I sit at a bar (Bua, which means “victory” in Irish) thinking about the 30th anniversary of Bobby Sands. Melodic dubstep in the background.
I’ve never stepped foot on the island—never mind the North—but I feel as if it runs through the blood in my veins. As a socialist, a revolutionary, a republican, I naturally feel an allegiance to Bobby and the strikers. But it’s more than that. A feeling—a historical memory—worthwhile of resurrection. Bobbby was a man of conviction, but also a man moved by humanity. He recognized the need for armed struggle, at the time, but also focused on community building and constructing an alternative—something he called socialism. As an Irish-American, I may be utopian, a wishful thinker, or blind, but no matter what, Bobby Sands and what he stood for has motivated me to take the path less taken, and to fight for a day where the laughter of our children will not just be revenge, but enough—a sign of peace. Peace meaning equality for all.
John Cronan Jr. is a restaurant worker of 11 years, organizer, and writer. He is a native of Providence, RI, but has lived in New York City for many years--where he has been involved in labor, student, and environmental organizing. Currently, John is an organizer for the Restaurant Opportunities Center of New York (ROC-NY), a membership based workers’ center dedicated to building worker power and changing conditions in the restaurant industry, as well as overall social transformation; and is a founding member of the new political grouping, Organization for a Free Society. He is also pursuing a Masters degree in Labor Studies at the CUNY Murphy Institute for Workers Education. John is a regular contributor to Znet, and has written and spoken extensively on issues concerning class, economic democracy, environmental justice, radical political theory, movement strategy, and more. His essay, “Did You Just Say Class”, appeared in Real Utopia: Participatory Society for the 21st Century (AK Press, 2008), edited by Chris Spannos.
His interests include sports (especially the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, New England Patriots, Arsenal Gunners, and Celtic FC.), martial arts, good beer and wine, italian food, Revolution, and more.
Contact him (me!) anytime! [email protected]
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