[Marxism] Last pre-election response to John O'Brien

["Fred Feldman" <ffeldman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Just for the record, I  considered John O'Brien's accusation of "sexism"
and "homophobia," because I would not agree with his views on
fundamentalist Christians and used the sinful words "calm down," to be
unadulterated baiting.  I had used these words originally to those  in
reference to those (without regard to sex or sexual orientation) tend to
portray Fundamentalist Christians as enemies because of the views they
hold and, even more these days, because of which bourgeois candidate
they are widely suspected of planning to vote for in the election.

Rather than make a big protest --which I think would be a waste of print
on this list where I think this question is fairly well understood -- I
made light of them. And since I found myself offering a  similar
response about what I sometimes see as over-amping against people who
support Kerry, I repeated my joke at the expense of O'Brien's absurd
characterization of my use of the sinful words.  No regrets.

I think the tendency to exaggerate the moral or political importance of
how people vote in this classically exclusive US two-party election is
an electoralist illusion, and I am concerned at the effect on it can
have in various ways .

Like everyone else, John has every right to make whatever judgments of
others he wants, and those judgments will have whatever weight anyone
else thinks is appropriate.

I attach his comments so that others can read them without the
wraparound effect that seems to be very common on the list.  My computer
has other problems, but I don't even know how to make this mistake.  I
strongly suggest that noone inform me how to do this.
Fred



Fred Feldman's opening remark - placing sexism and homophobia - again as
joking matters - shows his actual indifference, to really wanting to
grow and become a better revolutionary.  Instead of identifying with
those oppressed, he prefers his privileges and aids in putting down
those, that have legitimate struggle against sexism.

His earlier response a week ago, implying that he would stand by those,
such as myself, who fight against sexism and homophobia, rings hollow,
to then send these remarks out.   Words do matter - and the intent here
was to undermine and make fun of legitimate concerns.  Could we see some
real attempts to become a better revolutionary comrade - or at least
try.

I would rather spend time on discussing and proposing necessary strategy
for what we can do next after t
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