Be interested in Wretch’s work on the organizers who resisted Marcos and the CP. I’m guessing, though, that histories of SNCC and the Civil Rights Movement might have a little more resonance for most Americans. Especially in this moment. I’m thinking of work on the Southern Freedom Movement by Wes Hogan, Taylor Branch, David Halberstam, John Dittmars, Charles Payne. Their histories provide deep insights into the American organizing traditon. Alinsky’s “Rules” on the other hand, is more of a period piece and was always something of a hoot (as was his hortatory bio of John L. Lewis). His stuff isn’t as revelatory/relevant as the work done by Movement historians. (Just as his organizing achievements don’t compare to those of Moes, Bevel, King et. al.)

Wade – I’d urge you to look into what Bob Moses did when he went “inside the iceberg” in Miss in 61 – There’s a moving account in Branch’s “Parting the Waters” – Helps you imagine the kind of patient heroism it took to successfully organize beat-down folks w/o the support of “the strongest tribe” (and with a commitment to non-violence). Fine to appreciuate Petraeu’s achievement. Doubt he would counsel you to downgrade organizing efforts that might have been even more in the American grain…

BTW – As you may know, I’ve invoked the American CR Movement in the course of trying to get a handle on events in Iraq. – http://www.firstofthemonth.org/archives/2005/07/with_friends_li.html

That wasn’t a one-off…Here’s a couple graphs from piece I published in the Winter of 2004, arguing that the U.S. Army – “our country’s most powerful working class institution” – is at this point the chief protector of human rights in Iraq:”…

“I think therefore I doubt Bush and Co.’s commitment to the freedom of Iraqis, but I trust Major Arthurine Jones. A recent NBC story about this African American grandmother who’s currently serving in Iraq in a Civil Affairs unit highlighted her achievements. Major Jones has apparently made a ‘difference’ in the towns where her unit has been working to rebuild schools and playgrounds — Iraqi children who acted like ‘zombies’ have been charmed by ‘Grandma’ Jones. Her commanding officer notes: ‘She’s just got that very loving approch, yet professional. It’s one of the most vibrant tools I have in this command to use.’ His line sounded better than it reads — the ‘tool’ in questoin doesn’t feel she’s being ‘used.’ Major Jones is proud of what she’s doing in Iraq.

While the NBC story invoked the mythos of the Black matriarch, correspondent Kevin Tibbbles didn’t allude to Grandma Jones’ race…Which allowed him to avoid spelling out the implications of his own story. I’m sure Major Jones would allow that her work reconstructing communities in the Sunni Triangle implicitly raises questions about America’s neglect of our own inner city schools and neighborhoods. We need to bring (her version of) the war home.”

Hey Wade – think I can get a gig as O’s speechwriter ?- You know us libs (as per you and Wretch) – always out to turn good intentions to dust…