Re: [Marxism] On the Democratic Party question

[Marvin Gandall <marvgandall@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mark wrote:

> Craig actually seems to be taking the position I did and disagreeing with
> Marvin.
>
> Perhaps he should actually read what Marvin wrote and what I wrote before
> replying....'

Craig wrote:

> As a Green, my perspective on the sectors of the working-class and
> minorities that are attached to the Democratic Party, is similiar to
> Marvin's analysis.  Until we as Greens can offer them a political
> party and support for their leaders sufficient to defend themselves,
> then who am I to look them in the eye and tell them they should
> abandon their relationship to DP structures?  I see my task as a
> revolutionary leftist to build such a party, first within my locality
> and then to coordinate this on state and national levels so that our
> political movements can share resources and collaborate at those
> levels.  This work pays off in two ways -- it threatens the DP which
> then will have pressure to make concessions to these movements to keep
> them from abandoning ship, and it builds a cadre which is required for
> electoral work independent of the DP.
===================================
I don't see anything at all wrong in the way Craig approaches the problem.
If he can make inroads into the DP base, more power to him. If Cindy Sheehan
were to run against Pelosi, I hope she'd win or at least make a respectable
showing. I don't think - and have never thought -that it's a cause for
either mourning or celebration whether the Republicans or Democrats govern.
But I well understand why the unions, minorities, and the social movements
favour the DP ahead of the Republicans, and don't not condemn them for doing
so for want of any other alternative in this period.

Mark, Carrol, Louis and others do - or at least create that strong
impression. Because Craig has a better sense of the possibilities in this
period, he necessarily has a less sectarian approach to the trade unionists
and activists from other sectors who are still loyal to the party. Of
course, the DP leaders and their supporters try on their end to insulate the
DP ranks from Greens like Craig, but the proper response, IMO. is not to
supplement their efforts but to redouble those aimed at promoting unity on
the ground between the activists in both parties around the many issues
which unite them. I'm sympathetic to those in both parties who favour this
perspective, and are seeking opportunities to do so.


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