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At 17:24 17/12/10 -0500, Louis Proyect wrote: > >On 12/17/10 4:41 PM, Jeff wrote: > >> You are called the "moderator" so that you can MODERATE the discussion, not >> outlaw it! >> > >Because the people participating have a history of going ballistic when >such a topic comes up. Well all cynicism aside, where does that leave us? I think that these issues are of critical importance and shouldn't be beyond discussion. And I can understand "going ballistic." I could go ballistic when I see "Marxists" going along with racism, for instance. Or Marxists supporting religion instead of promoting science. Or participating in the oppression of women. Those are all good reasons for "going ballistic" in my book. What you need is to ask for a civil discussion in which, for instance, Dan and David Thorstad can argue why their position isn't co-opting racism. And where the rest of us can argue why we aren't supporting religion or the oppression of women. And get to the issues. After all, this is a major -- if not defining -- issue facing countless organizations including the NPA. Given that I had been hopeful about the NPA but fear that they might "blow it," I consider it plausible that their orientation toward these questions could have major historical ramifications, at least if you believe that France is an important country (yes, I realize that Holland isn't). >Brecht said something about dissolving the people >and electing another. Now without hiding behind humor and cynicism, I wonder if Lou can come forth with some clear idea of how important issues (i.e. ones that cause people INCLUDING ME to "go ballistic") can be discussed. Or do we just stick with "safe" issues? :-( - Jeff ________________________________________________ Send list submissions to: Marxism@lists.econ.utah.edu Set your options at: http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
