Moscow May Day march

[Crux]

Moscow May Day march

www.socialistworld.net, 02/05/2011
website of the committee for a workers' international, CWI
Socialists harassed by nationalist “left”
CWI Russia
http://www.socialistworld.net/img/20110502Grafik5204536923261410568.jpg
The May Day meeting in Moscow also did not pass without incidents. The CWI contingent was joined by women’s rights groups and LGBT activists in a lively protest chanting such demands as: “No to banks and tanks, yes to schools and jobs”, “Less banks, more books”, “Cairo yesterday, Moscow tomorrow”, “Down with exploitation, long live emancipation” and “Raise the red flag against capitalism”.
Throughout we were harassed by the ultra rights, members of the so called “left front” and the official Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF). They talk about defending “all the oppressed” and the “working people” but the platform speeches were interspersed with a band singing Russian patriotic songs such as “Russia pays for everything!” and complaints about fifth columnists attacking the Russian people.



Half way through the march one of KPRF leader Zyuganov’s bodyguards charged into our contingent to seize a placard he did not like - not only did we manage to get it back but also held off the attempt by the riot police to take a comrade under arrest. As we neared the end point for the rally, we were stopped and made to leave the march. This has had a wide resonance in the blogosphere and traditional media.



We were not the only people fighting for our rights who came up against the reactionary, nationalist nature of much of the “official” Russian left. A group of Syrians came with their placards in defense of the current uprising only to leave in disgust when they discovered that the KPRF leaders openly praise the regimes in Syria, Libya and Belarus!

[The Red Next Door]

Moscow May Day march

www.socialistworld.net, 02/05/2011
website of the committee for a workers' international, CWI
Socialists harassed by nationalist “left”
CWI Russia
http://www.socialistworld.net/img/20110502Grafik5204536923261410568.jpg
The May Day meeting in Moscow also did not pass without incidents. The CWI contingent was joined by women’s rights groups and LGBT activists in a lively protest chanting such demands as: “No to banks and tanks, yes to schools and jobs”, “Less banks, more books”, “Cairo yesterday, Moscow tomorrow”, “Down with exploitation, long live emancipation” and “Raise the red flag against capitalism”.
Throughout we were harassed by the ultra rights, members of the so called “left front” and the official Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF). They talk about defending “all the oppressed” and the “working people” but the platform speeches were interspersed with a band singing Russian patriotic songs such as “Russia pays for everything!” and complaints about fifth columnists attacking the Russian people.



Half way through the march one of KPRF leader Zyuganov’s bodyguards charged into our contingent to seize a placard he did not like - not only did we manage to get it back but also held off the attempt by the riot police to take a comrade under arrest. As we neared the end point for the rally, we were stopped and made to leave the march. This has had a wide resonance in the blogosphere and traditional media.



We were not the only people fighting for our rights who came up against the reactionary, nationalist nature of much of the “official” Russian left. A group of Syrians came with their placards in defense of the current uprising only to leave in disgust when they discovered that the KPRF leaders openly praise the regimes in Syria, Libya and Belarus!

That not nice, but at least they didn't cap them. You guys have right to march.

[Crux]

Well, this just exposes the KPRF once again. Good on the comrades for holding off the police as well.

[Red Future]

I hope that RCWP RPC did not attack your comrades and the AKM

[Crux]

I hope that RCWP RPC did not attack your comrades and the AKM
There is a mention of the Left Front, which would be AKM I think, as well. I know no further details than what is in the article though. Given that the AKM acted in solidarity (http://www.socialistworld.net/print/4281) when comrade Ainur Kurmanov was arrested about a year back this would be slightly suprising.

[Crux]

The report on the russian site is more lenghty I'll have to rely on google translate, but if anyone speaks russian that would be helpful. It seems it was the presence of rainbow flags that mostly upset the KPRF and one activist from the Left Fronts bloc, and of course the fascists. http://socialistworld.ru/materialy/organizacziya/mayday2011

[FSL]

Throughout we were harassed by the ultra rights, members of the so called “left front” and the official Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF)
I doubt CWI can claim anyone is on their right.


Much more can be expected from KPRF for example -though they are on the wrong in many subjects- than the CWI has to offer (social democracy).

Aren't there different demos in Russia? I know one is organized by United Russia and another one dominated by the CP, so it's not one big, free-for-all thing. Was there any prior communication with the organizers or you just crashed the party?

[Crux]

I doubt CWI can claim anyone is on their right.


Much more can be expected from KPRF for example -though they are on the wrong in many subjects- than the CWI has to offer (social democracy).

Aren't there different demos in Russia? I know one is organized by United Russia and another one dominated by the CP, so it's not one big, free-for-all thing. Was there any prior communication with the organizers or you just crashed the party?
KKE's history is perhaps not as proud as you think, comrade secterian. That you feel a closeness to the KPRF is telling, perhaps you too are into offering nationalist social democracy rather than marxism? Perhaps you also condone attacks based on homophobia? After all homophobia is not unheard of from the KKE, nor is straight up conservatism, 1 KKE parlementarian was amongst those voting with the religious right against taking away religious affiliation from identity cards. So a bit of a mixed consciousness in the KKE it seems. Nevertheless the KKE might well play a progressive role in the future, indeed the CWI appeals for a united front between the far left in greece including the KKE. But with abject secterians like yourself it is no problem to see where the problem lies.

Well, it seems the KPRF did not drive the fascists away so it was open allright, comrade.

I expect you have more sectarianism to "contribute" to this thread.

[FSL]

I expect you have more sectarianism to "contribute" to this thread.
Sure.
Was there any prior communication with the organizers of the particular demonstration?
Or did you just crash in, hoping to provoke such reactions, get unjustly victimized and maybe increase your non-existent influence among the workers there?

You mention that this event made it to the blogosphere and the traditional media. Because they wanted to show the endless courage that the CWI activists possess? Or maybe in an effort to defame the communist party whose support was on the rise in local elections about a month ago?


Also why are you accusing me of sectarianism? As I've already said there are plenty of things on which I don't agree with the KPRF. But I do critically support them along with RCWP-RPC (which I'd prefer).
Does that not make me less of a sectarian compared to you, who not only started this thread to attack another group on the left but can't even "critically support" trotskyists outside his own brand?

[Q]

Yes, the CWI had to inform the KPRF about coming obviously. It's not like May Day is a celebration for every worker. It's a private party of KPRF. Duh.

[Kiev Communard]

I doubt CWI can claim anyone is on their right.


Much more can be expected from KPRF for example -though they are on the wrong in many subjects- than the CWI has to offer (social democracy).

Yes, because xenophobic social populism of KPRF is obviously more revolutionary :D.

[Crux]

Sure.
Was there any prior communication with the organizers of the particular demonstration?
Or did you just crash in, hoping to provoke such reactions, get unjustly victimized and maybe increase your non-existent influence among the workers there?

You mention that this event made it to the blogosphere and the traditional media. Because they wanted to show the endless courage that the CWI activists possess? Or maybe in an effort to defame the communist party whose support was on the rise in local elections about a month ago?


Also why are you accusing me of sectarianism? As I've already said there are plenty of things on which I don't agree with the KPRF. But I do critically support them along with RCWP-RPC (which I'd prefer).
Does that not make me less of a sectarian compared to you, who not only started this thread to attack another group on the left but can't even "critically support" trotskyists outside his own brand?
Yes, that totally explains why they would be opposed to LGBT-flags on "their" march. Has the KKE made any more public statements of homophobia recently?
Riddle me this, would the KKE allow Golden Dawn activists at your mayday rallies? I mean so long as they're harassing trotskyists and LGBT activists it's okay, am I right?

I did not start this thread to "defame" the KPRF, they do a terrific job at that all by themselfes. Their members have also visited this forum, but were quickly banned because, suprise suprise, they were homophobe russian nationalists, not communists.

