revolutionary action movement (ram) - Michael Schwartz Library

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youth would lead the organizing in most of the areas . They would focus on
black college campuses and in anti-draft work but would also be
in community and workplace organizing . 32
involved
The tactics described in the RAM papers varied depending on the kind
of organizing being done but had certain factors in common . In a document
written by cadre in Detroit in 1965, these factors are revealed . The
document described strikes, operation and liquidation, and black revolution
as responses to repression from the state . Strikes are to be defended
with arms .
During stage one of the struggle, black workers and demonstrators
would stage a general strike and massive demonstrations . The state
would not yield to these tactics and would react with force . Strikes were
only effective in hurting the state, they could not destroy it . It was to
be expected that the state would retaliate with scabs and militia . The
workers and the people will do what was necessary, arm and defend themselves,
occupy the plants and maintain control of the streets . The second
stage would use tactics of operation and
liquidation which would mean that
black workers would operate the industrial sector . They would destroy
those things that could not be used to further black liberation but might
be used by the state to crush the movement . The third stage would lead to
the black revolution wherein the class struggle would lead to the final
confrontation with the white power structure .
Black workers have "the
plants, the cities, communication centers, transportation centers and labor
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power while the white man has nothing" but lies and the police .
The tactical themes were : (1) organizing at key places, particularly
32 Black Youth : Vangu ard of the New World , 1964, p . 3 .
33,, Depression Part 111," 1965, pp . 29-30 .