Jim Devine:
It sure seems that we could also spend time on such things as the
principles of socialism (i.e., what are we really for, anyway?) but some
object to that. I recently received a series of off-list insults from one
who didn't want to discuss socialism from below (the socialist
philosophy that I adhere to), invoking his or her long and highly
effective life as a political activist to justify this rejection.
In fact, there is a discussion going on over on Marxmail by members of
Solidarity, a group that is in the socialism from below tradition. I
welcome pen-l'ers to look at our archives to see how useful such a
discussion can be when it is rooted in the day-to-day experience of
activists. Here's a sample exchange between 2 people in their 20s, who are
deeply committed to democratic socialism:
--- Alex LoCascio [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Plain and simple, there exists a minority but nonetheless hugely
influental current within Solidarity, emerging from the Draper wing,
for whom trade union work, and only trade union work, is the
all-encompassing focus for any socialist organization.
I won't deny this, but I think we're beginning to move beyond it. I
myself am not in a union, being a professional geek. I'm a political
activist. Most comrades in Atlanta are of the same ilk, and there's
been no pressure to change our focus.
I think what Solidarity is realizing, though maybe not saying as much
as we should, is that it's going to take a variety of different work to
accomplish what we want. It's going to take trade union work, but it's
going to also take political activism, educational work, student work,
etc. You can't--and this is the failure of the SWP and other
sects--rely on just *one* focus if you want to build a broad movement.
The success or failure of the Solidarity regroupment project (and
frankly, I'm of the opinion that it's time to cut one's losses,
though I'd welcome evidence to the contrary) ultimately hinges upon
it's ability to have a rational discussion of these failures, rather
than just assuming that anyone lobbing these critiques just wants to
shit on the lifelong work of some people (Solidarity's record on
welcoming internal dissent, rather than engaging in high-school like
pariah politics and ostracism, is not very good).
I think regroupment is a success, but it's a long-term project. There's
no way to just say hey! wanna regroup! and have everyone jump on
board. You have to take it as it comes.
Alex, I don't think I disagree with you. I think any disagreement we
may have comes out of our viewpoint of Solidarity's potential. I think,
given the nature of the organization, we have room to do great things.
In Atlanta, we *are* doing great things. In the few short months since
three of us got together and formed a twig, we've become a major
force on the Left here.
I think your criticisms are perfectly legit, but it's something that is
capable of being repaired. I don't think Solidarity's work in Labor
Notes and TDU is something to be dismissed, but you're absolutely
right, it's not something that can be the *basis* of all Solidarity
activity.
Adam
(Because I disagree with this person, I clearly have no experience in
political action.
No, you have no experience because that's obvious--not because you
disagree with me. If you had such experience, you'd be framing your
remarks to pen-l in terms of the above exchange rather than abstract
discussions about what kind of socialism we need. Adam and Alex could be
less interested in a discussion about whose vision was closer to Karl
Marx's. They want to figure out how to unite Marxist activists. That is
what is driving Marxmail forward nowadays. Virtually the entire leadership
of the Australian left is debating perspectives there. We have also had
important exchanges with the Workers World Party, the bogeymen of David
Corn and company. We don't think they are bogeymen. We think they are
comrades who can improve their anti-war work.
Simultaneously, my views are to be rejected because I clearly have no
experience with political action. What fun! a circular argument!)
When you can discuss questions of how to build an effective anti-war
movement or how to build a united front in Australia, I'd be happy to join
you. As I have told you a million times, I am not interested in bull
sessions about the contours of a future society.
Louis Proyect, Marxism mailing list: http://www.marxmail.org
