell Bill O'Reilly his version of the events. | ||
== Student opinions of the ISO == | == Student opinions of the ISO == | ||
Revision as of 21:27, 23 March 2007
The International Socialist Organization or ISO is a socialist organization in the United States. It has a chapter at Columbia that is recognized by the Activities Board at Columbia. The organization is led by Monique Dols.
Contents
National organization
The national ISO identifies with the politics of International Socialism and the Marxist political tradition that American socialist writer and activist Hal Draper called "socialism from below". It is based in Chicago and has branches in 37 United States cities, mostly on university campuses.
Ideology
The ISO essentially believes that the government of the United States must be overthrown and socialism established through a violent revolution. Violent revolution will apparently occur when the majority of the people get fed up with the oppression capitalism subjects them to. This majority will move to overthrow the ruling class, and the ruling class will fight back. It will be necessary for the long-suffering majority to take up arms in its own defense. The ISO expects it will be supported by the armed forces because "the vast majority of the army is working class".
Activities
The ISO is believed to receive over $1,500 every year from the ABC. At one point it had 100 members in New York, but its membership has been on the decline. It was recently reported that the ISO now only has 3 members. Monthly dues are apparently $20 or "whatever you can pay". The ISO ironically turns capitalistic profits by selling newspapers on campus, including the Socialist Worker, the Obrero Socialista, and the International Socialist Review.
Incident involving Matt Sanchez
In 2005, Matt Sanchez, the marine and former adult film actor, argued with Monique Dols, the ISO's leader, and her fellow ISO members. Sanchez claims Dols called him "stupid" and a "baby killer". Sanchez officially complained to the administration about the incident and subsequently went on Fox News to tell Bill O'Reilly his version of the events.
Student opinions of the ISO
The ISO has been described as "an effete Marxist-Leninist-Trotskyist" political club. It is considered somewhat of an outcast. In The Fed several years ago, students described it as "crazy", "a total cult", and "a terrorist cell". Its members are only usually popular among the more left-wing people and groups on campus.
