Re: [Marxism] The DSP's fresh approach to applying democratic centralism

["Tom O'Lincoln" <suarsos@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It's true I was just quoting the minority, but Norm's post made me realize 
that it looks like I'm claiming to have some knowledge myself. Which I don't, 
apart from some some anecdotage -- I just meant that the minority's 
description rang true. I was basing myself primarily on an earlier 
experience in the ISO, where unreal perspectives took a huge toll on the 
cadre. (See below)

I can also see it might look like point scoring, but that is certainly not 
intended. Jeff is right that the DSP is the biggest left group, and its 
apparent decline is a problem for everyone - which is why we ought to 
discuss the documents, and not just focus on one sentence in my earlier 
post.

***

Some of the ISO experience as I saw it is summarized at:
http://redsites.alphalink.com.au/persp2001.pdf

Here is an excerpt - what I saw happening in 2001. Reads a bit  like the DSP 
minority statement:

"The number of active members is falling. Official figures for financial 
membership might look presentable, but this is only because we have so many 
people using automatic bank payments for their dues ...  Meetings are small 
and dispirited. In Melbourne we are effectively down to one branch with 
20-30 people coming along .. Despite endless moralising and organisational 
gimmicks, paper sales are no better than a year ago . "

The majority perspectives ran roughly as follows (my summary):

"1. The current environment is highly favourable for us to grow. "Tens of 
thousands of people are questioning why society is organised the way it is, 
are prepared to take action and are looking for a way forward." Therefore we 
have to:
2. break with "propagandism";
3. apply a "united front" strategy;
4. organise around the paper; and
5. adopt a "serious orientation to the working class".

Somewhat reminiscent of the unreal majority DSP perspective. It led to 
severe decline.



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