Tenth Annual United May Day Banquet Held
in Winnipeg
A
capacity crowd of over 200 people attended the tenth annual United May Day Banquet
held in Winnipeg on May 3, 2009 in the beautiful Crystal Ballroom of the
historic Hotel Fort Garry. The evening’s MC welcomed everyone to the event,
pointing out that it was workers who built the hotel, labored in it and created
the meal, so it was only fitting that workers should also enjoy beautiful
surroundings and the wonderful food.
Following
the dinner, a program of discussion was organized. Over 20 individuals,
representing virtually every current of the Left in Winnipeg, were invited to
speak for two minutes each on one of three topics: Reform or revolution?; Does
the Left need a new revolutionary organization?; or, What the hell is wrong
with the Left? Speakers approached the questions with a combination of humour and seriousness that had the participants both
laughing and pondering the burning questions of the day.
The
evening wrapped up with musical performances by a number of very talented
musicians. The general consensus was that the program struck a good balance
between politics and entertainment and that everyone thoroughly enjoyed
themselves.