The policies, programs and priorities of the US government in dealing with the economy have always favored the rich over the needs of the masses of working class and poor people. Corporate deregulation, free trade agreements, anti-labor, anti-immigrant and racist, sexist and homophobic laws, along with massive spending on unjust wars, have helped to bring about the current crisis in the US and global economy. The massive unemployment is a major aspect of the crisis facing the US working class. Some estimate the real unemployment at 25 million and growing. Youth unemployment, especially among African Americans is over 40 percent.

More than 2 years ago, the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, exposed corporate greed and US government racism and neglect of conditions to protect the poor, working class and majority Black population in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast.