[Marxism] Open borders

[dwalters@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

I've debated this racists and leftists alike for years now. Generally I agree
with Walter L. on the issue.

There is no demand by the masses on either side of the border, documented or
undocumented, for open borders. "Open Borders" is not a demand, it's a
*position*, something that flows from a particular Marxist (or, even
non-Marxist) understanding of labor, capital and the class struggle. This is
one of those problems that arise when socialists suddenly believe that every
part of their program is a "demand" or a "slogan". It's one thing to write
about open borders, how workers have no country, etc., it's another thing to
put this forward as a *poltical* demand when there is no movement behind it.

We can write on the web, in our newspapers, on leaflets about the need for
socialism (and, indeed we should) but that's different than actually trying to
*organize* around it...something that is called for only when such a demand can
be a slogan that defines the mass consiousness of the working class or
oppressed.

If one were to poll the US population generally, across all lines, I doubt you'd
get more than 5% for "Open Borders" as we all define the term, and this includes
the great mass of Latinos as well. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk
about, analyse it, use it as a perpsective from which to support the specific
demand of amnesty for those that are here and against repression unleased
against those making the journey across the articial frontier.

Andy is right about opposing any sort of demand or perspective that seeks to get
our undocumented brothers and sisters to 'go home'. This has to be opposed. I
dont' believe, however, that Walter is advocating any sort of dove-tailing with
this Jackson character's point of view.

David



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