Anti-imperialism and Patriotism

[John Paramo <albatrosrojo2000@xxxxxxxxx>]

Patriotism, Trotsky explained, has a different meaning
for the ruling class and the working class. For the
ruling class is the defense of their class interests
threatened by class struggle and competition.

Patriotism for the working class is the defense of
their homes, families, neighborhoods against immediate
threats.

Patriotism has an opposite character whether you live
in a semicolonial country or an imperialist one.

Patriotism in an imperialist country at a time where
it is an imperial military offensive is reactionary.
The patriotism of the Iraqis who, in spite their
opinion of Saddam Hussein, are fighting against
US/British imperialism is highly progressive.

"Win without a war", "Support our troops" and other
mainstream slogans directed at criticizing the way the
war is conducted and not at the character of the war
is a sub-set of pro imperialist slogans, Plan B is you
wish.

Marxists may very well march next to a person carrying
the American flag or who "support the troops" but this
does not means that we should support or advocate
THEIR slogans, but rather try to get those people to
the next level, the understanding of the imperial
nature of this war.

For Marxists, politics and slogans must be concrete:
what troops are those people raising the issue
supporting? The Special Forces? The CIA operatives?

The professional British and American commandos,
rangers, etc? The Air Force pilots who appear on TV
relishing at their murderous bombings?

Or the cook who got captured and looked very scared?
or The African American sargeant that shot his
officers because he opposed the war? Tell me how the
"support our troops" nonsense is helping the mass
movement to understand the difference.

"If you resist, we will support you" stated a letter
to the troops in Iraq from 850 US/British veterans. 
That is a much better, discriminating slogan.  But, in
the framework of this war, and of THIS imperialist
country: Troops out now! summ it up pretty good.

No war for Empire!
Unconditional US/British/Australian and Turkish
withdrawal NOW!
Not a penny for the war budgets!
Hands off Iraq!
To the troops: if you resist, we will support you!
 

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