Dear readers,

The political situation is again intensifying, and along with it the tasks of the World Socialist Web Site, and we need your financial support.

In his concluding comments at the Ann Arbor meeting on The Threat of Fascism and How to Fight It, WSWS International Editorial Board Chairman David North made a critical political point. "The next stage of development among the masses of workers in the United States will not be to the right; it will be to the left."

Social inequality is growing. The vast majority confront varying levels of economic distress and insecurity. This is a broad basis for a socialist movement. The past year has already seen significant signs of a resurgent movement of the working class, in the United States and internationally.

The ruling class, terrified of the consequences, is moving to the right, promoting fascistic political movements, resorting to authoritarian forms of rule, arresting Julian Assange and attacking democratic rights.

The great political challenge is the building of a socialist movement in the working class. "The challenge," North said, "is to provide that great mass of the working population with a political program, with a perspective. Fascism does not just waltz into power. It is the punishment for the failure of the working class to create that leadership."

The World Socialist Web Site is dedicated every day to the development of a socialist consciousness in the international working class.

We must expand. Our efforts must be intensified. For this, we require financial resources. Please make as large a donation as possible today.