Comments on: Party democracy in Lenin’s Comintern – and now

By: American Marxist Leninist

American Marxist Leninist — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 06:27:22 +0000

Dear friends, what a cool blog I found. I have a question when do you people think that we might see US citizens electing a socialist workers party into the government, or being willing to support a marxist socialist party and be willing to be more political. Because I find that most americans hate politics, and live a private life totally divorced from government affairs. Because they are not able to connect the dots between political systems and the prices of food, gas and their personal lives.

By: Greg Benton

Greg Benton — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 07:54:58 +0000

In China, there was some bullying by CMT agents even while Lenin was alive. I mean Maring (Sneevliet), of course. Others bullied too.

By: Tim K

Tim K — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 03:46:18 +0000

Hi John,

About the current situation on the Marxist left. I’d say that most of the Marxist groups that fit your “small group Marxism” label are ultra-left. Some reject the united front model altogether. Others support the united front model in the advanced capitalist countries, but fail to adopt it with respect to the global south, in particular failing to engage in an anti-imperialist united front with the governments in Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador (the record of “small group Marxism” with respect to Cuba is more mixed). Not to mention the Stalinist and Maoist groupings, which are a different problem altogether.

The other point of relevance is that much of the Marxist left today is not involved in any formal Marxist formation at all. These folks are involved either in issue based coalitions and campaigns, or are embedded in their country’s respective social democratic party, or both.

Most of those that I have contact with here in Vancouver support the concept of a united front, and most will admit the need for a revolutionary regroupment of some sort if pushed hard enough. However, I find that most will also advocate a vote for the NDP, and are loathe to take any action that will do anything, however slight, to weaken the electability of the NDP.

The other thing I notice here in Vancouver among some Marxists is an extreme version of localism. Marxists who devote all of their energies to Vancouver civic politics and to issues around gentrification, housing, and homelessness. There’s even a handfull of Vancouver Marxists connected to an online publication called The Mainlander who have argued for a political version of the “100 mile diet”.

By: Brian Donnelly

Brian Donnelly — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 02:28:50 +0000

A natural translator, can’t help himself.

Meanwhile: Your last three paragraphs are as succinct and sublime a summary of the dead end of much ultra hard, far left organizing as one language is probably capable of. Much to think about.

By: John Riddell

John Riddell — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 01:30:00 +0000

In reply to Dayne Goodwin.

Hi Dayne–How could I possibly have typed “Ludwig” instead of “Louis”? Perhaps because “Ludwig” is the German equivalent? But of course you’re right, and I’ve made the correction. Hats off to sharp-eyed readers like you! John

By: Dayne Goodwin

Dayne Goodwin — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:37:02 +0000

Thanks for this essay and all your great work, John. Why did you say “Ludwig” Fraina? i’ve never seen any controversy about Louis C. Fraina’s name…or reference to another Fraina. Dayne Goodwin

On Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 9:14 PM, John Riddell

By: Julian Silverman

Julian Silverman — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:55:25 +0000

Very interesting – a salutary lesson!

By: sakollantai

sakollantai — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:48:26 +0000

Reblogged this on sakollantai and commented: really informative