[Marxism] The low point

[Jscotlive@xxxxxxx]

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.

Reply:
 
I disagree with this. Support the Troops as a propaganda slogan has failed  
to reach sufficient numbers of troops to make it effective in the context of  
this war. Kautsky is a bad example to use, given his shift to the right and  
eventual support for his own bourgeoisie. Again, I repeat, everything we do 
must 
 be configured to advance the interests of the 'international' working class  
vis-a-vis US imperialism and its reach for global hegemony.
 
As of now, the Iraqis, Afghans, and Palestinians are to all intents and  
purposed standing alone, due to the near complete disintegration of the US and  
UK 
antiwar movements. Both have been dominated by their liberal wings, by forces 
 who see the movement as an end in itself rather than a means to the end - 
namely  the military and political defeat of the occupation, a defeat that 
could 
provide  a catalyst for social convulsion in both imperialist centres and 
thus create an  opportunity to challenge the ruling class by a well led, 
cohesive 
and determined  movement dedicated to social change.
 
The troops must be demoralised, both at home and abroad, in order to hasten  
the defeat of the occupation. This babying of troops engaged in imperialist  
occupation is a mistake, reflective of an unwillingness to mount a meaningful  
challenge against the ruling class. 
 
Parallels between this war and the First World War are wholly incongruous.  
This is no war resulting from inter-imperialist rivalry. This is more akin to  
the spread of the Roman Empire and the desert of monoculture that resulted.  
If our world is to avoid descent into a free market desert, it is  vital that 
the occupation not only fails but that the Coalition forces are  routed.
 
J 




   
________________________________________________
YOU MUST clip all extraneous text before replying to a message.
Send list submissions to: Marxism@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Set your options at: http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/marxism