A new, humble member of the community

[T5seconds]

I've only read so far (Im apprehensive of appearing an idiot) but after a while I decided it would be an enlightening experience.

I hail from Texas, in a middle sized town in a community that is either openly hostile, or begrudging at the least. The majority of people here are simply misinformed of socialism. Often times I'm confused for an authoritarian.

I would call my self a progressive socialist, though I value the importance of revolution. I'm against the idea of authoritarian communism. (is it really wise to start making ideological enemies I'm my introduction post? I'm sure comradery will prevail.) I would say my ideological motto, is usually summed up in Humanity, Equality, Solidarity.

I'm also a relative light weight, so I'll check up on the learning section. Good times, eh?

[Q]

Welcome :)

If you have political questions, you can ask them in the Learning forum. That's why it's there after all!

If you have questions about your account, don't hesitate to send me a PM or ask here.

An there is no such thing as "authoritarian communism". Stalinism, to which you're probably referring, is anti-communism in my not so humble opinion ;)

[#FF0000]

Welcome, guy.

[Kalinin's Facial Hair]

Welcome!

[Goblin]

Welcome!

[hatzel]

Calling yourself humble isn't particularly humble (heh)...but apart from that: hey hey hey, welcome to the boards! :)

[Vanilla]

Hello! Welcome :) I agree with Q- a lot of people here would probably disagree with something referred to as "authoritarian communism" :P

[T5seconds]

Yeah, I was referring to Stalinism, only after I posted did I note the oxymoron.

[MacchineBox]

Howdy & welcome!

[The Idler]

Humble is good, but stick up for yourself here.

[Zealot]

I disagree with the disagreement about "Stalinism" obviously and view revolution in and of itself as an authoritarian act whereby one class enforces its rule over another:

"Would the Paris Commune have lasted a single day if it had not made use of this authority of the armed people against the bourgeois? Should we not, on the contrary, reproach it for not having used it freely enough?

Therefore, either one of two things: either the anti-authoritarians don't know what they're talking about, in which case they are creating nothing but confusion; or they do know, and in that case they are betraying the movement of the proletariat. In either case they serve the reaction." - Frederick Engels, On Authority (http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1872/10/authority.htm)


Unfortunately, authoritarian measures are inescapable during revolutionary upheavals but obviously most of us don't want a replay of the Soviet Union either.

In any case, welcome to the board.

[Craig_J]

Don't be afraid of making yourself look an idiot, unless your coming on here posting 88's and Sieg Heiling I really doubt that will happen. :grin:

But if you do come across as lacking knowledge on particular areas, what better way to learn then from discussion with other leftists!

Welcome.:)

[Fourth Internationalist]

Welcome to RevLeft! :D