Hello cdes,
Since I came in contact with the ICC, I have been wrestling with the question of "what is to be done"…so to speak. I have always felt there is much more that an international revolutionary org can do in terms of engaging the proletariat, especially in times of little or no open class movement from the workers.
After familiarizing myself with some new concepts I found through discussion with the ICC (specifically debates we've had about partial struggles), I think I maybe able to articulate my thoughts a little better now. I thought about posting this internally, but in the spirit of open and stimulating dialogue I think all have should have a chance to access this and for fair say in these matters. Such a thing would only be following the ICCs tradition.
If you uphold the ICCs position, like I do, that the various "workers and labor parties" are counter-revolutionary by nature, action, and historically outmoded than you have probably come to see the comm left as somewhat of a haven of Marxism. Its only natural to develop those feelings, but in effect how far does this go inside the milieu?
Yes for sure the Comm left is "theoretically advanced" if I could put it that way. I'm not sure how or why you would deny this. But I am increasingly getting the sense that many of us in the Left comm milieu take the role of the milieu for granted.
In the other parties who call themselves socialist/communist, one could only argue that a MAJORITY of the people involved in these groups have genuine intent in building communism. Sure, you could say their positions might negate this genuine intent. But nevertheless, I see people involved in the "workers parties" and think of them in a positive light, I get the sense the ICC does not. I feel they can be won to REAL class positions through consistent, friendly, and mutually beneficial discussions--- increasingly I feel as the ICC thinks not. Otherwise, wouldn't we be engaging these groups now? After all there is a friendly Maoist everywhere--- even if they are shit when it comes to revolutionary politics. But I argue those positions would change. And in places where the ICC section is very small in members, how and why could this hurt?
Of course I'm familiar with the Socialism or Barbarism arguement, which I feel is used to much as justification NOT to work with people in the backwards parties. I'm I alone in feeling like the Left comm milieu in general sees itself playing a role in a future international proletarian party almost as a birth-right? Who died and left us supreme communist generals? We have to earn this right with the workers and communists I think. And I don't see that happening when basic functions of an org take 6+ months to effectively carry out.
Where does this feeling that there should be ABSOLUTE political agreement in an organization keep arising from? Does one really need to study internal documents for months, even years, when they could be putting forth class lines in places where there are sympathetic workers and communists? Nobody I know in the ICC or the Left comm milieu would agree with this. But, is it not a reoccurring criticism? I wonder why that happens? Are people sympathetic to left comm positions put off by such rigorous requirements for membership? Surely, as we have seen happen in recent times.
I think these issues direly need to be addressed for the milieu to grow. I'm not mad, heartbroken or anything. My support has not wavered one bit. I am really interested in seeing where this discussion goes.
Solidarity,
- []D[]D*