Level of Debate: SLP

["Chris, London" <100423.2040@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I would like to make clear that I have welcomed the
debate on the possibilities of a "Socialist Labour
Party" being formed in Britain or England.

The fact that I have not participated is not out
of hostility or aloofness. Rather the reverse: as
must happen for so many subscribers, and as I often feel,
there may be a good thread going on, which is somehow
parallel to my interests; not in conflict with them
but complimentary.

I have not followed it in full, but to some extent I see a
re-run of the debate about the different positions taken
by groups around the Anti-Poll Tax demonstration in
Trafalgar Square, which made it clear that Thatcher at
least, could not continue ruling in exactly the same way.
(We got Major instead - not the most revolutionary of changes
but not totally irrelevant, and there was a compromise about
the poll tax).

The conclusion I drew then was that after different left-wing
political parties have staked out and clarified their positions,
it is impossible to say that anyone is totally right from
all points of view. Equally for me at any rate, it was impossible
to say that none of them had made any positive contribution to
the events of Trafalgar Square. They all contributed, together
with many people with only a vague connection to political parties,
in a dynamic which contributed to the fall of Thatcher.

Now in the present debate on the SLP, I doubt if the SWP (UK) or Militant
have all the answers, but they have part of the answers.

The one liner type exchanges, which Adam objected to (see below) do indeed
do little more than stake out the reality of some differences.

12 page Manifestos (sp?) from competing sides, would probably also not
take us much further.

Whether any of the participants in this debate think it is useful to
contribute a further reasoned piece at this stage, preferably not more than
100 lines for accessibility, must be up to them. Meanwhile the different
political organisations exist, and Scargill continues to promote his views
of the way forward.

I hope Kevin, who was seeking a debate about the possibility of setting up
a socialist organisation in the US over the next 20 years, will not feel
flattened, but would like to reflect on the constructive possibilities of the
debate.


Chris, London (co-moderator, in individual capacity)

__________________________________________________-

From: Adam Rose <adam@xxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 95 16:19:43 GMT
Subject: Re: Socialist Labour Party

>
> Adam wrote:
>
> > >But Scargill's announcement was a bit of a surprise - to me, and
> > >I think to everyone else.
>
> Carlos replied:
> >     I'm sorry, Adam but I can't let it go.  The SWP DID not foresee the
> >     SLP.

> Adam replied:
> > Nor did anyone else, including all its potential supporters.
>
> Actually, Militant Labour *did* foresee the SLP.

A stunning level of debate here.
I'm sorry I ever got involved.

Adam.



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