Re: [Marxism] The low point of the CNN-You Tube debate

[Carrol Cox <cbcox@xxxxxxxxx>]

Louis Proyect wrote:
> 
> 
> Joaquin is dead right to point out the murderous nature of the
> occupation but *propaganda* has to be crafted in such a way that is
> effective. You will not reach soldiers or their families with propaganda
> that forces them in effect to plead guilty to murder even if that is
> what they are doing.

One point of the Kautsky-theory passed on by WITBD is still spot on --
the distinctions among  theory, propaganda, and agitation. Within this
framework agitational material has to be such that every single
sentence, even every single phrase, has to be more or less complete in
itself without the necessity for complicated qualifications. And at this
'level' some version of "Support the Troops" is correct and necessary.
With those who have already been reached by agitation, including
military families against the war, and with whom one can sit down and
talk, or present with lengthier reading material _then_  (i.e. in
propaganda) Joaquin's point becomes essential. Seeing the meaning of
"The soldier's role in an imperialist army is what it is" becomes
important, even essential, for a deeper understanding not only of the
Iraq war but of any war in the future launched by the u.s.

Carrol


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