You can't scare me, I'm...

[boddhisatva <kbevans@xxxxxxxxx>]

                To whom....,


        
        We have several unionists (at least former) on the list.  I wonder if
a thread on marxists in trade unions would be productive.


        First, a la the possible revolutionary role of members of the
bourgeoisie, what do we think about the argument that activists in unions
should be from the rank and file.  Is there, as I believe, a role for
marxists as inspirational thinkers, policy wonks, general troublemakers, in
the ranks of unions ?  If not why not?  If so, why isn't it larger.  It seems
to me that (in the current climate of discussions on entrism, etc.) working
for unions would be the one thing about which all marxists could agreee and
to which all marxists could devote their energies without wondering whether
they are doing the right thing.


        Must we, as I believe, radicalize the union movement?  Cheggitz
posted a quote from a member of the AFL-CIO organizing institute that sounded
great.  On the other hand the Teamsters supported republican presidents for
all the 80's.  People within unions have blamed a lack of stridency and
activist aims on such recent disasters as the Caterpillar strike catastrophe.


        Finally, as a practical matter, how can people on this list ally
their  energies with unions most effectively?  Does anyone have a conduit,
contacts, etc., that can make the people on this list a part of active,
immediate, practical, workers' struggles?





        peace


                boddhisatva






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