Re: [Marxism] Camejo and Shawki/ISO and so it goes...

[Octob1917@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 10/30/2004 6:21:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
joshsaxe@xxxxxxxxx writes:
I think the most important thing for the left right now vis-a-vis the
American workers is to build revolutionary groups in the key
industries so that when the opportunity for struggle arises we will be
able to have say and even initiative in determining how it unfolds,
and in the medium-run we will be able to really challenge the retreat
of the American workers since the 1970's.


If only it were that simple. Everything you say is right, but something
called objective conditions tend to get in the way. I too was involved in
mobilising around the UFCW strike and found the same apathy, bad leadership and 
lack of
militancy that you did. The so called revolutionary parties and groups in the
US simply have failed to win the trust of the workers, which perhaps isn't
that surprising when you consider how misdirected many of them are in their
approach. The emphasis of every group I've come into contact with is on
international issues, such as Iraq and Palestine, and loosely connecting them 
with
social and economic injustice here at home. It should and needs to be the other 
way
round - ie, the emphasis on social and economic injustice at home and
connecting that with imperialism overseas. Indeed, the reason why the Left has 
been,
and still is, largely irrelevant is due to a failure to connect with US
workers on the issues which define their lives on a daily basis. The vast 
majority
of workers are too consumed with worrying about their jobs, healthcare, their
children's education, etc., to pay much attention to the plight of the Iraqis
or the Palestinians, and our approach should reflect that.

In truth the US Left, such as it is, lacks what it takes to lead anything.
That is why the revolutionary militancy you mention will have to come from among
the ranks of the workers themselves, or from within the oppressed
communities. Our role, I submit, is to fall in behind such movements, rather 
that trying
to lead them. That is why the MWM and initiatives like it are so important
and, I believe, the only real hope of anything approaching a cohesive, militant
and effective counter to the status quo.

As for the ISO, their position on Cuba alone completely discredits them as
far as I'm concerned. In my experience, they spend most of their time organising
on campuses, and in LA, despite their regular presence in oppressed
communites with newspapers and literature, their cadre remains predominatly 
white and
middle class. Paternalism is no substitute for real solidarity. The ISO, the US
Left in general, is guilty of an intellectual elitism which repels workers.
The harsh but simple fact is that at this point in time we represent no one
except ourselves.

Respectfully


Joe
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