[Red Commissar]

I believe there was also a similar incident with May Day marches over in St. Petersburg. The authorities said it was "unsanctioned" and proceeded to break it apart, arresting 40 demonstrators in the process.

United Russia also sent out their supporters during marches in Moscow too, I believe.

[Nolan]

CPRF (why do we write it with a K? Kommunism?) is an establishment party with a nationalist platform that bans anti-revisionists who make the mistake of going near their forums where their racist goons openly refer to themselves as national socialists.
Zyuganov is a fuck who gets fat from being Putin's controlled "opposition." And this is the opinion of Russian MLs, not just mine.

So solidarity with the Russian CWI.

[Sentinel]

It truly is a disgrace that anyone on Revleft supports the CPRF. They are indeed nationalists and homophobes who invariably, always, get banned upon joining this site -- and not due to their affiliation but due to the political content of the first 10 posts they make.

That said, good post Nolan, you described the Russian situation exactly as it clearly is.

[Q]

CPRF (why do we write it with a K? Kommunism?)

For the same reason we write "KKE" I guess:
The Communist Party of the Russian Federation (Russian: Коммунистическая партия Российской Федерации; КПРФ; Kommunisticheskaya Partiya Rossiskoy Federatsii; KPRF)

[☭The Revolution☭]

KPRF is BA.

[Die Neue Zeit]

Left unity in Russia should coalesce inside and/or critically around the RCP-RCWP.


They talk about defending “all the oppressed” and the “working people” but the platform speeches were interspersed with a band singing Russian patriotic songs such as “Russia pays for everything!” and complaints about fifth columnists attacking the Russian people.

What's the content of the songs, if you don't mind my asking? Russian nationalism or nostalgic Soviet patriotism?


KKE's history is perhaps not as proud as you think, comrade secterian. That you feel a closeness to the KPRF is telling, perhaps you too are into offering nationalist social democracy rather than marxism? Perhaps you also condone attacks based on homophobia? After all homophobia is not unheard of from the KKE, nor is straight up conservatism

As he said above, the RCP-RCWP is better. The Russian CWI in left unity projects should proverbially tune up the volume of old Soviet patriotic music, usually including the word "Rodina"/"Rodinye" (Motherland).

[Delenda Carthago]

Riddle me this, would the KKE allow Golden Dawn activists at your mayday rallies?

Can I get back with you on this one?:lol:

[FSL]

Yes, the CWI had to inform the KPRF about coming obviously. It's not like May Day is a celebration for every worker. It's a private party of KPRF. Duh.
Celebrate it the way you like it wherever you like it. If some people organized a demo though, it's kinda harsh on them to show up with your own slogans that might only express you and a handful of people.

There wasn't one demo. There were plenty. If CWI chose the one organized by KPRF but went there with a different agenda without any prior communication, yes, that is a big deal. Why would you even do that when they're so stalinistic, nationalistic, racist scumbags?
It makes no sense.




Well, it seems the KPRF did not drive the fascists away so it was open allright, comrade

Oh, was it?
Then how come here http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/gays-eggs-and-twitter-at-may-day-rallies/436141.html

it mentions that "A brief scuffle broke out at the second-biggest rally, staged downtown by the Communist Party" whereas on the nationalist demo it says "Hundreds of ultranationalists staged a rally in northern Moscow".

That does sound like two separate demonstrations, doesn't it?
Maybe another lie?
Don't you think it's a bit cheap to try to win over hearts by throwing mud at people? Is that an example of revolutionary ethic? Doubtful.

[FSL]

Yes, that totally explains why they would be opposed to LGBT-flags on "their" march. Has the KKE made any more public statements of homophobia recently?
Riddle me this, would the KKE allow Golden Dawn activists at your mayday rallies? I mean so long as they're harassing trotskyists and LGBT activists it's okay, am I right?

