[The following is a draft statement of shared principles and
purpose of the Committees of Correspondence, issued for public
discussion on June 1, 1992.]
WHERE WE STAND
- A declaration of principles of the Committees of Correspondence
Goals and Vision.
We are motivated by the profound conviction that our country
needs a humane alternative to the anti-human system of
capitalism. For the majority of working people, and especially
racially and nationally oppressed people, this system does not
work. After the 1980s Decade of Greed, the top 1 percent of
wealth-holders have more property than the bottom 90 percent.
Capitalism is fundamentally militarist, elitist, racist, sexist,
homophobic and destructive of the environment on which all life
depends.
The tragic consequences are human and individual: ever more
numerous homeless, the majority of them children; millions
trapped in low-wage, dead-end jobs, and millions more unemployed,
two-thirds of whom never receive unemployment insurance; one in
seven Americans without health insurance.
Instead of promoting community, capitalism pits people against
each other, to the detriment of us all; it criminally abuses
women and children in the name of "family values." Our national
resources continue to be senselessly squandered on preparations
for war.
This looting of society and nature casts a shadow of pessimism
across the land, shattering parents' dreams of a better future
for their children.
There is a spiritual crisis; a profound alienation of people from
institutions unresponsive to their needs.
This crisis can only be addressed by radical democratization, the
realization of full equality, the empowerment of people to
control all aspects of decision making affecting their daily
lives, making institutions, public and private, advance their
well-being. Only a massive and organized popular movement can
turn our country onto a saner path.
* We are for full employment; universal health care; quality,
multicultural public education and child care.
* We are for affirmative action and massive infusion of resources
into cities and other areas as steps toward freedom of people
from racial and national oppression. Without justice, there is no
peace.
* We are for economic, political and social equality of women and
for reproductive rights and freedom from sexual harassment.
* We defend democratic principles embodies in the Bill of Rights,
which are being dangerously eroded.
* We advocate disarmament, the universal abolition of nuclear
weapons and peacetime conversion.
* We will work with people around the world to preserve, protect and
restore the environment.
* We believe that in the long run there must be a fundamental
realignment of the political system, new electoral initiatives and
the creation of new vehicles to attain political empowerment.
Our vision has an international dimension, seeking ties and
cooperation with popular movements and working-class organizations
in all countries.
We view socialism as the struggle for democracy carried to its
logical conclusion. Our vision is not a utopia, but a practical
response and solution to the contradictions of capitalist
society. We will continue to participate in the ongoing public
discussion of how to redefine socialism in light of world
experience and contemporary realities. We welcome all those who
would like to participate with us in this exploration, while we
struggle together to address the immediate problems of our
people.
We suggest the following characteristics for U.S. socialism: A
society where the promise of democracy is fulfilled by the
practice of self-government. A society of social justice, which
guarantees employment, housing, education and health care as
human rights. A society which preserves and builds upon all
previous economic and scientific achievements, and which step-by-
step redistributes the vast wealth and power now held in a few
hands.
* * *
Theoretical framework.
This socialist vision is informed and nourished by the Marxist
view of history. People make their own history, based upon their
needs, circumstances and understanding of the necessity to
struggle to transform society. Organization and theory are tools
for reshaping reality.
We recognize and respect the right of members to think
independently about all questions. This frees theory from being
"officialized," made into a dogma, which tends to lead to its
degeneration. Marxism, like any other science, requires freedom
of thought and inquiry, the clash of opposing views. Its
integrity is preserved by the standards of internal consistency,
inclusiveness and testing through practice which govern all
science.
Marxism arose, historically, from revolutionary movements for
democracy. It is still evolving. Marxists continue to have much
to learn from people who approach the problems of society from
other theoretical frameworks. As Marx said, only change is
permanent. We appreciate the continuing distinct contributions of
liberation theology, environmentalism, feminism, theories of non-
violent resistance and multiculturalism, whose proponents
cultivate the common ground for struggle. People with such views
are welcome in this organization on an equal basis. We impose no
ideological litmus tests and do not make adherence to Marxism a
pre-condition for participation.
Therefore, we are both Marxist and pluralist. We believe
different strands of socialist and democratic thought can coexist
and enrich each other within the context of a shared political
program and practice.
* * *
Who We Are.
This organization is open to all people on the basis of its
program. Our concern is to advance the true interests of the
nation and its people.
We are partisan to the working class of all races and
nationalities, occupations and industries, who are the immense
majority. We believe that the development of capitalism gives the
working class and its organizations a unique role as an engine of
progress.
Our partisanship requires relentless struggle for the equality of
all racially and nationally oppressed peoples -- African
Americans, Mexican American/Chicanos, Puerto Ricans, Caribbean
Americans, Asian and Pacific Island peoples, Native American
Indians, people of Middle Eastern origin. We recognize the
enormous contribution of the African American freedom struggle as
inseparable from and essential to all struggles for democracy and
social progress.
We are uncompromising partisans of the complete equality of women
in society and at home. Women, through their numbers,
organization and participation in every type of progressive
movement, have become a critical force for change in society, in
our organizations and in personal relations.
We believe that progressive social change requires struggle. We
are an organization of grassroots activism, committed to
electoral and non-electoral forms of activity.
We are internationalist, anti-racist, anti-sexist and multi-
generational.
We struggle against homophobia and for gay and lesbian rights.
We seek the full participation of young people and are energized
by the militancy and justifiable rage of a generation who are
being robbed of their future.
We are committed to an organization which is from its inception
multiracial and multinational, and recognize that this requires
ongoing attention and effort.
We practice the democracy we preach. Our leadership is elected by
and accountable to the membership. We arrive at major decisions
through free discussion at all levels. Our practice is open,
tolerant and mutually supportive. We strive for consensus
whenever possible.
We seek an atmosphere which fosters the study and development of
theory and the acquisition of organizing skills.
* * *
Relations With Others.
Socialists can only proceed towards their goals, both short and
long term, together with others. We do not seek for ourselves any
special or privileged status. We do not believe that any one
group has a monopoly on wisdom. Diversity is a source of strength
and insight.
In our relations with others, we are governed by the principles
of mutual respect and honest dialogue. We are willing to explore
differences openly and to engage in critical and self-critical
exchanges.
We look forward to cooperating with all democratic and
progressive groups.
We always seek the broadest unity to achieve immediate goals.
Counterposing socialism to reform can only damage efforts at
reform and doom socialism to marginalization. We do not seek to
compete with, control or supplant the many movements for reform.
We especially seek out dialogue, discussion and cooperation with
other left and socialist organizations, and with socialist-minded
people who are not affiliated. Together we can make socialism a
significant factor in the political life of the country.
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Committees of Correspondance, 11 John St., Rm 506, NY, NY 10038
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Northern California Office 522 Valencia, San Francisco 94110
(415) 863-6637
