文章基本信息

标题：Remembering Sacco and Vanzetti - anniversary of execution of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti for robbery, which was unjust
作者：Jeff Shantz
期刊名称：Briarpatch Magazine
印刷版ISSN：0703-8968
出版年度：2002
卷号：Oct 2002
出版社：Briarpatch, Inc.

Remembering Sacco and Vanzetti - anniversary of execution of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti for robbery, which was unjust

Jeff Shantz

August 23, 2002 marked the 75th anniversary of the execution of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. The two men had been tried and found guilty of a 1920 payroll robbery that left two people dead. The state had argued that Sacco and Vanzetti were terrorists who carried out the robbery to get money for weapons. Evidence against them only established that they were guilty of selling copies of Luigi Galleani's Cronaca Sovversiva, a newspaper which advocated the deed. Guilt by association was enough. While protests and an international movement to free the men managed to delay the executions for seven years, the state's thirst for blood was not to be denied.

On the evening of the execution mass rallies took place in numerous cities. For decades, the tragedy of Sacco and Vanzetti stood as a testament to the violence of the state and the disregard for real freedom, truth and justice in the so-called liberal democracies. Each year, people gathered to mark the date of the executions and speak out against ongoing exploitation and oppression. Sadly,. over time, the memorials for Sacco and Vanzetti have diminished even in anarchist circles. But a well attended potluck gathering was organized this year in Toronto to mark the 75th anniversary of their executions.

In this age of xenophobic scapegoating and attacks on immigrants and political activists, the memories of Sacco and Vanzetti, their detention, persecution, and eventual murder by the state, remain vitally important. So too are the political ideas and social values which they held so dear, and for which, ultimately, they gave their lives. These are the values of individual liberty, freedom from exploitation and oppression, self-determination and equality.

Jeff Shantz is a member of CUPE Local 3903 and is active in the Toronto General Defence Committee which does support work for political and class struggle prisoners.