Disqus - Latest Comments for classconscious

Re: Should the left celebrate the 4th of July?

classconscious — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:53:58 -0000

I'm not against Philanon's ideas, just to clarify, but since they're more radical sounding than anything the CPUSA would put out there, I was curious to hear what the CPUSA would think about the idea that all americans are responsible imperialists. That's your main idea right Philanon? And of course I love the entire movement for ending opprssion, which is why I don't dissaggree with you, but those ideological details are a big deal to me. I've been thinking kind of critically about the CPUSA lately, wondering if it's really the best instrument for the proletariat. For example the World Socialist Party of Great Britain doesn't put candidates out to run for office..ever, because they say that no socialist can run capitalism better than the capitalists. The point is to bring in the next system, so I don't know if the CPUSA is doing it the most effective way. Also I believe it's in the FAQ section of the YCL site that says that after a socialist revolution nobody would be allowed to spread capitalist literature/ideas. That sounds like a limit on free speach, and I don't support it. you may want to check www.worldsocialism.org I like them because they seem very dedicated to preserving individual freedom/democracy...though they neer use the word Communist or Marxist, and call everything Socialism.

Re: Should the left celebrate the 4th of July?

classconscious — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:43:17 -0000

Well I thought the Philanon's idea that there is no American proletariat was news to the members of the CPUSA, considering we feel that our struggles are supporting the proletarian movement. I always assumed the proletariat was international, and I've never heard the argument that American's are all oppressors. By chance, are any of you familiar with Antonio Gramsci's work on Cultural Hegemony? The idea that there's not been revolution in the "first world" because our culture is dominated by bourgeois ideology that justifies it. The working class soaks this all up, and even considers themselves capitalists (democrats or republicans), so they don't even know about the Marxist alternative. How can they be held responsible for the living standard in the third world? Am I missing something? Maybe traditional Marxism was not challenged, but the ideas on this forum are completely new to me, and I do know a bit on Marxism.

Re: Should the left celebrate the 4th of July?

classconscious — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:56:01 -0000

Can anybody do anything to get a CPUSA authority to comment regarding this discussion? Is the Moderator able to bring this to anyone's attention? These are great themes that challenge some traditional marxist ideas, and that's what Marxism is all about right? I hope a party official can comment regarding their position.