Re: [Marxism] good article on local organizing in US

[Ben Courtice <benj2006@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Activist groups rarely enter into coalitions, and even when they do so,
never for any length of time...   Similarly, the program of these
organizations is whatever is decided at any one meeting; if it is
carried over from one meeting to the next, it is because one individual
has assumed that mission as his or her own. "

I think all of this is to do with a general pragmatism that reflects a
reformist, liberal consciousness. This consciousness needs to be
addressed first.

""Virtual organizing," such as MoveOn.org, is much more comfortable for
the new generation of middle-class progressives than face-to-face
organizing.  No structure can develop out of this approach.  Thus, as in
so many other places, the middle-class peace movement that sprang up
before the Iraq War disappeared as quickly as computer images as soon as
hostilities began."

I thought this was a very good explanation for all my liberal friends
who mourn the quick demise of the Australian anti-war movement after the
invasion occurred. It is very good because it places the ball in their
court: they are just like all the others who gave up. I forwarded it to
everyone I know who is on the liberal side of progressive opinion.

"A successful movement to transform America is going to have to shed its
middle-class ghetto mentality and the individualism that goes with it.
This is no easy task for a middle-class American, as I discovered in
that organization. "

I think that individualism has a lot to do with the sort of
pontificating and interminable splits that afflict the Trotskyist left.


More broadly, I think it's a good analysis of the liberal left which
probably ought to be shoved in their face a bit (like I did with my
friends). I think at least as an analogy and/or cautionary tale it holds
lessons for the Marxist left too, but probably less those in
organisations, more those who are individual activists and academics.

Ben Courtice

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