[Marxism] respecting different forms of struggle (was anti-imperialism?)

["michael a. lebowitz" <mlebowit@xxxxxx>]

Macdonald made what I think is a simple, realistic point:

So, let's say this: several
hundred thousand people will march at the same time as these several hundred
individuals will decide to do something you consider "unforgiveable"... the
question is not what you think of their actions, they probably don't care,
but how your organizing deals with this reality. If they are given clear
signals that they will be respected so long as they give respect to others,
then there is a much higher possibility that it can succeed to not alienate
people on the essentially same path.
---The point is realistic because there will always be people who engage in
activities which we (in our infinite wisdom) think inappropriate, and it is
simple because it (unlike some) remembers who the enemy is and who is not
to be trashed.
        Macdonald and I worked together in an organisation (Rebuilding the
Left) that struggled through these questions and included in its basis of
unity statement:

> 8. The alternative society will be built in the streets, not in
> parliament. It needs to be based in the everyday struggles of people. It
> needs to be built on an activist politics. We recognize that people will
> make use of a range of tactics in their resistance to the existing social
> order.

        in solidarity,
         michael



Michael A. Lebowitz
Professor Emeritus
Economics Department
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6

Currently based in Venezuela. Can be reached at
Residencias Anauco Suites
Departamento 601
Parque Central, Zona Postal 1010, Oficina 1
Caracas, Venezuela
(58-212) 573-4111
fax: (58-212) 573-7724
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