Trotskyism and Stalinism

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

Carlos:
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        P.S.: I think this discussion is very good.  I think Luciano is
        about to convince me of some points.  I think Chris and Louis
        questions are completely appropriate even if I disagreed with
        them.

Chris:
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While Carlos mainly restated his definition of Stalinism in terms of
certain strategic positions, I particularly appreciated how he held
his ground clearly but non-provocatively. Also that he clarified
his perception of different Trotskyist groups, despite what came over to
me as a somewhat mocking tone from Louis (sorry Lou, but you
are a robust chap!), much as I appreciated Louis's
support on some perspectives I share with him.

But perhaps it is all part of the medly of the debate. Louis is as entitled as
me or any one else to argue the futility of small Trotskyist groups, but
it just seems to me we can all look foolish and ridiculous to others, and worse
still to ourselves, and I would like to urge anyone on this list even
if they are vulnerable to a charge that they are working with a group of only
say 3 other people, to feel it is OK to stand your ground post on what you
think is relevant to the work of this list.

Don't we all look stupid from one point of view? We will all be dead soon.
But from another point of view, the ceaseless struggle of working people
despite looking foolish in the short term, to take control of their lives, the
sum total of that is not stupid, and it is in that we should rightly have faith.

I also appreciated Luciano's contribution. We are treading on egg shells here
in view of the enormous importance of the issues, and the bitterness of
some of the past divisions. But if in 1996 this list can handle and clarify
contrasting positions from those of Trotskyist and non Trotskyist positions,
and if we can be prepared concretely to review exactly what went wrong
during the period of Stalin's leadership, then that will be a major achievement
for the value of this list.

Regards,

Chris B.


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