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We had a discussion the other evening among a small group about gun control and the growing youth movement in favor of it. The issue got more complicated by the minute. But in the end, I think the question boils down to: “How should socialists relate to what seems to be a growing movement among some high school students in favor of some sort of increased gun regulation – in particular banning assault weapons?” There was some disagreement, but in general we agreed that our society would be better off if civilians did not possess assault weapons. We also agreed that the police shouldn’t have them either. Then matters get more complicated: How are you going to go about confiscating them in the present political climate, where the NRA gun fanatics/the racists are feeling so powerful and on the offensive? You are going to end up with one shoot out after another, and with a rebellion from among the police themselves, many of whom are also members of these racist groups. Today, being armed to the teeth is normalized among many millions. So, you have to reverse the entire political direction, the entire political climate here in the US. That means developing a political movement that takes up all the basic things that are bothering working class people here – economics, racism, sexism, the environment, jobs... the whole nine yards. Such a political movement will only develop seriously if it is outside of and opposed to the Democratic Party, which would welcome it in in order to smother it. So, that means taking the first steps towards building a mass working class party to oppose both the parties of big business. Read entire article here: https://oaklandsocialist.com/2018/03/01/some-thoughts-on-gun-control/ -- *“How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to give himself up individually to a righteous cause? Such a fine sunny day, and I have to go, but what does my death matter, if through us thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?” *Sophie Scholl, executed by the Nazis 2/22/1943. She was 21 years old. Check out:https:http://oaklandsocialist.com also on Facebook _________________________________________________________ Full posting guidelines at: http://www.marxmail.org/sub.htm Set your options at: http://lists.csbs.utah.edu/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
