New chapter of Socialist Party U.S.A. claims to represent the working class

But the chairman of the newly formed Jackson/Josephine County Local of the Socialist Party U.S.A. figures he is right -- politically.

"We stand for the working people," he said. "We stand for feminism, gay rights, racial equality. We're anti-war.

"We are not communists in any way," he added later. "We know we can't avoid the topic of the `red scare,' not even within our own group. But the people in the left don't support Soviet-style communism. That was a horrible nightmare."

A native of southwestern Oregon, Williams, 33, who works as a short-order cook, said the party intends to provide a voice for the disenfranchised.

"I watched the mills close -- my father had pulled greenchain for 22 years when he was laid off," he said.

The new political group, which held an organizational meeting in Ashland on May 18, is believed to be the first Socialist Party ever based in the region, Williams said. The meetings will be held on the 18th of each month, alternating between Ashland and Grants Pass.

Elected treasurer was Grants Pass resident Mike McCune, a writer. The chapter secretary is Ashland teacher Jill Munn.

In addition to the two local counties, the chapter will also represent Klamath, Douglas, Coos and Curry counties in Southern Oregon as well as nine counties in Northern California.

The local chapter joins similar established factions in Eugene and Portland.

The chapter is not affiliated with the now-defunct Socialist Party of Oregon, he said.

"We want to break up the possibility of a power base," he said. "That's why we want all the different counties involved. We want diversity in our membership."

Noting that he has never before been involved in a political party, Williams said he became involved because of a concern about the future.

For example, he is opposed to sending American troops to foreign soil.

"We need to be mediators and negotiators," he said, adding, "Our country is kind of shaky right now. We're not what we appear to be."

Contrary to the "rosy appearance" presented by television, there are problems of homelessness and child abuse that are largely ignored, he said.

"We do not support militant action," he said. "The message we represent is one of peace and unity. We are radicals but we want to do it as adults. All politics should be civil."

The next meeting will be held June 18 in the boardroom of the Options Building, 1215 SW G St., Grants Pass.

For further information, call Williams at 482-6143 or McCune at 471-3031.