Just put up a piece on the abject horror of capitalism so some "left" folks can read that instead of having to look in the mirror and face why they do so little to seriously confront the reigning order. Enjoy.
The problem with the post, as with all such sectarian screeds, is that it can't seem to imagine how one might integrate some (not all) of these 'sins' into the 'political work' needed to seize power. I'm imagining Street delivering his withering critique of capitalism (with which I agree) to, say, average White US workers, the ones who voted for Obama twice, only to turn to Trump in disgust and desperation.
Oratory, even the most magnificent conceivable, devoid of day-to-day substance, of a real-life, personal connection, will not convince today's working class (a very different group than Lenin addressed) the necessity (or even desirability) of overthrowing the present systems of oppression. Millions of the very people needed are terrified of the 'socialist/communist' Democrats. Speeches about political economy or geopolitics ain't gonna change that. On the other hand, actual experience in a locally controlled operation (work, medical, housing, community garden.....) just might convince them that they don't need the 'benevolence' of Volvo-driving, latte-sipping, bi-coastal, elitist liberals, but they also don't need to be deprived of basic necessities.
Makes me think where on the lame am I. When I worked for Sane/Freeze, then to become Peace Action I would deprecate my lack of canvas skills. How well I became hyper-pacifist yet still passive-ist. You manage to write concise and coherent throughout your critique. I will draw on the points you made. They are very well taken.
(9) Yes I label myself as one if those awful liberals anti capitalist but I sin: I'm a Portfolio of equities owner
(10) yes I give allegiance to service- ism. Work with folks with like minded seviceism to our communities fighting the good fight to make it better.
(11) yes I participate in local(ism) issues of environmentalism, affordable housing, green energy. support local farming...I could go on but enough of my petty self agrandising aren't I just wonderful
(12) yes I participate in single-issue-ism: see my partial listing above (11)
(13) and yes I practice pacifism: no gun. No boxing gloves. No marshal art skills. No violence for me...peace brother and sisters.
What can I say Paul but: forgive me father for I have sinned all 9 thru 13 of you anti commandments I commit daily. Guess you and your followers/readers have to put me on the naughty list. I just don't have it in me to be the revolutionist needed to get us out of capitalism and into socialism/communism
good post.
Just put up a piece on the abject horror of capitalism so some "left" folks can read that instead of having to look in the mirror and face why they do so little to seriously confront the reigning order. Enjoy.
John and Dennis, I just pasted the piece into Word and did a search for the world "sin." No matches. Jesus, guys...to quote Joe Biden: "come on, man."
The problem with the post, as with all such sectarian screeds, is that it can't seem to imagine how one might integrate some (not all) of these 'sins' into the 'political work' needed to seize power. I'm imagining Street delivering his withering critique of capitalism (with which I agree) to, say, average White US workers, the ones who voted for Obama twice, only to turn to Trump in disgust and desperation.
Oratory, even the most magnificent conceivable, devoid of day-to-day substance, of a real-life, personal connection, will not convince today's working class (a very different group than Lenin addressed) the necessity (or even desirability) of overthrowing the present systems of oppression. Millions of the very people needed are terrified of the 'socialist/communist' Democrats. Speeches about political economy or geopolitics ain't gonna change that. On the other hand, actual experience in a locally controlled operation (work, medical, housing, community garden.....) just might convince them that they don't need the 'benevolence' of Volvo-driving, latte-sipping, bi-coastal, elitist liberals, but they also don't need to be deprived of basic necessities.
Makes me think where on the lame am I. When I worked for Sane/Freeze, then to become Peace Action I would deprecate my lack of canvas skills. How well I became hyper-pacifist yet still passive-ist. You manage to write concise and coherent throughout your critique. I will draw on the points you made. They are very well taken.
Thanks,
Dan
(9) Yes I label myself as one if those awful liberals anti capitalist but I sin: I'm a Portfolio of equities owner
(10) yes I give allegiance to service- ism. Work with folks with like minded seviceism to our communities fighting the good fight to make it better.
(11) yes I participate in local(ism) issues of environmentalism, affordable housing, green energy. support local farming...I could go on but enough of my petty self agrandising aren't I just wonderful
(12) yes I participate in single-issue-ism: see my partial listing above (11)
(13) and yes I practice pacifism: no gun. No boxing gloves. No marshal art skills. No violence for me...peace brother and sisters.
What can I say Paul but: forgive me father for I have sinned all 9 thru 13 of you anti commandments I commit daily. Guess you and your followers/readers have to put me on the naughty list. I just don't have it in me to be the revolutionist needed to get us out of capitalism and into socialism/communism
***sorry Paul****