[PEN-L:5052] self-determination

[Bill Burgess <burgess@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

In his comment on the article about Kosova independence, Louis P. basically
argues that nationalism of the opressed against capitalist imperialism is
good, but isn't worth supporting when directed at post-capitalist
governments (my crude and selective summary, not Louis' words).

Yes, many oppressed nationalists are reactionary, and are often used as
pawns by other reactionaries. So how do you ever hope to appeal to the
majority of these populations - tell them to drop their nationalism and
become no-name communists? Lenin argued the opposite (including against
Rosa Luxemburg and others). He said communists had to champion their
demands, practice 'affirmative action' and *prove* good faith by
guaranteeing their right to freely leave the socialist federation.

Despite their gains within Yuglosvia, my understanding is that the Kosovars
still did not achieve nationalist equality, and individually were often
second-class citizens. Serb chavinists like Milosovic considered themselves
'first among equals'. There is no way the Kosovars and the other citizens
of the old Yugoslavia will ever dump reactionary nationalist leaders and
re-federate or cooperate in some other progressive form without
crystal-clear assurances of national rights, which include the right to
make the occasional 'wrong' decision.

Bill Burgess