Revolution #226, March 6, 2011


The following is from the Prisoners Revolutionary Literature Fund (PRLF):

An Appeal to Prisoners from the Prisoners Revolutionary Literature Fund:
Popularize and build support for the publication of BAsics

"The whole point of principle is that you have to fight for it when it is not easy to do. There is no need for principle if the only time it is applied is when it doesn't matter."—Bob Avakian

"No more generations of our youth, here and all around the world, whose life is over, whose fate has been sealed, who have been condemned to an early death or a life of misery and brutality, who the system has destined for oppression and oblivion even before they are born. I say no more of that."—Bob Avakian

"If you don't have a poetic spirit—or at least a poetic side—it is very dangerous for you to lead a Marxist movement or be the leader of a socialist state."—Bob Avakian

On April 11, the book BAsics, from the Talks and Writings of Bob Avakian, will be released and celebrated with a major event in New York City: "On the Occasion of the Publication of BAsics: A Celebration of Revolution and the Vision of a New World."

As Revolution #225 said, "BAsics will concentrate more than 30 years of Avakian's work on everything standing between humanity and complete emancipation into a single concise book of essential quotes and short essays." Thousands of dollars are needed to publish the book and stage this event, as well as fund getting 2,000 copies of BAsics to those behind bars.

Other prisoners have written about how important Avakian is:

"The last grade I completed of school was the 7th. I've accumulated a dozen 'violent felonies' trying to live as long as I have, inside and outside prison. Fortunately, I'll be released in a couple years. If it hadn't been for discovering MLM (Marxism-Leninism-Maoism) and the support and inspiration Chairman Avakian and the RCP have provided, I don't know what the f___ I'd do with my life once they release me from their clutches, except fall back into the same mode of hustlin' and jackin' or trying to gain an advantage over my fellow proletarians for the crumbs we snatch from each other trying to survive and feed ourselves."

"As I continue to languish away in just one of the many 'barracoons' that have been systematically laced across this country, I continue to engage & grapple with the revolutionary works of Bob Avakian. Bob Avakian has put & continues to put many of things in perspective for me. This great leader continues to challenge & inspire me to acquire & apply a revolutionary scientific outlook & method. I now understand & realize that my struggle is not one of a 'personal' struggle, but is linked with millions & millions of people across the globe."

"...this is what Bob Avakian is saying. Humans must develop their positive characteristics and struggle with their negative ones, because no amount of prayer to an imaginary friend will do it for them. We must forge the present into a better future if we wish to live in a world where relationships aren't based on mutual exploitation."

"You guys have a gold mine on your hands. Bob Avakian is no joke. It must be all those years of struggle that allows him to put down his orientation so lively. He has what it takes to indulge millions. Would love to rap with him...Let me tilt the revolutionary rose for now. Love you guys. Remain vigilant."

We encourage prisoners to spread the word about BAsics, including among family and friends on the outside and urge them to donate to its publication and dissemination.

Donations can be made online at www.PRLF.org, or sent to:
Prisoners Revolutionary Literature Fund
Attn: BAsics
1321 N. Milwaukee Ave. #407
Chicago, IL 60622

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Basics
What Humanity Needs
From Ike to Mao and Beyond