To stand firm.

[Terminal Frost]

After the tragedy of 9/11, and the change in attitudes and views towards Socialists [and anti-US views in general], the Socialist factions near to me became less and less politically active. Animosity towards them [and on a personal level to myself] due to views contrary to the political stance of the US have pushed a lot of Socialist groups "underground". I'm sure this is no localised thing.

How are you and your organisations dealing with this pressure?

The general concensus amongst my fellow Socialists has been total hatred of the 9/11 attacks, sorrow for the deaths of the victims, and praise for the swift and brave action of the emergency services.

However, as the anniversary of 9/11 passes, no amound of sentimentality will change my views on the injustice of Capitalism.

Does this new pressure need to be addressed?

If so, how should we go about this?

[MJM]

I've moved to the idea that traditional socialist and communist parties are dead or dying. The constant battles between troskyites-stalinists-maoist-democrats etc. just make them too cumbersome.
I'm changing my attitude towards a green/socialist perspective. Hopefully all the bullshit semantics and name calling will be irrelevant in these organisations.

[soilride]

Terminal Frost,
You have mentioned that the "pressure" have forced Socialists 'factions' underground, or rather become more somber in light of last years attacks[you might say?]

Among all the pressure however, it is no excuse for anyone to shrink away from their activism. I can understand why they would do so.

When 9/11 happened, I noticed the majority of the people that I have been active with decided that they were going to "lay low' awhile and wait until the 'pressure' was off. I could not believe my ears. Now is the time to step up the struggle against anti-consciousness, against this pressure, against this fear, against 'war' and especially against terrorism.

It is times like these that people, especially activists, really must sort out their own positions and rely on each others support that they are doing the right thing. They must reassure themselves and not let themselves to be conquered by this "pressure". They must realize it for themselves.

For any revolutionary, pressure is to be expected no matter how great it is.

My sincerest regards,
soilride

[trebboR]

TF, at least you got some Socialist friends, all of my friends don't care about politics or they are right wingers. We had to make a politcal test on school which showed if your left or right. I was the only one of my class who was on the far left, some came close but didn't realise they were a bit left. The rest was or on the middle or on the right. I got some friends who wear like Ché shirts and stuff like that. But if I ask them if they know who he is they go like: yeah he was this guy who did some things in Cuba. When I ask them what things they go like: euh, I don't know, but he's cool. I do know some socialist people or people who are a bit on the left but all these people are like 18 years old (myself I'm 15) and I don't see them very often.

[Terminal Frost]

Soilride - my sentiments exactly. Thaks for the support. :)

TrebboR -15 is a young age at which to have such political awareness. I was about your age when I found the movement. At this point in your life it's best not to get too involved in the scene of organised Socialism. Keep educating yourself, keep reading the works of Marx, Engles etc, and don't lose the path.


:) Terminal Frost.

[Vulkan]

trebbor- I understand what your saying, being 15 as well I am in the same position

i understand that i shouldnt take my beliefs too far at my age, but it is difficult to express ones views when no one wants to listen..

[Iyana]

terminal frost u are sooooo RIGHT ! I agree

wow trebbor 15 ! I'm only 19 but Ive been born into a socialist family, reason why i am where I am today is because we had to run away. Anyhow like terminal frost said... Just keep on reading, the day u realize you still dont know anything is the day knowledge will be your strength ! I myself have been reading and wont ever stop reading ! Good luck

Oh by the way... since 9-11 our org has grown bigger !!! :) It only made us stronger.

(Edited by Iyana at 10:18 pm on Sep. 13, 2002)

[Terminal Frost]

Iyana - good to hear that you're growing in numbers. Where abouts are you from?

A Socialist family is indeed a rare and special thing.