Re: Revisiting old problems

[Louis N Proyect <lnp3@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Fri, 31 May 1996, Adam Rose wrote:

>
> Of course there are substantial differences between Cuba + Iraq.

(clip)

>
> But this wasn't the point I was making.

Louis: My mention of Cuba came up within the context of a discussion about
the difficulties of developing socialism in a world ruled by Capital. You
finessed the whole subject by saying that Castro had been building
capitalism (state) all along. I took you to task for labeling Cuba as
capitalist without understanding class relations there in the kind of
depth serious Marxists usually devote to a question like this.

You take the approach of a catechist instead. Question to a new recruit:
"What is the position of the Socialist Workers Party (British) on Cuba?"
New recruit's answer: "It is state capitalist". Questioner: "Very good!"

We have other expectations on this list. I am a hectoring, obnoxious,
stubborn old man who demands substance from people who purport to be
Marxists. If you are ignorant of what took place under Fidel Castro, then
don't make sweeping generalizations. Theory emerges from the study of
empirical evidence, not the other way round.



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