I did not start this thread to "defame" the KPRF, they do a terrific job at that all by themselfes. Their members have also visited this forum, but were quickly banned because, suprise suprise, they were homophobe russian nationalists, not communists.
Keep repeating the same lie all you want, won't suddenly become true.
The racists had their own little meeting elsewhere. No, of course neonazis wouldn't be allowed in KKE rallies. Of course, in the same manner no one holding a CWI banner would be allowed either.

I know for one thing that I never went to a CWI demontration to show my support for the CP. I let them be.


Since this is a revolutionary left site and all, in my opinion you should be quickly banned. But that's just an opinion. It doesn't necessarily make it right, does it?

[FSL]

CPRF (why do we write it with a K? Kommunism?) is an establishment party with a nationalist platform that bans anti-revisionists who make the mistake of going near their forums where their racist goons openly refer to themselves as national socialists.
Zyuganov is a fuck who gets fat from being Putin's controlled "opposition." And this is the opinion of Russian MLs, not just mine.

So solidarity with the Russian CWI.
The Russian MLs, the party that can most likely claim that title, does oppose the KPRF on many of its errors (for example in supporting soviet policies up to perestroika) but they certainly don't hold a "grudge" against it as you claim.

Tyulkin was elected in the Duma on the KPRF ticket for example and I know these parties both work trying to create a communist pole in global politics. In many issues, they hold the same positions and express them along with a multitude of other CPs from Europe and the world.


That is the "marxist-leninist" stance on them.
Now you might be refering to hoxhaists as marxists-leninists. Which of course is your choise but still has little to do with what actual marxists-leninists think.

[Delenda Carthago]

I know for one thing that I never went to a CWI demontration to show my support for the CP. I let them be.



Kinda off topic but

A.CWI doesnt excist in Greece. Xekinima has like 50 people nation wide.Now that they left SYRIZA are the complete zero. So "being" is a thing right there.

B. The only one KKE lets the fuck alone is the nazis. You dont want to talk about Perama, 17/11/98 or many situations on the syndicates that KKE is the majority...

[FSL]

Kinda off topic but

A.CWI doesnt excist in Greece. Xekinima has like 50 people nation wide.Now that they left SYRIZA are the complete zero. So "being" is a thing right there.

B. The only one KKE lets the fuck alone is the nazis. You dont want to talk about Perama, 17/11/98 or many situations on the syndicates that KKE is the majority...
A. CWI does exist, it's just not that popular. It's not that popular elsewhere either, for example in Russia, but we are still talking about it.

B. I'm pretty sure there were never any uncalled for attacks in Perama or elsewhere targeting poor leftists. Communists can restrain themselves even when they're provoked, unlike others.
Also, never have the nazis crossed streets with the CP. Just clearing that up since it seems Majakovskij isn't the only one with an appetite for lying.

[Q]

I know for one thing that I never went to a CWI demontration to show my support for the CP. I let them be.
Perhaps you should ask your party whether they have permission to come?


Kinda off topic but

A.CWI doesnt excist in Greece. Xekinima has like 50 people nation wide.Now that they left SYRIZA are the complete zero. So "being" is a thing right there

It's more like 500 actually.

[Rusty Shackleford]

Fuck the KPRF Leadership for their lack of spine or interest in the party's stated ideology.

Fuck the scum who join the KPRF to turn it right-wing.

I feel sorry for honest revolutionaries and MLs in the party.

[Delenda Carthago]

A. CWI does exist, it's just not that popular. It's not that popular elsewhere either, for example in Russia, but we are still talking about it.

B. I'm pretty sure there were never any uncalled for attacks in Perama or elsewhere targeting poor leftists. Communists can restrain themselves even when they're provoked, unlike others.
Also, never have the nazis crossed streets with the CP. Just clearing that up since it seems Majakovskij isn't the only one with an appetite for lying.

For the last 6 months KKE has "let be" the nazis in Larisa Labour Center where they were giving away newspapers and KKE members did nothing, in a toll opening which happened to have a double call (i dont say that it was known to KKE, but still) and in Pereas in 28 of Octomber in the march, where the GD nazis throwed leaflets in the faces of PAME members and they did nothing about it.

