Now Available on DVD and VHS!
In 2003 Chairman Bob Avakian delivered an historic talk in the United States. This 5-VHS or 4-DVD set, with Spanish translation, combines materials from two amazing events.
This talk, followed by questions and answers, is a wide-ranging revolutionary journey, covering many topics. It breaks down the very nature of the society we live in and how humanity has come to a time where a radically different society is possible. It takes us deep into the heart of the horrors we see around us - from the oppression of whole peoples and parts of the world to what underlies brutal wars of domination; why we live in a world where profound poverty, starvation and exploitation co-exists with unprecedented wealth. From the American nightmare to a sweeping vision of a whole new world, he breaks it all down, and shows how and why a radically different world can be brought forward.
If you've ever questioned why Black people and others are oppressed in America, why some people work with their minds while others slave in back-breaking labor all their lives; if you've wondered about the role of religion in society, or whether the problem is human nature; if you've wondered why the spread of America's so-called freedom and democracy comes wrapped in war and deadly destruction; if you've wondered if a better world is possible - you won't want to miss this talk.
This video/DVD is full of heart and soul, humor and seriousness. It will challenge you and set your heart and mind to flight.
"Just like landmark art work or historically seminal music Bob Avakian's delivery and timing is truly inspiring. The only thing more inspiring is the vision and message he presents to us. Avakian is a revolutionary leader whose voice must be heard far and wide today."
Wil-Dog, Jiro and Uli from Ozomatli
"In times like these, this clear voice for social change is a welcome relief from all the confusion and lies. Listen, and you will truly hear a voice of reason, with sharp analysis and deep understanding, going up against the tide of injustice and oppression. Of crucial importance is the fearless opposition to the rise of the Christian right and its pernicious effect on the political and cultural life in this country. While you might not agree with everything he says, he will challenge you with his insights and a clarion call to what must be done. "
Reverend Earl Kooperkamp,
Pastor,
St. Marys Church, Harlem, NYC
"I highly recommend this talk as a starting place for study or an update to review the Marxist Leninist Maoist approach. Bob Avakian hurls an impassioned, articulate challenge to capitalism and US imperialism. Women's liberation cannot be achieved without defeating these forces, therefore Avakian's presentation is an important contribution."
Carol Downer, Founder, Federation of Feminist Women's Health Centers
"I heard Bob Avakian speak last year on the urgent and timely issue of revolution: why it's necessary, why it's possible, and what must be done to bring revolution about.
"Avakian first gave a history of the oppression, exploitation and devastation of Black people from the enslavement of Africans, through segregation, discrimination and continued racism. Then he enlarged from this to humankind's history, to include all people's trials and tribulations at the hands of capitalism and its greed, arrogance, and abuse of power. He condemned this intolerable, unbearable situation - and then Avakian made very clear that another world is possible. His explanation of the workings of the imperialist system - and how the struggle of the people can get rid of it and replace it with a just and equitable society - was powerful and uplifting.
"With what the world is going through right now, this moment is crucial - and liberation must be international. We must stop U.S. imperialism! We must create a vision of that just and equitable world, and collectively work to make it a revolutionary reality. This speech needs to be heard by others. It could take many more people onto the path toward that world liberation."
Yuri Kochiyama
"As an avowed anarchist, and a committed anti-capitalist, I try to learn from the lessons of history in order to devise better tactics, and recognize viable strategies for overthrowing capitalism. And while I'm an anarchist, I do recognize that in 1917 a small group of revolutionaries did achieve one of, if not the, greatest anti-capitalist transformations in world history. Indeed the Bolshevik Revolution thrilled millions of anti-capitalist anarchists around the world when it occurred, including Emma Goldman. The October revolution was led by a brilliant geo-political analyst, Vladimir Lenin. Having watched this video, I'd say if Lenin were alive today, he'd sound a lot like Bob Avakian. "
Alan Minsky, Senior
Producer at KPFK in Los Angeles
and co-founder of the LA Independent Media Center
"Whatever your political orientation or religious background, this comes across as a challenge that must be heard and wrestled with. There is great depth and seriousness in Bob Avakian's analysis of a situation which most of us have failed to fully recognize. But he is confident that we can create a viable future for the planet. "
Reverend George W. Webber,
President Emeritus,
New York Theological Seminary
"If you care critically about the present state of the world and the world's future you have lived lessons learning why and thought a good while on what needs to be done to change the world. Bob Avakian, an activist and thinker, leads you through a tough course, including beginning lessons and advanced sections, on a critical review and assessment on why the human predicament of today and offers an alternative vision for tomorrow than the one imposed by the system's institution. "
"Bob Avakian, a thinker and activist of remarkable critical insights, sums up the lessons he has learned and the conclusions he has determined during more than thirty years of activism and leadership and guides present and future activists through a tough course which leads to the understanding of the imperatives for a new society. "
Dr. Juan Gómez
Quiñonez,
historian and writer, UCLA