[Marxism] The States and Revolution

["Dan Russell" <proletariandan@xxxxxxxxx>]

I've watched closely and value the debates between (mainly) Mark and Craig
and agree with both of them in opposition to the DP entryism proposed by
Bhaskar. The point that the DP is not a membership party seems to be the
most important reason that this approach will have little or no effect on
the direction of the 'party.' As someone yet to become directly involved in
political activism, partly because I've been torn as to where I can use my
time most effectively, I think about these issues very frequently. I
previously supported the Nader vote over the GP, as he clearly had a more
effective national structure and could gain more votes, but I wonder if this
was a wise choice. It almost seems that focusing on national/federal
politics at this juncture in a country like the US is simply a distraction
to a party like the GP, as international/historical politics seems to be to
some of the sects.

Almost half of the states (and many of the most populous) have provisions
for some sort of referenda/ballot initiative, which if utilized, could
bypass the legislatures completely to tear down the laws that have hampered
the growth of third parties and eventually set the stage for success at the
national level. In Illinois the GP gained 10% of the gubernatorial vote in
2006 and in 2008 fared well in many other contests where Republicans didn't
even run. If successful state parties were able to achieve gains and even
make effective policy changes, it would provide concrete examples to other
states.

The November 5 proposal seems designed to work at the local level but in
order to pressure the Democrats into support for progressive legislation
instead of changing state laws to help build or strengthen third parties.

My concern about the GP seems to be similar to that of many other comrades,
namely the 'Demogreens,' but I don't know how many of the state parties have
this problem in or if it is mainly at the national level.

I would love to hear criticism, experiences, or feedback from comrades with
more experience working at the state level, whether in the GP or otherwise.

Dan
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