At the same time frame, KKE members have attack anarchists in a Ikaria people gathering in Pereas and they tryed to organise an attack in the GS against some union members of the contrsuction workers syndicate which are anarchists and leftists.

[Delenda Carthago]

It's more like 500 actually.

Sure they are.There are just hiding under the surface of Earth,wainting for the time to come.

[Dire Helix]

One of nationalist demonstrations in Leningrad during the past May Day:

http://www.abload.de/img/gedc2248zy1q.jpg

CPRF`s demonstration:
http://www.abload.de/img/gedc2245szvl.jpg

The writing on Stalin`s portrait says: "Our cause is a right one":laugh:

Both nationalists and Zyuganovite "communists" hold a soft spot for the "glorious generalissimus". On CPRF`s forums he is praised as the man who restored Russia to its former glory, revived Orthodox Christianity and rid the country of Jew-Bolsheviks.

[Die Neue Zeit]

A. CWI does exist, it's just not that popular. It's not that popular elsewhere either, for example in Russia, but we are still talking about it.

B. I'm pretty sure there were never any uncalled for attacks in Perama or elsewhere targeting poor leftists. Communists can restrain themselves even when they're provoked, unlike others.
Also, never have the nazis crossed streets with the CP. Just clearing that up since it seems Majakovskij isn't the only one with an appetite for lying.

One of the legacy tidbits that the Russian left as a whole needs to recognize is that Trotsky was expelled from the party because he refused to apologize for organizing a strike independent of party resolutions, thus blatantly attacking united action. Any pro-unity "anti-revisionists" in the Russian scene should recognize this so as to force the issue of unity on their own terms, hence the RCP-RCWP.

[Crux]

Keep repeating the same lie all you want, won't suddenly become true.
The racists had their own little meeting elsewhere. No, of course neonazis wouldn't be allowed in KKE rallies. Of course, in the same manner no one holding a CWI banner would be allowed either.

I know for one thing that I never went to a CWI demontration to show my support for the CP. I let them be.


Since this is a revolutionary left site and all, in my opinion you should be quickly banned. But that's just an opinion. It doesn't necessarily make it right, does it?
What "lie", comrade secterian? An for you, since you came running in here to defend your nationalist social democratic friends, unconvinient truth perhaps? That you are cluthing for straws about a conspiracy to explain the homophobia and backwardness of the KPRF is nothing short of amusing. You still haven't responded about KKE stance of LGBT issues or perhaps I should say "non-stance". It's no wonder you've been avoiding that question, let's hope you expose yourself further, just like the KPRF members we've had on here.

[Crux]

The Russian MLs, the party that can most likely claim that title, does oppose the KPRF on many of its errors (for example in supporting soviet policies up to perestroika) but they certainly don't hold a "grudge" against it as you claim.

Tyulkin was elected in the Duma on the KPRF ticket for example and I know these parties both work trying to create a communist pole in global politics. In many issues, they hold the same positions and express them along with a multitude of other CPs from Europe and the world.


That is the "marxist-leninist" stance on them.
Now you might be refering to hoxhaists as marxists-leninists. Which of course is your choise but still has little to do with what actual marxists-leninists think.
It's strange that you would call nationalist social democrats as "marxist-leninists", even bearing in mind the misnomer of that particular tradition, they are nothing of the sort. You do muddy yourself quite a bit running in here to defend their attack on the CWI, for your own secterian purposes.

[Red Future]

I realized what party to support in Russia when I went on the RCWP-RPC website and saw the words "workers of the world unite" on the main page:) that was all - no Russian nationalist vitrol anywhere

[Red_Struggle]

I realized what party to support in Russia when I went on the RCWP-RPC website and saw the words "workers of the world unite" on the main page:) that was all - no Russian nationalist vitrol anywhere

I think "Born in the USSR" is a member of that party. You might wanna contact him if you want more info. But yeah, I'd rather support them than the CPRF. Not saying they don't have their problems (I don't know what their stances are on LGBT rights, for example).