The Necessity Of Violence In A Revolution.

[HammerAlias]

Members of the Revolutionary Left, what are your opinions on a violent revolution? Is it inevitable? That is to say, is a revolution inherently violent and essentially not possible using peaceful measures? Surely, a corrupt or authoritarian regime will not willingly bestow the people and the workers with their nations power. They will not do so without a fight. Personally, I am against armed struggles, for they only produce unnecessary bloodshed and it perpetuates and breeds violence and intimidation.

[Jimmie Higgins]

Unfortunately violence is a possibility considering that the ruling class already commits a great deal of violence against workers as it is when they do not fear loosing their rule over society. I don't think that when workers start seizing factories and stop paying rent and start organizing their own decision-making bodies that the ruling classes will just sit by and do nothing.

But I think the need for self-defense by workers will vary depending on the conditions of the revolution. If workers are pretty organized and confident, I think the sheer numbers would simply make it difficult for our old rulers to organize any effective attacks. If, on the other-hand, the revolution is shaky and revolutionary consciousness is low, then there is more of a chance that people who want to return things to the old status-quo will be able to recruit forces and organize themselves to attack the worker movement.

[Terminator X]

I believe that revolutionary violence is inevitable - as Trotsky wrote, "No ruling class has ever voluntarily and peacefully abdicated."

I'm not "in favor" of armed struggle, per se, but I think it's foolish to make a blanket statement that you are "anti-violence" when it may become necessary in order to carry out the revolution.

Non-violent tactics can certainly be helpful in weakening oppressive regimes, but violence could become inevitable in order to carry out the final "death blow."

[M-26-7]

Nothing is inevitable.

[The Douche]

Nothing is inevitable.

Death?

[bcbm]

Death?

and taxes

[Communist]

.

To Learning, from Theory.

Moved.

.

[scarletghoul]

"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." - John F Kennedy

The bourgeoisie aren't just gonna hand over the state and means of production are they. They leave us no choice but to take power violently.

[Catillina]

As comrade DJanimosity said

as Trotsky wrote, "No ruling class has ever voluntarily and peacefully abdicated."


It's always hard for powerful people to renounce their power.

[ContrarianLemming]

"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." - John F Kennedy

The bourgeoisie aren't just gonna hand over the state and means of production are they. They leave us no choice but to take power violently.

well said, but I think we all agree that if it were possible we'd go peaceful.