Reasons for reformist positions in radical parties...

[RadioRaheem84]

In these times, reformism in radicalism.

I hate to say it but after being away from revleft, leftist books and not being immersed in theory, I am back into the workforce and noticed that the way we think is nearly alien to the way the general public and especially those at the top think.

I can understand why radical parties take reformist views. I do not like it but I am not as pissed off at them as I used to be. While I understand it, I still think it's an ultimately foolish course to take.

I am speaking generally of the United States. I know it's difficult in other countries too, but there is still some popular support for socialist ideas and when I read development economics papers from agencies across the pond, they use language that is radically different from language we would use here. We would never use the phrase "exploitation of natural resources" or "autocratic", "elite", etc. when speaking of a client nation in a paper, but I read it in a development journal for a major economic development agency in the Europe. The way the author wrote would be deemed "radical" here in the States.

This is why I have reformed my position on political parties too. Unless they're openly supportive of private industry and take an anti-worker approach, I will not support them. Guys, especially my American comrades, we have nothing! In terms of collective power and organizing, I see nothing that ultimately helps, at least in comparison to our European comrades.

How is the situation in other countries like Canada? Australia? NZ?

[Coggeh]

I am speaking generally of the United States. I know it's difficult in other countries too, but there is still some popular support for socialist ideas and when I read development economics papers from agencies across the pond, they use language that is radically different from language we would use here. We would never use the phrase "exploitation of natural resources" or "autocratic", "elite", etc. when speaking of a client nation in a paper, but I read it in a development journal for a major economic development agency in the Europe. The way the author wrote would be deemed "radical" here in the States.
This is why I have reformed my position on political parties too. Unless they're openly supportive of private industry and take an anti-worker approach, I will not support them. Guys, especially my American comrades, we have nothing! In terms of collective power and organizing, I see nothing that ultimately helps, at least in comparison to our European comrades.

How is the situation in other countries like Canada? Australia? NZ?
Europe is not a bastion of socialism like you may think , look at Ireland , Britain , France etc. Reforming your position will not lead to an increase in support by any means. We don't oppose reformism because we have a fetish about being different. The key is to use a transitional approach , fight publicly for individual reforms such as lowered working week without loss of pay, or in defense of working conditions/ pay. But always link these struggles to the wider problem of the race to the bottom-privatization and eventually capitalism.

And left wing parties do that , its what sets us aside and gives us an edge because other parties can support such struggles but can not offer the working class a real solution . By supporting such parties you are supporting the idea that capitalism can be patched up or "fixed" as it were. Most former social democratic parties are now parties of the bourgeoise and will side with the capitalists when push comes to shove . You are supporting these parties . The left have little sway in America; sure.

But what is their to be gained by reforming your position and aligning with bourgeois parties? I think you'd be interested in the left position of entryism which is to go into the larger semi left parties which attract radical minded/trade unionised workers which the CWI have done in the past and built a strong base from this tactic , however it is virtually impossible to turn these parties around the point to the tactic is to influence the party, gain members and eventually split off to form a larger workers movement .

[RadioRaheem84]

I was looking into entry-ism but overall I think that you're right. It's just that the increasing marginalization of leftists is making me weary in the States and I assumed that the large mobilization of people in Europe against market reforms would allow leftist parties are little more free room to organize.

Point is, being a leftist is increasingly becoming a detriment to one's professional well being. I feel as though I cannot even mention being a member of any socialist party without it being seen as character flaw. I am sure it's not all that different in Europe but at least you aren't looked at as a terrorist or a Nazi as in the States.

As an American wishing for some kind of modicum of higher living standards and social security/welfare, I tend to fetishize Europe (and Canada) without looking at the negative stuff going on over there.

[blake 3:17]

This is why I have reformed my position on political parties too. Unless they're openly supportive of private industry and take an anti-worker approach, I will not support them.

Huh? Did you mean that? Or did it come out wrong?


Point is, being a leftist is increasingly becoming a detriment to one's professional well being. I feel as though I cannot even mention being a member of any socialist party without it being seen as character flaw. I am sure it's not all that different in Europe but at least you aren't looked at as a terrorist or a Nazi as in the States.

It is a risk. The question is whether its worth taking. Engaging in politics in any way is a serious taking and the world is not all free and easy and interested in diverse opinions.


As an American wishing for some kind of modicum of higher living standards and social security/welfare, I tend to fetishize Europe (and Canada) without looking at the negative stuff going on over there.

Here in Canada we do have a stonger public infrastructure and level of services. Across the board here all levels of government are trying to erode this. Our social democratic party and social democratic aren't willing to challenge this in serious ways.

[JosefStalinator]

All leftism looks like socialism to somebody from America.