Re: [Marxism] Re: Anti-imperialism?

["rrubinelli" <rrubinelli@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I really didn't think Macdonald was advocating Weatherman style Days of
Rage demonstrations, but perhaps we should let him answer that issue.

My concern is the use of "ultra-left" and race cards as opposed, for
example, to what you, Lou, propose: "Tactics must be judged on the basis
of whether they advance the movement or
 not. "  I agree with that.  So confrontation and arrest might be the
better tactic at certain times, but the issue of race, privilege, etc.
is not really an analysis of those conditions.

But the bottom line, and where we will disagree, is made manifest when
you talk about Chicago 1968-- as if somehow the general "liberal
attitude" of the protestors weighs against the importance of the
protests.  I think it's important to remember that the McCarthy
supporters joined the street battles later in the game, after it was
clear that there was no way their man was going to get consideration
inside the Ampitheater.

The conflicts in Lincoln Park, and at the Grant Park Bandshell were not
at all McCarthy kids urging support for their candidate.

Now some might, and some did, say,that the actions of the "more radical"
elements in confronting the police were "ultra-left" and precipitated
the reaction of the police.  Ain't so.  Chicago cops had been practicing
"kill drills" for months, trying them out first at a demonstration in
April.

And being in Chicago, mobilizing for that protest was imperative for any
and all hoping to "change" "lead"  "build" a "mass-based" radical
movement.  Discounting, turning away from that moment is a mistake that
should not be repeated.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Louis Proyect" <lnp3@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "Activists and scholars in Marxist tradition"
<marxism@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2005 12:49 PM
Subject: Re: [Marxism] Re: Anti-imperialism?



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