More on Revolutionary Violence etc (Replies to AO & G MacL)

[C <u961680@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Adolfo Olaechea (Wed 8 May 1996) is certainly correct to emphasise that the
proletarian dictatorship is the dividing line between Marxism and revisionism.

No doubt he would agree that today we would go further than Lenin, (and
following Mao) and say that to be a Marxist today must mean extending
one's recognition of the class struggle, to the recognition of the
dictatorship of the proletariat and the necessity of continuing the
revolution under the dictatorship of the proletariat (Cultural Revolution).

In a recent post that touched on the same subject of revolutionary
violence ("Re: replies to any thoughts for Oz"), Gary MacLennan said,
"C. calls for bloody revolution. I am sure these calls make him feel
better. I certainly hope so because they are worth a bucket of spit in
the present conjuncture here in australia. They take us no where. Believe
me."

Gary MacLennan's claim is a mischievous caricature. If you go to the
earlier postings articulating the position of those who are struggling to
reconstitute the Communist Party of Australia on the basis of
Marxism-Leninism-Maoism you won't find Avakianist hype ("Revolution in
the 80s -- Go for It!) but an effort to uphold, defend and apply
Marxism-Leninism-Maoism.

The Australian Maoists view that even in these 'peaceful, ordinary
times' in Australia the communists must prepare ideologically,
politically and organisationally, their own ranks and the masses for
revolution -- and promote revolutionary struggles -- cannot be so easily
dismissed as some sort of 'Left' adventurist "call for bloody
revolution." Suggesting that it is might make Gary MacLennan feel better
but it doesn't advance the theoretical or practical struggle of how to
make revolution in Australia.

And Adolfo Olaechea is correct to condemn the notion of gradually
accumulating forces. What has to be grasped is that the transition to a
mass revolutionary movement from a communist nucleus is NOT a process of
gradually accumulating forces, but more one of uneven development around
crises and revolutionary upsurges. The Communist Party's task is not to
be a big party with some 'influence'. Revolutionary communists aim to
lead the masses in winning, in seizing power, in ushering the glorious
dictatorship of the proletariat.

Come out against revolutionary communism if you must Gary MacLennan, but
it is true that Australian Maoists are ideologically and politically
preparing right now for the overthrow of the imperialist Australian
bourgeoisie.

We learn from the Maoist experience in China: "our revolution began with
Marxist-Leninist propaganda, which served to create new public opinion in
favour of revolution." (Mao Tsetung, A Critique of Soviet Economics,
p.51) How else but with agitation and propaganda can the hatred provoked
by life under the imperialist system be further aroused against the
ruling class? Is there any other way than by communist agitation and
propaganda to arm the masses with revolutionary theory?

Speaking of the Russian experience, Stalin observed that, "A whole
generation of the revolutionary proletariat was reared by Pravda." And
Lenin described, "systematic, all-round propaganda and agitation,
consistent in principle" as "the chief and permanent task" of communists:
"Where to Begin," CW v5, pp.20-21. That is why the CRCPA publishes its
agitational newssheet 'RABBLE-ROUSER'.

The struggle to reconstitute the Communist Party, using the communist
press as the Party's collective organiser, must include developing ever
greater links with the masses and joining (with the view of further
unleashing and leading) the masses in struggle against the system. We
understand that if this is not done, good ideas will not become a
material force and the task of party-building can become sterile,
divorced from revolutionary practice and lead nowhere.

Adolfo Olaechea goes on in his very useful contribution to ask,
> ...Cannot even Australian Maoists, even if only few today, begin today to
> close ranks with Maoists all over the world, with progressives, democrats,
> revolutionaries, socialistically minded people in order to develop a great
> mobilisation in defence of the ideas and principles guiding the Peruvian
> revolution, which, as we have demonstrated are the same of every right
> thinking person in this list, regardless of his political coloring at present?

        The Call for a World Mobilisation Commission was unheard of in
Australia until a few weeks ago. It is being circulated here along with
much of the e-mail discussion and debate. It is expected that decisions
will be made very soon.

Towards Revolutionary Advances,

                C [Australia]


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